Episode 2: New Life

"Rather dirty tiles" was all that Shinji muttered when he woke up in Nerv's infirmary. He had realized that he had fainted after his battle with the strange creatures the other...day? He figured it must have been at least that long. He was quite embarrassed by that fact. Still, he was alive and he had won. Now he had to face that fact that he had to do it again.

Misato, Dr. Akagi, Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki, and Commander Ikari were sitting in the Commander's office looking at video of yesterday's battle and and examination to the creatures. Akagi was the first to speak "We have named these creatures The Soulless. Yes, I know it isn't the most scientific name, but it's one that most of us in the lab feel that fits." Everyone else nodded in agreement as Commander Ikari turned to speak "Is there anything else to add to these events?"

Akagi pressed a button near the screen, which changed to an image of the angel which was still outside the city. The footage showed the creature launch another pod towards the city. "Is there any sign of were the projectile landed?" asked the commander. Misato then spoke "No sir. We sent parties looking around for it, but we turned up with little. We simple must wait and see."

"What is the status of our Evarangers?" Asked Gendo.

"Shinji is fine, albeit a little overwhelmed. Rei is healing, but is not up to 100% fighting strength yet." Gendo showed no emotion at Akagi's assessment as he contemplated what the next moves would be.

Somewhere in Tokyo 3, the angel pod had already broken and several Soulless were already moving about. However, on of the masses that had yet to take a full shape. Also, it was bigger than the others.

Shinji was now out of the infirmary and walking the hallway with Misato. The young man was full of questions, quite natural given the situation "Umm Misato, now that I have digested the who superhero...is that even the correct term for this? Anyway, now that I gotten to this point, what am I really doing? And I mean the whole thing."

Misato really wasn't looking forward to this. She was hoping that Ritsiko or even the commander would do this, but it looked like it was up to her. Still given the nature of the other two, it might not be a bad idea that it would be her "Do you know the story of Second Impact?" Shinji nodded as Misato continued "The office story was that a large asteroid had hit Antarctica and caused the disaster. What I'm about to tell you can't leave this room: It wasn't a asteroid. What happen was that the angel we call Adam had caused it".

"Wait, what do you mean angel?" asked Shinji.

"It is what you are going to be fighting." Misato walked over to a nearby monitor and punched up the image of the angel currently outside the city "This is an angel. When Adam exploded, it spawn these lesser creatures. We thought that we would only handle these for the most part. Yesterday proved otherwise. The Eva Units are designed to combat these creatures."

Shinji didn't know how to respond this. He was already had to cope with fighting the Soulless, now he had to fight giant monsters too. Misato snapped him out of his thoughts "Now, I have already signed you up for school. You need to have some normality after all. Eventually, we'll figure out your housing. Speaking of which, classes are starting soon. I'll give you a lift." Shinji now would rather fight that angel creature...with a squirt gun.

Back in the city, the Soulless were still gathered around the part of pod that was still gestating. The faceless creatures standing in what could be best described as anticipation. Suddenly, a large, clawed arm jutted outward. And then another. A leg came after that, followed by a second. Seconds later, a whole being was formed. A being who had only one thought in mind: Purge all resistance.

Shinji arrived at school safely, Misato's driving not withstanding. He was able to find his class and sit down, while trying to ignore the looks of the other students. He figured that they were just naturally curious of a new student. In doing so, he didn't notice that one student was taking more than a curious look at him. That would be Toji Suzuhara. He seemed to have a look of disdain towards Shinji, despite only seeing him for the first time.

Shinji looked around at the other students, until he spotted Rei in the corner of the room. Shinji was temped to go talk to her. After all, they were going to be fighting together, so it would be a good idea to get to know each other.

Shinji's train of thought was interrupted by one of his classmates. She was a short girl with her hair in pigtails. The girl spoke "Hello, I'm Hikari Horaki. I'm the class rep here." Shinji was flustered by offered his hand and introduced himself. Hikari continued to speak "Let me know if there is anything I can help you with."

Shinji thought about it for a minute, then "Um, could you tell me anything about Rei?" Hikari's eyebrow raised at the request "What a strange request. Any particular reason?" "Well, no I guess. Just curious." Hikari giggled at little at Shinji's comment "Well that's understandable. Most of us are too. She doesn't really interact will anyone."

