Author's note: Finished the chapter finally. It's a bit shorter that the previous one but I decided that I rather not make everyone wait for. Btw, R&R people! I appreciate it. Anyways, I present to you the seventh chapter. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Refer to previous chapters.
"Contrary to popular belief, Magic does, in a way, exist. It, for the lack of a better term, is the driving force in this world and many others."- Kozo Fuyutsuki, Sub-Commander of NERV.
Paths & Choices: The Return
For a long time, this place was kept in such a way that no matter how many light sources there were in the room, it will always remain dim. One would notice the various selves of books lined properly for any reader's discretion. Though, if one was truly observant, he would notice a form leaning against a stone wall.
Lying prone against the wall, Shinji was idle, in the sense that he is actually doing nothing but staring into the air. The light played on his features as he sat. It was quite some time since he accepted Thanatos and the responsibility that came unconditionally with it. He felt a heavy, unseen weight upon himself but he shrugged it off. His thoughts were aimless, but he didn't care. He knew more spells and tricks than he had before and he guessed that it took it toil much higher than expected.
Finding the energy to turn, he glanced at the said weapon a few feet away from him, now noticing for the first time, its appearance had changed. The layer of rust was now gone, replacing it was a slivery and yet dull metallic surface. Even against the soft colour of orange enhancing its outlook, it still looked unattractive to the eye. But then even he knew not to judge a book by its cover. Though it seemed a bit dull to an average onlooker, he found something strange about it. He squinted at it, trying to find the source of its mysteriousness. And there, he saw. Swirls of reflecting metal were dancing about in an unorganized manner; it was as if it was like a moving liquid mirror of sorts, absorbing bits of light here and there.
Despite its bizarre appearance, he felt very tempted to touch it, as if it was a part of him. He yearned to feel the cool metal against his skin and he knew he could not deny that part of him. Soon, he found the strength to reach to the scythe. And upon the contact of hand on the metallic pole, he felt faint. But it was gone the minute it had appeared. A small breeze brushed past him, ruffling his hair a bit.
"I suppose I should tell you what to expect now."
The voice startled Shinji, who turned to the voice behind him, and saw that it was the same one who he saw in his..."Ascension". And like last time, his face was hidden by a hood.
"What are you doing here?" Shinji asked bluntly, for once not caring too much on formalities, turning his head to face away from the being.
The figure replied in a smug tone, "I am just here to give you some advice, that's all...after that you will see no more me until I deem fit."
"..."
Seeing the silence as a sign to go on, he smiled secretly, "Go and search for a note on the table. Take care until then, young one. You will see me again soon enough."
Shinji merely raised an eyebrow at that, turning his head back to ask a question, only to see blank, unoccupied air. He was starting to develop a dislike towards the strange entity's disappearing act.
'Well, that was rather short.' He thought.
The figure already having disappeared, he thought it would be best to act upon his words. He got up and proceeded to the dimly lighted table. On it, he saw countless amounts of papers on it, but one caught his attention. By instinct, he pulled it out of the large, scattered mess of papers.
It was an instruction manual of sorts. And from the looks of it, it was hastily written. He glanced through until his eyes came on a single sentence.
"Shinji, go back to your world...It has been fun."
Despite the shortness of the sentence, he already knew that Sargaus was dead. Call it a gut feeling or a sixth sense, but nonetheless, he knew. Don't ask him why. It was plainly a fact to him; a known statement. The sentence merely proved it further.
Surprisingly, he didn't feel any sadness or regret. He only felt acceptance. He supposed that becoming Death would remove any remorse or heavy thoughts about it. But still, he couldn't help but feel wrong about the attitude he indirectly adopted. His compassionate nature wouldn't allow him as a lone tear drop leaked onto his expressionless face. He didn't say anything as he didn't know any or have any religious affiliations. Silence was all he needed.
Shedding the last of his unseen tears for his part time friend and teacher, he quickly resumed in learning the secrets of Astral projection.
~~~~~~~
The city wasn't known for its welcoming effect on travelers and strangers. In fact, it had a reputation more for giving travelers bad impression rather than giving them a warmer welcome. It dark streets naturally enforced this line of thought.
Thieves and thugs usually operated at night in those types of streets, often 'socially doing their job. Thug to victim interactions was pretty much the same; one sided as always. Such an interaction was taking place in the grime layered street.
