Duet of Truth will live after I finish Adaptation. This one still has some
ways to go. Damn. One would think being on vacation would allow some time
to rest. But no, since I'm training for a drafting job I am totally
exhausted.
Just like to say that Random1377 and Ryoma are damn good at poking jokes in their own fanfics about other fics they've written. And is Random French? He has a fic up in French.
Just out of curiosity, did I ever put up a disclaimer for this fic? Anyways, I don't own EVA.
Recrudesce of Evangelion
Chapter 5: Reason and Faith
The dining room was rather quite as the four ate. Like Shinji, Asuka also had an advisor. However, apparently Apollyon had decided to remain in the form of a raven. He had sat down on the table and was enjoying some fresh meat. Shinji and Eve had a vegetarian meal while Asuka had a combo. No one said anything to anyone else and the tension was high at the table. Apollyon observed Eve and Shinji with his beady eyes, careful to not be seen doing this. Having eyes on the side of your head did help. Shinji paid little attention to Apollyon or Asuka but the two women kept glaring at each other. If the situation hadn't been so serious one might have found it amusing. When they had finished, Shinji took all of the dishes and washed them with Eve's help. Though it wasn't needed this did provide an opportunity for the two to talk in private.
"You are aware of who the raven really is," Eve said.
"Yes. Apollyon. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to see him. So tell me, what's the story with you two?"
Eve stuttered for a few seconds and Shinji merely smiled at her.
"I am not completely naïve. Also, being the Messiah does give me a sixth sense on many things."
"I see," Eve said, blushing. "How much do you know?"
"Know what? You seem to be forgetting that I know nothing regarding your relationship with him. Do you truly want me to pry into that?"
"No, I guess not. But why do you ask?"
"You say you are my advisor. I would hope you will also be a friend."
Eve smiled and nodded. "So like a wise leader. You do know what Apollyon was trying to do before, right?"
"He was trying to make me evil. If he had succeeded, there would be no final battle. The legions of Hell would have won."
"I see the transformation was complete. How do you plan on winning?" Eve asked.
"By letting Asuka's pride win."
In the living room Apollyon and Asuka were having a similar conversation. Having perched himself on Asuka's shoulder, Apollyon waited as she channel- surfed. Amazingly the TV station was still broadcasting and the stuff was at least decent entertainment.
"Why were we chosen?" Asuka asked.
"Because out of all of humanity, the two of you were the strongest," Apollyon answered.
"So who is stronger, me or Shinji?"
"On the testing ground Shinji proved to be the more powerful. However, when the final battle comes, you must be the better warrior."
"Damn right I will be. No one bests me and gets away with it."
Asuka's mood had turned darker ever since the test. She had no idea how Shinji had avoided her blade and she now felt no guilt at striking him down like that. But what rankled her the most was the simple fact that Shinji had moved so fast. Impossibly fast actually, so fast that she was sure Shinji was literally moving at the speed of light if not faster. But how was that possible? No one should be able to do that. And if Shinji could, could she duplicate that feat? Well, she'd have to if she wanted to defeat him.
"How did he move so quickly?" Asuka asked.
"He did not. The Messiah has the ability to stop time itself and move amongst that which has stopped."
"And how am I supposed to defeat that?"
"He cannot move that quickly but that doesn't mean you cannot," Apollyon pointed out, "The two powers are different but they both are for the same end. To move while time has stopped."
"The laws of physics forbid such movement," Asuka stated.
"But we are not bound by laws. We are only bound by the limits of our power. In the end, the one that wins is the one whose power has developed more."
"And I will be the stronger."
A strange look appeared on Asuka's face. She wasn't in pain or anything, it was as if she was struggling with herself. Part of her told her to run away from being the Antichrist and try to work things out with Shinji. Who else did she have? Being alone had already nearly gotten herself killed and that side kept arguing for her to just try to get things to return to their normal state.
That side was getting beaten and silenced by her new psyche. It had only emerged after Asuka realized what she had become but now was the dominant mindset in Asuka's brain.
"Screw this," Asuka said harshly.
She turned off the TV and got up, forcing Apollyon to take flight or be knocked off balance. He fluttered in the air for a few seconds but settled into a hover over Asuka's head.
"Let's go," Asuka said.
"Where to?"
"The roof. I want to get some training done."
Asuka grabbed her sword and ran out of the apartment. Shinji took note of this but did nothing. When Eve moved to follow Shinji grabbed her arm, stopping her.
"Let her be. You won't get anywhere watching her."
"But-"
"We'll easily sense any spike in Asuka's powers. Besides, she's too prideful to hide them from us."
"Apollyon might change that," Eve pointed out.
"If he does, he'll have done me a favor. Teaching her some subtlety is a good thing and something that would take a lot of energy on my part to do."
"But she will be using that subtlety against you," Eve persisted.
Shinji merely smiled. "Yes she will be. But she won't be the only one training. I can already stop time but when time has stopped I move far slower than when time is moving. I think it is time to remedy that. Shall we?"
He put away the last dish and disappeared in a blue haze. Eve sighed and quickly followed him. They reappeared in the hills outside the outskirts of the city. Shinji had his lance with him, as did Eve. Both were also now fully armored in white.
"Shall we begin?" he said.
Eve nodded and raised her lance. Time seemed to freeze but she was one of the few that could move in this state of being. Shinji started running. Shinji was right, he was a lot slower here. Eve began to dodge and found that she was having the same problems. For some reason here their movements were sluggish at best, frozen at best. Eve managed to dodge the first attack barely, seeing Shinji's blade just touch her armor. It was too close for comfort. Shinji continued his run but slid to a stop. He turned around and looked at her. His movements seemed to echo as Eve saw the movements vibrate.
Shinji raised his lance again and Eve saw what looked like a copy of that same movement slightly ahead of it. The actual movement seemed to be at the center of the flutter. Apparently when time was frozen, the movements echoed both in the past and future of their state. Could she use that to predict his movements?
Apparently Shinji had realized the same thing. He lunged again but instead of using his lance he kicked her in the chest. The movements were too close for Eve to dodge and she was knocked back. Time unfroze and Eve landed hard.
"Ouch," she said, rubbing the impact point. "I didn't know you were that strong."
"I'm not. Apparently the echoes also add their force to the blow when time is frozen."
"Interesting side-effect. I've never fought under those conditions but I must say, that will be useful when the time comes."
