One of the reviewers that disliked this fic said it was too unbelievable. However, anyone who has read some of my other works like Flight and Adaptation as well as Humanity's Faith might notice that those are rather unbelievable too. I always try to have a reason for such things. And what the hell does 'doesn't compromise' mean!

Anyways, onto the story.

Recrudesce of Evangelion

Chapter 6: Breaking the Ice

Shinji jumped from tree to tree, assailing Eve at every turn. She did her best to avoid his blows but Shinji was too fast. And the fact that she was still moving in slow motion didn't help either. Shinji had figured out a trick that allowed him to move normally in this stilled state, but a moment of lost concentration could bring him crashing down. He had been training with a quiet determination for the last two weeks and now seemed poised to reach his goal, the ability to move faster than the eye could see while time was frozen. Such a feat would give him an incredible advantage over Asuka once the battle came. But would it come down to it? Would Asuka even survive the rest of the month?

A smack echoed as Shinji suddenly ran into a tree branch and fell, time flowing again. He fell out of the air and was saved by Eve who caught him.

"You're thoughts are wandering again," she stated.

"Sorry. I just have a lot to think about."

"Asuka?"

Shinji nodded as Eve let him go and he stood.

"She's probably pushing herself beyond her limits right now, slowly killing her body."

"Do not worry about her. After what happened last time, Apollyon is doing his utmost to keep her under control."

"I hope so. He'll have to answer to me if she gets hurt again."

Eve smiled. "I like that about you. You're always compassionate for others, even one who is supposed to be your greatest enemy."

Shinji frowned and looked away.

"That compassion may be my weakness. But Asuka shouldn't be my enemy. We shouldn't be fighting each other."

Eve listened patiently as Shinji continued to talk. This was now an old argument but she saw through it. Shinji cared about Asuka, more than he had cared about anyone before. Why? It was a simple enough reason. Love. Above all else, it was love. It had to be. What odd twist of fate had brought these two who should love together in such a horrible way? The two deserved better, that was for certain. Shinji and Asuka represented the best that humanity had to offer and at times like this Eve pitied both greatly. But the will of the Host had to be carried out. The two must fight the final battle.

"Shall we go back?" Eve asked.

Shinji nodded and the two teleported away.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Asuka cursed as she collapsed again. She used her sword, Excalibur, as a cane and tried to remain standing. Apollyon watched from his perch as his charge struggled to get back onto her feet.

"You need to learn humility," he stated.

"I know," Asuka snapped, "But since I'm the Antichrist does it matter if I'm vain and spiteful?"

"Yes. You will not defeat the Messiah unless you learn how to control yourself."

"Fine. But don't expect me to change overnight."

Asuka assumed another stance and suddenly disappeared. A millisecond later she reappeared, completely winded. She staggered and Apollyon flew over, grabbing her shirt with his talons and keeping her up. She used her sword as a support and remained standing. Apollyon then returned to his perch.

"I did it," she said, "I actually did it."

"So you broke the Temporal Barrier," said Apollyon, "It may not be enough."

"What? What do you mean? Didn't Shinji just lose his advantage?"

"Perhaps. But you must also realize that the Messiah can also adapt. He would most likely realize what you are trying to accomplish and will attempt to counter it."

Asuka growled. "Fine. I'll just get faster and faster."

"I suggest we conclude for today," said Apollyon, "You are tired and need rest."

Apollyon took off and flew down to the apartment. Asuka shimmered and reappeared inside her room just as he came in the window.

"Fine. Who's cooking for today?"

"I believe it is your turn."

Cursing, Asuka went to prepare dinner. She had wanted to make Shinji do all the cooking, but both Eve and Apollyon had found that unacceptable. Eve because she did not want Shinji to be always burdened with chores and Apollyon because he felt it was an unnecessary risk having Shinji cook all the time.

Like that idiot would ever try poison, Asuka thought. Shinji was too kind for that.

