.Neon Genesis Evangelion – Spiritus Sancti
Note from the author:
Disclaimer:
Neon Genesis Evangelion and all related characters, concepts, etc., are
property of ADVision and Gainax
Well, I've been a fan of evangelion for some time now, reading many fics. But this is my first attempt at a fic. I will try to keep the characters from getting OOC, but if I do, please just tell me and I'll see what I can do.
Note, send all feedback to:
snoopy101@optushome.com.au
All constructive feedback will be noted and if I get enough to warrant change, I will make a revised version, no matter how many times required, hopefully it should be okay.
It is an AU fic, and 3rd Impact had been started, Shinji, revives everyone but there's something wrong.
Anyway, on with the story…
===
Chapter 1: R & R? Stands for Release & Retribution…
===
Shinji awoke with a sudden start. His room was pitched into darkness but from the dim light filtering through his window, he could make out his now "familiar" ceiling in Misato's apartment. He pawed at a sweaty forehead, almost expecting to find the bloody hole in it from his nightmare. It was his father's fault he was like this.
The digital clock on his bedside table clicked over to 6:09 AM. The sun had yet to rise so it was still dark in the Katsuragi Apartment. Looking down at himself, his sheets and himself were damp and moist from sweat and he figured a bath was in order.
Shinji: (May as well get up now…) …
He slid off his bed towards his door.
*
Asuka awoke with a sudden start. Her room was dark and for some reason, it frightened her to the point of disorientation. Her frantic eyes searched left and right around the room as she felt across her body for the long, slashing stabs and wounds from the copies of the Lance of Longinus. It had been so real. Unlike other people's dreams, hers seemed to be merely a darker version of her memories.
Asuka: (What the hell am I doing?! I am calm. It was a stupid nightmare. Only children get scared of stupid nightmares) …
Asuka continued thinking the same phrase over as she began to convince herself that it was just 'another stupid nightmare'. Looking down at her arm, the long scare was a tell-tale fact that the 'stupid nightmare' had been reality. The other wounds had faded, the power of copies of the Lances of Longinus had faded off allowing the wounds to be diagnosable using the same organic growth technology the EVAs used. Her eye haunted her. It was a flaring jade green instead now. Whereas her other eye was the same deep blue that had caused so many boys' hearts to flutter. The damage by the Lances had been erratic. Erratic to the point that some damage was rectified better than other parts where she had been hurt.
She knew she was uglier now. And it pained her to think that she couldn't play around with boys like she was once able to. Now the stupid males would think themselves superior.
The thoughts only served to get her grumpier. Irate, she decided that a bath would be a good thing so early in the morning. It would help her relax.
Crawling off her bed, she headed towards the bathroom.
*
Shinji's vision was blurry the moment he stepped out his door. The web of sleep still clung to his eyes and the change in light caused him to be disoriented as he stumbled towards what he thought was the door to the bathroom. The stress of the past five weeks had compacted down on him and he seriously needed to relax. Unfortunately what he thought for him was the bathroom door, was actually Asuka in her pale yellow sleeping t-shirt.
Shinji: (Funny…I thought the light was turned off in the bathroom?)…!
He collided with something lumpy and soft. His mind at once ran through a scan of what was happening and his faculty of seeing returned to him. Vision sharpened at once to be staring into yellow cloth.
Shinji: (That wasn't the bathroom door…that was…oh shi~)
Asuka: HEEEEEEEEEEEE-ENTAI!
Too late. Before Shinji could extricate himself, he was hit across the forehead by a fist coming from the only person who could hit him so accurately. Asuka.
Dropping to the floor like a stone, Shinji tried to scramble away as he was hit again, this time in the stomach. He managed to escape panting on the floor as he tried to gather his breath back.
Asuka: How could you! You- You pervert! I bet you knew I was coming out so you planned that!
Shinji's anger compacted itself a into a little white ball.
Asuka: You're pathetic!
Shinji's little ball of anger became tighter.
Asuka: Perverted idiot!
Shinji's little ball of anger blew up into a white hot raging explosion reminiscent of an Angel Battle.
Shinji: SHUT UP YOU BITCH!
Asuka: …!
Shinji: You know full well I was asleep and I couldn't have planned it!
Asuka: …Y-Yeah! Well how could I have told that you were actually asleep? All you perverts are the same! Waiting for the perfect opportunity!
Shinji: SHUT UP! YOU KNOW DAMN WELL I DIDN'T PLAN IT! Who would want to look at an ugly bitch like you anyway?!
Shinji's retort stunned Asuka. As she considered the words her own rage blew up.
Asuka: Y-You You!
Shinji was beyond control now. Like his EVA, he snarled in a pent up rage that only a restrained man could have. With a speed neither knew he could possess he grabbed at Asuka's throat and his hands closed round her soft neck.
Asuka: (gasp)
Shinji: DIE! You're always putting me down and insulting me! Do you know how much it hurts?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA?!