Before Hikari could continue, the teacher entered the room, prompting everyone to take their seat. The lesson was about Second Impact, which elected a collective grown from most of the class. The students attempted to get through the boredom by chatting through the class's chat program. Not surprising, they talked about the attack by the Soulless the other day and the mysterious red colored warrior that fought them.

Then the talk turned towards the identity of the red warrior. Everyone seemed have a theory, ranging from the interesting to the absolute ridiculous. Eventually, some of the students turned their attention towards Shinji.

Hey new kid, any theories on the superhero guy from yesterday?

Shinji, not wanting to bring himself any attention simply typed no. Another kid chatted him:

Oh come on. You must have some ideas.

Hey you know its kind of funny that some masked man shows up at the same time a new student suddenly shows up. Hey new guy, are you the red hero?

Shinji was now worried. He quickly typed no. However, the kids kept egging him on. Felling defeated, he simply decided to type yes. Almost immediately, he was surrounded by almost the entire class. He was given a long list of questions, ranging from "Were did you get the suit", "Do you know Tony Stark?" and even a couple of marriage proposals. Shinji realized the he should have stayed silent.

Shinji didn't know what hurt most: The impact of fist on his face or the impact of hitting the black top of the school yard. Toji Suzuhara cracked his knuckles as Shinji hit the ground. The larger boy stood over Shinji, an angry look in his eyes "Sorry new kid, but I got a deal with you this way. Pride thing, you understand." From behind Toji was Kensuke Aida, Toji's best friend "Sorry about this. His little sister was hurt in the battle."

Shinji reacted in horror. He figured that people would have been hurt before he got there. There was nothing he could have done for that. But Kensuke said battle, which means that Toji's sister got hurt when he was fighting the Soulless. He didn't see anyone during the battle, but then again he was more concerned with his own safety at the time. Shinji felt sick at the idea that he could have accidentally hurt a little girl.

Toji grabbed Shinji by the collar and brought him to eye length "Anything to say?" What could he say, Shinji thought to himself. He doubt saying sorry would help. He could only say the first thing he could think of "There's nothing I could have done! I had no experience with this, they made me fight!" Toji said nothing. He just started for minute and then punched Shinji in the face again and walked way with Kensuke.

Shinji wiped the blood from him mouth before looking up and seeing Rei above him. She silently looked down, showing no emotion while doing it "We are needed."

At Nerv HQ, Misato and the crew were watching a scene somewhere in the city. The image they were looking at were a group of Soulless, being led by a larger, more advanced looking being. The creatures was black and white with a featureless mask for a face and was packing some very large claws. The bridge crew was aghast at the new creature, so was Misato. Misato spoke after gathering her thoughts on the matter " What do we got here?" Maya Ibuki, a first lieutenant, was the first to speak "Unknown. The main creature seems to have a large energy output than the Soulless. It also seems to have a small, yet detectable AT Field."

"The creature is heading towards the center of the city" It was another bridge crewman, First lieutenant Makoto Hyuga, who spoke this time "Right now, the area is swarming with civilians." Misato didn't want to hear that. She knew there was no way to evacuate the area, so she hoped that Shinji could do something. She didn't like the fact that she was sending him in without proper intel.

Toji and Kensuke were walking towards the center of the city, completely unaware of what was about the happen. Toji still had a soar expression on his face. Kensuke finally decided to break the silence "You know, you were a little harsh on him. Yeah, your sister go hurt and it sucks, but he didn't know what was going on." Toji huffed at Kensuke's words "Yeah, well he should have been more careful."

Without warning, a group of Soulless appeared. Toji and Kensuke panicked at the sight of the creatures. The creatures began advancing towards the two teenagers. Before they could attack, Shinji appeared and activated his Soul Charger.

Soul Awaken

Shinji, now dressed in his Evaranger suit, attack the Soulless. He was aware of his two classmates and was trying to make sure they wouldn't be hurt. He took care of the Soulless with a combination of his Heaven Sword and his gun. To his surprise, he was able to dispatch them much easier this time. It didn't take long for him to destroy the creatures.

