Shadow of the Angels
Ch.3
Lazy Afternoon
Standard Disclaimer
Secure Telecommunications Server
"Instrumentality is at risk. The Dead Sea scrolls never foretold of this. Explain Ikari." SEELE 01 demanded as it spoke through its tablet façade.
"An unforeseen mishap occurred." Gendo replied with Fuyutsuki standing over his shoulder.
"A mishap does not eliminate one of the angels, Ikari." SEELE 08 piped in, a nervous click in the altered voice.
"Correct, the people are losing faith in NERV. And it is by the incompetence of your genetic line, Ikari." SEELE 11 spoke, distain evident in its voice.
"Our main objective is to reassure the faith of the people in NERV. To see such funding wasted will cause unrest." SEELE 04 stated.
"Most of NERV's data is classified. We have nothing to go public with. Much less our plans will be at risk." Gendo said behind his clasped hands.
"You are wrong Ikari; we have more then enough to offer to the public." SEELE 01 spoke sagely.
"What do you speak of?" Gendo inquired, hiding his surprise at the statement.
"The Children." SEELE 02 offered.
"Ikari, we will not forsake humanities evolution for your incompetence. We shall take this matter into our own hands." SEELE 03 finally spoke.
"We suggest you do all in your power to reaffirm the publics need for NERV, we will use our own methods. Ikari you are dismissed." SEELE 01 stated and Gendo Ikari was disconnected from the meeting.
"This is an outrage how can Sachiel lead to its own demise." SEELE 07 barked.
"There is not enough evidence to determine the cause of death of Sachiel." SEELE 02 retorted.
"Mineral samples determined the remains of the angel to be mere dirt and rock. And visual compensation is non existent. The video feeds all became static at the same time. No visual confirmation is available." SEELE 05 spoke, obviously reading from a filed report.
"Purge all existing files about this information but our original copies. To further our plan we must keep NERV as a front." SEELE 01 spoke.
"That shall be an end to our meeting." SEELE 01 said and the obelisks started disappearing in descending order.
As SEELE obelisk 04 disappeared another statement floated into the air.
"This is not the first time a plan has gone awry." 02 pondered.
"I agree, more caution should be used in managing this final opportunity. We cannot fail at our chance to further humanity." 03 said.
"That project was a failure." 02 said in obvious regret.
"It was not a stable project, much less foretold by the Dead Sea Scrolls." 01 retorted harshly, anger evident in his voice.
"The subjects were destroyed. Every trace of the project's existence was lost in the massive explosion of the Vault." 03 recalled.
"Do not speak of those abominations in my presence. It was fate that ended their existence. Humanity was never to trudge down that evolutionary path." 01 nearly yelled over his communication devices, so vehemently angry, his obelisk disappeared.
"Despite that projects failure we must follow through with Third Impact." 03 said.
"Yes, instrumentally must occur." 02 said before both of them disappeared.
Tokyo-3 District Hospital
A solemn fourteen year old boy waited outside one of the sterile hospital rooms. Wearing his typical black sweat suit and tapping his foot in nervous tension he periodically peered into the doctor flooded hospital room. He had found shelter in a safe zone far from home. The message left at his house after the Angel attack confirmed his worst nightmares. One of his family members was injured during the attack, and his father couldn't check due to the repairs on NERV's secret weapon. Returning to his morbid thoughts concerning the one inside the room, he was interrupted when a female doctor exited the room.
"How is she doc?" Touji Suzahara questioned, eagerly waiting for any word on his little sisters health.
"Mr. Suzahara, sadly both her ACLs and all four MCLs were torn in both knees, not to mention her meniscus was also ruptured. Muscle contusions and lacerations indicate that a massive weight was weighing down on her lower body. I am surprised that under such weight her femur and other lower body bones did not shatter. Luckily with surgery she will be able to walk, while if she had not been discovered this early she would likely have two shattered legs. And such massive damage due to bone fragments that walking would be out of the question." A familiar woman said flipping her black ponytail back and scratching at her mole.
"Surgery, well my father works for NERV so we can pay for it and rehab. But how did she get here Doc?" Touji inquired still taking in the information about his little sister.
