The Kingdom Hidden in the Clouds
By StraightedgeEpyon
Summary: Shinji didn't know anything regarding his mother's side of the family, in fact he didn't know anything about her at all. Until one day he finds an item belonging his mother and then he discovers she was quite literally not from this world
I own nothing
beta read by Bandit Were Wolf
Chapter 11
Setting a new path
(NERV)
Rei Ayanami once again stood unbounded and still clad in her white plugsuit, in front of the Queen of Asario, Palutena, sister to Yui and aunt of Shinji with her royal guard behind her.
She had been nearby when the commander confessed his real intentions showing he had no real regard for anything or anyone, especially her, and like Shinji she had felt hurt and betrayed in more ways than one, and at the drop of a dime her loyalties shifted from Gendo to Shinji. She was fully aware that she was mostly angel and partially made up of Yui Ikari's DNA which made her technically part Asarian.
Now she was standing in front Palutena, who herself wasn't sure what to make of this awkward situation. But looking directly at the girl, she could tell the girl needed a new path to walk now that the truth was revealed.
"Your majesty." Rei suddenly spoke up getting Palutena's attention being polite and respectful.
"Yes, child?" the woman answered.
"You know of my origins, the purpose for which the commander has created me for." Rei began to say.
"Yes…"
"I... must ask, what is to become of me now?"
Palutena looked at the girl and asked, "What do you wish to do, child?"
Rei looked at her in surprise, "I...I ..I do not know. I was raised to do the commander's bidding, that was my one and only purpose. The commander says my wishes ….are irrelevant. All things are irrelevant." explained Rei looking down.
"All things are irrelevant? Is that what he told you? " Palutena inquired with raised eyebrow.
"Yes, my life has no value. I am disposable. I am-"
"Enough child, That's enough." Palutena calmly ordered not wanting to hear any more of what she perceived to be self loathing, she took Rei gently by the chin and titled her upward to look at her.
"My mother, taught me all living beings have a place and a purpose. As do you, child. It's not for the foolish mortal who desecrated my sisters name to decide your purpose. You live, that gives you the right to choose, for good or ill." the woman explained softly.
Rei remained silent digesting her words.
"Tell me Rei, how do feel about my nephew?" Palutena asked causing Rei's red eyes to widened with surprise.
"Shinji, he...only wished to be my friend while the commander only wanted to use and discard me. Now that I know the truth I wish to find Shinji and help him." the blue haired girl stated.
That made Palutena smile, there may be hope for this girl yet.
"Your highness, may I ask where he is? I have not seen him in headquarters, yet I understand he was here." Rei said causing the queen to sigh.
"I do not know. The recent revelation has left my dear sweet nephew... emotionally damaged, and he suddenly vanished. One of my trackers along with the daughters of my friend went to find him." Palutena explained thinking it would be wiser not reveal that there other beings here other than the Asarians.
Not yet anyway, since it would cause a panic.
"I want to help find Shinji, your majesty. I want to be useful to him. I want to help him. He's the only one who cares for me." Rei said.
The Queen peered into the girl's red eyes and found no trace of deception. She was but a lost and confused soul under the machinations of a madman, as were all the mortals here. Before Palutena could reply a guard came rushing in the room.
"Your highness! I have urgent news!" a guard came rushing into room.
"What is it?" Palutena asked "Has my nephew been found?"
"No my lady, its -"
Before she could finish two figures emerged from behind her causing Palutena's eyes to widened in utter surprise, a well endowed brown haired woman with long brown hair wearing all white, with a white veil wrapped around her. She was accompanied by another woman she had dark blue hair, wearing a blue sailor fuku with a miniskirt with matching boots and long white gloves.
"Mercury of the Water, and Uzume of the Illusion forest. " Palutena whispered in surprise.
"It has been some time, Queen Palutena." Uzume said bowing respectfully with Mercury following suit.
"Indeed, I am surprised to see you both away from the Mushroom Kingdom. Peach sent you didn't she?"
"That is correct. Like the other realms, we sensed the distress emanate from this world and we were sent to investigate." Uzume said.
"We were also hoping to meet the rumored prince of Asario. Your nephew." Mercury added.
Behind Palutena Rei frowned, and wondered what these women wanted with Shinji and were there other worlds out there aside from Earth and Asario.
