Hi guys, Calborghete here, how are you all? I hope everyone is doing well.
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So now without further ado, enjoy your reading.
"Dialogues"
- Thoughts -
"Radio Talk"
"Self talk."
Liability Note:
Evangelion, its characters and setting are the property of Hideaki Anno. Any brands, movies and series mentioned in this Fanfic are the property of their creators.
(*)
Chapter 10 - SEELE 01
A large black room, nothing was happening there, there was only one person, sitting at his desk, the only sign that something was there was the sound of the various medical equipment, soft beeps flooded the sound of the closed room.
Keeping his eyes closed behind his visor, Keel Lorenz let out a long sigh, already feeling the weight of his extremely advanced age, he knew that his time was over many years ago, that the only thing keeping him alive were these machines that replaced his already weakened organs.
Opening his eyes slightly, the man who used to be one of the richest and most powerful in Europe, is now just a person, he still maintained his respect, but now he didn't have the authority he had before, all this had been lost when Gendo Ikari prematurely awakened Unit one, starting the third impact prematurely.
With a sound of wind, soon Keel raised his gaze forward, seeing three monoliths appear in front of him, knowing that his meeting was on, for he knew that three of his companions were now in a WILLE prison.
Moistening his throat, Keel soon began to speak keeping his voice as cold and calculated as ever, something he had managed to cultivate over the years.
"Gentlemen, I believe by now you should know that the younger Ikari has successfully reactivated Unit 01." Keel spoke keeping a cold posture, but deep down he had a shadow of a smile on his face, knowing that everything was now getting back on track, just as he had planned.
"Yes, the boy is being a burden." SEELE 05 spoke in a bored voice, already knowing that Shinji had captured his companions.
"Not quite." SEELE 02 entered the conversation, having the voice of an elderly person like everyone else, he soon presented his arguments. "I have information that WILLE is wanting to propose a deal with him."
"Agreement?" SEELE 03 asked puzzled, his voice betraying him revealing his concern about all this. "How can this be relevant to our scenario?"
SEELE 01 just listened, having hatched his plans to join Lilith so that he could finally have the power of a God, finally human civilization would evolve to a new level, finally the human race would become immortal.
"Isn't it obvious?" SEELE 02 replied with slight debauchery in his voice, feeling disappointed at the lack of tact that his companion had not yet realized the opportunity that was in front of him, with a long breath he began to speak. "If WILLE can get the younger Ikari to join the deal, we can get it all together in one place."
SEELE 01 was still motionless, maintaining his iron posture at all times, already imagining the changes in his plan to make his scenario possible.
"But you may be wrong, the younger Ikari is on his journey to hunt us down." SEELE 05 retorted annoyed, already knowing that his companions were now rotting in a cell, probably opening up about the group.
"That's not a concern." SEELE 01 spoke, shutting everyone up, seeing that he had the attention he would like, soon Keel continued. "The younger Ikari returning to Wunder might make things easier indeed."
"How?" SEELE 05 asked doubtfully, still unable to see the logic behind the more influential SEELE. "Because I don't want to spend the rest of my life in a cell, everything I've worked for being thrown away because of a brat who shouldn't even be being discussed."
A hush reigned in the SEELE meeting, everyone waiting for Keel's words.
"With the younger Ikari in Wunder, everything for the set would be within our grasp again." SEELE 01 began to speak, a shadow of a smile appearing on his face. "With Unit 01 active again, which currently stores Lilith's soul in its core is the perfect trigger."
"But who guarantees that the boy will do his part in the end?" SEELE 03 asked with slight discomfort in his voice. "What's to stop him from coming after us now that he may have resources? "
"He won't." SEELE 02 spoke, everyone could feel a smile on his face. "If WILLE gets a deal, he will most likely stay at Wunder, because there is the only place where they can successfully transport and deploy Unit 01."
"But that still doesn't change the fact that he's hunting us." SEELE 03 spoke up annoyed.
"He will be very focused on dealing with his situation with Colonel Katsuragi." Keel replied to his colleague. "He will be feeling the effects of everything that has happened between them."
"Couldn't that be a danger to our scenario?" SEELE 02 asked, now realizing that Shinji's closeness to the Wunder crew could become dangerous.
"It won't." Keel spoke with the authority of knowing how to proceed at times like this, bringing his hands to his face and putting them together. "He will let his guard down."
"But that still doesn't stop him from coming to us." SEELE 03 replied agitatedly.
Keel was already beginning to lose patience with his colleague's naiveté, even though he knew his concern that he would be able to capture everyone, this would not affect the scenario already written many years ago, clenching his hands tighter to keep himself under control.
"It doesn't matter." Keel replied coldly.
"How can you not?!" SEELE 05 retorted angrily, not liking the way SEELE 01 was handling the situation, his mind screaming at the fact that he was not taking this possibility seriously.
Keel took a breath to gather enough air to calm himself, knowing that he was no longer old enough to punish his body with unnecessary fighting and yelling.
"Even if we are all caught, it will still be years before we are tried and convicted, that wait is nothing compared to what we have already waited to start the human instrumentalization project." Keel spoke firmly, knowing that this answer would most likely not work with his now agitated colleague, he only waited for the answer.
