Shinji Ikari Version 2.1 Chapter 2
Shinji smiled as he looked around his new apartment. Everything was in place, the custom bed(it looked more like a metal slab on a rotating support), the high tech computer taking up an entire wall, a special Charging Deck, in case his father deactivated the S2 Organ(Shinji had installed a small battery that would keep him running for twelve hours) and various other computers and machines all showing read outs of his body. Grinning Shinji went to the door where Misato, Rei and Asuka were waiting for him.
Shinji opened the door to his guests, "Welcome to my humble abode, within I dwell contemplating life as I wonder at my Immortality." Misato and Asuka smiled and chuckled while Rei frowned slightly before understaning that he was being silly before smilng herself. Stepping into the apartment the three were overwhelmed by the metallic shine on almost everything. Shinji turned to face them and smiled, "Would you like something to eat or would you like a tour first?" The girls looked at each other and said simultaneously, "FOOD!" Shinji smiled as they all blushed and lead them into the kitchen where he immediately began cooking. The girls watched amazed as Shinji merely pointed at various utensils and they kicked into gear. Above them the exhaust fan turned on from Shinji simply looking at a small infared controllor on the wall. Smilng at them Shinji turned back to it and his red eye flashed for a moment. The girls all gasped as a panel slid up on the wall and a huge television was revealed. The screen lit up and on the screen was a picture of them with their mouthes hanging open. Smiling at their stunned faces Shinji asked, "Anything in particular you want me to cook or would you settle for a feast?" The girls turned to face him with wide eyed looks on their faces(all except Rei who was frowning as she tried to work out what going on) and nodded. Shinji laughed and began cooking.
Rei wandered around the apartment amazed at everything that had been installed by Shinji. Turning into his bedroom she was stunned at the computer taking up the wall. Walking into the room she found of all things a small leather bound book with the date 2015 stenciled on the front. Opening it she discovered it was a diary of everything that had happened to Shinji since arriving. Flipping through Rei found the spot where time stopped for four months. Knowing it was when Shinji was almost killed Rei flipped to the next page and found the first entry inputed the night Shinji returned. Reading through Rei was amazed at the things Shinji had kept from them. He is incapable of dreams? Rei was amazed. Since his dissapearence four months ago she had dreamed almost every night. TO find out that her gaining dreams meant Shinji lost his almost made her cry. Reading on she received another shock, An S2 Organ? Why would Commander Ikari have that installed? After pondering this for a moment Rei continued, He is incapable of having children? He is so similar to me. I didn't dream, I have an S2 Organ and neither of us are capable of reproducing. Rei was startled out of her thoughts by heavy metallic feet pounding down the hallway. Putting the book back where she left it Rei turned and walked towards the door where Shinji appeared. Smiling up at him Rei said, "Hello Shinji, I was looking around and found myself in here. I was startled by the amount of technology." Shinji smiled down at her, "Well dinner is ready Rei. Come on and we'll go eat with the others." Rei nodded and the headed back to the kitchen. Neither noticed Rei slipping her tiny hand into Shinji gigantic one.
Misato smiled as Shinji carried Rei into her bedroom. They had decided that rather than carry her next door back to Misato's apartment they would simply place her in Shinji's spare room. Looking around Shinji at the sleeping girl she smiled, she looks so peaceful when Shinji is around. I guess she missed him more than we realised. Looking up at Shinji she saw him looking down at the girl in his arms with a caring, loving face. Misato smiled, "Shinji, can I trust you with Rei?" Shinji blushed knowing what she meant, "Yes Misato, you don't have to worry about us. I'm incapable of reproduction, it's a side effect of having your body rebuilt out of metal." Misato's smiled faded as she heard this, "I'm sorry Shinji, I didn't realise." Shinji looked down at her and smiled, "Don't worry Misato, I've accepted this and moved on." Misato frowned at what meant by 'moved on' before turning and retuning to the kitchen where Asuka slept with her face resting in her arms. Looking up at the clock she saw it was almost 2:00am. Smiling she waited for Shinji to return. When he did he looked down at Asuka's sleeping form, "She was awake a few minutes ago." Misato sm,iled, "It's almost 2:00am Shinji. I may be used to all-nighters and you may be able to go days without powering down but they both need their sleep." Shinji nodded and gently picked her up, "Asuka's a heavier sleeper, I can carry her across to your apartment without worrying about her waking up." Misato nodded and the walked out of the apartment.
