Translation Notes: (In no particular order)
-kun: A suffix used in the Japanese language, used at the end of boys' names to express familiarity or endearment.
-chan: Similar to –kun except used for girls. It can also be used for little boys, pets, and even amongst lovers. Usual denotes childish cuteness.
-Sempai/senpai: Used to address someone that is the speaker's senior in some organization or group. Commonly used in a school setting where underclassmen will refer to upperclassmen as 'Sempai' for guys and 'Senpai' for girls.
-Kohai: Similar to sempai with except this is how upperclassmen address lowerclassmen.
-Sensei: the title added to that of a teacher, doctor, or anyone that had a profession in a certain art.
Baka: Japanese for idiot or fool.
Dummkopf: German for fool.
Scheisse or Scheiß: German for Shit.
Disclaimer: See Prologue
Special Thanks to Ominea-sama for proof-reading and concept ideas. I owe you big time!
The Holy Eva Wars
Chapter One:
The Blood First Spilled is Always Innocent
"WAAAARK!!!"
Pen-Pen eyes lit up at the sight of Shinji placing a freshly opened can of sardines into his customized feeding dish. Every morning it was the same thing, wake up the caregiver, get those little pieces of heaven handed to you on a silver platter . . . that was suspiciously bowl like and pink in color. No matter, as long as he got his fish . . . if he didn't, then there were problems.
Shinji only smiled when he handed Pen-Pen his feeding bowl in which the hot-spring penguin promptly took after one last thankful "WARK!" before running away to eat his meal in some private corner of the complex.
'That bird loves his sardines.' Shinji thought to himself before walking into the main dining area. It was still early, even by his standards, so Shinji thought it wise to watch some of the local news before starting breakfast/lunch. Sitting down at the table, Shinji picked up the remote and turned it to the local news station before setting it down on the table before him.
"This is Ryoji Takeda of Tokyo-3's Channel 6 News: Early Morning Edition. Today's Top Story: Yet another group of office workers were found passed out late last night in their place of work making this the third time this month such events have happened. The names and exact number of the victims have yet to be released by authorities, but say that those found have been taken to the hospital and all are expected to make a full recovery."
Shinji felt his body tense up at the news, same as it did when he heard of the pervious incident only a week ago. 'The third time this month . . . what's happening out there? And why does it make me feel so uneasy just thinking about it?'
"Police have yet to explain what the causes of such strange happenings since all medical analyses failed to . . .BUZZ . . . Hot springs are created when spring water that is geo-thermally heated breaches the earth's surface and forms . . ."
Staring blankly at the screen, it took Shinji a few moments to realize the channel had changed and it wasn't some bizarre change in topic by the news channel. He had a suspicion about why this had happened, but he needed to check one little detail to confirm it . . .
Yep, the remote was gone.
"PEN-PEN!" Looking to his side, the named penguin was just sitting a few places away from Shinji, a sardine half hanging out of his beak while the remote being held in Pen-Pen's flipper.
The bird only taunted Shinji as a response, waving the remote around in front of the boy like some person might wave a treat while teasing a hungry dog. This, in anyway, failed to amuse Shinji.
Instead of attempting to retrieve the remote, Shinji only let out an annoyed sigh as he starting making his way to the kitchen. Pen-Pen let out a victorious "WARK!" as Shinji left the room. He wasn't up to chasing the bird all over the complex over ownership rights for the remote . . . that and he didn't want to have the lingering pain of a beak being jabbed into his flesh for the second time today.
Putting on his usual green apron, Shinji readied himself to make both his lunch and breakfast not only for himself, but also for his guardian. Shinji went about on this everyday chore of his, one he took particular pride and enjoyment in. As he worked, his mind began to wonder as he thought about all that had happened over the last few years.
'Everything that happened since that day . . .'
It wasn't long after I was released from the hospital and into Professor Kōzō Fuyutsuki's care. I didn't know what to think of him at first for he was a kind and loving man yet a strict and demanding task master. I soon began to trust him, though, and he honestly did care for me although there were times even the great professor didn't know what to do when it came to raising a child like me.
I didn't realize it then but Professor Fuyutsuki didn't have any real family of his own, only a close knit group of friends made up of colleagues, and various students of his from one time or another. I guess that was why he was so inept when I asked him those questions of life or when I was hurt and he tried to comfort me. I know he did it out of the promise he made to mom, but it seems in some way I help him just as much as he help me.
I really miss him.
It's been almost two years after his death. They never did found out why he died, Doctor Akagi said that it just didn't make sense.
'Fuyutsuki-sensei, while defiantly from getting old, was far too healthy to just die like this . . .' or something that went along those lines.
He left everything he had to me, as a father would do for his children. To this day, I regret never recognizing him as one . . . I don't know why I didn't, I just couldn't call him or even see him as a father figure. Maybe it was because I didn't want to dishonor him by seeing him in the same way I once saw my father . . . or maybe it was because . . . some part of me thought my real father would come back, tell me that he always did love me and vow never to abandon me again.
I am such an idiot.
Lucky for me, an associate of the professor was able to work out an agreement to allow me to live at the complex he had left me although I'm not old enough inherit it legally yet. I must say I wonder just how the professor had come to know . . . her.
Shinji shivered slight as his mind briefly brought up the image of the woman in question. She was a woman that was a on the tall side with short, light brown hair and a silly smile on her face but eyes like that of a tiger. She had a bokutō in her hand in a way that samurai might have once held their blades while several men in suits and wearing dark sunglasses stood behind her, waiting on her every beck and call.
Shinji shook his head rapidly, trying to go back into his train of thought. He then realized something and looking toward the clock the hung over the fridge only confirmed his feeling. "She should be awake by . . ."
"UGGHHHH"
Shinji smiled to himself at the almost prefect timing of his so called 'house-mate'. Shinji looked at the recently opened door to the kitchen, intent on greeting her but his eye widened as a crimson streak appeared just above is nose and under his eyes before looking away as if ashamed.
Standing at the door was his house-mate and legal guardian, a woman with long violet hair and a body that most women would die for and most men would die just looking at it. And it didn't help that she was wearing a pair of rather tight fitting shorts and an even smaller pull over which acted as the woman's pajamas.