He shook Asuka and her face clearly showed her horror. At that moment, Misato chose to show herself.
Misato: SHINJI! GET AWAY FROM HER!
Misato dealt a blow to Shinji's ribs that made him double up. And it seemed to have a waking effect on him. As Misato hobbled over towards the two Children, Shinji crumpled to the ground and cried. He was mumbling something over and over inaudibly.
Shinji: I'm sorry Asuka…
Asuka just stumbled back against the wall panting. Her frightened eyes looking down at Shinji as her brain registered the fact that he had just tried to kill her. His words echoed in her head and they grew louder for her as her tears sprung to her eyes.
Asuka: Shinji…
Shinji: Save it…
He did something he was quite familiar doing. He ran.
Misato: SHINJI!
He didn't know where he was running, but he was in shorts and a shirt and it was cold outside. He ran on without knowing where to go. He couldn't turn back now. He was a danger to himself and all those he loved. He had just tried to kill Asuka when what he wanted was the opposite. He wanted to love Asuka. His feelings were there. He just…couldn't say them. It was as though there was a psychological wall blocking him off from communicating with her.
He heard Misato's screams behind him. He ignored them. He just ran.
On top of the building stood three lone figures, watching the harrowed boy run into the distance.
Fuyutski: You intend to use this don't you?
Shadowed figure: Yes. The old men are gone, there is no one left to stop me.
Fuyutski: (He sounds just like Ikari) You called me up here. For what? Who are you?
Upon Fuyutski's beckoning, the figure stepped out of the shadows. His hair was a silvery grey, his eyes a blank, blood red. His tall ominous form framed the glowing glasses that reflected the moonlight. Right down to his gloves, the figure was instantly recognizable.
Fuyutski: Ikari…! You can't be!
Horror filled the old man's face as he realized what this was.
Gendo: Yes. I am the second. I may be the second. But I will be the first.
Fuyutski: You cloned yourself?!
Gendo: In much the same process as Rei was cloned. Yes. It was only a matter of time before my expiry date was reached. This way, I can cheat death.
Fuyutski: The first. So you will carry out your plans?
Gendo: Yes.
Gendo looked up at the moonlight and it enhanced his now quicksilver hair and reflective glasses. The second figure behind Fuyutski and Gendo smirked. Up until now, he had been unnoticed by Fuyutski. But this time, Fuyutski knew who he was.
Fuyutski: Tabris…
The name was like venom on his tongue. As if to confirm it, Kaoru began humming the old tune, 'Ode to Joy'. Fear crept over Fuyutski. Something that did not happen often.
*
Back in Misato's apartment, Misato had convinced Asuka to a chat. The 'chat' began to end up like a lecture from Misato.
Misato: You have to understand. He has gone through a lot you know. He~
Asuka: What about me?! I WENT THROUGH A BLOODY COMA~! Whilst he got it easy and was off fighting and doing his little things!
Misato: (infuriated) is that what you really think Ms. Sohryu? Did it ever occur to you that he kept his vigil over you? Visiting you day and night? Praying that you would come back to him? Have you ever thought that he might actually want to be here and care for you?
Asuka: HE JUST TRIED TO KILL ME!
Misato: Only because you treat him like shit! If Shinji didn't care so much about you, he would probably have tried sooner!
Asuka: …
Misato: (calming down) Look…Asuka…Shinji will probably kill me for this but…While you were gone, I believe he might have actually come to terms with the fact that he might have actually LOVED you. He may not be able to say it. But he does love you. Hell he probably wants you to feel the same too.
Asuka: That's bullshit. He couldn't love me. (quieter) No one loves me…
Misato: He does! Are you blind?! You think about how he treated you in comparison to others! Shinji cares Asuka. He really does. And he's been through more than what a man double his could go through. I don't know what you're going to do now. But I'm going to go bring Shinji back. And you have a long think about what you've just found out.
*
Gendo and Fuyutski had long since left the apartment complex, leaving Kaoru behind.
Kaoru: Interesting…
*
His arms hurt, his lungs felt like they were going to drag him down towards the ground heavily. It seemed as though his body could never get enough breath; but it was so desperate feelings that if he could just get a little more air in with each breathe, his body would be fine. Shinji had begun to wheeze as he ran along the cold, empty streets of Tokyo-3. His breath played like a fine silky mist amongst the needle thin, drops that rained down from the sky. His hair matted to his face and occasionally parts of it would get in his eye, blocking out pieces of the world around him. His shirt became a second skin to him and his shorts scraped against the skin on his thighs.
The wind began chilling his skin exhausted from stress and lack of food, Shinji collapsed. Falling sideways and crashing into a park bench. There was a sickening snap of bone as his arm broke but the young Ikari was already out cold.
Around the corner, the familiar looking car of Misato's, skidded to a stop nudging against the rubble from a fallen wall.
*
Asuka: (recalling what Misato has said) "I'm going to go bring Shinji back. And you have a long think about what you've just been told."