"That's the odd part; she was literally left on one of the carts right outside the hospitals door. She received the fastest medical aid, before anyone else arrived." She said, not entirely mystified by the video feed on the security camera. Other patients had turned up on other hospital door steps in similar fashion. Carried by several invisible figures of some sorts, and carefully laid down for the returning doctors to attend to.
Tokyo-3 District Hospital Room 241
Mari Suzahara sat in her hospital bed, looking out the window searching for any signs of the masked young man who saved her from the slab of rock. An insightful 10 year old girl, she knew that telling her tale would result in an express trip to a mental ward. But replaying the memory would do no such harm.
12 hours ago
Mari cried out as a large cement slab lay on her legs. Clearly ten times her own body weight, she was unable to lift the heavy object. The wooden supports that had saved her from the initial fall of the slab were giving way. Increasing the pressure on her lower body, she started to cry. Tremors from the Angel's fall sent jolts of pain through her legs. When she felt undeniable snaps in her knees she started to sob. She would die here, unfound by anyone, forgotten. As she saw the monster collapse she cried out in pain as she felt her bones begin to grind. Sobbing she accepted her fate and tried to hold in the scream of terror as she felt her bones begin to give way to the weight.
Expecting the bones to break in her legs, she felt the load lighten. Opening her eyes, a masked man had grabbed the slab right above her. Hearing a loud grunt she saw the muscles in his biceps and forearms bulge as he attempted to move the chunk of cement. In awe she hardly noticed as he lifted the cement high enough to clear her lower body. Still staring in awe she was brought out of her reverie as the masked young man spoke.
"Move." His voice strained as he felt the muscle in his already battered body begin to tear. Crawling out of the space her legs sent bolts of searing agony through her body. Crying out she heard the drop of the cement block. Swiftly she was carried to the nearest hospital. Looking at her savior she noticed his short dark brown hair, and the mysterious blue eyes through the mask. Looking over his shoulder she saw several blurs in the air, and even some unconscious people literally floating. Rubbing her eyes she saw flickers of electricity and thought she saw some figure clad in a black combat suit. Rubbing them again, the figure disappeared. Overloaded from emotional and physical trauma she passed out in the arms of her savior.
As Mari looked down at her battered legs, she wondered where her savior was.
Tokyo-3 Municipal Secondary School- Hallway
"The new kid is another Ayanami?" one of the female students spoke, gazing at the new student silently sitting on the same bench as Rei Ayanami.
"He's pretty cute. I mean despite his similarity to Ayanami." Another girl replied.
"As I said another Ayanami, cute, introversive, and silent just this time in a boy." The girl retorted, still peering at the uncanny pair on the bench. Ayanami was reading another one of her books. Ikari just sat there making his visage more disturbing then Ayanami's. At least she preoccupied herself on the other hand he just stared at the scenery.
"Actually I talked to him, he's easy to talk to but for some reason he won't go far from Ayanami. I heard he tries to talk to her and she ends the conversation in typical Ayanami style. I talked to him while Ayanami was around and he really is nice." Another girl piped in to the growing conversation.
"He even walks her home. I mean such devotion and he's a cutie to." Some girl yelled across the room to the conversation.
"Have you seen him at PE, he's ripped. His muscles are nice and tight." More girls crowded around the mounting discussion.
"Hm, I guess then we can't qualify him as a cutie since he definitely has the bod. How about a hottie." One of the girls from the original discussion pondered.
"Grade A hottie." Another girl said peering out the window leering at Rei Ayanami for hogging said boy's attention.
"Come on girls, he's only been here for 3 days. Don't jump to conclusions about him. And lunch is almost over get back to class." The class representative Hikari Horaki said breaking up the crowd in the hallway.
As they dispersed one of the girls added the final remark to the conversation.
"Well if his love interest is in Ayanami, it'll die quickly I mean all the boys liked her at one time or another. He'll give up and I'll snatch him." The girl said before running back into class; several of the other girls chasing her and bantering about how he would be theirs.
Hikari just sighed and wondered where Toji was, he had been out for 3 days.
