Disclaimer: See chapter one
Chap. 22
A silent figure strode through the lower level of the Nerv HQ. The intense smell of blood
reeked the air as the figure walked up to what appeared to be a lake. However, this lake
was colored in a translucent yellow. Also, standing over this strange liquid body was a
distorted alien body. Arms were stretched out on what appeared to be a red cross. It had
no legs and the same yellow substance dripped out from below and into the lake. The
figure looked at this and mused.
"Adam."
Click
A metal object was lifted behind the figure, revealing it to be a gun. A female figure
stepped out of the shadows, holding the weapon leveled at the first figure's head.
"I warned you, Kaji. You should have backed off."
Kaji simply closed his eyes and gave a slight grin, "Katsuragi. I guess I shouldn't be surprised." He slowly turned to her, "Well, I guess it's not so bad as long as it is you."
Misato kept her gaze on him before realizing the place smelled like blood. Looking up,
she gasped at the horrific visage of the crucified angel
"What...is this?"
Kaji turned his head briefly, "This is Adam. The First Angel."
Misato's eyes were wide open in shock, "What is this doing here?"
Kaji turned back around to face the angel, "The Evangelion were created using Adam. In fact, the LCL used to control the Evas is actually the blood of this angel."
Shock increased on her face as she lowered the gun slightly, "What? That...can't..."
"This is what I was looking for, Misato." he spoke deeply. "There's more beneath the veil of Nerv that I have yet to uncover."
Misato struggled to recompose herself and leveled the gun on Kaji again, "No. Kaji, you have gone too far. And I...have my orders."
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Katsuragi-san."
Misato blinked and turned her head to see the Jedi Knight standing beside her, his hand
lightly planted on her shoulder.
"Qui-Gon? What are you doing here?" She looked back over at Kaji. "With him?"
"There is more going on here than simply battling the angels." Qui-Gon explained. "A darker design lurks and I fear it may have horrible consequences for the entire world. A fate a million times more devastating than Second Impact."
Kaji added, "Misato, please. There is more to discover. But if Qui-Gon is right, we do not have much time left." His gaze deepened, "Please..."
Misato looked at the two men and then at the angel. She knew what would happen to her
if she didn't do this. But, what if they were right? It seemed to make sense with many of
the things that had happened. And she...just had to know.
Lowering her gun she muttered to Kaji, "You're going to get us all killed."
Kaji grinned; Misato frowned.
************
Nerv, upper level
Shinji and Kaoru were walking down the corridor in their plugsuits. They were heading
for the Eva cages for yet another synch test.
"So what are you doing after the tests?" Kaoru asked.
Shinji looked ahead and answered, "Well, I figured that I would visit Asuka again."
Kaoru smiled and nodded, "She's lucky to have a friend like you."
"I guess." he shrugged. "Do you want to come?"
"I'll pass. I have something else to do."
Shinji noted the brief tone of seriousness in his voice. Kaoru had never sounded like that
before. But before Shinji could read any more into it, Kaoru's tone changed back to its
usual light-hearted sound. "Besides, I don't really know Asuka that well."
"Well, when she awakens, you could meet her then." Shinji suggested, although he
severely doubted that would happen. But then again, given Kaoru's personality, she may
just be swayed. Kaoru was about to answer him when the locker room beside them
opened up. Shinji instantly felt the unusual surge of the Force that could only be Ayanami
Rei. The azure-haired girl stepped out and simply passed them going down the hall.
However, her eyes swiftly shifted from Shinji to Kaoru and back again before returning
her eyes forward and disappearing down the hall.
Shinji noticed the First Child's glance and briefly hoped there that she would...something.
He wasn't sure. However, something else grabbed his attention. Rei's Force signature had
increased slightly. It had been brief, but it was significant. And there was something else.
"Shinji?"
Shinji blinked out of his daze, "Hm. Oh sorry. I guess I dozed off there."