"Caught?!" SEELE 05 retorted, feeling his blood boil at the possibility of being in a jail cell, having already gone through most of his life with a luxurious and comfortable life, he couldn't imagine having a life in a jail.
"Yes, luxurious living is nothing compared to what we will experience when the set is completed." Keel replied keeping his voice and posture calm. "Even if we are captured, that can be expected."
"But it's easy for you! " SEELE 05 spoke up annoyed. "Your location is unknown even to us! It's easy for you to ask for calm if you are the least likely to be captured!.. "
"SEELE 05 ... Watch your tone." Keel warned his friend, keeping his voice cool, but everyone could feel the intensity, knowing he was starting to cross the line, his mind could accept arguments, but he was not going to be challenged.
"I apologize, but you must understand our situation." SEELE 05 spoke as he calmed down. "But we cannot deny that he is being an inconvenience to the group, there is nothing we can do to stop him? "
Keel bowed his head in thought, knowing that Shinji had been acting very unpredictably since he got out of prison, that his companion's words were correct, he couldn't afford for Shinji to be able to put the scenario at risk.
Breathing lightly, Keel was thinking of some way to get things speeded up for Shinji to be controlled again, with a shadow of a smile behind his now gloved hands.
"Gentlemen." Keel spoke as he began to adjust himself again, feeling his back screaming with discomfort due to the numerous mechanical parts that were holding his spine in place. "Do not fear WILLE."
Seeing how silent the meeting was now, Keel continued. "Even if capture happens, stick to the scenario, I assure you that this period is short-lived."
"I hope so 01." SEELE 02 spoke, but soon resolved to complement his companion. "WILLE is lost on us."
"If not for Shinji Ikari's actions, they would never have been able to get their hands on us." SEELE 03 spoke confidently.
"They are using the boy to do their dirty work." Keel spoke with disgust in his voice. "They are afraid to get their hands dirty."
"True." SEELE 05 spoke up, remembering facts that happened in the early post-third impact times. "They are covering up the truth behind the third impact just to keep up the appearance of saviors."
Keel watched his companions debauch WILLE, knowing that this institution was no different from NERV in many ways, they kept a lot of things in the dark just to maintain the appearance of saviors of the world, if the information showed what really happened on the third impact, WILLE's credibility is lost to the few people left.
As the sound of seeing, one by one of the loose SEELE members began to disappear, Keel took one last look at the now black background of the communication room he used to hold his meetings.
Still sitting staring into nothingness, Keel lowered his gaze to his wooden table, seeing the high quality material, shining flawlessly, soon the leader of the SEELES looked forward again, knowing full well what should be done.
With a sigh, Keel slowly stood up, feeling every part of his body screaming as he put strength into his legs, using his desk as a support to stand up, at his side he had a cane, it represented the good times of SEELE where they had the absolute power of the world.
Walking slowly out of the room, Keel kept his gaze fixed in front of him with every step he took, but his mind was machining on his scenario, trying to predict the movements of his enemies and especially those of Shinji.
Giving a small growl as he remembered Gendo's son, Keel soon began comparing him to a plague, knowing that the younger Ikari was managing to be completely unpredictable.
Walking towards a large window, Keel stopped as he looked at the hills partially stained by red earth, but the main thing was that he could see the small colony in the background.
Seeing the movement of the few people that were circulating, the small businesses trying to restore some of the standard of living they had before the third impact, knowing that a few hundred meters away was one of the creators for the end.
To those who could see Keel now, he was only standing like a statue in front of the window, keeping a cold and controlled posture, in the eyes of ordinary people he was just an old person, a former German ambassador, a tycoon of various companies, a man of great wealth and power, but few knew that he only had this external image to be able to approach resources, that a life of luxury was not his goal, that he would throw all this away to be able to advance the scenario, that none of this would compare to being a God.
Turning and walking to a room, Keel was thinking of a way to stop Shinji, but he would still need him to complete the instrumentality, opening the door slowly, the man walked to a table that contained a telephone.
Picking up the device, Keel stared for what could be described as an eternity before turning it on, knowing that his idea was risky, but if it worked, he could refocus on other setbacks, and this was mainly his concern, of Gendo being able to take the power for himself and use the instrumentality as he wished.
Pressing a series of buttons, Keel brought the device to his ear, he waited patiently as he heard the dial tone, knowing that being in a hurry would do no good at this time.
"Hi." A male voice spoke from the other end, one could sense that she was anxious and uncomfortable.
"It's me." Keel spoke in a cold, calculated voice, knowing that was enough for the person on the other end to know it was him.
"Oh ... Sorry sir, I hadn't recognized you." The man's voice wavered as he identified the voice on the other end.
Keel gave a slight smile at the knowledge that he still had some power over people, but soon he returned to his traditional scowl. "I'm going to need you to do something for me."
"All for SEELE." The man spoke confidently, he waited patiently to hear Keel's order to him.
"Good." Keel replied firmly. "I want you to spread my location."
"Sir?" The man's voice wavered, not understanding the order he had just received.
