Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion, or Bleach. All rights belong to their creators. Distribution rights for the anime or manga belong to publishers and distributors, so please don't sue.
Author Note 1: This is my Second attempt at a NGE story so please give me lots of feedback so I can improve.
Author note 2: I will be posting the prologue/chapter one without a beta's assistance so if anyone wants the job please tell me in the review.
Author note 3: This story just sort of came to me and I have no idea where it will lead but I enjoy it when my readers tell me where they think it is going so I can make them happy. This will be very AU at points and please let me know about pairing ideas if any.
Summary: He had always been special that's what his mother had told him even right before she went away but to be special prices must be paid and scars not often physical will form forever haunting the deepest pits of the heart. He was seen as an ultimate piece in a long drawn out game of chess by many sides but the stakes weighed far beyond victory and defeat; instead it meant control of the ultimate power.
Now on with the Show
Phantoms
Chapter Two: Facing Inward
"The greatest ally of the Shinigami is also their most formidable weapon against the Hollows, allowing them to purify the tainted souls that have lost their hearts, thus letting them pass on to the relative peace that is the Soul Society. Given the name Zanpakuto, these weapons ordinarily appear as regular Katana with slight variations between each one as someone would expect from different swords."
"Zanpakuto are far more then they appear and beneath the ordinary exterior lays a sentient spirit that serves as a manifestation of the personality of the Shinigami that carries it. The Sentience of the inner-being makes the Zanpakuto a Shinigami's partner in battle that can never be replaced if destroyed. Thankfully because they are alive the Zanpakuto will regenerate if broken, though there is a limit to just how much damage they can heal."
"Zanpakuto each have their own name that they choose and in order to access more of their power, the Shinigami must learn to communicate with the soul of their weapon and learn the name along with how to control the spirit itself. Though it sounds simple, the task of mastering a Zanpakuto is actually incredibly hard often taking many decades to reach any sort of gain with only the most powerful or dedicated being able to fully unlock the potential of their weapon."
"Beyond the standard sealed state a Zanpakuto has two other forms it can take with each carrying a substantial increase in power along with possible physical changes to the weapon itself. Shikai & Bankai are the names given to the unsealed states of a Zanpakuto, Shikai being the initial release accessible once you have learned the weapon's name, and Bankai being the final release only achievable once you have forced the spirit to manifest physically and fully tamed it. Of course the amount of power you access is contingent upon the communication and control you have over the spirit of the Zanpakuto."
"The name of my Zanpakuto is-"
"Shinji Ikari please report to the Administration Office." Yet again it seemed the world was out to break him from his rather scholarly thoughts as if it was meant to disturb him and continue on with a story so as to not bore the audience.
Shinji rose without a word as the announcement came over the school's loud speaker system, completely ignoring the curious look Kensuke was giving him as he made for the classroom's exit. It was clear to the young man why he was being summoned, considering the ANGEL alarms hadn't been set off and he didn't hear the squealing noise of Misato's car's tires in the school parking lot. That left only one person who knew where or how to find him that would feel a need to pull him out of class.
The night before had been far from restful for Shinji. His dreams once more invaded by the nightmarish experiences that had wrought his existence since the loss of his Mother. Usually when this happened, he would wake in a cold sweat, his fear driving him back to conciseness but given the lack of energy and tiredness of his body, he was instead locked in those hellish visions until finally Misato's shaking had roused him to the merciless sound of his blaring alarm clock. The purple haired major had looked at him with worried eyes as he forcibly tried to calm himself down after the ordeal but still the tears had fallen leading to his legal guardian embracing him in hopes of offering some sort of emotional support.
The pilot of Evangelion Unit-01 had declined her offer to let him stay home with her until it was time for his checkup with Dr. Akagi later that day at Nerv headquarters before placing the best smile he could fake under the circumstance on his face and going to make breakfast. Pity was not something Shinji ever wanted to receive. In fact, if he never had to admit that his past even happened he would be happy. The only son of Gendo and Yui Ikari understood though that his decision to once more bare the Shinigami mantle if only in secret would dredge up the memories and unlike before, he had no choice but to accept them.
'It's like my life is some twisted plot device for some deranged writer's sick story and the perverted amusement of his fan's.' he thought with a bit of sigh before rounding the final corner to the office.
The striped bucket hat covering blonde hair was the first clue that Kisuke Urahara was his visitor coupled with traditional wooden sandals, kimono top, and dark jacket with the white diamond pattern gave the man a unique look that made him easily distinguishable from others. Under his left arm rested a medium-sized box wrapped with plain brown paper and in his right hand rested what appeared to be a simple cane, though Shinji knew better then to believe anything the man carried around was normal.
"It looks like you had a fun night kid." The businessman greeted as the brown haired teen approached.
"I'm just a little tired that's all" Shinji replied trying to reassure the man nothing was wrong.
"Oh and what's her name?" Urahara asked with a bit of a smirk on his face even as the boy began furiously blushing.
"It-it's not like that at all!" the young Ikari denied waving his hands around comically emphasizing his words.
"Mhm I believe you, though if memory recalls didn't the Shinigami Women's Association rank you number three on their list of Top Ten male Shinigami? You must be doing something right with the ladies to pull that feat off" Urahara made a motion as if scratching his chin in thought as he spoke holding back his laughter when Shinji began sputtering.
"Ho-how do you know about that?" if anything the information had at least distraction the introverted male from his current problems.
"I know a great many things my young friend and that is why people including you always turn to me for help!"
'Why is everyone around me so warped?' Shinji thought with a nervous laugh and a sweatdrop.
"Did you bring what I ordered?" a serious note entered his usually timid voice as he focused on the transaction at hand.
"Oh ye of little Faith! It may have been a rush job with odd circumstances but I pride myself on the quality of my business." Holding the package out he didn't release his grip when the teenager tried to take it.
"Shinji just what is it you saw that brought on this change in attitude?" Urahara asked as the pair stood there in the silent empty hallways just out of earshot from the administration office.
"Urahara-san I have seen a Hollow manifest physically in this world with the gargantuan size of Gillian-class but with power and intelligence that is common to Adjuchas-class or higher Menos Hollows." Shinji had turned his head away as he spoke making no mention of his father or the other things he had seen inside of Nerv.
"They have a Red sphere where the Hole should be and a powerful defensive shield that protects their weakened physical forms. It's been a long time since I even thought about those monstrosities." Cobalt blue eyes snapped back to the now serious sounding man.
"How do you know about them?" perhaps if Urahara could classify the ANGELS for him then he could find some way to stop them from converging on the city.
"I know of these Hollows because it was the Soul Society that was responsible for their creation."
Soul Society
"As you all know, less then a year ago the Fukutaichō of Division Five Shinji Ikari was accused of twenty separate counts of murder and the crime of treason to the Shinigami ranks."
The voice had come from the lips of an aged man with a long white beard and bald head that bore many scars from past battles. He was dressed in the standard Shihakusho of the Shinigami though its size seemed exaggerated with the addition of a white haori draped over his back. A seemingly simple staff of wood rested in his right hand as he sat in a high backed wooden chair before twelve others, six lined up on each side.
Such a gathering was a common occurrence for the denizens of the Seireitei as the Taichō of the Gotei Thirteen that led the many Shinigami squads routinely met a minimum of once a day but the topic at hand was far from the normal business they discussed. An image had formed before them of a young dark haired teenage boy dressed in the standard black garb of their organization, with a badge baring the kanji for five on it tied around his right arm using a white cloth or sash.
