Neon Genesis Evangelion - Spiritus Sancti

by Luthos Caduceus Sin

Note from the author:

Disclaimer:

Neon Genesis Evangelion and all related characters, concepts, etc., are

property of ADVision and Gainax

Well I haven't had time to receive any reviews as I only just uploaded the story. But this is the [redux] version of the third chapter of this series. It is written in a different style, one that I *hope* is unique to me alone. It's an experiment and people who review this I will be most indebted to.

I hope you prefer this style of writing as opposed to my briefer, novel style. I know that novel style is generally better etc, but I feel more capable of writing what I imagine and create with this sort of . hybrid style. Please, read and review this. I sincerely need feedback on it, hey, if you even flame me I'd be happy cuz at least I got a reaction ^_^.

=== Chapter 3: It is human nature. [redux]

===

Kaworu "of the Sea Shore" walked along the street, quietly humming Pachabel's Canon in D. The street lights in the late and darkened afternoon light him up in a throbbing beat of light and shadow at regular intervals. His silver hair seemed to have a refulgent property to it. A gently breeze blew through the street, ruffling his neat and tidy school uniform, an orthodox white shirt and black pants. He did not bother with the chill breeze. It affected him very little. His piercing red eyes drifted all around him, taking in his surroundings. The human population was as thriving as ever to him and it made him quite happy to see them going about their lives. If anything, these humans were thriving a lot better than his last visit to Earth. Smiling he spoke to no one in particular.

Kaworu: They are innocents. They live their life happily, looking after one another.

A tingling sense of a kindred soul, tickled at the back of his neck. And like a whisper of wind, he turned to be greeted by the presence of one Rei Ayanami. Her blue hair was tussled and in an informal shock around her pale face, like a highlighting frame to her exquisite features. She was by no means unattractive to Kaworu. He beamed at her and greeted her.

Kaworu: Miss Ayanami. [Pretty she may be, she is but an abomination in the eyes of those above.]

Rei did not respond, instead walking past him. Unfazed by such an act, Kaoru looked after the pretty albino with her pale blue hair. Her skirt made a soft whispering that was barely audible. And she moved with a hidden elegance that subtly revealed her training in combat.

Kaworu made a little smirk to himself and he strode up behind the girl and took her hand. The milky skin was just as soft as he though it would be, like a feather down, yet it was icily cold. He enveloped her hand with his own. As she turned around, he caught her eye and stared deep into her. Blood red met blood red as he smiled softly.

Kaworu: So, where are you off to, Ayanami?

Rei was not about to answer his question until he had let go of her. She did not like the Fifth Child. His unnatural origins were even worse than her own origins, and this made her uneasy. She had been taught by Commander Ikari to beware and treat anything she deemed unnatural with caution.

Rei: Let go of my hand.

Kaworu's interest piqued at Rei's uncontrolled request. Perhaps he was right in assuming that her body, now possessing a complete soul, could express itself more fully. He stopped smiling as he benevolently toned his voice.

Kaworu: Tell me, and I'll let you go, Rei Ayanami.

The use of her full name and his sudden seriousness stunned Rei, who did not make a show of it. She had to get rid of him. And odd feeling she could not identify was forming in her. She labeled it as annoyance before replying to Kaworu's query.

Rei: I am going to see Pilot Ikari.

Kaworu smiled and let go of her arm. She let it flop back to her side, brushing her dress and making it cling to her form in the wind.

Kaworu: Ah I see. So am I. Perhaps we should go together?

Rei had already turned half away from Kaworu, but turned back and slapped him. Her face worried itself as she sought to identify the feelings she felt. She turned away from him and began walking off in her whisper quiet way. There was nothing Kaworu could do but nurse his injury.

Kaworu: Ow.

*

Asuka: Tadaima.[No one cares anyway]

Asuka slowly opened the door to the apartment and had announced her presence already. The Apartment's hallway greeted her and it was as usual, pristinely kept, many thanks to the "House-broken male" who also occupied this apartment. The wooden floorboards looked freshly polished as she slipped off her shoes and placed them at the entrance step. Something smelled incredibly wonderful, and it seemed to waft through the air and envelop her. Curiosity won over her as she weaved her way through the hallway to reach the kitchen/living area.