"G—good morning Misato." Shinji was just able squeak out all the while finishing cooking breakfast and prevent himself from having a nose bleed.
Misato let out another unpleasant groan as she stumbled her way to the refrigerator, pulling out one gold-colored can of Yebisu beer before she slowly slumped out of the kitchen and into the dinning room. Exactly 3.8 seconds later, the dramatized sounds of chugging could be heard before the booming and energized voice of Misato could be heard even several houses away.
"YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!! That hit the spot!!!"
Misato once again came into the kitchen but this time with such energy and liveliness, it was almost impossible to image that this was the exact same woman that came into the kitchen less than thirty seconds ago.
"Shinji-kun! Is breakfast ready yet?" Misato said in such a happy and energized voice that even Shinji, who had experience this kind of change for almost two years now, shivered slight at the change in his guardian.
"Just about done Misato. I just have to add some finishing touches."
Misato was overjoyed, acting like some schoolgirl being told that she had just won a date with a host of the most attractive male actors Holleywood-2 could offer.
"Don't keep me waiting Shinji-kun!" Misato voice was as playful as ever, winking at Shinji before she got her second can of Yebisu and returning to the dinning room, giggling in an amused way.
Shinji face could be mistaken as a tomato as a result to Misato's actions. Once again this was not out of the ordinary for her, but Shinji knew that no matter how many years he lived with her he would never fully get used to that. "Same old Misato . . . everyday it's the same thing."
'That was one Misato Katsuragi, my current legal guardian, one of my two housemates, (Pen-Pen being the other) and my homeroom teacher at the school I attend. To say that she is unusual just wouldn't do her justice . . .
And by the way . . .
Never let her know anything embarrassing about you, least you never hear the end of it because of her never ending teasing. As you can see, she loves her beer, and have I mentioned that she is a head-turner, if you get what a mean. She's a total slob though, and I always wonder when she offered to be my guardian did she attend to care for me or I was meant to care for her.
I still like her even with all her faults.
When Professor Fuyutsuki died a few years ago it was painfully obvious I was no were near being old enough to care for myself.
FLASHBACK
Shinji, roughly twelve years old, stared blankly at the grave that was before him. It was raining that day, not heavily but enough to create a mist like atmosphere that could easily bring down someone's mood. There was no one other than Shinji, the rest had either left or temporarily left for shelter, leaving the boy to stare at the grave of the yet another person that cared for him only to have death take him from the boy. The grave was a simple one, it did not have much decoration on it and the message was quick and simple.
Kōzō Fuyutsuki
1955-2012
Beloved Sensei, Loyal Friend, Generous Caregiver.
May We Never Forget.
Shinji had been crying but long had his tears gone only to be replaced by the chilling touch of the rain. His expression was stuck in a way that showed a confused boy only able to say "Why" no matter what attempt was made to explain whatever question he had asked. Shinji failed to notice the splash noise coming up from behind him, the sound of another human that had walked up only to stop a few feet behind him.
Shinji felt the rain that had previously been falling on him stop but the area surrounding him get slightly darker. He looked up, seeing that there was an umbrella now over him and the slender arm of a woman holding it over him.
"Shinji-kun . . ."
Shinji turned around to see the face of a woman, one with purplish hair and face like an angel. Shinji remembered her; she was a friend of not only Fuyutsuki but that of Doctor Akagi and her daughter, Ritsuko, whom Shinji had come to know well. Misato was her name and right now she really did look like an angel of mercy as she looked at him.
"Shinji-kun . . . I'm sorry about your loss. Fuyutsuki-sensei really did care for you, more than he did most people."
Shinji knew that but that didn't help he feel better. That didn't bring Fuyutsuki back. That didn't bring anyone back.
Misato could see that her words only seem to bother the boy. Without warning, she dropped the umbrella and took the boy in a gentle embrace. Shinji was shocked by this, unsure what Misato was doing but her embrace was warm to him. It was comforting.
"Shinji . . . I want to let you know that I'm going to be here for you. I . . . I also lost my parents when I was young, but I can't even begin to know your pain. I just want to let you know that I'll be there for you if you need me."
Shinji did not know what to say. It could have been any number of reasons why, but he just could speak. All he could do was one thing. Two things actually.
Slowly, he hugged Misato as well, and began to cry.
END FLASHBACK
Shinji and Misato were eating their breakfast at the table, ignoring the hot spring documentary that they were sure that they have seen at least twenty times each.
Misato was doing most of the talking, telling Shinji about various incidents that happened during her various classes at school or at the drama club that she sponsored. Every once in a while Shinji would laugh or insert a comment or observation into Misato's stories. Little did they realize how much time has past as they enjoyed their meal.
"Misato-sensei, what time is it?" Shinji asked, honestly curious about the time.
"Now Shinji, I told you not to call me that unless we're at school so your girlfriends won't get jealous about how friendly we are."
Misato only laughed as Shinji choked on the bit of rice he had just bit in his mouth while his face was blood red.
"Hahaha! You're always so fun to tease Shinji-kun. Now the time is . . ." Misato looked at her wrist watch, her eyes quickly focusing into a glare for reasons Shinji failed to understand. Without warning, Misato slammed her hands on the table as she shot up, yelling.
"We're late for school!!!!"
Shinji only had moments to comprehend what was said before Misato literally threw Shinji out of his chair while yelling in-comprehendible chatter about how she needed to get dressed, brush her teeth/hair, find all the test and papers that she didn't grade but was spouse to last night and get another beer.
Now fully aware of what's going on from Misato's panicked cries, Shinji too began to run around the complex in a effort to finish the basics of his morning duties and get ready for school only he wasn't yelling like a banshee.
Meanwhile, let's check on the neighbors . . .
"Howard! Howard! Those damn kids next door are doing it again!"
"'I want to move to Japan' you said. 'It's much more quieter that the U.S.', you said. Well I don't give a crap Margaret! It was your idea we moved here you stupid . . ."
O . . . K . . . Now back to our favorite characters. --;
Shinji had just been able to get his schoolwork together and half-way get his uniform on when Misato came sprinting down the hallways, grabbing Shinji and dragging him by his shirt collar while repeating the mantra "Gotta hurry! Gotta hurry! Gotta hurry!"