A smile that could be described as one part Shy, one part content, and one part cold adorned his face. Cobalt blue eyes seemed to hold strength and wisdom in their depths but also something more, something that couldn't be understood or be of a positive nature. In the bottom right hand corner of the image written in bold lettering but kept small were the words "Image is property of the Shinigami Women's Association All Rights Reserved".
"Oh yes, that incident if I recall…it was quite the gruesome scene wasn't it? Finding Ikari covered in blood and standing over the felled bodies. If a Hollow had happened to be around for the moment I imagine it would have been rather impressed with the young man's skill." The flippant words carried a sarcastic undertone to them as they flowed from the mouth of the speaker.
The one who had spoken up appeared to be a male a in his early to late twenties with silver hair that bore a small tint of purple to it his eyes open only in slits hiding the color of his pupils from sight. A smile that seemed creepy if not outright deranged eternally stretched across his face and combined with his eyes gave him the appearance of a fox. He wore the usual Taicho garb without adornments or alterations his zanpakuto sheathed at his left side.
"Before the Central 46 Chambers concluded their deliberations in this matter Ikari somehow escaped custody and fled to the Living World, where he has successfully remained undetected until just recently." The old man seemed to ignore the comments that had been made.
"Yamamoto-sama, if I remember correctly the Central 46 Chambers ruled that Ikari had acted in self-defense when he killed those men thus absolving him of guilt." The soft voice of one of the only two women in the room politely stated.
The woman wore her long dark hair in braids that fell over her chest and bore a simple smile on her face seeming to radiate an aura of peacefulness around her person. Dressed in the standard Taicho uniform she had only one alteration in the form of a white Obi that served as her belt instead of the white sash. A rope strap served to carry her zanpakuto over her shoulder the length of the sword more closely resembling a nodachi instead of the normal uniform katana.
"You are correct Unohana-san the matter was laid to rest with the verdict that was rendered but a few hours ago a field operative identified Ikari and his location in the Living World." The announcement made more then a few heads snap in Yamamoto's direction.
"Before the incident Ikari had a remarkable and spotless record coupled with the circumstances surrounding this incident. I feel some leniency should be granted to Ikari but he is to immediately be returned to Soul Society so that he may hopefully return to his duties." If anyone planned to argue the point the tone in the aged man's voice quelled the desire instantly.
"I volunteer for this assignment" three voices seemed to speak up simultaneously causing a few eyebrows to be raised among the others as they eyed each and attempted to decipher their reasoning.
The first seemed to personify the word average with a soft-spoken intellectual air about him with brown hair and eyes hidden behind a pair of rectangular shaped glasses. The man was dressed in the typical Taicho uniform with nothing added in to set him apart from anyone else in a crowd and even his zanpakuto resting at his side seem unassuming taking the form of a simple katana with no special ornamentation.
The second by comparison was a complete opposite of the first in all but gender. His presence giving off a feeling of brilliance and at the same time a terrible apathy for life. The man's appearance was skeletal with a twisted skull-like visage giving him the most inhuman characteristics of those gathered. With the inclusion of blue short fingernails, excluding the right middle finger, which seemed to be as long as the finger itself. Thankfully, he had chosen to dress in the standard for his rank though unlike any other the sheath for his zanpakuto hangs in front of him and the Zanpakuto itself has a guard shaped like a baby's head.
The final speaker was the only other female in the room with midnight blue eyes and raven black hair cut short in length except for twin long braids that fell down her back. An aura of pure professionalism surrounded the beautiful young woman with a reserved look set on her features giving nothing away to those around her. Dressed in the standard uniform with exception of her sash being yellow instead of white her zanpakuto rested horizontally on her lower back and took the form of a wakizashi with a yellow hilt.
Sōsuke Aizen Taicho of the 5th Division, Mayuri Kurotsuchi Taicho of the 12th Division and president of the Shinigami Research Institute, and Soifon Taicho of the 2nd Division as well as leader of Shinigami Special forces each seem to have their own stake in the retrieval.
Shinji had served as Fukutaicho under Aizen in the 5th division and so it was logical the man felt some sense of guilt for not supporting him more when the accusation was made and desired to make amends by helping to return him to Soul Society. In Mayuri's case, the boy had been placed in his division once he graduated from the Shinigami academy and rose to the rank of 3rd seated senior officer of the 12th before being transferred and so the mad scientist perhaps felt it was still his responsibility to guide the gifted young Shinigami. The reasoning of Soifon remained a mystery to them however and many simply assumed the driven woman thought she was the best for the job at hand.
"Aizen & Kurotsuchi your wishes to personally bring back Ikari are noble but given the knowledge he has from serving under both of you puts you at a disadvantage should a fight become necessary. Soifon, you and your Fukutaicho will leave immediately for the city of Tokyo-3 in the Living World."
"Hai Yamamoto-sama" Soifon responded simply with a respectful nod to the aged Taicho of the 1st division and Sōtaichō of the Gotei Thirteen.
"Good then this meeting is adjourned." With those words each Taicho begin to leave heading to the separate headquarters for their divisions to attend to the overseeing of their duties.
"I trust your history with Ikari won't affect your performance on this mission Soifon?" Yamamoto spoke after the last of the Taicho was out of earshot from them.
"I was the one responsible for this . . . . . it is only right that I be the one to repair my grievous mistake." She replied the last words tinged with pain and if possible, remorse as she turned towards the door and walked away without another word on the matter.
Approaching Tokyo-03
Existence . . . . .
The meaning of our existence had always been the same, too hunt those that we share a kinship with and to add their power to our own once their souls are purified. This cycle of endless battle gives us a chance to observe those we protect and through them, grow ourselves into more than simple weapons of spiritual war.
When we came into being, the world was truly savage with death being commonplace but regret also filled the hearts of humans. Thus, few initially passed on. Instead, they shed their hearts and dawned white masks becoming Hollows. The original led us into combat from sunrise to sunset and beyond our powers quickly swelling with the numbers we had to constantly cleave through each day.
Then we slept. . . . . .
I don't really know when it happened nor do I know how long it has been since we were forced to sleep but humans have seemed to come a very long way in that time. My memory is hazy of the incident but only our creator could induce such a state in us and only one directive could lead me to my current state of wakefulness.
The Original had betrayed us. . . . . .
You see after many years of fighting and adding power to ourselves we finally gained sentience, life, intelligence, individuality, or whatever you wish to call it. This wonderful feeling made fighting to help the Humans all the more rewarding and so it became more then a purpose to us but a pleasure to look after out charges.
However the Original and the Second began to grow arrogant believing themselves above the duties of purifying and soon pushed the humans to weave myths about them if not outright worship them. They soon demanded we call them our parents and to forsake that we had always known in favor of ruling humanity.
They took the names Adam & Lilith later naming each of us so the humans could record our existence for future generations. We continued our duties even as they sank deeper into their delusions until finally 'Adam' deemed humankind unworthy to continue drawing breath. They wanted the Sixteen of us to detonate our cores and with the combined release of Reiatsu wipe the world clean so that he and Lilith may start anew with a blank canvas.
The battle to be fought was long and hard. The Original and the Second were vastly stronger then us, but still we would not back down to their utter lunacy. It was thankfully during the conflict that the sleep came, halting the insane duo once and for all even if it cost us our freedom as well but it was a small price to pay.
However it was not over. . . . . .
I awoke a few hours ago to find twelve of my siblings gone their Reiatsu no longer able to be felt but more importantly I sensed Adam & Lilith's taint in the very air. It was obvious someone had tampered with the Original causing his core to overload and the aftermath of such a calamity was apparent but I could still feel them.
