Disclaimer: You know the drill.
AN: Does anyone know the correct spelling of Kaoru Nagisa? I'm not sure I'm getting it right or not. And as you can see, I'm trying out a slightly new format.
Chap. 21
"So you're the Fifth Child?"
Kaoru nodded, "Yes. That's why I came to Tokyo-3."
Shinji half-nodded to himself. Truthfully, he wasn't surprised by this. After All, Kaoru
had shown a high sensitivity to the Force and it would only make sense that he would be
a prime candidate to be an Eva pilot. But that in itself made him wonder. Why were those
who were Force-sensitive capable of piloting the Evangelions? It was assumed that it was
because of their birth and how they aligned with Second Impact, but there seemed to be
more. Rei, Asuka. Touji, Kaoru and he himself were the only pilots and all were Force-
sensitive.
"You two know each other?" Misato asked, breaking his thoughts.
Kaoru answered first. "Oh no. I met Shinji on the way into town."
Misato glazed at Shinji and then gave a slight smile, "Well then, since you two are already I'll leave him with you Shinji."
Shinji blinked, "Me?"
"Yeah. I have something else to do so I won't be back tonight."
Shinji almost missed the tone in her voice when she made that last comment. 'Sorrow?'
"Misato, are you okay?"
The lavender-haired woman simply waved a hand, "Yeah, sure. I'll see you later Shinji."
Misato quickly exited the room, leaving the two boys behind. Kaoru stepped up next to Shinji.
"She's sad about something. It hits deep into her heart"
"Yes." Shinji agreed. "But she can't tell me."
Kaoru shrugged, "Not right now, but she will. You're the closest person she has."
Shinji now blinked, realizing the words Kaoru was saying. He turned to Kaoru, "How do you know that?"
Kaoru faced him and spoke, "Eyes are the windows to the soul, Shinji."
Shinji found himself continually surprised by this guy. Kaoru was showing a high level
of perception. Such perception was hard to develop. It was another show of Kaoru's
sensitivity to the Force. But how could that be? It was just like Rei. Now that he
mentioned it, Kaoru did look a lot like Rei. He already saw the crimson red eyes. He also
possessed the same pale skin as she did. Perhaps he should learn more about Kaoru. He
seemed friendly enough and the truth was Shinji needed someone to talk to now. With
Asuka in the hospital, Rei's strange behavior, Misato's constant work, his two friends
away form the city, and Qui-Gon disappearance, he was feeling a bit lonesome. Much
like when he first arrived…
"I guess I better show you around."
************
'I simply feel...what it is.'
'Shinji...taught me that I should...follow on my...instincts.'
'Darkness...grows.'
'Wondergirl...'
With a snap, the First Child's eyes opened into the darkness. She didn't move and merely
lay in bed as her thoughts went to work. The images and voice she had been hearing and
seeing had become more consistent the past few nights. She didn't know where they
came from or why they came to her. All she knew was that they...belonged. They weren't
just random images that came to her in her sleep. In fact, at one time she was wide
awake when it happened. But that didn't answer where they came from. Were
they...memories? But that couldn't be. She wasn't supposed to have the memories
of her predecessors. But they were so strong within her, far too strong to ignore. Rei
frowned. If this continued, it may affect her ability to pilot the Eva. 'The Commander
should know about this.'
'No. Shinji...'
Rei blinked. Was that...her voice? It didn't make sense. What does the Commander's son
have to do with this? As far as she knew, he was just a pilot, like her. But there was
something more to him. A strange power that she could feel from him. And connected
with. But why is that? Why was this happening at all?
'Perhaps...I should ask Ikari-kun.'
It didn't make sense, but it felt like the right thing to do.
And that's when the alarms rang...
**********
Nerv HQ
Shinji, Rei, and Kaoru all assembled before Misato. Kaoru was dressed in a white and
grey plugsuit which matched his skin and hair. Looking at Misato, Shinji could see that
she was worn out and beat, but she was ready to take charge nevertheless.