"But I am still too slow. Asuka can't freeze time like me so she's going to try to move so fast that it doesn't matter. Will that affect her in the same way?"
"Most likely," said Eve, "but for now let's concentrate on getting you faster. Asuka may be able to break the time barrier, but she still has to overcome the speed limitations there. Being able to move normally should give you an advantage."
"Shall we try again?"
Eve nodded.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Damn it!"
Asuka was panting and exhausted. However, she would not admit it. The training had been intense at best, murderous at worst. She was pushing herself to overcome the speed limitations but had little success.
"You are already far faster than any mere mortal," Apollyon said, "You must allow your body time to adapt to its new powers. Trying to continue at your current pace will only kill you."
"Better than being cut to pieces while completely defenseless," Asuka snapped, "If Shinji can stop time, I have to move fast enough to counter that ability or else I'm dead."
"Perhaps, but you won't even get the chance to face him if you continue like this. Rest. It is better that way."
Assuming another stance, Asuka was about to continue her training when suddenly her body gave way and she collapsed. Apollyon quickly flew over behind her, using his back to help slow her descent. Once Asuka was nearly touching the ground Apollyon zipped out from behind her and flew over her.
"As I said, you need rest. How am I supposed to get you back into the apartment?"
"If you had a human form you could do it," Asuka replied, "but no, you had to remain as a raven."
"I will remain a raven until your victory," said Apollyon, "I will go for assistance."
"No!"
Asuka snapped back up, immediately regretting it. She collapsed again her body wrecked with pain.
"You need rest and only Shinji can help you. I suggest you remain there or else you may injure yourself even further."
Apollyon took off towards the park while Asuka rolled over onto her stomach. She tried using her arms and legs to crawl back, but she had just made it to the stairs when she fainted. Her body had been taxed to the extreme and now she could go no further.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shinji was resting when he saw the raven circling above. It descended and landed on the bench next to him.
"Asuka requires your assistance," he said, "She collapsed after pushing herself too hard."
Shinji nodded and waved to Eve. She walked over and after eyeing Apollyon looked at Shinji.
"I'm going back to help Asuka," he said, "The two of you get her bed ready. Go now."
While technically Apollyon didn't obey the Messiah, this instance was to help his mistress. Both shimmered and disappeared, Apollyon's form dematerializing with a red glow instead of the blue of Eve's form. Shinji shimmered himself and arrived on the roof, finding the unconscious Asuka just lying there. He walked over and checked her pulse to make sure she was still alive. Her breathing was also strong so all she needed was rest. Shinji picked her up and shimmered back to her room. Eve and Apollyon had already pulled off the sheets. Asuka was laid down gently by Shinji and Apollyon pulled the cover over her. He remained behind in the room and settled down for the wait. Shinji and Eve left the two.
"Apollyon shouldn't be pushing Asuka so hard," Eve commented.
"I doubt he is," said Shinji, "Asuka is probably the one fighting to become better."
"Really? I knew Asuka could be tenacious and stubborn but I didn't think she was suicidal."
"That can be arguable. Right now I just don't know what Asuka is thinking or what she is trying. But if she keeps this up, her own pride will be her undoing, not me. Perhaps being the Antichrist has magnified her pride."
"That is always a possibility. Being the Messiah has given you a great deal of insight."
"I'm going to take a shower and go to bed," Shinji declared, "Keep this in mind though. Asuka may be the Antichrist, but she is still Asuka. Her same faults still exist, as do mine."
"And what flaws still exist within you?" Eve asked.
"If you can call it a flaw, kindness."
Shinji disappeared into his room, leaving Eve stunned. She had encountered many candidates that were close but not quite fitting the requirements, and the one thing that made the Messiah what he was, Shinji considered it a flaw. Something was definitely wrong with that picture. Shinji was the most powerful being alive along with the Antichrist, both embodying the spirit of light or darkness, and both should be embracing their strengths. However, he was questioning them instead.
"Shinji, why are you acting this way?"
After getting his clothes Shinji went to the bathroom for a quick shower. With that out of the way he dropped onto his bed and was asleep in a matter of seconds. Stopping time required a great deal of power and he was exhausted from the training. But there was progress. He simply hoped that progress would result in success by the end of the month.
Eve was pacing outside on the roof, trying to figure out what was going on. After living for so long, it was hard to concentrate at times. Normally a person would have gone insane with boredom but she had survived it all. And the worst part about this? The person she had known and respected approximately two thousand fifteen years ago had apparently also changed with being reborn. Something was very wrong with Shinji Ikari and it wasn't just his current mental state. Had more damage been done to his psyche while his memories had been repressed? Or had something else taken hold? Apollyon might have succeeded in planting something dark inside Shinji, but she should have noticed. That would be a very dangerous situation.
"Eve."
Eve looked over and saw Apollyon perched on the edge of the roof.
"Apollyon. What brings you up here?"
"There is something wrong with Asuka."
"There is also something wrong with Shinji. Do you suspect me?"
"One would think you also suspect me," Apollyon replied, "However, the current circumstances made it impossible for either of us to have done anything. I did not have enough time to manipulate Shinji, and Asuka was too rebellious for you to work with."
"True enough," said Eve, "Perhaps their experiences as Shinji Ikari and Asuka Langley Soryu is the cause."
"But their experiences as mortals was supposed to make them stronger," Apollyon pointed out, "This is no mere coincidence. Something happened to those two and it is something neither of us is aware of."
"We both watched all of the candidates," said Eve, "Toji and Rei included. Kaworu was excluded from the selection immediately because he was a child of Adam."
"And Rei was nearly excluded because of the conditions of her creation," Apollyon added, "Toji was the only other potential. Did we make another mistake?"
"No," Eve quickly said, "We made no mistake in the final candidate selection. These two are the only ones that fit, but I wonder if our search was too restrictive. We manipulated events to get results but the results were often times unacceptable. That is why we eliminated Rei and Toji. Both Shinji and Asuka survived the Human Instrumentality Project and returned to Earth. That made our choice obvious."
"And it seemed we made the correct one. Until now."
"I don't think so," said Eve, "Again, something is affecting them, but we can do nothing about it. I say we leave them be for now and see how the final battle goes."
"You place too much trust on untested individuals," said Apollyon, "We are talking about the final battle. If they cannot cut it, we are doomed and all that we worked for, both sides, was for nothing."