"That's what I just said." Keel spoke coldly, having his plan already formed. "I want you to get my location into Shinji Ikari's hands."
"But ... But that represents the end of you sir." The man spoke stuttering, knowing that Shinji was on his SEELES quest, that his greatest idol was asking him to tell him his location, this was not right in the eyes of the sympathizer.
"It won't be." Keel retorted, he knew that sympathizers wouldn't like his plan, but the fewer people who knew it was going to be better.
"But sir..." The sympathizer began to speak in hopes of being able to convince his icon, but he knew this was a losing battle.
"I know what I'm doing!. " Keel spoke annoyed, but he couldn't control his voice at the last part. "Don't question me! Obey!. "
After a few seconds of silence, Keel heard a sigh from the other end of the line, knowing he was most likely questioning his loyalty, SEELE 01 knew he had to sink the knife even deeper to get what he wanted.
"Are you doubting me?" Keel asked keeping his voice cold, bored and with great intensity, he was not speaking loudly, but rather calmly and with great authority, like an extremely powerful state leader speaking to a foot soldier. "Do you doubt my steps?"
Keel heard the man swallowing dryly on the other side, knowing that his intimidation technique was working, he just wanted to hear the confirmation of loyalty.
"I am not doubting sir." The man spoke dejectedly, still not wanting to believe SEELE 01's words, imagining that last order as a suicide request regarding SEELE and his scenario. "But this is too big, you are our mentor and our motivation, I can't live with this guilt."
Keel rolled his eyes from behind his visor, knowing that the sympathizers were people very intimate with their leaders and that each of them deified the SEELE figure, but he waited patiently. "You won't be blamed for anything, this is a great act for SEELE."
Keel could feel that the man nodded, after listening to another long sigh, he listened. "Ok sir ... If that is SEELE's will, I will gladly comply."
"Good." Keel spoke with a shadow of a smile on his face, knowing he had accomplished his goal. "I will send the location along with some documents, I want you to make sure this gets into Shinji Ikari's hands."
"That's a secret, do it yourself or get someone very trustworthy." Keel spoke keeping his voice cold and direct.
"Yes sir." The man spoke confidently, keeping his voice steady as a soldier listened to everything intently.
Keel took a deep breath as he began to speak all the instructions he had managed to formulate, spending several minutes speaking his orders, making sure that every word was understood.
"This is your mission, ensure success or there will be serious consequences." Keel spoke menacingly, he could feel the anxiety of the man on the other side.
Hanging up the phone, Keel turned and walked slowly to his desk, placing his thumb on a digitally locked drawer, a soft beep sounded and the sound of something opening sounded again.
Looking at a painting that began to move away into the wall, Keel headed toward his safe, WILLE or any other entity would kill for this information.
He looked at several documents that were stacked in various envelopes and hard drives, all of which detailed every meeting SEELE had held in these fifty years, he read the label that detailed the contents of the documents.
The expedition to Antarctica for the studies on the first angel, the truth behind the second impact, all the transactions to obtain resources for the construction of Mark 06 on the moon, and the main one of all, the truth behind the third impact.
Assenting knowing that these documents would do, Keel turned and walked away, a soft beep signaled that the safe was now returning to its place he turned to check that everything was once again sealed and well hidden, having confirmed what he wanted, Keel walked to his desk.
Sitting up with a groan, Keel again dialed a number, this person would initiate his plan, after a few seconds of waiting, the line was answered, but no voice came, but Keel knew he was being heard.
"Come, I have a package." That was all Keel spoke before hanging up the line.
With a smile on his face, Keel knew that this would ensure the success of the human instrumentation, that this would put an end to Shinji's fight against SEELE, finally he would show this man that he was no bigger than the stage.
- You were good kid, but I'm not an idiot guy, I've got it all planned out long before you were born, tick-tock Mr. Ikari, the clock is ticking against you. - Keel thought haughtily as he adjusted himself on the leather chair.
(*)
Staring into nothingness, Shinji still had the image of Wunder coming towards him, the feeling of having sustained all his weight through his AT field, lowering his head to the ground and closing his eyes, Shinji gave a long sigh, but he couldn't dwell on it, he had already strayed too far from his plan.
Lifting his head upwards, his eyes soon locked on the person in front of him, with him was one of the SEELE militants, a few days ago he had managed to hear a rumor that some members might have some information about the whereabouts of SEELE 01.
"Let's start over." Shinji spoke as he looked this person in the eye, seeing that they were not cooperating as he would like them to cooperate. "I don't want to hurt you, but that will depend on you."
The man in front of him was looking at Shinji all the time, knowing that his mission was leading up to this, remembering SEELE 01's words about this, he couldn't open the game right away.
" You scum!" Shouted the man as he tried to spit at Shinji.
Shinji lowered his gaze to the ground, he didn't want to have to hurt this person, but knowing that he had the information he wanted, his morale was going to have to endure.
"Why so fresh!? This is SEELE we're talking about!" His mind screamed as he sensed Shinji's doubt.
- I know, but I don't want to hurt this man. - Shinji pleaded to himself, still not having come to terms with himself about his course of action, each wound he inflicted, the more his mind screamed in guilt.