Shinji looked towards Toji and Kensuke to see if they were alright "Guys are you ok?" The two were still shaking "Guys, whats the matter. The Soulless are gone, they're..." Shinji was interrupted by a blast to the chest, knocking him down. Shinji looked up to see the larger creature coming towards him, it's claws reading from battle. Shinji contacted Misato "Misato, what is this thing?!" On the other end, Misato tried to figure out what to tell him. She decided to give him what they knew and hoped for the best. Its all she could do "We don't really know. It has a higher energy output than the Soulless. Your weapons should be enough to deal with it. Well we hope anyway." Her last words weren't very encouraging.

Shinji charged the creature with his sword. The creature matched him blow for blow and then began striking him. Shinji was unable to mount a counterattack. He went for him gun, only for the creature to knock it from his hand. Shinji was in dire straights and thought he was going to die.

Rei eventually arrived, still struggling because of her injuries. She saw that Shinji was in trouble and didn't hesitate.

Soul Awaken

Rei was enveloped in a light blue light. After the light died down, Rei was dressed in a blue Evaranger suit, similar in design to Shinji's. Rei pulled out her gun and began shooting the monster. It was enough for it do stop it's attack on Shinji. She summoned her weapons, the Celestial Gauntlets, at began striking the creature.

At first Shinji was revealed. That is until he saw that Rei was having difficulty. It was clear that she was in no condition to be fighting. Shinji screamed out "Rei you have to stop! You aren't well enough to fight!" Rei didn't respond and kept fighting, until she started to weaken. Shinji knew she wasn't going to last, so he grabbed his sword.

Rei collapsed to one knee with the creature advancing on her. Before the monster could do anything...

Heaven's Slash

Shinji struck the monster, causing it to stutter. Rei got up and charged her own weapon.

Celestial Crash

Rei struck the monster with her gauntlets, knocking the monster off his feet. Shinji ran over to Rei to see if she was alright "Rei, what were you thinking!? You are still injuried!" Before Rei could respond, the monster got up was starting to charge up with a strange energy.

Back at Nerv, Misato was ordering a report. Maya responded "The creature's AT Field...its expanding. The color in Misato's face was drained.

The monster then generated a swirling aura and then, much to everyone's astonishment, grew into a giant. Shinji was now really scared, This was getting to be too much.

After collecting herself, Misato gave the order "Launch Unit 1, now! In the hanger bay, the large red humanoid robot stirred to life and was launch upward into the city above. Shinji saw the robot and was able to figure out what to do. He used the power of his suit to leap into the machine and enter. Shinji then began engaging the monster.

He didn't do all that well. Fighting with a robot was a little different than fighting in person. Also a thought suddenly occurred to Shinji "They never taught me how to pilot this thing!" The monster kept it's attack, getting Unit 1 onto the ground. Shinji thought that it was over as the monster raised it's clawed hand to deliver a killing blow when Unit 1's eyes flashed. The robot blocked the monster's attack and then landed a blow with it's free hand.

Shinji was able to get Unit 1 back on it's feet, He didn't know what happened, but was glad it did. Misato then contacted him "Shinji, use the vibro-blade and finish it." Shinji did as he was told and summoned a large sword for Unit 1. He charged towards the monster.

Vibration Slash

Unit 1 made a direct hit. The monster sparked, fell and then exploded. The result caused a collect sigh of relief back at Nerv. Misato, with a feeling of warmth, smiled "Good job Shinji. We might actually get through this."

Shinji leaped off Unit 1 and powered down. He went towards Rei, who was already powered down as well. Toji and Kensuke were hiding in some bushes. They wanted to go talk to them, but were to freaked out at what they saw to do anything

Shinji decided to speak first, mostly since he already figured Rei was not much of a talker "Rei, what were you thinking?! I mean, thanks for helping me and all, but your still injured! You could have been killed!" Rei looked up to Shinji "I did what I am ordered to. If I fall, I can be replaced." Shinji looked surprised. He didn't know what to think as Rei walked away. All he knew is that this was going to be an interesting partnership.

Author Notes: Sorry for taking so long. A combination of work, lack of motivation and the freaking cold weather has really made writing difficult. I will try to get these out more frequently, but time is always an issue and I have other projects to, including stuff I want to get professionally published.