"That is your opinion."
"Damnation. Eve, you know what is at stake. I suggest you be more careful."
Apollyon took off and flew down back to Asuka's room. She was still sleeping and Apollyon nested down on her desk. Tomorrow was another day.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Momma."
That was the only thing Asuka could think about. She was once again suspended in a dream, partially asleep and partially in this other world. The ground came closer as Asuka made her descent. When she touched the ground, her eyes snapped open and she was standing in an oasis of peace.
"Where am I?" Asuka asked no one in particular.
A few vague forms drifted past her. She didn't know who they were but did know they were human. The landscape turned from a cool blue to a stifling orange. Now the forms were clearer, more focused. As they drifted past Asuka they made no shadows on the ground, though there was light. How strange, she thought. Asuka continued walking but felt some resistance. Some sort of liquid flowed around her as she placed one foot in front of the other. And yet, she could still breathe. Was all this LCL? An ocean of LCL? Now that was just weird.
The walk in this strange sea stopped dead in its tracks when Asuka saw a tint of red hair pass her. It was short red hair.
"Momma?"
She spun around and started chasing after the woman.
"Is that you? Momma!"
The woman stopped and turned around. Asuka beheld a kind and loving face, smiling down at her. The eyes weren't like the crazed ones she'd seen before her mother's death. These were compassionate and caring.
"Momma!"
Asuka ran into the woman's arms and hugged tightly.
"I'll never leave, Momma. I'll never leave you again."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Shinji, wake up!"
Shinji fell out of his bed, knocking Eve off balance. Both tumbled down onto the floor, Shinji hitting his head hard on the ground while Eve rubbed her bottom.
"Now that was unexpected," she said, "Shinji, get up. Something's wrong with Asuka."
"What!"
That did it. Shinji bolted out of the room, going from kneeing on all four to running in seconds. He slammed open Asuka's door and found Apollyon looking over her nervously. The raven looked up at the sound and saw Shinji standing at the doorway, panting.
"What's wrong?" Shinji asked.
"Asuka's getting cold," Apollyon replied, "She's dying. It's as if she's lost the will to live."
"What? But that's impossible. Why would she want to die?"
Shinji walked over and pulled away Asuka's sheets. He then gasped. Part of Asuka's legs were liquefying into LCL.
"No," he muttered, "Not this."
Eve appeared behind Shinji and looked at Asuka's legs. Her eyes narrowed.
"She is being absorbed by something in the LCL ocean," she declared, "but what's strong enough to pull her away like this?"
Shinji dropped to his knees and placed a hand on Asuka's forehead. It was ice-cold. While normally this was a good thing, this was hardly normal. Shinji took Asuka's hand, feeling the cold touch.
"Asuka. Why?"
Shinji closed his eyes and started crying.
"You're the strongest person I know. What would make you run away like this?"
"Mo-oma."
It was barely a whisper but Shinji heard it. He looked at Asuka's lips but saw no sign of movement. Had it been his imagination? No, he'd seen her like this before. It was the night before the battle with the 7th Angel. Her mother?
"Eve, what's the story with Asuka and her mother?" Shinji asked, his voice tense.
"Asuka's mother committed suicide when Asuka was very young," Apollyon answered instead, "She had gone insane after an activation experiment with Unit 02."
"That would explain it," said Shinji, "Where is Asuka's soul right now?"
"With the rest of humanity," said Eve, "Her body is deteriorating. If we don't get her back soon, it'll be gone just like the others."
"A person that has died before. Could they also be absorbed?"
"Yes," Eve answered.
"I think Asuka found her mother."
Shinji stood up. "That's why Asuka is willing to run away. She's happy."
Apollyon and Eve looked at each other.
"She cannot be allowed to do this," said Eve, "If Asuka runs away, the final battle will not take place and all of humanity will stay lost."
Shinji spun and faced her, his face contorted with anger.
"What do you want me to do, strip Asuka away from the only thing that's made her happy?"
"It is a false sense of happiness," said Apollyon, "This is something that even I find unacceptable. Both of you have a role that must be fulfilled, or else the world will remain in utter chaos. That is not our goal. We are here to determine what shall happen to humanity."
"So we're being used again?" Shinji snapped, "How is that any different than piloting EVAs? Why can't we get a chance to do what we want?"
"You would not be here if you did not want to be," Apollyon stated.
Shinji turned and lashed out at the raven. Apollyon quickly took flight and avoided the blow as Eve restrained him.
"You don't get it, do you?" she said, "This is more than simply determining humanity's fate. This is another path that you are using to search for happiness."
"And Asuka's found it," Shinji shouted, "Why can't you leave her alone?"
"I doubt she has found happiness," Apollyon said, "Look at her."
Shinji did and saw tears streaking out of Asuka's closed eyes. Why was she crying? Hadn't she found her mother? Wasn't that enough? He knew he would be happy to see his mother again.
"It is not that Asuka is not happy," said Eve, "It is that she is not content."
"She doesn't need to be content to be happy," Shinji responded.
"Who are you trying to fool now?" Eve asked, "You must choose what to do for Asuka's sake, not for your own or what you think is what Asuka wants. You must do what you know Asuka needs."
Shinji looked at the sleeping form and calmed down. Eve released him and he knelt down next to Asuka's bed. He started crying. There were many ways to attain happiness, but none of them were easy. Asuka had found something she wanted to hold on so much that she was willing to die for it. But unknown to her, so did Shinji. He kissed her on the forehead and wiped away her tears.
"I'll bring you back," he said, "I promise you that."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Asuka was walking down the street with Shinji and his sister, Rei. It wasn't as if she really wanted to walk with them, it was more a matter of convenience. Rei was nice enough but her twin brother was a complete dork. He had so scrawny it was as if he was a stick. And the worst part? For some reason Shinji had been the only one that could help her at so many times. It annoyed the hell out of her but he did have some uses. One was carrying all of their schoolbags, something that Rei took advantage of too. At least it helped build up some muscles in him.
"So Rei, are you coming to the party? It's going to be great."
"Sure."
"Hey Shinji, want to come join us girls?" Asuka said seductively.
Handling women was not Shinji's strong point, as his stuttering proved.
"Umm, well, I, uh, well, I'm not sure, I should, uh, come."
"Grow a damn spine already!" Asuka ranted.
"Sorry."