As Misato made her way to the door, Asuka followed her, tugging on her jacket.
Misato: "Where do you think you're going?"
Asuka: "I'm coming to help."
As she was obviously trying to mask an ulterior motive, Misato chose not to say anything.
Asuka: "God knows what that baka could do to himself."
Misato: "…"
In the elevator on the way down to the car park, all was silent in the cramped space. There was obviously an air of conflict inside. Asuka stood fuming as she thought back over the conversation she had with Misato.
Asuka: [stupid woman, what the hell would she know!? I'll tell her…]
The elevator doors opened.
Misato ran out to avoid a talk with Asuka.
*
From the roof of a nearby building, Tabris, the angel of choice stopped humming. The rain sprinkled lightly on him, giving off a sort of silvery glow that highlighted his milky skin in the moonlight.
Kaoru: Poor Shinji-kun.
Leaping down from the building, he began walking towards the old NERV Base. Time was not of the essence to him at the moment, unlike his lilim captors.
Kaoru: [perhaps that is why the lilim live for such a short time?]
*
The car fishtailed as Misato slammed on the brakes, skidding to a parallel stop a few meters away from Shinji's body. Two doors swung open and an alarmed Misato rushed to his side followed by a disgusted Asuka.
Asuka: [Idiot…]
Misato: "Oh my God! Shinji!"
Misato nursed the Third Child's arm as Asuka stood by, watching the proceedings. In an awkward silence, she grudgingly crouched down next to Shinji's figure.
Asuka: "Look at what the idiot's done. Running off like that. What a wimp!"
Misato: (slaps Asuka) "Shut Up! All you've ever been is ungrateful towards Shinji!"
Asuka returned Misato's angry glare. She looked like she was on the verge of lashing out. She looked like a young spoilt child then, like someone hesitating on whether to rebel or not. The two continued their glaring match when Shinji let out a small whimper.
Misato: "Shinji! Hang on! Look…(returning her gaze to Asuka) stop gawking and help me here."
Asuka snarled something under her breath as she grudgingly picked up her unconscious roommate by the feet, twisting his torso dangerously. Shinji winced and yelped as his broken wrist was disturbed.
Misato was on the verge of stepping across and slapping Asuka again if she didn't have her arms full with Shinji. They shuffled slowly towards the car, easing him into the back seat.
Once again, Misato's car drifted off into the night, heading towards the NERV medical facilities where Ritsuko, Maya and the remainder of the NERV staff would be residing.
*
In the dark environment of Central Dogma, Gendo Ikari's clone conversed with the newly appointed NERV commander, Kouzou Fuyutsuki.
Fuyutsuki: "NERV has been sanctioned to peace keeping duties by the UN."
Gendo: "I see."
Fuyutsuki: "The bypass worked. SEELE no longer exists."
Gendo: "Indeed."
Fuyutsuki: "How?"
Gendo: "It will all come to surface in time…All things do."
Fuyutsuki: "Why Tabris? Why is he even here?"
Gendo: "Tabris' mentality does not register the fact that the bypass has occurred. He is here and confused. To him, Lilith should be here, but he cannot sense her. He was once eliminated by my son. I have merely brought him back as a puppet. He will serve my purpose, being the most powerful of Angels."
Fuyutsuki: "He is the angel of 'choice'. "
Gendo: "I am well aware of his namesake."
Fuyutsuki: "How then?"
Gendo: (smirks) "Persuasion…"
*
Rei was sitting in the corridors of NERV's hospital. She had been staying here since her apartment block was destroyed. The NERV staff of E-Project also resided here. Unlike what the majority of people thought, Rei paid acute attention to all that was going on around her.
Rei: [Dr. Ritsuko Akagi is here. She is walking towards me. Lt. Maya Ibuki is with her. Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki is also here.]
Fuyutsuki strolled down the hallway, as he passed people, he told them to head to the main boardroom in the east wing. Upon sighting Rei he made his way over to her.
Fuyutsuki: "Pilot Ayanami."
Rei: "Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki."
Fuyutsuki: (smiles) "Ah, that would be Commander. Fuyutsuki."
Rei: "…"
For a rare moment, Rei is disoriented. This was something she was not made aware of. Confusion began to set into her uneasy mind, and it was showing on her face. Fuyutsuki noticed this.
Fuyutsuki: "I see you need some explanation. Well, follow the remainder of the crew down to the Amphitheatre and all will be made clear."
Rei: "Understood."
*
Ritsuko Akagi stood at the end of the hallway watching Rei and Fuyutsuki having a quiet word. Maya was next to her. As Rei left, Ritsuko approached Fuyutsuki.
Ritsuko: "I have to get to the car park. Misato just called. Apparently she's stuffed up again and Shinji's hurt himself."
Fuyutsuki: "Understood. Do what you need to. I'll brief you on the events later. Some medical staff will be sent down soon to help you."