Kaoru just gave a simple smile and moved ahead of Shinji. However, he was well aware
that Shinji was probing him. And he knew why. Rei's powers had increased briefly when
she passed them. The reason Shinji was probing him was that Kaoru's own power...had
increased as well.
*************
Nerv Medical Ward
Shinji was once again stationed beside Asuka's bed where the prone girl lay. Shinji had
tried talking out loud and connecting to her through the Force but so far nothing. There
was more to Asuka's condition than just physical injury. Shinji could feel the mental war
that was raging inside of her psyche. Whether she could battle or not was solely up to
her. But if he could reach her and help her, then she would have a better chance.
'Asuka. I'm here. Can you hear me?'
No response. Shinji sighed to himself. He didn't really expect a response, but he had
hoped that there would be some sort of change or sign to show that his efforts weren't in
vain. But it was still too early to tell. As these thoughts went through his mind, a familiar
tremor course through him, telling him of who was approaching. Right at that moment,
the door slowly opened and in stepped Rei Ayanami.
"Ayanami."
"Pilot Ikari." she answered back.
Shinji immediately noticed the uncertainty in her eyes and posture, "What brings you here?"
Rei looked down at the floor and answered softly, "I...am uncertain."
Rei quietly sat down by the side and lowered her eyes to the floor. Shinji looked at her
from across, but didn't say a thing. Her thoughts were obviously troubled and she needed
to compose herself before saying anything. He would wait for when she was ready.
Finally...
"What...is...the Force?"
Shinji simply kept a steady gaze, although it was strange of him to explain this to her
again. But then again, ever since the incident with her and Asuka, the whole situation was
strange. Perhaps this would begin things anew.
"The Force is an energy that exists within all living beings. It connects us, binds us, and holds all life together."
Rei looked up at him, "I...do not understand."
Her gaze had shifted from uncertainty to slight curiosity. Shinji noted this, "Hm. Okay. Do you know how an AT field separates angels from Evas?" He waited for her to respond, which she did with a slight nod. "Well think of the Force as something like that, but also different."
"........."
It was obvious that this wouldn't be easy to explain verbally. So Shinji decided to try
something else. "I have an idea. Close your eyes."
Rei simply complied without question. Shinji noted this also. She only did it because she
thought of his request as an order. Brushing that aside, Shinji closed his eyes as well and
focused, drawing onto the Force.
"What do you feel?" he asked.
"Nothing. I feel nothing."
"Okay. Try to focus your thoughts on me." He stopped briefly. "On...my presence."
Rei obeyed and the two were silent for a moment. Then...
"I...can feel you." she answered finally. "Your...soul...and...the Second's."
Shinji decided to try to use that to help her, "What do you feel of her?"
Rei seemed to struggle a bit, "Pain...struggle...fear...darkness."
Shinji expected her to say the first three words, but was surprised by the last.
"Darkness?"
"Not from her. Just...darkness." she responded.
Shinji remembered earlier how Rei sensed the foreboding darkness that loomed over
everything. 'That's probably what she's feeling now.'
"That's enough. You can open your eyes." Shinji ordered
The First Child complied and opened her eyes. However, she was plagued with the
feeling that she had done this before; that she felt this before. 'But how could that be?'
"How do you feel?"
Rei lowered her head slightly, "I feel...cold. But I also feel warm...here." She placed a
hand on her chest. "I do not understand."
Shinji smiled lightly, "In time, you will."
*********
Unknown...
In a darkened area, a shadowy figure continued to scope out the outside of the Nerv
geofront. He had spent the past several days analyzing the base for any and all
weaknesses, patterns and movement. If he needed to, he could enter the highly secured
base and leave without anyone noticing that he was there. It would be necessary if he
was to carry out his assignments quickly. A single beeping sound alerted his attention
and he looked at his communicator.
"Eliminate the Third Child."
The dark figure grinned toothily beneath the hood. He was hoping to do more than simply
observe and now the time had finally arrived. Plus, the thought of getting rid of that Jedi
brat was an extra bonus.
'Accepted.'