There she spied the aforementioned male and another roomie, the penguin. She guessed the food was Lasagne, a favorite of hers, but there was something peculiar about the scene in front of her. Shinji was bent over the old fashioned oven Misato had, and Pen Pen was at his side, looking into the oven too. Shinji was talking to Pen Pen as if it was coherent of what he was saying.

Asuka: [stupid animal, as if it could understand that moron.then again it's probably smarter than that moron.]

The Second Child decided to keep quiet and listen to what Shinji was talking about. It could prove interesting. She had found that in the time she had known the Third Child, he never said anything out loud in the presence of others where it could be heard and taken advantage of. He was subconsciously a wonderful secret keeper. This wasn't surprising to Asuka considering his father and how much of a bastard Gendo Ikari could be.

Shinji: So how's the tuna? I found it at the supermarket, it must be a new brand, I haven't seen that one before.

Pen Pen gave a waggle and warked in response. To the red-headed Second- Child, it really did seem as if the penguin could comprehend Shinji's monologue.

Shinji: Ah, I don't know Pen Pen. You reckon Asuka will like this? I mean, she is always complaining about Japanese food.

The mentioning of her name got Asuka to pay even more attention to the boy's monologue.

Shinji: I like her, I really do. I just don't know how to deal with her. She's so full of life.

All Asuka could do was stare at the boy. The heat of the oven made the room warm as he opened it and was enveloped by a warm red glow from the heating inside the oven. It made him appear sinister and well.rather good looking, as did anything in red appear to Asuka.

Shinji: She.I.envy her, she's so strong. She's enthusiastic, she takes everything head on.

He lifts up the Lasagne onto the kitchen bench, pulling off his baking gloves.

Shinji: But.she's just so.stubborn? I can kinda see where Touji and Kensuke get the 'Red-Headed Devil' bit from.

By now, Pen Pen was snacking on another tuna fish and just nodded it's head as the Second Child looked on. It turned and saw her, and suddenly decided that the frosty tuna was the finest piece of tuna it had ever seen in existence. That last comment about Touji and Kensuke's moniker for her had stung. Gritting her teeth, the aforementioned "Red-headed Devil" quietly cleared her throat. The effect of the simple gesture was profound.

Shinji promptly straightened up and almost jumped onto the kitchen bench as he turned wildly in her direction. When he spoke his voice came out as a high pitched squeal. Not a very manly thing to do at a time like that in Asuka's humble opinion.

Shinji: A-Asuka~!

She could hardly keep the snide amusement out of her voice, and she changed her tone of voice into one that could make Shinji just shrivel up. She moved a little closer and as she did so, Shinji's crumpling process already began as he seemed to shrink before her. The green and beige of the kitchen managed to make him look all the smaller to the girl. Oh yes, she was going to have fun.

Asuka: Helloooo Third Child.my, it looks like you've been busy. (A/N: horrible writing. Sorry.)

A small silence ensued as Shinji picked his words. The ticking of the kitchen clock seemed to be all the more present and by now, Pen Pen had decided this would be the best time to seek shelter from the war that was inevitably about to happen. He gulped down the rest of his tuna and quietly snuck into his fridge, getting a pleading look from Shinji in the process. Shinji had finished thinking up his answer and decided to voice it. It was time for shock tactics, the only way you could get rid of Asuka, Shinji Ikari style.

Shinji: Yes.Y-Yes I have and now, if you'll excuse me, I need to finish this.

Asuka looked on at the boy with a shocked look on her face and remained so as he walked up to her and turned her by the shoulders. He promptly pushed the small of her back, forcing her to walk forward and he bustled her through the kitchen/living room, and into her room before he promptly pushed her onto her bed, ran out and closed the door behind him.

Asuka: H-Hey! Watch it, idiot! Whaddya think you're doing?!

In an inexplicable display of spine, Shinji felt annoyed and it showed. He clumsily yelled back at her. He had had enough with the Second Child. If only everything could fit

Shinji: Shut up! Stay in there until I call you."