Palutena sighed sadly, "I see, Well, I'm sorry to say you have traveled here in vain, my nephew has gone missing." the queen informed the pair.
"Missing?" they both said in unison.
"Yes, as I was just explaining to the mortal girl behind me." she began gesturing to Rei who stepped out from behind her.
"Greetings, my name is Rei Ayanami." Rei introduced in a monotone voice bowing respectfully to the pair.
"The mortal has blue hair. Is she from the water region or a relative of yours Mercury?" Uzume asked her friend,
"I've never seen her before in my life. I would certainly know of an inhabitant from the water region, since I protect it."
"Curious." Uzume said stepping forward examining her.
"Indeed."
Rei herself felt like she was under a microscope as she was being examined by the two strange women that the queen apparently knew. Just then another guard accompanied by Benikage and Momiji much to the trio's surprise appeared before Palutena.
"My Queen, I return with dire news." Benikage said kneeling, with Momiji following suit.
"Is it in regards to my nephew? Is he safe? Is he alright? and why is a Krazorian with you" she asked when Mercury, Rei, and Uzume turned their attention to the two new occupants.
Benikage looked apprehensive underneath her mask, Palutena noticed and started become filled with dread.
"My Queen, he's was.." the masked woman started to say.
"He was what?!"
"He was taken, by a Twilight Dweller." she said.
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(The other end of Nerv)
"Listen up! All of you!" Fuyutsuki said with authority in his voice to the Nerv personnel in the break room.
"I've negotiated with the Asarians for our release. We are going to the Geo Front to meet with one of their own and an individual that's associated with them so they may explain the situation on Queen Palutena's behalf. " Fuyutsuki said.
"Do you know who sir?" asked Makoto.
"We aren't going to meet the Queen herself?" Misato asked, only getting shake of the head no from Fuyutsuki.
"The Queen right now is meeting with the First Child. She is curious about her." Fuyutsuki answered seeing Ritsuko tense up.
'Rei… and the Queen…' she thought with dread.
"How come Wonder Girl gets to meet the Queen and I don't?" muttered Asuka.
Ignoring Asuka for the moment the sub commander continued, "You are all to be on your best behavior. Be respectful, and no snide comments or rude remarks. That goes double for you too Second Child."
Asuka just grumbled.
Nothing else was said as they began to file out a little wary of the guard stationed there but she did not move, as the personnel cautiously walked out. Ritsuko stayed back to have a word with the sub commander, before she could speak the old man raised his hand to stop halt her words.
"In case you're wondering doctor, they know everything. Nerv's true purpose, about Rei, SEELE, Lilith & Adam, and the Third Impact." he whispered shocking the fake blonde.
"You mean everything?" Ritsuko said in shock regarding Gendo's true motives.
"Yes. The woman in red known as Taki used some sort of power to peer inside in Gendo mind, and she didn't like what she found, she said it took all her self control not to kill Gendo and everyone else on the spot."
"Where is the Commander now?" she asked feeling fearful mostly for herself.
"He's being held under guard, awaiting execution, and in the state I've seen him in before he met Queen well... let's be glad we're not him."
"But what about-"
"For now Dr. Akagi, its best to cooperate with the Asarians. If they wanted to, they could have destroyed us all in a instant, saving the angels or albeit ourselves the trouble."
"You're right, sir. We're hopelessly, hilariously out gunned. So what do we do?" she asked.
"The individual in question wants to speak to you personally regarding the Evas." the man said ushering Ritsuko along
"Me?"
"Yes, for your sake and the sake of everyone else here, no lies or half truths. Just be respectful."
While they were walking Ritsuko couldn't help but note the way the sub commander tone of voice. He was frightened. Sure they had a reason to be afraid, they had nothing to combat these other worlders. Nerv was prepared for the angels, sure, but not visitors from another world. Now there was someone who wasn't Asarian that was more powerful?
Nothing else was said as they made their way to the outside, they large group made their way to the grassy clearing. There next to the lake the staff saw a horned figure dressed in black with long brown hair, pale skin and large wings with her back turned and next to her was girl with short blonde hair, the same girl that entered the command bridge with ease. Fuyutsuki cautiously approached the unknown figure.
