Out of Control Chapter 8: Plots Within Plots, an Evangelion + Guyver Crossover fanfic

Standard Disclaimer: "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Bio-booster Armor Guyver" are the creative property of Hideaki Anno and Yoshiki Takaya respectively. Though I'd love to own both, the copyrights have been locked away in a vault somewhere within the Forbidden City, far from the grasp of psychotic fanfic authors like me.

Other Standard Disclaimer: This fanfic is rated PG-13 (or T) for violence, swearing, and mild sexual references.

Introductory Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay. Blame it on standardized education, if you want to.

Also, this chapter was pre-read by our friendly neighborhood J-Easy. Go read his excellent Love Hina/Negima fusion "Blue Blue Glass Moon, Under the Crimson Air"—do it NOW!

KEY
"spoken"
'thoughts'

Out of Control
A Neon Genesis Evangelion/
Bio-booster Armor Guyver Fusion
By: Mares Guyver

Chapter 8: Plots Within Plots

Somewhere in the infinity of cyberspace there existed a dark, dark room. And in the center of this room there was a dark, dark desk. And sitting around that desk, illuminated individually by different colors of the rainbow, were five very dark, dark men. Each one of these men possessed dark, dark hearts, and they each held dark, dark thoughts and dark, dark dreams for the future of humanity. They sat with growing impatience in the dark, dark room, with growing dark, dark tempers at the tardiness of their dark, dark appointment.

"Good day, gentlemen," Gendo Ikari stated calmly as his form winked into existence, seated as usual with his hands steepled in front of his face. Around the room there was much coughing and harrumphing, but with that brief pause the gathering immediately began its business.

"The Committee is concerned with the delay of your report, Commander. Is there something of importance that we should know about?" asked Admiral Cardinal, the UK representative.

Gendo shook his head, "Nothing of any weight. The data from the battle with Third Angel was somewhat . . . muddled, and took longer to analyze than would be expected." Further down the table, a yellow-illuminated Committee member pushed a pair of wire-rim glasses further up his hawkish nose.

"In regards to the Angel confrontation, we understand that a new pilot candidate was brought in—the Third Child. More to the point, we have learned that the name of this pilot is Shinji Ikari. Is it true that this child is your son, Ikari-kun?" French Representative Jaune asked with a sneer.

"Imagine, giving a war machine like Evangelion to his boy like some damned birthday present!" Senator Greene of the United States barked contemptuously. At the end of the table, Gendo remained characteristically stone-faced.

"It is true that the Third Child and I share a biological relation, but any other form of connection was severed years ago. He is only listed as the pilot to Unit-01 due to the recommendations of the Marduk Institute," the bearded man said evenly.

Admiral Cardinal snorted, "The Marduk Institute—indeed! Considering the boy's performance in combat, I wouldn't put much stock in their evaluating abilities."

"The cost of repairs to Units 01 alone are enough to bankrupt a small nation. Never mind the damage done to the fortress city," added Ambassador Golubenko of the Russian Federation. At the end of the table opposite Gendo, a grey-haired individual with a wraparound, single-lensed headpiece leaned forward on one elbow.

"These logistical issues aside, the most important point is that the events long predicted have finally come to pass. All efforts must now be placed into fulfilling our ultimate responsibility," Keel Lorenz rasped in a rough tone, tapping a file folder on the desk with one finger. "The Human Instrumentality Project."

"At this point in time, truly mankind's last hope," whispered Representative Jaune, and glancing one-eyed at Gendo he said, "You should be doing everything in your power to fulfill your personal obligations."

"You have no other choice; nor do we. There is no turning back," stated Senator Greene with a grimace.

"I know," Gendo said simply, then placed his palms on the table, "Will that be all, gentlemen?" A long pause followed, the Committee members glancing at Keel, who in turn traded glares with the man seated across the dim room. Eventually though, Keel settled back in the holographically projected chair.

"This meeting is adjourned," the old German said before fading away into the dusk. One by one, the other Committee members blinked out until only Supreme Commander Gendo Ikari was left alone in the dark. He allowed himself to let out the breath he had been holding in, and then smirked slightly before signing off himself.

For what may have been merely seconds in the outside world, the dark room remained, cold and desolate. Then with a silent roar, twelve illuminated black monoliths shimmered into being. The rectangular shapes were smooth and simple in design, their only feature being a glowing red number, and the words "Sound Only" written just beneath. Minutes of silence passed as the individuals behind the digital avatars solidified their connection, but then a single voice emerged into the gloom.