Asuka briefly considered adding some poison of her own but thought better. If Shinji didn't detect it, Eve would. She didn't know why Apollyon was so worried about it. Dinner was fried rice with a few side dishes. As always, the meals were quiet. After it was done Apollyon and Eve took the dishes. Asuka wasn't sure how Apollyon could do anything at the sink but didn't complain. It saved her from washing and she was fine with that.

She got up and went to the living room and sat down, contemplating what had happened two weeks ago. She should have been strong enough to get back on her own. Why had she needed that idiot's help?

Shinji walked into the room, interrupting Asuka's train of thought. He was carrying a glass of red wine.

Where did he get that? Asuka thought.

Shinji noticed her look and answered her unspoken question.

"Apollyon raided one of the stores in what's left of downtown," he said, "He brought back a few bottles of wine."

Asuka raised an eyebrow.

"And the perfect Messiah is willing to drink something that was stolen?" she said sarcastically.

Shinji took a seat on the other lazy boy and took a sip.

"No one is perfect, Asuka. Not me or you. One would think Apollyon had taught you that."

Asuka frowned. Shinji was rather confident of himself right now. Why? It wasn't like he had any reason to be confident. But then again, he was not aware of her progress. This brought on another thought. She didn't know how Shinji was doing either. Was there a way to spy on him while he trained? Asuka logged that thought away for further brainstorming later.

"Mind getting me a glass?" she asked.

A bottle of wine and another crystal glass floated in. The bottle dipped down and filled the glass before turning upright again. The wine bottle settled down on the table and the glass floated over to Asuka. She took it and sipped it.

"Nice," she commented.

"Normally would cost five thousand American dollars," Shinji informed her, "A few hundred thousand yen."

"More," Asuka replied, "A lot of the prices are really inflated here."

Shinji nodded in agreement. "And to think that we have it all to ourselves."

Asuka cracked a smile just as a darker thought occurred to her. Was Shinji trying to get her to let her guard down? Possibly. The wine might make her drunk and she might accidentally let something slip. And there was something deep inside her that she didn't want Shinji to know. Asuka put down the wineglass.

"I've had enough, thank you."

"Alcohol won't affect us," Shinji said, as if reading her mind. "Apparently our bodies have changed slightly. We could down a glass of cyanide and not be harmed."

Now that was interesting, Asuka thought.

She waved at the glass and it floated back to her hand. The wine was too good to waste so she continued drinking.

Back in the kitchen Apollyon and Eve watched silently as their masters keep each other company.

"Why does it not surprise me that Asuka needs someone to be with her?" Eve said.

"Because she is human, just like Shinji. Humans need to interact with each other because they are social creatures."

"There are few absolutes with humans, and that is one of them," said Eve, "I'm going to get some air. Care to join me?"

"Always."

Eve opened the door and Apollyon flew out with her behind. They went upstairs to the roof and emerged to see a glorious sunset.

"Beautiful," Eve commented.

"In its own way, it is," said Apollyon.

"The two are falling in love. Can you feel it?"

"Yes. It is unfortunate."

"What is unfortunate is that they are destined to be the other's greatest enemy," said Eve, "It is not unfortunate that they are falling in love."

"They are in love already," said Apollyon, "This only serves to weaken them."

"No," said Eve, "It serves to strengthen them. For Shinji it gives him a reason to defeat Asuka, to show her the truth."

"And for Asuka it makes her wish for the death of her love even more," said Apollyon, "In the end, it will be a tragedy that will do great damage to both."

"Physical, perhaps, but hopefully in the end it will strengthen them spiritually."

"You have a great deal of optimism," Apollyon noted, "but will optimism change the outcome of the final battle?"

"No, but hope can."

If a raven could smile, Apollyon would have done so now. Deep inside, Eve still had the hope that he would return to her, a hope that Apollyon was well aware of. In many ways it was vain and selfish, but he supposed that even celestial beings had the right to their wishes.

"For what it's worth, I am not here to hurt you," he stated.

