Chapter 0:13
Rebirth
-
"It's a long road when you face the world alone, when no one reaches out a hand for you to hold. You can find love if you search within your soul, and the emptiness you felt will disappear."
-
Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again,
And it's like you haven't been,
Gone a moment from my side
Like the tears were never cried
Like the hands of time are holding you and me
And with all my heart I'm sure,
We're closer than we ever were
I don't have to hear or see,
I've got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe
Oh, I believe
Now when you die your life goes on
It doesn't end here when you're gone
Every soul is filled with light,
It never ends and if I'm right,
Our love can even reach across eternity
I believe
Oh, I believe
Forever, you're a part of me
Forever, in the heart of me
I will hold you even longer if I can
Oh, the people who don't see the most,
See that I believe in ghosts
If that makes me crazy, then I am,
'Cause I believe
Oh I believe
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe
Oh, I believe
Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again,
And I believe
"I Believe" – Diamond Rio
-
Gendo Ikari was once the king of the world. He set at his desk in the command office of NERV and controlled everything on the earth as the defender against the Angels.
Now, Ikari sat in an orange jump suit in an eight by ten. Despite this, the man still had a feel of authority and intimidation to him.
"What have you to report," Gendo asked as a lone figure entered the high security cell block.
"The second and third child have disappeared." The figure spoke softly, "It is assumed they are somewhere in Germany?"
"Are there any chance of them learning any of my plans there?" Gendo asked.
"Those two? Highly doubtful."
"Don't underestimate," Gendo smirked, lacing his fingers across his lap, "He is my son."
"Yes sir."
"What of the betrayer and the fifth child?" Gendo asked.
"Ayanami is on standby with Unit-00," the figure reported, "Unit 05 is still being repaired."
"That won't be good enough."
"We know."
"He'll be back," Gendo smirked, "And when he does our plans will produce fruit." He then turned to the figure, "Anything else?"
"No, sir, I should return before I am missed."
"Very well," Gendo said, lying down on his cot with a content smirk on his face. "Keep things going as they should, my dear."
-
Shinji exited the bathroom with a towel around his waste and another drying his hair as he quickly moved toward his designated room. He quickly walked in and closed the door before Sophie could start again. He shivered slightly at how much trouble he had getting Sophie to leave the bathroom before he began getting ready to shower.
"Bout time you came out. Your hand miss you that much, Baka?" Asuka smirked from his bed, laying with her legs crossed at the chins and her arms folded behind her head.
"Not entertaining your boyfriend anymore, Asuka?" Shinji asked icily before moving to the bag of clothing that had been given him and pulling out a pair of boxers, sleep pants and a sleeveless tee.
Wha-huh?" Asuka double took blinking in confusion, "What the hell are you grumbling about this time?"
"What were you and Sebastian talking about anyway?" Shinji asked as he tried to rub some of the wrinkles from the shirt and shorts.
"What?" Asuka looked genuinely confused before her eyes lit up with mischievousness and realization, "Oh, I get it. You're jealous!"
"Why would I be jealous?" Shinji shrugged nonchalantly, "I hope Mana isn't worried."
"Mana? Why would you be worried about that tramp?" Asuka asked, her eyes flashing dangerously, "Ever since you got back, has she even looked you up; hell, even called you?"
"What's it matter to you?" Shinji asked, turning his 'Gendo-glare' on Asuka.
"What's it matter to you about me and Bast?" Asuka countered.
"Point," Shinji said dropping his towel right in front of the now gapping Asuka, and pulled the boxers on, causing the German girl to turn the color of her hair, and cover her eyes.
"HAVE YOU NO DECENCY!" Asuka gapped, "Mein Gott! Baka, you're worse then the Backstabber!"
"It's my room, Asuka," Shinji flashed a grin, "If I wanted to go around in here buck naked, then it's in my rights."
"If I had known you were going to be this big of a Baka I'd have left you there!" Asuka shot, then paled and looked down at her lap with a shamed expression on her face.
"Why did you get me out of there anyway?" Shinji asked seriously.