Ritsuko nodded as Fuyutsuki took his leave. She turned and walked down to the car park. She hated this place. It seemed to reflect her life. It was a dank, gray place with plain shades and the ever present stains of grime everywhere. Her life was full of dirty secrets. It was dull, and she regretted many things that she did.
Ritsuko: [it's amazing Misato even still talks to me]
Almost as if on cue, Misato's infamous car, known for its amazing ability to stay on the road, no matter how bad Misato drove, came swerving down the entry ramp. In an almost freaky sense of skill, it skidded a few centimeters away from a pillar and comes to a stop, perfectly parked in a car spot. Exiting from the car, Misato rushes round to the back doors of her car to start picking up Shinji.
Ritsuko: "You know Misato, you're damn lucky you've still got a car, but you insist on driving like a maniac all the time."
Misato: "Oh shut up you. Just have a look at Shinji"
She and Asuka lugged Shinji onto a stretcher that was prepared by the medical team which had arrived.
Asuka: "Damn, that idiot's gotten heavier."
Misato chose to ignore the comment. Asuka had been a lot more malevolent towards Shinji since Misato had told her about his feelings.
Misato: [she's just acting hostile because she doesn't know what her feelings are…]
Ritsuko: "You two, head to the Amphitheatre, Fuyutsuki's gathering everyone there."
Misato: "Okay, c'mon Asuka."
Asuka: "I know already! I heard her you know!"
Misato: "Argh…"
The two conflicting roommates run off. Ritsuko looks down at Shinji. Shinji's face, despite all he had been through recently, reflected an odd sense of peace in his unconscious rest. It was disturbing to look at, and Ritsuko found herself unable to continue looking. The medical team had wandered off to go look for some equipment, so alone, Ritsuko decided it was best to start trying to get a general diagnosis first off.
Ritsuko: (mumbling to herself) Fever…
Looking down at Shinji's swollen wrist, she prodded it softly. The wince and shifting of Shinji showed that there was pain.
Ritsuko: (mumbling) Broken Wrist…
She stood up straight again and sighed. Life was so tough on these pilots. With Gendo gone, perhaps they had the chance to live a normal life now. She began work on her patient...
*
Fuyutsuki stood at the stage in front of all the NERV personnel of importance. He was excited but his cool façade, practiced and mastered from years in the presence of Gendo Ikari, kept his composure for him. The news he bore would please many employees. He looked from right to left, then back again.
Fuyutsuki: "NERV employees. I bring to your attention, news of what will happen to NERV and it's employees."
He paused. A murmur rippled through the crowd slowly.
Fuyutsuki: "NERV has been in discussions with the UN for some time now since the attack of external military forces."
He paused again. The murmuring had died down. Good…
Fuyutsuki: "And it has been decided, that under a new commander…"
The murmuring returned.
Fuyutsuki: "That NERV will begin implementing its services towards enforcing peace amongst the United Nations and other countries."
A loud murmuring. A lot of it sounded positive. Fuyutsuki allowed himself a small smile.
Fuyutsuki: "I have been designated as your new commander. I hope we can work well together."
The talking was fairly loud now. Fuyutsuki smiled and left the stage. As he walked through the audience, he took his time to mingle with the crowd.
*
Watching Fuyutsuki from the shadows, Gendo Ikari smiled. Everything was going according to plan for him.
Gendo: [from the ashes of it's previous self, a newly empowered phoenix rises]
Things were beginning to fall into place. His goal now, seemed closer than before. Behind him, the door opened. And in walked Kaoru.
Kaoru: "When do I reveal myself to Shinji-kun again?"
Gendo: "When the time is right."
Kaoru: "For a lilim, your skills in deception are extraordinary."
Gendo: "I have had practice."
Kaoru: "Indeed. The Four Horsemen have confirmed their coming."
Gendo: "When?"
Kaoru: "Once you have the Fourth Children."
Gendo looked out over his former employees.
Gendo: "I see."
*
In a hospital room, Shinji Ikari slowly opens his eyes. He recognizes the room almost instantly. The pale, sterile, white walls glared an angry light at him as he squinted and tried to shift for comfort in the bed. A figure shifting at the edge of his peripheral vision caught his attention.
It was Asuka.
Shinji: (whispering) "No…"
***
AUTHOR NOTE: (warning idiotic ranting) Well, that's that for now, hmm... I wish I could really put in something funny here but I can't, so I'll just smile.
=) =D =P* =0
ermm..yes.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my fic. It'll still be continued, this is by no means the end. Umm..hmm...I'm looking for some pre-readers. If you want to be a pre-reader, feel free to e-mail me at:
snoopy101@optushome.com.au
I don't really use icq or msn, but yeah, give me a yell and we'll get talking.