Tokyo-3 Municipal Secondary School- Garden
Rei Ayanami was puzzled to say the least. The boy that had held her in front of Evangelion 01 was an enigma. He held doors open for her, walked her to and from school, even opened her shoe locker and took out her school shoes for her. And aiding her silently with tasks she would find more difficult due to her bandaged arm and eye. She did not see these actions as necessary. But instead of bringing a halt to his actions she just kept silent. Every so often he would ask her a question about herself or what she enjoyed. Answering such questions with one word answers.
Despite her constant apprehension at having him near her, she honestly enjoyed his company. It was similar to the commander; he was not disturbed by her behavior. Ikari was the same, but different. Whenever she thought of him a slight warmth emerged at the bottom of her stomach. Although she pondered about this every day since his appearance she could not place this unexpected attachment. No one had ever spent a whole day with her since her childhood. And much of that was blurry. Last night she had come to the simple conclusion that she enjoyed the third child's company. Not knowing how to precede with such a relationship she merely kept a silent vigil. Enjoying his presence
Rei Ayanami did not enjoy being alone, but she was accustomed to it. Now that she had someone near her she no longer felt alone. Quickly glancing away from her book, which she had read five times previously, she took a glance at her companion. With her single uncovered red eye she appreciated the sight. Stretching his back he looked at the sky, something which she did often. As the sun danced off his features she felt her heart quicken, confused at her reaction she swiftly returned to her reading. Unknown to her, she did know the immensity that her attachment would grow into.
Shinji Ikari looked at the sky, lost in thought he wondered what he would do. Living with Misato was fun and oddly familiar, and being with Rei felt natural. Already he felt like they were companions. He would come home after walking Rei home, feed Pen Pen then prepare a meal. Misato usually had the night shift, but he woke her up in time for breakfast. Usually consisting of whatever food he created with a cold Yebisu. In three days he had already felt completely accustomed to this lifestyle. Oddly something was missing, he just didn't know what. At times he stopped and looked at the empty room next to his, half expecting someone to come out. When he finished his homework he usually inspected his equipment, neatly folded in the Cloak of Deception was his sword mask and cloth. If he was to face another angel, he would have to find a bow or something else. But it had only been three days; he had more then enough time. Well he felt like he wouldn't need his equipment for a week or two. Glancing at Ayanami, he did not want to leave her side for some reason. Images flashed in his mind of a smiling face and several other things. But they were all blurry.
He had reminisced the last 3 days, about Agro his beloved steed. And the Colossi, and even the Angel he had taken down. But just reminiscing about the past would do nothing. Knowing that wasting his time would be unintelligent, he had to fill his time with something; opting to take a silent suggestion from Ayanami. Going to the bookstore would be a good idea. A NERV charge card was very useful, and a NERV ID would intimidate anyone that questioned what he was buying. Not like he would buy hentai material, but it was always good to know that your purchases would not be questioned. Plus, Misato would tease him about buying things like that. Smiling softly he came to the conclusion that instead of walking Ayanami home he would take a trip to the bookstore.
Katsuragi/Ikari Apartment
As Misato rolled over in her futon she heard the ringing of a nearby phone. With her head still under the covers, she reached her right hand out to find the damn thing. As head tactical officer of NERV she couldn't just hang up on a matter concerning worldwide security. Finally finding the foul origin of the noise she picked up the phone.
"Wake up sleepy head." Ritsuko said while flipping through several reports.
"O Ritsuko why'd you call?" Misato said rubbing her eyes and yawning.
"Just checking in on an old college friend. How is Shinji doing?" Ritsuko said while crossing out the errors in the report and circling the important parts.
"Hm, he is so nice did you know he brings me breakfast in bed when he wakes up. Even leaving a meal to microwave when I get home late. Pen Pen likes him a lot too." Misato said standing up and walking towards the bathroom, taking a quick swig from the leftover bear near her bed.
"Growing a little to attached to him now aren't you Misato." Ritsuko said putting the clipboard and picking up another one.
"Yeah its just nice to be around him. Maybe I can make him into a man." Misato giggled as she heard a clatter in the background of the phone. Ritsuko, covering her gasp, recomposed herself and asked the real question. Undressing she dipped herself into the warm bathwater that her human roommate prepared.