"Ikari is keeping secrets," 08 stated bluntly. A chuckle emerged from the direction of 03.

"Of course he's keeping secrets. Ikari believes himself a great conjurer, distracting us with one hand while he readies the other behind his back. He is all the more a fool because of it," 03 said with audible amusement.

"Indeed, Ikari's own plans, while alarming, will only serve our benefit in the end. All we need do is allow him and the Evangelion to set the stage for our final Scenario," 06 uttered, and noises of confirmation rumbled from the majority of the monoliths.

"I still do not understand why we allow Ikari to proceed unleashed," 11 snarled, "His design for Instrumentality goes against everything we've worked for! The damage he and the pilots under him could do to the Scenario is formidable—why does the Leadership let him stay uncontrolled?" Sighs wafted around the dim room.

"We have discussed this before, and the Leadership is in agreement," 02 stated.

"The best kind of puppet is one which is unaware of the strings in his back," 01 proclaimed, "Ikari can be tamed if necessary, but for now, let him think he has the upper hand. He will follow his sentimental obsession to the very end."

07 added confidently, "Soon the Adamian will be vanquished, the tools for the Ascension will be in place, and once the Seventeenth is defeated, our forces will be waiting to obliterate NERV completely."

More sounds of affirmation drizzled between the rectangular solids, the Gospel having long been memorized by each member of the gathering. Discussion quickly gave way to the end result of the Third Angel's attack, and how much it had deviated from the current Scenario. Small changes were required, as was wont to happen when tugging at the threads of Fate, but for the most part the group was in agreement as to the next steps to be taken as dictated by ancient design. Moving along in their predetermined agenda, the gathered forms began giving status reports on their individual efforts to support the continuing Scenario, beginning with 01 and moving along in order. But as 12's report reached wound to its conclusion, a crazed giggle suddenly erupted from the direction of 09.

"Interesting how you've overlooked the pre and post battle data Ikari-sama was hiding about his son, or had you all forgotten?" 09 interjected contemptuously, before the reproachful harrumph of a clearing throat emerged from 02, prickling the burgeoning ego.

"The information about the Third Child's biology changes nothing in the Scenario," 02 said with only a hint of hesitation, though rather than bringing the matter to a close, gave an opening for 05 to show off his own knowledge on the subject.

"Indeed," 05 stated ignorantly, "The information that Ikari withheld only confirms what has been suspect for the last few days. We now know for certain that the Third Child is really a Guy . . ."

"Do NOT utter that disgusting word in my presence!" 04 roared, causing 05 to immediately grow silent, "Bio-boosted or not, Councilman Khan has stated that it is of NO concern!"

Another giggle emerged from 09, "Really, Hiyern. 'Bio-boosted'? Why not use the true term for what young Pilot Ikari is—a Guyver!" Loud, alarmed muttering exploded around the chamber, while 01 tried to restore order and 09 sniggered with maniacal glee.

"Another Guyver! As if the others weren't bad enough!" exclaimed 10.

"The Three managed to defy the Titans' wrath for several years. That one of their ilk is pilot to EVA is most distressing," added 08 with the barest hint of worry.

"Could Ikari already be under the protection of the Celestial Thunder?" 11 queried in a shrill and anxious tone, "We're done for if NERV has forged an alliance with—"

"Gentlemen, Gentlemen, if you would please just quiet down for a moment . . ." 01 uttered soothingly, but was drowned out by the rising volume of panicked bewilderment.

"Guyot . . ." 04 hissed threateningly, but the voice's intended recipient cut him off.

"And what's with all this cloak-and-dagger nonsense?" 09 asked to the assembly, "Are you all really that afraid to reveal yourselves to one another? Do you really trust the organization you've devoted your lives to so little?" Various growls of hushed disdain could be heard throughout the room.

"Why does the Leadership tolerate the presence of such a . . . ?"

" . . owes the Council his life. Wouldn't have survived without . . ."

"So what if he helped bring about the downfall! Never a loyal agent . . ."

" . . always the apple polisher. I'll bet Guyot has the Chairman wrapped around his . . ."

"Mas—Councilman Keel," 04 finally snarled, "I must again raise my objections to the membership of this self-serving, traitorous, and detestable piece of . . ."