Rei opened her eyes and received a faceful of sun. Shutting her eyes she reached next to her bed for the cup of water that was usually sitting there. Not finding it she opened her eyes and found herself in an entirely new partment. Looking around she realised she was in Shinji's spare room. Smiling she got out of bed to find a spare set of clothes sitting on the chair. Looking down at herself she frowned in distste at the rumpled school dress she was wearing before slipping it off and changing into the trosers and shirt Shinji had left her.
Stepping out of the spare room Rei headed towards the kitchen where she could hear sounds. Entering the kitchen she found it empty yet everything was still working and moving. Ooking around she found the display screen where a simple message was displayed, Automatic Cooking Process Initiated smiling Rei sat in a chair and waited for Shinji to wake up.
Shinji opened his eyes and his body rebooted. Looking around he saw that motion sensors had detected movement in the spare room, hallway and kitchen. Smiling Shinji got up and headed out to meet Rei in the kitchen where they would eat breakfast.
Rei smiled as Shinji entered the kitchen and sat down to wait for breakfast. Looking at the equipment Rei smiled and watched as Shinji used his Red Eye to begin transmitting messages to the machines telling them what to do. When he was done the TV screen lit up and showed the morning cartoons. Rei smiled as the Pre-Second Impact cartoons dismembered and mutilated each other without showing any blood. Looking at Shinji she was amazed to see a sad smile on his face. Turning her back on the TV she faced him and asked, "Shinji, what is wrong?" Shinji turned to face her, "I never really got the chance to watch cartoons as a child. I was always busy studying." Rei smiled at him, "Neither did I Shinji, but now both of us have the chance to watch whenever we want. I've thought about it and decided that I want to move in with you. Asuka and Major Katsuragi are nice but neither of them suit me. Living here would be better because it is quiet, clean and easy to maintain. If it is alright with you Shinji, I would like to move in and keep you company." Rei looked up at Shinji expecting to see rejection in his eyes. What she saw shocked her, his eyes were filled with sadness and happiness at the same time. Shinji looked down at her and smiled, "I would love to have you move in Rei, I don't think I'd be the best roommate for you and I don't think it would be as good as you think it is here but I would love to have you here." Rei smiled, "Thank you Shinji." Then, acting on impulse, Rei leaned forward and kissed him on the flech of his cheek before sitting back turning to face the TV again.
Asuka opened her eyes and looked around. She was back in her room, How did I get back here; the last thing I remember is falling asleep at Shinji's table. Looking around she saw a picture that had not been there yesterday. It was her, Misato and Rei at the table in Shinji's apartment with his bulky body towering behind them. Asuka smiled as realised Shinji had carried her home and left the picture as well. Getting out of bed she dressed quickly and made her way out into the main room where Misato was already waiting. Seeing her guardian Asuka smiled and the two began to eat.
After breakfast Shinji and Rei made their way over to Asuka and Misato's apartment. When the door was opened both smiled at Misato and after a moment made their weay into the apartment. When they were inside Rei stepped up to Misato and bowed, "Major Katsuragi, I humbly request permission to change my location of dwelling to Major Ikari's quarters." Misato looked down at the blue haired girl for a moment before smiling, "That's fine Rei, that way Asuka can have friends over without having to drag the futon around." Rei straightened and smiled slightly, "Thank you Major Katsuragi." Misato nodded, "Remember, even though we don't live together any more you still have to call me Misato." Rei nodded and the morning progressed.
Shinji, Rei, Asuka and Misato arrived at the bus stop just in time for the bus. Shinji, with his enhanced hearing, could hear the Section2 agents whispering into their Walkie Talkies about the Children. Smiling Shinji hopped on the bus and made his way up the back to one of the only seats available. After that, for Shinji, the bus ride passed on in silence as he had deactivated his ears.
Touji smiled as he watched Shinji hop on the bus and sit down. In the week since Shinji had come back to school he had pestered Kensuke to find out about Proeject Rebirth. When Kensuke had gotten back to him he had been amazed at everything that had been conducted on Shinji's body while he had been rebuilt. What Shinji didn't realise was apart from the Flight Thrusters, Shinji's body had been loaded full of different instruments. Touji smiled as he saw the slight Red Glow under Shinji's hood fade.
Shinji's consciousness dwelled on the information hidden within his mind. Every moment he spent powered down increased the knowledge that was being unlocked. Shinji had already discovered several messages from Ritsuko telling him about extras that his father knew nothing about. Along with all this information came the knowledge of how to enhance his body. Ritsuko had detailed several different designs for him that only needed the specs worked out and then to be built. Shinji had also discovered that he had increased knowledge, almost as if every encycloedia in the world had been downloaded into his brain. All he needed was stimuli to unlock the knowledge and he was set.