Before Shinji knew it, he was thrown into the passenger seat of Misato's blue colored Alpine A310 (With a few special 'custom' parts.) "Hang on Shinji! This is going to be one hell of a ride!"
Shinji felt like the devil has just delivered his death sentence. "Wait MisATO !!!!!!" Shinji was barely able to say his guardian's name before Misato had both pulled out of the garage and took off speeding down the street in less than two seconds.
'Did I forget to mention she drives like Speed Racer on the warpath!?!'
Shinji's shrieks of pain and constant encounters with death served as a warning to all drivers of Tokyo-Three to leave the roads least feel the wrath of Misato the Destroyer.
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It was just another day for Toji Suzuhara and his friend Kensuke Aida. As usual, the meet up on the train station and now they were walking toward school in usual fashion. Kensuke was going on about some occult related story or some conspiracy theory while attempting to show Toji a video confirming the story on the camcorder Kensuke always had on his person.
'Got to be prepared just in case the aliens show up when I least expect them' was the reason Kensuke gave for carrying around the thing. Toji didn't complain though for on the occasion Kensuke was able to catch more 'interesting' things on his camera than the so called aliens Kensuke was referring to.
'Though ya could call 'hem aliens to a point.' Toji thought to himself, glancing over at a group of girls that had just passed to two boys since the boys were walking at a painfully slow pace.
This time around, Toji wasn't really interested in what 'proof' Kensuke managed to get this time. Toji did consider Kensuke a friend and sometimes Kensuke's stories were interesting but there was only so much one can take from the self-proclaimed occult otaku.
'An' why does he only talk about za occult an' conspiracies? For some reason I would have thought he be into the military or somethin' like dat.'
A more pressing concern was on Toji's mind at the moment, which was the failed meeting of the third member of their little group which was collectively known as the 'Three Stooges' at the suggestion of one hated German exchange student.
'I wonder what Ikari is up to . . . he always meetz us at the station so I wonder why he wazn't there this mornin'.'
It didn't seem like Toji would get an answer to his question anytime some and the two just kept on walking. The school gates were just up ahead but they weren't in a hurry. They had plenty of time before school started.
"So anyway, then the aliens . . . Hey, do you hear something?"
Kensuke stopped telling his story and motioned Toji to listen. The jock did as his friend suggested and heard what sounded like an care engine going all out coupled with the constant sound of horns blazing and tires burning rubber. In a matter of seconds, the once distant noise became dangerously close.
Now normally Kensuke would suspect this would be some sort of alien craft or government prototype since nothing could move that fast while in the middle of the city . . . well, all except one person at the wheel of a certain car.
Kensuke looked at Toji, who was also looking at Kensuke thus silently confirming their suspicions about the source. The two boys had barely turned around before flash a blue passed by on the road next to them, causing such a great gust of wind that even the jock had trouble keeping balance.
Once again to two turned around, looking back in the direction of the school, momentarily seeing a familiar blue Renault Alpine A310 skid across the street only to enter the school gates just barely avoiding some students that were about to enter the school.
The two boys said nothing to each other, knowing well what had just happened despite the speed of the event. Toji, quickly followed by Kensuke, took of running into the school in order to check on the arrival of the person in mind.
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"Alright Shinji-kun, we're here." Misato happily said as if nothing had just happened as she exited her car.
Shinji on the other hand was literally on all fours, praising God for creating such a thing as solid ground. "Yeah . . . but at the cost of four accidents, three street signs, a watermelon vendor and a police chase through half the city."
"Hey! I lost them didn't I? And I won't tell if you won't." Misato gave Shinji a wink, ignoring the sirens in the background before proceeding to gather her papers, giggling slight as her mind imagined how red Shinji face was at the moment.
Barely able to get to his feet again, Shinji noticed that his two friends, Toji and Kensuke, were running toward him. For a moment, Shinji once again thanked God that for the fact that he had two friends such as Toji and Kensuke . . . even though they were a little weird at times.
Shinji opened his mouth to greet his friends, only to have them run straight past him leaving poor Shinji with a 'what in the hell just happened?' expression on his face.
"Misato-sensei!" the voices of Shinji's two so called friends said in unison as they surrounded Misato. Misato did not scold the boys for their behavior or anything like that. In fact, if Shinji didn't know better, he could swear that she tends to edge them on even though he knew that she was just doing it for fun. That wasn't really important right now.
Shinji was thinking of a way how to murder his two ex- friends.
"Hey . . . wait a sec; shouldn't you guys be in class?" Shinji asked. After all, the reason why he had just endured a ride with Japan's most destructive driver was because they were late for school. If they were so late, why were Toji and Kensuke not in class?
"Huh? What'cha talken' about Ikari?"
"Yeah, we at least have a good twenty minutes before class starts."
Shinji's gaze went from his friends to his guardian/teacher, whom was looking at her watch.
"Oops . . . My bad, it seems my watch had stopped yesterday during morning classes. Isn't that funny?"
'Funny is one way to put it . . .' Shinji gripped his hand into a fist at the clearlessness of his guardian.
'Why me?'
000
From the roof top, one red-headed exchanged student couldn't help but see the entire incident and laugh at it and all its glory. It was funny to her, how Shinji looked so thankful for his friends after surviving a drive with Misato only to be blown off by those very same people just so they could talk with 'that old drunk'. While she would admit Misato had her qualities, she was nothing compared to her, the great Asuka Langley Soryu.
"HAHAHA! I don't now which is more hilarious! That poor baka-Shinji thinking his friends were there to see him or the stupidity of his friends to begin with!"
Her face still holding an amused smile, Asuka casually looked over the situation once again, concentrating mostly on Shinji. It was rare to see Shinji as annoyed as he was right now, and Asuka was the lone soul witness to it. Well, almost lone soul.
'You're doing it again.'
Asuka's expression instantly became serious. She did not expect him to take interest.
'What are you talking about?'
'If he's such an idiot, as you call him, why do you take such interest in him?'
Asuka paused for a second before answering him. She did not expect such a question.