"I …" Asuka looked up at him quickly, with the same expression as a deer in headlights.
"I don't know what I am anymore, Asuka," Shinji said out the bedroom window. "Am I really Shinji Ikari? Am I some kind of Angel copy? What am I?"
Shinji jumped slightly when he felt soft hands on his shoulders and a cheek press against his back. "You're an idiot. You're a spineless weenie. And… you're the best friend I ever had." Asuka whispered, "That's all that really matters to me."
"Thanks," Shinji smiled back at her.
"Don't mention it, Baka," Asuka said pulling away from the teenager, "Just remember if that's repeated I'll deny it, and then kill you next opportunity."
"Wouldn't expect any less, Asuka," Shinji said moving to sit down on his bed. "And who'd believe me if I told them anyway?"
"Touji and Rei," Asuka said, sitting down next to him, "They believe all from the 'Gospel of Shinji'."
"When did you start calling them that anyway?" Shinji asked, with a small smile. "It used to be 'Stooge' and 'Wondergirl'."
"I still call them that a lot," Asuka said, staring at the window, "I guess things changed … when we lost you." She whispered, looking down finding great interest in her folded hands in her lap.
"I've heard from Rei, Touji and … and Kensuke on what happened," He said giving Asuka a small nod. "But we haven't really had time to talk about what happened while I was gone."
"Could say I've been avoiding that subject," Asuka said, watching her thumbs move over her joined fists.
"You seemed to have done well," Shinji observed, "Becoming a NERV officer and Class Representative. You never were one to avoid talking about accomplishments."
"Accomplishments?" Asuka snorted, "They were just me trying to make up for my biggest failure, Shinji, and no matter how much I did, no matter how good I got, it wasn't enough."
"What are you talking about, Asuka?" Shinji asked worriedly. "Talk to me." Asuka replied by saying something under her breath Shinji couldn't understand, "What was that, Asuka?"
"I couldn't save you." Asuka said a little louder, "How many times did you save me? And the one time you needed me, I could just watch you … watch you …"
"Asuka, I don't blame you for what happened," Shinji said, placing a hand on her shoulder, and was surprised to find it trembling.
"I still wake up at night, horrified with the image of 01 laying there destroyed and your Plug being shattered." Asuka pressed on, "I've worked all my life … I was supposed to be the greatest EVA pilot, Baka, and the one time all that work was needed, it meant nothing."
"Asuka, it's ok." Shinji whispered, rubbing her shoulder lightly.
"No it's not ok, Shinji, I watched you die, all I could do was watch." She whispered, gnawing on her lower lip. "All I could do was watch."
"Hey, It was a risk with being a pilot," Shinji said reaching over to place his hand over hers. "And I'm here, and I'm ok. I came back. I'm the Invincible Shinji, remember?"
"We were all silly back then," Asuka released a shuddering sigh, "I know I'm not really good at showing my feelings, but Shinji … I do care about you, so just be careful from now on, ok?"
"Same goes for you," Shinji replied with a warm smile. "So have you any idea what we'll do now?"
"Not really …" Asuka shrugged, "I just played it by ear when your EVA came to get me to help get you out. I guess we can stay low here for a while, at least until the Bakas back home realize you're not the enemy."
"What if I am though …" Shinji's brow furrowed.
"When the Bakas realize you're not the enemy, we might go back and help them save their pathetic little city." Asuka said, giving him a firm glare. The glare slowly melted into almost a blank stare as they gazed at each other until Asuka finally forced herself to look away, down to her lap. She gasped, and jumped off the bed when she realized they were holding hands. "It's getting kind of late, so I better … go do something. I'll talk to you in the morning, Baka-Shinji."
"By the way, Shinji," Asuka said softly at his door, with her back to the boy. "You're wrong. Sebastian isn't my boyfriend and he can't be my boyfriend."
"Why's that?" Shinji asked curiously.
"My heart already belongs to someone else." Asuka said in the softest tone he had ever heard from her, "Goodnight, Shinji." She said leaving his room quickly.