Asuka glared at him and Shinji wilted.
"I don't know why I hang around with you," she spat.
"Because you like him."
Asuka froze and turned around to face Rei.
"What did you say!"
Rei was unfazed by Asuka's outburst. She simply looked at the redhead, her face impassive.
"Ooo, one of these days you'll stop being my friend."
A small smile appeared on Rei's face as Asuka turned away. It was probably a good thing the redhead hadn't seen it.
"Shinji, you're coming and that's that. And it's not because I like you, it's because I'm the only girl that can get you to grow a spine."
Sheesh, Asuka thought. One would think that boy would grow up into a man or something. So proper and boring. Hope he doesn't turn out like his twin sister. I guess she's okay, though she does need to get out more. Shinji at least knows how to live life, I think. Cute butt though.
Asuka shook her head, getting that last thought out.
What is wrong with me? Why did I think that? Damn it, why do I think like a pervert whenever I'm around Shinji? Heh, he's probably rubbing off on me. Rubbing off. Ah! Stop already!
Asuka growled and crashed that train of thought.
"Asuka!"
Asuka spun around, staring at Shinji. He stared back and looked afraid, as if he'd done something wrong.
"Did you call my name?" Asuka asked.
Shinji blinked. "What?"
"Asuka!"
Asuka spun around again. The voice seemed to be coming from behind her every time it sounded. What was going on?
"All right, who's throwing their voice around? Shinji, is it you?"
"N-no!" Shinji protested, "I'd never do anything like that! I don't even know how to!"
"Yeah right. Rei, is it your brother?"
"No."
Asuka's eyes narrowed. Rei rarely lied and she was sure she probably hadn't this time either. So where was that voice coming from? Shaking her head, Asuka tried to drive that thought out of her head and continued walking. They reached the apartment complex all of them lived in and went to their respective apartments. Kyoko was in the kitchen when Asuka came in.
"I'm home," she declared.
"Welcome home. How was school?"
"Fine. I invited Shinji to the party but he's acting like a complete coward. God I wish he would grow a spine!"
Kyoko smiled and turned to look at her daughter.
"Are you sure you just don't have a crush on him?" she teased.
"Mom! I would never go out with someone like him!"
"Oh I don't see why you wouldn't. Besides, he is a childhood friend."
"Yeah, one with no spine."
"Now Asuka. Be nice to him and maybe he'll take you to the dance."
"What!"
Kyoko laughed as her daughter's face turned bright red. Asuka was too easy to tease sometimes.
"Asuka!"
There it was again! Something was calling out to her, and it sounded like Shinji. Where was it coming from? Asuka looked around the room but saw nothing. Growing frustrated, Asuka started to search the room. She peeked under the couch and behind some of the furniture but found nothing. Then, she noticed a small crack in the wallpaper. She walked over and touched it. Nothing happened. Asuka peeled back some of it and found something orange behind the wall. What was that?
She touched the substance and her fingers punched into the substance. It was like some kind of liquid, but somehow was staying together. Asuka took her hand out of the stuff and it reformed into a solid. Asuka peeled more of the wallpaper off and found the entire wall was made of the stuff.
"Hey Mom, can you come and look at this? Mom?"
Asuka turned around and found that the wallpaper was disappearing in the entire apartment and her mother was gone. She made a run for the door but it too disappeared.
"Someone help me!"
Suddenly she felt a shadow behind her and turned around. There, standing in the center of all this weirdness, was Shinji. But this Shinji was different from the one she was talking to before. The Shinji before her was calmer and had a determined look on his face. His eyes were also intense.
"Shinji? Shinji, you have to help me! What's going on here!"
"Actually, you might say I caused this," Shinji said, "We're losing you to the unified being of humanity and I'm doing what I can to bring you back. Everything around you right now is simply an illusion. You're inside an ocean of LCL where AT-Fields do not exist. You're one with everyone."
"What?"
"Your mother died a long time again, Asuka. How else would she be here? Come back to the real world."
It was then that her real memories flooded back. Asuka screamed out and fell to her knees, going into a fetal position. All the pain she had experienced came rushing back and it took her some time to finally beat it back.
"I don't want to," she finally said.
"It's true, who would? With the world in chaos and everyone else gone, you want to run away and hide here," Shinji said, "But there is a reason why you should come back."
"What?"
"To end that pain. You think being here will make you happy? No. Unless you are capable of feeling pain, you can never feel true happiness. I learned that the hard way. Don't make my mistakes too, Asuka."
"Why should you give a damn if I'm happy!" Asuka screamed, "You don't care about me!"
"If I didn't care, I would have left you and let your body deteriorate. I have not."
"You're only doing this because of what we are," Asuka insisted sobbingly, "You're only doing this because we have to fight this final battle. I don't want to!"
"Why? Is it because you don't want to fight me?"
"Yes! Leave me alone! I want to be alone!"
"You've spent your entire life alone. You've never had the chance to be together with anyone and yet you insist you don't need it. Give it a chance, Asuka. Perhaps you'll find you might like it."
"No! You're lying! You're just trying to get me back!"
Shinji approached her and knelt down beside her. He took her hand and looked her straight in the eye.
"Of course I want you back. But I also want you to be happy and you won't be happy here. Come on back. Once this is over, I'll do my best to make you happy."
She wasn't sure what made her do it, but Asuka nodded and let Shinji pull her back up and guide her. Without knowing it, Asuka stepped out of the false reality and returned to where she belonged.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Asuka opened her eyes slowly, her eyes adjusting easily to the dim light. She turned her head slightly and saw Shinji sitting next to her bed, looking down on her. She cracked a slight smile before her face turned stone cold. A quiet fury burned inside of her. She had needed his help to return. She still wasn't strong enough.
"Get out," she ordered.
There was no visible reaction on Shinji's part. He merely got up and left the room. Apollyon slipped in and perched on the desk. Asuka ignored him and closed her eyes again. She would get stronger and beat him, no matter what.
End of Chapter 5
Just a side note. I will do my utmost to not sacrifice quality for faster updates. What that means is as the story progresses, the story will be updated slower and slower. Besides, I have a job now and I am so bloody stressed. And getting two hours less sleep than normal isn't helping. Isn't summer vacation supposed to let you get more sleep?!
Another reason why updates will be slower. My attention is split between several different stories. There is one in particular that I need a lot of advice on. It is called Gathering of Force and is an original fic. Just go to fictionpress.com and go under my profile and you'll see it.