Shinji opened his eyes as the bus slowed down and stopped at the school. As everyone hopped off he saw the Seniors who had picked that fight with him trying to corner him. Thinking quick he avoided them easily and was at class before the bell went. Shinji sat down as the bell went off and everyone else crowded their way in. Shinji opened his laptop and began to work on his designs again as the rest of the class struggled with the work being issued.
Shinji smiled as he watched Asuka and Rei rushing around the school quad with two great big water guns each chasing the rest of their class mates and soaking them. Shinji turned back to his laptop and decided that now would be as good as any time to begin work on his new and improved arm. Smiling he reached up and grabbed his right arm and detached it then placed it on the desk and using the small toolbox in his bag began to make modifications to the inbuilt Pressure Cannon.
Asuka laughed as Rei soaked her saying softly, "You are neutralised Second Child. Retreat and allow the first to engage the Angel." Asuka giggle at the emotionless tone of Rei's voice before stepping back and going back to back with Rei facing the circle of class mates surrounding them. Smiling they quicly pumped their Water guns then began to spin on the spot soaking averyone around them. When they stopped spinning the found that Shinji, under his great bog cloak, had come outside and was standing with their class mates who were watching him wearily. From under the hood Shinji said, "Step back, I'll handle these two." Their class mates smiled and stepped back as Shinji raised his arms and pointed at them. With one hand he ripped his hood off showing his face then tore the jumper off showing his flesh body. The girls around them immediately sighed at the muscles showing on his chest. Shinji stepped up to Asuka nd Rei who were staring at his non metal body and whispered, "Hologram, I'll explain later. Both girls noticed that Shinji's right arm was not covered with the hologram which many students seemed to notice. Shinji raised his voice and said, "The last angel crushed the entry plug, I had to be fitted with this arm then under go extensive training to be able to use it. Everyone nodded and Shinji raised his right arm and pointed at the girls, "Brace yourseves." The girls locked their legs and prepared for whatever was going to come. When it did both were lifted off their feet and launched into the swimming pool by a high pressure burst of water from Shinji's suddenly transformed arm. Asuka and Rei surfaced and looked at Shinji who was walking over with his arm still pointed at them, "new feature I just added. That's why I took so long to get down here." With that said he sprinted the short distnce to the pool and jumped into the air coming down in a perfect Belly Flop fall. When he impacted the water averyone winced at the loud SLAP! that reverberated across the quad before Shinji surfaced beside the girls and smiled, "That was fun." Everyone laughed and soon peoplee were jumping into the pool to join them.
Shinji smiled as he activated the Internal Heat Dispensors within his body as he, Rei and Asuka sat down on the brick wall. Both Asuka and rei smiled as the heat began to radiate off Shinji's body warming the area around him.Within moments all three were dry and beginning to wamr up. Shinji smield down at the two girls on either side of him, "When everyone goes home I'll show you what else I can do now." The girls looked up at him and he transformed his arm again. This time, instead of the water hose emerging from his wrist a large gaping hole was revealed which began to emit a faint blue glow. Shinji smield at the girls, "Sonic Cannon. Bale to blow through Eva armour." The girls faces dropped from Smiling to startled in seconds, "Shinji that thing can blow through and Eva? What if some terrorist organization get their hands on the technology?" Shinji smiled down at Asuka, "They can't. All the information is stored within my brain. I don't save anything onto my laptop." The girls nodded then Rei spoke, "I hope no one takes control of you Shinji." Shinji smiled down at her, "They can't, because of the S2 Organ within me I now generate an AT Field on the Digital Spectrum. I can change that to suit battle but at the moment it protects me form any electrical devices aimed at me. That's why if the use a Digital camera on me it will simply not work on me but they could still take a picture of you two." The girls nodded and the three of them waited for the bell.
Shinji and Rei grinned as they entered their apartment. Shinji stepped through the Kitchen activating cooking utensils and began to preheat the oven using his Red Eye. When afternoon tea, cookies and scones, were cooking Shinji headed into his room/lab and opened a cleverly concealed wardrobe. Looking inside Shinji rummaged around for a moment before pulling out some VERY baggy jeans and a large sports jersey. Smiling Shinij pulled them on stepped out into the hallway where Rei was waiting. Looking at him she smiled, "You look more human than the hologram did." Shinji smiled down at the girl and said, "I feel more human like this than I did with the hologram. Shall we go out and eat?" Rei looked at Shinji thoughtfully, "Won't people see?" Shinji shrugged, "Who cares, people will find out eventually, besides, with the Digital ATF they can't get any proof unless they used something ancient to take the picture." Rei nodded, "What are we waiting for? Let's go."