'I'll find that sonavabitch whoever he is and cleanse the gene pool.' Shinji thought to himself as he glaring at the door.
-
Misato smiled warmly from her side of the table as her new roommate studied the steaming plate before her. Rei's crimson eyes went from the strange substance to the beaming Major and back again. "It … looks good, Misato." Rei lied, picking up her chopsticks.
"Try it," Misato urged, nodding to the green … well, what looked like meat. "Go ahead."
Rei grimaced slightly. 'Well, Ken-chan, looks like I'll be coming to you soon … food poisoning … what a way to go …' She said before picking up a chunk of the fowl smelling food and placing it into her mouth. Rei chewed the tough substance, before forcing a smile. "This meatloaf has an … interesting flavor. Forgive me for not eating more, I do not care for meat …" Rei noticed Misato's deflated expression. "What is wrong?"
"Rei … that's fried eggplant …" Misato whispered dejectedly.
"Do we have donuts?" Rei asked with a timid, apologetic smile.
"Oh yeah," Misato nodded, as Pen-Pen walked out with the box in it's flippers as if he was awaiting the call.
Before the girls could take a bite though, Misato's cell phone rang, "Katsuragi … shit, we're on our way." She said as she pressed the end button.
"Angel?" Rei asked emotionlessly.
"Archangel," Misato nodded, "Time to go to work."
-
/Watch yourself, Rei/ Misato said over the com channel as Rei felt EVA-00 being moved to a launch platform.
"What can you tell me of this one?" Rei asked as she flexed her hands over the control handles.
/It seems almost feral/ Ritsuko's voice piped in. /Heavily armored like the others, but also has very large claws on it's upper limbs. Engage with caution. /
"Does it have any armament?" Rei asked, blinking at the black and red creature in the visual sent into her plug through a vid-window.
/Unconfirmed/ Misato sighed/ Just be careful. /
Rei leaned back in her seat as she felt the EVA launched at neck-break speed to the surface near the lakefront of Tokyo-3. "Watch over me, Ken-chan," Rei whispered as her Eva was released and she turned to face the monster.
Meanwhile in the command complex, Misato watched worriedly. "I wish Shinji was here …"
"And whose fault is that anyway?" Maya snapped irritably surprising Ritsuko and Misato both by her boldness.
"What?" Ritsuko finally found her voice.
"Nothing," Maya narrowed her eyes on the commanding officer. "I was just wondering if with the way you treated him; Commander Katsuragi, if he was better off not coming back at all."
Before Misato or Ritsuko could reply Fuyutsuki spoke up, "Perhaps we can discuss Pilot Ikari after this battle?"
"Right," the group agreed and turned to see Unit 00 gripping an assault rifle trying futilely to shoot the incredibly fast Archangel.
"This thing's too fast …" Rei thought as she continued to fire on the rapidly moving monstrosity.
'Pathetic,' a prideful voice sounded in Rei's head. 'A mere incomplete copy is named the Champion of Power?'
"Champion of Power?" Rei asked, narrowing her eyes, before throwing down her now empty assault rifle, and pulling two handguns from the weapons rack.
'Uneducated as well,' the Archangel sent telepathically. 'When one third of the Champion Trinity falls, the other two sides will crumble. You shall die, Ayanami Rei, as Ikari Shinji died once. Only there won't be a second chance for you.'
"I will not be defeated so easily," Rei stated in her monotone voice, as EVA-00 held out the two giant sized desert eagles and opened fired on the Archangel yet again.
'Will you not?' the Archangel asked, slipping right past the EVA's fire, it's sharp claw ripping through her AT Barrier and closing around the Evangelion's neck, lifting it off the ground.
Rei gasped and held her neck as the feed back caused her throat to constrict matching the neck of the blue Evangelion.
'Pathetic, I thought Evangelions were made of stronger stuff,' the Archangel sent as it chuckled, tightening its grip. 'You're nothing, nothing but a rag doll … yes, just a rag doll trying to keep up with the real pilots, the real humans. A doll playing like a human.'