"Now there's no turning back! What's one more fault for the person who caused this!?" Soon Shinji's mind caused him to raise his head, briefly looking out, only his eyes could see the color red.
Ducking his head at the knowledge that all this hell was his fault, Shinji closed his eyes, knowing that his account was very much in the red.
"So what's it going to be?" Shinji's mind spoke as he focused his eyes on the man tied up in front of him, still deciding on what he was going to do. "He has the information about SEELE 01 ... 01!"
- It's all too easy. - Shinji caught himself thinking, knowing that the rumor came up too quickly, looking again at the man in front of him, Shinji still had doubts about it.
"Don't you want Misato and the others to smile at you again?" His troubled mind struck low, knowing that this was what Shinji craved most, "Come on Shinji, you're already a monster."
Closing his eyes Shinji turned and walked slowly to the man in front of him, putting a scowl on his face as he approached. "Where is he?"
Smiling at Shinji, the sympathizer knew he was succeeding, knowing that his suffering was very likely to happen, but his loyalty to SEELE was unwavering, he just waited.
"You won't get anything from me." Spoke the man smiling showing all his teeth.
Shinji closed his fist as he felt his hand shaking, feeling his anger beginning to rise, gasping slightly, Shinji looked up into the man's face.
With one swift movement, Shinji landed a punch to the man's face, using considerable force of energy, Shinji watched as the man's head abruptly turned to the side, keeping the direction of the punch.
A sarcastic laugh rang through the room, Shinji watched as the man's face turned to him, running his tongue over his teeth with small blood stains from the punch he received. "What a faggot punch."
Seeing the man begin to laugh uncontrollably only made Shinji's anger grow even more, holding the man's head with one hand, Shinji raised his fist upward in hopes of making it an intimidating pose.
"Let's go." The man spoke as he made his eyes travel between Shinji's eyes and his hand, smiling arrogantly. "Show me what you can do."
"You!" Shinji growled as he punched the man again, raising his fist again and punching him again in the face. "Where is he?!"
With small coughs, the man spat a little on the ground, causing small blood stains, the blows were already starting to hurt, but he stood his ground.
Seeing the silence in the room, Shinji soon knocked over the chair, climbing on top of the man and giving the sympathizer small kicks to the chest. "This is your fault, tell me!"
After a few sessions of kicking and punching, the already feeling weakened man was wondering if he had gotten enough time to make the right impression, thinking it was time to start cooperating according to the orders given.
"OK ... OK." Spoke the man between breaths, hoping that Shinji had fallen for the bait.
Stepping away and opening his fist, Shinji glanced at the joints of his now bruised hands, he only looked with sad eyes at the sympathizer, his mind screaming the word 'monster' in his head for what he had done.
"Where is he?" Shinji asked quietly, still looking at his bruised hands, closing his eyes to clear the mental image of his actions.
Taking a deep breath to get the necessary breath, the man spoke weakly. "He's in Germany."
Shinji finally looked at the man, seeing his bruised face, Shinji tried to concentrate on his words. "Which part? Where?"
The man gasped moderately, raising his eyes to Shinji's direction, with a long breath he began to speak. "I don't know his name. But I know where he is."
Shinji only nodded, at least now he could return to his more normal self, so he waited.
"He is in the colony of Dusseldorf II." The SEELE sympathizer paused for breath, looking down as he completed his reasoning. "It's one of the areas that could be reclaimed, he's in a dud house in the alps."
Shinji nodded, already plotting the route in his mind, creating his plan to reach his goal, but as soon as he heard the man he was intrigued by his statement.
"Man ... He's a knockout ... You won't make it." The man spoke as he gave a small arrogant smile. "SEELE 01 is the smartest of them all, you think numbers are just embellishments?"
Shinji watched as the sympathizer began to laugh weakly, knowing that the leader of the SEELES was a clever man, he had managed to fool the world all this time, Shinji adjusted himself and spoke calmly.
"Why do you say that?"
The man spoke still smiling, his body was aching, but seeing Shinji falling into the SEELE 01 net was more fun, knowing that he had already accomplished his goal and could play with Shinji's mind a little.
"Isn't that not obvious?" The wounded sympathizer asked, maintaining his arrogant posture. "He's been planning this for many years, he's managed to keep NERV and WILLE in his pocket."
Shinji watched as he began to giggle more, with that the sympathizer continued his speech. "And you believe a brat like you." The sympathizer stopped and took a good look at Shinji and then smiled. "A brat, a brat who is nothing but a monster who thinks he is a hero."
Shinji could feel the words hitting him, he had been feeling the weight of this word for many years, but he let the sympathizer continue.
Laughing openly, the man totally ignored his condition. "SEELE 01 already knows that it is you who are catching our leaders. Do you think this will solve it? Do you know who these people are? By the end of the year, they will all be out."
Shinji clasped his hands together, knowing that this man was right, the SEELES he had captured were not going to be locked up, they were too rich and powerful, only the little fish were going to jail or the firing squad, but these words were making him nervous.