Z98
Just like to say that Random1377 and Ryoma are damn good at poking jokes in their own fanfics about other fics they've written. And is Random French? He has a fic up in French.
Just out of curiosity, did I ever put up a disclaimer for this fic? Anyways, I don't own EVA.
Recrudesce of Evangelion
Chapter 5: Reason and Faith
The dining room was rather quite as the four ate. Like Shinji, Asuka also had an advisor. However, apparently Apollyon had decided to remain in the form of a raven. He had sat down on the table and was enjoying some fresh meat. Shinji and Eve had a vegetarian meal while Asuka had a combo. No one said anything to anyone else and the tension was high at the table. Apollyon observed Eve and Shinji with his beady eyes, careful to not be seen doing this. Having eyes on the side of your head did help. Shinji paid little attention to Apollyon or Asuka but the two women kept glaring at each other. If the situation hadn't been so serious one might have found it amusing. When they had finished, Shinji took all of the dishes and washed them with Eve's help. Though it wasn't needed this did provide an opportunity for the two to talk in private.
"You are aware of who the raven really is," Eve said.
"Yes. Apollyon. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to see him. So tell me, what's the story with you two?"
Eve stuttered for a few seconds and Shinji merely smiled at her.
"I am not completely naïve. Also, being the Messiah does give me a sixth sense on many things."
"I see," Eve said, blushing. "How much do you know?"
"Know what? You seem to be forgetting that I know nothing regarding your relationship with him. Do you truly want me to pry into that?"
"No, I guess not. But why do you ask?"
"You say you are my advisor. I would hope you will also be a friend."
Eve smiled and nodded. "So like a wise leader. You do know what Apollyon was trying to do before, right?"
"He was trying to make me evil. If he had succeeded, there would be no final battle. The legions of Hell would have won."
"I see the transformation was complete. How do you plan on winning?" Eve asked.
"By letting Asuka's pride win."
In the living room Apollyon and Asuka were having a similar conversation. Having perched himself on Asuka's shoulder, Apollyon waited as she channel- surfed. Amazingly the TV station was still broadcasting and the stuff was at least decent entertainment.
"Why were we chosen?" Asuka asked.
"Because out of all of humanity, the two of you were the strongest," Apollyon answered.
"So who is stronger, me or Shinji?"
"On the testing ground Shinji proved to be the more powerful. However, when the final battle comes, you must be the better warrior."
"Damn right I will be. No one bests me and gets away with it."
Asuka's mood had turned darker ever since the test. She had no idea how Shinji had avoided her blade and she now felt no guilt at striking him down like that. But what rankled her the most was the simple fact that Shinji had moved so fast. Impossibly fast actually, so fast that she was sure Shinji was literally moving at the speed of light if not faster. But how was that possible? No one should be able to do that. And if Shinji could, could she duplicate that feat? Well, she'd have to if she wanted to defeat him.
"How did he move so quickly?" Asuka asked.
"He did not. The Messiah has the ability to stop time itself and move amongst that which has stopped."
"And how am I supposed to defeat that?"
"He cannot move that quickly but that doesn't mean you cannot," Apollyon pointed out, "The two powers are different but they both are for the same end. To move while time has stopped."
"The laws of physics forbid such movement," Asuka stated.
"But we are not bound by laws. We are only bound by the limits of our power. In the end, the one that wins is the one whose power has developed more."
"And I will be the stronger."
A strange look appeared on Asuka's face. She wasn't in pain or anything, it was as if she was struggling with herself. Part of her told her to run away from being the Antichrist and try to work things out with Shinji. Who else did she have? Being alone had already nearly gotten herself killed and that side kept arguing for her to just try to get things to return to their normal state.
That side was getting beaten and silenced by her new psyche. It had only emerged after Asuka realized what she had become but now was the dominant mindset in Asuka's brain.
"Screw this," Asuka said harshly.
She turned off the TV and got up, forcing Apollyon to take flight or be knocked off balance. He fluttered in the air for a few seconds but settled into a hover over Asuka's head.
"Let's go," Asuka said.
"Where to?"
"The roof. I want to get some training done."
Asuka grabbed her sword and ran out of the apartment. Shinji took note of this but did nothing. When Eve moved to follow Shinji grabbed her arm, stopping her.
"Let her be. You won't get anywhere watching her."
"But-"
"We'll easily sense any spike in Asuka's powers. Besides, she's too prideful to hide them from us."
"Apollyon might change that," Eve pointed out.
"If he does, he'll have done me a favor. Teaching her some subtlety is a good thing and something that would take a lot of energy on my part to do."
"But she will be using that subtlety against you," Eve persisted.
Shinji merely smiled. "Yes she will be. But she won't be the only one training. I can already stop time but when time has stopped I move far slower than when time is moving. I think it is time to remedy that. Shall we?"
He put away the last dish and disappeared in a blue haze. Eve sighed and quickly followed him. They reappeared in the hills outside the outskirts of the city. Shinji had his lance with him, as did Eve. Both were also now fully armored in white.
"Shall we begin?" he said.
Eve nodded and raised her lance. Time seemed to freeze but she was one of the few that could move in this state of being. Shinji started running. Shinji was right, he was a lot slower here. Eve began to dodge and found that she was having the same problems. For some reason here their movements were sluggish at best, frozen at best. Eve managed to dodge the first attack barely, seeing Shinji's blade just touch her armor. It was too close for comfort. Shinji continued his run but slid to a stop. He turned around and looked at her. His movements seemed to echo as Eve saw the movements vibrate.
Shinji raised his lance again and Eve saw what looked like a copy of that same movement slightly ahead of it. The actual movement seemed to be at the center of the flutter. Apparently when time was frozen, the movements echoed both in the past and future of their state. Could she use that to predict his movements?
Apparently Shinji had realized the same thing. He lunged again but instead of using his lance he kicked her in the chest. The movements were too close for Eve to dodge and she was knocked back. Time unfroze and Eve landed hard.
"Ouch," she said, rubbing the impact point. "I didn't know you were that strong."
"I'm not. Apparently the echoes also add their force to the blow when time is frozen."
"Interesting side-effect. I've never fought under those conditions but I must say, that will be useful when the time comes."