Shinji and Rei laughed as the exited the resaurant they had eaten dinner at. It had turned out that Touji and Hikari were there as well having a romantic night out. After being recognized Shinji and Rei had been dragged over to their young couples' table and been asked to join them for dinner. Shinji and Rei had accepted and once the food had arrived they all began to eat while Touji and Hikari questioned Shinji on what he was capable of. Shinji had told them everything he knew about his body before telling them that he was making many modifications to enhance his operation abilities. As Shinji and Rei about to call a cab Rei's cell phone began to ring while Shinji's arm beeped. Rei lifted her phone out while Shinji flipped a seemingly non-existent panel up on his left arm where Misato's face appeared. Shinji and Rei both looked at the small screen as Misato began to speak, "Shinji Rei we have an Angel heading towards the city. We need you two at NERV ASAP" Shinji and Rei nodded and hung up. Rei looked like she was about to start running when Shinji his jersey off and blasted his rocket boosters on. "Let's go Rei." Rei nodded and Shinji picked her up before blasting off into the air with people all around staring and pointing.
Shinji frowned as he navigated his way towards the Change Rooms to drop Rei off. He was still flying, he'd used his Red Eye to open any doors he encountered and was using the knowledge Ritsuko had implanted in his brain to get where he was going. Stopping at the Change Rooms shinji dropped Rei off before blasting away at top speed.
Rei smiled as Asuka popped her headd out the change room doors and asked, "was that Shinji?" Rei nodded and rushed to get changed.
Shinji smiled as he felt the EVA come to life. Looking out the view port he asked, "What's my synch level?" Misato appeared beside him, "You're resting at…Whoa! 97 Shinji, are you focusing?" Shinji shook his head as closed his eyes as he felt his level of awarness rise. Misato spoke again a moment later, "Shinji, you're at 99.9. Ritsuko says you can't go further because of the implants. How do you feel?" Shinji looked around before replyuing, "I'm looking out the EVA's eyes Misato. When I close my eyes I see what the EVA sees." Over the link he could hear people exclaiming then his father's cold voice, "Shinji when you return you will be placed under srrest for the dangerous flying you demonstrated in the corridors." Shinji frowned, "No father, you will have to catch me first." With Shinji closed the links and blocked his EVA from HQ. Moments later Auska and Rei both activated links to his EVA, "Shinji, Misato just told me you blocked HQ from your EVA." Shinji smiled at Asuka, "Yeah, father was trying to place me under arrest for flying in the corridors." Rei frowned, "That is strange. Commander Ikari has told me on several occasions to use any means nessasary to reach EVA. If he thinks to punish you for doing what he has commanded then there is something wrong." Shinji chuckled, "He is just wrong Rei, there is no other to describe father." Asuka laughed as the EVA's began to shoor to the surface.
Shinji looked around at the surroudnign city before laying eyes on the Angel. It looked like a giant spider covered in multitudes of eyes. Due to the major power outage Shinji, Asuka dn Rei were all running on auxilary batteries leaving them ten minutes since arriving on the surface to detroy the Angel. Unable to communicate with HQ the pilots had to work together to solve the problem. Turning to the screen with Asuka in it Shinji spoke, "Asuka, I need you to run to the other side of the Angel with Rei and distract it. I'll go in for the kill." Asuka nodded and Shinji activated a window to Rei, "Asuka's heading for you, I need you two to distract the Angel while I get in close enough to kill it." Rei nodded and the three pilots began to move.
As Shinji watched Rei and Asuka begin to distract the Angels he unconsciously began to clench and relax his hand, not even realises it was happening. Grabbing the control yokes Shinji willed his EVA forward until it was under the Angel. Watching for his chance Shinji was surprised to see yellow tears begin to flow from the Angel's bottom eye. When the first drop hit him Shinji was about to ignore it but then he felt a sudden burning from where it had landed. Willing the EVA to look down Shinji was horrifed to see that the tears were actually acid, he first having landed on his chest. Shinji could feel the Acid eating its way through the EVA as he hurriedly withdrew his progressive knife and stabbed the Angel. Pulling his knife out he was shocked to see that the entire blade had been eaten and the hilt was dissolving fast. Throwing the knife away he was amazed to see the Angel suddenly focus all it's eyes on him before the the fllod of tears sped up. Screaming in pain as the Acid hit, Shinji pulled his hands back and tried to raise the AT Field to stop the acid. Opening his eyes Shinji saw the acid hitting his AT Field and evaporating.