Seeing Shinji's posture change, the sympathizer smiled devilishly. "Nothing you do will change that, you're just delaying it. Nothing is going to stop their scenario."
Shinji raised his hand to his waist, wanting to grab his Beretta, but he soon remembered that it had stayed with Asuka, with a big sigh, Shinji missed his squire.
Seeing the sympathizer's laughter, Shinji's blood boiled, knowing all this was true, that he was only delaying their plan, one person could do nothing in this world, but soon one thing crossed his mind.
A flash of memory with Misato's image flashed through his mind, knowing that they were on opposite sides of the board, but their goals were the same, they wanted to take down SEELE and NERV.
"You're wrong." Shinji spoke calmly, he could see that the sympathizer stared at him with confused eyes, seeing that he had the attention he wanted. "Well not all, but yes you are wrong.
The sympathizer watched as he began to speak, keeping his posture confused.
"I may not succeed, but at least I will show the world who they are and then these people will no longer be a shadow, a secret society, everyone will know who was orchestrating all of this." Shinji spoke with a small smile on his face, bringing his hand to his back where his six-shooter revolver that he had carried with him since he had stolen Unit 01 was.
Looking at the man moving uncomfortably in his chair, Shinji knew he was hitting a nerve. "That's nothing, we're not disappearing, that's in no way the same thing!"
Shinji gave a small laugh, knowing that she had succeeded in making him uncomfortable. "And then, when this whole little club is over, WILLE will go after them and then they won't fail."
Shinji didn't like the idea of failing, but he kept it in mind, knowing that it's a possibility of that happening and knowing that Misato could finish what he started gave him some comfort.
The sympathizer looked Shinji in the eye, maintaining his revenge-hungry posture. The two stared hard at each other for a few seconds before the sympathizer spoke again.
"When you die and you go ... I will love to desecrate your body and use it as a reminder with what happens to those who mess with SEELE." The man growled at Shinji, not liking to see him belittle everything SEELE had worked for, but he knew it was over, that he would not get out of this place alive. "I'm not going to see it, but from wherever I am I'm going to love to see it."
Shinji widened his smile, removing the gun from his back and showing it to the sympathizer, still digesting what he had spoken, but he wouldn't give him a chance to leave satisfied, opening the ammunition drum Shinji began to slowly place into each space a round of ammunition, speaking arrogantly all the while. "If I fall, at least I will go knowing I tried, you guys can do whatever you want with my body, I won't be there to feel or see."
The sympathizer began to gasp faster as he saw Shinji carrying the revolver, but he was listening to everything he spoke intently, knowing I his last word had not given the effect he desired.
Shinji seeing the sympathizer's anxiety continued until he put six rounds in, with a motion of his free hand, Shinji used to spin the now loaded drum, making a very good sound to his ears and with a gesture closed it.
"But one thing I do know." Shinji spoke as he lowered his gun, still keeping his cooler posture, but looking the man in the eye at all times. "I may not be here, but SEELE will fail, you all know they will fail."
The man watched as Shinji raised the gun and pointed it at his head, swallowing dryly at the situation, clearly the man was nervous, Shinji had become an intimidating man.
Engaging a bullet, Shinji spoke coldly as he pressed the trigger lightly. "If you go to hell I'll ask you a favor, hold my seat dearly."
The sympathizer's eyes widened at the words, he could only hope.
Shinji was looking at the man's face, still wondering why he hadn't pulled the trigger yet, something in the back of his mind was blocking him.
Many memories popped into his head, but the main one of all was one with Misato in particular, this memory was the first night he spent in her apartment, where she told him that he had done a very good thing for humanity by flying an EVA.
Feeling his hand shaking slightly, his mind was screaming at him not to do this.
"What?" His mind spoke agitatedly, feeling the weight of Shinji's doubt. "He's just a sympathizer, he's worse than a terrorist!"
- I know, but... - Shinji tried to argue, but was soon cut off by his troubled conscience.
"But what? I could see the memory you saw." His sick head spoke up annoyed. "Do you think she will take you back!?"
- No, but I'm not a murderer. - Shinji tried to argue, the truth was that since his meeting with Asuka, his brief conversation with Misato and the fact that he had saved their lives was starting to make old thoughts come back to the top of his head.
"You are! You're not seeing your way around, you can't fix it!" Shinji's mind screamed, feeling that she was managing to push the doubt away, she continued. "You will never be accepted by them!, your fate is already locked!"
Shinji lowered his gaze, still keeping his hand with the gun pointed at the sympathizer's head, time seemed to have frozen for Shinji.
"Just think, if you leave him alive, he will alert SEELE." His mind asked agitatedly.
Shinji knew this to be true, killing another person coldly was something that made him sick. But soon his mind brought back images of Asuka's rescue, how he acted violently to get her back.
"Hypocrite." His mind screamed at the sight of the reminder. "Do it at once!"
Shinji felt the adrenaline rushing through his body, but he knew that the animal part of him was right, he couldn't let this person live, he would alert SEELE 01 and everything he had worked for would have been in vain.
Raising his head and having his decision made, Shinji looked the man in the eye again, with a final squeeze and a sharp pop, Shinji watched a small red dust come out from behind the sympathizer's head.