"Ken … su … ke …" Rei breathed as she felt unconsciousness approaching.
'Ha, you've even began fooling yourself, haven't you little doll?' the Archangel laughed, 'When you die, you will die, become nothing but a memory. Any hope of seeing your lover again in the afterlife is nothing but a foolish doll's fantasy. It'll never happen, Doll.'
"I … am … not … a … doll …" Rei breathed as her anger rose, "I am … not … a doll …"
'This is the most entertaining kill I believe I have seen,' the Archangel laughed, 'I wonder if Lord Lucifer found the destruction of the Ikari boy this fun.'
"I AM NOT A DOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLL!" Rei screamed at the top of her lungs as the LCL around her gave an eerie glow.
"Dr. Akagi! Commander Katsuragi!" Maya yelled from her station, "Pilot Ayanami's Synch ratio!"
"What is it?" Ritsuko asked worriedly.
"Four hundred, ma'am," Maya breathed, "We've got another Berserker."
"Oh boy …" Misato gulped.
The Archangel watched in stunned wonder as glowing white eyes opened on both side of EVA-00's optic eye and its mouth opened to show a single row of human-like teeth on both the mandible and upper portion of its mouth. The EVA bellowed a demonic roar before it reached up and gripped the Archangel's claws and loosened the grip before kicking free of the invader. Unit 00 landed on all fours and looked up at the Archangel with its two glowing eyes as a long, rapidly moving, forked tongue slid from its mouth accompanying its growls.
'Now we're getting somewhere,' the Archangel laughed, before it was tackled by the Berserker Evangelion into the lake. The Archangel was pushed back by every clawing slash, and ax-handle punch before it went flying into the air from a double-fisted uppercut from the uncontrollable Eva.
"What's the pilot's status?" Misato asked as she watched the battle.
"It took some doing, but we have a visual from inside the Entry Plug …" Maya said, before closing her eyes not enjoying the sight she just saw.
"Oh god …" Misato breathed as she saw Rei's plug suit floating in the LCL in the empty Entry Plug.
The Archangel's full helmet flew through the air and landed in the lake sending water flying on impact. The Archangel turned its face to Unit 00, twisting its demonic, yet slightly human features into a grin. It raised one claw toward the Evangelion challengingly and nodded. Unit 00 roared an animalistic bellow before jumping toward the invader almost blindly.
/REI! LOOK OUT/ Misato screamed through the com link in the empty plug as Archangel extended a long spear in its other claw.
The Evangelion squalled in pain as the Archangel's spear passed through its optical center eye and passed on through the back of the EVA's head. The cry ended as quickly as it began as the EVA's body swung limply forward with its momentum sliding farther on the spear.
The Archangel's lips curled into a sick smile as blood began to slide down the spear, before it whipped it around. It swung its whole body, slinging the spear like a fishing rod, throwing the limp Eva off the spear with a sick 'chunk' sound. The lifeless form of Evangelion Unit 00 flew toward the center of the lake before it splashed into the water and slowly sunk.
'Now to retrieve the lost one.' The Archangel thought to itself as it continued toward the NERV headquarters.
-
Rei's eyes slowly opened as the sound of fire cracking and crickets chirping. She felt as she hasn't felt in what felt like forever. She felt warm and safe. Her eyes widened when she felt warm breath on the back of her neck, and she slowly pulled away to look behind her to see the same smile that has haunted her dreams and waking moments since his death. "Kensuke?"
"Hello, Rei-chan," Kensuke smiled, pulling himself away from Rei's sleeping bag.
Rei pulled the top part of the sleeping bag to her bare chest and looked around to see the familiar field in the center of the forest outside Tokyo-3. "Am I dreaming?"
"Nope, as you would put it: this is me and this is you." Kensuke smiled, but gasped when the air was pushed from his lungs as the nude Rei gave him a tackle glomp.
"I … I have missed you, Kensuke," Rei murmured into the teen's chest, "I have missed you so much …"
"You really shouldn't have, Rei," Kensuke said as he held her, "I've been watching over you."
