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Cherry Waterfall
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a Neon Genesis Evangelion fan fic

By: Hatti Lee*
Also known as:
Saiyajin Peach
Saiyajin Peach 18
Amalthea*
Beloved Animosity

Contact: Beloved_Animosity@sbcglobal.net

Started: 10.2.3


Pairing: Shinji X Kaworu

Author's Notes: Here we go with a LONG chapter! ^_^ Not many more to go... It'll be over soon. I have to apologize... I haven't proof read this yet and there may be more spelling and grammar errors than normal. Again, I apologize. Please try to overlook them.

Warnings: This is a yaoi fic, which means it contains intimacy between two males. If you're uncomfortable with that, I suggest you turn back now. Also, this fic will most likely contain violence, language, and graphic sexual content. If you're underage, please turn back now. You've been warned!

Disclaimer: Neon Genesis Evangelion and its characters are not my own, and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this. So, please don't sue me!!!

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Chapter XVII: Escape
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Shinji:

Kaworu's pinky finger on his left hand is broken. There's a large gash on his back. Neither injury healed like the idiot scientists thought they would.

My head aches and I have a black eye, or so Kaworu tells me. I can't even imagine what I must look like. A real mess for sure, I haven't looked in a mirror for days. I have a number of bruises, but they aren't of much concern. I've grown accustomed to the camera and Kaworu and I have made love a number of times in the past week. It seems to be the only escape. I've also adapted to the temperature. The cold doesn't bother me so much and I find myself sleeping uncovered fairly often.

I stretch and yawn, sitting up and swinging around. My wrists and ankles are bound much like Kaworu's now. After I asked for a few small comforts, the guards began teasing and poking at me and for some strange reason, stress I guess, I went crazy. I kicked and clawed and screamed. Kaworu said I looked like a wild feline and I laughed. The guards roughed me up and it was decided that I too be kept in restraints. Now I have bruised, broken, scabbed flesh at my wrists and ankles, much like Kaworu.

I rise to my feet once the blood has finished rushing down from my head, and I make my way to the corner and to the toilet. As I'm relieving myself, I hear stirring and soon, cold hands are kissing my skin in an intimate greeting. I smile at Kaworu as he joins me in an evening piss.

You look beautiful. He says through a smile, his head tilted somewhat as if he were inspecting my looks to be sure he was correct.

I blush and step back to the bed, taking a seat. I watch as he finishes up and turns to me. We're nude despite our restraints, having torn the flimsy clothing away. He comes close and traces my right eye with the softest touch, his little finger extended at an awkward angle.

What exactly is a bruise? Scientifically, I mean. He says, taking a seat beside me, leaning forward and kissing my shiner.

I chuckle, shaking my head. It amazes me, the things that turn Kaworu on, Well... Something to do with skin and muscle getting crushed when you get hit or something. I say, remembering back to my school days and almost missing them.

But why do they turn this color? He asks, his hands still on my face.

The blood comes to the surface. I whisper as he kisses my eye again. He begins to pull away and I lean forward, capturing his lips with mine. Our passion is slow and comforting. We move close and let the warmth build between our bodies.

For some reason, this day we've been left alone. Left to rest and simply be together in this horrid little white room. Before we get too worked up, we hear the all too familiar sound of keys and footsteps. Seconds later the door is opening and Candice is stepping in with our dinner.

She doesn't react to our nudity as she normally does, joking and teasing. In fact, she doesn't even notice. She sets out trays down on the floor and picks up the old ones. Her expression is glum and she doesn't make eye contact.

I ask curiously, concerned. She is, after all, the only friend we have here.

She turns and glances back at the guard behind her, Could you give me a minute? She asks.

What for? He scoffs, chuckling as if her suggestion was the dumbest, most pointless thing he'd ever heard.

Her expression turns fierce and I'm taken aback, Cause they're my friends! Cause this is the last time I'll see em! Can't you give me one damn minute alone with them!

His eyes are wide, but he recovers quickly, No need to get hostile! You can have your damn minute. Just make it quick. And with that he slams the door shut, no doubt just on the other side.

