Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to Neon Genesis Evangelion. In no way are we making a profit on the making of the fanfic.
We have become aware that we forgot to mention that this fanfic is being co-authored. Both of us had become fans of the series, and we wanted the opportunity to create a fanfic based on the series. For those of you who reviewed, we thank you.
As for the parts of this fanfic that are similar to the series, we need to remind you that this is a retelling, which means that some parts of the series that played an important role in the plot, may or may not be used in this fanfic. We apologize in advance at any parts that are reused, but we will try to make the story as interesting in these parts as possible. Once again, we say thank you.
This chapter is considerably longer than the last. We hope you enjoy it.
Here is the second chapter of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Parallel
Chapter 2 "The Moment"
***
Shinji was now inside the entry plug of a gigantic beast, which just happened to be staring into the very face of death. All of the people in the command bay were watching, as the event was about to unfold. All of them knew inside that all of the events of the last month had contributed to this very moment. This was mankind first stand against a force that is believed to beyond man. Failure here would mean the destruction of all of humanity.
***
One month ago
Ritsuko is standing inside Commander Gendo Ikari's office. She is holding a manila folder. Commander Ikari is sitting at his desk with his hands folded in front of his face. "Do you have anything important to bring to my attention?" Said Gendo.
"The Marduk Report has found the Third Child. I think you will be quite surprised as to who it is." Spoke Ritsuko.
"Who is it?"
"He is your son, Shinji Ikari."
There was an odd silence that went into the room it lasted for two minutes. Even Ritsuko was becoming uncomfortable by it. "Well?" She said.
"We will contact the Third Child as soon as the need arises."
"But sir, would it not be advisable to have a spare should anything happen to the First Child?"
Gendo thought for a moment. "Send a letter to inform the Third Child that he is eligible to become an agent for our organization. Do not reveal too much until he has arrived. After all, it is unwise to reveal certain information to anyone outside off NERV. Should he not chose to join us, we will just have to wait until the Second Child arrives from Germany."
"Very well."
With that, Ritsuko left his office in order to fulfill her order.
***
25 days ago
Shinji is seen practicing on his cello in a small room that resembled a living room. He was trying hard to concentrate on the page of music that was in front of him. Despite this, he seemed to be playing quite well. In through one of the doors stepped in an old man. He had short, well-groomed hair, and an equally well-groomed beard. His age appeared to be in the mid-sixties. He was looking over a small bundle of letters. When Shinji noticed his presence, he missed one of his notes. The man took notice of this.
"Do not let my presence distract you, Shinji." Said the old man. "Concentrate!!"
"Sorry sensei. I'll try harder."
"No Shinji. Do! There is no try."
"Yes Professor Misotaka."
Shinji continued practicing while Misotaka looked at each envelope. Then he saw one that caught his attention.
"There appears to be a letter here for you, Shinji."
With that, Shinji once again lost his concentration and missed some more notes.
"Concentrate!! Do not get distracted by what I do or say."
"Yes sir."
Shinji continued to play while Misotaka paced the room for a few minutes.
'I wonder why they would send a letter to him at this point.' Thought Misotaka. 'Could this be Shinji's father trying to reach out to his son? Well, at the very least, it must be important.'
Misotaka looked to Shinji. "You may stop practicing for now. Have you completed the homework I assigned to you?"
Shinji put down his bow and leaned his cello against the wall. "Yes sensei, I've completed my homework."
Misotaka walks up to Shinji and hands him the letter. "Read the letter in your room. When you are finished, you will mow the lawn. Understood?"
"Yes sensei…" Shinji grabbed the letter and began to head towards his room, but a hand gasped itself around his collar before he could take another step.
"Shinji, what is your cello doing leaning against the wall?"
"My apologies. I'll put it away."
With that, Shinji quickly put his cello back in its holders along with the bow. Shinji then went into his room to read the letter. Upon looking at the return address, he noted that it was from Tokyo 3.
'Tokyo 3? Isn't that where my father lives? Why would he want to send a letter to me now?'
Shinji cautiously opened the letter, trying his best not to tear the envelope to sheds. Inside was a letter that appeared to be quite formal. Shinji read the letter carefully.
*
Dear Shinji,
You have been chosen from a select few in the world to represent our organization in a project that will help benefit mankind. Our organization, NERV, is one of the world leading developers of scientific technology. This is a very rare opportunity for you to advance yourself in a career that is tremendously rewarding.
Should you accept our offer, you with be transferred to the Tokyo 3 residential district. There, room and board will be provided to you at no charge. You will also be given the opportunity of attending one of the most prestigious private schools in the nation of Japan. Furthermore, you will be paid, and you will find your work hours to be very convenient.
Should you want to accept our offer, or have any questions, please call our number at 1 800 XXX XXXX. We look forward to seeing you here with us.
Sincerely,
Dr. R. Akagi
*
'What's this all about?' Thought Shinji. 'What exactly do they want from me? Why is it that I'm the chosen one out of a select few? What did I do that makes me so special? This whole letter sounds too good to be true. I think that it's best if I don't even bother.'
With that thought, Shinji crumpled up the letter and tossed it into the garbage. He then got up and left his room to finish his daily chores.
Upon entering the living room, Shinji could see that his teacher was looking at the mail that he had received. Before Shinji could exit, Misotaka spoke. "So what was the letter about?"
"Uh…. It was only junk mail, sensei. Nothing important."
"Is that so? Seems unusual for anyone to receive junk mail from NERV Headquarters in Tokyo 3." Said Misotaka as he raised an eyebrow in Shinji's direction. "So was it really junk mail?"
Shinji sighed. "No sensei."
"We will discuss it at a later date, as for now, finish your chores. By the way, for lying to me, you will now have to cook dinner as well." Said Misotaka sternly.
Shinji sighed once again. He then left to mow the lawn.
***
15 days ago
Ritsuko was seen once again in front of Commander Ikari. She looked rather tired for apparently she had another one of her "long nights." As usual, Commander Ikari sat at is desk in his unfriendly, business only gesture. Ritsuko spoke.
"Development of Test Model Unit 01 is near completion. We expect it to be ready for testing in two weeks."
"Very good." Said Gendo.
"We unfortunately have heard no word from the Third Child. It is highly likely that the letter sent to him has arrived by now."
"That is of no concern. Should we ever truly need him, we can always extract him by force."
His statement surprised Ritsuko. "But he's your son…"
Gendo's eyes narrowed. "My genetic relations with the Third Child are irrelevant. I advise you not to bring that up again, Dr. Akagi."
Ritsuko sighed. "Yes sir."
"Is there anything else to report to me?"
"Not at the moment, sir."
Gendo stood up from his desk. "I will be leaving on business for the next week. I expect Unit 00 to be ready for testing when I return. I want to personally supervise the final test." Gendo began to walk up to Ritsuko and slowly placed a hand on her cheek. "Is that understood, Ritsuko?"
Ritsuko was speechless by his upfront and sudden display of affection. Whether it was the fact that she was tired, or if it was the fact that she enjoyed the contact was unknown, but for some reason, she could not resist. "Y…yes sir…"
With that, the Commander went back to his usual mood and casually walked out of the office. Ritsuko just stood there, completely zoned out. 'What just happened? He touched my cheek. But why?' Shaking the thought out of her head, Ritsuko composed herself and walked out of the office.
Ritsuko was walking down a hallway when she was greeted by a familiar voice.
"Hey there Ritsuko!"
Ritsuko looked in the direction of the voice to see her long time friend, Misato.
"Hi Misato…" Said Ritsuko unenthusiastically.
"You look tired. Let me guess, you had another all-nighter."
Ritsuko nodded. "It was important that the proper programs were installed into Unit 01's CPU. It wasn't one of those task that can be done at a leisurely pace."
"And at the speed that you type, that's saying a lot."
"Maya wanted to help, but at the pace that she can type, it would have never gotten done."
"You need to learn to relax. You'll kill yourself at the rate you're going."
Ritsuko smiled weakly. "I'll get all the sleep I'll need when I'm dead."
The two of them walked into a room that resembled a small laboratory. Ritsuko walked over to a manila folder that contained the name "Shinji Ikari."
"It seems doubtful that the Third Child will be joining us." Said Ritsuko while looking over the file.
"Isn't that the Commander's son?" Asked Misato.
"Yes, but apparently that is 'irrelevant.'" Said Ritsuko as she made quotation marks with her fingers.
Misato took the manila folder and looked it over herself. She sees the photograph of the young man. "Hey, he's pretty cute." Said Misato as she traced her finger around the picture.
"Yeah, if you're into fourteen year olds."
"Well, he will turn eighteen eventually." Misato then put on a devious grin.
Ritsuko raised and eyebrow at her. "Don't even think about it."
"Oh come on. I was only joking."
"I'm aware of the exactly the last time you've had sex, which I might add, was quite some time ago."
Misato was obviously upset by this. "Well, it's a lot more recent than the last time you've had sex."
Ritsuko narrowed her eyes at her but then sighed. "Listen, I'm sorry for sounding grouchy. You're already aware that I'm exhausted."
Misato gave a light smile. "Apology accepted. I could never stay mad at you."
Ritsuko then took the folder and placed it inside a filing cabinet. She then walks towards a beaker that was full of an orange colored fluid. She took a small amount of it and placed it inside a test tube. Misato took a closer look at it.
"What is that stuff?" Asked Misato.
Before Ritsuko could answer, someone walked into the room. Ritsuko and Misato turned their head to see Steven.
"Hey you two. What's up." Asked Steven.
"I was just about to leave, thank you." Sneered Misato. "But before I do, I wanted my question answered." Misato turned towards Ritsuko. "What is that stuff?"
Ritsuko sighed in an annoyed tone. "This is LCL. The pilots of the Evas will breath this 'stuff' in order to oxygenate their blood. Don't ask about the details, I'm too tired to explain."
"Oh. Well see ya." Misato then walked towards the door, making sure not to acknowledge the American's presence.
When Misato left, Adams turned towards Ritsuko. "Why does she hate me so much?"
"I don't know. Could be several reasons. Maybe she jealous that you receive a higher salary than her."
"Yeah, but that's because I practically do the job of two people. Besides, what does she do around here anyway?"
Ritsuko starts to head for the door. "She's the director of operations. She's technically third in command around here. She makes sure things get done."
Adams smirked. "In other words, she's a manager. Doesn't sound very impressive when you put it that way."
Ritsuko stops. "I guess. By the way, why are you here?"
The weapons developer thought for a moment. "Oh yeah, I came to inform you that the prototype Progressive Knife should be built and ready for testing by tomorrow."
"Very good. I'm going to run some more tests on the LCL. I want to insure that it is safe to use when we begin testing on the Prototype Model Unit 00. Don't touch anything!!" Ritsuko then walks out the door.
Adams begins to stare at the beaker. 'I wonder how this stuff tastes. If the pilots have to breath it in, it can't be toxic.'
Steve looks around to make sure no one is watching. He takes the beaker and takes a large sip. After about two seconds, his face turns green. He starts to head towards the sink, but then Ritsuko heads back into the laboratory. Adams is forced to stand there as if nothing happened, trying his best to ignore the taste.
"I forgot to bring the beaker with me." Said Ritsuko. "I must be way too tired." Ritsuko then looks at Adams who is just standing there innocently. "Don't you have some work to get done?"
Adams nodded his head but continued to stand there. Ritsuko just shook her head and grabbed the beaker. When she finally left, Adams ran for the sink and spit out the LCL. "Yuck!!" He said as he turned on the faucet and washed out his mouth with water. 'Tastes coppery. Why would it taste like that?' After he was finished, Steve left the laboratory to head back to the Weapons Dept.
**
Shinji was busy working on his math homework. It was algebra, and for some reason it gave him a hard time. Misotaka enter his room and watched the boy do his homework intently. After five minutes, he decided to interrupt.
"Shinji, finish your homework later. We must discuss something."
Shinji looked up at his teacher. "What is it sensei?"
Misotaka looked around the room. "Where is that letter you received from NERV a short while ago?"