The siren song of Lilith weaved around me, while Adam's whispers were quieter as he must be severely weakened but still present in my head but they could not control me. My objective was clear if I was awake then each of us must be waking once the last fails to reach Adam & Lilith in order to destroy them. The humans after all might once again be at their mercy and thus protecting them, which meant that he would have to fight beyond their defenses to achieve his goal.
The city in which they dwelled loomed before him but he did not slow his march for if he could not afford to fail. They were weakened that much he knew and so he would take the opportunity to strike before they could regain anything close to their full power. It was his responsibility to kill them and to annihilate anything in his way.
Zeruel had come. . . . . .
Tokyo-03
"About Two thousand years ago the Living World was a barbaric and Chaotic place Shinji and their simply weren't enough Shinigami to handle the sheer number of Hollows appearing. Back then only the nobles of Soul Society could become Shinigami as they were the only people who knew how but this changed when Yamamoto-sama created the Shinigami academy."
"Target status" Commander Ikari demanded from his perch at the heights of Central Dogma.
"It's broken through our perimeter; the defense line has been shattered!" Shigeru Aoba answered.
The skies over Tokyo-03 were set ablaze by the seemingly endless waves of missiles and weapons fire being deployed at a solitary target seemingly waiting for their attack. It appeared to be a vaguely humanoid shaped floating creature lacking normal limbs with a height equal to that of the Evangelion's and malformed skull serving as its face.
The projectiles slammed into the monstrosity, but not a scratch was made upon the surface and then there arose a high-pitched noise that filled the air almost like a warning. What followed was a powerful beam or energy attack that engulfed everything around the ANGEL in its cleansing fire and formed the shape of massive Christian cross to those who viewed it. The devastating attack burned its way through the ground, piercing the thickly armored plates that served as barriers as if they were made of tissue paper.
"First eighteen layers of armor have been breached. I don't believe it eighteen layers destroyed in one shot." Makoto Hyuga stated from his station with wide eyes behind his glasses.
'You must be so hungry My Unit-01.'
"Even with the Shinigami Academy, Soul Society needed time to properly train their forces and so a temporary solution was devised. It was decided to create weapons strong enough to take the fight to the Hollows in the Living World and thin their numbers, ironically it was a Hollow that was chosen for this task."
"The Eva's can't deploy fast enough to intercept up top position Unit-02 for combat inside the Geofront, directly in front of Headquarters." Misato ordered as she entered Central Dogma. The crimson four-eyed demon was launched upwards like rocket to face the enemy of mankind.
"Asuka will snipe the target as soon as it enters the Geofront!" the plan was quickly laid out by the purple haired tactical operations officer to all those around her.
"What's the Status of Unit-00 and Unit-01?" she demanded a second later of the three technicians.
"Unit-01 is only at 98 percent because of the damage to the left wrist section but Pilot Ikari is already in the entry plug and his Synch ratio is holding steady, we can deploy him at any time." Makoto answered as a visual of Shinji appeared on the monitor submerged in the LCL his face a blank mask of cold apathy.
"Unit-00 is in the A.T. Field neutralization zone Major" Maya Ibuki answered without looking up from her terminal.
"But the left arm still hasn't been regenerated" Dr Akagi added in a moment later.
"Then it's not ready for combat yet" Misato reasoned.
"Send the Third Child out in Unit-01 with a Dummy Plug prepared to serve as a back-up system and move Rei to stand-by in Unit-00" the baritone voice of the Commander coldly ordered.
'I just hope Shinji's recovered enough from the last battle' the guardian of the boy thought staring at his seemingly dead eyes in the monitor.
"Augmented or Warped Hollows if you prefer were created basically the same as any other Hollow but also fundamentally different and at the beginning completely loyal. I'm not absolutely sure on the details as this is long before my time and the files I did find were sketchy at best but these Hollows had the ability to purify a soul but at the same time take a portion of the enemies Reiatsu into itself allowing them to grow stronger with each enemy they fought."
'We're the same then just perverted variants created in madness to serve some others purpose.' Shinji thought as he felt the catapult launch him towards the Geofront.
"The plan worked well with these weapons fighting the war. Soul Society was able to quickly swell its ranks, but the fatal flaw in the scheme was revealed when the weapons gained Sentience. Bit by bit the situation grew out of control until the only choice left to the Soul Society was to put their former weapons to sleep."
'The Second Impact was born from the anger of these beasts and now they seek to finish the job.' The lift came to a halt and Shinji stared at the sight before him.
The decapitated form of Unit-02 stood defiantly before the enemy LCL leaking from the stumps where had once been its arms. The remains of no less then five Evangelion sized weapons lay strewn at the beast's feet even as the torso finally lost balance and toppled forwards. If the bipedal enemy took notice of the remains it didn't seem to care as it simply prepared to melt the final pieces of armor between it and its prize.
'So strong but my Unit-01 hasn't had the chance to get a taste yet, After all if it's nothing more then a Hollow it needs something more.' A flick of his wrist and a switch was flipped with those thoughts.
"Pilot Ikari has detached the umbilical cable!" the words reached his ears from the Communications window even as a smile weaved across his face Unit-01 taking a step forward.
"Shinji, what the hell are you doing?" Misato voice screeched, but Unit-01 just took another step forward.
'Reiatsu is what you want isn't it Unit-01? I'll give you all you want just as long as the enemy before us VANISHIES!" Spirit energy seemed to ooze from every pore on the young Pilot's body creating an aura of electric blue around him that remained unseen by a majority of those observing the battle inside the Geofront.
"Pilot's synch ratio is skyrocketing! This can't be right!" the Reiatsu was flooding the core of the Eva taken in like a deep gorging gulp of water from a desert oasis.
"Energy readings from Unit-01 are off the charts!" The jaw section snapped and the Evangelion's mouth opened with a horrible wailing roar that had never been heard before.
"Pilot's ego-board is being overlapped the Eva is trying to merge their thought patterns!" The smile turned sinister, a strange glowing light filling his vision as he was overcome by feeling.
"LET'S PLAY YOU FILTHY ABOMINATION!"
The purple Evangelion suddenly exploded forward with an intense burst of speed. The ground crumbling beneath its feet, and a wailing cry signaling the charge. Folding foil-like arms unrolled and streaked towards Unit-01 from the ANGEL, but just as they would have ripped into the skin the single horned behemoth's form seemed to flicker and vanish from sight. A second later, the command staff watched the fourteenth angel suddenly lurch forward as Unit-01's first slammed into its back with enough force to hurl the destructive creature several hundred yards. Those observing could see cracks lining the armor of Unit-01 from the stress of moving at such high speeds, which the armor had never been made to tolerate by any stretch of the imagination.
Before the dust could clear from the landing, one of the cutting appendages burst from the cloud, cleanly shearing Unit-01's left arm from the rest of the body in a torrent of LCL. The screams of the Pilot seemed to be a mixture of agony and murderous rage as the Eva ignored the injury, ready to continue the soulless duel.
The cloud of debris was finally dispersed as the ANGEL fired an energy attack at Unit-01. The shot ripping at the armor plates over the right shoulder and exposing the fleshy muscle beneath. Launching forward, Unit-01 intercepted the incoming foil-arm with it right hand the fingers spread wide and seemingly slicing through the material with ease. A second later the hand closed trapping the appendage before jerking back harshly and ripping the arm from its socket.