"Gentlemen! Calm yourselves!" 01 interjected loudly, and immediately all conversation ceased. For several seconds, the only sound was heavy breathing from various monoliths around the room. Eventually though, slowly and carefully, 01 began speaking again.

"While lacking . . . tact, Councilman Guyot's observations are correct. If we are to see our efforts through, we must begin trusting one another. I understand the security risks, but think of this as a test . . ." and like the clicking shift of a slide projector, the monolith of 01 changed into Keel Lorenz's hunched form, ". . . of your dedication to SEELE."

Muted sounds of disapproval drifted about the room, but slowly, one by one the black monoliths faded away and were replaced by a seated human being. Between the twelve individuals an illusionary round table appeared, a few of those gathered already leaning forward to rest against it. Seated under the Roman numeral I, and shifting weight from one arm to the other, Keel slowly passed a cycloptic gaze over the diverse group making up the assembly.

With little exception, all of the figures in the dark room were male and aged, save for two seated close to Keel beneath the numerals III and IV. Membership to this ultimate gathering was a privilege allowed only a select few from generation to generation. Independently powerful and influential in their own areas of the world, as a whole this congregation represented the presence of their ancient order around the entire globe. From the shadows these twelve had watched and partially ruled the Earth, secretly manipulating events towards their final, eventual aim.

This was the High Council of SEELE.

"Now that we've regained some composure," Keel said with a slight edge, causing some Council members to wince, "We will begin discussion on the existence of this . . . new development."

An older, bald-headed woman dressed in Zambian tribal robes—apparently the only female present—raised her hand and Keel nodded in her direction. Leaning her chin on folded hands, African representative SEELE 12, or Councilwoman Edith Nkandu inquired, "I am curious as to how we first became aware of this child's nature. I understand how the research conducted by NERV's Chief Scientist confirmed the suspicion, but how did the idea originate?"

Seated beneath the numeral V, Senator Greene smiled toothily beneath his Roosevelt-esque moustache, "It is quite simple, my dear—one of our membership was able to sense the boy's pain during his fight with the Third Lost Child." Beneath the numeral IV, a bearded young man of Arabic descent scoffed slightly.

"Impossible. No one with any mental powers, not even a Master, could detect the pain of a Bio-boosted human," Councilman Jearvill Bun Hiyern of Persia said shortly, "To be capable of such, one would have to be another . . ." The turbaned man's pale eyes widened, and across the table, a green-eyed, messily white-haired man seated beneath the numeral IX chuckled.

"Another . . . Guyver?" Councilman Richard Guyot of Spain asked mockingly, and then grinned, "Right you are, Hiyern, right you are."

Hiyern spluttered slightly, aghast, and turned from the leering mug of Guyot to Keel and the man seated beneath the numeral II. "Why was I not made aware of this?" he asked with the barest hint of anger.

The composed, elderly representative to North and Central Asia closed his eyes and sighed.

"Because we knew this would be your reaction, Councilman Hiyern," Councilman Carbal Khan said calmly, "Your disgust and hatred of the Bio-boosted is well recorded." Khan's soft tone smothered much of Hiyern's fury, and with a slight frown he sat back in his chair, arms folded.

"I still should have been informed," he said simply, but then glanced at Guyot, "Can this . . . individual, be trusted?" Guyot just grinned back maniacally at the Arab.

Representative Jaune, seated beneath the numeral VI, nodded confidently, "Rest assured, Councilman Hiyern, that this man's loyalty rests solely with SEELE."

"Like you, he was a devoted though low-level member of . . . our former opposition, and acquired a Bio-booster Unit quite by accident. Unfortunately, his Control Medallion was damaged and he was easily defeated by an enemy Guyv—Bio-boosted. Thus, thought forever irrecoverable, he was abandoned and left for dead." Councilman Jaune glanced over to the mustached man seated beside him, who nodded and continued the dialogue.

"Our scientists recovered the Control Medal—damaged as it was—and thanks to the resources gained in the takeover after Second Impact, we were able to repair it. Once it was fixed, the Medal instantly regenerated its host; he was so angered by the betrayal of his former masters that he immediately swore allegiance to SEELE. The man's only motivation now is revenge against his personally declared rival and the other Bio-boosted," Councilman Greene finished, and across the table Hiyern nodded after a pause.