Anyway, stuff that will be accepted in the mail by my PR team:
all constructive criticism and feedback would be appreciated (... - rei),
compliments will be cherished (father said i did a good job - shinji),
flames will be accepted as well ;D (anta baka!? - asuka)
Well, I'll leave you now before this author's note ends up being longer than the fic ^_^
Note from the author:
Disclaimer:
Neon Genesis Evangelion and all related characters, concepts, etc., are
property of ADVision and Gainax
Well, I've been a fan of evangelion for some time now, reading many fics. But this is my first attempt at a fic. I will try to keep the characters from getting OOC, but if I do, please just tell me and I'll see what I can do.
Note, send all feedback to:
snoopy101@optushome.com.au
All constructive feedback will be noted and if I get enough to warrant change, I will make a revised version, no matter how many times required, hopefully it should be okay.
It is an AU fic, and 3rd Impact had been started, Shinji, revives everyone but there's something wrong.
Anyway, on with the story…
===
Chapter 1: R & R? Stands for Release & Retribution…
===
Shinji awoke with a sudden start. His room was pitched into darkness but from the dim light filtering through his window, he could make out his now "familiar" ceiling in Misato's apartment. He pawed at a sweaty forehead, almost expecting to find the bloody hole in it from his nightmare. It was his father's fault he was like this.
The digital clock on his bedside table clicked over to 6:09 AM. The sun had yet to rise so it was still dark in the Katsuragi Apartment. Looking down at himself, his sheets and himself were damp and moist from sweat and he figured a bath was in order.
Shinji: (May as well get up now…) …
He slid off his bed towards his door.
*
Asuka awoke with a sudden start. Her room was dark and for some reason, it frightened her to the point of disorientation. Her frantic eyes searched left and right around the room as she felt across her body for the long, slashing stabs and wounds from the copies of the Lance of Longinus. It had been so real. Unlike other people's dreams, hers seemed to be merely a darker version of her memories.
Asuka: (What the hell am I doing?! I am calm. It was a stupid nightmare. Only children get scared of stupid nightmares) …
Asuka continued thinking the same phrase over as she began to convince herself that it was just 'another stupid nightmare'. Looking down at her arm, the long scare was a tell-tale fact that the 'stupid nightmare' had been reality. The other wounds had faded, the power of copies of the Lances of Longinus had faded off allowing the wounds to be diagnosable using the same organic growth technology the EVAs used. Her eye haunted her. It was a flaring jade green instead now. Whereas her other eye was the same deep blue that had caused so many boys' hearts to flutter. The damage by the Lances had been erratic. Erratic to the point that some damage was rectified better than other parts where she had been hurt.
She knew she was uglier now. And it pained her to think that she couldn't play around with boys like she was once able to. Now the stupid males would think themselves superior.
The thoughts only served to get her grumpier. Irate, she decided that a bath would be a good thing so early in the morning. It would help her relax.
Crawling off her bed, she headed towards the bathroom.
*
Shinji's vision was blurry the moment he stepped out his door. The web of sleep still clung to his eyes and the change in light caused him to be disoriented as he stumbled towards what he thought was the door to the bathroom. The stress of the past five weeks had compacted down on him and he seriously needed to relax. Unfortunately what he thought for him was the bathroom door, was actually Asuka in her pale yellow sleeping t-shirt.
Shinji: (Funny…I thought the light was turned off in the bathroom?)…!
He collided with something lumpy and soft. His mind at once ran through a scan of what was happening and his faculty of seeing returned to him. Vision sharpened at once to be staring into yellow cloth.
Shinji: (That wasn't the bathroom door…that was…oh shi~)
Asuka: HEEEEEEEEEEEE-ENTAI!
Too late. Before Shinji could extricate himself, he was hit across the forehead by a fist coming from the only person who could hit him so accurately. Asuka.
Dropping to the floor like a stone, Shinji tried to scramble away as he was hit again, this time in the stomach. He managed to escape panting on the floor as he tried to gather his breath back.
Asuka: How could you! You- You pervert! I bet you knew I was coming out so you planned that!
Shinji's anger compacted itself a into a little white ball.
Asuka: You're pathetic!
Shinji's little ball of anger became tighter.
Asuka: Perverted idiot!
Shinji's little ball of anger blew up into a white hot raging explosion reminiscent of an Angel Battle.
Shinji: SHUT UP YOU BITCH!
Asuka: …!
Shinji: You know full well I was asleep and I couldn't have planned it!
Asuka: …Y-Yeah! Well how could I have told that you were actually asleep? All you perverts are the same! Waiting for the perfect opportunity!
Shinji: SHUT UP! YOU KNOW DAMN WELL I DIDN'T PLAN IT! Who would want to look at an ugly bitch like you anyway?!
Shinji's retort stunned Asuka. As she considered the words her own rage blew up.
Asuka: Y-You You!
Shinji was beyond control now. Like his EVA, he snarled in a pent up rage that only a restrained man could have. With a speed neither knew he could possess he grabbed at Asuka's throat and his hands closed round her soft neck.
Asuka: (gasp)
Shinji: DIE! You're always putting me down and insulting me! Do you know how much it hurts?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA?!
He shook Asuka and her face clearly showed her horror. At that moment, Misato chose to show herself.