"Do you feel this pain?" Shinji's voice returned even as he jammed the stolen arm into Unit-01's empty socket.
"I'm replaceable in fact my own Father cast me aside and created someone who could be of use to him." The arm contorted briefly before seeming to simply transform into a new left arm for Unit-01.
"My life only has meaning as long as they can use me do you understand this pointless type of existence?" Unit-01 flexes its new arm before releasing an ear-splitting cry.
"I don't deserve love, I don't deserve to be cared for, and no one will come if I cry out. But they will still demand that I serve this purpose. So to one tool to another, do you understand?" The ANGEL launched its remaining arm at the stationary target.
Streaking at the core impact seemed assured until suddenly Unit-01's left arm snapped down and grasped the incoming appendage and squeezed with all its might causing the enemy to let out a screech. Pulling the arm back with a sharp tug Unit-01 caught the off-balance ANGEL with it hands latching onto the shoulders in a vice-like grip. Roaring right in its face, Unit-01 didn't so much as flinch when the fourteenth angel began pummeling its head section with beam attacks trying desperately to get away.
A high-pitched humming filled the air right before the space occupied by Unit-01 and the ANGEL was engulfed in a pillar of raw destructive energy that dug deep into the ground and rose into the heavens. The light quickly cleared and the smoke was whisked away revealing the damaged form of the fourteenth angel but no sign of Unit-01.
"Direct hit on the Third Foundation!" Shigeru announced, turning his head to the officers in charge
"The final armor plate is melted!" Makoto was right behind him with his report on the damage.
"Damn it, it's open the main shaft is completely open!" Misato cursed
"Prepare Unit-00 for combat inside Headquarters." Gendo ordered. Even his calm seemed somewhat broken.
'All of me take all of my power, all of me Unit-01. I give it freely to you so that we can fight on together!'
The fourteenth angel began to descend into Nerv when suddenly it was struck full force in the chest by a blast of blazing electric blue energy. Time stood still for a heartbeat before the blast continued forward piercing through the enemy's body and hurling it away from the main shaft.
"I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU!"
Rising like a phoenix from hellfire was Unit-01. Its armor falling away in thick metallic clumps, exposing the crimson core in the center of its chest and the fleshy muscle that was meant to be bound. A maw filled with glinting razor sharp teeth opened in that wailing cry to the world, giving Unit-01 a truly demonic appearance. The image of Shinji in the plug was not much better. His eyes opened wide with that eerie glow in them. His mouth turned into a snarling smile born of madness.
Zeruel raised up as well. A gaping hole now to the left of its core with a flood of liquid pouring from the wound, dragging along bits of the discarded innards that made up an ANGEL body. A blast of energy lanced at Unit-01 but was blocked as an orange Hexagonal barrier rose in front of the horned monstrosity of mankind.
"I'LL DEVOUR YOU!"
"This can't be right, how can Shinji's Synch Ratio be over 400 percent?" Unit-01 charged with a roar ripping from its lips a right fist cocked back for a punch even as Zeruel formed his own A.T. Field.
"So it's finally happened, its finally awakened." The defensive barrier crumbled under the force of Shinji's attack and he continued forward his hands ripping at the fourteenth angel's body.
'I'm so hungry I have to feed!' Hurling the enemy to the ground Shinji leaned down, his teeth tearing into the feast set before him.
'Where is it? Where is it? Where is that delicious power coming from? I want it so badly! Rooting the organs around Unit-01 found the food it so hungrily wanted and set about taking it into itself.
'I can't escape it seems . . . . . . . I feel so full now' those were Shinji's final thoughts before slipping into the darkness completely.
Evangelion Unit-01
Shinji found himself sitting on a train. The sound of its metallic wheels rolling over the tracks, filling his ears and the interior itself was lost in hues of red and orange, casting dark shadows around him. He was dressed not in his usual school uniform but instead in his Shinigami shihakusho with the addition of a badge tied around his left arm with white cloth baring the symbol for five on its surface in black.
'That's right Urahara returned it to me today.' Shinji thought as he examined the ornament of rank.
"Who are you?"
Shinji turned towards the speaker and found himself sitting across from the blue haired pilot of Unit-00 Rei Ayanami dressed in her school uniform and staring at him with her crimson gaze. The fiery sun was setting outside the window behind her, leaving many of her features cast in shadow. But those ruby-like eyes seemed enhanced somehow by the display.
"Shinji Ikari" he replied automatically.
"Who is Shinji Ikari?" she asked in her usual monotone.
"I'm not sure I know that answer anymore" he responded looking away from his comrade.
"Do you wish to simply cease existing?"
"Do I even have a reason to continue?" he asked, looking back to her the last few days, stress on him pushing closer to the edge.
"Only you can answer that question."
"What am I supposed to do? When is it going to end? Am I supposed to go on living a tormented life?" he demanded of her.
"I cannot answer those questions. But, isn't your refusal to do so just another attempt to run away from yourself?" She queered her face, never showing an ounce of feeling.
She continued when he did not make a move to respond. "You are still blinding yourself to the world around you unwilling to accept the truth of your own existence."
"I'm so tired of being a tool."
"Then why do you keep fighting?"
"Because they say I'm needed too or others will suffer."
"Why do you care for others?"
"Too insure no one has to suffer like I did."
"Then who is Shinji Ikari?"
"I am!"
"Who are you?"
"I am . . . . . A Shinigami!"
"Then what will you do?"
"I'll stop running and face my enemy head on!"
"You might die if you fight."
"Then I'll do so with no regrets!"
A small, almost unperceivable smile formed on Rei's mouth. And with a quick motion of her head, nodded to him. Slowly she changed, warping before his eyes into the form of a small child gazing back at him with his own eyes and dressed in a smaller version of his school uniform. The train screeched to halt without tossing the pair and to the side, the doors opened with the chime of a simple bell.
"Accepting yourself is only the first step, but I can now continue to exist beyond this point. She is waiting for you and I have kept her waiting for too long." The boy spoke fading away.
Standing up, Shinji felt a moment of dizziness wash over him and his vision waver briefly as a warm breeze danced over his form. Shaking his head, he found his vision clear but instead of standing on the train he now stood in a field of blue-gray flowers and black grass with a dark blue sky. The reassuring weight of his sword was gone from his left side. A presence appeared behind Shinji but he made no move to turn even as a chin laid itself on his right shoulder and warm arms snaked around him.
"Did you really think I would vanish too Shinji-kun?" a feminine voice whispered in his ear.
"I had hoped my powers would just fade away if I ignored them." He answered seriously not daring to look at the girl.
"You've been so sad that this world began to crumble. I had to find some way to get you back and now here you are."
"I'm sorry . . . . "He whispered looking down only to have his head lifted by a hand under his chin.
She was slightly taller then Shinji with long black hair that flowed down her back unbound. A few strands swaying in the breeze and dark blue eyes that almost appeared to be black as well. She was dressed in a black dress that fell just above her knees with elbow length gloves and knee length socks with matching shoes all in black. A beauty to be sure, her pale skin seemed to glow, highlighted by her dark clothing and a feeling of warmth seemed to flow around her even as she smiled at Shinji.
"Let me stand with you again Shinji-kun, allow me to be by your side once more and I swear I will allow nothing to hurt you again." She spoke, a small amount of pleading in her eyes.
"You would let me use your power after I abandoned you?" Shinji asked with a bit of confusion.
"No one else can hear my song, no one else can use my power so well, no one else desires me as you do, and no one else deserves me but you. Use me as they have used you and I will not forsake you." She let out a shy squeak as Shinji took her hand from his chin and held it between his own a look of determination on his face.