'Isn't it obvious? It's funny seeing him squirm in so much pain at his own pathetic life. I have to find some way to keep myself entertain while I'm here.'
Behind Asuka, the faint image of outline of a man appeared. He was taller than Asuka, with dark blue hair that was tall yet able to create a long rat tail and a body that was thin, yet his muscles was well-toned and defined. He wore armor that matched his hair in color and was well molded to the shape of his body. His eyes were a brownish-red in color and his mouth seemed forever stuck in the state of a slight smirk.
Asuka was the only one able to see him, however. If anyone happened to look at her all they would see is Asuka standing alone near the railing that lined the school roof. For this man was her 'Servant', her partner in a war that was quickly approaching. His name was Lancer, or that would be what Asuka would call him. His true name had to be kept a secret least others be able to research his history and find his weaknesses.
Lancer let out a slightly stressed sigh, closing his eyes for a second only to open one of them as he continued the conversation.
'Whatever . . . but I guess I should tell you about our little 'guest'.'
Asuka didn't seem surprised because she wasn't. She knew who he was talking about, she wasn't that clueless.
'I'm impressed; I was being to wonder if I was the only one that could sense him. There may be hope for you yet Lancer.'
Lancer's smirk grew at his Master's comment, chuckling slight before he continued, choosing not grace her jokes with rebuttal.
'He doesn't seem to be making any moves yet. My guess is that he's waiting till they're less people before he makes his move
'And that suits us just fine. The last think I want to deal with is having inoccent's involved.'
Lancer's expression did not change as his image slowly began to fade.
' . . . You think it's the same guy from last time?'
Asuka got tense at Lancer's mention of that incident. She couldn't believe that she almost lost when the competition had barely even begun.
'Don't know, but if it is they'll pay for their mistakes. They were only able to sneak up on me since I was busy summoning you and if they think they can do it again they have another thing coming for them.'
'No one makes a fool of Asuka Langley Soryu.'
"Asuka-chan? What are you doing up here?"
Surprised at the arrival of the unexpected voice, Asuka spun around only to see her best friend and the class rep, Hikari Horaki. Asuka expression quickly faded from that of surprise to he usual one that oozed confidence and pride.
"Oh Hikari! I wasn't doing anything. Just . . . thinking, you know how it is sometimes."
Hikari face told that she accepted that a face value, but Hikari knew that something was slightly out of place. No real point to press the matter now however.
"Well . . . alright. Anyway Asuka, I came here to tell you to come to the classroom, school is about to start."
"Really? I wasn't aware how much time has passed. Anyway Hikari, I was wondering . . ."
Asuka and Hikari continued their conversation as they left the roof so to return to their classroom. Little did they know of the number of people that were watching the two.
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With the incident after the death drive quickly forgotten, Shinji, Toji and Kensuke were all slowly making there way toward their classroom. The topic of discussion was nothing out of the ordinary, or at least ordinary until Kensuke went on one of his tangents about some conspiracy surrounding some events that no one knew about.
Somehow the conversation began to drift onto the topic of girls, however. It wasn't a foreign topic to Shinji; after all he was a teenage boy. For some reason, however, he had an ominous feeling this conversation would somehow turn out for the worse for him, as did most of their conversations.
And Kensuke dropped the N2 bomb.
"So guys, who do you like better, Rin Tōsakaor the Red Devil?"
The question was, of course, the two most popular kids at the school. Rin Tōsaka was in the grade above Shinji and his friends and the original 'Miss Popularity' and the model student of the school. She comes from a fairly rich family, a straight A student, good at any sport she plays, and to say that she is attractive wouldn't do her justice. Only problem is that she didn't seem interested in dating for countless guys from all walks of interest and popularity have asked her out only to be shot down in flames. Plus it's said she has a tongue that his sharper than any dagger.
Then there was Asuka Langley Soryu or the 'Red Devil' as Toji and Kensuke called her. She's a German exchange student that transferred in shortly after the start of the school year and quickly took the school by storm. Apparently she was some kind of prodigy in Germany, taking college level courses even at an early age. Athletic? Definitely and she has a body that even older woman would be jealous of. Then there was her personality, which to say was egotistical and arrogant was only the tip of the iceberg.
Toji was the first to respond to Kensuke's question, saying it in a 'matter of fact' sort of way. "Ya honestly askin' dat question Kensuke? How could ya not already know da answer?! Tōsaka is far better than dat crazy Nazi bitch."
Kensuke only laughed, nodded his head in agreement before he looked at most silent of the 'Three Stooges.'
"What about you Shinji? Tōsaka is way better than the Red Devil, right?"
Shinji's immediate response to the question? One nervous laugh hold the spine. The other two boys looked at Shinji with curious looks on their faces as the trio began to climb the stair to reach the floor their classroom was on.
"Ikari . . . ya don't like dat devil . . . do ya?"
Shinji waved his arms about in a defensive matter, stammering slightly as he tried to come of with the correct words to say.
"Well Ikari? Are you going to answer the idiot's question?"
The trio just froze at the sound of a certain red-haired German's voice. They had just reached their floor and turning around slight they saw none other than one member of their discussion, Asuka Langley Soryu, standing on the stairwell that came from one of the higher levels of the school along with the class rep. Hikari looked somewhat flustered while Asuka had a face that was half annoyed, half amused.
Easily pushing her way through Shinji's stunned friends, Asuka walked over to Shinji who in turn backed away under his back was against one of the school's windows. Even then Asuka leaned toward Shinji only stopping when their faces were only a few inches away, a somewhat twisted cousin of a smile on her face.
"Well baka? What do you think of me?"
Shinji couldn't tell rather or not his face had turned red or white as he looked Asuka straight into the eye. He couldn't speak, he couldn't breathe, and he felt as if the room temperature had risen at least ten degrees. He just stood there, unable to respond to the girl that was just a few inches in front of him.
Without warning, Shinji felt sharp pain came from his stomach. It wasn't the most painful thing he experience but it was strong enough to knock some of the wind out of Shinji. Asuka's expression was that of disgust as her right fist was buried slightly into Shinji's stomach.
"Get a spine, baka."