"Excuse me, Queen Maleficent, and Ms Cassandra." Fuyutsuki said respectfully.
The woman turned around to face the man, she briefly glanced at the large group of humans assembled behind him Some looked at her in awe and wonder because she was beautiful, others looked at her in fear due to her horned and dark appearance, thinking her to be some sort of demon.
"Kouzo Fuyutsuki." She acknowledge surprising the man that she used his full name.
"My lady, these are my subordinates that I told you about, this is my associate Dr Ritsuko Akagi. She is in charge of the Evangelions." he said gesturing to the woman in the white lab coat and the purple haired woman next to her, "And this is Captain Misato Katsuragi, the director of operations."
Maleficent glanced at the women behind and frowned briefly.
"You're the one that created those giant monstrosities?" Maleficent questioned "I find it difficult to believe, that a mortal woman with a such feeble mind such as yours can create such a thing."
"A feeble mind?!" Ritsuko exclaimed offended.
"Akagi, calm down! Queen Maleficent, if I may explain, Dr. Akagi didn't exactly create the Evas, they came long before she did. Dr. Akagi came to work for us over ten years ago." Fuyutsuki said, Maleficent glanced at Misato.
"And you are among those who forced young Prince Shinji into battling inside those abominations?" the horned woman asked her eyes narrowing at the woman.
Misato gulped and nodded, all the while the winged woman smiled at the fear and nervousness she was instilling the mortals, clearly they had never seen or encountered anyone like her.
"You're probably not aware of this but most of the Asarians here including myself and young Cassandra here, are most displeased with the way Prince Shinji has been treated. By you, his father, that red headed child, and every single mortal here. You're all fortunate that they don't destroy you all now. If he were my child, and you deliberately put him in harm's way ...well, you would not be standing here now."
"Yes… you're right…" meekly feeling the strange woman's gaze piercing through her.
"Excuse me, but why do you care so much about that idiot? He's not really royal material, he's- ompfff." Asuka was halted and muffled when Kaji at Fuyutsuki's order, who covered her mouth to keep her from finishing that sentence.
"I deeply apologize for pilot Sohryu's disrespect, your majesty, she's only a child." Fuyutsuki expressed quickly sweating and bowing nervously hoping Asuka doesn't invoke her wrath in any way.
Maleficent calmly walked up to Asuka , the winged woman's tall frame overshadowing hers, giving her an appearance of demon, or dark witch from an old fairy tale.
"You're a feisty little one. Brash and unruly. My daughter Cia was the same way, but you will soon learn some respect." Maleficent said sternly.
Stepping forward rather nervously Kaji asked, "If I may, what is this all about? You could have destroyed us all the instant you came here, but that woman, Taki, said that you were searching for Yui Ikari, who is your princess. But, she's been dead for years. The only logical explanation that I come up with is that you've come for your Prince which is, Shinji. And if that's the case why are you still here if you have him? And then, the young lady here said something about the Commander facing your Queen's judgment…" the unshaven man said having a feeling they knew everything
"Lady Maleficent, if I may?" Cassandra respectfully asked, getting a nod of approval from the Queen.
"The situation with Prince Shinji is right now, fluid at the moment. We're working to resolve it." Cassandra answered.
"Fluid? What do you mean fluid?" Misato asked the term lost on her.
"It's an Asarian matter, not the concern of a mortal." she stated.
Fuyutsuki halted Misato before she could even retort. He was going to do everything he could to appease these other worldly beings, and not end up a stain on the ground.
"As for your second question, your commander is guilty of crimes against the royal family. Including child abandonment, negligence, child endangerment, and attempted murder."
"Attempted murder?!" they all gasped, save Fuyutsuki.
"Yes, according to my friend Taki, during the Prince's first battle, Gendo Ikari, willfully placed the Prince inside "Unit 01" as you call it, in the hopes that not only would Unit 01 activate, but the Prince would die from the very strain from his first battle with the "Third Angel" as you call it." Cassandra explained as everyone sans Asuka(because she was still muffled) gasped.
"Gendo, you heartless bastard." Fuyutsuki whispered, despite being aware of his plans prior.
"What about us?" Shiguru asked hesitantly.
The winged woman pondered that question for a moment, and a mischievous, devious smile spread across her face frightening the humans in front her.