Shinji looked nervous. "Hold on one moment, sensei." Shinji went to his garbage can and found the crumpled piece of paper. It was immediately snatched from his hands. Misotaka flattened the crumpled piece of paper so that he could read it. Upon reading it, he looked up at Shinji with a disappointed look.
"Why did you throw this away?"
Shinji bowed his head in shame. "It sounded too good to be true, sensei. I didn't take it seriously."
"Why not? This is an opportunity of a lifetime. NERV is an organization that could provide you with a great career. And even if it doesn't, the educational opportunities shouldn't be overlooked."
"I know that. But I just don't think it's for me."
"Perhaps. But perhaps this is your father trying to reach out to you. You do know that he is part of that organization, right?"
Shinji became upset. "I don't want anything to do with him."
"Shinji, your father works for the benefit of mankind. Don't you want to be a part of that? Don't you want to do something great with your life?"
Shinji continued to sit there at his desk with his head down. "I don't care if I really do anything with my life. I like the way my life is now. It maybe boring, but it's peaceful here. I don't need to accomplish anything important…"
Misotaka walks up to Shinji. "Shinji, look up at me." Shinji slowly looked up at his teacher.
"Yes sensei?"
"Forgive me for what I'm about to do." With that, Misotaka slapped Shinji powerfully across the face. "How dare you think that you can just waste your life like that? I did not spend the last three years teaching you what I have so that you could grow up to be a failure!"
Shinji winced at the stinging pain that seared through his cheek. Tears began to fill his lower eyelids. He cowered under the much older man. He eyed the door that was adjacent to him. He made a run for it, but before he could make it, his teacher's leg gracefully tripped him up. With a loud crash, Shinji hit the floor. His teacher watched as the boy slowly sat up and began to cry. Despite his sternness, Misotaka truly hated seeing him upset.
"Shinji." Spoke Misotaka in a fatherly tone. "I do not want you to be in pain. And I understand that life has been hard on you, and that you father has been most unkind to you. But…" The old man kneels down and places a hand on Shinji's shoulder. "Adversity is not an excuse for failure. In the end, I know you can overcome what has happened to you."
Shinji found the words to speak. "But I don't want to face him. I know for sure that he doesn't love me. He probably just wants to use me."
Misotaka smiles. "I thought you liked feeling needed. Doesn't it at least sooth you to know that he at least acknowledges your existence enough to know that he needs you?"
Shinji looked up at his teacher. "But I want him to love me, not need me."
"You will have to come across that bridge when you get there. And the only why that can happen is if you pursue the opportunity that is given to you. Contact NERV, and tell them that you are interested."
"But I'm not interested!"
"Why not?"
Shinji fell silent. He lowered his head to look to the floor. "I don't know…" He said softly.
Misotaka could see through the young man. He knew that Shinji was hiding the truth. "I don't believe you. I think that you know exactly why you won't go. Tell me, WHY?"
Shinji continued to cower; he didn't want to be here. He didn't want to admit the truth. It hurt too much. His chest pounded. He searched his mind for some reason, some excuse. But then, he looked back up at his teacher and knew that he could not lie to him. It wasn't even the fact the he respected him, but the fact that the man was simply too wise to be bought by any excuse. He knew that the man would see through him, could see through him, and was seeing through him. He began to become aggravated. He clenched his fists as his body began to tense up. In a final moment, he screamed.
"I'M AFRAID!!! ARE YOU HAPPY? I SAID IT. WHAT ELSE DO YOU WA…."
Before Shinji could finish his question, another slap collided against his face. The tears that welled up in his eyes were sent flying into the air. One of the tears landed on the old man's shirt. The old man looked at the wet spot on his shirt. He then looked back at the boy. "I'm sorry. But you need to be more respectful. I'm trying to help you. If you refuse my help, it's your own fault." He then helped Shinji to his feet. "Tell me, why are you afraid?"
Shinji searched his heart and soul. He knew the answer, but like in all the things that he does, he looked with uncertainty. "I guess I'm afraid of the city, meeting new people, failing, confronting my father…..and other things."
Misotaka gave a light smile. "Someday you will have to face your fears, regardless of whether you like it or not. Right now, you are at a crossroad. The choice you make may effect what happens to you for the rest of your life. It's understandable to be afraid, but this opportunity may be the best thing that ever happened to you. Do you really ever want to look back at this and feel regret?"
Shinji did not answer. He simply sat there and thought, but the more he thought, the more uncertain he was about everything that was happening in his life. "Sensei, I need a little more time. Is it ok if I think this through?"
Misotaka place a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Certainly. Perhaps thinking this through will give you a better perspective as to how you feel about this opportunity. We will finish discussing this later, when you're ready."
Misotaka began to walk out the door, rubbing his back since he was obviously in some pain. "Finish your homework and cook dinner…. Ow my back is killing me." With that, Misotaka walk out of the room. Shinji was left pondering what to do with himself. He was very much shaken, and doing his homework was a struggle since he could barely hold the pencil. 'Do I really have to go? I'm so afraid….'
***
7 days ago
The scene is now in a large room. Inside, it could be seen that a large knife-like device was hooked up to a large mechanical arm. Below the knife was a block of steel that was eight feet in length, width and height. Captain Adams was near a control panel to the side with two subordinates. He had a look of pure seriousness on his face. "Are we prepared for the final test on the prototype weapons unit AX-7?"
One of his subordinates answered his question. "Yes sir. We are ready for the final test on the prototype progressive knife."
"Very well." Said Adams. "Begin preliminary test procedures. Is our power supply at an optimum level?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good. Activate vibration device within the knife."
The subordinate press a few buttons. The knife began to make a load humming noise. The blade vibrated at an ultra-sonic frequency. The vibrations could be felt from the control panel. The other subordinate then spoke. "Sir. I need to inform you that Commander Ikari and Dr. Akagi are beginning synchronization tests on unit 00 at this very moment. Should we wait until they are done?"
Adams frowned. "No! This project has been delayed enough. We will continue with the test as planned. I doubt that their test will interfere with ours."
"Yes sir!"
"Is the knife at the correct frequency of vibration?" Asked Adams.
"Yes sir!" Said both subordinates.
"Very well. Lower the arm!!"
With Adams's command, the arm began to lower towards the block of steel at a slow rate. As it began to touch, sparks began to fly all around the room. Adams smirked. 'It's working.' The knife continued to penetrate, inch by inch, slowing no signs of slowing. Adams looked to his subordinates. "Any damage to the knife detected by the computers?"
"Damage is very slight, sir. It's all normal wear on the materials of the blade. Everything is going well."
"Good. Let's continue."
It wasn't long before the knife was halfway through the steel. Then it was three-quarters the way. Finally, the knife went straight through. All three men were very pleased. Adams smile disappeared as concern returned to his mind. "Give me a damage report on the prototype."
"Minimal damage, sir. Everything is within the parameters."
"Excellent. Now begin the second phase of the test. Raise the arm up again, move it to the left a few feet, and cut the block again, only this time we will hit the block at full force to simulate a knife slash." Adams began to worry. 'We've yet to past the second phase of the test. I hope the alloys in the blade hold out.'
"Yes sir!" The subordinates pressed some button on the control panel. The knife lifted back up, moved slightly to the left, rose up slightly, and was practically slammed into the block once again. It seemed that the blade would hold as it easily sliced through the steel at a very rapid rate.
'It's going to work!' Thought Adams.
The blade was just feet away when suddenly, something happened. An emergency was called throughout NERV headquarters. All the power was cut off to the Weapons Dept. All doors throughout the facility were slammed shut.
"Emergency Emergency!" Called out an automated voice. "Security situation occurring in the Cage. All systems on high alert."
*GOD DAMMIT!!!!* Screamed Adams.
The knife shut down and was unable to finish cutting the block of steel. Apparently, because of the emergency, they were unable to complete the test. Several minutes passed, but finally the emergency passed, and normal functioning resumed in the facility. Unfortunately, Adams was less than happy with the interruption.
*Fucking shit! If only we could've finished. Now we have to start the whole goddamn test all over again. And best of all, it takes three day before we can test it again. Just my fucking luck!!*
The subordinates stared at the Captain, wondering what he was saying since they didn't comprehend English. "Uh sir, can you tell us what you just said?"
Adams ignored the question and instead, kicked over a garbage can. He then stomped out of the room. The two subordinates looked towards each other. "What do you think happened?"
"I don't know, but it looks like we've got to start all over again. No wonder he's so pissed off."
Adams rushes towards the control room that was at the cage. 'I'll give Ritsuko a piece of my mind. Can't I ever get anything done without some interruption from her fucking machines? At least the shit I develop works.' After a few more minutes, Adams reaches the control room. After hurryingly entering, he sees the obvious destruction that the test had caused. He then spots Ritsuko, who is standing there, somewhat stunned by what just happen. Adams wasted no time giving her a piece of his mind.
"Do you realize that you've set me back at least another three days??" Screamed the Captain. He then brings up his right hand and places a small amount of space between his index and thumb. "I was this close to finishing the final test for the progressive knife. With a successful trial, I could have finished development within a week. Now I have to start it all over again. THANKS A FUCKING LOT!!"
After hearing this, Ritsuko absorbed what was said. After a few moments of processing what was just said, she narrows her eyes and tenses up. She then smacks the Captain across the face not once, but twice. After Adams recovered from the initial shock of Ritsuko's reaction, Ritsuko spoke angrily. "How dare you just barge in here and act like you're the boss? Do you have any idea what just happened here?"
Adams rubbed his cheeks and frowned. He wasn't sure how to react to Ritsuko's anger.
"Why don't you take a look out the window and see?" Scolded Ritsuko.
Adams breathed a heavy sigh, trying to calm himself down. He then proceeded to walk towards the window, looking around to see what happened. First, he saw Unit 00, frozen in place, unable to move. Its fist was still reached out in an attempt to punch its way into the control room. Then he saw the entry pod, open and leaking LCL, with steam still forming around it. And then he saw Rei, broken and battered, in a stretcher. She was in great pain, and she was being carted away, with Commander Ikari at her side. Adams's heart suddenly sunk, and he felt a great deal of shame and pity. He turned towards Ritsuko and hung his head.
"I'm….. sorry…" Said Adams sorrowfully. He then began to walk out the door. "Just watch. An angel will attack anytime time within the next week." Said Adams to himself.
***
6 days ago
Shinji was lying beside a river that he knew and loved. He had completed his homework and chores for the day, and so he decided to take the time to relax and enjoy the lovely weather. Unfortunately, he was unable to completely enjoy the outdoors. Inside his mind, conflicting thoughts ran wild in his head. "I know I should go, but what if it's not for me? And what if I hate it there? What if this so called 'opportunity' really is too good to be true? I can't make up my mind.' Shinji was in despair. His mind told him not to go, but something in his heart told him yes. Deep down inside, he knew that he should probably go, but the biggest issue to him was that he wasn't sure if he could come back should the decision to go be a bad choice. After much more thought, Shinji decided that he would need some advice from his elder in order to make a final choice.
Shinji got up from the ground and walk back towards his house. The path that he had to take was fairly deep within the forest, and it always calmed his nerves to see it in its full beauty. He loved the outdoors, even though he admits that he's never gone camping. He enjoyed living in the small cabin in the middle of nowhere, and he also knew that the city would be completely different to the calm serenity that he felt at the very moment. When he neared the cabin, he sighed and frowned for he knew that his teacher would be against the idea of him staying here.
Shinji entered the house, and looked about for the much older man. Shinji found him laying in his easy chair, seemingly asleep. He was disappointed, but knew that he should not disturb the man and decide to head towards his room and wait until he finished his nap. Before he could reach his room, he heard a voice call out to him.
"Have you made a decision, yet?" Asked Misotaka, his eyes still closed.
Shinji turned towards the man and hung his head low. "I'm not sure. I know I should at least try, but….what if it's not for me? What if I hate it there? I'm afraid that I won't be able to come back."
The old man sat up and wiped the sleep out of his eyes. He then looked up at the boy and smiled. "Shinji, if you go and find that you don't like it there, you are more than welcome to come back. I would be happy to know that you at least tried. Should you come back, I will not look at you with any less respect than I would if you went."