"I hope I can believe that," Eve replied.

Apollyon bowed, his tail rising upwards and his head dipping down. It was slightly comical to see a bird bowing but no one was there to laugh.

"Until tomorrow," he said.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Asuka giggled as she took another sip of the wine. Shinji was right, the alcohol wasn't affecting her. She was actually enjoying Shinji's company. How odd was that? Now that she thought about it, she always had enjoyed the young man's company. Though why she did was a mystery. There was that time when this girl, Mana, came and became interested in Shinji. She'd felt jealous though at the time she'd tried to conceal it.

"You sure this wine doesn't affect us?" Asuka joked.

"I seem to be fine," Shinji answered, his voice even and controlled.

"Well maybe you're just pretending and this wine really will hinder my judgment and you're just waiting to take advantage of me," Asuka teased.

"Asuka, would I ever do anything like that?" Shinji asked seriously.

"No, you wouldn't have the guts too. A real shame though, if you had some more courage I might have been interested in you before."

Asuka heard a chuckle but when she looked over Shinji had already covered his mouth with the wineglass. Her eyes narrowed and she glared at him.

"What was that Third Child?" she asked.

"Oh, simply that you were too busy gawking over Kaji to notice me."

"Humph! Don't even try to compare yourself to Kaji. He was far superior to you."

"I won't comment on that since I don't want to burst your bubble," Shinji replied. Maybe the alcohol was affecting him. He felt a bit more carefree. "Say Asuka, Apollyon hasn't assumed his human form yet right?"

"What! That bird has a human form!"

Shinji looked at her in surprise, her outburst catching him off guard.

"Yeah. I talked with him before in my dreams, remember when I told you?"

Asuka thought about it and realized Shinji was right. He had mentioned some man calling him the Antichrist. Boy, was he ever wrong. That position fell to Asuka.

"Yeah. Ooh, he's going to get it when I get my hands on him. All this time I needed a sparring partner and he's just stood there, not even showing me his true form!"

"I'm sure he has his reasons," said Shinji, "If you want, I can be your sparring partner."

Asuka chuckled. "And why would you offer to help me get stronger?"

"Wouldn't I get stronger as well?"

"Point. Very well Third Child, I'll allow you the honor of sparring with me. But don't try anything perverted, cause you'll regret it."

"How am I supposed to do anything perverted when sparring?" Shinji asked.

"Well, you might try to cut my clothes off."

Shinji smiled and leaned his head back.

"Asuka, you're the one who keeps coming up with this stuff. Maybe you're the perverted one."

Asuka gasped and gave Shinji an indignant look. He merely smiled at her, making it very hard for her to keep a straight face.

"Whatever. I feel like taking a long bath. Expect to be waiting for a long time," Asuka warned.

She set down the wineglass and grabbed some clothes from her room before going to the bathroom. Shinji leaned back against the couch and took another sip, contemplating what his next move was. It had been an enjoyable moment as they conversed. He hoped there would be more of that.

Movement caught his eye by the window. He glanced over and thought he saw blue hair. Blue hair? Shinji got up and walked over. He opened the door and walked onto the porch. There was no one outside. Had he been imagining it? No, he'd seen something. Maybe tomorrow he could investigate providing Asuka didn't keep him busy all day.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dreams were supposed to help the human mind rest and work out things, in theory at least. That did not turn out to be the case with both Shinji and Asuka. It could be said that both saw a premonition of the battle to come.

The two mighty beings were suddenly filled with power they were only beginning to understand. The very air itself was afire around Asuka while light shined out from Shinji. Both still had their respective weapons, the Lance of Longinus and the sword Excalibur. Fire swept down the blade of Excalibur and Asuka charged at Shinji. She seemed to be moving in slow motion as Shinji moved aside gracefully and quickly. He kept dodging, not throwing any attacks back at her. Asuka cursed and again tried to drive her sword into Shinji. This time he blocked and an aura of white light surrounded the lance.