"But I am still too slow. Asuka can't freeze time like me so she's going to try to move so fast that it doesn't matter. Will that affect her in the same way?"
"Most likely," said Eve, "but for now let's concentrate on getting you faster. Asuka may be able to break the time barrier, but she still has to overcome the speed limitations there. Being able to move normally should give you an advantage."
"Shall we try again?"
Eve nodded.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Damn it!"
Asuka was panting and exhausted. However, she would not admit it. The training had been intense at best, murderous at worst. She was pushing herself to overcome the speed limitations but had little success.
"You are already far faster than any mere mortal," Apollyon said, "You must allow your body time to adapt to its new powers. Trying to continue at your current pace will only kill you."
"Better than being cut to pieces while completely defenseless," Asuka snapped, "If Shinji can stop time, I have to move fast enough to counter that ability or else I'm dead."
"Perhaps, but you won't even get the chance to face him if you continue like this. Rest. It is better that way."
Assuming another stance, Asuka was about to continue her training when suddenly her body gave way and she collapsed. Apollyon quickly flew over behind her, using his back to help slow her descent. Once Asuka was nearly touching the ground Apollyon zipped out from behind her and flew over her.
"As I said, you need rest. How am I supposed to get you back into the apartment?"
"If you had a human form you could do it," Asuka replied, "but no, you had to remain as a raven."
"I will remain a raven until your victory," said Apollyon, "I will go for assistance."
"No!"
Asuka snapped back up, immediately regretting it. She collapsed again her body wrecked with pain.
"You need rest and only Shinji can help you. I suggest you remain there or else you may injure yourself even further."
Apollyon took off towards the park while Asuka rolled over onto her stomach. She tried using her arms and legs to crawl back, but she had just made it to the stairs when she fainted. Her body had been taxed to the extreme and now she could go no further.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shinji was resting when he saw the raven circling above. It descended and landed on the bench next to him.
"Asuka requires your assistance," he said, "She collapsed after pushing herself too hard."
Shinji nodded and waved to Eve. She walked over and after eyeing Apollyon looked at Shinji.
"I'm going back to help Asuka," he said, "The two of you get her bed ready. Go now."
While technically Apollyon didn't obey the Messiah, this instance was to help his mistress. Both shimmered and disappeared, Apollyon's form dematerializing with a red glow instead of the blue of Eve's form. Shinji shimmered himself and arrived on the roof, finding the unconscious Asuka just lying there. He walked over and checked her pulse to make sure she was still alive. Her breathing was also strong so all she needed was rest. Shinji picked her up and shimmered back to her room. Eve and Apollyon had already pulled off the sheets. Asuka was laid down gently by Shinji and Apollyon pulled the cover over her. He remained behind in the room and settled down for the wait. Shinji and Eve left the two.
"Apollyon shouldn't be pushing Asuka so hard," Eve commented.
"I doubt he is," said Shinji, "Asuka is probably the one fighting to become better."
"Really? I knew Asuka could be tenacious and stubborn but I didn't think she was suicidal."
"That can be arguable. Right now I just don't know what Asuka is thinking or what she is trying. But if she keeps this up, her own pride will be her undoing, not me. Perhaps being the Antichrist has magnified her pride."
"That is always a possibility. Being the Messiah has given you a great deal of insight."
"I'm going to take a shower and go to bed," Shinji declared, "Keep this in mind though. Asuka may be the Antichrist, but she is still Asuka. Her same faults still exist, as do mine."
"And what flaws still exist within you?" Eve asked.
"If you can call it a flaw, kindness."
Shinji disappeared into his room, leaving Eve stunned. She had encountered many candidates that were close but not quite fitting the requirements, and the one thing that made the Messiah what he was, Shinji considered it a flaw. Something was definitely wrong with that picture. Shinji was the most powerful being alive along with the Antichrist, both embodying the spirit of light or darkness, and both should be embracing their strengths. However, he was questioning them instead.
"Shinji, why are you acting this way?"
After getting his clothes Shinji went to the bathroom for a quick shower. With that out of the way he dropped onto his bed and was asleep in a matter of seconds. Stopping time required a great deal of power and he was exhausted from the training. But there was progress. He simply hoped that progress would result in success by the end of the month.
Eve was pacing outside on the roof, trying to figure out what was going on. After living for so long, it was hard to concentrate at times. Normally a person would have gone insane with boredom but she had survived it all. And the worst part about this? The person she had known and respected approximately two thousand fifteen years ago had apparently also changed with being reborn. Something was very wrong with Shinji Ikari and it wasn't just his current mental state. Had more damage been done to his psyche while his memories had been repressed? Or had something else taken hold? Apollyon might have succeeded in planting something dark inside Shinji, but she should have noticed. That would be a very dangerous situation.
"Eve."
Eve looked over and saw Apollyon perched on the edge of the roof.
"Apollyon. What brings you up here?"
"There is something wrong with Asuka."
"There is also something wrong with Shinji. Do you suspect me?"
"One would think you also suspect me," Apollyon replied, "However, the current circumstances made it impossible for either of us to have done anything. I did not have enough time to manipulate Shinji, and Asuka was too rebellious for you to work with."
"True enough," said Eve, "Perhaps their experiences as Shinji Ikari and Asuka Langley Soryu is the cause."
"But their experiences as mortals was supposed to make them stronger," Apollyon pointed out, "This is no mere coincidence. Something happened to those two and it is something neither of us is aware of."
"We both watched all of the candidates," said Eve, "Toji and Rei included. Kaworu was excluded from the selection immediately because he was a child of Adam."
"And Rei was nearly excluded because of the conditions of her creation," Apollyon added, "Toji was the only other potential. Did we make another mistake?"
"No," Eve quickly said, "We made no mistake in the final candidate selection. These two are the only ones that fit, but I wonder if our search was too restrictive. We manipulated events to get results but the results were often times unacceptable. That is why we eliminated Rei and Toji. Both Shinji and Asuka survived the Human Instrumentality Project and returned to Earth. That made our choice obvious."
"And it seemed we made the correct one. Until now."
"I don't think so," said Eve, "Again, something is affecting them, but we can do nothing about it. I say we leave them be for now and see how the final battle goes."
"You place too much trust on untested individuals," said Apollyon, "We are talking about the final battle. If they cannot cut it, we are doomed and all that we worked for, both sides, was for nothing."
"That is your opinion."
"Damnation. Eve, you know what is at stake. I suggest you be more careful."