Shinji smiled. He also felt a great deal of relief. "Thank you, sensei. I feel much better now." He then took a few deep breaths and stood up straight. "I think I'll call them now…."
"Very well, Shinji." Spoke Misotaka as he walked up to the young man, and proceeded to embrace him in a hug. "I'm proud of you. Consider this your first step towards manhood."
Shinji sighed. "Thank you, sensei."
**
Ritsuko Akagi was sitting over her desk with her hands over her face. She obviously dealing with a great deal of stress, and she seemed on the verge of crying. 'Everything within the past two days has gone completely wrong. First, Unit 00 goes berserk, then Rei takes serious injuries. Then the Weapons Dept. becomes delayed. Then, I my ear chewed out by both Adams and Commander Ikari. And to top it off, we have no replacement for Rei, and I haven't slept in two days.'
Ritsuko began to break down. Tears flowed from her eyes as all the pain within not just the last two days, but the last few years, was released in one downpour. She had about all she could take, and was contemplating whether the whole project was worth it or not. But then she laughed inwardly. 'Who am I kidding? There's no way I can back out now. I'm in way too deep in this. Mother, why did I have to follow in your footsteps?'
Before Ritsuko could continue with her mental conflict, the phone rang. Ritsuko was startled by it. She looked up at the phone with curiosity. 'Who could possibly want to talk to me at this moment?' Ritsuko picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hello. I need to speak to a Dr. Akagi. Would he happen to be in right now?"
It became apparent that the voice on the other end was obviously a young man, hardly any older than his early teens. Being referred to as a guy exasperated Ritsuko. "This is SHE. My I ask to whom am I speaking to?"
The voice on the other end seemed to panic. "I….I'm really sorry. I didn't know."
Ritsuko sighed. "Forget it. Just tell me who you are…"
"Um…my name is Shinji Ikari. I believe that you sent me a letter a couple of weeks ago stating that I had been chosen to represent you organization."
Ritsuko's face brightened. She began to recompose herself. "Oh, Shinji. I'm so sorry. Please forgive my rude behavior before. It's not often that I speak to fourteen year olds on the phone."
"It's ok. Your letter never stated you first name, so I had to guess. I hope you forgive me…."
"Relax. I forgive you. Now, are you interested in our offer?"
"Well, actually, yes. But I wanted to ask you a question."
"What is it?"
"I want to know what exactly am I going to do once I arrive."
"I'm afraid I can't tell you until you arrive. Is that a problem?"
There was a brief silence on the phone. "No, it's ok."
"Very well. First things first, I need you to write some things down."
"Ok. Hold on a second. I need to find a pen and paper." About a minute passed before that boy was heard again. "Ok I'm ready."
"We will first send you a package with all the information that you will need."
A few moments passed. "Ok I got that down."
"Next, we will contact you as to when you will depart for Tokyo 3. Do not worry about transportation, it will all be provided for you."
Another few moments passed. "Ok, got that."
"I also would suggest that you pack any items that you wish to bring along. We will cover the cost of shipping these items as well."
"Ok, anything else?"
"Just that the information packet should have an ID card as well, and that it should arrive in three days. You will probably depart shortly afterwards. Sorry if that sounds inconvenient."
"….It's ok. I probably should have contacted you sooner."
"Don't worry about it. Are there any other questions?"
"Yes, I have two. First, if I find that I don't like it there, can I back out?"
Ritsuko was silent for a moment. "Yes….. But we hope that it won't have to come to that."
"Ok, my second question is….. Will I see my father?"
Ritsuko frowned upon the question. She remembered how the Commander reacted when it was brought up that the Third Child was his son. "I'm sure you will. But try not to let that be the focus of what you are coming here for, Ok?"
More silence was heard. "Ok…."
"Very well. I hope I get the chance to meet you, Shinji."
"I hope to meet you, too. Thank you."
"No, thank you…" With that, she hung up the phone and brought forth the first smile that she has had in days. She lied back in her chair and let out of big sigh of relief. Suddenly, the door to her office opens and a purple haired woman enters.
"Gees. I came in here to cheer you up, but I guess I'm not needed after all." Said Misato.
Ritsuko looked up at her best friend. "Actually, you're just the person I needed to see. I just got in contact with the Third Child."
Misato smiled. "You did? That's great. His timing couldn't have been more perfect."
Ritsuko nodded. "And I'm going to ask you to be the person to pick him up. You don't have a problem with that do you?"
"Of course not. You can count on me."
Ritsuko got up and headed for the door. "I'll inform you later as to when he should arrive. I'm going to inform the Commander of the news."
"I'm sure that he'll be excited." Said Misato sarcastically.
Ritsuko didn't respond as she exited her office. A few minutes later, she entered Commander Ikari's office. Unfortunately, the Commander was not there. Ritsuko sighed. 'Just great…. Oh well.' She was about to turn around when suddenly, she felt two hands on her shoulders. This obviously startled the exhausted doctor, and she immediately turned around to confront whoever snuck up on her. To her surprise, it was the Commander himself.
"Did you need to see me?" Said Gendo in his usual cold tone.
Ritsuko sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you enter."
Gendo walked around the woman. "It matters not. Are you here to inform me of anything, or are you here to make unnecessary apologies?"
Ritsuko tried to regain her composure. "I… I just made contact with the Third Child. He is interested in joining our organization."
Gendo looked away from the doctor. "Does he have any idea as to what he's getting into?"
"No sir. I told him that his reason for being here would be explained to him when he arrived."
"Very good. Looks like things won't be so bad after all." Gendo then looked towards Ritsuko. "I apologize for being hard on you. I'm sure that it wasn't completely your fault that Unit 00 went berserk."
Ritsuko was shocked. "Y.. you don't have to apologize."
Gendo moved in closer, treading the barrier of Ritsuko's personal space. He began to walk behind her. "You appear to be quite stressed out. It must be hard working on the Eva project." The Commander once again placed his hands on her shoulders. Ritsuko tensed up, as she was starting to realize the man's intentions.
"I think we should keep our relationship professional, Commander."
"Why is that?" Asked the Commander as he began to rub her shoulders. After an few moments of this, Ritsuko began to relax. The older man could sense this. "There, there. Just relax. I don't want to hurt you. You mean a lot to all of us, especially me." The words spoken began to almost hypnotize the already very tired and very vulnerable doctor. She could feel his breath against her neck. Her eyes began to shutter as the shoulder rub continued. Suddenly, the man turned her around and embraced her closely. Before she could react, he pressed his lips on to hers. She once again tensed up, but found that she did not have the strength to struggle, and she once again relaxed and began to kiss back.
Whatever happened in that office in the next half hour of never confirmed, but it seemed likely that it was highly sexual, and hardly professional.
***
Yesterday
Shinji was sitting upon his bed. All of his belongings were packed away in boxes. He seemed to be in great anticipation and excitement, as well as worry. 'Today's the big day. The day I leave to go down a path that I may never return from. I'm so scared…'
A voice could be heard from outside his room. "Shinji are you ready?? The car should be here any minute."
"Thank you, sensei. I'll be ready in a minute."
Shinji sat there and smiled. 'I will miss this place a whole lot.'
A few minutes later, the sound of a horn beeping was heard out front. Shinji sighed 'I guess it's time to go.…'
Shinji gather what he figured that he would need and walked out the door. He saw a black sedan with two large men in black suits. Misotaka was there with them. He stood there watching the young man cautiously walk towards him. He them smiled. "Shinji, I'm very proud of you. I know that you will do something great, no matter how hard it maybe to succeed."
Shinji also smiled. "Thank you, sensei. I don't know how I can ever repay you for all that you have done."
The old man placed a hand on Shinji shoulder. "You will never have to repay me. I enjoyed every minute of teaching what I could to you. I just want you to remember a few things for me."
"Oh course, sensei."
"First, always be polite. Politeness may be that only thing that will keep you from being seen as a punk." The teacher laughed. "Second, make sure you pay attention while in school, and don't get distracted by girls. You're still too young to be thinking about such things."
Shinji blushed. "Yes sensei."
"And one lest thing. Perhaps the most important thing I can tell you…." Misotaka took a deep breath. "I know that you're scared, and that is completely normal. But I know you. You have a habit of trying to escape your problems. I will tell you that now matter how hard things get…" Misotaka gave a look of complete seriousness.
"You mustn't run away…"
Shinji blinked a few times. "I mustn't run away?"
"Yes Shinji, you mustn't run away. Now go out there and embrace your destiny."
With that, the two shared in a warm and long hug. Tears began to well up in both of their eyes. One of the men near the car looked at his watch. "We're short on time. We must leave now."
After that, Shinji and Misotaka let each other go. Shinji then handed his belongings to one of the men, who put it in the trunk of the car. The other man opened the rear seat door and Shinji got in. Shortly after the door closed, the car drove up. Shinji looked back through the window to see his old teacher waving back. Tears rolled down his cheek. Never the less, the boy smiled and began to think to himself. 'I mustn't run away…. I mustn't run away…..'
***
The present
'Shinji, don't die out there.' Thought Misato.
'Please don't fail us now.' Thought Ritsuko.
'I knew I would be kicking myself in the ass for that comment I made to myself last week' Thought Adams
'This was the great opportunity that I was seeking?' Thought Shinji.
"Disengage the final safety lock!" Commanded Misato.
"Yes sir!" Spoke Maya.
The final lock was released, and the Eva was now fully on its own. It stood there lazily, showing no actual life. Shinji was too scared to concentrate on moving.
"Just concentrate on walking for now." Spoke Ritsuko.
Shinji seemed extremely nervous. "Walking?"
"Use one of your arms to hold on to a building for support if you have to." Advised Adams.
Shinji then looked around at the adjacent buildings. The closest ones were to his left. He then reached out and tried to place a hand out towards the nearest building. The others were pleasantly surprised by the fact that the left arm was moving.
"It's moving…." Said Misato.
The building wasn't close enough, so Shinji attempted his first step. Very slowly and cautiously, the Eva took its first step. Smiles began to form on the crew's faces.
"It's walking…." Said Ritsuko.
Unfortunately, the building was still a little too far, so it attempted another step, but the second step was too clumsy. It began to fall on its left side. The crew fell into despair.
"It's falling…." Said Adams as he lowered his head.
The Eva landed with a gigantic crash. Shinji was shaken inside, but appeared to by unharmed. The angel, who had watched to whole thing, had decided to take advantage of the opportunity that was presented to it. It moved ahead and reached out with it right arm and grabbed the Eva by its foot. Lifting it in the air, it seemed to display an embarrassing dominance over the man-made creation. It then proceeded to throw the Eva in the same building that Shinji was reaching for earlier. Still holding on, the angel then threw it into another building, only this time it let go. The Eva went crashing through the small skyscraper and skidded across the ground.
The crew in the command bay seemed horrified by what they were seeing. Shinji nearly wet his pants inside the cockpit. "Somebody help me!!!!"
"Don't panic!! Just try to get up!" Yelled Misato.
"I can't!" Screamed Shinji.
The angel could sense the pilot's fear. It slowly walked up to the fallen machine and lifted its left foot above the Eva's head.
"Look out, Shinji!!" Cried out Misato.
The angel began to stomp on the Eva's head, each time the foot land, sound of crunching metal and asphalt got loader and louder. The pilot could do nothing but lie there as the head slowly got smashed inward.
"AAAAAHHHH!!!" Screamed Shinji in a panic. "Let me outta here!!!" Shinji began to bang at the walls, trying desperately to escape, and he could feel his heading hurting more and more with every attack.
"Dammit kid, do something!!" Yelled Adams.
Ritsuko looked down at the control panel and frowned. "His synch ratios are dropping. He probably can't even move the Eva by now."
"Shit!" Said Misato under her breath.
After a few more repeated stomps to the head, the angel used its right arm to once again pick up the Eva, this time by its head. The Eva was now dangling by its feet. Shinji stared straight into the face of what was the most disgusting looking creature he'd ever seen. Shinji, seeing no way out, began to search inside himself in order to find what little courage that was still there. 'I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away….'
"His synch ratios are climbing again. He should be able to move!!" Ritsuko pointed out.