After all, no human could lie in the presence of a Zoalord.

Seated beneath the numeral X, Micronesian Councilman Jesse Urusemal asked off-handedly, "I'm assuming that this . . . gentleman, is now at full functionality?"

At the seat marked with the numeral VII, Admiral Cardinal of the Royal Navy nodded, "As our most powerful combatant, he has been made Commander of our growing armada. At the Eve of Red Earth, he will lead our land forces against Tokyo-3."

Leaning back with folded arms and narrowed eyes, Councilman Alvaro Pastrana of Columbia, or SEELE 11 stated, "This 'combatant' was defeated once before, and should the other Bio-boosted reappear—particularly the Dark God—his abilities may once again prove useless. The Leadership is foolish to place so much trust in an incompeten—urk!"

Gasping loudly, Councilman Pastrana loosed his tie and collar, and then grasped at his neck as if he were being chocked. Seated between Khan and Hiyern, a tall, dark-skinned man with the facial tattoos of an Indian yogi grinned maliciously.

"I find your lack of faith disturbing," Councilman Luggnagg de Krumeggnic stated coolly, a small round jewel glowing slightly on his forehead. At the other end of the tall Indian's glare, his target continued to gasp desperately while others murmured around him.

"That is enough, Councilman Krumeggnic," Keel declared, but Krumeggnic paid the elderly German no heed, his grin widening Councilman Pastrana started to turn an interesting shade of chartreuse. Frowning slightly at the apparent insubordination, Keel looked directly at Krumeggnic, the single lens of the wraparound glowing blood red.

"Krumeggnic, release him!" Keel's voice bellowed with amplified authority, and the bald Indian looked back at the older figure with wide, white eyes.

"A-as you wish," he uttered shakily, and as the glow on his forehead faded the Latino collapsed on his desk, slowly taking in large gulps of air. Still frowning, Keel shifted to look from Krumeggnic to SEELE 10, and then around the rest of the dark room.

"This bickering is pointless," Keel said, the visor lens returning to normal, "While dangerous, the threat of the Guyvers and this latest development have been already accounted for."

"That is precisely why we are allowing the Third Child to remain where he is," Khan said assuredly. As all eyes turned to him, the withered Asian continued, "Like our own soldier, the other Bio-boosted would have felt the boy's pain in battle. The nature of Ikari's son will draw our adversaries out of hiding, and once they are in the open—they will be crushed."

"All is going according to the scenario," Keel intoned seriously, "Commander Ikari and NERV will dispatch Adam's Lost Children, and the presence of the Sixth Guyver will bring forward the only other force which can stop us. Soon, all we have worked for will come to pass."

"The Ceremony of Red Earth," Ambassador Golubenko, or SEELE 08, stated grandly.

"The Purification of Humanity from Adam's destructive taint," added Councilwoman Nkandu.

"Instrumentality—the Ascension of mankind to its right and truest form," all the members of the High Council chanted solemnly, and Keel smiled thinly.

"The Council may now retire," the old man stated, and the other members of the High Council respectfully bowed their heads before signing off, eventually leaving the aged Aryan alone in the dark. For some time, the hunched figure just sat there, pondering an infinite number of thoughts known by Keel alone, and resting slightly on the virtual desk. After a time, one wrinkled hand reached into the inner pocket of the old green tunic and pulled out a thin silver chain, along with the heavy object attached to it.

Carefully, tenderly, Keel let the silver object slip into one palm, and then tilted down to gaze upon the artifact, the slight whirr of servomotors being the only sound. The object was a silver pendant, slightly resembling a stylized flatworm or zygote with a long, pointed tail and arrow-shaped head. In the center of the head was the ringed, spherical form of a control medallion—the supreme symbol of the beings who had crafted this emblem and so much else on Earth.

Keel's wrinkled face stretched into an amused grin, and the ancient member of humanity briefly considered how the master of the pendant's previous owner, the God that this symbol once represented, now physically resembled his own crest. With a hint of melancholy, Keel's head slowly shook.

"Archanfel, you were always such a fool . . ." the elderly form uttered before fading away, leaving only the dark, dark room in the infinity of cyberspace.

END CHAPTER EIGHT

TRANSLATION GUIDE

-kun: Used in causal/friendly relationships, typically with males, and most often as a sign of light affection from a superior to a subordinate. Also used between people of the same age who share friendly relations.
-sama: Reserved for individuals of extremely high rank or nobility (like royalty, or world leaders), but also can be used to display an extremely high level of respect/affection.