Energy built up as the two locked blades, the two opposite forces building up. Finally an explosion erupted and threw both back. Neither had much trouble landing gently on their feet. Asuka grinned and raised her sword again. Shinji had a more solemn look but readied himself as well. It was then that both felt themselves being torn away from the battle and woke up.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Asuka threw her sheets aside and got out of bed. Apollyon sensed the noise and woke up as well, barely avoiding getting covered by the sheets. He fluttered aside and watched Asuka leave the room and head towards the bathroom.

When she came to the door she heard water running in the sink. Asuka peeked in and saw Shinji splashing his face with cold water. She walked in and stood next to him.

"Dream?" she asked.

"Something like that."

"Same here."

Shinji moved over and got a rag and wiped his face dry while Asuka let the cold water run down her hands. She took the cloth from Shinji and wet it with the cold water before wiping her face.

"I doubt it was a dream," Shinji suddenly said.

"Then what was it? A vision of the future?"

"Perhaps. Who really knows?"

Asuka was silent for several seconds as she thought about it. She leaned against the sink and looked down at the running water while Shinji stared into the mirror.

"Do you really think we'll have that kind of power?" Asuka asked, "I felt something burning inside me."

"So did I. I don't think we'll be able to handle that much power. I didn't feel any emotion in the dream. It was as if the power was destroying me."

"Let's hope that doesn't happen. Even if one of us wins, we wouldn't live for much longer."

There was a knock on the door and the two turned their heads to see who it was. Eve stood there with Apollyon perched on her shoulder, concern written on her face.

"Is everything alright?" she asked.

"I actually have a question," Shinji said, "How much power do we really hold within us?"

"What do you mean?" Apollyon replied.

"How much power," Asuka repeated, "It isn't a hard question and I'd appreciate it if you don't dodge it."

Apollyon and Eve gave each other looks. Apparently Eve won as Apollyon answered.

"Each of you have enough raw power to set the world on fire," he said, "Controlled, you have enough to consume this entire solar system."

This time it was Shinji and Asuka that exchanged looks.

"What?" Eve asked.

"We had a dream," Shinji answered for them both, "Both of us had an incredible amount of power cruising through us and we were fighting. But apparently neither of us felt any kind of emotion. All we felt was a burning sensation. We think our powers might have been destroying us."

This statement elicited no reaction from Eve or Apollyon. They simply looked at the two with intense gazes.

"I suggest you say something or else things might not turn out as you two planned," Asuka threatened.

Shinji placed a hand on Asuka's shoulder. She glared at it but made no move to remove it, her patience surprisingly high today.

"It was always assumed that the Messiah or Antichrist would naturally know how to control their powers," Apollyon answered.

"What idiot came up with that!" Asuka screamed.

"That idiot would be us," said Eve, "You must understand we know next to nothing about your powers. We've seen them be used before but what we witnessed was a fraction of what is capable. That is why either of you could end Third Impact."

"So basically both of us might die in this final battle," Asuka stated.

"Yes," Apollyon answered bluntly.

"Hell. I'm not going to go through with this."

Asuka stormed past the two guardians and into her room. The door was slammed shut and Shinji heard the distinct click of a lock Asuka had installed shortly after she'd moved in.

"That was a mistake on your part," he said to them.

"Perhaps Asuka wasn't ready to learn about the truth yet," said Apollyon.

"You seem to be handling it rather well," Eve noted.

"Because I expected nothing less. I never expected anything to turn out well or a chance of it turning out well. One might say I know too much about the pains of life."

"And not enough of the joys," said Eve, "Give it a chance. I'm sure one of you will survive."

A strange smile appeared on Shinji's face at those words.

"All this is meaningless unless both of us survive."

Shinji walked past them and headed to Asuka's room. He knocked a few times but received no reply. Sighing, Shinji prepared himself for a long string of curses. He flicked his hand and the very audible click of the unlocking door was heard. Pulling the door aside, Shinji found Asuka lying on her bed. She hadn't even noticed him coming in. Shinji walked over and took a seat next to the bed. Asuka looked at him blankly but said nothing. The silence remained in the air until Asuka took a deep breath.