"Now's you chance. ATTACK!!" Commanded Adams.
Shinji gritted his teeth. Finding what control that he had, he lifted his left arm and jabbed it forward. The blow landed on the angel's chest, inflicting little damage. Shinji then punch with the right arm, this time landing on the face. The Eva began to attack wildly landing as many punch as possible, but still little damage was dealt.
Adams made an assessment. "Without his feet firmly planted on the ground, he can't get the leverage in order to throw a decent punch." Adams continued to think. 'Who taught this kid how to fight?'
The angel began to get annoyed by the numerous desperate punches, and decided to slam the machine into the ground. It then placed its body weight on the Eva and grabbed the Unit 01's right arm. The angel then grabbed it left arm, and the buzz saw like cutting device began to spin at an accelerated rate. Seeing this, Shinji began to panic once again, and started pounding at the angel shoulder in to order to save his other arm. Unfortunately, this tactic was ineffective as the Eva's arm was easily sliced right off. Shinji gasped and screamed in pain, feeling like his own arm had just been cut off.
Ritsuko was in shock. "It cut through that arm like it was nothing."
Misato saw the boy's pain. "It's ok Shinji. That's not your real arm!!"
After surgically removing the arm, the angel then proceed to lift the Eva from the ground, and once again takes its cutting arm to remove another piece of the purple creation of man-kind, this time aiming for the head.
*Oh shit….. It's over…* Spoke Adams in English.
"The synch ratios have dropped again. There's nothing we can do…" Said Ritsuko as she placed her hand over her face. The crew had all but given up. It seems that mankind's last stand was not only a failure, but an embarrassing blunder as well. Fuyutsuki looked upon his superior for any sign of hope, but for some reason, the Commander seemed completely unmoved. "Aren't you worried? After all, if your son dies, we die." Asked Fuyutsuki.
The Commander did nothing but smile.
The blade drew closer and closer. Shinji's heart pounded. He was completely stiff. Not a single muscle in his body moved. His breathing became sporadic. He was literally paralyzed. He couldn't even think straight as his impending doom drew near. He could feel the vibrations from the spinning blade. And then the blade began to penetrate the brain case. The angel moved very slowly, as if it was savoring the moment. The armor could do little to hold up against the gigantic evil surgical tool.
Shinji's life flashed before his eyes. Scenes of his childhood. He saw his mother, with her warm smile and gentle touch. He saw his teacher, with his stern ways and wise words. And then he saw his father. His image began to fuel a fire within him. Everything about that man slowly dung deeper and deeper into his conscience and soul. His neglect, his uncompassionate ways, that dark cold stared behind the glasses. All these things made Shinji explode in a fury. A fury that even he could not comprehend or control. And with this rage, the Eva responded by grabbing the cutting arm, preventing its untimely death.
"His synch ratios are skyrocketing!!!" Said Maya.
Ritsuko, who had already given up hope, was stunned. "What? Are you kidding me?"
"No ma'am. Synch ratio is 86 percent and climbing!! This is unbelievable…"
Ritsuko looked back at the Vid-Screen. Her expression was a mix of excitement and fear. Misato took note of this.
"What's happening?" Asked Misato.
Ritsuko swallowed hard. "This is the same thing that happened with Unit 00."
Both Adams and Misato responded. "What?"
Ritsuko stared deathly into the Vid-screen. "I call this behavior…… the berserker…"
At that moment, Unit 01 threw back the angel with tremendous force. It then let out an incredible roar as a bi-product of all of Shinji bottled up rage. It almost seemed like it was foaming at the mouth.
"Synch ratio is at 158%. That's impossible." Screamed Maya.
Adams stared in awe at the Vid-screen. *Awesome…*
A monster seemed to have been created. The first thing the Eva did was leap into the air and jump kick the angel right into the head. The angel was sent flying right into the ground. Before the angel could respond, one of its horns was grabbed, and it was lifted into the air. Unit 01 then fell backwards while still holding the monstrosity, and while doing that, it stuck its leg up into the angel chest and sent it soaring back behind it. The angel landing into another building, and was obviously damage moderately.
Both Fuyutsuki and Ikari were smiling. "It appears that we might win yet." Said Gendo.
The next move that the Eva made was that it began to regenerate. First, its head plate reformed, both the cracks and the one cut simply vanished. Then, its damaged arm grew back, leaving the arm exposed without plating, but nonetheless present.
"Did it just regenerate?" Asked Misato.
None of the crew answer, all of them too caught up in the action to answer even if they heard her.
The angel was slow to get up, but by the time the Eva regenerated itself, it was standing and seeming preparing an offensive. Its core began to glow and a blinding flash appeared, consuming Unit 01. The force was tremendous, destroying several city blocks. A huge dust cloud resulted, and it was difficult to tell what the results were.
"What is the condition of the Evangelion?" Asked Ritsuko.
Before her question could be answered, and purplish figure emerged from the cloud and charged forward. The angel put up its cutting blade in defense. Seeing this. The enraged beast jumped over the angel and quickly turned around to do a kick, but the angel jump back in time. When the Eva attempted a punch, the Angels AT Field halted its progress.
Adams looked to Ritsuko. "How's he going to have a chance to penetrate that AT Field without any weapons?"
"I.. don't know. It should be creating its own AT Field." Responded Ritsuko.
That fact was revealed as the Purple machine also created an AT Field, neutralizing the other. Unfortunately, while the Eva was doing this, the Angel had taken its right hand and grabbed the lump on its shoulder. It tugged away as the bulge began to tear away from its connecting flesh.
Misato seemed disgusted. "What is it doing?"
The angel ripped off the lump just as Unit 01 continued its attack. When the Eva charged forward, the angel threw the lump at it, hitting right on the face.
"Oh no! Is it blinded?" Asked Ritsuko.
Unfortunately, being blinded was the least of their worries as the lumpy ball of flesh began it glow.
"There's an energy reaction inside it!!" Said Maya.
"NO!!!" Screamed Misato, Ritsuko, and Adams in unison.
The Eva was engulfed in an explosion that was horrific. The entire Headquarters felt the earth shattering shockwave of it. It was the most powerful explosion witness as of yet.
"Interesting adaptation.." Said Gendo.
Fuyutsuki responded. "Interesting isn't the word for it. I'd say that frightening is more appropriate. Maybe we haven't won after all."
As the explosion slowly dissipated, the lump regenerated on the angel's shoulder. Several minutes passed. Everyone in the command bay could feel that the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. The dust eventually settled enough to see into where a large crater was now present. It also became apparent that there was no sign of the Eva. It seemed to simply vanish.
"Impossible!" Remarked Ritsuko. "Even an explosion of that level couldn't vaporize an Eva."
"Maya, give us a status report of Unit 01." Commanded Misato.
Maya pressed a few button at the control bay. A smile could be seen on her face. "Only moderate damage has been sustained. I'm confirming its location……. It's to the angel left side."
"Put it on the Vid-screen!" Commanded Misato.
"Roger!" Responded Maya as she continued to press buttons. The screen then revealed the Eva unit. It seemed to have withstood the blast rather well. Most of its bleeding had stopped and it was nearly done regenerating.
"Looks like it's recovering before it continues its attack." Adams pointed out.
The angel eventually lost interest in the battle. It probably thought that it had won and was once again continuing its assault on NERV HQ. It fired another blast into the ground, causing the Geo front to shake. Little did the angel know of its impending danger lurking in the shadows.
Ritsuko noted that the Eva was moving again. "It's about to resume its attack on the angel."
All of a sudden, the artificial life form charged forward at full speed towards the angel. The angel was just starting to prepare another blast when it occurred, and the angel reacted by focusing the beam towards the Eva instead, but just like the last time, the beam did little to impede the berserker's progress. Bull rushing the gray figure, the Eva smashed it into another building, and into several others. The angel staggered to get up, but it had little time to do so as the Purple demon once again charged forward. The angel once again grabbed the lump on its shoulder and threw at its enemy, but this time it was deflected by an arm swipe. The ball of flesh was sent hurling into the air and once again exploded with unbelievable force, knocking both creatures off their feet.
Once again, the base shook with tremendous force. At several points inside the base, severe damage had been withstood, collapsing certain corridors and hallways. Some people were crushed underneath.
After the shaking was done, everyone looked back up at the screen. "Where the hell does that thing store that kind of energy?" Spoke Adams.
No one answered, either because they didn't know, or because they didn't care. Many were too glued to the screen to have even heard him. Both the angel and the Evangelion slowly rose from the ground, obviously shaken up. They made it to their feet at the same time, but the angel was the first to react. It got into a stance and suddenly charged forward, with its horns out front. The Eva saw it coming and took a defensive position. It caught both horns in its hands and began to push back, neither one making any further progress. The angel tried to attack with its cutting arm, but was kicked back by Unit 01. The angel made another swipe with its arm, but this time it was caught. Wrapping both hands around the arm, the Eva then placed a foot on the angel chest and began to pull. With every passing moment, the muscle and connecting tissue in the arm were ripping and tearing, and eventually, despite the angel's desperate attempts to free itself, the arm was ripped right off. The angel howled in pain, and fell to its knees.
Everyone in the command bay began to cheer. "We're winning!!" They all said. Some jumped into the air.
The Eva continued to attack the angel, throwing kicks and punches, each attack causing more damage. With only one arm to defend, there was little the angel could do. With one very powerful kick, the angel was sent smashing into several more buildings, and laid there in a bloody heap. The Eva showed no signs of stopping, and it once again charged at full force towards the angel. In a last ditch effort, the angel pulled off yet another lump and threw it in the Eva's direction. This proved to be a major error, as the Eva caught the lump and threw it back. Seeing its own attack used against it, it held its arm out in some hope that perhaps it could survive the inevitable blast. When the lump was mere feet away, it detonated, once again causing a huge explosion.
The crew watched as the enemy was consumed and most likely destroyed. Everyone stared endlessly into the Vid-screen. "Could it have survived the blast?" Asked Misato. No one answered. Their hearts pounded deep inside their chests. None of them moved or made a sound. They watch as the dust settled and finally revealed a broken bloody heap on the ground. It was still moving.
"It's alive!!!" Screamed Ritsuko.
Indeed the angel was still alive, but only barely. All of its limbs were destroyed, it suffered from major hemorrhaging, and its core was partially cracked. Even if it wanted to, the angel had no way of defending itself. It might have died on its own, but a stalking figure loomed over it. It had death in its eyes. With an insatiable hunger for destruction, the Eva continued its assault, grabbing the remaining horn from the angel's head and snapped it right off. It then used it as a stake, stabbing repeatedly into the core of its dying foe. The core cracked more and more, causing the angel to realize that its death was near. The lump was growing once again, and this time, without removing it, the angel activated it. It began to glow.
"It's going to blow itself up. Move away!!!" Yelled Adams in a desperate attempt to save the Eva and its pilot, but it was too late. The explosion caught it off guard and sent flying into the air. It landed several miles away in a mountainside. It was damaged, but not destroyed. As for the angel, there was nothing left. It was vaporized by its final good bye.
"What is the status of Unit 01 and its pilot?" Asked Misato in a commanding tone.
"Unit 01 has gone offline, but the life signs of the pilot are confirmed." Said Maya.
Everyone gave a sigh off relief. The world was saved. The Evangelion was successful. Everyone was in joy. Adams and Misato hugged each other in joy, but quickly broke apart when they realized what they were doing. Both Fuyutsuki and Ikari were more reserved, but still had smiles on their faces. Everyone was happy except for one. Shinji, who had just regained consciousness, laid there in the cockpit in fear and sorrow. Had the environment not been flooded with LCL, tears would have been flowing down his eyes.
End Chapter 2
***
Author's note: As you can tell, the first three quarters of the chapter reflect on the events that occurred before the start of the series. We felt that this was probably a fairly important part of the series that was left out. We apologize for the delay of the fight scene. We decided to not only drag out the fight scene longer, but to make it so that it wasn't quite so one sided. As for Misotaka, we felt that he probably had more to do with Shinji behavior than the series mentioned, so we added material that reflected that. Anyway, we hope that you enjoyed this chapter. Please review so we can know your input.