Now I'm really concerned, not only for Candice, but for us, Candice, what's happened? Kaworu asks. I glance to see worry evident on his fine features.

She sighs, Gotta keep quiet. He's just outside. And the camera, no audio, but can't seem suspicious. She whispers, seemingly talking to herself.

She straightens her posture with resolve and spits it out, They're gonna be taking you to Germany, Angel.

My skin pales and my face slackens, I whisper, knowing nothing good can follow such news.

Kaworu takes it well, And Shinji? His voice appears calm, smooth, and under control.

He's staying here. They're gonna let him out of this place, make him go home. I heard Mr. Ikari say it was a bad idea to bring him here anyway. Her voice is soft, yet it cracks now and then with sorrow. Her chocolate eyes are watery and I can tell she's truly upset.

I use all my strength to hold back the tears, I manage.

Soon. Days. The last comes out in hardly a breath as the door opens and the guard sticks his fat head in.

You done yet?! He bellows.

Candice smacks him over the head with the empty trays she's holding, Just a minute. She growls in annoyance. He grumbles a few obscenities, but again shuts the door.

She says hurriedly, I don't know much about Angels, but I know you're not evil like they think. And I know you don't deserve this either, Shinji. I know this is only gonna get worse for you two. I'm from America, Texas in fact. I'm married here, but I got a brother and a sister still there livin' with my momma. If you two can think of a way to get out of here, I can get you to America and you can stay with my family. Her words are so rushed it's hard to even understand. Again, the last is rushed as the guard pokes his head in again.

He all but yells.

She lifts her chin high, Yes, I'm done. Now get outta my way. And seconds later she's gone and the door is closed and Kaworu and I are left in stunned silence.

Minutes pass before I finally turn to him,

His lips twitch into a smile, Texas. It's warm there, ne?

I can't help but smile as we come together, our lips meeting, If we just think of a way out of here, we can both be in Texas with tans. I all but laugh.

He laughs as well, pulling me closer for more intimate contact.

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Our joy has subsided. In the wake of good news, we made love with a different kind of passion. There was no need for escape, no need for comfort. We were simply happy, simply wanting to give and receive more of that happiness.

It didn't last. Candice had said we only had days left. Mere days. She also said we had to think of a way out of here on our own. Only then would she be able to help us.

I know it's late into the night even though we don't have a clock or a window. My body and mind feel tired and Kaworu is drowsy in my arms. I turn to look at him more directly and wait for him to realize it.

He smiles as he finally notices, He whispers, saying my name as if it were his favorite food, savoring it, letting it happen slowly.

As erotic as he can make that one word, I keep my expression serious, Kaworu, what are you capable of?

His expression becomes puzzled and he tilts his head slightly.

I sigh, Is there anything that you can do that can get us out of here? I ask, feeling retched in doing so.

What do you want me to do? He asks after a few moments, and it takes me a moments to realize that he's serious.

I'm a little stunned, B... But you told them that you didn't know what your powers were. I say, remembering back to that awful first day.

I don't.

Then... How can you ask what I want you to do as if you can do anything? My words are a little hectic as I'm confused and unsure of the feeling welling in my stomach.

He smiles, that beautiful wide smile, Remember when they asked you what power you have over me? I nod and he continues, You said we don't control each other, that we're equal. I nod again, remembering all this, and he continues, That was a beautiful thing to say, Shinji. It proves to me that your love is as genuine as I believe it to be, but the truth is, you have quite a bit of power over me.

I don't know how to take this. I'm so confused and scared, What do you mean?

He places a hand to my face, I love you, Shinji. As I explained to your father, I do possess free will, but my love for you is so strong... And since I am an Angel... I am capable of whatever you wish of me. I can only think of pleasing you.

I'm crying now, No. I want you to be happy too. And now I'm sobbing, hugging Kaworu with a bear grip.

He chuckles, And this makes me love you only more. For the moment, however, take advantage of my feelings. He says, pulling back, his voice becoming serious, Use my love, bend my being to your will.

I shake my head, my tears nearly unstoppable.