Asuka's voice wasn't loud, almost a whisper even when she said that to Shinji. With nothing else to say, she simply backed away from the now slightly bent over Shinji and began to walk to class. After Asuka was for the most part out of reach was Shinji able to say something.
"I'm sorry."
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Morning classes went on without fail although everyone noticed the seemingly bad mood Asuka was in. No one dared ask what had happened though, it was better for everyone just to leave her be in these situations.
Finally lunch period came and Shinji found himself without a lunch. He had made one but in the mad dash Misato had created because of his stopped watch Shinji was only able to grab on of the two bentos he made. Of course he gave the one he made to Misato, although it was safe to say he really didn't have a choice in the matter. Misato would have just gotten the food from him one way or another.
Shinji absently took a bite out of the melon bread he had purchased at the school's cafeteria as he slowly made his way to the school roof where Kensuke and Toji were waiting for him. Once again Shinji's mind was in a state of thought, trying to make heads or tails of just what had happened before class just a few hours ago. ' . . . I really am an idiot.'
"Excuse me, Ikari-kun?"
Shinji stopped a looked in the direction of the person who had addressed him. It was Hikari and she had a concerned look on her face as she looked at him.
"I'm sorry about what Asuka did earlier; she . . . she really had no right to hit you."
Shinji shook his head in a negative fashion, also motioning with his hands that it was alright.
"No, don't worry about it. Asuka's right to an extent."
"B-but . . ."
Hikari obviously didn't accept Shinji's response but she couldn't say anything more. When it came to these situations, Shinji could be just as bad as Asuka when it came to stubbornness.
'It's scary how similar they are sometimes.'
Nothing else happened after that and Shinji politely took his leave so to meet up with his friends on the roof. Hikari just remained were she stood, looking in the direction Shinji left as if she was still trying to say something to him as if he hadn't left.
"It's scary how those two idiots are alike."
Hikari shot her head around at the new arrival. It was obvious she was one of the older students but that really didn't matter. Even if the girl didn't have her trademark red overcoat on, Hikari knew instantly who it was.
"Tōsaka-senpai . . ."
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Afternoon classes came and passed just like the morning ones only this time everyone was thankful that Asuka's mood had improved over the lunch period. It was amazing what affect Hikari had over the so called 'Red Devil' when it came to calming Asuka. For that, everyone saw Hikari as a god-send.
Finally the final bell rang and everyone went about gathering their stuff and talking to their friends. School clubs weren't meeting today so everyone was ready to get out of school . . . except for those unfortunate few that were stuck on cleaning duty today.
And guess which one of our characters had that honor for today?
"Man Shinji, it suckz ya have ta be on cleanin' duty today."
"Yeah, we were thinking about going to the arcade today but since you can't join us . . ."
"No, no it's ok guys. Go to the arcade. Can't allow my misery affect you guys as well so go. I'll just take a rain check."
It took a little bit more convince before Toji and Kensuke agreed to leave their friend for a day at the arcade . . . well, honestly it didn't take much. Still, Shinji wasn't going to allow his friends not to have a good time just because he wouldn't be able to join them.
Soon the classroom cleared out with exception to Shinji and two other female students who also had cleaning duty on that day. It was a mostly silent affair, the two girls occasionally whispering and giggling amongst themselves while Shinji just did his work at his own pace.
About ten minutes in there came an unexpected knock on the door. Before anyone could answer, the door opened revealing an upperclassman student with semi-curly hair and a strange mix of a lady-killer and narsacitic grin on his face. Behind him were a few other people, most likely girls given this particular upperclassmen's popularity.
"Hello ladies! I've come to collect you for our date."
Shinji rolled his eyes at the upperclassmen's words while the two girls only playfully giggled.
"But Matō-sempai, we're on cleaning duty right now." One of the girls said, obviously disappointed while her friend only agreed.
"Please ladies, call me Shinji . . . and don't worry about it." Matō's glance quickly shot over to Ikari, a confident yet devious look on his face.
"I'm sure Ikari-kohai will be more than happy to lend you ladies a hand."
'Yep, right on cue.' Shinji let out a light sigh, careful not to let anyone else see his reaction. This whole situation wasn't new to him; in fact, it had happened so much he kind of learned to expect it. There were those he always helped and then there were those always willing to take advantage of him. Shinji didn't really mind though. If it helped someone in a way so that they could be happy, then it would be worth it.
The girls, though painfully obvious they wanted to go with Matō, tried to disagree. As much as they wanted to go they just couldn't leave one of their classmates without getting in trouble . . . unless Ikari agreed.
"It's ok, I'll be happy to finish up here. Go on and enjoy yourselves with Matō-sempai." Shinji smiled faintly at the two excited girls, confirming to them that he was not kidding in anyway or fashion.
Matō smiled as Ikari acted in the way he expected him to act.
'So kind, so helpful, so predictable and foolish. If I didn't know better, this kid was somehow related to Emiya.' "See? What did I tell you? Now be polite ladies and thank Ikari-kohai."
The girls were ecstatic that they would be able to go out with Matō and continued to rapidly bow to Ikari as if he was some sort of deity that had just answered his follower's prayers.
When Matō and the girls had left, Shinji could hear them breifly talking in the hallway. They were asking each other why did Ikari accept to do all the work alone and wondered if he was stupid in someway. Shinji just ignored them, looking over the room to see what worked had to be done. While the girls were spouse to be helping with the cleaning duty, they really didn't do much. To an extent they made more of a mess than what they cleaned up.
Shinji let out a sigh as he pushed up his sleeves and went back to work. This would take him a while but he had plenty of time. Misato was going out tonight to a party with Ritsuko, the school nurse and friend of both Shinji and Misato, whom was holding for adults so Shinji didn't have to worry about heading home and make dinner.
Yep, he had all the time in the world.
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Asuka was mad.
Wait, no, she was seriously pissed off.
She didn't like the play games like this and she could swear that her opponent must be laughing at her displeasure. It was late and Asuka was standing on top of the school's roof much in the same fashion she did this morning. She thought it better not to return home just yet, not while their mysterious opponent was watching them. She imagined that they would have made their move by now yet they did nothing. No one was at the school this late yet they haven't made a single move.