We have become aware that we forgot to mention that this fanfic is being co-authored. Both of us had become fans of the series, and we wanted the opportunity to create a fanfic based on the series. For those of you who reviewed, we thank you.
As for the parts of this fanfic that are similar to the series, we need to remind you that this is a retelling, which means that some parts of the series that played an important role in the plot, may or may not be used in this fanfic. We apologize in advance at any parts that are reused, but we will try to make the story as interesting in these parts as possible. Once again, we say thank you.
This chapter is considerably longer than the last. We hope you enjoy it.
Here is the second chapter of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Parallel
Chapter 2 "The Moment"
***
Shinji was now inside the entry plug of a gigantic beast, which just happened to be staring into the very face of death. All of the people in the command bay were watching, as the event was about to unfold. All of them knew inside that all of the events of the last month had contributed to this very moment. This was mankind first stand against a force that is believed to beyond man. Failure here would mean the destruction of all of humanity.
***
One month ago
Ritsuko is standing inside Commander Gendo Ikari's office. She is holding a manila folder. Commander Ikari is sitting at his desk with his hands folded in front of his face. "Do you have anything important to bring to my attention?" Said Gendo.
"The Marduk Report has found the Third Child. I think you will be quite surprised as to who it is." Spoke Ritsuko.
"Who is it?"
"He is your son, Shinji Ikari."
There was an odd silence that went into the room it lasted for two minutes. Even Ritsuko was becoming uncomfortable by it. "Well?" She said.
"We will contact the Third Child as soon as the need arises."
"But sir, would it not be advisable to have a spare should anything happen to the First Child?"
Gendo thought for a moment. "Send a letter to inform the Third Child that he is eligible to become an agent for our organization. Do not reveal too much until he has arrived. After all, it is unwise to reveal certain information to anyone outside off NERV. Should he not chose to join us, we will just have to wait until the Second Child arrives from Germany."
"Very well."
With that, Ritsuko left his office in order to fulfill her order.
***
25 days ago
Shinji is seen practicing on his cello in a small room that resembled a living room. He was trying hard to concentrate on the page of music that was in front of him. Despite this, he seemed to be playing quite well. In through one of the doors stepped in an old man. He had short, well-groomed hair, and an equally well-groomed beard. His age appeared to be in the mid-sixties. He was looking over a small bundle of letters. When Shinji noticed his presence, he missed one of his notes. The man took notice of this.
"Do not let my presence distract you, Shinji." Said the old man. "Concentrate!!"
"Sorry sensei. I'll try harder."
"No Shinji. Do! There is no try."
"Yes Professor Misotaka."
Shinji continued practicing while Misotaka looked at each envelope. Then he saw one that caught his attention.
"There appears to be a letter here for you, Shinji."
With that, Shinji once again lost his concentration and missed some more notes.
"Concentrate!! Do not get distracted by what I do or say."
"Yes sir."
Shinji continued to play while Misotaka paced the room for a few minutes.
'I wonder why they would send a letter to him at this point.' Thought Misotaka. 'Could this be Shinji's father trying to reach out to his son? Well, at the very least, it must be important.'
Misotaka looked to Shinji. "You may stop practicing for now. Have you completed the homework I assigned to you?"
Shinji put down his bow and leaned his cello against the wall. "Yes sensei, I've completed my homework."
Misotaka walks up to Shinji and hands him the letter. "Read the letter in your room. When you are finished, you will mow the lawn. Understood?"
"Yes sensei…" Shinji grabbed the letter and began to head towards his room, but a hand gasped itself around his collar before he could take another step.
"Shinji, what is your cello doing leaning against the wall?"
"My apologies. I'll put it away."
With that, Shinji quickly put his cello back in its holders along with the bow. Shinji then went into his room to read the letter. Upon looking at the return address, he noted that it was from Tokyo 3.
'Tokyo 3? Isn't that where my father lives? Why would he want to send a letter to me now?'
Shinji cautiously opened the letter, trying his best not to tear the envelope to sheds. Inside was a letter that appeared to be quite formal. Shinji read the letter carefully.
*
Dear Shinji,
You have been chosen from a select few in the world to represent our organization in a project that will help benefit mankind. Our organization, NERV, is one of the world leading developers of scientific technology. This is a very rare opportunity for you to advance yourself in a career that is tremendously rewarding.
Should you accept our offer, you with be transferred to the Tokyo 3 residential district. There, room and board will be provided to you at no charge. You will also be given the opportunity of attending one of the most prestigious private schools in the nation of Japan. Furthermore, you will be paid, and you will find your work hours to be very convenient.
Should you want to accept our offer, or have any questions, please call our number at 1 800 XXX XXXX. We look forward to seeing you here with us.
Sincerely,
Dr. R. Akagi
*
'What's this all about?' Thought Shinji. 'What exactly do they want from me? Why is it that I'm the chosen one out of a select few? What did I do that makes me so special? This whole letter sounds too good to be true. I think that it's best if I don't even bother.'
With that thought, Shinji crumpled up the letter and tossed it into the garbage. He then got up and left his room to finish his daily chores.
Upon entering the living room, Shinji could see that his teacher was looking at the mail that he had received. Before Shinji could exit, Misotaka spoke. "So what was the letter about?"
"Uh…. It was only junk mail, sensei. Nothing important."
"Is that so? Seems unusual for anyone to receive junk mail from NERV Headquarters in Tokyo 3." Said Misotaka as he raised an eyebrow in Shinji's direction. "So was it really junk mail?"
Shinji sighed. "No sensei."
"We will discuss it at a later date, as for now, finish your chores. By the way, for lying to me, you will now have to cook dinner as well." Said Misotaka sternly.
Shinji sighed once again. He then left to mow the lawn.
***
15 days ago
Ritsuko was seen once again in front of Commander Ikari. She looked rather tired for apparently she had another one of her "long nights." As usual, Commander Ikari sat at is desk in his unfriendly, business only gesture. Ritsuko spoke.
"Development of Test Model Unit 01 is near completion. We expect it to be ready for testing in two weeks."
"Very good." Said Gendo.
"We unfortunately have heard no word from the Third Child. It is highly likely that the letter sent to him has arrived by now."
"That is of no concern. Should we ever truly need him, we can always extract him by force."
His statement surprised Ritsuko. "But he's your son…"
Gendo's eyes narrowed. "My genetic relations with the Third Child are irrelevant. I advise you not to bring that up again, Dr. Akagi."
Ritsuko sighed. "Yes sir."
"Is there anything else to report to me?"
"Not at the moment, sir."
Gendo stood up from his desk. "I will be leaving on business for the next week. I expect Unit 00 to be ready for testing when I return. I want to personally supervise the final test." Gendo began to walk up to Ritsuko and slowly placed a hand on her cheek. "Is that understood, Ritsuko?"
Ritsuko was speechless by his upfront and sudden display of affection. Whether it was the fact that she was tired, or if it was the fact that she enjoyed the contact was unknown, but for some reason, she could not resist. "Y…yes sir…"
With that, the Commander went back to his usual mood and casually walked out of the office. Ritsuko just stood there, completely zoned out. 'What just happened? He touched my cheek. But why?' Shaking the thought out of her head, Ritsuko composed herself and walked out of the office.
Ritsuko was walking down a hallway when she was greeted by a familiar voice.
"Hey there Ritsuko!"
Ritsuko looked in the direction of the voice to see her long time friend, Misato.
"Hi Misato…" Said Ritsuko unenthusiastically.
"You look tired. Let me guess, you had another all-nighter."
Ritsuko nodded. "It was important that the proper programs were installed into Unit 01's CPU. It wasn't one of those task that can be done at a leisurely pace."
"And at the speed that you type, that's saying a lot."
"Maya wanted to help, but at the pace that she can type, it would have never gotten done."
"You need to learn to relax. You'll kill yourself at the rate you're going."
Ritsuko smiled weakly. "I'll get all the sleep I'll need when I'm dead."
The two of them walked into a room that resembled a small laboratory. Ritsuko walked over to a manila folder that contained the name "Shinji Ikari."
"It seems doubtful that the Third Child will be joining us." Said Ritsuko while looking over the file.
"Isn't that the Commander's son?" Asked Misato.
"Yes, but apparently that is 'irrelevant.'" Said Ritsuko as she made quotation marks with her fingers.
Misato took the manila folder and looked it over herself. She sees the photograph of the young man. "Hey, he's pretty cute." Said Misato as she traced her finger around the picture.
"Yeah, if you're into fourteen year olds."
"Well, he will turn eighteen eventually." Misato then put on a devious grin.
Ritsuko raised and eyebrow at her. "Don't even think about it."
"Oh come on. I was only joking."
"I'm aware of the exactly the last time you've had sex, which I might add, was quite some time ago."
Misato was obviously upset by this. "Well, it's a lot more recent than the last time you've had sex."
Ritsuko narrowed her eyes at her but then sighed. "Listen, I'm sorry for sounding grouchy. You're already aware that I'm exhausted."
Misato gave a light smile. "Apology accepted. I could never stay mad at you."
Ritsuko then took the folder and placed it inside a filing cabinet. She then walks towards a beaker that was full of an orange colored fluid. She took a small amount of it and placed it inside a test tube. Misato took a closer look at it.
"What is that stuff?" Asked Misato.
Before Ritsuko could answer, someone walked into the room. Ritsuko and Misato turned their head to see Steven.
"Hey you two. What's up." Asked Steven.
"I was just about to leave, thank you." Sneered Misato. "But before I do, I wanted my question answered." Misato turned towards Ritsuko. "What is that stuff?"
Ritsuko sighed in an annoyed tone. "This is LCL. The pilots of the Evas will breath this 'stuff' in order to oxygenate their blood. Don't ask about the details, I'm too tired to explain."
"Oh. Well see ya." Misato then walked towards the door, making sure not to acknowledge the American's presence.
When Misato left, Adams turned towards Ritsuko. "Why does she hate me so much?"
"I don't know. Could be several reasons. Maybe she jealous that you receive a higher salary than her."
"Yeah, but that's because I practically do the job of two people. Besides, what does she do around here anyway?"
Ritsuko starts to head for the door. "She's the director of operations. She's technically third in command around here. She makes sure things get done."
Adams smirked. "In other words, she's a manager. Doesn't sound very impressive when you put it that way."
Ritsuko stops. "I guess. By the way, why are you here?"
The weapons developer thought for a moment. "Oh yeah, I came to inform you that the prototype Progressive Knife should be built and ready for testing by tomorrow."
"Very good. I'm going to run some more tests on the LCL. I want to insure that it is safe to use when we begin testing on the Prototype Model Unit 00. Don't touch anything!!" Ritsuko then walks out the door.
Adams begins to stare at the beaker. 'I wonder how this stuff tastes. If the pilots have to breath it in, it can't be toxic.'
Steve looks around to make sure no one is watching. He takes the beaker and takes a large sip. After about two seconds, his face turns green. He starts to head towards the sink, but then Ritsuko heads back into the laboratory. Adams is forced to stand there as if nothing happened, trying his best to ignore the taste.
"I forgot to bring the beaker with me." Said Ritsuko. "I must be way too tired." Ritsuko then looks at Adams who is just standing there innocently. "Don't you have some work to get done?"
Adams nodded his head but continued to stand there. Ritsuko just shook her head and grabbed the beaker. When she finally left, Adams ran for the sink and spit out the LCL. "Yuck!!" He said as he turned on the faucet and washed out his mouth with water. 'Tastes coppery. Why would it taste like that?' After he was finished, Steve left the laboratory to head back to the Weapons Dept.
**
Shinji was busy working on his math homework. It was algebra, and for some reason it gave him a hard time. Misotaka enter his room and watched the boy do his homework intently. After five minutes, he decided to interrupt.
"Shinji, finish your homework later. We must discuss something."
Shinji looked up at his teacher. "What is it sensei?"
Misotaka looked around the room. "Where is that letter you received from NERV a short while ago?"