Looking at the head of the now dead man, Shinji could hear a sound of the blood fillet falling to the ground, Shinji gave a long sigh knowing that again he had caused someone's death, this was something Shinji would never forgive.
"It was necessary." Shinji whispered to no one in particular, bringing a hand to his face, feeling that his body wanted to cry, turning quickly to leave the room, Shinji went to the kitchen, looking at the kitchen sink and closing his eyes.
Shinji doesn't know how long he stood still with his head down, keeping his eyes closed in the hope that he could control himself as he took long breaths, finally feeling his body calming down enough that he could get back to his normal.
Reopening his eyes again, Shinji looked at the wall of the apartment, remembering the words of the sympathizer, he now had the location of SEELE 01, he had a chance to be able to capture the leader of the group, the snake doesn't live long without its head.
Feeling an itch starting in his chest, Shinji brought his hand up to it, a slight pain was coming on, Shinji knew what was coming, again he would be attacked by the cough that was consuming his body.
"No." Shinji spoke as he began to feel a small cough arising. "Not now."
Starting to cough, Shinji leaned on the sink as he coughed lightly, but he knew it would get worse.
As the seconds ticked by, Shinji's coughing got worse, to the point where he could taste a metallic taste in his mouth, drops of blood flew from his mouth and mixed with the red earth that came through the window.
Holding his chest while coughing and struggling to breathe, Shinji felt his body getting weaker, knowing that most likely his condition was getting worse with each passing month.
Falling to the ground, Shinji was struggling to try to control the cough that was consuming his lungs, gasping and coughing, Shinji closed his eyes tightly and tried to control his breathing.
He managed to control his cough, but his body was thirsty for air, the injuries were already getting worse.
Falling to the ground, Shinji was gasping heavily, Shinji was feeling his body beginning to lose the battle, seeing black edges appearing in his vision. "No!"
Shinji tried to growl to himself, knowing that it was getting worse and that one day he would not be able to control himself anymore. Finally getting the desired air, he felt his body returning to normal, opening his eyes again and seeing his vision returning to normal, soon he was almost normal again.
Knowing that his body was already reaching its limits, Shinji closed his eyes again, he only wished he could have time to finish his plans, still with his eyes closed, Shinji began to normalize his breathing.
"Just a little longer." Shinji whispered to himself, trying to give him the strength to continue his journey in search of his own redemption, he knew that his overall condition was a hopeless case, he could only whisper to himself and have his thoughts as fuel for his already started journey.
"Just a little more ... Just hold on a little longer."
(*)
After a few hours Shinji was getting ready to leave, again looking back at his temporary home, taking a brief look at the six shot revolver in his hand, feeling the weight of this piece of metal made to take lives, it was completely black, without any special details, he missed his faithful squire, Shinji gave a long sigh, still feeling his chest hurting after the episode he spent in the kitchen.
Knowing what he should do, Shinji again turned his gaze to the direction where he had "stored" Unit 01, walking through the red earth with wide, heavy steps, Shinji had only one thing on his mind, and that thing was to get SEELE 01.
Keeping his gaze determined, Shinji closed his eyes as he walked, replaying his strategy and the path he would take to get there, getting lost in his thoughts he knew WILLE would be close by, Keel Loren was a powerful and dangerous man, if the sympathizer's words were true, Shinji would have to be very careful.
Descending to approach a cave, Shinji walked through the stony and hard to reach terrain, soon he could see the purple giant, looking at its face, Shinji felt his body shudder at the image, only having the illumination thanks to the flashlight that was with him.
Softly illuminating the body of Unit 01, the image was striking, finding a giant robot with a large horn on its head in a dark cave was intimidating.
Walking towards the entrance plug, Shinji watched as he came across the small ladder that gave access, he climbed it feeling his body grumbling with the effort, the truth was that everything he was doing was already starting to take its toll, the lack of sleep added to his coughing situation.
Finally arriving at his destination, Shinji threw his backpack into the plug, gasping slightly with the effort he soon sat down, he began to feel the Unity starting to activate.
"Let's go to Germany." Shinji spoke determinedly as he took full view of the cave, his eyesight being enhanced with the superior vision the EVA could give him, adjusting as best he could, Shinji led Unit 01 out and with heavy steps he ran to his next mission.
(*)
Wunder
Misato was in her office, next to her was Ritsuko, both were looking at all kinds of documents she could offer, Rei was by Ritsuko's side handing her everything that was requested.
"We've covered that whole area." Ritsuko showed Misato a schematic of the terrain of northern Italy, the search for Shinji and Unit 01 was proving to be extremely exhilarating.
"He could be anywhere, these plains and cracks in the ground are all big enough to hide an EVA, we don't have enough personnel to cover everything." Misato replied professionally as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Closing her eyes tightly, Misato let out a long sigh, she was beginning to think that managing to recapture Shinji was a task bordering on the impossible.
Ritsuko was standing next to Rei, who had a thoughtful look on her face, again waking up with a sense of memories she had never experienced, this was puzzling the blue-haired woman.
Seeing Rei's lost look, Misato soon frowned, Rei's face was more dull than usual. "Rei?"