He immediately looked around, and with the speed a panicked teenager facing death could only possess, Shinji packed a broom against the groove of the Second Child's door. He quietly thanked Misato for listening to Asuka and convincing her to get a more westernized door that made it easier to jam. Panting, he slowly moved away from the door, hoping the Second Child would have assumed he had left already. But he was proven wrong as Asuka had recovered from her previous shock.

Asuka: Like Hell I'll listen to you!"

*clack*

Asuka: Hey! What the Hell?! Third Child you are a dead one when I get out!

Shinji sweat-dropped as he moved through the living room. He didn't want to think about what sort of a dead "one" he would be. He just had to finish his masterpiece.

As he returned to cooking, Pen Pen tentatively made his way to the kitchen to watch his chef cook the strange looking red meal.

*

Misato Katsuragi was perplexed. On the table before her lay an old fashiond CD from Pre-Second Impact. It was a solid black that didn't have anything on it but a satanic cross, it was really just a Christian Cross turned upside down so that the bit above the horizontal arms was longer than that below it. A bit like a sword. It was a dull black, unlike other CDs, this one didn't seem to reflect any light, but rather sucked it all in. The cross itself was an intriguing metallic red.

She began to reach for the disk.

Fuyutsuki: Sub-Commander Katsuragi.

Fuyutsuki had that habit of being able to sneak up on her unannounced and it disturbed her greatly as he walked in through the door to the now, more amply-furnished office of former Commander, Gendo Ikari. He had taken to the fact that the room would always remain icily cold, but he now rested his table on a rug and he sat in a plush leather chair that just said "Big Boss" to whoever saw it. The newly appointed Commander walked to his seat as Misato cleared her throat and returned to an "attention" position. She began to feel extremely guilty as he eyed her and considered what to say.

Fuyutsuki: Relax, Katsuragi. See anything that interested you?

Misato trembled a bit. Now the Commander would be thinking all strange thoughts about her. Not the way to resume work.

Misato: Sorry sir, don't think poorly of me. I was curious about that CD. It doesn't look like something you would.possess.

Misato hoped she had picked the right word. Fuyutsuki stared at her a moment before giving a snigger and picked up the CD between his fingers. He twirled it for a moment to show that the reflective data side on the CD was also a black, although glossier. He threw it and it danced a flashing, striking path through the air and into the grasping hands of Misato.

Fuyutsuki: Actually, this is why I called you.

Fuyutsuki paused. He had to pick this sentence carefully, he was still unsure of this entire scenario. Ikari's hand was definitely in this pie. He cleared his throat and continued.

Fuyutsuki: This.CD was on my table this morning.

There didn't seem to be anything significant about that to Misato. So the Commander received a mysterious black CD. It didn't look like a bomb or anything. She decided to answer to her curiosity and posed the question to Fuyutsuki.

Misato: And.?

Fuyutsuki smirked, he should have clarified this more. Perhaps he still needed more practice at this Commander business that Gendo had mastered so easily.

Fuyutsuki: And, there is no record of it in any and all of the security logs.

That caught Misato's attention. Being under the UN's jurisdiction, Misato had read into NERV's new security measures. The UN had it's security measures and inspections for package delivery on TOP of the rigorous security contingencies set in place by NERV's own security forces. For something so simple as a package of a CD to get through, unrecorded on NERV or UN Security logs was suspicious indeed. Surely the world's most secure organizations had the ability to check a small CD? This was something to look into.

Misato: Suspicious, sir.

Fuyutsuki smiled. At least the Major looked like she would be doing something now.

Fuyutsuki: Indeed.

*

Shinji was standing in front of Asuka's door, the empty hallway had suddenly been given a moping sort of presence to it as Misato opened the door. The sight of Shinji at Asuka's door was oddly cute, but considering the two Children's actions of late, she was hard pressed to find either of them cute. That was when she decided to lighten up the mood. She crept up next to the Third Child who had his back to her, and she wailed into his ear.

Misato: Tadaiiiima~! (A/N Again I had to include that horrid bit of writing)

The effect was somewhat comical and Misato broke down into near hysterics as the boy gave a churlish yelp and whirled in a panic to face his guardian. His face immediately paled and his voice turned into a severe stammer which rose several octaves in a sliding scale as he spoke.