Shinji looked nervous. "Hold on one moment, sensei." Shinji went to his garbage can and found the crumpled piece of paper. It was immediately snatched from his hands. Misotaka flattened the crumpled piece of paper so that he could read it. Upon reading it, he looked up at Shinji with a disappointed look.
"Why did you throw this away?"
Shinji bowed his head in shame. "It sounded too good to be true, sensei. I didn't take it seriously."
"Why not? This is an opportunity of a lifetime. NERV is an organization that could provide you with a great career. And even if it doesn't, the educational opportunities shouldn't be overlooked."
"I know that. But I just don't think it's for me."
"Perhaps. But perhaps this is your father trying to reach out to you. You do know that he is part of that organization, right?"
Shinji became upset. "I don't want anything to do with him."
"Shinji, your father works for the benefit of mankind. Don't you want to be a part of that? Don't you want to do something great with your life?"
Shinji continued to sit there at his desk with his head down. "I don't care if I really do anything with my life. I like the way my life is now. It maybe boring, but it's peaceful here. I don't need to accomplish anything important…"
Misotaka walks up to Shinji. "Shinji, look up at me." Shinji slowly looked up at his teacher.
"Yes sensei?"
"Forgive me for what I'm about to do." With that, Misotaka slapped Shinji powerfully across the face. "How dare you think that you can just waste your life like that? I did not spend the last three years teaching you what I have so that you could grow up to be a failure!"
Shinji winced at the stinging pain that seared through his cheek. Tears began to fill his lower eyelids. He cowered under the much older man. He eyed the door that was adjacent to him. He made a run for it, but before he could make it, his teacher's leg gracefully tripped him up. With a loud crash, Shinji hit the floor. His teacher watched as the boy slowly sat up and began to cry. Despite his sternness, Misotaka truly hated seeing him upset.
"Shinji." Spoke Misotaka in a fatherly tone. "I do not want you to be in pain. And I understand that life has been hard on you, and that you father has been most unkind to you. But…" The old man kneels down and places a hand on Shinji's shoulder. "Adversity is not an excuse for failure. In the end, I know you can overcome what has happened to you."
Shinji found the words to speak. "But I don't want to face him. I know for sure that he doesn't love me. He probably just wants to use me."
Misotaka smiles. "I thought you liked feeling needed. Doesn't it at least sooth you to know that he at least acknowledges your existence enough to know that he needs you?"
Shinji looked up at his teacher. "But I want him to love me, not need me."
"You will have to come across that bridge when you get there. And the only why that can happen is if you pursue the opportunity that is given to you. Contact NERV, and tell them that you are interested."
"But I'm not interested!"
"Why not?"
Shinji fell silent. He lowered his head to look to the floor. "I don't know…" He said softly.
Misotaka could see through the young man. He knew that Shinji was hiding the truth. "I don't believe you. I think that you know exactly why you won't go. Tell me, WHY?"
Shinji continued to cower; he didn't want to be here. He didn't want to admit the truth. It hurt too much. His chest pounded. He searched his mind for some reason, some excuse. But then, he looked back up at his teacher and knew that he could not lie to him. It wasn't even the fact the he respected him, but the fact that the man was simply too wise to be bought by any excuse. He knew that the man would see through him, could see through him, and was seeing through him. He began to become aggravated. He clenched his fists as his body began to tense up. In a final moment, he screamed.
"I'M AFRAID!!! ARE YOU HAPPY? I SAID IT. WHAT ELSE DO YOU WA…."
Before Shinji could finish his question, another slap collided against his face. The tears that welled up in his eyes were sent flying into the air. One of the tears landed on the old man's shirt. The old man looked at the wet spot on his shirt. He then looked back at the boy. "I'm sorry. But you need to be more respectful. I'm trying to help you. If you refuse my help, it's your own fault." He then helped Shinji to his feet. "Tell me, why are you afraid?"
Shinji searched his heart and soul. He knew the answer, but like in all the things that he does, he looked with uncertainty. "I guess I'm afraid of the city, meeting new people, failing, confronting my father…..and other things."
Misotaka gave a light smile. "Someday you will have to face your fears, regardless of whether you like it or not. Right now, you are at a crossroad. The choice you make may effect what happens to you for the rest of your life. It's understandable to be afraid, but this opportunity may be the best thing that ever happened to you. Do you really ever want to look back at this and feel regret?"
Shinji did not answer. He simply sat there and thought, but the more he thought, the more uncertain he was about everything that was happening in his life. "Sensei, I need a little more time. Is it ok if I think this through?"
Misotaka place a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Certainly. Perhaps thinking this through will give you a better perspective as to how you feel about this opportunity. We will finish discussing this later, when you're ready."
Misotaka began to walk out the door, rubbing his back since he was obviously in some pain. "Finish your homework and cook dinner…. Ow my back is killing me." With that, Misotaka walk out of the room. Shinji was left pondering what to do with himself. He was very much shaken, and doing his homework was a struggle since he could barely hold the pencil. 'Do I really have to go? I'm so afraid….'
***
7 days ago
The scene is now in a large room. Inside, it could be seen that a large knife-like device was hooked up to a large mechanical arm. Below the knife was a block of steel that was eight feet in length, width and height. Captain Adams was near a control panel to the side with two subordinates. He had a look of pure seriousness on his face. "Are we prepared for the final test on the prototype weapons unit AX-7?"
One of his subordinates answered his question. "Yes sir. We are ready for the final test on the prototype progressive knife."
"Very well." Said Adams. "Begin preliminary test procedures. Is our power supply at an optimum level?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good. Activate vibration device within the knife."
The subordinate press a few buttons. The knife began to make a load humming noise. The blade vibrated at an ultra-sonic frequency. The vibrations could be felt from the control panel. The other subordinate then spoke. "Sir. I need to inform you that Commander Ikari and Dr. Akagi are beginning synchronization tests on unit 00 at this very moment. Should we wait until they are done?"
Adams frowned. "No! This project has been delayed enough. We will continue with the test as planned. I doubt that their test will interfere with ours."
"Yes sir!"
"Is the knife at the correct frequency of vibration?" Asked Adams.
"Yes sir!" Said both subordinates.
"Very well. Lower the arm!!"
With Adams's command, the arm began to lower towards the block of steel at a slow rate. As it began to touch, sparks began to fly all around the room. Adams smirked. 'It's working.' The knife continued to penetrate, inch by inch, slowing no signs of slowing. Adams looked to his subordinates. "Any damage to the knife detected by the computers?"
"Damage is very slight, sir. It's all normal wear on the materials of the blade. Everything is going well."
"Good. Let's continue."
It wasn't long before the knife was halfway through the steel. Then it was three-quarters the way. Finally, the knife went straight through. All three men were very pleased. Adams smile disappeared as concern returned to his mind. "Give me a damage report on the prototype."
"Minimal damage, sir. Everything is within the parameters."
"Excellent. Now begin the second phase of the test. Raise the arm up again, move it to the left a few feet, and cut the block again, only this time we will hit the block at full force to simulate a knife slash." Adams began to worry. 'We've yet to past the second phase of the test. I hope the alloys in the blade hold out.'
"Yes sir!" The subordinates pressed some button on the control panel. The knife lifted back up, moved slightly to the left, rose up slightly, and was practically slammed into the block once again. It seemed that the blade would hold as it easily sliced through the steel at a very rapid rate.
'It's going to work!' Thought Adams.
The blade was just feet away when suddenly, something happened. An emergency was called throughout NERV headquarters. All the power was cut off to the Weapons Dept. All doors throughout the facility were slammed shut.
"Emergency Emergency!" Called out an automated voice. "Security situation occurring in the Cage. All systems on high alert."
*GOD DAMMIT!!!!* Screamed Adams.
The knife shut down and was unable to finish cutting the block of steel. Apparently, because of the emergency, they were unable to complete the test. Several minutes passed, but finally the emergency passed, and normal functioning resumed in the facility. Unfortunately, Adams was less than happy with the interruption.
*Fucking shit! If only we could've finished. Now we have to start the whole goddamn test all over again. And best of all, it takes three day before we can test it again. Just my fucking luck!!*
The subordinates stared at the Captain, wondering what he was saying since they didn't comprehend English. "Uh sir, can you tell us what you just said?"
Adams ignored the question and instead, kicked over a garbage can. He then stomped out of the room. The two subordinates looked towards each other. "What do you think happened?"
"I don't know, but it looks like we've got to start all over again. No wonder he's so pissed off."
Adams rushes towards the control room that was at the cage. 'I'll give Ritsuko a piece of my mind. Can't I ever get anything done without some interruption from her fucking machines? At least the shit I develop works.' After a few more minutes, Adams reaches the control room. After hurryingly entering, he sees the obvious destruction that the test had caused. He then spots Ritsuko, who is standing there, somewhat stunned by what just happen. Adams wasted no time giving her a piece of his mind.
"Do you realize that you've set me back at least another three days??" Screamed the Captain. He then brings up his right hand and places a small amount of space between his index and thumb. "I was this close to finishing the final test for the progressive knife. With a successful trial, I could have finished development within a week. Now I have to start it all over again. THANKS A FUCKING LOT!!"
After hearing this, Ritsuko absorbed what was said. After a few moments of processing what was just said, she narrows her eyes and tenses up. She then smacks the Captain across the face not once, but twice. After Adams recovered from the initial shock of Ritsuko's reaction, Ritsuko spoke angrily. "How dare you just barge in here and act like you're the boss? Do you have any idea what just happened here?"
Adams rubbed his cheeks and frowned. He wasn't sure how to react to Ritsuko's anger.
"Why don't you take a look out the window and see?" Scolded Ritsuko.
Adams breathed a heavy sigh, trying to calm himself down. He then proceeded to walk towards the window, looking around to see what happened. First, he saw Unit 00, frozen in place, unable to move. Its fist was still reached out in an attempt to punch its way into the control room. Then he saw the entry pod, open and leaking LCL, with steam still forming around it. And then he saw Rei, broken and battered, in a stretcher. She was in great pain, and she was being carted away, with Commander Ikari at her side. Adams's heart suddenly sunk, and he felt a great deal of shame and pity. He turned towards Ritsuko and hung his head.
"I'm….. sorry…" Said Adams sorrowfully. He then began to walk out the door. "Just watch. An angel will attack anytime time within the next week." Said Adams to himself.
***
6 days ago
Shinji was lying beside a river that he knew and loved. He had completed his homework and chores for the day, and so he decided to take the time to relax and enjoy the lovely weather. Unfortunately, he was unable to completely enjoy the outdoors. Inside his mind, conflicting thoughts ran wild in his head. "I know I should go, but what if it's not for me? And what if I hate it there? What if this so called 'opportunity' really is too good to be true? I can't make up my mind.' Shinji was in despair. His mind told him not to go, but something in his heart told him yes. Deep down inside, he knew that he should probably go, but the biggest issue to him was that he wasn't sure if he could come back should the decision to go be a bad choice. After much more thought, Shinji decided that he would need some advice from his elder in order to make a final choice.
Shinji got up from the ground and walk back towards his house. The path that he had to take was fairly deep within the forest, and it always calmed his nerves to see it in its full beauty. He loved the outdoors, even though he admits that he's never gone camping. He enjoyed living in the small cabin in the middle of nowhere, and he also knew that the city would be completely different to the calm serenity that he felt at the very moment. When he neared the cabin, he sighed and frowned for he knew that his teacher would be against the idea of him staying here.
Shinji entered the house, and looked about for the much older man. Shinji found him laying in his easy chair, seemingly asleep. He was disappointed, but knew that he should not disturb the man and decide to head towards his room and wait until he finished his nap. Before he could reach his room, he heard a voice call out to him.
"Have you made a decision, yet?" Asked Misotaka, his eyes still closed.
Shinji turned towards the man and hung his head low. "I'm not sure. I know I should at least try, but….what if it's not for me? What if I hate it there? I'm afraid that I won't be able to come back."
The old man sat up and wiped the sleep out of his eyes. He then looked up at the boy and smiled. "Shinji, if you go and find that you don't like it there, you are more than welcome to come back. I would be happy to know that you at least tried. Should you come back, I will not look at you with any less respect than I would if you went."