AN: Because you demanded it (okay, you really didn't, but I don't care—nya!), more omakes, inspired by the style used in Innortal's hilarious fanfic "I Do".

OMAKE #1

"When the Hell is the repair guy going to get here and fix the lights!"

OMAKE #2

Further down the table, a yellow-illuminated Committee member pushed a pair of wire-rim glasses further up his hawkish nose.

'Damn it, Yui—this is what I get for giving you a little 'free time' with your son!' the Bastard King thought with much malice and gnashing of teeth.

(Back in Tokyo-3)

"Wheeeeeeeee!" yelled Shinji as he ran across the glittery countryside in his brand new Evangelion, "My Dad is the best Dad ever!" So enthralled in the bliss of paternal love was he that Shinji totally ignored the bus station, used car lot, stained glass factory, and antiques flea market that Unit-01's size 200's accidentally pulverized. He could vaguely recall a cheer as he ran over the local Secondary School, but otherwise Shinji's mind was in a rare and all-consuming state of bliss.

Of course, the fact that the entire JSSDF, a half-repaired Unit-00, a rapidly transferred Unit-02, and various international military assets had been deployed to retrieve the wayward EVA was completely lost by the boy. Shinji was even ignorant that his own guardian was at the head of the attack force, seeking vengeance for the Yebisu factory that Lilith's purple clone had carelessly plowed its way through.

Yep, offering your son a 100-story mecha to apologize for years of emotional damage and neglect sure did have its ups and downs.

OMAKE #3

HO-PAH. HO-PAH. "I find your lack of faith disturbing," stated Councilman Luggnagg de Krumeggnic, a small round jewel glowing slightly on his forehead. At the other end of the tall Indian's glare, his target continued to gasp desperately while others murmured around him.

"Krumeggnic, release him!" Keel's voice bellowed authoritatively, and the bald Indian glanced at the older figure out of the corner of his eye.

"As you wish," he said with a shrug, and as the glow on his forehead faded the Latino collapsed on his desk, slowly taking in large gulps of air. Still frowning, Keel shifted to look from Krumeggnic to SEELE 10, and then around the rest of the dark room.

"This bickering is pointless," Keel said, "Soon our plans will be set, and this battle station will become operational. We will then crush the Rebellion with one swift stroke." A faint chirping could be heard in the background, and SEELE 11 signed off momentarily to close the open window in his office.

"Umm . . . what battle station?" asked Admiral Cardinal hesitantly. Beneath the wraparound visor, Keel's eyes blinked, and though the wrinkled face remained impassive, sweat began to bead on the old man's forehead. Seated beside him, the three other members of the Leadership were shaking slightly and covering their mouths as they desperately tried not to laugh out loud.

"The Force is . . . lacking, in this one," Krumeggnic said seriously before breaking into a fit of giggles. Laughter rippled around the room as the heavy air of meeting was quickly shattered, though SEELE 10 pouted at his not being told of the joke beforehand. Frowning, Keel leaned back and folded both arms with disgust.

'Damn Dhalsim-wannabe,' the ancient human thought, 'That's the last time he ropes me into an all-night marathon of the three Star Wars Trilogies . . .'

Author's Notes: I know a lot of you probably feel pretty gypped after waiting so long only to get this minimal action, relatively short chapter. I'm sorry. Truly, truly, I am sorry. School's been hell for me this term, and along with the work I do with AFROTC, my free time is minimal. And even when I do have free time, I've found it . . . really difficult to write lately. I've been going through . . . some personal issues the last few weeks, and it all but sucked my creativity dry. So, even when I have time to write, I can't concentrate well enough to put words together properly. I'm getting better now, as evident by the fact that I actually managed to finish this chapter. I hope the next few won't be as long to put out, as I already have them framed in my mind. Still, I can make no guarantees with this fickle, fickle muse of mine. I promise to do my best, but there are things in the outside world and my inside world that I sometimes can't control. Again, sorry for the delay—I hope you all can understand.

Anyways, before anyone asks, the names I used for the Guyver characters in this chapter (particularly Alkanphel/Archanfel and Reichman Gyro/Richard Guyot) are the more correct spellings according to many Guyver websites I've visited. For those Evangelion fans who don't have any idea what I'm talking about, just hang in there—all will be explained in time.