"Listen boy, I don't give a flying fuck as to where you are going. Not as long you give me your valuables." The thug growled as especially emphasized on the word 'boy' in an attempt of intimidation. Unfortunately for him, the boy in question merely narrowed his eyes irritably at the thug's pathetic intimidating method. As a further effect, he grabbed his would-be victim's arms and waved a sharp dagger at him in a thug like fashion.
Areilas let out a soft, feral growl. He was feeling rather under the weather today so he didn't pay any heed to the mortal earlier. He didn't expect utter stubbornness from the cash-strapped thug.
"Let go." He commanded as the last remnants of his patience on the verge of collapse. The waiting was getting on his nerves. Damn this city for its annoying inhabitants. Damn Tabris for making him wait so long. Having being assaulted by no less than 20 people everyday since day one, Areilas was naturally fuming.
As if the man didn't hear, he still clutched on tightly.
Fed up with the being subtle, he used his free arm to punch the thug in the stomach, who immediately let go of his hand. And with a quick movement of his arm, he snapped and twisted the thug's neck in an unnatural way. A sadistic smile graced his lips as he performed the act. He took little pleasure in killing the weak but this one pushed him to the limits. Not that he had much limits, mind you.
The limp corpse fell into a lump pile onto the cool street floor, forgotten by his killer as he walked away as though nothing happened. That was the 15th time this night, he thought, annoyed at the sheer persistence the denizens of the city presented. He resisted the tempting urge to set the surrounding houses aflame.
Controlling his angry, he prayed that Tabris was right about this...if not, heads will roll, including that son of a bitch. He was getting sick of staying in this hell-hole of a city any longer.
But he would wait.
~~~~~~
Shinji tried out the technique once more, only to be repelled violently to the floor by a red invisible barrier. He rubbed his head, wincing slightly as he touched a sore spot.
He spent the last two hours trying to perfect the technique, but so far he only managed the basic concept of it. But no matter, that can wait.
The note also had a 'recipe' list for his trip, something which mostly speaks for itself; apparently the whole thing was planned. The very detailed instructions it asked of him to perform was already a dead give-away.
Still, he would do what was asked of him, for he trusted Sargaus enough.
With a motion of his hand, a blue portal was conjured up, lighting up the surround space with a blue hue. The light reflected off Thanatos's large curved blade, some of it absorbed by the strange and yet unique weapon. With Thanatos in hand, he stepped into his self created portal.
~~~~~~
Shinji walked through the dark and sleazy streets. Already, he could feel himself being watched from behind. Every time he turned back, he only saw moving shadows. But it was enough for him. He sensed that the one following him was no threat, probably a thug.
He continued down the empty moon-lit stone road, every so often glancing at his surroundings. He checked his small pouch which is attached securely on his leather belt. He had the necessary ingredients for the portal but he lacked the location. The only thing the note said about it was 'you will know it when you see it'.
Yeah...talk about the amount of clarity in those words, he thought sarcastically.
*WHOOSH*
A bolt impaled itself dangerously close Shinji's foot. He jumped back, scanning for the source of the attack. His eyes fell upon a hidden figure perched above a roof.
The figure stood up, the shadows still cloaking him in anonymity. Still, he could see his eyes. Cool azure met bright emerald, fighting an unseen war away from the world.
"Who are you?!" Shinji demanded, breaking away from the staring stand-off.
The figure moved into a bowing manner. "Oh, where are my manners?" He moved into a new spot where he was visible to Shinji. "I am Areilas, Twilight Bringer." His eyes glinted with malice. "I am afraid you will have to die. Good bye."
Immediately, both of them drew their weapons. Clutching Thanatos tightly, Shinji eyed his opponent to find any weakness he could exploit.
"I see you have obtained Thanatos, Twilight Bringer." Areilas said as the air in front of him crackled with energy. "I hope my blade matches up to yours."
Striking the air in front of him with his long sword, a ball of flame appeared and whizzed towards Shinji.
Dodging the flaming projectile, he let off a lighting charge from Thanatos, which promptly destroyed a portion of the roofing Areilas used to stand on.
Looking up, Shinji braced himself for a strike from the airborne Areilas. With a loud 'clang', they were pitting their weapons forward for superiority.
Breaking away, Shinji slashed forward, hitting only empty space.
His opponent raised an eyebrow. "You have the power but you definitely lack the skill."
Areilas's lips' curved into a smile. "What a pity."
With inhuman speed, he closed the distance, preparing a series of feint blows to take Shinji's attention off his true objective.