He takes hold of my face and moves close, Shinji, there will be time for happiness later. We will die in a matter of days if we do not escape. I know now that what I truly want is to live. I want to be with you. I want to live a long life with you here on Earth. I want to experience it all. That will make me happy.

My tears slow and I realize that he's opening up to me, showing me his desires in a new way. I swallow hard and after a moment or two, I nod, But I can't even imagine a way out of here. I whisper, moving close to my love and resting against him.

He places cool hands to my back, Sleep now. It will come to you once your mind has calmed.

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Misato:

I'm sitting in a little cafe just opposite the horrid, shining building where Shinji and Kaworu are being held. I'm dressed far more professional than I'm used to, but the idea is to blend in, not stand out, which I normally do in my mini-skirts and tank tops.

I sit up as a woman exits the building. She looks exactly like the picture I hold in my hand. Dark skin, rich, brown hair braided down her back. I jump up and hurry to meet up with her. She's taller, but I'm thinner and more athletic. I quickly catch her, Ms. Williams, please, can I speak with you?

She stops so suddenly, I nearly run into her. She makes eye contact and I'm surprised to see that there is sorrow there as well as anger, What do you want? She asks. I notice her accent.

Please, can we go somewhere? I need to speak with you. I say, the urgency obvious in my voice. When she simply stares at me suspiciously, I add, It's about Shinji and Kaworu.

Her eyes light up and she quickly nods. I'm a bit shocked by her sudden compliance but let it go as she motions for me to follow her.

Three blocks later, I'm sitting in another cafe. This time with Ms. Williams across from me. It was yesterday that Kaji had discovered the woman's occupation. The plan was to talk her into helping us, though, we still weren't sure what she'd be able to do.

Now, what is it you know about the Angel and Shinji? She asks suddenly, her voice just low enough to not attract attention.

Well, I'm Shinji's guardian-

Her eyes light up and she reaches out to pat my hand, Really? That's wonderful. Perhaps you can help! We only have two more days.

I'm totally taken aback, Two more days?

Her smile transforms into a from, You don't know? They're gonna be taking Kaworu off to Germany the day after tomorrow.

I shake my head, No, I knew... It's just... So soon. I thought we had more time.

For what?

I sigh, My boyfriend and I have been racking our brains for a way to stop this. If Kaworu's taken to Germany, it could result in third impact.

Again, her eyes go wide, and she gasps,

I nod, Yeah. If only there were some way to get them out of there. I sigh again, What am I thinking, even if that's possible, there's no where we can hide them that no one would think to look.

That's were you're wrong miss. I have family in the United States willing to take the boys in. All I told them was they were good kids in trouble and they needed a place to stay, maybe even live.

My spirits lift, America? That's great. Surely there are places they could hide out there. Oh, Ms. Williams, this is wonderful news! Oh, but... I hope it's not too much trouble for your family.

She lifts a hand and shakes her head, a smile on her face, Call me Candice. And no need to worry, my family is only eager to have a couple of boys to help with things.

I nod, glad to hear this. Then I think of something, But, how do you plan on getting them out?

Her gaze drops to the table top, I can't. There's no way I can without Mr. Ikari finding out. He'd have me executed for sure. I told the boys that if they can get out, I can get them to America, but I'm not even sure I can do that.

Don't worry. I'll help. I can get them there, but... Have they said anything? Do they know of a way to get out? I ask, hope plain on my face.

She looks up, shakes her head, and shrugs, Not too sure. I served them dinner just a moment ago. I asked them, but... I don't know. Shinji seems really down, but the Angel says just not to worry, that they'll get out. They haven't told me how yet though.

I think for a moment. If Kaworu says they'll get out, they'll get out, but I can't help but wonder how. I look up at Candice, Where in America is your family located?

South Texas. Out in the country on the outskirts of a small town called Goliad.

I nod, Right. So, what's the closest city? I'm going to by tickets.

She thinks for a moment, her eyes flicking back and forth, Um... Houston I guess. It's been so long. I'm pretty sure there's only one international airport.

Good, good. Contact your family from a pay phone and let them know where to pick them up. You're going to be serving the boys tomorrow evening?