"I am surprised that he survived the fall, much less the rubble that pilled on top of him." Ritsuko stated, remembering the large amount of rubble surrounding the ejection plug. Hearing a splash over the phone as she continued to examine the read outs.
"The real question is how the Angel destroyed itself. It's to far fetched to be divine intervention." Misato said rubbing the soap down her shapely leg.
"Well that too, but a human body, even in perfect condition cannot sustain a fall from the height of an Eva. The plug was opened partially and the LCL spilled out on the way down. He would have had nothing to absorb his shock upon impact." the beautiful blonde doctor said.
"He's walking around fine, I haven't noticed anything in the last couple of days he has been living with me." Holding the phone in-between her ear and shoulder she freed her hands.
"Well we've got sync tests tomorrow, be sure to tell Shinji." Ritsuko said, starting to get up from her chair.
"I gave him a cell phone, he doesn't use it much. I'm starting to worry he has no friends." Misato lathered the soap across her slim arms.
"He probably doesn't, you ever hear of the Hedgehog's dilemma." Ritsuko said walking out the door of her office.
Tokyo-3
Shinji had waved goodbye to Rei, despite the odd look in her piercing red eyes. As he walked away he could feel her eyes track him till he had walked out of sight. Walking down the street to the bookstore he saw on his way to school he looked up at the towering buildings. Accomplishments of mankind were something to be awed at, a fortress city filled with wonder. Stretching his arms, he looked past the buildings into the uncluttered blue sky. It was starting to get late, and the setting sun scattered the horizon with its shimmering shades of ginger. Despite the tall buildings he could see the orange sky seep into navy blue. Finally after the refreshing walk he had made it to the corner book store. Tokyo-3 shops weren't all that abundant as one might seem. Mostly in the lower areas of sky scrapers or similar well protected areas, of course a good amount of the commercial areas had a lock down option. Sadly enough it Shinji realized that most of the residential areas didn't have the same protection. As that thought shot into his mind more images burned into his mind, moving buildings, shattered walls and crumbling sky scrapers. Then the worst, the city sinking into a dark hole, as the images gripped his mind. Shinji gripped his head with both his hands, droppings his bag on the ground in front of the automatic doors. Pain flowed through every neuron in his brain, pieces missing and causing disorder inside his mind. As Shinji was about to fall to his knees and succumb to the agony inside his head, he felt a tap on the side of his arm.
"Hey kid, you dropped this." A voice followed by a rap on the side of his arm brought Shinji out of his dazed state. Turning to the right he came face to face with a slightly bending over man.
"Thanks you." Images shattered in his mind, as he came to grips with reality.
"So kid, what are you doing out in front of a bookstore gripping your head. Gonna fail an assignment or something, or did you just get dumped by your girlfriend." The man said, standing up to his full height. Shinji was not the tallest boy around, but his head was only up to the man's shoulders. Clearly taller then both Misato, and Kaji, as the last name rang in his head he stumbled for a bit. Looking into the inquisitive grey eyes of his new found company, he realized he had to answer.
"Just looking for some reading material," Shinji said rubbing the back of his head. It was obvious that the man was not Japanese; his face had broader and less angular lines. Not to say he was old, he was probably only over decade older then Shinji himself, probably younger then Misato.
"Well you came to the right place; I travel from my little ranch near the outskirts of town to come to this bookstore." The young man said walking into the store and motioning for Shinji to follow, Getting a complete view of the shortly cut black hair on the back of the man's head.
"This place has great reference books and other stuff, I don't really dabble into the fiction area that much. But there political theorists and other books are really good." Shinji followed the young man as the strolled through the tall bookcases covering the inside of the small store. Despite its small size, the place was literally filled with books. Seemingly no real organization to the whole thing, Shinji just followed the young man as he continued to talk.
"So what are you looking for kid, fiction or the real brain churners?" Turning around the man looked Shinji in the eyes. This was the real first good look he had gotten of the man. Standing taller then him he looked into the well built chest of him, not overly muscular but similar to Shinji's own build. But that wasn't the striking thing about the man; it was his deep grey eyes, such an unnatural color, even more unnatural then Ayanami's crimson orbs.