Shinji: M-M-Mi-Misato!

Misaro: Hello Shinji, what are you up to?

Even though nothing really happened, as Misato suspected, Shinji would hardly be able to keep himself from sounding guilty when being all riled up like this. [He's so hopeless at defending himself.] She quietly thought to herself.

Shinji: N-Nothing I was about to call Asuka out for dinner!

Upon the mention of her name, said Asuka ripped open her door, giving the poor boy a near-coronary. She snarled at him in a way that could only make him crumple further; so much for his newfound spine.

Asuka: Dinner?! It's about time dummkopf!

She bopped him on the shoulder and made her way to the table where she was greeted by a remarkable dinner setting with a hot lasagna sitting in the middle, and salads to go. Her surprise was second to none and she took a moment to hide her joy at the vision.

Asuka: B-Baka-Shinji~! You cooked this?!

It seemed everyone was on a stuttering run.

Shinji: Y-yeah.

Upon hearing Asuka's surprise at the food, Misato's own attention and curiosity got the better of her as she made her own way to inspect the food. And indeed, as Asuka had claimed, a lovely meal was set out before her in all it's Japanese Italian imitation style.

Misato: Shinji-kun! This is magnificent!

The flowery mood was infectious and Asuka snarled in a sideways glance at Shinji.

Auka: I'll kill you later.

There was a brief pause from Shinji before he considered his actions. He shrugged. A most unexpected reaction from the boy and a big surprise on part of the girl. It only served to anger her futher.

Asuka: Why you~

Misato: Just sit down and eat Asuka. Try to enjoy the meal please?

Misato had already seated herself and was carving up a slice of lasagna for herself.

Asuka: You just want to pig out Misato.

Asuka haughtily sat down and Shinji served her a slice. Misato wolfed down the first mouthful and gave a sort of yelp, somewhere between surprise and glee. She began wolfing down the food with the hunger of someone who had not eaten well for a while.

Misato: Hey Shinji, thish foode ish greath!

Misato was dropping bits of food out of her mouth and making a mess as she ate. This did not go unnoticed by either of the Children as Asuka pointed out something about swallowing your food before you speak. Shinji on the other hand was too happy to notice.

Shinji: Uhh.Thanks Misato.

A small silence followed as the three roomies concentrated on gorging themselves with the good food. The silence was a welcoming, healing balm for the peace that was needed between the three. That is, until Misato executed her patented Katsuragi-silence-breaker. Her voice rang out like the sharp dropping of a pin.

Misato: Soooo. (A/N: I have a habit of writing long words when they're "said")

Both Children looked up from their food with full mouths staring at Misato so intently that it threw her off for a couple of seconds. She promptly recovered and continued. This was just too eerie for her, as Shinji had never acted this way and Asuka was too quiet.

Misato: Shinji, was there some reason you suddenly up and cooked a gourmet delight for us?

Another small silence as Shinji considered his reply. Asuka had taken this opportunity to help herself to pieces of carrot from the cold salad. An evil thought passed through her head, and her "Wunderbar" smile was barely hidden as she turned away and pretended to clear her throat. She hardly got a glance from either roomie.

Shinji: Well.

Asuka: *Crunch* (A/N: SFX are written with the asterisks, sorry.)

All eyes were on Asuka as she chomped down the carrot and swallowed. Shinji sighed and decided to ignore the Second Child and continued on. She was always doing strange things, that girl.

Shinji: I thought that this.

Asuka: *SNAP*

Shinji: .should be a.

Asuka: *munch*

Shinji: .peace offering considering all the problems I've given you.

Asuka: *CRUNCH-GULP*

Misato gave Asuka a glare usually reserved for Kaji and the redhead shut up. She turned back to Shinji with a smile. And decided to set the poor boy's fears to rest and she spoke with a brief glance at Asuka.

Misato: Well, Shinji, I think you're forgiven.

Shinji's relief at that statement was visible as he lowered his sights and looked down at the table, his brown hair just hiding his eyes from view. He looked as though chains of pain and the weight of sorrow had been lifted from his shoulders as he whispered his reply.

Shinji: Thank you.