She nods, and I continue, Tell them to escape during the night and meet me at the Tokyo 3 International Airport in the Shin Section, okay?

I can see that she's a little rattled, trying to remember all these things she must do. I reach across the table and pat her hand in much the same way she had done mine only minutes ago, Don't worry. This is going to work.

She looks up and visibly calms, a smile pulling at her lips as she nods.

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Kaworu:

The night is long and neither of us get much sleep. Shinji is completely stressed out. He insists that he doesn't want to control me like that, use my feelings like that. It only makes my love for him stronger.

I touch the bruise on his eye. It's darker, and it's beauty enchants me for reasons I can't explain.

He moves away from me and I frown for a moment until I realize he has to use the toilet. I simply watch as he takes a seat. He's embarrassed and looks anywhere except at me, but he doesn't ask me to look away like he did in the beginning.

He returns to the bed once he's finished and sits near me, looking down at me with interest. I think perhaps that he's admiring my looks. I smile and run a hand over his stomach.

He leans closer, our noses near touching, Your eyes are red like the sun when it's being born... Or maybe when it's dying.

My lips pull into a grin and I let my hand drop down to his groin. Constantly he is comparing my eyes to things. Red images that come to him when looking at me. I like the thought. Most often it's cherries. His eyes have the same effect on me, although, always it's something like water. His eyes remind me most of the deepest ocean or perhaps the purest waterfall.

He looks away suddenly, taking my hand from his lap, Can you tell where our room is in this building?

I sit up, High. Very high.

He shakes his head, No. I mean, are any of these walls outer walls?

I rise and move to the center of the room. I really don't know. I close my eyes and try to concentrate. I feel his will pushing in on my being. My expression becomes strained as I walk along the walls, feeling my way.

I stop, Opening my eyes, I find it's the wall the bed is against, It's thick, but this is an outer wall. I look to Shinji to find his eyes are watered. I move to sit beside him, Have you thought of something? I ask quietly.

He nods, but says nothing. I know this is hard on him, but it has to be done.

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Shinji:

Breakfast and lunch come and go, but I barely eat. Just like Kaworu asked, I pushed my will onto him, and he was able to do what I asked because his love for me is so strong. It's the worst feeling I've ever experienced. I can imagine comparing it to physically beating him into doing something I want. It's horrible, but it has to be done in order for us to have a future.

I hold him now, hugging him close, touching him tenderly as if in apology. It hurts me so much to hurt him.

Noise outside the door informs us dinner is on it's way, as well as Candice. Sure enough, the door opens and the dark woman steps inside. The guard has grown accustomed to her shutting the door behind her, and when she does so this time, he doesn't say a word.

You have to get out tonight. She whispers, instantly gaining our attention, You have to meet a woman at the Tokyo 3 International Airport tonight. She'll give you tickets and in no time you'll be on your way. By the time she's finished, she's grinning.

I whisper, watching as she clumsily puts our trays down.

She looks to me once she's gathered the old ones, Can you do it? She's trying to hurry to avoid suspicion, her hand on the door.

I quickly nod and she all but shines as she leaves, Good luck. And with that we're alone.

I look to Kaworu,

He smiles, Hai, I can't wait.

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We hug and kiss and hold hands and Kaworu whispers sweet things as I cry. Hours pass and surely it's dark out.

I stretch my arms forward before Kaworu and close my eyes. I can feel the emotion flowing between us. I take hold of it with my mind and pull, pull it hard. It's almost as if I can sense his psyche jumping to attention. And then I press, and I press hard, forcing my will on him, The camera, loop an image of us sleeping.

His voice is calm and I know he's not smiling.

Break these off. I whisper. Though my eyes are closed, I sense that he's nodded, and seconds later, I feel his hands on me, ripping my bindings away as if they're nothing.

I let my arms drop to my sides as I open my eyes. He's kneeling down, tearing away the restraints at my ankles. He's about to rise, as if finished with the task, then I add, Yours too.

He doesn't even look up and I'm surprised at how easy this is becoming. Once his restraints are gone as well, he rises and stands before me. I let the connection break as happiness wells in me. I jump forward and hug him properly, something I haven't been able to do in weeks.