"Just something to do read when I'm bored," Shinji replied looking over all the books.
"Well there's a bunch of books, how about The Logic of Leviathan, or The Political Theory of Possessive Individualism. Both rather good reads," The grey eyed man said reaching to the shelf and pulling out several books. Rather thick ones to.
"Um, sorry sir but I don't know if I can handle that kind of material." Shinji shivered, what kind of material did this man read?
"Hm, I know since its obvious you want a fast, light read that provokes a lot of thought here." The black haired man tossed a small book, thicker then a pamphlet but much smaller then the books he had been pulling out. Catching the book in the air Shinji turned it over and read the title on the black cover.
"The Prince by Machiavelli?" Shinji asked with trepidation.
"Fast, and ruthless, it's a good read. Especially for someone your age and the coming future." The man said taking some books from off the shelves.
"Coming future?" Shinji said quietly to himself, somehow it felt hollow.
"Yes… it teaches the ruthlessness that sometimes needs to be done. Even if at times you don't want to do it," The young man had become somber, he must have had really good hearing to hear such a whisper. Despite his rather insightful taste in text; he had answered the question softly, slightly louder then Shinji's own whisper. Quietly they walked to the cashier, an elderly gentlemen with thick glasses hunched over a book. Stepping aside the man allowed Shinji to go first. Nonchalantly the old man rang up the amount, and asked for payment. Handing over his card, he heard an evidently disdainful beep, then another as the old man tried to swipe the card again.
"I'm sorry young man, but this card seems to not be work." Shinji looked at the card with his picture on it. Then realization hit him, it said TEMPORARY at the top left. Before Shinji could take out his wallet his the grey eyed man stepped forward and paid for it and all his books also.
"O you were just here a last week. Find everything you need." The old man smiled, obviously this man stopped by the store often. Shinji noticed that the older man looked over the books as he scanned them.
"Natural Law and the Theory of Society, Man and his Pride, Time and Idea, all great reads. Did you already finish Pride and Prejudice?" The old man asked skimming through the books.
"Not only that but also the theories on the Morphogenetic field theories as well. That's something, individuality created by sustained electromagnetic field surrounding the body." The grey eyed man grinned as he looked at the old man.
"Sheldrake didn't say it was electromagnetic." The old man pointed out, Shinji oblivious to the whole conversation.
"Well I think that that's the only thing that everyone has that can surround them and have any similarity to what Sheldrake's talking about. Despite all the holes in his theory, I think there is some real merit behind it." Seemingly these two had common confrontations like this, it was obvious even to Shinji.
"DNA being separated by out of body fields, I highly don't think so." The old man scrutinized as he took exceedingly longer to check in all the books. Lacking the hindsight to look at the look at the amount, he finally realized that the man next to him must have bought a good 30 pounds of books.
"Not DNA literally, I think of it more as the substance that we all have. Kinda like primordial soup, from which we all came from. Something is holding all that together, or else we might all ooze out. You old coot, your already near decomposing anyways so it probably doesn't matter to you." An upturn at the corner of the man's mouth was reflected by the wrinkled old man across the counter.
"Well that's all of it. See you next time." Trying to lift the large bag, the old man almost snapped his back. Reaching over the counter, the young man picked up the books easily and waved goodbye. Shinji trailed behind, wondering exactly what those two were talking about. A book flashed into his face, the black cover of the book the man had purchased for him.
"There ya go kid, happy reading." Turning around with easy the man walked with his books. Shinji's politeness and mannerism kicked in as he ran to the retreating form.
"Thank you sir, but I didn't get your name." Shinji bowed.
"O yeah, me and my manners, names John Doe Wade." The man stuck out his hand. Shinji looked at it quizzically, then he hesitantly reached and grasped the hand with his own.
"Shinji Ikari." Two departed, walking there separate ways. And the chains of fate had just been entangled.
Please review. And have you guessed who the character is. Wade, and a computer game, The Vault. Figured it out.