"Am I dead?" Rei asked, pulling away from her lover.
"Yes … and no," Kensuke nodded awkwardly.
"How can that be yes and no?" Rei cocked her head to the side.
"You're just as naive as a kitten as always." Kensuke beamed, "I guess that'll never change."
"And you still beat around the bush," Rei crossed her arms, "Never taking anything seriously."
"I do too take things seriously," Kensuke winked, "I just take the time to smell the flowers. Anyway … you are dead right now, Rei. Your heart isn't beating, no brain activity, you've got about as much life in you as a doorknob."
"So is this heaven or hell, or do they even exist?" Rei asked seriously.
"Oh you better believe they do exist, I've spent some time up in heaven. Golden streets, rivers of milk and honey, and whoa mama those Angels … I'm not talking about those that you and Shinji and the Devil fought, I'm talking about long blond hair, big blue eyes, and the best sets of …………….. moving right along …" Kensuke cut himself off as Rei narrowed her crimson eyes. "This isn't neither place; heaven nor hell, this is a type of meeting place set up to look like your most fondest memory." He said looking around the surrounding, "Isn't this the place …"
"Where we first made love," Rei blushed slightly, "how could I possibly forget that… ever?"
Kensuke followed her example by blushing as well, "for a girl who's known for being cold as ice, you sure know how to make a guy feel good about himself."
"Why are we here? Are you here to take me over to the other side?" Rei asked, though enjoying her time with Kensuke, curious on what was happening.
"No, it's not your time yet, Rei," Kensuke smiled, cupping the girl's cheek in his palm, "You've still have many years left to your life, many more battles you must fight, and another heart for you to win."
"But …" Rei's eyes widened in panic and sorrow, "I'd rather you come back with me."
"I am," Kensuke nodded, "But not like before. We can't be together, Rei-chan, you have to let go. It just wasn't meant to be."
"But … But …" Rei shook her head as the tears began to fall.
"I love you, Ayanami Rei, I loved you in life, I loved you after my death, and … I'll continue loving you and protecting you with the gift I've been given." Kensuke whispered before moving to kiss her.
"I don't understand …" Rei whimpered, staring into Kensuke's light brown eyes.
"Unit 00 was destroyed, Rei, the spirit inside it was extinguished. Dr. Akagi's mother's finally found rest." Kensuke explained.
Start up: initiated
"The basic Evangelion isn't enough," Kensuke stated, "You'll need one with the power to stop an Archangel and the ones to follow them."
Super-class Evangelion Unit S-00
"Like Shinji's?" Rei asked.
"Yup, like that bad boy," Kensuke beamed, "I can't wait!"
A2 Drive - Stand by
"Rei-chan, it's almost time for us to go back," Kensuke whispered before pulling his lover close, "I want you to remember, Shinji isn't the enemy. You, Shinji, and Asuka have to pull together. You three together are the only ones who can stop what's coming. Stay strong, my love, you can do anything if you three work as a team."
"I understand," Rei nodded, as Kensuke wiped a tear from her cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too, Rei-chan, but you have to let go …" he whispered before kissing her one last time.
Synch Ratio in acceptable stability - Pilot and Evangelion Synched
"Now let's kick some ass together…" he whispered as she closed her eyes.
EVA Unit S-00: Ready
Inside the Entry Plug of the newly reborn Evangelion, a girl opened her ice-blue eyes opened. After a moment she nodded, "Yes, I'm ok. Let's do this, my love." She said as she gripped the controls.
-
"Are you certain Kaworu's Eva isn't prepped?" Misato asked worriedly.
"Not even close," Ritsuko said with the same panicked expression.
"What the heck …" Misato blinked, as the entire bridge crew stared in awe. The Archangel was moving quickly toward Central Dogma, but suddenly stopped. And it appeared to be struggling to move forward. "The hell's going on here?"
Somewhere beyond happiness and sadness
I need to calculate
What creates my own madness
Misato's eyes widened in awe as it appeared as though some invisible force picked the Archangel up backwards, and then threw it away from the command complex.