As for the membership of High Council of SEELE, when developing it I tried to imagine the sort of representation a world-wide organization would have at its highest level. Since in my story many of those positions were pre-determined (the Committee members), this is what I managed to come up with:

SEELE High Council
01: Germany – Europe
02: Northern/Central Asia
03: Southern/Southeast Asia
04: Middle East
05: North America
06: France – Europe
07: United Kingdom – Europe
08: Russian Federation/Eastern Europe
09: Spain – Europe
10: Oceania
11: Central/South America
12: Africa

Which adds up to: Europe—5 Americas—2 Asia—2 Middle East—1 Africa—1 Oceania—1

Not the most accurate distribution, I know, but it was the best I could come up with. Also the names of the UN Committee members are completely my own creation, and not official or anything (if you know the meanings in their respective languages, and watch EVA, you'll get the joke). On that note, does anyone out there know another Russian word for blue other than "Goluboj"? "Goluboj" was the only Romanized word I found on the net, but unfortunately it's also a slang term for, er, something, and I really don't want to offend anybody. ;-)

Moving along, several reviewers have asked me who I intend to pair Shinji with in this story. I will say right now, I absolutely have no final pairings in mind at the moment. And unfortunately for all of you, when it comes to deciding such things I'm a follower of the school of thought found in Ranka's "The One I Love Is . . ." In other words, if I do decide on a pairing, you won't find out what it is until the very end, with multiple suggestions along the way. The only thing you can be certain of is that it won't be with one of the older female cast members (not that I'm against that in principle, just in this fic). That eliminates Maya, Misato, and Ritsuko from the running. If Shinji does end up with anybody in this story, it will probably be a girl from his relative age group. Therefore, Asuka, Rei, Hikari, and Mari are all equal contenders for Shinji's affections. Heck, even Mana Kirishima and Mayumi Yamagishi would stand a chance if they ever show up (Yeah, if. Heh, heh, heh . . .).

Now, I have nothing against my reviewers suggesting whom they think Shinji should be with at the end. However, my only stipulation is that if you do decide to make a suggestion, please give a well-thought out reason for it. In other words, no "Asuka beats Rei so hard!" or "Rei pwns all!" type comments please. Think it through, and give me a logical reason for a particular pairing. I'm very open to whatever any of you or willing to say or suggest, as this is an evolving fanfic and I am an evolving writer. So fire away, but please put a little thought into it. ;-)

That about sums it up for this chapter, I think. On to the Reader Responses!

Laser Crusader: You've sure got a bunch of questions! I'll try to answer them all the best I can:

Question 1 – Shinji's already "gone Guyver" once (off-camera), and twice if you count his brief bio-boost in the first sidestory. Remember, Shinji doesn't particularly enjoy the fact that he's a Guyver right now, so it's not something he'd call upon just for the heck of it. He will exercise his abilities as a Guyver more freely later in the story, I promise you. But for now, please be patient.

Question 2 – (points to the above chapter) ;-P

Question 3 – See the Author's Notes.

Teknoguyver: I admire your creative sprit and ingenuity, my friend! Your ideas and observations about our favorite sociopath have intrigued me, and hopefully I'll find some way to include them into the story.

As for how to bring Chronos into the story, thank you for the Jet Alone suggestion, but as you've probably deduced the problem has already been dealt with. Still, feel free to send any others suggestions or ideas you have my way. I've still got a lot of story to write, and I can use all the help I can get:-)

Ran Hoshino: It wasn't the legal or sexually suggestive aspects of Maya's thoughts that worried me, Ran—I was more concerned with how those thoughts affected the tone of the Shinji-Maya relationship. When I first wrote that scene I thought it would be funny for Maya to be momentarily attracted to Shinji's physique, but then give herself the classic mental beating of "Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!" However, after reading noctifer's comment and reviewing the text, I realized how the wording could be misinterpreted for actual sexual attraction, which was not what I wanted Maya to feel towards Shinji.