Apollyon took off and flew down back to Asuka's room. She was still sleeping and Apollyon nested down on her desk. Tomorrow was another day.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Momma."
That was the only thing Asuka could think about. She was once again suspended in a dream, partially asleep and partially in this other world. The ground came closer as Asuka made her descent. When she touched the ground, her eyes snapped open and she was standing in an oasis of peace.
"Where am I?" Asuka asked no one in particular.
A few vague forms drifted past her. She didn't know who they were but did know they were human. The landscape turned from a cool blue to a stifling orange. Now the forms were clearer, more focused. As they drifted past Asuka they made no shadows on the ground, though there was light. How strange, she thought. Asuka continued walking but felt some resistance. Some sort of liquid flowed around her as she placed one foot in front of the other. And yet, she could still breathe. Was all this LCL? An ocean of LCL? Now that was just weird.
The walk in this strange sea stopped dead in its tracks when Asuka saw a tint of red hair pass her. It was short red hair.
"Momma?"
She spun around and started chasing after the woman.
"Is that you? Momma!"
The woman stopped and turned around. Asuka beheld a kind and loving face, smiling down at her. The eyes weren't like the crazed ones she'd seen before her mother's death. These were compassionate and caring.
"Momma!"
Asuka ran into the woman's arms and hugged tightly.
"I'll never leave, Momma. I'll never leave you again."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Shinji, wake up!"
Shinji fell out of his bed, knocking Eve off balance. Both tumbled down onto the floor, Shinji hitting his head hard on the ground while Eve rubbed her bottom.
"Now that was unexpected," she said, "Shinji, get up. Something's wrong with Asuka."
"What!"
That did it. Shinji bolted out of the room, going from kneeing on all four to running in seconds. He slammed open Asuka's door and found Apollyon looking over her nervously. The raven looked up at the sound and saw Shinji standing at the doorway, panting.
"What's wrong?" Shinji asked.
"Asuka's getting cold," Apollyon replied, "She's dying. It's as if she's lost the will to live."
"What? But that's impossible. Why would she want to die?"
Shinji walked over and pulled away Asuka's sheets. He then gasped. Part of Asuka's legs were liquefying into LCL.
"No," he muttered, "Not this."
Eve appeared behind Shinji and looked at Asuka's legs. Her eyes narrowed.
"She is being absorbed by something in the LCL ocean," she declared, "but what's strong enough to pull her away like this?"
Shinji dropped to his knees and placed a hand on Asuka's forehead. It was ice-cold. While normally this was a good thing, this was hardly normal. Shinji took Asuka's hand, feeling the cold touch.
"Asuka. Why?"
Shinji closed his eyes and started crying.
"You're the strongest person I know. What would make you run away like this?"
"Mo-oma."
It was barely a whisper but Shinji heard it. He looked at Asuka's lips but saw no sign of movement. Had it been his imagination? No, he'd seen her like this before. It was the night before the battle with the 7th Angel. Her mother?
"Eve, what's the story with Asuka and her mother?" Shinji asked, his voice tense.
"Asuka's mother committed suicide when Asuka was very young," Apollyon answered instead, "She had gone insane after an activation experiment with Unit 02."
"That would explain it," said Shinji, "Where is Asuka's soul right now?"
"With the rest of humanity," said Eve, "Her body is deteriorating. If we don't get her back soon, it'll be gone just like the others."
"A person that has died before. Could they also be absorbed?"
"Yes," Eve answered.
"I think Asuka found her mother."
Shinji stood up. "That's why Asuka is willing to run away. She's happy."
Apollyon and Eve looked at each other.
"She cannot be allowed to do this," said Eve, "If Asuka runs away, the final battle will not take place and all of humanity will stay lost."
Shinji spun and faced her, his face contorted with anger.
"What do you want me to do, strip Asuka away from the only thing that's made her happy?"
"It is a false sense of happiness," said Apollyon, "This is something that even I find unacceptable. Both of you have a role that must be fulfilled, or else the world will remain in utter chaos. That is not our goal. We are here to determine what shall happen to humanity."
"So we're being used again?" Shinji snapped, "How is that any different than piloting EVAs? Why can't we get a chance to do what we want?"
"You would not be here if you did not want to be," Apollyon stated.
Shinji turned and lashed out at the raven. Apollyon quickly took flight and avoided the blow as Eve restrained him.
"You don't get it, do you?" she said, "This is more than simply determining humanity's fate. This is another path that you are using to search for happiness."
"And Asuka's found it," Shinji shouted, "Why can't you leave her alone?"
"I doubt she has found happiness," Apollyon said, "Look at her."
Shinji did and saw tears streaking out of Asuka's closed eyes. Why was she crying? Hadn't she found her mother? Wasn't that enough? He knew he would be happy to see his mother again.
"It is not that Asuka is not happy," said Eve, "It is that she is not content."
"She doesn't need to be content to be happy," Shinji responded.
"Who are you trying to fool now?" Eve asked, "You must choose what to do for Asuka's sake, not for your own or what you think is what Asuka wants. You must do what you know Asuka needs."
Shinji looked at the sleeping form and calmed down. Eve released him and he knelt down next to Asuka's bed. He started crying. There were many ways to attain happiness, but none of them were easy. Asuka had found something she wanted to hold on so much that she was willing to die for it. But unknown to her, so did Shinji. He kissed her on the forehead and wiped away her tears.
"I'll bring you back," he said, "I promise you that."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Asuka was walking down the street with Shinji and his sister, Rei. It wasn't as if she really wanted to walk with them, it was more a matter of convenience. Rei was nice enough but her twin brother was a complete dork. He had so scrawny it was as if he was a stick. And the worst part? For some reason Shinji had been the only one that could help her at so many times. It annoyed the hell out of her but he did have some uses. One was carrying all of their schoolbags, something that Rei took advantage of too. At least it helped build up some muscles in him.
"So Rei, are you coming to the party? It's going to be great."
"Sure."
"Hey Shinji, want to come join us girls?" Asuka said seductively.
Handling women was not Shinji's strong point, as his stuttering proved.
"Umm, well, I, uh, well, I'm not sure, I should, uh, come."
"Grow a damn spine already!" Asuka ranted.
"Sorry."
Asuka glared at him and Shinji wilted.
"I don't know why I hang around with you," she spat.