Shinji smiled. He also felt a great deal of relief. "Thank you, sensei. I feel much better now." He then took a few deep breaths and stood up straight. "I think I'll call them now…."
"Very well, Shinji." Spoke Misotaka as he walked up to the young man, and proceeded to embrace him in a hug. "I'm proud of you. Consider this your first step towards manhood."
Shinji sighed. "Thank you, sensei."
**
Ritsuko Akagi was sitting over her desk with her hands over her face. She obviously dealing with a great deal of stress, and she seemed on the verge of crying. 'Everything within the past two days has gone completely wrong. First, Unit 00 goes berserk, then Rei takes serious injuries. Then the Weapons Dept. becomes delayed. Then, I my ear chewed out by both Adams and Commander Ikari. And to top it off, we have no replacement for Rei, and I haven't slept in two days.'
Ritsuko began to break down. Tears flowed from her eyes as all the pain within not just the last two days, but the last few years, was released in one downpour. She had about all she could take, and was contemplating whether the whole project was worth it or not. But then she laughed inwardly. 'Who am I kidding? There's no way I can back out now. I'm in way too deep in this. Mother, why did I have to follow in your footsteps?'
Before Ritsuko could continue with her mental conflict, the phone rang. Ritsuko was startled by it. She looked up at the phone with curiosity. 'Who could possibly want to talk to me at this moment?' Ritsuko picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hello. I need to speak to a Dr. Akagi. Would he happen to be in right now?"
It became apparent that the voice on the other end was obviously a young man, hardly any older than his early teens. Being referred to as a guy exasperated Ritsuko. "This is SHE. My I ask to whom am I speaking to?"
The voice on the other end seemed to panic. "I….I'm really sorry. I didn't know."
Ritsuko sighed. "Forget it. Just tell me who you are…"
"Um…my name is Shinji Ikari. I believe that you sent me a letter a couple of weeks ago stating that I had been chosen to represent you organization."
Ritsuko's face brightened. She began to recompose herself. "Oh, Shinji. I'm so sorry. Please forgive my rude behavior before. It's not often that I speak to fourteen year olds on the phone."
"It's ok. Your letter never stated you first name, so I had to guess. I hope you forgive me…."
"Relax. I forgive you. Now, are you interested in our offer?"
"Well, actually, yes. But I wanted to ask you a question."
"What is it?"
"I want to know what exactly am I going to do once I arrive."
"I'm afraid I can't tell you until you arrive. Is that a problem?"
There was a brief silence on the phone. "No, it's ok."
"Very well. First things first, I need you to write some things down."
"Ok. Hold on a second. I need to find a pen and paper." About a minute passed before that boy was heard again. "Ok I'm ready."
"We will first send you a package with all the information that you will need."
A few moments passed. "Ok I got that down."
"Next, we will contact you as to when you will depart for Tokyo 3. Do not worry about transportation, it will all be provided for you."
Another few moments passed. "Ok, got that."
"I also would suggest that you pack any items that you wish to bring along. We will cover the cost of shipping these items as well."
"Ok, anything else?"
"Just that the information packet should have an ID card as well, and that it should arrive in three days. You will probably depart shortly afterwards. Sorry if that sounds inconvenient."
"….It's ok. I probably should have contacted you sooner."
"Don't worry about it. Are there any other questions?"
"Yes, I have two. First, if I find that I don't like it there, can I back out?"
Ritsuko was silent for a moment. "Yes….. But we hope that it won't have to come to that."
"Ok, my second question is….. Will I see my father?"
Ritsuko frowned upon the question. She remembered how the Commander reacted when it was brought up that the Third Child was his son. "I'm sure you will. But try not to let that be the focus of what you are coming here for, Ok?"
More silence was heard. "Ok…."
"Very well. I hope I get the chance to meet you, Shinji."
"I hope to meet you, too. Thank you."
"No, thank you…" With that, she hung up the phone and brought forth the first smile that she has had in days. She lied back in her chair and let out of big sigh of relief. Suddenly, the door to her office opens and a purple haired woman enters.
"Gees. I came in here to cheer you up, but I guess I'm not needed after all." Said Misato.
Ritsuko looked up at her best friend. "Actually, you're just the person I needed to see. I just got in contact with the Third Child."
Misato smiled. "You did? That's great. His timing couldn't have been more perfect."
Ritsuko nodded. "And I'm going to ask you to be the person to pick him up. You don't have a problem with that do you?"
"Of course not. You can count on me."
Ritsuko got up and headed for the door. "I'll inform you later as to when he should arrive. I'm going to inform the Commander of the news."
"I'm sure that he'll be excited." Said Misato sarcastically.
Ritsuko didn't respond as she exited her office. A few minutes later, she entered Commander Ikari's office. Unfortunately, the Commander was not there. Ritsuko sighed. 'Just great…. Oh well.' She was about to turn around when suddenly, she felt two hands on her shoulders. This obviously startled the exhausted doctor, and she immediately turned around to confront whoever snuck up on her. To her surprise, it was the Commander himself.
"Did you need to see me?" Said Gendo in his usual cold tone.
Ritsuko sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you enter."
Gendo walked around the woman. "It matters not. Are you here to inform me of anything, or are you here to make unnecessary apologies?"
Ritsuko tried to regain her composure. "I… I just made contact with the Third Child. He is interested in joining our organization."
Gendo looked away from the doctor. "Does he have any idea as to what he's getting into?"
"No sir. I told him that his reason for being here would be explained to him when he arrived."
"Very good. Looks like things won't be so bad after all." Gendo then looked towards Ritsuko. "I apologize for being hard on you. I'm sure that it wasn't completely your fault that Unit 00 went berserk."
Ritsuko was shocked. "Y.. you don't have to apologize."
Gendo moved in closer, treading the barrier of Ritsuko's personal space. He began to walk behind her. "You appear to be quite stressed out. It must be hard working on the Eva project." The Commander once again placed his hands on her shoulders. Ritsuko tensed up, as she was starting to realize the man's intentions.
"I think we should keep our relationship professional, Commander."
"Why is that?" Asked the Commander as he began to rub her shoulders. After an few moments of this, Ritsuko began to relax. The older man could sense this. "There, there. Just relax. I don't want to hurt you. You mean a lot to all of us, especially me." The words spoken began to almost hypnotize the already very tired and very vulnerable doctor. She could feel his breath against her neck. Her eyes began to shutter as the shoulder rub continued. Suddenly, the man turned her around and embraced her closely. Before she could react, he pressed his lips on to hers. She once again tensed up, but found that she did not have the strength to struggle, and she once again relaxed and began to kiss back.
Whatever happened in that office in the next half hour of never confirmed, but it seemed likely that it was highly sexual, and hardly professional.
***
Yesterday
Shinji was sitting upon his bed. All of his belongings were packed away in boxes. He seemed to be in great anticipation and excitement, as well as worry. 'Today's the big day. The day I leave to go down a path that I may never return from. I'm so scared…'
A voice could be heard from outside his room. "Shinji are you ready?? The car should be here any minute."
"Thank you, sensei. I'll be ready in a minute."
Shinji sat there and smiled. 'I will miss this place a whole lot.'
A few minutes later, the sound of a horn beeping was heard out front. Shinji sighed 'I guess it's time to go.…'
Shinji gather what he figured that he would need and walked out the door. He saw a black sedan with two large men in black suits. Misotaka was there with them. He stood there watching the young man cautiously walk towards him. He them smiled. "Shinji, I'm very proud of you. I know that you will do something great, no matter how hard it maybe to succeed."
Shinji also smiled. "Thank you, sensei. I don't know how I can ever repay you for all that you have done."
The old man placed a hand on Shinji shoulder. "You will never have to repay me. I enjoyed every minute of teaching what I could to you. I just want you to remember a few things for me."
"Oh course, sensei."
"First, always be polite. Politeness may be that only thing that will keep you from being seen as a punk." The teacher laughed. "Second, make sure you pay attention while in school, and don't get distracted by girls. You're still too young to be thinking about such things."
Shinji blushed. "Yes sensei."
"And one lest thing. Perhaps the most important thing I can tell you…." Misotaka took a deep breath. "I know that you're scared, and that is completely normal. But I know you. You have a habit of trying to escape your problems. I will tell you that now matter how hard things get…" Misotaka gave a look of complete seriousness.
"You mustn't run away…"
Shinji blinked a few times. "I mustn't run away?"
"Yes Shinji, you mustn't run away. Now go out there and embrace your destiny."
With that, the two shared in a warm and long hug. Tears began to well up in both of their eyes. One of the men near the car looked at his watch. "We're short on time. We must leave now."
After that, Shinji and Misotaka let each other go. Shinji then handed his belongings to one of the men, who put it in the trunk of the car. The other man opened the rear seat door and Shinji got in. Shortly after the door closed, the car drove up. Shinji looked back through the window to see his old teacher waving back. Tears rolled down his cheek. Never the less, the boy smiled and began to think to himself. 'I mustn't run away…. I mustn't run away…..'
***
The present
'Shinji, don't die out there.' Thought Misato.
'Please don't fail us now.' Thought Ritsuko.
'I knew I would be kicking myself in the ass for that comment I made to myself last week' Thought Adams
'This was the great opportunity that I was seeking?' Thought Shinji.
"Disengage the final safety lock!" Commanded Misato.
"Yes sir!" Spoke Maya.
The final lock was released, and the Eva was now fully on its own. It stood there lazily, showing no actual life. Shinji was too scared to concentrate on moving.
"Just concentrate on walking for now." Spoke Ritsuko.
Shinji seemed extremely nervous. "Walking?"
"Use one of your arms to hold on to a building for support if you have to." Advised Adams.
Shinji then looked around at the adjacent buildings. The closest ones were to his left. He then reached out and tried to place a hand out towards the nearest building. The others were pleasantly surprised by the fact that the left arm was moving.
"It's moving…." Said Misato.
The building wasn't close enough, so Shinji attempted his first step. Very slowly and cautiously, the Eva took its first step. Smiles began to form on the crew's faces.
"It's walking…." Said Ritsuko.
Unfortunately, the building was still a little too far, so it attempted another step, but the second step was too clumsy. It began to fall on its left side. The crew fell into despair.
"It's falling…." Said Adams as he lowered his head.
The Eva landed with a gigantic crash. Shinji was shaken inside, but appeared to by unharmed. The angel, who had watched to whole thing, had decided to take advantage of the opportunity that was presented to it. It moved ahead and reached out with it right arm and grabbed the Eva by its foot. Lifting it in the air, it seemed to display an embarrassing dominance over the man-made creation. It then proceeded to throw the Eva in the same building that Shinji was reaching for earlier. Still holding on, the angel then threw it into another building, only this time it let go. The Eva went crashing through the small skyscraper and skidded across the ground.
The crew in the command bay seemed horrified by what they were seeing. Shinji nearly wet his pants inside the cockpit. "Somebody help me!!!!"
"Don't panic!! Just try to get up!" Yelled Misato.
"I can't!" Screamed Shinji.
The angel could sense the pilot's fear. It slowly walked up to the fallen machine and lifted its left foot above the Eva's head.
"Look out, Shinji!!" Cried out Misato.
The angel began to stomp on the Eva's head, each time the foot land, sound of crunching metal and asphalt got loader and louder. The pilot could do nothing but lie there as the head slowly got smashed inward.
"AAAAAHHHH!!!" Screamed Shinji in a panic. "Let me outta here!!!" Shinji began to bang at the walls, trying desperately to escape, and he could feel his heading hurting more and more with every attack.
"Dammit kid, do something!!" Yelled Adams.
Ritsuko looked down at the control panel and frowned. "His synch ratios are dropping. He probably can't even move the Eva by now."
"Shit!" Said Misato under her breath.
After a few more repeated stomps to the head, the angel used its right arm to once again pick up the Eva, this time by its head. The Eva was now dangling by its feet. Shinji stared straight into the face of what was the most disgusting looking creature he'd ever seen. Shinji, seeing no way out, began to search inside himself in order to find what little courage that was still there. 'I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away….'
"His synch ratios are climbing again. He should be able to move!!" Ritsuko pointed out.