"Scheisse, this is getting on my nerves . . . Lancer, has our guest made their move yet?"
The image of Lancer appeared behind Asuka, his arms crossed as he wore his normal expression on his face.
'Nope, not since the last time you asked five . . . he's making his move.'
Asuka also knew this but what surprised her was the speed her opponent was moving at. It was almost impossible to keep track of him/her, for one moment they were in one place and the next they would be somewhere else.
Asuka instinctively knew where her opponent was headed.
She spun around, just to see a cloaked figure seemingly fall from the heavens and land a good fifteen feet away from her.
Asuka couldn't see much of the new arrival. The cloak he or she was wearing prevented anything revealing their physical description other than the fact that they seemed to be just shorter than Asuka in height. The only other thing Asuka could see was on the person's cloak, an emblem of sorts. It was that of a falling leaved entrapped in circle, all of which was a blood red in color.
As Asuka tried finding some sort of mark of the identity of her opponent, she could feel that they were doing to same. Asuka couldn't see they eyes but she could tell. The tention in the air said everything.
"I see . . . so you are the Second and not the Third. The Second's Servant is that of the Lancer class as well." The voice was that of a girl around Asuka's age. Her voice was monotone and held absolutely no form of emotion what so ever.
This un-nerved Asuka slightly but not just because of the fact her opponent seemed to be the same age or the sound of her voice. It was the fact that her opponent could see Lancer which no one should be able to do. Even Lancer was surprised in the girl's ability to see him.
From behind the cloak girl, the world became distorted and colorful as the shape of some sort of creature appeared. It was human at the core, but it was at least double if not triple the height of a normal human and has muscles that for surpassed that of only body builder. Its skin, hair, and even what clothes it had was some variation of a dirty brown and in its hand was a massive sword that looked as if it was cleaved out of massive rock formation. But out of all the things that made this living deity stand out was one of its eyes. His face forever in a stage of battle rage, the left side of the creatures face was heavily scared and his left eye non visible. Yet from were the eye should be came a sinister red glow, on that seemed to embody whatever fears one might have felt while in the presence of this being.
"Berserker . . ." was all Asuka could say in recognition of the Servant that had just appeared.
The cloaked girl once again jumped, this time backwards toward the massive Servant. She gently landed on Berserker's shoulder, the giant not even flinching at the weight of the human on his shoulder.
"Proceeding with secondary objective."
Without another word the cloaked girl leaned forward toward Berserker, kissing him on the cheek before muttering some sort of chant.
Berserker let out an ear shattering war cry as both the girl and himself began to glow brightly, blinding both Asuka and Lancer before they had a chance to understand what was going on. When the light cleared both the cloak girl and Berserker were gone.
Instead stood a new being, and a rather stand one at that.
It was humanoid in shape but held no real human features on its body. Its skin was blue in color with gray and black highlights and had it appear that it was armor despite the fact in some areas it seemed to be skin a well. Its head was something one might image would be on a robot from some anime or a helmet from the future, a single pinkish-purple gem the only visible sign of how the creature saw. In its hand was a sword, vary similar to that of Berserker's but it looked more refined and well-made.
Lancer was confused at the disappearance of the other two and the arrival of this new being. He had never encountered anything like this before but he knew what it meant. That there seemed to be something about Masters and Servants he wasn't aware of yet.
Asuka reaction was different from Lancers for confusion wasn't the only look on her face. Asuka also had that of shock and horror on hers for she knew what had just happened before her and she could not believe it.
"I . . . I can't believe they did it. They managed to summon an Evangelion . . ."
Before Lancer could ask just what exactly an Evangelion was, the blue Eva let out a roar reminiscent of Berserker's as it charged Asuka. (Lancer still being in a temporal state)
Asuka quickly dodged the strike by jumping over the roof's railing, leaving the blue Eva to let out another war cry.
"Lancer!"
Asuka yelled and before she hit the ground she stopped suddenly, as if caught be someone before being set back down again.
Asuka had just barely moved away from the school building when the blue Eva appeared before her again. This time, however, the area in front of Asuka began to be distorted and the Lancer came into this realm of being. In his hand he held a red colored lance, one that the Eva noticed and seemed fearful of.
"What? Afraid of my lance? I would never had taken you for a coward given you pervious performance." Lancer eyes began to widen as he twirled his spear above his head before pointing it at the Eva. "Come on, don't be afraid. If you make things interesting, I promise I won't make your death too painful."
Asuka was surprised at Lancer confidence, she couldn't decide rather or not he was brave or absolutely insane. However, Asuka in initial shock about the appearance of an Eva fade away with her Servant's boast of confidence.
"Hehehe . . . Alright Lancer, show me what you can do!"
Asuka's voice was back to normal, oozing with confidence and pride. Lancer only smiled at this fact, nodding in agreement before charging the blue Eva in what he hoped would be an exciting battle.
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Shinji finished much later than he originally thought. Every time he was about to finish, Shinji would find something else that he had missed or wasn't done to his standards as a good job. By the time he was finished with everything, it was already dark outside.
'How could I been so oblivious to the time? Oh man, Pen-Pen is going to attack me since I haven't given him his dinner yet.'
Gather his stuff, Shinji slowly started to make his way outside of the school and onto the school campus. Lucky for him, the school wasn't locked up and it seemed the security guard was around at the moment. Yep, just looks like this would be just another bad memory about how stupid he had been.
CLANK SWISH CLANK SLASH
Shinji stopped when he heard something. It wasn't anything one might have expected but something else entirely. It sounded like the clang of metal, but not like anything mechanical or something like that. He couldn't explain it.
Normally, Shinji would have just walked away from this matter. He didn't want to get involved with anything that was beyond him. This time, however, he was curious. He didn't know why, but he wanted to find out what was the source of all these noises.
Very slowly, he made his way toward the source.
Hiding slight behind one of the school buildings, Shinji poked his head out to see what was going on.
He couldn't believe his eyes.