"Because you like him."
Asuka froze and turned around to face Rei.
"What did you say!"
Rei was unfazed by Asuka's outburst. She simply looked at the redhead, her face impassive.
"Ooo, one of these days you'll stop being my friend."
A small smile appeared on Rei's face as Asuka turned away. It was probably a good thing the redhead hadn't seen it.
"Shinji, you're coming and that's that. And it's not because I like you, it's because I'm the only girl that can get you to grow a spine."
Sheesh, Asuka thought. One would think that boy would grow up into a man or something. So proper and boring. Hope he doesn't turn out like his twin sister. I guess she's okay, though she does need to get out more. Shinji at least knows how to live life, I think. Cute butt though.
Asuka shook her head, getting that last thought out.
What is wrong with me? Why did I think that? Damn it, why do I think like a pervert whenever I'm around Shinji? Heh, he's probably rubbing off on me. Rubbing off. Ah! Stop already!
Asuka growled and crashed that train of thought.
"Asuka!"
Asuka spun around, staring at Shinji. He stared back and looked afraid, as if he'd done something wrong.
"Did you call my name?" Asuka asked.
Shinji blinked. "What?"
"Asuka!"
Asuka spun around again. The voice seemed to be coming from behind her every time it sounded. What was going on?
"All right, who's throwing their voice around? Shinji, is it you?"
"N-no!" Shinji protested, "I'd never do anything like that! I don't even know how to!"
"Yeah right. Rei, is it your brother?"
"No."
Asuka's eyes narrowed. Rei rarely lied and she was sure she probably hadn't this time either. So where was that voice coming from? Shaking her head, Asuka tried to drive that thought out of her head and continued walking. They reached the apartment complex all of them lived in and went to their respective apartments. Kyoko was in the kitchen when Asuka came in.
"I'm home," she declared.
"Welcome home. How was school?"
"Fine. I invited Shinji to the party but he's acting like a complete coward. God I wish he would grow a spine!"
Kyoko smiled and turned to look at her daughter.
"Are you sure you just don't have a crush on him?" she teased.
"Mom! I would never go out with someone like him!"
"Oh I don't see why you wouldn't. Besides, he is a childhood friend."
"Yeah, one with no spine."
"Now Asuka. Be nice to him and maybe he'll take you to the dance."
"What!"
Kyoko laughed as her daughter's face turned bright red. Asuka was too easy to tease sometimes.
"Asuka!"
There it was again! Something was calling out to her, and it sounded like Shinji. Where was it coming from? Asuka looked around the room but saw nothing. Growing frustrated, Asuka started to search the room. She peeked under the couch and behind some of the furniture but found nothing. Then, she noticed a small crack in the wallpaper. She walked over and touched it. Nothing happened. Asuka peeled back some of it and found something orange behind the wall. What was that?
She touched the substance and her fingers punched into the substance. It was like some kind of liquid, but somehow was staying together. Asuka took her hand out of the stuff and it reformed into a solid. Asuka peeled more of the wallpaper off and found the entire wall was made of the stuff.
"Hey Mom, can you come and look at this? Mom?"
Asuka turned around and found that the wallpaper was disappearing in the entire apartment and her mother was gone. She made a run for the door but it too disappeared.
"Someone help me!"
Suddenly she felt a shadow behind her and turned around. There, standing in the center of all this weirdness, was Shinji. But this Shinji was different from the one she was talking to before. The Shinji before her was calmer and had a determined look on his face. His eyes were also intense.
"Shinji? Shinji, you have to help me! What's going on here!"
"Actually, you might say I caused this," Shinji said, "We're losing you to the unified being of humanity and I'm doing what I can to bring you back. Everything around you right now is simply an illusion. You're inside an ocean of LCL where AT-Fields do not exist. You're one with everyone."
"What?"
"Your mother died a long time again, Asuka. How else would she be here? Come back to the real world."
It was then that her real memories flooded back. Asuka screamed out and fell to her knees, going into a fetal position. All the pain she had experienced came rushing back and it took her some time to finally beat it back.
"I don't want to," she finally said.
"It's true, who would? With the world in chaos and everyone else gone, you want to run away and hide here," Shinji said, "But there is a reason why you should come back."
"What?"
"To end that pain. You think being here will make you happy? No. Unless you are capable of feeling pain, you can never feel true happiness. I learned that the hard way. Don't make my mistakes too, Asuka."
"Why should you give a damn if I'm happy!" Asuka screamed, "You don't care about me!"
"If I didn't care, I would have left you and let your body deteriorate. I have not."
"You're only doing this because of what we are," Asuka insisted sobbingly, "You're only doing this because we have to fight this final battle. I don't want to!"
"Why? Is it because you don't want to fight me?"
"Yes! Leave me alone! I want to be alone!"
"You've spent your entire life alone. You've never had the chance to be together with anyone and yet you insist you don't need it. Give it a chance, Asuka. Perhaps you'll find you might like it."
"No! You're lying! You're just trying to get me back!"
Shinji approached her and knelt down beside her. He took her hand and looked her straight in the eye.
"Of course I want you back. But I also want you to be happy and you won't be happy here. Come on back. Once this is over, I'll do my best to make you happy."
She wasn't sure what made her do it, but Asuka nodded and let Shinji pull her back up and guide her. Without knowing it, Asuka stepped out of the false reality and returned to where she belonged.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Asuka opened her eyes slowly, her eyes adjusting easily to the dim light. She turned her head slightly and saw Shinji sitting next to her bed, looking down on her. She cracked a slight smile before her face turned stone cold. A quiet fury burned inside of her. She had needed his help to return. She still wasn't strong enough.
"Get out," she ordered.
There was no visible reaction on Shinji's part. He merely got up and left the room. Apollyon slipped in and perched on the desk. Asuka ignored him and closed her eyes again. She would get stronger and beat him, no matter what.
End of Chapter 5
Just a side note. I will do my utmost to not sacrifice quality for faster updates. What that means is as the story progresses, the story will be updated slower and slower. Besides, I have a job now and I am so bloody stressed. And getting two hours less sleep than normal isn't helping. Isn't summer vacation supposed to let you get more sleep?!
Another reason why updates will be slower. My attention is split between several different stories. There is one in particular that I need a lot of advice on. It is called Gathering of Force and is an original fic. Just go to fictionpress.com and go under my profile and you'll see it.
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