"Now's you chance. ATTACK!!" Commanded Adams.
Shinji gritted his teeth. Finding what control that he had, he lifted his left arm and jabbed it forward. The blow landed on the angel's chest, inflicting little damage. Shinji then punch with the right arm, this time landing on the face. The Eva began to attack wildly landing as many punch as possible, but still little damage was dealt.
Adams made an assessment. "Without his feet firmly planted on the ground, he can't get the leverage in order to throw a decent punch." Adams continued to think. 'Who taught this kid how to fight?'
The angel began to get annoyed by the numerous desperate punches, and decided to slam the machine into the ground. It then placed its body weight on the Eva and grabbed the Unit 01's right arm. The angel then grabbed it left arm, and the buzz saw like cutting device began to spin at an accelerated rate. Seeing this, Shinji began to panic once again, and started pounding at the angel shoulder in to order to save his other arm. Unfortunately, this tactic was ineffective as the Eva's arm was easily sliced right off. Shinji gasped and screamed in pain, feeling like his own arm had just been cut off.
Ritsuko was in shock. "It cut through that arm like it was nothing."
Misato saw the boy's pain. "It's ok Shinji. That's not your real arm!!"
After surgically removing the arm, the angel then proceed to lift the Eva from the ground, and once again takes its cutting arm to remove another piece of the purple creation of man-kind, this time aiming for the head.
*Oh shit….. It's over…* Spoke Adams in English.
"The synch ratios have dropped again. There's nothing we can do…" Said Ritsuko as she placed her hand over her face. The crew had all but given up. It seems that mankind's last stand was not only a failure, but an embarrassing blunder as well. Fuyutsuki looked upon his superior for any sign of hope, but for some reason, the Commander seemed completely unmoved. "Aren't you worried? After all, if your son dies, we die." Asked Fuyutsuki.
The Commander did nothing but smile.
The blade drew closer and closer. Shinji's heart pounded. He was completely stiff. Not a single muscle in his body moved. His breathing became sporadic. He was literally paralyzed. He couldn't even think straight as his impending doom drew near. He could feel the vibrations from the spinning blade. And then the blade began to penetrate the brain case. The angel moved very slowly, as if it was savoring the moment. The armor could do little to hold up against the gigantic evil surgical tool.
Shinji's life flashed before his eyes. Scenes of his childhood. He saw his mother, with her warm smile and gentle touch. He saw his teacher, with his stern ways and wise words. And then he saw his father. His image began to fuel a fire within him. Everything about that man slowly dung deeper and deeper into his conscience and soul. His neglect, his uncompassionate ways, that dark cold stared behind the glasses. All these things made Shinji explode in a fury. A fury that even he could not comprehend or control. And with this rage, the Eva responded by grabbing the cutting arm, preventing its untimely death.
"His synch ratios are skyrocketing!!!" Said Maya.
Ritsuko, who had already given up hope, was stunned. "What? Are you kidding me?"
"No ma'am. Synch ratio is 86 percent and climbing!! This is unbelievable…"
Ritsuko looked back at the Vid-Screen. Her expression was a mix of excitement and fear. Misato took note of this.
"What's happening?" Asked Misato.
Ritsuko swallowed hard. "This is the same thing that happened with Unit 00."
Both Adams and Misato responded. "What?"
Ritsuko stared deathly into the Vid-screen. "I call this behavior…… the berserker…"
At that moment, Unit 01 threw back the angel with tremendous force. It then let out an incredible roar as a bi-product of all of Shinji bottled up rage. It almost seemed like it was foaming at the mouth.
"Synch ratio is at 158%. That's impossible." Screamed Maya.
Adams stared in awe at the Vid-screen. *Awesome…*
A monster seemed to have been created. The first thing the Eva did was leap into the air and jump kick the angel right into the head. The angel was sent flying right into the ground. Before the angel could respond, one of its horns was grabbed, and it was lifted into the air. Unit 01 then fell backwards while still holding the monstrosity, and while doing that, it stuck its leg up into the angel chest and sent it soaring back behind it. The angel landing into another building, and was obviously damage moderately.
Both Fuyutsuki and Ikari were smiling. "It appears that we might win yet." Said Gendo.
The next move that the Eva made was that it began to regenerate. First, its head plate reformed, both the cracks and the one cut simply vanished. Then, its damaged arm grew back, leaving the arm exposed without plating, but nonetheless present.
"Did it just regenerate?" Asked Misato.
None of the crew answer, all of them too caught up in the action to answer even if they heard her.
The angel was slow to get up, but by the time the Eva regenerated itself, it was standing and seeming preparing an offensive. Its core began to glow and a blinding flash appeared, consuming Unit 01. The force was tremendous, destroying several city blocks. A huge dust cloud resulted, and it was difficult to tell what the results were.
"What is the condition of the Evangelion?" Asked Ritsuko.
Before her question could be answered, and purplish figure emerged from the cloud and charged forward. The angel put up its cutting blade in defense. Seeing this. The enraged beast jumped over the angel and quickly turned around to do a kick, but the angel jump back in time. When the Eva attempted a punch, the Angels AT Field halted its progress.
Adams looked to Ritsuko. "How's he going to have a chance to penetrate that AT Field without any weapons?"
"I.. don't know. It should be creating its own AT Field." Responded Ritsuko.
That fact was revealed as the Purple machine also created an AT Field, neutralizing the other. Unfortunately, while the Eva was doing this, the Angel had taken its right hand and grabbed the lump on its shoulder. It tugged away as the bulge began to tear away from its connecting flesh.
Misato seemed disgusted. "What is it doing?"
The angel ripped off the lump just as Unit 01 continued its attack. When the Eva charged forward, the angel threw the lump at it, hitting right on the face.
"Oh no! Is it blinded?" Asked Ritsuko.
Unfortunately, being blinded was the least of their worries as the lumpy ball of flesh began it glow.
"There's an energy reaction inside it!!" Said Maya.
"NO!!!" Screamed Misato, Ritsuko, and Adams in unison.
The Eva was engulfed in an explosion that was horrific. The entire Headquarters felt the earth shattering shockwave of it. It was the most powerful explosion witness as of yet.
"Interesting adaptation.." Said Gendo.
Fuyutsuki responded. "Interesting isn't the word for it. I'd say that frightening is more appropriate. Maybe we haven't won after all."
As the explosion slowly dissipated, the lump regenerated on the angel's shoulder. Several minutes passed. Everyone in the command bay could feel that the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. The dust eventually settled enough to see into where a large crater was now present. It also became apparent that there was no sign of the Eva. It seemed to simply vanish.
"Impossible!" Remarked Ritsuko. "Even an explosion of that level couldn't vaporize an Eva."
"Maya, give us a status report of Unit 01." Commanded Misato.
Maya pressed a few button at the control bay. A smile could be seen on her face. "Only moderate damage has been sustained. I'm confirming its location……. It's to the angel left side."
"Put it on the Vid-screen!" Commanded Misato.
"Roger!" Responded Maya as she continued to press buttons. The screen then revealed the Eva unit. It seemed to have withstood the blast rather well. Most of its bleeding had stopped and it was nearly done regenerating.
"Looks like it's recovering before it continues its attack." Adams pointed out.
The angel eventually lost interest in the battle. It probably thought that it had won and was once again continuing its assault on NERV HQ. It fired another blast into the ground, causing the Geo front to shake. Little did the angel know of its impending danger lurking in the shadows.
Ritsuko noted that the Eva was moving again. "It's about to resume its attack on the angel."
All of a sudden, the artificial life form charged forward at full speed towards the angel. The angel was just starting to prepare another blast when it occurred, and the angel reacted by focusing the beam towards the Eva instead, but just like the last time, the beam did little to impede the berserker's progress. Bull rushing the gray figure, the Eva smashed it into another building, and into several others. The angel staggered to get up, but it had little time to do so as the Purple demon once again charged forward. The angel once again grabbed the lump on its shoulder and threw at its enemy, but this time it was deflected by an arm swipe. The ball of flesh was sent hurling into the air and once again exploded with unbelievable force, knocking both creatures off their feet.
Once again, the base shook with tremendous force. At several points inside the base, severe damage had been withstood, collapsing certain corridors and hallways. Some people were crushed underneath.
After the shaking was done, everyone looked back up at the screen. "Where the hell does that thing store that kind of energy?" Spoke Adams.
No one answered, either because they didn't know, or because they didn't care. Many were too glued to the screen to have even heard him. Both the angel and the Evangelion slowly rose from the ground, obviously shaken up. They made it to their feet at the same time, but the angel was the first to react. It got into a stance and suddenly charged forward, with its horns out front. The Eva saw it coming and took a defensive position. It caught both horns in its hands and began to push back, neither one making any further progress. The angel tried to attack with its cutting arm, but was kicked back by Unit 01. The angel made another swipe with its arm, but this time it was caught. Wrapping both hands around the arm, the Eva then placed a foot on the angel chest and began to pull. With every passing moment, the muscle and connecting tissue in the arm were ripping and tearing, and eventually, despite the angel's desperate attempts to free itself, the arm was ripped right off. The angel howled in pain, and fell to its knees.
Everyone in the command bay began to cheer. "We're winning!!" They all said. Some jumped into the air.
The Eva continued to attack the angel, throwing kicks and punches, each attack causing more damage. With only one arm to defend, there was little the angel could do. With one very powerful kick, the angel was sent smashing into several more buildings, and laid there in a bloody heap. The Eva showed no signs of stopping, and it once again charged at full force towards the angel. In a last ditch effort, the angel pulled off yet another lump and threw it in the Eva's direction. This proved to be a major error, as the Eva caught the lump and threw it back. Seeing its own attack used against it, it held its arm out in some hope that perhaps it could survive the inevitable blast. When the lump was mere feet away, it detonated, once again causing a huge explosion.
The crew watched as the enemy was consumed and most likely destroyed. Everyone stared endlessly into the Vid-screen. "Could it have survived the blast?" Asked Misato. No one answered. Their hearts pounded deep inside their chests. None of them moved or made a sound. They watch as the dust settled and finally revealed a broken bloody heap on the ground. It was still moving.
"It's alive!!!" Screamed Ritsuko.
Indeed the angel was still alive, but only barely. All of its limbs were destroyed, it suffered from major hemorrhaging, and its core was partially cracked. Even if it wanted to, the angel had no way of defending itself. It might have died on its own, but a stalking figure loomed over it. It had death in its eyes. With an insatiable hunger for destruction, the Eva continued its assault, grabbing the remaining horn from the angel's head and snapped it right off. It then used it as a stake, stabbing repeatedly into the core of its dying foe. The core cracked more and more, causing the angel to realize that its death was near. The lump was growing once again, and this time, without removing it, the angel activated it. It began to glow.
"It's going to blow itself up. Move away!!!" Yelled Adams in a desperate attempt to save the Eva and its pilot, but it was too late. The explosion caught it off guard and sent flying into the air. It landed several miles away in a mountainside. It was damaged, but not destroyed. As for the angel, there was nothing left. It was vaporized by its final good bye.
"What is the status of Unit 01 and its pilot?" Asked Misato in a commanding tone.
"Unit 01 has gone offline, but the life signs of the pilot are confirmed." Said Maya.
Everyone gave a sigh off relief. The world was saved. The Evangelion was successful. Everyone was in joy. Adams and Misato hugged each other in joy, but quickly broke apart when they realized what they were doing. Both Fuyutsuki and Ikari were more reserved, but still had smiles on their faces. Everyone was happy except for one. Shinji, who had just regained consciousness, laid there in the cockpit in fear and sorrow. Had the environment not been flooded with LCL, tears would have been flowing down his eyes.
End Chapter 2
***
Author's note: As you can tell, the first three quarters of the chapter reflect on the events that occurred before the start of the series. We felt that this was probably a fairly important part of the series that was left out. We apologize for the delay of the fight scene. We decided to not only drag out the fight scene longer, but to make it so that it wasn't quite so one sided. As for Misotaka, we felt that he probably had more to do with Shinji behavior than the series mentioned, so we added material that reflected that. Anyway, we hope that you enjoyed this chapter. Please review so we can know your input.