We don't know the capabilities of this angel, but its AT field shouldn't pose too much of a problem." Focusing on the Children, "Shinji, you'll take point. Rei will back you up with 00. Kaoru, you stay behind. If anything goes wrong with either unit, you'll be our last defense. Understood?"
"Hai!" they responded simultaneously.
"Take your positions."
The three teens were inserted in their respective Evas; Kaoru within the Eva 02. 00 and
01 were launched up through the elevator, leaving the red Eva behind. Shinji was
boosted out into the streets of Tokyo-3 where he caught sight of the angel. Like the
previous angel, it was made of nothing but light. It shimmered in the air as a ring of light,
strangely like a halo. As it approached, Shinji began to move the Eva forward, suddenly
remembering that it was no longer restrained by the umbilical cord. Beside him, the
building/arsenal opened up, revealing a rifle. But...
"It's okay. I won't need it." Shinji half-whispered.
The Eva's AT field shimmered briefly and the machine raised its hand and created the
same energy sword from before. Gripping it with both hands, 01 slid into stance and
waited for the approaching angel.
"How is he doing that?" Misato asked from the control room.
Ritsuko, who looked almost as worn as Misato simply said, "Keep a close eye on his synch level."
"It's holding at...250%!" Maya gasped. "It's never been stable at that level before."
The angel continued coming at rapid speed. The purple Eva remained still until the angel
came within range. But before Shinji could attack, the angel's AT field fired a beam of
energy at him. Reacting quickly, 01 reversed the direction of the light blade and deflected
the blast in another direction. At the same time, 00 grabbed a rifle and fired at the angel.
But the angel instantly dashed away and suddenly swooped at her. The speed of the
angel was insane as it came at the 00 and began to morph into a blade. Rei was
completely helpless as the blade was about to impale her, but another blade of light
appeared and stopped the angel. 01 had somehow moved beside 00 and stopped the
angel's advance. The angel swooped back and lunged forward, still at the same speed. 01
blocked the attack as the angel came repeatedly. Shinji wasn't sure he could keep up with
the angel's unnatural speed and agility.
'It doesn't matter whether your opponent is stronger or faster than you. Trust in the Force and it will guide you.'
Keeping those words in mind, Shinji caused the Eva to plant it feet in the ground. The
angel struck again and Shinji blocked, keeping a firm stance on the ground. The angel
went into its rapid dance of swordplay and Shinji continued to block the attacks. But he
needed to do better if he was defeat the angel. The angel spun backward and posed
itself in a stabbing rush. Shinji watched the creature come at him with steady focus.
'Stretch out with your feelings.'
Just as the angel was about to impale it, 01 lowered and reversed the blade while Shinji
leaned of to the side. The angel flew past and its core was slashed by the lightsaber. The
resulting crack of the core caused the angel to suddenly shoot off away, but it was far too
late. It hovered in the air briefly before reverting into its ring form. It then began to
slowly descend to the ground. As the angel descended, 01 stood over the angel, ready to
bring his blade down on the creature. But suddenly, the Eva stopped it attack and
lowered the blade.
"Shinji, what are you doing? Finish it!" Misato ordered.
Shinji watched the angel slump down to the ground and answered back, "It's...already dying, Misato."
The strange tone of his voice caused Misato to blink. It was as if...he felt...sorry for it.
The angel twitched more and remained still. The Eva's lightsaber vanished and the
machine bent down beside the angel's body. Inside, Shinji's eyes were closed as he felt
the angel's lifeforce leave its body. Despite everything that had happened in the past and
the battle they fought, he felt remorse for taking its life. It was necessary, but the feeling
was there. So much so that Shinji whispered a single word.
"Sorry."
Unknown to the others, Kaoru had watched the scene with great interest. Considering
the purpose of Nerv and the Evas, he never expected to see such an emotion displayed
for an angel. But it didn't surprise him too much that it was Shinji who showed them.
Shinji had a strength that far exceeded anyone he knew. And the abilities he had shown
were proof of that. But there was more. Shinji's calm exterior was enclosed around a
fragile, but caring heart. He found that particular trait...endearing in a lillim.
'Interesting. Perhaps...I should wait a bit.'