He holds me for only a moment before he begins to pull away, Shinji... Shinji, we're not through. His eyes are stern and serious and red like pain.

I swallow and nod, closing my eyes again, I find the connection easily enough and enforce it with the will of my love for him, The wall. I whisper, picturing the wall with our bed against it. In my mind I see it being destroyed. I see Kaworu outstretch his arm and hold his palm out before said wall, and it's awesome... The power he has is just awesome. With a surge of his mind, a surge of will and power fueled with his love for me, the wall crumbles away. The sound of it isn't nearly what I'd thought it'd be, and I hope the guards didn't hear.

My hope is pointless though. As I open my eyes to see the huge hole in the thick, massive wall, I hear the sounds of voices and keys and feet. I quickly turn to Kaworu, my eyes wide, Let's go.

His eyes almost look bored, but there's no time for me to worry over it now. We've got to get out of here. I hurry to the edge and peer out. A swift wind whips passed and pulls at me, bends me out, gravity's fingers pulling at my weight. My eyes nearly pop from their sockets, it must be eight stories. Just as I feel my balance is shot, that in my haste, I'm surely going to eat it, I feel Kaworu's arms about my waist. Our bodies come together hard and we hang on tight.

I gasp as we hover out and the power of Kaworu's spirit holds us in mid-air. I hear the shouts of the guards behind us, but I ignore it, I don't look back. And then we're floating downward. In just seconds our bare feet are touching down on warm pavement. I don't hesitate. I grab Kaworu's hand and run, and run hard. We're already in the Shin Section of the city, and I know exactly where the airport is. I've gone many times to see Misato off for her job. I turn a corner and Kaworu keeps up, our hands still joined, gripping hard.

We've already run four blocks and I know it's at least eight more. My breath is coming hard and my chest aches. Thunder cracks over head and I stop, doubling over and puking my guts out.

Kaworu rubs my back, You okay?

I gasp and choke, Yeah, yeah... I cough it off and glance at my lover. He's breathing a little hard, but I can tell he has more energy in him, far more than I do.

The thunder cracks again and I look up as if expecting to be able to see it rolling across the sky above. Of course, all I can see is darkness. I take a deep breath and grab Kaworu's hand again and run.

Two blocks later we come out on a wide, busy street. I search for a taxi, my eyes peering out into the darkness. I spot one and leap forward, screaming. The car screeches to a halt and Kaworu and I quickly climb in.

Where to? The driver asks, not even bothering to look back.

The... Uh, that pancake restaurant over there on Fifth. I'm stuttering and my voice is rushed, but the driver simply grunts and switches on the meter. As the car lurches forward, rain comes down and pounds against the beat up vehicle, surrounding us with it's thrumming. It's almost soothing.

In a matter of minutes we're there. I open the door and practically push Kaworu out. We start toward the restaurant and the driver sticks his head out the window, Hey, punks! Plan on paying?

I don't answer, simply grabbing Kaworu's hand again and rushing around behind the restaurant. I'd been to the place a number of times, though I can't remember it's name. This is the place I'd eat breakfast with Misato before seeing her off. The airport's no more than a block away.

We hide behind a dumpster until we hear the taxi peeling out and speeding off. When I'm sure it's safe, I look to Kaworu and nod. He looks so calm and cool and in control. I'm really not sure I understand it, but that's beside the point. We're almost there, and there's no stopping until we're well on our way to America.

We're running again, this time along the highway. A couple of cars slow, taking in our appearance and situation, but none offer us a ride, and I'm glad for it. We don't need people looking hard and recognizing us. I'm sure we look insane as it is, two young boys running beside one of the busiest high-speed roads, in the pouring rain no less.

I'm panting as we reach the front of the immense building. There are people everywhere, coming and going. I stop for a moment and catch my breath. Kaworu recovers far quicker than I do.

I pull at my shirt and wring out as much water as possible, Kaworu does the same. Still, we're wet, and the white, flimsy material is basically transparent.

As we enter and follow signs, many glance our way, taking in our appearance. A couple of young girls even smile and giggle as we walk passed. Finally, I spot a sign that reads: To America. I motion to Kaworu and he follows me as we jog down the corridor.