A fight was happening . . . no, fight was simply not a big enough word for what those two were doing. A battle would be a more appropriate word. In the schoolyard two beings were fighting a battle. Sparks fell everywhere when the two combatants weapons collided only to be repeated over and over and over again countless number of times in the a matter of moments. The speed and power in which the two moved and launched each of their attacks was inhuman, nothing Shinji had ever sheen before could match what going on before him. Shinji wanted to run away but he just could not move. He just stood there, watching the battle happening before him, unable to do a thing.
To untrained eyes like Shinji, it seemed that the two participates were on equal grounds but that wasn't what Shinji felt. For some reason he knew that the combatant with the sword had the upper-hand in this battle even though it wasn't obviously shown.
Shinji's thoughts went to the identities of the two fighting. The one was a lance wasn't anyone Shinji knew nor was it anyone he had seen anywhere in his life. The lancer user expression odd, it looked as if he was excited and in a battle frenzy rather than tactfully taking part in the battle.
It was when Shinji examined the second fighter, the one with the sword did Shinji begun to feel fear. While human to an extent, the thing was most definitely not human. For the first time Shinji saw it's 'face', the single gem for an eye and robot like features. Shinji mind raced back through time to the memories he long wished to forget. The memories of what happened on that day almost ten years ago at Tokyo-2. The image of that horned monster that plagued his dreams.
THUMP!
Shinji mind snapped back into reality at the unexpected noise. He had dropped his school bag which made a slight 'Thump' when it hit the ground. That was all that was necessary for the two fighting to notice him.
"Who's there!?", the one with the lance yelled in Shinj's direction as the human one just sprinted off in that direction. There was another voice but Shinji couldn't understand it. Once again in control of his body he took off in a hard sprint, trying to get away.
Run Run Run Run Run Run RunThat was all Shinji did as he randomly sprinted around the school grounds trying to find an exited that's gate wasn't closed off. When he couldn't find on, he ran back into the school, hoping that he could lose whatever was following them in there. Shinji didn't know which halls he ran through or how many flights of stair her either ascended or descended. All he was sure of was that he had been running the entire time.
Shinji then found himself on the roof of the school in which he collapsed
For the moment, it seemed Shinji had somehow lost whatever was chasing him. Slumping down to the ground, Shinji still tried to catch his breath but muffling his gasp so that no one could her him. For a moment, it seemed Shinji was safe.
It was then proven to be a false hope.
A chill went up Shinji's spin as he spun around only to see the blue demon standing a mere few inches away from him. Shinji didn't know where it came from or how long it was there, but the blue monstrosity was standing before him, its gem-like eyes staring at him with emotionless contempt. Shinji shock wouldn't even allow him to scream when he saw the creature standing right in front of him.
It appeared to be examining him as if there was something about Shinji that made it curious. For a while it did nothing but stand there, only moving its head to keep Shinji in its center of vision as the boy backed away from it.
Slowly, the one-eyed beast moved toward Shinji. Its movements we simple and slow, nothing was rushing it as it made it was toward Shinji. It did not bare its weapon in a threatening manner or anything like that. If anything, it looked as if it was trying to reach out to him, trying to catch him or hold him.
This terrified Shinji even more.
Reminiscent of the being that haunt Shinji's memories of Tokyo-Two, Shinji felt utter fear. The memories of that day, the fire, the destruction, all the death that was going on around him, everything was flashing before him. Right now, stand right before him, was the incarnation of everything he had come to fear of the world.
Stumbling several times only to get back up again, Shinji continued to back away from the one-eyed creature only to have it continue to come after him. He wanted to escape it but it only followed him. All his life it followed him.
What Shinji failed to noticed was that in his attempt to flee from the creature he came dangerously close to gap in the roof's fencing that was created not that long ago. He did not know of it nor did he notice. All he wanted to do was get away from the blue monster.
Shinji felt like he was flying.
The last thing he saw was the image of the creature he was trying to escape running at him, attempting to reach out time him.
'Everything . . . Is moving so slowly.'
To Shinji, the world was moving slow. All around him the world just seemed to pass inch by inch by agonizing inch. Nothing was fast and smooth; everything was jerky and slow as if he was watching a movie frame by frame. For some reason Shinji felt he had to think about what had just happened, and how he lived his life so far.
'I . . . I fell off the roof . . . Trying to escape.'
Everything that Shinji ever experienced played before him in what he assumed must have been the so called 'life-flashing before your eyes' affect he heard about. Everything was there for him to see in his last few moments and he didn't like it one bit.
'I . . . did nothing. I wanted to help others . . . yet I never even had the strength to help myself.'
He hated it. His life was an utter disappointment and now it was all going to end. Here he was, Shinji Ikari, the boy he wanted to help others dieing because he fell off the school's roof. A pathetic end to a even more pathetic person.
'Is . . . Is this why father abandoned me?'
Shinji's mind repaid some of few memories he had of his real father. The most prominent one was that when his father left him that one night, leaving Shinji crying and blaming himself for being the reason why his father left him. Then there were the memories of the Tokyo-2 fires, the pain, the death, the utter destruction, and those monsters that haunt his dreams. He hated it.
'I . . . I don't want it to end like this! I can't let it end like this!'
Shinji's mind then began to play all the events after his father's abandonment and the fires of Tokyo-2. His life with Fuyutsuki, his life with Misato, his friends, his family, his mother, everything Shinji managed to like about the world. He didn't want to lose it all, he wanted to live.
Suddenly, everything around Shinji returned back to its normal flow of time and with a vengeance. He was free-falling and his life was end once it all stopped. His head began to hurt, his heart rate got faster and faster as he felt a burning sensation in his left hand. He was going to die.
'I don't want to die! I want to live!'
"Somebody! Anyone help me! Mother!"
Shinji should be dead by now or at least in a lot of pain. He expected to feel some sort of painful thud when he hit the ground, but it never came. If anything, he felt he was being pulled back up instead of plummeting down. He then realized something, something he didn't notice before.
He was in someone's arms.
Very slowly, Shinji opened his eyes to see what he least expected. Someone was carrying him, sailing through the air like it was nothing. That someone was a woman. She had very long, light purple hair and some strange symbol on her forehead which Shinji didn't recognize. Her eyes were covered by some strange visor, but Shinji knew she could see. He knew she was looking at him. Shinji never seen this woman before and honestly had no clue to her identity but a single word came to find as he looked at her. A word he would find himself saying a lot in the future.