Misato: SHINJI! GET AWAY FROM HER!
Misato dealt a blow to Shinji's ribs that made him double up. And it seemed to have a waking effect on him. As Misato hobbled over towards the two Children, Shinji crumpled to the ground and cried. He was mumbling something over and over inaudibly.
Shinji: I'm sorry Asuka…
Asuka just stumbled back against the wall panting. Her frightened eyes looking down at Shinji as her brain registered the fact that he had just tried to kill her. His words echoed in her head and they grew louder for her as her tears sprung to her eyes.
Asuka: Shinji…
Shinji: Save it…
He did something he was quite familiar doing. He ran.
Misato: SHINJI!
He didn't know where he was running, but he was in shorts and a shirt and it was cold outside. He ran on without knowing where to go. He couldn't turn back now. He was a danger to himself and all those he loved. He had just tried to kill Asuka when what he wanted was the opposite. He wanted to love Asuka. His feelings were there. He just…couldn't say them. It was as though there was a psychological wall blocking him off from communicating with her.
He heard Misato's screams behind him. He ignored them. He just ran.
On top of the building stood three lone figures, watching the harrowed boy run into the distance.
Fuyutski: You intend to use this don't you?
Shadowed figure: Yes. The old men are gone, there is no one left to stop me.
Fuyutski: (He sounds just like Ikari) You called me up here. For what? Who are you?
Upon Fuyutski's beckoning, the figure stepped out of the shadows. His hair was a silvery grey, his eyes a blank, blood red. His tall ominous form framed the glowing glasses that reflected the moonlight. Right down to his gloves, the figure was instantly recognizable.
Fuyutski: Ikari…! You can't be!
Horror filled the old man's face as he realized what this was.
Gendo: Yes. I am the second. I may be the second. But I will be the first.
Fuyutski: You cloned yourself?!
Gendo: In much the same process as Rei was cloned. Yes. It was only a matter of time before my expiry date was reached. This way, I can cheat death.
Fuyutski: The first. So you will carry out your plans?
Gendo: Yes.
Gendo looked up at the moonlight and it enhanced his now quicksilver hair and reflective glasses. The second figure behind Fuyutski and Gendo smirked. Up until now, he had been unnoticed by Fuyutski. But this time, Fuyutski knew who he was.
Fuyutski: Tabris…
The name was like venom on his tongue. As if to confirm it, Kaoru began humming the old tune, 'Ode to Joy'. Fear crept over Fuyutski. Something that did not happen often.
*
Back in Misato's apartment, Misato had convinced Asuka to a chat. The 'chat' began to end up like a lecture from Misato.
Misato: You have to understand. He has gone through a lot you know. He~
Asuka: What about me?! I WENT THROUGH A BLOODY COMA~! Whilst he got it easy and was off fighting and doing his little things!
Misato: (infuriated) is that what you really think Ms. Sohryu? Did it ever occur to you that he kept his vigil over you? Visiting you day and night? Praying that you would come back to him? Have you ever thought that he might actually want to be here and care for you?
Asuka: HE JUST TRIED TO KILL ME!
Misato: Only because you treat him like shit! If Shinji didn't care so much about you, he would probably have tried sooner!
Asuka: …
Misato: (calming down) Look…Asuka…Shinji will probably kill me for this but…While you were gone, I believe he might have actually come to terms with the fact that he might have actually LOVED you. He may not be able to say it. But he does love you. Hell he probably wants you to feel the same too.
Asuka: That's bullshit. He couldn't love me. (quieter) No one loves me…
Misato: He does! Are you blind?! You think about how he treated you in comparison to others! Shinji cares Asuka. He really does. And he's been through more than what a man double his could go through. I don't know what you're going to do now. But I'm going to go bring Shinji back. And you have a long think about what you've just found out.
*
Gendo and Fuyutski had long since left the apartment complex, leaving Kaoru behind.
Kaoru: Interesting…
*
His arms hurt, his lungs felt like they were going to drag him down towards the ground heavily. It seemed as though his body could never get enough breath; but it was so desperate feelings that if he could just get a little more air in with each breathe, his body would be fine. Shinji had begun to wheeze as he ran along the cold, empty streets of Tokyo-3. His breath played like a fine silky mist amongst the needle thin, drops that rained down from the sky. His hair matted to his face and occasionally parts of it would get in his eye, blocking out pieces of the world around him. His shirt became a second skin to him and his shorts scraped against the skin on his thighs.
The wind began chilling his skin exhausted from stress and lack of food, Shinji collapsed. Falling sideways and crashing into a park bench. There was a sickening snap of bone as his arm broke but the young Ikari was already out cold.
Around the corner, the familiar looking car of Misato's, skidded to a stop nudging against the rubble from a fallen wall.
*
Asuka: (recalling what Misato has said) "I'm going to go bring Shinji back. And you have a long think about what you've just been told."