"I won't run away again I promise you" it was as close to an oath as Shinji could give to anyone.
The world faded around Shinji with the girl smiling and his right hand was instantly wrapped around the hilt of his Zanpakuto that now seemed back at his side as if it had never left. He was in a field not unlike the last one only the grass seemed its normal green and the length was shorter and the flowers were common to many parks. The sky was a bright blue, broken by a few white clouds and a blazing golden sun in the sky but there was no breeze or sound of life everything was simply frozen in a moment of time.
Looking around, he spotted a figure not that far off sitting in the shade of an oak tree staring out at the world. Walking in the person's direction, Shinji felt an almost tangible falseness to his surroundings and it seemed to put him on edge with each step he took. Adding to his distress was the fact that the grass made no sound as he moved even as he clearly crunched it down beneath his sandals.
Approaching the tree, he began to make out characteristics of the person sitting under it, first of which was the fact the person was clearly an adult female. She was dressed in the torn remains of plugsuit colored purple and mimicking his own in design, though the shredded material exposed more of her body then Shinji felt comfortable viewing.
The woman had purple hair that was that was cut short, possibly a shade darker or lighter then Misato's with dark brown eyes that looked dull or glazed over as they gazed outward without so much as a blink. The last details caused his mind to grind to a halt as it provided a name along with a few pleasant memories to go along with identity.
'The activation test . . . . . I'd forgotten that was when it happened . . . . . . . there wasn't a body either . . . . . all this time she was here . . . . . . But then where is here . . . . . . . . '
"Mother?" he whispered softly.
"Do I know you?" the words had been spoken with complete apathy as her head turned towards him without recognition.
The four simple words struck him like a physical blow, forcing him to take a step backwards his right hand moving to rest on his heart. He looked at her with wide eyes and his breath came out in a rasp as he tried to steady himself. Taking several deep breaths, Shinji forced his sadness down, refusing to descend into depression right now.
"I'm sorry, you just look like someone I knew once." He replied with a bow to her to express his regret. Instead of replying, Yui just turned back to the landscape.
"How did you enter Unit-01?" she suddenly asked in that uncaring voice that reminded him of Rei.
'I'm inside in the Eva? This must be some sort of spiritual reflection then I suppose it makes sense.'
"I don't really know myself. How did you get here?"
"I knew that . . . . . . Once I knew it…… but now I can't remember . . . . . . The last thing I remember is Shinji crying and then I was here . . . . . . And you walked up after that."
"Shinji?" he asked in curiosity.
"My little boy… I can hear him crying for help every so often and I have to protect him." The answer seemed to have a hint of emotion in it though Shinji was not skilled enough to decipher just what.
"I'm sure he appreciates your care wherever he is." He added in without thinking but he sighed when no response came.
"How very touching." A voice chuckled maliciously, causing Shinji to turn his head off to their right of himself and his mother.
Walking towards them, seemed to be another Yui Ikari dressed exactly the same as the other and identical in appearance except for the color of her eyes, a deep glowing crimson. The woman wore a twisted grin on her lips as she approached. Her movements meant to entice the teenager with each sway to her steps.
"Isn't she just beautiful Shinji-kun?" the woman asked as she stopped next to Yui keeping her between herself and Shinji, whose left hand grasped the sheath of his Zanpakuto.
"Who are you?" he demanded in a way that seemed out of a character. The briefest touch of anger in his voice.
"I suppose I do look different to you a bit more pleasing to the eye maybe? Think about it little boy… just who could I be?" she replied with a question in kind that smile remaining even as she traced his Mother's jaw with a finger the woman not even twitching.
'Those eyes their like Rei's that means this things is an ANGEL but it's also mimicking my Mother. The only thing that could or would do that would be.'
"Unit-01" he answered with an exhaling breath.
"Such a smart boy, wouldn't you agree Yui? He has so much delicious power, much more then you could ever generate for me in ten lifetimes." Unit-01 let a hand lower moving to grope the uncaring woman's breast only to halt as the edge of Shinji's sword rested just below her chin the tip nearly against the soft skin of her throat.
"Take your hands off her right now!" he demanded, keeping his Zanpakuto steady until the red-eyed woman stepped away.
"You don't seem to understand things Shinji-kun. You see… your dear Mother belongs to me." Yui vanished from her spot, only to appear leaning back against Unit-01, who then proceeded to wrap her arms around the woman's waist and slide her tongue along her cheek.
"I love the taste of her soul even after so long but there isn't much of a bite to it anymore. She's stopped fighting me and became nothing more then a pliant doll for my amusement." Unit-01 taunted her pilot with a wicked smile as he slid into an attack stance with his sword.
"Let Her Go!" he growled, Reiatsu starting to flow around him as the shy introvert and the cold weapon took a backseat to the anger that was welling up from the deepest pits of his being.
"OH YES! The feel of that delicious power is intoxicating! Even the scent of it in the air has me salivating! I'M GOING TO DEVOUR IT AND MAKE YUI WATCH EVERY SECOND OF IT!" her head tilted back with her euphoric declaration, Unit-01 let out a sigh that threatened to turn into a moan any second.
Suddenly, she leapt away keeping Yui firmly in her grasp as she narrowly avoided a horizontal slash that would have taken the top portion of her head clean off if it connected. Landing nimbly a hundred yards away in the soft grass, the crimson-eyed spirit smirked in delight, her eyes dancing with desire even as her right hand lifted from her prisoner. A ball of light formed in her hand before condensing and shifting into the form of the progressive knife all the Eva's carried.
Shinji tensed as the knife was brought to Yui's throat only for the blade to be lowered sliding down across his mother's body without causing a single cut or reaction. Reaching the limp hands of the woman Unit-01 wrapped Yui's right hand around the handle and began whispering her ear. The only indication she had been heard was upward motion of her captives head as she stared at her son.
A blinding pain filled his senses a second later as the form of Yui Ikari appeared in front of him. The progressive knife in her hand buried deep in his right side. The blood flowed steadily even as Yui vanished again and Shinji felt a kick slam into the small of his back, throwing him forward onto his knee's with wide eyes. She appeared again, the knife ripped from his side and descending towards his exposed throat.
The attack was parried at the last second as the younger Ikari brought his Zanpakuto up throwing his parent off balance. Getting to his feet, Shinji exploded forward towards his true enemy the edge of his katana ready to make the forthcoming strike. Unit-01 made no move to avoid his charge seemingly confident despite being unarmed and having no armor to absorb the oncoming attack.
Shinji's eyes widened as Yui appeared in front of the red-eyed doppelganger her arms outstretched still holding the bloody progressive knife and acting as a human shield. Leaping at the last second, he easily cleared the duo. His right hand sheathing his zanpakuto as his left became enshrouded by his own spiritual energy. Upon landing he pivoted his bow forming as he turned and his right hand drew back the string creating an arrow.
Yui Ikari charged him, but his eyes only narrowed as he took aim before letting go of the string. Three arrows of light were released instead of one each streaking forward impossibly fast. The arrows had been precisely aimed so that they would pass over his mother harmlessly but strike the farther away Unit-01. Shock was evident on his face though as his mother lashed out with her weapon striking each projectile as they were about to glance by causing them to immediately dissolve.
'That's not possible my arrows break down Spiritual energy and constructs from the inside out just like a Quincy arrow! The blade should have disintegrated in her hands.' He thought even as he began dodging wild swings from his mother.