"So are you ready for breakfast?" Shinji asked.

"What time is it?" said Asuka.

"Three in the morning, and I doubt either of us will get any more sleep."

Asuka conceded and got up again. Shinji left her to her own devices as he went off to prepare breakfast. The little episode with Eve and Apollyon seemed forgotten when Asuka saw the spread. Normally when Shinji cooked it would be a Japanese breakfast, and vice-versa when Asuka cooked. Today he had prepared a traditional western breakfast of sausage, eggs, pancakes, and a few other things that were needed to kick off a day. How he managed to do it so quickly Asuka had no idea.

She took a seat and began munching on the great meal before her. Apollyon stuck with the sausages and eggs while Eve mostly ate pancakes. Shinji had some toast and that was about it. Asuka had a little of everything. When they finished, the table had been cleaned off of any food and all around were satisfied. Today it was Shinji and Asuka's turn to wash the dishes. It was surprising how fast Eve and Apollyon had caved on this issue. Now the two pairs that alternated with dishes were Shinji and Asuka and Eve and Apollyon. One would think they wanted it that way.

Dishes were done very quickly and again the two had their training. However, their new proposal brought vehement protests from both Eve and Apollyon.

"Out of the question," Apollyon said firmly.

"Absolutely not!" Eve nearly screamed.

"Is it really up to the two of you?" Asuka demanded, "Both Shinji and I are your superiors. What we want, goes."

"Uh, Asuka?"

"Stay out of this Shinji. Anyways, why not? I need a sparring partner and since you won't transform into your damn human form than Shinji is the only one I trust enough to be that partner. Besides, he's too honorable to try anything."

"Asuka?"

"What!"

"Maybe they have a reason besides that for why they don't want us practicing together."

"And they'd just be annoying excuses," Asuka stated.

"Actually we have valid reasons for this," said Eve, "The two of you fighting together might very well trigger those powers that you dreamed about. After you informed us of the dreams, we feel it is necessary to ensure that neither of you activate them."

"Well no shit! Hey wait, I just agreed with you! Hell no! Shinji and I are going sparring and it'll take more than the two of you to stop us."

Asuka grabbed hold of Shinji's arm and pulled him up. Before he could make a sound the two disappeared in a red haze.

"She is far too persistent," said Apollyon.

The only thing Eve could do was nod in agreement.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Asuka was still ranting when the two appeared in the park.

"That bitch! Who does she think she is? We're the ones with the power, one would think she realize we know how to handle it!"

"But Asuka, didn't we basically tell them we couldn't?"

"You were the one that told them!" Asuka spat back.

"True, but maybe their caution is warranted. They do need us alive."

"Shinji, wake up. Eve and Apollyon are manipulating us just like your father was, but they're being nice about it. That's the only difference. Do you really want to be used?"

"Well, no, but-"

"No buts. Now let's start training."

Asuka spun around and lunged forward, catching Shinji completely off guard. He quickly summoned the lance and blocked Asuka's sword. Shinji counterattacked and used his strength to knock Asuka back a little. However, she retaliated and advanced again. Their duel was a series of blows and counterblows but there was a friendliness to it. Neither was actually pressing through an attack though both moved as quickly as possible. This was a warm-up compared to actual training both knew they needed.

In the trees Apollyon and Eve watched. Apollyon was perched on one of the largest branches with Eve seated next to him. Both watched their respective master carefully, ready to jump in at the first sign that their powers were awakening.

"This is too dangerous," Eve insisted.

"Maybe not. Neither is really pushing the other and they seem to be making this a sport of sorts."

"But what if they get serious? Their combined might could very well destroy the Earth."

"Then our war will never be concluded," said Apollyon, "I see your point. However, until they actually start fighting, I suggest we allow this to go on. You cannot control the Messiah just as I cannot control the Antichrist."