Rei was removed from her thoughts with Misato's call, lifting her head and staring at her with her intense red eyes. "Mistress."
Misato stared at Rei's face for a few seconds, being able to tell that something was bothering the young woman in her living room, soon Ritsuko stopped what she was doing to face her assistant. "Is everything okay?"
Rei pondered the idea of telling what was bothering her, she hadn't gotten anywhere with her thoughts, the truth was that each day Rei woke up with memories she hadn't experienced, new feelings arose in her body.
"I..." Rei began to speak, wanting to know if her superior had the answers she was looking for, but a call took that opportunity.
Misato realized Rei was about to say something, she hadn't given her standard answers like 'No', but the call made her momentarily distracted, turning around and speaking strongly. "What?"
"Ma'am, we have a call from command." Hyuga passed on the information he had received.
Misato frowned at this, knowing that WILLE's command had passed her the mission to find Shinji and Unit 01, so they could only be calling for two reasons, they either found Shinji before she did or they found his body.
Misato closed her eyes at the possibility that Shinji was dead, but she could only find out by contacting WILLE's high command. "Pass it to me." Ordered Misato coldly, she could hear Hyuga's response, but her mind was focused on something else to give importance to.
Misato turned to her monitor, with a few keystrokes the image of General Yamamoto appeared in front of her, seeing his heavy scowl, Misato already expected the worst, but the years have taught her to be cool in tense moments.
"Colonel Katsuragi." He greeted General Yamamoto with a simple nod, at which he was met with a salute from the three women present, but soon Yamamoto's eyes fell on Rei.
"What can I do for you sir?" Misato asked professionally, but she noticed Yamamoto's gaze on Rei.
"I have a temporary assignment for Wunder." Soon General Yamamoto spoke keeping his military tone. "But I will ask that Miss Ayanami leave, please."
Misato was about to speak when Rei and voice came up again. "Of course sir." Turning to her superior, Rei soon felt everyone's gaze on her.
"Rei, go to the infirmary, help with whatever is needed." Ritsuko dismissed Rei, watching the girl give a salute to everyone.
A silence reigned in Misato's room, when they were alone again, Misato and Ritsuko's eyes returned to the screen, seeing Yamamoto's face.
"What are we needed for you sir?" Misato asked keeping her tone professional.
"A situation has arisen." Yamamoto began to speak as he put his hands together in front of his face. "You have a major WILLE contributor in distress, and Wunder is the closest to your location."
Misato narrowed hers eyes at this order, but it was hidden by her glasses, her mind was screaming, was rescuing a ricin more important than recovering Unit 01 and Shinji?
Ritsuko had the same look, but kept up appearances, she knew Misato would mediate this conversation.
"Sir, with all due respect." Misato began to speak as he crossed her arms over her chest, maintaining control at all times. "It is not Wunder's job to rescue civilians, we are on a mission of greater importance."
Misato noticed Yamamoto's scowl increase, knowing that her statement must not have changed the order, but she had registered her indignation.
"Colonel Katsuragi." Yamamoto approached the screen, keeping as cool a posture as possible. "That's not a request, that's an order!"
Misato let out a sigh upon hearing this, knowing that she was forced to obey and the thought of having to leave the search for Shinji for later made her angry. "OK sir."
"Well, you will receive the location." General Yamamoto spoke with a cold stare. "And one more thing, we want the person responsible alive." Ordered General Yamamoto as he abruptly turned off the transmission.
Misato lowered her head and closed her fists, she hated having to take a break from her goals, but she knew this couldn't be left for another time, letting out a short sigh and turning her head to Ritsuko who was watching her face.
"So that's it?!" Misato spoke annoyed. "We're private guards for richies?!"
Ritsuko took a cigarette from her pockets, lit it and brought it to her mouth, after a long drag she turned her gaze to Misato. "Bureaucrats."
Misato brought her hand to her face, but soon started walking to the bridge, knowing that by now they must have received the location, grumbling all the while.
Arriving at the bridge, everyone looked at her on the upper walkway, knowing that most likely they had received new orders, but no one dared to start guessing.
Seeing the look on her subordinates' faces, Misato began to speak coldly. "Have we received the coordinates?"
"Yes ma'am, we're ready now." Tama spoke as professionally as he could, he didn't want to have to face the wrath of Misato like Midori who stood beside him with her head down.
"Well, we have to rescue a richie." Misato spoke visibly upset, she could see everyone's reaction, knowing the feeling they had on their hands now. "I know, I made sure WILLE's command registered my annoyance, but we have no choice, change course for the location received."
"Right, changing course for Germany." Koji spoke as he changed Wunder's direction.
"Well, top speed, the faster we catch him the better." Misato spoke as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Estimated time six hours." Midori spoke from her seat, she could feel Misato's gaze on her back.
Only nodding, Misato could only grumble, she watched as Wunder changed direction going towards the center of Europe, the further they got away she felt she was further away from Shinji.
(*)
A few hours later - Düsseldorf II
Shinji was looking at a large house on high, knowing that most likely SEELE 01 was a man with great resources, seeing all the movement of the place and especially the roads that gave access, but one thing was strange, the movement was low people.