"Good question. Personally I think we should just destroy you all right now it so you won't reveal our existence to the rest of your world." Maleficent replied seeing them all gasp.
"I swear to you, Queen Maleficent! We all will not breathe a word of this-" a frantic Fuyutsuki said.
"However…" Maleficent continued cutting him off, "Palutena for whatever odd reason, has agreed to show you all mercy, so there for you have two choices. You may leave this place, or stay under and continue your "duties" under Asarian watch."
They all breathed a sigh of relief, for the staff all certainly thought they were all going to die. Misato stepped forward again in front of Cassandra and asked.
"What about Shinji? Where is he?" she asked sternly.
Keeping her calm Cassandra again replied, "Prince Shinji is an Asarian matter now mortal. Which means, he's no longer your concern."
"I am his guardian! He is my concern!" Misato barked.
Before she could continue Misato suddenly felt the cold tip of steel press against her neck, glancing at to her right she saw the blonde haired woman from earlier pressing her blade against her neck, with the woman in red Taki right next to her and Maleficent's servant Daiva behind her.
"That's quite enough mortal. I will not tolerate anyone harassing my dear little sister." Sophitia calmly spoke.
"Sister!" Misato gasped.
"Wow, she's even hotter up close." Kaji whispered letting go of Asuka who fumed.
"I can take care of myself, big sister." said Cassandra a little annoyed.
Sophitia merely chuckled sheathing her weapon. It was then that Asuka had finally had enough and marched up to the pair intent on giving them a piece of her mind and getting answers.
"Pilot Sohryu!" Fuyutsuki hissed.
"What's your deal?! Your so called Queen kills the angel, which is our job, taking away MY glory, then you bimbos invade our headquarters and hold us all hostage! With your only reasoning to find your lost Princess (which should be me) and you say stupid Shinji is your Prince, now you're -Mphhhh!" Asuka was cut off mind when she suddenly found her mouth closed with a light green energy, courtesy of Maleficent who waved her hand.
"Thank you lady Maleficent. I was very close to silencing her permanently." Taki said her hand gripping her sword.
"She needs to be taught some manners for mouthing off to those more powerful than her. Perhaps some time without her mouth will do her some good. Its worked for my daughter." Maleficent laughed, while Daiva approached her.
"My Queen! Cia and Elena have returned." she reported.
"Is Prince Shinji with them?"
"No, my lady, he isn't, also Palutena has wishes to see us. It seems We have...visitors."
"Visitors?" the winged woman asked getting nod from the girl inching closer to her and whispering
"From the Mushroom and Krazor."
Maleficent looked at her servant in surprise and followed her. Soon after Cassandra and Sophitia followed suit, lastly Taki but not before addressing the Nerv staff.
"You all have your choices, you may return to your homes, or remain here under Asarian watch. Choose the latter and I guarantee no harm will come to you, so long as you cooperate."
Taki turned around and sent a side glare at Misato, and spoke to her in a low whisper, "Foolish weakling…" said Taki walking away.
"Weakling? What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" Misato exclaimed seeing Taki walk away.
"Captain! Let it go." Fuyutsuki said. He looks at Asuka trying desperately to open her mouth, which was admittedly humorous to watch, considering the girl's unmanageable attitude of late. Perhaps this is a good thing.
"That's actually a good look for Asuka." Maya chuckled, with Ritsuko nodding in agreement.
"So what do we do now Sub-commander?" asked Kaji.
Everyone else looked at him wondering the same thing.
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(Twilight World)
A black circle appeared in the sky, Shinji and Kitana re-materialized instantaneously on the ground.
"I disintegrated… I am still here?" asked Shinji feeling himself over obviously startled in more ways than one
He took a step forward a gasped in awe of the Twilight World,(or Realm if you want to call it that) the skies were a mix of dark and gold clouds bathing the world a serene beautiful light.
The air was thankfully breathable and there were black dots and pixels coming from below through the ground. There were large black and purple buildings on floating lands, street lights on the pathways just like the ones on earth with people. Like Asario with mostly women walking the grounds. And directly ahead was the larger structure with an odd black whirlpool like symbol with blue lines at the top.(Twilight palace)
"Welcome to the Twilight Realm, young Prince of Asario." Kitana said with a smile under her mask seeing his reaction.