"Do you still love your Mommy Shinji-kun? She's the perfect little slave to me, a broken soul without peace and you're going to join her, you and that delicious power." Unit-01 gloated with wild eyes licking her lips with the mere prospect of her newest hostage.
'Broken Soul without peace . . . . . . One chance then, please forgive me Mother.' Shinji thought letting his bow dissolve and drawing his Zanpakuto blocking a descending slash from Yui.
The mother of Shinji Ikari pushed with all her might trying to force her progressive knife the last few inches and into her son's skull. Leaning back, the young Shinigami felt Yui become off balance with the sudden lack of resistance and shoved upwards with all his strength. Yui was thrown backwards her arms flying erratically causing her to lose hold of her weapon and leaving her open to attack.
Shinji appeared in front of his mother his Zanpakuto lifted high and quickly brought down upon her. The pommel of his sword struck Yui in the temple and was held there for a moment before her son leapt away and sheathed his blade. A strange black kanji now decorated her forehead and the lifeless look in her eyes faded even as she was bathed in white light.
"What . . . . What's happening to me?" Yui asked staring at her hands as they seemed to become translucent.
"Konsō is a technique used on untainted spirits that still have some attachment to the Living World or are unable to fully pass on into the next life." Looking up the woman met the cobalt blue eyes of a person she had not truly seen in over a decade.
"Shinji, is that you but you're so much bigger now?" she whispered staring at the young boy before her.
"Goodbye Mother" he whispered, his eyes clouding over for a mere second as her form seemed to waver between plains.
"Shinji wait-"whatever she planned to say was lost as the Konsō took effect and she faded away.
"HEY YOU LITTLE BASTARD! HOW DARE YOU TAKE AWAY MY DOLL LIKE THAT!" Unit-01 screamed her body practically shaking with suppressed rage.
An involuntary step back was taken though as the spirit of the purple Evangelion looked upon her pilot. Gone was the rage that had driven him before, replaced by a look of utter apathy that made the wild beast feel small by comparison. Eyes that often shone with fear, uncertainty, depression, or rage now seemed to shine with an inner fire that made Unit-01 lick its lips with anticipation.
Slowly the Zanpakuto was drawn from the sheath on his left side the eight-pointed guard glinting in the light and the blade shining. It was casually hefted by his right hand the weight nothing to him and brought around until his right arm was straight and the sword pointed to the side. Reiatsu began to flow around him wrapping Shinji and his weapon in a twisting aura of electric blue. Clothing and hair billowed wildly by the unnatural winds the energy created and eyes that shined with unfathomable power, in that instant few would recognize the pilot of Evangelion Unit-01.
"So my little Shinji-kun is finally growing a back bone? How about I rip it out and we share its delectable taste?" Unit-01 quipped and snarled when the boy didn't as much as twitch.
"I do so much love this luscious body I have and playing with Yui fulfilled many carnal desires I discovered, but I have others." Slowly her form shrank and her hair color lightened along with her skin. Still wreathed only in a tattered plugsuit with her every curve exposed to him stood an exact likeness of Rei Ayanami.
"Does Ikari-kun find this form pleasing? I can after all take on the image of anyone who has synchronized with me and I have seen the attraction for this one in your memories." Rei's monotone was laced with Unit-01's insane yet playful tones.
"You would kill your precious Rei, Ikari-kun?" the head was tilted to side in the same curious gesture the blue haired pilot liked to use.
". . . . From the Day, to the Darkness . . . . . . Under the Night, Dance, Shukujo Sanhakumei!" Shinji's voice was soft, controlled but the words had been spoken in a commanding tone.
A blazing light arose from within the Zanpakuto with those words wrapping about the blade in a blinding display of power. Dust and dirt were tossed in the air creating a cloud that hid Shinji from view the only sign he was still there being the glow of his sword and his eyes. Unit-01 cringed slightly as a wave of focused murderous intent washed over her body. The feeling of her pilot's spiritual pressure almost too much to bear. A progressive knife was quickly formed in her hand as she stood ready for whatever may emerge from that obscuring cloud.
The blade was revealed first the metal gleaming as if it was made from pure light and yet the edge was black but in no way dulled, in fact it seemed sharper to the eye now. The eight-pointed guard was now black with silver tips and the hilt was wrapped in a darker blue material. Finally the cloud dispersed and Shinji was revealed having not moved an inch but standing there with that sword Unit-01 could swear she felt intimidated.
"Nice upgrade! But it still won't be enough! You belong to me, just like your pathetic Mother!" She tried hoping to anger the boy enough to effect his fighting.
Rather then respond Shinji brought his arm around so his sword was lifted for a descending left diagonal slash. Launching himself into a run, the son of Gendo & Yui Ikari quickly shortened the distance between himself and his enemy. Unit-01 smiled and brought her arms up ready to receive the charging boy head on and overpower him.
The plan was foiled however when halfway to his target Shinji slashed his weapon through the air in front of him and the blade of his zanpakuto immediately lengthened becoming like a whip made of light. Streaking towards the blue haired doppelganger like a hungry serpent Unit-01 blocked the edge with her knife only to be launched back by force of impact. Landing hard on her back a loud screech ripped from her throat as the edge of the blade ripped across her left shoulder, torso, and right hip before shrinking back to its original length.
"YOU GOD DAMNED BASTARD!" standing up with a malevolent gleam in her crimson eyes Unit-01 felt her skin sizzle as the damage quickly regenerated itself.
Watching Shinji drop to one knee the Evangelion thought the boy was about to beg for useless life after her display. A second later, she screamed in pain as the tip of his zanpakuto ripped through the front of her stomach from the other side. Shinji rose from his kneel and she felt the blade withdraw from her body only to ascend from within the shadow below its master. Looking behind her the Rei-clone found only her own shadow.
'That sword, it can strike from the shadows as well!' Unit-01 thought with wide eyes as she figured out the trick to the last attack.
"Such power… even when I think I've seen it all you find a way to surprise me Shinji-kun." A maniacal glint entered her eyes with those words.
"You're just like any other Hollow and I intend to kill you." Shinji finally spoke, his voice flat, causing more shivers in Unit-01's body.
"I want your power Shinji-kun, this boundless energy and strength you tease my senses with. You and I will become as one so that I can feast on you and no one can ever stand in my way!" the reply was in the voice of the truly mad even as crimson energy encased Unit-01.
The woman's height grew until it was that of his mother again the ragged plugsuit falling from her frame. Blue hair gained a silver tinge to it and grew longer, falling down her back. Pale skin gained the tiniest fraction of color but still remained that of an albino. The progressive knife in her hand warped, lengthening until it was as long as a nodachi, but the overall design seemed unable to change. A cry of agony passed from her lips as a purple mask congealed on her face a single horn protruding from the forehead and crimson eyes gleamed like rubies in the sun.
"COME ON THEN SHINJI-KUN! I THOUGHT YOU INTENDED TO KILL ME!" the voice of Unit-01 was high-pitched now and filled with a sickening glee crimson Reiatsu dancing around her.
'Time to end this' Shinji thought rushing forward his eyes narrowed as his electric-blue Reiatsu poured off his body.
"COME TO ME MY DARLING SO I CAN EMBRACE YOU FOR ETERNITY!" laughing madly Unit-01 charged, sword lifted high for a vertical slash.
The pair drew ever closer, time seeming to slow down around them with each step, both plotting the move they would use. Unit-01 would block his whip attack knocking it to the ground and before he could use again she would be upon him slicing into his beautiful flesh. Shinji brought his sword down in a slash unleashing light-form of his Zanpakuto and sent it streaking ahead the target well within range.