He blocked one blow after the other. Shinji then lowered his guard. It was for a small time but it was enough. Quickly, he slammed the flat side of his blade into Shinji's unguarded stomach. Shinji crashed into a nearby building before he fell onto the ground.
Pain registered on his mind as he coughed up blood. Seeing Areilas slowly walking towards him, he conjured up a last ditch effort in the form of an energy ball.
If I go, I will take you with me..., he thought as he placed the last bits of energy into it, rage and pain taking over. The spell was one of those recently transferred into him; it was particularly lethal, upon the one who receives the full brunt of its power. But he didn't care now. He was now beyond lines of compassion.
His eyes changed into crimson as the ball progressively got bigger. Thanatos, which was located a few metres from him also glowed a light red.
The normal colour of his eyes returned as he fired the ball. It rushed and crashed into Areilas, enveloping him in an overwhelming sphere of black fire.
The fires lingered for a moment before finally disappearing. In its wake, Areilas was barely standing but his face held an amused expression.
That was the last time he saw before fading into unconsciousness.
~~~~~~
That hurt, but at least my clothes were not burnt, he thought numbly.
Despite the pain, he couldn't help but grin. At last, he found an opponent worth his time.
Still, he was amazed at the progress made by the young teen which Death has chosen to be its physical advocate. His powers grew faster than he predicted. The boy had potential. The spell he used against could destroy him if Shinji was at a higher level of mastery. Still, instead of being jealous, he felt a bit of respect towards the unconscious teen.
Now he was, at this point, finding it more a waste to kill such a competent fighter.
Approaching Shinji, Areilas sensed something from the pouch on Shinji belt. He reached out to snatch it forcefully from its position, barely putting in any effort, even in this weakened state.
Loosening the string, he opened it to find a small pentagram. A five sided one, at that. From his small knowledge of magical items, he knew that it was used as a focal point to allow a single person to transverse the different planes.
Rather than kill the only one who managed to scratch him so far, he decided that it would be best if he sealed Shinji into the mortal plane.
Laying it on the open street, he began chanting. Every second, it became louder and louder until a red portal was ripped into existence.
Smiling coyly, he dragged Shinji with one arm and held the still glowing Thanatos in another. Now a few feet from it, he stopped.
He lowered his head near Shinji's ear. "We will meet again." He whispered, before throwing him into the crimson portal.
Looking at the weapon in his hand, he said to it, "You will serve your new master well, wouldn't you?"
It didn't reply. Not that he expected it to anyways.
Having said that, he threw the weapon into the same portal, disappearing into its red depths.
Then, he pointed his fingers at it and chanted. A five pointed star appeared ominously and soon faded. Soon after, the portal closed.
Satisfied with his work, he fled the scene.
~~~~~~
To be honest, Gendo Ikari wasn't originally a person who woke up in the morning early. The years spent by having deadlines barely met made him take up the habit. Still, it doesn't hurt to wake up early, for someone who is known to know everything at a single time.
He was now drinking Peruvian coffee, despite the various rumors that he didn't need sleep or coffee. Those were untrue; he was a human, yes. But he was also a puppet master, a good one at that. He ignored them, for he didn't care what they thought of him. As long as they performed their part, he would ignore them.
*Beep*
A small blinking red light on his telephone signaled that a call was waiting to be replied. Still sipping his coffee, Gendo pressed the receiver button.
He stated a single word. "Report."
He took a big gulp of the coffee as the frantic voice of a section-2 agent hastily replied back. "Sir, we found the Third-Child."
Upon hearing those words, Gendo chocked and sprayed the contents of his mouth onto the documents he so painfully took to finish. Looking at the ruined and coffee stained pile on his desk, Gendo couldn't do anything but sigh.
"Sir?" The voice said, waiting for further instructions. Gendo snapped his attention towards the new information which is digested by his brain.
Pressing into the same button, Gendo said, "Bring him to HQ. I will take over from there." It maybe a fake sent by SEELE but he was willing to take the chance. After all, if this was a fake, information could be extracted.
"Yes, sir." With that, the phone promptly hung up. Returning his attention to the mess in front of him, he couldn't help but think of one sentence.
This is going to be an interesting and yet long day...
To Be Continued...
Author's Blah Blah: Not much to write here. You will notice that I didn't answer any questions. (Not that there were any questions to begin with...) Some questions you put forth will be answered in the next installment. And on the reminding note: Plz read and review! I am sure if you do that, I will post the next chapter faster. Until then, I am signing off. See ya!