"That doesn't mean I have to like this."

Down in the ground the pace started picking up. Shinji was suddenly faced with a more determined and powerful Asuka. She advanced quickly, somehow defending and pushing him back at the same time. Shinji slashed at her but with just a flicker of her form Asuka dodged it and continued to move forward. Shinji grinned. It was time to take it up a notch.

It wasn't too hard to go supersonic. Shinji ran behind her and attacked but apparently Asuka was just as fast. She was ready for him and blocked his attack.

"You're good," she said.

She punched him in the chest and sent him soaring back.

"But not good enough," Asuka concluded.

Shinji landed on his feet and sped back onto the offensive. He collided into her and the two tumbled down onto the ground. Both lost their weapons but that hardly mattered. Asuka stopped rolling first and Shinji was suddenly on top of her.

"Pervert! Get off!" she screamed.

Shinji was about to do just that when a thought occurred to him. He quickly pecked Asuka on the lips and jumped off laughing. Asuka had a stunned look on her face as she got up.

"How dare you!" she screamed.

"How dare I what? Steal a kiss? One would think you'd like that."

Asuka was too taken aback to respond properly. Now that she thought about it she found there was nothing inside her that was revolted at what Shinji did. It was as if she had wanted it. Asuka scowled and turned away from Shinji. The young man in question smiled at the pouting girl and walked over. Wrapping his arms around her, Shinji whispered into her ear.

"Don't worry Asuka. No one is here to see this. And besides, does it really matter?"

"It matters because we're supposed to be enemies," Asuka said, though she made no move to disengage.

"I once said to you that this is another path we're taking to find happiness. Have you ever wondered why we're taking it together?"

Asuka had no answer so she said nothing. Shinji gave her one.

"Because we'll find happiness together. Do you believe me on that?"

"I don't know. It seems too farfetched. And why would you even want to stay with me? After all I've done?"

"You just wanted to keep herself from getting hurt. I understand that, and I'm sorry I didn't before. I'll try to make it up."

Asuka pulled away from Shinji and started walking away.

"I'm sorry Shinji, but I'm not ready to accept that. Even if you think we're meant to be, I still don't know. I don't even know why I'm thinking like this, goddamn it!"

Shinji crossed his arms and sighed.

"I won't force you into anything Asuka, no matter what. But just take your time and think about it. If you decide to return my love, I'll do everything within my power to make you happy."

Love. That word seemed to strike something inside of Asuka. A dark fury suddenly burst out, all the pent up rage coming out at once. Asuka turned around, her faced darkened and her eyes alight with fury. She walked over to Shinji and slapped him hard on the face.

"Don't you ever assume anything again," she warned.

Asuka disappeared from the park, leaving Shinji alone. The young man was well aware of that he had just witnessed. Asuka wasn't ready, and the Antichrist inside of her just wouldn't accept him. He had to win the coming battle, or he would lose Asuka. There was no way he'd accept that.

End of Chapter 6

I would like to know where people get the impression that Rei plays the violin. She plays the damn viola! And as a person that plays both instruments, I find it very annoying to see this mistake repeated over and over again. I'm not talking about AUs, I'm talking about fics that are based off of the actual EVA series! Okay, got that out of me. Now onto the real notes.

As I write, I'm having trouble with this issue. As the reader, I ask you to tell me this honestly. Currently you've seen a single scene of romance that got broken up. Did I build up properly to the romance in the previous chapters or was this dropped in too suddenly?

Also, I'm working on a fic called Gathering of Force on fictionpress.com. Please go to my profile there and check it out. Seriously, I need feedback.

Oh, just a little preview for the next chapter. The final battle as finally come, but we're just about halfway through the story. What else do I have in store for our lovely couple?

Just for the record, expect a major overhaul of the last chapter of Adaptation and the last two chapters of Humanity's Faith that I have up. I was too rushed in finishing them so the new versions will be a lot more polished and hopefully more interesting. Still will take a while.

Z98