As Misato made her way to the door, Asuka followed her, tugging on her jacket.
Misato: "Where do you think you're going?"
Asuka: "I'm coming to help."
As she was obviously trying to mask an ulterior motive, Misato chose not to say anything.
Asuka: "God knows what that baka could do to himself."
Misato: "…"
In the elevator on the way down to the car park, all was silent in the cramped space. There was obviously an air of conflict inside. Asuka stood fuming as she thought back over the conversation she had with Misato.
Asuka: [stupid woman, what the hell would she know!? I'll tell her…]
The elevator doors opened.
Misato ran out to avoid a talk with Asuka.
*
From the roof of a nearby building, Tabris, the angel of choice stopped humming. The rain sprinkled lightly on him, giving off a sort of silvery glow that highlighted his milky skin in the moonlight.
Kaoru: Poor Shinji-kun.
Leaping down from the building, he began walking towards the old NERV Base. Time was not of the essence to him at the moment, unlike his lilim captors.
Kaoru: [perhaps that is why the lilim live for such a short time?]
*
The car fishtailed as Misato slammed on the brakes, skidding to a parallel stop a few meters away from Shinji's body. Two doors swung open and an alarmed Misato rushed to his side followed by a disgusted Asuka.
Asuka: [Idiot…]
Misato: "Oh my God! Shinji!"
Misato nursed the Third Child's arm as Asuka stood by, watching the proceedings. In an awkward silence, she grudgingly crouched down next to Shinji's figure.
Asuka: "Look at what the idiot's done. Running off like that. What a wimp!"
Misato: (slaps Asuka) "Shut Up! All you've ever been is ungrateful towards Shinji!"
Asuka returned Misato's angry glare. She looked like she was on the verge of lashing out. She looked like a young spoilt child then, like someone hesitating on whether to rebel or not. The two continued their glaring match when Shinji let out a small whimper.
Misato: "Shinji! Hang on! Look…(returning her gaze to Asuka) stop gawking and help me here."
Asuka snarled something under her breath as she grudgingly picked up her unconscious roommate by the feet, twisting his torso dangerously. Shinji winced and yelped as his broken wrist was disturbed.
Misato was on the verge of stepping across and slapping Asuka again if she didn't have her arms full with Shinji. They shuffled slowly towards the car, easing him into the back seat.
Once again, Misato's car drifted off into the night, heading towards the NERV medical facilities where Ritsuko, Maya and the remainder of the NERV staff would be residing.
*
In the dark environment of Central Dogma, Gendo Ikari's clone conversed with the newly appointed NERV commander, Kouzou Fuyutsuki.
Fuyutsuki: "NERV has been sanctioned to peace keeping duties by the UN."
Gendo: "I see."
Fuyutsuki: "The bypass worked. SEELE no longer exists."
Gendo: "Indeed."
Fuyutsuki: "How?"
Gendo: "It will all come to surface in time…All things do."
Fuyutsuki: "Why Tabris? Why is he even here?"
Gendo: "Tabris' mentality does not register the fact that the bypass has occurred. He is here and confused. To him, Lilith should be here, but he cannot sense her. He was once eliminated by my son. I have merely brought him back as a puppet. He will serve my purpose, being the most powerful of Angels."
Fuyutsuki: "He is the angel of 'choice'. "
Gendo: "I am well aware of his namesake."
Fuyutsuki: "How then?"
Gendo: (smirks) "Persuasion…"
*
Rei was sitting in the corridors of NERV's hospital. She had been staying here since her apartment block was destroyed. The NERV staff of E-Project also resided here. Unlike what the majority of people thought, Rei paid acute attention to all that was going on around her.
Rei: [Dr. Ritsuko Akagi is here. She is walking towards me. Lt. Maya Ibuki is with her. Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki is also here.]
Fuyutsuki strolled down the hallway, as he passed people, he told them to head to the main boardroom in the east wing. Upon sighting Rei he made his way over to her.
Fuyutsuki: "Pilot Ayanami."
Rei: "Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki."
Fuyutsuki: (smiles) "Ah, that would be Commander. Fuyutsuki."
Rei: "…"
For a rare moment, Rei is disoriented. This was something she was not made aware of. Confusion began to set into her uneasy mind, and it was showing on her face. Fuyutsuki noticed this.
Fuyutsuki: "I see you need some explanation. Well, follow the remainder of the crew down to the Amphitheatre and all will be made clear."
Rei: "Understood."
*
Ritsuko Akagi stood at the end of the hallway watching Rei and Fuyutsuki having a quiet word. Maya was next to her. As Rei left, Ritsuko approached Fuyutsuki.
Ritsuko: "I have to get to the car park. Misato just called. Apparently she's stuffed up again and Shinji's hurt himself."
Fuyutsuki: "Understood. Do what you need to. I'll brief you on the events later. Some medical staff will be sent down soon to help you."