We stop and read another sign. A long list of specific locations in America as well as times. They're all cities though and I recognize nothing. I look around and search with my eyes. A woman, a woman, a woman...

The place is crowded and there are women everywhere. I can hardly go about asking each of them... Tears spring to my eyes as I move into a slightly secluded corner, plopping down to the floor, pulling my knees up against my chest. Kaworu watches me for a moment before coming over and sitting beside me.

He reaches out and takes my hand, gaining my attention, It's not finished yet. He whispers, and I feel a surge of cold electricity. The connection still holds strong. I suck in a deep breath and close my eyes, unsure of what exactly I'm supposed to do.

It comes to me though, instantly. My stomach churns with heat and an image of my father blinks in my mind. I know what I have to do now. Tears flood from my closed eyes as I grip Kaworu's hand and begin the pressing... Pressing my will in on his mind and emotions... I choke out a sob, struggling to keep my eyes held shut as I press harder. He grunts and I can feel the energy pouring from him like some kind of freezing river of jolting electricity...

...........................


Gendo Ikari:

I rush into the building and walk briskly to the elevator, straightening my tie on the ride up. As the doors open on the laboratory, I find that everything is indeed in pandemonium, just as I was informed by the phone call I received in the middle of the night not one hour ago.

Several doctors approach me, spouting information. They escaped during the night no more than three hours ago. The camera doesn't show anything. In fact, it's still showing live feed of the two sleeping in bed. However, the guards heard a loud noise from the Angel's cell and hurried in to see what had happened.

And this is what they found. A young man says as he pushes the door open and allows me to enter the cell first. The damage seems impossible considering the tests we ran. I glance to my right to find an older woman questioning what appears to be a guard. I stride over, Were you here when this happened? I ask gruffly. The guard jumps to his feet and quickly answers with a jumble of yes sirs.

What did you see?

The man glances at the hole, We came in and the hole was like that already. The boy was leaning out, and he started to fall. The Angel grabbed him and then they were just out there in the air, not falling, just like they were standing on the air. He glances nervously at me and I nod, encouraging him to continue, They started going down and we all hurried over thinking they were going to fall or something. When we looked down though, they were just standing there, like they landed or something. Then, the boy grabbed the Angel's hand and they started running. We yelled after them, but it was too late.

I didn't hear the last bit and ask him to repeat himself. He looks at me oddly, but does so anyway, fearing my wrath. Still, I can't hear him properly, and I realize that all the sounds in the room are muted, dulled.

And then it hits me, a pain spears it's way deep into my side. I gasp and step forward, clutching the wall in an attempt to keep from seeking to the floor. The doctors and scientists are looking at me strangely, and somewhere in the back of my mind I'm conscious of telling them that I'm find, to stand back.

I clutch my side and feel for a wound. Nothing. I pull my hand back and find it clean, no blood, no nothing. Then it's as if the spear is pushed deeper, turned somewhat. I gasp again and close my eyes. As soon as I do, images flood my mind. I see Shinji and Kaworu at the airport. I try to speak, to call out this information I know to be reality, but my voice doesn't work, nothing seems to.

The image rushes forward and it's as if I can see into my son's mind. I find hate and sorrow and depression. The bulk of which is directed at me, a cause from something I've done. I feel all that hurt filling the whole of my being, and oh how it aches. My heart is pounding wildly against the walls of my chest, threatening to self-terminate. My knees wobble and I reposition my legs, struggling to make my way to a chair or something, but I can't see so well. I let go of the wall and try to make my way to the exit. I feel a coldness wash over me, two freezing hands pulsing with power, and they jerk.

I hear screams and shouts and the next thing I know, I'm plummeting out the hole in the wall. On my way down, I see in my mind Shinji. He opens his eyes, eyes like my own, and simply stares at me. I watch as the pain melts at the edges, and something new and different and unknown to me, comes in, encircling it... Comforting, providing safety, acceptance... It's love. The Angel's love.

And then my head smashes into the pavement and I am no more.


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To be continued...