Author's Notes: Ok, this is my first attempt at fan fiction. Any reviews, flames or otherwise, are appreciated (though, if you flame, please state the reasons you didn't like the story so I can understand why and fix it in later chapters).

This is the first part of a much longer story, which may take me some time to finish. I plan to release the rest when the story nears completion, and at that time I will post about once a week. This is a songfic, and the chapter titles are taken from the musical Jekyll and Hyde by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn.

Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Jekyll and Hyde.

Tokyo 3, Nerv Hospital Ward.

Near the end…

The night nurse looked up as the unimposing figure walked up to her desk. She smiled as he signed in. It was a regular occurrence now. He visited almost every night, after everyone else had left. It was unusual, but she had been told it was for security purposes. He was one of the pilots, the ones that fought those monsters with those giant robots.

As he walked away she noticed his escort, the black garbed agents that followed him wherever he went. They were always following in his wake, never interfering, but always nearby.

Shinji knew about the Section Two agent was somewhere behind him, and there were probably more not far away. He used to resent their constant, overwhelming presence, but not anymore. He was actually thankful they were so close by, especially when he made these visits. He stopped at one door, reading what was written on it.

Room 303. Sohryu, Asuka Langley.

He took a breath to collect himself , and turned the cold steel handle.

The rhythmic hiss of the respirator and the steady beat of the EKG did little to diminish the unearthly stillness of the room. The polished white surfaces, the gleaming chrome, the smell of disinfectant that permeated everything. It was so cold and clean, so sterile, so…

…lifeless.

So unlike the person he remembered, the girl who was so full of life and fire. The one that now needed a machine to breath for her. Her skin was pale, glistening slightly from the thin layer of sweat on her brow. The expression on her face was one of extreme sorrow and exhaustion, too tired from fighting the demons that plagued her, one of which he was responsible for creating.

The numerous devices attached to her only served to make the scene more heart-rending. An iv drip in her arm, the monitor wires, the clear plastic tube taped over her mouth forcing air into her lungs. She hadn't opened her eyes once since they had brought her in.

Lost in the darkness, silence surrounds you.

He was responsible for what had happened to her. If he had been a little stronger, she would never have been hurt. But he was just a weak little boy.

Once there was morning, now endless night.

It was his fault. He had caused her to do it, and when he had finally found her…

If I could reach you, I'd guide you and teach you.

To walk from the darkness, back into the light.

He took her pale hand in his own, his heart sank even further when he felt how cold and clammy her skin was. She was slowly getting better, they had told him that much. They would try taking her off the respirator tomorrow, but the doctors had no idea when she would wake up, if ever.

They had told him that she most like likely couldn't hear him, but he would try anyway, even if it was only a slim chance he could give her some comfort. Crouching down next to her, he whispered…

"Deep in your silence, please try to hear me.

I'll keep you near me, till night passes by."

He didn't expect any response, and he did not receive one. Though he wished with all his heart that she would be better again, a part of him was glad he did not have to face her now. He had no idea what he could say to her, to make up for all he had done.

Besides… He still had his own demons to face.

"I will find the answer. I'll never desert you.

I promise you this, till the day that I die. "

He managed to force back his tears this time, slowly standing. He didn't want to put his own problems on Asuka, not anymore. He was here for her sake, not his own and the last thing she needed was him sobbing like a spineless wimp. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight Asuka."