Ritsuko nodded as Fuyutsuki took his leave. She turned and walked down to the car park. She hated this place. It seemed to reflect her life. It was a dank, gray place with plain shades and the ever present stains of grime everywhere. Her life was full of dirty secrets. It was dull, and she regretted many things that she did.
Ritsuko: [it's amazing Misato even still talks to me]
Almost as if on cue, Misato's infamous car, known for its amazing ability to stay on the road, no matter how bad Misato drove, came swerving down the entry ramp. In an almost freaky sense of skill, it skidded a few centimeters away from a pillar and comes to a stop, perfectly parked in a car spot. Exiting from the car, Misato rushes round to the back doors of her car to start picking up Shinji.
Ritsuko: "You know Misato, you're damn lucky you've still got a car, but you insist on driving like a maniac all the time."
Misato: "Oh shut up you. Just have a look at Shinji"
She and Asuka lugged Shinji onto a stretcher that was prepared by the medical team which had arrived.
Asuka: "Damn, that idiot's gotten heavier."
Misato chose to ignore the comment. Asuka had been a lot more malevolent towards Shinji since Misato had told her about his feelings.
Misato: [she's just acting hostile because she doesn't know what her feelings are…]
Ritsuko: "You two, head to the Amphitheatre, Fuyutsuki's gathering everyone there."
Misato: "Okay, c'mon Asuka."
Asuka: "I know already! I heard her you know!"
Misato: "Argh…"
The two conflicting roommates run off. Ritsuko looks down at Shinji. Shinji's face, despite all he had been through recently, reflected an odd sense of peace in his unconscious rest. It was disturbing to look at, and Ritsuko found herself unable to continue looking. The medical team had wandered off to go look for some equipment, so alone, Ritsuko decided it was best to start trying to get a general diagnosis first off.
Ritsuko: (mumbling to herself) Fever…
Looking down at Shinji's swollen wrist, she prodded it softly. The wince and shifting of Shinji showed that there was pain.
Ritsuko: (mumbling) Broken Wrist…
She stood up straight again and sighed. Life was so tough on these pilots. With Gendo gone, perhaps they had the chance to live a normal life now. She began work on her patient...
*
Fuyutsuki stood at the stage in front of all the NERV personnel of importance. He was excited but his cool façade, practiced and mastered from years in the presence of Gendo Ikari, kept his composure for him. The news he bore would please many employees. He looked from right to left, then back again.
Fuyutsuki: "NERV employees. I bring to your attention, news of what will happen to NERV and it's employees."
He paused. A murmur rippled through the crowd slowly.
Fuyutsuki: "NERV has been in discussions with the UN for some time now since the attack of external military forces."
He paused again. The murmuring had died down. Good…
Fuyutsuki: "And it has been decided, that under a new commander…"
The murmuring returned.
Fuyutsuki: "That NERV will begin implementing its services towards enforcing peace amongst the United Nations and other countries."
A loud murmuring. A lot of it sounded positive. Fuyutsuki allowed himself a small smile.
Fuyutsuki: "I have been designated as your new commander. I hope we can work well together."
The talking was fairly loud now. Fuyutsuki smiled and left the stage. As he walked through the audience, he took his time to mingle with the crowd.
*
Watching Fuyutsuki from the shadows, Gendo Ikari smiled. Everything was going according to plan for him.
Gendo: [from the ashes of it's previous self, a newly empowered phoenix rises]
Things were beginning to fall into place. His goal now, seemed closer than before. Behind him, the door opened. And in walked Kaoru.
Kaoru: "When do I reveal myself to Shinji-kun again?"
Gendo: "When the time is right."
Kaoru: "For a lilim, your skills in deception are extraordinary."
Gendo: "I have had practice."
Kaoru: "Indeed. The Four Horsemen have confirmed their coming."
Gendo: "When?"
Kaoru: "Once you have the Fourth Children."
Gendo looked out over his former employees.
Gendo: "I see."
*
In a hospital room, Shinji Ikari slowly opens his eyes. He recognizes the room almost instantly. The pale, sterile, white walls glared an angry light at him as he squinted and tried to shift for comfort in the bed. A figure shifting at the edge of his peripheral vision caught his attention.
It was Asuka.
Shinji: (whispering) "No…"
***
AUTHOR NOTE: (warning idiotic ranting) Well, that's that for now, hmm... I wish I could really put in something funny here but I can't, so I'll just smile.
=) =D =P* =0
ermm..yes.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my fic. It'll still be continued, this is by no means the end. Umm..hmm...I'm looking for some pre-readers. If you want to be a pre-reader, feel free to e-mail me at:
snoopy101@optushome.com.au
I don't really use icq or msn, but yeah, give me a yell and we'll get talking.
Anyway, stuff that will be accepted in the mail by my PR team:
all constructive criticism and feedback would be appreciated (... - rei),
compliments will be cherished (father said i did a good job - shinji),
flames will be accepted as well ;D (anta baka!? - asuka)
Well, I'll leave you now before this author's note ends up being longer than the fic ^_^