"Rider . . ."
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Pen-Pen was not a happy bird.
It was late and he had not been given his dinner. While he loved his two servants to death, every so often they would slip up in performing toe duties that they owed to him. The loud one had gone to some sort of gathering so his dinner was left in the hands of the smarter one of his servants, the one he called the 'Care-giver.' A little quite, yes, but normally the boy was very responsible and knew how to prepare his fish just right so they were absolutely tasty.
That wasn't the case tonight.
Pen-Pen waddled angrily through his compound as he waited anxiously for the arrival of one of his servants. If they thought they could play hooky with there duties they had another thing coming to them. He wondered where to he left his Beak Sharpener 4000.
Waddling to the outside veranda, he noticed something was out of place. The storage unit in which boy servant often worked and occasionally slept in had some sort of bright light coming from it. Pen-Pen didn't know what it was, but one thing was for certain. He couldn't allow anything outside his control to exist within his realm. Making his way to the storage room, Pen-Pen cursed the fact that was yard was so big. A great bird like himself needed a big realm but occasional it did get on his nerves.
Finally reaching the storage room, Pen-Pen struggled to get the sliding door open. Another inconvenience of his realm and he need to discipline the caregivers for putting up such barriers in the first place. When he finally got the door to open, the light had all but faded away but not before Pen-Pen caught a glimpse of a long haired woman standing in the middle of the room.
"WARK!"
Translation: Reveal yourself to your god, Pen Alexander Octavous Charles Richard Washington Bismarck Pen the IX!
When Pen Alexander Oct . . . Err . . . Pen-Pen failed to get a response, he was about to storm in there and peck the living daylights out of that person when that very same person just walked passed him like he wasn't even there. For the first time Pen-Pen caught a glimpse of the women who dared defy him and he couldn't believe his eyes.
It was love at first sight.
She first reminded him of the lazier of his caregivers but noticed this perfect creature's hair was longer and hair was a different hue of purple than Misato's, although he would note that she was wearing what resembled one of Misato's night gowns along with matching stockings. He couldn't see her eyes for she wore some sort of visor and in her hand she had what looked like two nails attached together by a single chain. Despite the mask she wore, it seemed she was looking to the sky in some unknown direction as if looking for something. The stance that she had combined with the light of the moon only made her that more beautiful.
Pen-Pen dashed out toward his new love, squawking happily as he readied himself to embrace her. When he was bout to reach her, however, she got real low to the ground before jumping into the air was amazing speed and power. Pen-Pen had barely moved his head to follow her only to see she was out of sight. He cried, calling into the window as he asked his masked love to come back to him or at least give him her number.
00000000000000000000000000000
THUMP!
Asuka's heart froze when she heard the noise. It wasn't very loud but it affected her just as much as if someone had just screamed into her ear. 'No! Please tell me that someone else is here!'
Both Lancer and the Eva stopped their battle when the lone thump happened.
"Who's there!?" Lancer yelled only to be met with the sound of footsteps running away.
The Eva said nothing but sprinted off in the direction of the noise with incredible speed, leaving behind all quarrels it had with Asuka and Lancer.
"Scheisse! Lancer! Don't loss track of the Eva! We can't let it escape!"
Asuka's voice did not have its usual confidence in but that of desperation. Lancer knew while his Master's order was sound, that wasn't what she was worried about. Lancer only hoped that Asuka would be able to take what she was about to see.
"Damnit!"
Run!
That was what Asuka was doing but she wasn't running away. She was trying to keep up with Lancer who had gone to track down the Eva, but that wasn't he concern.
Her only hope was that she would be in time.
Running up a flight after flight of stairs Asuka followed Lancer until the two left the inside of the school to finds themselves one again on the school roof. The blue Eva was there, standing near the edge of the roof and looking down at the ground below.
Lancer was about to attack the Eva since it wasn't looking at him but he stopped.
He heard a noise that sounded like that of a rattling chain.
From where the Eva was looking out shot up something that looked like something like a large nail connected to a chain before quickly being followed by large mass that Lancer assumed had been the thrower. The nail had hit the Eva, barely chipping off some of the skin/armor off its face as the Eva let out a shocked yet painful roar. Lancer didn't know just exactly what happened or who this new player was but that didn't matter at the moment.
He wasn't going to let a chance like this pass him by.
Taking his trusted spear in his hand, Lancer charged the disoriented Eva and began thrusting wildly, stabbing the Eva several times in it's left arm. The Eva once again let out a pain-filled roar, rising it's blade with its remaining good arm to strike at Lancer but once again the nail and chain came flying, knocking the sword out of the Eva's hands.
0
The Eva knew that it was beaten. While it seceded in finding both the Second and Third it had failed to complete any of its objectives and because of it's carelessness it was now injured and fighting two Servants at once. To make matters worse, it's time limit had almost expired before it would returns to its basic forms. Retreat was the only option.
Dogging the next series of attacks by the Servant Lancer the blue Eva grabbed it's blade with its good arm and fled at a break-neck speed. It worried that if they attempted to follow it would not be able to hold them off but lucky for Eva they did not follow. It seems their double attack was only a convenience and not an actually partnership between them.
0
Lancer smiled as the Eva retreated although he would admit he didn't have the chance to really enjoy the battle. To many interruptions in such a short period of time even he couldn't get fully worked in the battle. Lucky for him, however, that it seemed that there was willing substitute for him fight with.
Pointed his spear at his chance help, Lancer readied himself to strike out at the knew arrival. It was a female servant, one that he found interesting because of its weapon choice and the fact she was blindfolded. Lancer hoped that this Servant would be more interesting than the Eva and it seemed that would be the case.
The other Servant took her weapon of two nails connected by a lone chain and pointed them at Lancer, also striking a battle stance. It seemed that she had the same thoughts as Lancer or assumed that Lancer was the bigger threat than the Eva. That just suited him well enough. He wanted to at least get one good fight in before the night was over. However, he heard not only his Master's voice in the background, but that of another he was also familiar with.
"Asuka?"
"Shinji?"
It seemed this fight just got that more interesting or that he wouldn't get the fight that he wanted after all.