Unit-01 waited watching the gleaming edge closing in and smirked beneath the mask if anything she knew her Pilot well. Bringing her sword down, she watched in detached horror as the blade zipped between her legs and passed into her shadow vanishing into the depths. Emerging from a shadow to her left the purple masked woman wasn't able to bring her sword around to block in time and felt the burning sensation of a Shinigami's weapon digging into her body.
Tugging slightly on the hilt while never breaking his charge he recalled his blade just as he reached Unit-01. Glowing crimson eyes widened in horror and lips parted in a gasp as Shinji buried the entire length of his zanpakuto into Unit-01's unarmored chest. Gurgling on her own blood the spiritual body of the Evangelion smiled at him through her mask.
"Don't . . . . . Think . . . . . . We're . . . . . . . Finished . . . . .I won't lose . . . . . not without . . . .Taking you . . . .. With me!" the words were gasped out even as Unit-01's body seemed to turn into purple ooze and fell forward coating Shinji's body.
Looking down at his arm the victorious Shinigami blinked as the goo that was his opponent seemed to sink into his body. A chilled feeling washed over him as if every nerve had been coated in ice before it faded away. Narrowing his gaze he lifted his head as he watched the world crumbling around him. The only avenue of escape seemed to be a physical rip in the very fabric of the vanishing spiritual world.
"Something tells me this is all going to end badly" he muttered to himself as he walked towards the tear his zanpakuto returning to its sealed state and being sheathed right before he passed through.
Nerv
Two days had passed since the battle between Evangelion Unit-01 and the Fourteenth Angel with the majority of damage being confined to the surface level and geofront. This supposed victory for mankind came at the cost of one her protectors as the third child had somehow been absorbed into his Eva and his body converted into LCL.
Plans were already in motion to retrieve the young man. But still it would be at least a month before the process could be attempted. Time enough for any number of enemies to attack and leaving them with only two damaged Unit's in which with to repel these attempts. The words of the boy seemed to resonate inside the skull of those close to him making them wonder about their treatment of the introverted Pilot.
An alarm blaring while not uncommon to the facility was quite unwelcome with the current state of affairs. But the weary staff stifled their groans and quickly moved to their stations. In Central Dogma the lead technicians were furiously tapping away at their terminals when Commander Ikari entered followed by Fuyutsuki, Dr Akagi, and Major Katsuragi.
"Report" Gendo demanded as he took his seat staring at the streaming lines of data flowing down the main screen of the command center.
"It's Unit-01 Sir all of the instruments just registered huge spikes in activity but now everything seems to be shutting down!" Shigeru shouted from his station as he tried to confirm the incoming data.
"The psychograph is showing a split in the Eva's Ego-boarder. I think Pilot Ikari is separating from the Eva." Maya theorized with the faux blonde doctor leaning over her shoulder.
"This shouldn't be possible but Shinji seems to be trying to break away from the Evangelion… but its causing the entire Unit to go into a full shutdown." Dr Akagi spoke her interpretation of the data.
"The LCL is draining from the Entry Plug!" Makoto spoke up as the cockpit of beast emptied.
"No! Without the LCL Shinji can't reconstitute his body!" Ritsuko gasped even as the sound of cloth ripping was heard as the bandages surround Unit-01's core burned away.
"SHINJI" Misato cried out.
A blinding flash of crimson emitted from the core of Unit-01 followed by the sounds of a body splashing through a liquid before striking metal. Lying on the catwalks of the Eva cages in a pool of LCL was one Shinji Ikari nude save for the liquid covering him. Cobalt blue eyes appeared glazed and his breathing was ragged but clearly he was still among the living.
"Emergency Medical Team to the Eva Cages NOW" Ritsuko commanded before anyone else could speak up.
Unnoticed in the commotion Rei Ayanami stood watching from a shadowed corner of the Eva Cages making no move towards Ikari even as his guardian arrived followed shortly by the medical unit. They placed her comrade in arms upon a gurney even as he whispered a few words before slipping into blissful unconsciousness. The continuous babbling of the Major echoed around her even as they wheeled the boy away.
Ayanami would never admit it but Shinji's illogical ramblings during the last battle had affected her on many levels. She could not despite her efforts find a fault in his argument that her own existence was born by the commander's desire to replace the child he had thrown away. The revelation coupled with the many secrets of her origins she knew Shinji had discovered left Rei lost for the first time in her life.
Ikari had been and would always be a source of confusion to her, especially given his rather erratic mood swings. Most of the time Shinji was much like herself introverted with few attachments to the world outside of being an Eva pilot. But his introverted nature unlike hers displayed itself in the form constant shyness, depression, and nervousness instead of a simple apathy born from not knowing what to do.
Concern was another common emotion about Ikari. He for some reason always felt he should be the person to suffer instead of those around him and went to great lengths to insure such outcomes. He had caused himself harm in act that caused Rei to regard the boy almost as highly as his father in her eyes, though without the same amount of loyalty. The rarest emotion of Ikari thought was rage and when it manifested not even Rei would likely get in his path without a direct order.
Walking from her position, Rei planned to simply head to the medical wing in order to watch over Ikari as she often did. Stopping as something caught her eye, the blue haired albino bent over to investigate the strange object laying in the LCL. She resisted the urge to gasp when she found an exact replica of Unit-01's face staring at her exact in every detail right down to the single horn protruding from the forehead.
'Ikari what is it you have done?' picking up the mask she stared at it for a few seconds before tossing it into the fluid that filled Unit-01's cage area before continuing on to her destination.
'I must visit Ikari-kun. This mystery can wait.'
Nerv Medical Wing
'I hate this ceiling'
It was a simple thought Shinji was growing used to thinking as he lay in the hospital bed of Room 14C. He had feigned sleep for Misato and Ritsuko as one fretted over him and the other checked his vitals almost like she was looking for something specific. Thankfully he had heard them leave and was free to open his eyes without being prodded for explanations or spoken to as if he were a baby.
"Ikari-kun, I believe you are supposed to be resting." A soft monotonous voice spoke up from his left.
Turning his head to the side Shinji wondered just how long Rei had been in the room before speaking up. She was gazing at him quizzically with her head turned to the side ever so slightly. The crimson depths of her eyes held a questioning in them that Shinji felt slightly troubled seeing but chose not to make a comment on.
"I'm not really all that tired Ayanami. I just didn't want to deal with Misato or Ritsuko yet." He replied finally after a full minute of staring at the pilot of Unit-00, a personal best for him.
"Does my presence disturb you as well Ikari-kun?" the question seemed to be the norm for Rei as she tried to understand every action someone could or would take.
"No Rei it's just-"Shinji was caught off as his eyes widened and his arms began to tremble violently a look of panic crossing his face.
"Ikari-kun?" the albino girl blinked as Shinji seemed to quiver in place his face becoming ashen pale.
'Unreal this spiritual pressure no way a normal human could generate so much and then spread it all the way down here. I feel like I'm going to die just from it pressing down on me.'
"Ikari-kun, should I summon Dr Akagi?"
'This Reiatsu I know it! She must be using her spiritual pressure to let me know that they've come for me. If I stay here they might search Nerv out and I can't let anyone get hurt over this.' A sharp pain in is broke his thoughts as he focused on Rei, who stood pinching his arm.
"Ikari-kun, are you well?" without hesitation Rei placed a hand on his forehead.