Please don't misunderstand—I'm not against a Maya-Shinji relationship, and have in fact read several fine stories that explore that concept. However, in my fanfic I wanted to emphasize the effect that the Guyver's alterations to Shinji have had on the way other people perceive him. You see, just as Shinji's arrested development affects the way his peers view him, they also affect in varying degrees the way that adults view him. At best, Maya sees Shinji as some sort of pseudo little brother, and at worst as a lost child in need of comfort and protection. These aren't particularly wrong or cruel ways for Maya to view Shinji, but you can imagine the crushing effect they would have on his ego. And just think, since Shinji is trapped in a 12-year old body so long as he is a Guyver, what will happen to the way his own peers interact with him as they in fact age and mature? The implications are both painful and poignant, which is exactly what I'm hoping to convey.

And you're right—it would take a full, double-barreled Megasmasher (maybe even the Gigantic Guyver's Gigasmasher) to deal with most of Misato's cooking. Since the apartment wasn't totally destroyed, I can only assume that Shinji managed to lure the slime monster (and whatever else may have been lurking in the fridge) to the balcony before blasting it to oblivion. Now if only he could do that with some of the Angels . . . (whistles innocently)

X-Over: Since I answered your questions in the e-mail you sent me, I hope you won't mind if I don't repeat them here. It's nothing against you—I'm just trying to maintain some plot secrecy.

FinalMax: Thanks for your review! I'm a fan of many of your fics, particularly "This Way to Happiness", and receiving such a favorable response from an author like you certainly made my day.

Now, regarding the little problem of Shinji's halted growth, for one the Guyver Unit is not dependent on the human body's ability to grow for regeneration. Rather, it is dependent on the bio-booster organism's ability to rapidly grow and regenerate, as regulated by the Control Medal. You may not know this, but according to biology files from later issues of the Guyver manga, much of the host's internal and external physiology is altered and rearranged upon the summoning of the armor. While the armor is encapsulating and connecting to the host's body, the body in turn is changing into an adaptable structure for immediate connection and merger with the Unit-G. In essence, the host ceases to be (biologically) what it was before and becomes an extension of the Bio-booster organism. Thus, when the Guyver is forced to regenerate from injury, it is the bio-booster organism, not human tissue, that is growing and healing, something the organism needs only a small measure of bio-energy to do. Finally, when the host recalls the armor, bio-booster tissue is rapidly converted back into human flesh and bone as the armor disengages and returns to hyperspace, making it seem as if the host never changed when he/she summoned the Guyver.

Speaking of the Guyver canon, in truth no one has any idea if the Unit-G physically halts the aging process. It's primarily an item of fan speculation, as the issue hasn't been addressed yet in the manga (where only a year of time has passed over 26 volumes), and Yoshiki Takaya isn't saying anything. If you look at some of the Guyver fan boards, you'll see numerous debates on this topic, with some people claiming that the Unit-G has no effect, to others that say it slows the aging process, or halts it after the host reaches his/her prime, or halts it upon initial activation. I decided to go with the most extreme theory (total halt of aging upon activation) for a number of reasons, number one being that it gives Shinji yet another thing to angst about (bardiel132003 was right—I am mean to poor Shinji ;-P). Also, one of my favorite Guyver fanfic series—the Warrior Guyver saga—uses the same concept to great success.

Moving along, in your review you also stated that the Guyver seems to be ignorant of the host's necessary life cycle. To that I ask, "Why does the Unit-G need to be aware of such a thing?" Remember, the Bio-booster Armor was not crafted by or for humans. The Creators, those mysterious beings who descended on primordial Earth eons ago, forged the Unit-G, and while adaptable to different organisms, it was most likely designed to accommodate their unique specifications. Why is this important? Well, because the Creators were on Earth for billions of years manipulating life, we can assume that they were fairly long lived (maybe even non-corporal and/or immortal). Thus, upon creation the Unit-G may have naturally been attuned to the Creators' enormously long life cycle. Also, the Creators used the Unit-G much like we would an environmental suit or space suit, the armor maintaining their "bodies" for a brief duration in an alien environment until it was safe to discard. So if the Bio-booster Armor's primary function was to maintain the host organism until deactivation, in mortal beings like humans this may result in an incidental halt in aging. In other words, the immortality brought by the Guyver is an unintended side-effect of using complex alien technology. It doesn't make Shinji's life any easier, but that may be the unfortunate reality.

Feel free to offer a counterargument to my rambling if you wish. I am by no means an authority or expert on the technology of Bio-booster Armor Guyver, so if my theories have holes by all means point them out! Thanks again for the review:-)

AN: That's all she wrote! Mares Guyver, signing off.