And I'm addicted to your punishment
And you're the master
And I am waiting for disaster
"This is where I draw the line," a strong voice spoke, as a giant shimmered into visibility between Central Dogma and the Archangel. "You'll go no farther."
At first glance it looked like Unit 00 but it was almost twice the height. Its armor was black and green with a large canon-like barrel on the back of each shoulder and large black upward spikes on each knee. "If you wish to breach this fortress, you must pass us first." Ayanami Rei's now non-monotone voice spoke as her Super Evangelion's mouth opened to bellow a challenging roar.
I drink my drink and I don't even want to
I think my thoughts when I don't even need to
'Champion of Power …' The Archangel sent, though it seemed more fear in its 'voice'.
"Maybe," Rei smirked, "I certainly feel a lot of power right now." She said as the EVA crossed its arms, pointing its fists upward before six triangular blades shot from the EVA's fists, one coming out between each knuckle. "Now, let's fight so I can see what we can do."
I never look back cause I don't even want to
And I don't need to
Because I'm getting away with murder
The Archangel dove at the Super EVA, who easily stepped to the side and repeated twice.
'I thought you wanted to fight?' The Archangel sent in frustration.
"I am fighting," Rei replied, before a series of claw marks appeared on the monster's armor, prompting it to fall off, leaving it defenseless.
"My god …" Misato gawked as the Super Eva stared down the armor-less Archangel. "Rei?"
"Come at me one more time," Rei said to the Archangel, "Pretty please?"
I feel irrational
So confrontational
To tell the truth I am
Getting away with murder
The Archangel dove at the S-00, but Rei was ready. The two behemoths dashed toward each other, both with claws at the ready.
It isn't possible
To never tell the truth
But the reality is I'm getting away with murder
To the naked eye it would seem the two giants just ran past each other, and now stood back to back at opposite ends of their field of battle.
It wasn't until the Archangel bellowed in pain and its two clawed forearms fell to the ground in bloody heaps.
Somewhere beyond happiness and sadness
I need to calculate
What creates my own madness
And I'm addicted to your punishment
And you're the master
And I am craving this disaster
Unit S-00 slowly turned to face the Archangel as it retracted its claws. "It's time to finish this." Rei said as the Super Eva stepped to the side where the NERV base wouldn't be in the line of fire.
A loud hum came from the Super Evangelion's shoulders as the two barrels rose on the Shoulders, tilting forward, and extending out into rather long pillars.
"Fire when ready, Ken-chan," Rei whispered as anti-matter energy began to form between the two pillars.
I feel irrational
So confrontational
To tell the truth I am
Getting away with murder
The Archangel finally pulled itself to its feet and turned toward the powering up EVA, and let out a mighty roar.
It isn't possible
To never tell the truth
A massive blinding beam light shot from between the pillars toward and through the Archangel, and in its wake there was nothing but a long deep ditch two miles long.
But the reality is I'm getting away with murder
-
Misato, Ritsuko, Fuyutsuki and several other personal waited patiently as the Entry Plug marked S-00 was lifted from the new EVA.
They patiently stood as the Plug was drained and slowly opened. They weren't prepared for who stepped out.
"Wha?" Misato gawked at the naked girl who stood with inside the plug. Her tanned skin glistened with the LCL, and her short dark brown waved in the air before her ice blue eyes.
"Yui?" Fuyutsuki asked, staring at the girl.
"I'm not Yui, Vice-Commander," the girl smile, "It's me, Rei," She said before glancing down at her hands, and body, then smiled toward the deactivated Evangelion. "Thank you, Ken-chan."
"Rei, what's happened?" Ritsuko asked harshly.
"I have been reborn, Doctor," Rei stated with a broad smile, "I am … I am finally free."
To Be Continued …
Disclaimer: Song used: Getting Away With Murder by Papa Roach
Next Chapter: "Truth in the Diary" While Ritsuko and Misato descovers the changes in the new, fully human Rei, Shinji and Asuka begins looking into a hidden secret in the death of her mother.