"I'm fine really Ayanami" he responded, climbing out of the bed and hobbling across the floor to the closet and his clothes.
"Ikari-kun you are not permitted to leave as of yet and your injuries imply you should not walk either." Confused due to Shinji's odd behavior Ayanami prepared to inform Dr Akagi that her coworker needed a sedative in order to sleep.
"It can't be helped Rei this is for the best." He replied taking his clothing down and trying to control his breathing.
'For some reason My Reiatsu doesn't feel taxed at all but my Physical body I hate to admit is severely weakened, I'll need to change out of it if I have to fight.'
"Ikari-kun I cannot allow you to leave this room without proper authorization." Rei had moved so that she blocked the door.
Sighing Shinji moved out of her line of sight and changed clothing as fast as he could given his weakened state. Returning moments later dressed in his normal attire with the addition of a light colored jacket Misato must have had brought from the apartment. Walking right up to Rei he smiled at her before placing a hand on her stomach spiritual energy covering his palm but not harming the girl before him.
"Restrain" he whispered and Ayanami blinked as she found her arms suddenly locked behind her back.
"I'm sorry Ayanami but I have to go if I didn't then they would just seek me out and everyone around me might be hurt." Sliding around her, he twisted the doorknob and opened the door wincing slightly at all the harsh hospital lights washing over him.
"Ikari-kun this is a most uncomfortable position," Rei spoke as she flexed her arms against the invisible bonds.
"I'll cancel the kidō once I'm far enough away even with your spiritual potential you haven't unlocked your powers or Reiatsu so I doubt you can break it yourself, goodbye Rei."
"Why do you wish to protect me? Am I not simply your replacement?" the words stopped Shinji for a moment before he looked back at the young woman with a small smile.
"You and I, we're the same Rei I will miss you most of all I think." With those words he closed the door and walked away.
Rei Ayanami was prepared to wait for the specified time Ikari had given her but it seemed something he had not counted on occurred. The energy binding her seemed to weaken briefly before completely dissolving from existence the power flowing into her body causing a small shock to run though her heart. Blinking twice Rei confirmed she was still fine though feeling more energetic then before and set out to find Ikari before he caused himself bodily harm.
'Curious could this be what Ikari-kun meant by untapped spiritual potential?'
'Given the situation, I may require help.' Taking out her mobile phone, Rei quickly dialed a number she was not used to using.
"Soryu I require your assistance to locate and aid Ikari-kun."
Tokyo-03
The night as always embraced the form of Shinji Ikari wrapping him in silence and caressing him with its cool winds. People walked the streets enjoying their lives and traffic moved across the roads like fish swimming in a river. Even amidst such a jovial atmosphere walking alongside those that lived here he was alone.
A few of his classmates spotted him at one point and invited him to join them at a nightclub to celebrate his recent battles. The prospect of if only for a night being normal, dancing, laughing, and hanging-out with his peers was tempting but in the end he politely refused. He wasn't normal that much was clear to Shinji and pretending to be something he's not just ended up with him feeling all the more pain.
"HEY SHINJI!" looking up from his trek he barely kept the guilt from his eyes as he spotted Toji, Kensuke, and surprisingly Hikari running towards him waving to get his attention.
"I heard you were in the hospital again Shin-man! sSo what are you doing out here?" Toji asked staring at the young man that had become best friend despite their first meeting.
"Oh I was, nothing serious just observation after the last battle but I'm fine now really." He replied with a nervous laugh.
"Awesome! Then you can join us and tell em all about the battle!" Kensuke piped up with a devilish smile.
"We're heading over to that new club that just opened. Asuka was supposed to come along but she got a call and ran off." Hikari added even as she stayed close to Toji. Something the dark haired pilot noticed and felt a small smile form in his heart.
"I'd really like too but I can't, I'm sorry you guys." He answered his voice a little lower then normal.
"Oh well I can always get the details from you at school tomorrow right?" the glasses wearing otaku asked.
"Yeah . . . . . . Tomorrow" walking away he didn't notice the concerned looks on the class Rep's and Toji's face.
"Hey Shin-man everything ok with you?" the jock spoke up making the boy stop in his tracks.
"You guys should get going I don't want to make you late . . . . . . Goodbye my friends" his steps continued with those words never answering the question that was given.
"Something is wrong with him" Toji spoke just as Shinji melted into the crowd and faded from view.
"Maybe we should follow him?" Hikari reasoned despite the fact it would ruin their plans.
"Yeah it might be a good idea call Asuka. Maybe she knows what's up with him." Kensuke blinked as Toji acted with his brain with that plan.
Shinji continued to walk, his eyes downcast and hands resting at his sides nearing the destination he had chosen with each step. Entering the residential area of Tokyo-03, he stopped in the middle of a quiet street wreathed in the illumination of the night along with the streetlamps and apartment lights but all was quiet around him. The wind swept by him rustling through his hair as he lifted his face to stare straight ahead.
"You can stop hiding, I know you're there." Shinji ordered to seemingly nothing at all.
A large man both in height and in mass that easily dwarfed Shinji in both categories appeared first an arrogant smirk on his face even as he stuffed it with fried rice crackers. He was dressed in the standard Shinigami attire zanpakuto sheathed at his side with a badge around his left arm baring the Kanji for 'Two' but in addition he also wore a blue cape around his shoulders tied with a cord instead of a clasp.
"You know why we are here" the second spoke as she emerged a look of professionalism about her.
"Yeah! So just give up before I have to break you like a Twig!" the Fukutaicho beside her piped up crumbs spewing from between his lips with every word.
"After our last conversation I would think the Soul Society sent you to execute me Soifon." Reaching into his pocket Shinji removed a candy-dispenser which was topped by a black rabbit head as he spoke letting a single candy fall into his palm as he finished.
"In any case I hope you understand my unwillingness to simply surrender myself for execution." Placing the tablet in his mouth he felt the sensation of separating from his body and took a few steps towards the duo.
"Little punk even if you're wearing a badge, it doesn't mean you get to dictate anything to us. I'll wipe you out with one blow!" Reaching for his sword the Fukutaicho was halted by the arm of his Taicho.
"We are not here to fight a battle unless absolutely necessary and you wouldn't be a challenge for him even if it did call for It." she reprimanded her midnight blue eyes staying on the Shinigami before them.
"Little puke's getting off lucky then" the man replied stuffing another handful of fried rice crackers into his mouth.
"It's been a long time Shinji and I'm here to bring you back as well as resolve the past." Soifon stated as she stepped forward.
"The things said that night aren't so easily forgiven and I won't go back to face an unjust punishment. My own guilt is more then enough." Shinji replied his eyes narrowing.
"The Central 46 Chambers agree with you. We are here to bring you back to continue your duties not deliver you to death."
"It doesn't change things between us, you still called me a-"
"WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON!" the loud cry of Toji Suzahara broke through Shinji's words as he, Hikari, Kensuke, Rei, and Asuka walked into the area somehow able to see everything.
'That night, the night you drove me from the Soul Society in my weakest moment with your words, do you remember it Soifon?'
Please Read & Review
Author's Note 1: Shinji's Zanpakuto's name Shukujo Sanhakumei translates too, Lady of the Twilight Sun. You may have just seen the tip of the iceberg with this one but I encourage my readers to dream and offer their thoughts on how far this one can go.
Authors Note 2: This has not turned into a Shinji/Soifon pairing I cannot stress that enough, pairings are still undecided but this thing between them it could be more it could be less only chapters will tell the tale.
Until Next Time