"Asario is beautiful, but this is amazing." Shinji said in awe.
"You're the first Asarian male in centuries to ever set foot here. Well the first to live actually."
"What?" Shinji asked nervously.
"Nothing. Come, Lady Midna wishes to meet you." Kitana said taking the lead with Shinji following her.
Immediately as soon as Shinji stepped into sight, every woman stopped what they were doing and stared at him. Like in Asario when Shinji made his presence known, they all stared in wonder. He kept his head down, following closely behind Kitana. He couldn't help but stare at her shapely rear end as she walked.
"Don't be put off by the people's stares Prince Shinji. This world, just like Asario, is comprised of women. As such, they've never seen a male before." the woman explained.
"I've noticed…" a bashful Shinji said.
"You'll get used to it in time, Prince."
"You can call me Shinji. We're not on Asario."
"Yes, but you are royalty, so it's only appropriate."
The two continued to walk until they reached the front of the palace. Flanked by two other buildings that were connected, one upper and the other lower. Suddenly something resembling a black bird, flew over the two. It had black wings a concave head with a single red eye, and made a trumpet like sound when it flew over.
"What was that?" asked a shocked Shinji.
"That was a Kargarok. They're usually harmless, unless they're provoked." Kitana said, walking ahead to the front of the entrance which a was large square door.
The large door opened to them, the hallways were a dark blue and back, color with glowing red lines on the floor, oddly shaped statues were on stands, female dark garbed guards armed with swords, spears and arm(Metroid Samus) canons. The pair walked through oblivious to the stares they were receiving.
"Pay them no mind, young Prince. They are merely curious about you." Kitana explained.
Shinji nodded in understanding, and continued to follow her, but bumped into the blue clad woman when she stopped and looked around the room.
"You can come out, I know you're here …..Khameleon." Kitana said in annoyed tone.
Shinji was about to ask who she meant, until he felt something rub his face and wrap around his body. Two arms flickered and materialized, showing that someone was holding him. She had long black grayish hair that almost seemed transparent and wavy, she wore a swimsuit outfit similar to Kitana's, only it was turquoise with matching high heel boots, open fingered black and gray gloves, a turquoise headband and matching mask covering the lower half of her face, and she had white eyes.
"You actually did it Kitana. You brought an Asarian here. A male no less." Khameleon remarked.
"The first one in one hundred years, Khameleon. Now let him go. We're on our way to see Midna." Kitana said, seeing her feel over Shinji.
"Who are you?" Khameleon asked stroking Shinji's face.
"My n-name is Shinji, Prince of Asario..." Shinji said meekly causing the woman's eyes to widened.
"You're the son of one of Elysium's daughters?" she asked.
"Yes. Yui Ikari was my mother."
Off her shocked look, it changed into a smile under her mask, and continued to stroke him, until Kitana pulled Shinji away from Khameleon and wrapped her arms protectively around him. Before Kitana could say anything a figure materialized from a dark portal. She had dark and light skin, turquoise tribal markings around her arms and thighs, she had long orange hair, and wore a dark cloak with a loincloth, and was bare foot.
"You're the one, aren't you?" she asked, "The one who's despair we felt."
" Leader Midna, this is Shinji Ikari, grandson of Elysium, the first male in Asario, since the plague." Kitana stated, while still unconsciously holding the boy.
"Really? So after one hundred years of old lady Elysium talking nonstop about it, it finally happened." Midna remarked walking up to Shinji and touching his cheek.
'What is it with everyone touching me?' Thought Shinji
"You're not what I expected. Still I think you'll do nicely." Midna smiled before walking away
End Chapter
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End Notes: Here's chapter 11 big thank you to my man bandit were wolf for beta reading, I'm figuring this out as I go along, heck I'm considering a lemon between Shinji and Kitana first, even though I've teased one with Shinji/Cia and Elena. What I'm thinking now is Shinji and Kitana are going to go on a bit a road trip to find an item stolen from the Twilight, meanwhile the Asarians on earth will work to clean up the mess on earth, and maybe just maybe execute Gendo, I have a couple of ideas but I'm open to suggestions. Next chapter SEELE finds out what's going on, Zelda sends one of Asario's best trackers and there maybe a fight, I'll think on it. New Poll on profile, read and review and be cool.