*

Rei Ayanami stood outside the door to the "Katsuragi Apartment", renowned for it's parties and the two children who part occupied it. The big green door had a large look of wear and tear on it, and the polished metal was a dull gleam now.

Her hand was raised, as if she was going to press the doorbell. A way back, Kaworu Nagisa was smirking. His mirth seemed to radiate around the corridor and conflicted with the air of indifference sprouting from the First Child. His demeanor was oddly off-putting for the albino girl.

Kaworu: Why do you hesitate Miss Ayanami? Did you not wish to see the Third Child?

Rei: Yes. But I feel it is not appropriate to do so at this time.

Kaworu: Well I suppose it is okay considering you finally got a complete soul.

Kaworu smiled inwardly, he knew this was a sensitive subject with the emotionally inept girl. She was always trying to find her identity, and something that could rile her up so easily simply gave him the greatest pleasure. As Rei Ayanami stepped up to face him, he saw something not expected there, in those red eyes of hers.

Something like annoyance reflected in the blood red eyes of the girl and she turned away before heading back downstairs to head home. Her aloof air was uncharacteristic of her, although to anyone else but Kaworu, it would appear to them as her usual indifference.

Kaworu: Not the right time, huh?

The affronted angel smiled after the girl and nodded as he too turned to make his way back. He caught up with the first child. He should be more friendly to the beautiful first child. He could not abide by her very existence, but he would try to. And in doing so, perhaps he might gain an insight into the Third Child's lovely abundance of compassion.

Kaworu: Miss Ayanami, I'm sorry. We seem to have taken off on the wrong foot.

Rei Ayanami was not impressed. And if she was, she didn't show it anyway, as per usual.

Rei: .

[ a tad cold response. ] Kaworu thought to himself. Perhaps a change of tact would be more helpful to the situation.

Kaworu: I would very much like it if you and I were friends.

Rei made a small sound, very very similar to what most people would call a "sigh of exasperation".

Rei: You are an Angel, Tabris. The last of the enemy. I do not wish to be friends with the enemy.

Kaworu was not going to give up so easily. Rei was not going to continue this further without more probing from him.

Kaworu: That can change. You know full well that I am the Angel of Choice.

He gave the girl a soft smile that would have melted most young, unattached women's hearts.

Kaworu: I have changed that already. You know full well of Gendo Ikari's secondary scenario.

Rei: I do. You should not be here.

Kaworu: Unyet I am? Do you not think that a tiny bit peculiar?

Rei: Yes.

She had to admit, he was right this time. And she had a feeling of.apprehension, yes that was the feeling, as he smiled at her again.

Kaworu: Come. Allow me to take you to a place for.coffee. Let us talk more.

Kaworu held his hand out towards the girl. She stared at it, then at him, but did not take the hand. Instead she verbally replied in a rather indifferent tone.

Rei: That is acceptable.

As they walked down the road, Rei asked Kaworu a question. An important question that would decipher the entire future of humanity.

Rei: We are destined to destroy ourselves are we not?

Kaworu paused. Before nodding slowly.

Kaworu: It is.human nature.

The emphasis on the word human, would have sent a chill down anyone's spine.

===

Author's Note: Finally! The "Alter" version of Spiritus Sancti is complete! Take a read! Have a look! Hopefully you'll all like it! Either way it's taken me a really long time as I've got other work and commitments everywhere.

Anyhow, I hope this has been a much better version of chapter 3, I've tried to get things descriptive BASED on the third chapter of the original but that's actually a lot harder than I thought. Writing a fresh copy is actually the easiest for me. So you can expect chapter 4 to be pretty much in this same format.

A note about the last conversation of this chapter, the one between Kaworu and Rei Ayanami, it's a little hard for me to add more description as in my opinion, Kaworu is so in tune with those around him as his 'love' for everyone binds him to other beings of existence (whilst he is in flesh mode) - I know in the series he doesn't go deep about explaining his love but he does have an air of respecting everyone else. And well, Rei Ayanami is just too indifferent (I use that word a LOT to describe her, it's the best word I felt would fit her) to actually warrant much description.

Surprisingly, I find myself imagining this last scene a lot more clearly than the rest, but then again, I am the author.Anyway, please read and review and I hope you think this is better than before :)