Sensing that something was wrong, Shinji lowered the binoculars and stared at the colony from afar, seeing the small town in the background, but his mind was too focused on catching SEELE 01.
Walking through the vegetation until he was facing a large gate, jumping through it with great ease, soon Shinji didn't encounter much resistance, only employees working in the large house.
Looking at the imposing facade of the mansion that followed German architecture with many windows and large doors, Shinji could not deny that it was an impressive mansion, getting in would not be a problem for him.
Inside the house, soon Shinji began walking across the wooden floor that shone flawlessly, but that was not Shinji's focus, it was all too easy.
- It's too easy. - Shinji thought as he walked, sensing that something was very wrong.
"This is no time for that!" His agitated mind spoke, bringing back memories of other SEELES houses he had entered, many had also been easy going. "SEELES are arrogant, they are dumb."
Shinji had his revolver in hand, still not feeling comfortable with the idea of having another weapon, walking with soft steps through a large corridor, Shinji could see a large window that crossed the corridor, being amazed with the view, he could see the whole city and a WILLE base in the background.
Looking again at the large wooden door in the background, Shinji stopped, knowing that most probably SEELE 01 was on the other side, preparing to break in and take him by surprise, but a sound stopped him.
"Mister Ikari." A voice of a very elderly man called out to him, keeping his voice cold and calm, Shinji felt his blood freeze at that. "Will it take long to get in?"
- How did he know? - Shinji thought startled, his mind screaming to know why SEELE 01 knew about him.
Opening the door slowly, Shinji pointed the gun at the occupant, Keel Lorenz was sitting at his desk, maintaining his usual cool and calculating pose, but he knew that this plan was too risky, everything could go wrong.
Shinji looked everywhere, the only thing inside the room was the two of them, keeping the gun pointed at Keel at all times, moistening his lips Shinji spoke trying to keep his nervousness under control, his plan having gone to the clouds with Keel knowing he was in the house.
Inside the room there was only a large wooden table, on Keel's table there was a computer monitor, Shinji thought it was from security cameras, and in the background there was a large oval window.
"SEELE 01." Shinji spoke as he kept his gun pointed as he approached. "How did you know I was here? "
Keel maintained his posture at all times, having too many years of experience to be able to control his external posture, with a long breath he spoke. "Very easy."
Shinji felt anger begin to rise at the lack of sense of danger from this man, but he maintained his posture.
With a shadow of a smile, Keel continued. "I had to meet you, you're not as smart as you think you are."
"I'm smart enough to find you." Shinji growled as he tightened his grip on the revolver.
"Find me?" Keel laughed wryly. "You're only here because of me."
Shinji watched as Keel put his hands together in front of his face, staring at Shinji all the while, watching his posture become rigid, his plan was working, with a brief glance at the cameras, Keel watched as a group of WILLE soldiers entered the house.
Shinji felt his breathing increase, knowing that this was all too easy. "That's a lie, why would you want me?"
"Very simple." Keel spoke as he adjusted himself in his chair, still speaking arrogantly. "You were getting in my way."
Shinji gritted his teeth in annoyance, he had no doubt that he was manipulated, but he still didn't understand why.
Keel smiled as he saw Shinji's agitation, knowing that WILLE was inside the house right now, he decided to continue. "WILLE will get you and you will die."
Shinji lowered his gaze, his mind screaming at how he had been caught. "WILLE doesn't know I'm here! "
"Is it?" Keel spoke wryly as he turned the monitor with the cameras, soon Shinji's eyes went wide, watching the movement of the cameras from inside the mansion, he watched as a group of armed soldiers walked towards him.
"No." Shinji whispered as he approached the computer, feeling enormous anger at the knowledge that he had fallen into a trap like a duck. "No!"
Keel smiled as he saw Shinji's desperation increase, speaking arrogantly. "You lost."
"No!" Shinji shouted as he walked away, he could hear the sound of footsteps approaching, knowing they were close, again taking the gun in the direction of Keel who was standing arrogantly, he only had two options, wait to be caught, or kill Keel.
Making his decision quickly, Shinji couldn't let a SEELE get away, taking his gun in Keel's direction and engaging a bullet. "I may die, but you won't outlive me!"
If Shinji could see, Keel's eyes widened behind the thick visors that hid his eyes, he could only hope that WILLE would come in.
Shinji was preparing to kill Keel when the door behind him opened abruptly, a sound of a woman giving an order was heard, but this voice was familiar, a voice he swore he would never hear again.
"Freeze!"
Turning his head slowly, Shinji still had the hungry look in his eyes, but his face softened slightly when his eyes locked on the one person and that person was Misato.
Misato had her gun in hand, she was ready to face one of SEELE's sympathizers, but she wasn't prepared for it. Changing her stance visibly, still not believing that this person was Shinji.
Seeing Misato's eyes for the first time in over two years, Shinji flinched a little, but soon he remembered his mission, turning abruptly, he was again pointing his gun at Keel.
Misato seemed to have frozen in place, she didn't expect to see Shinji in this place, but her eyes widened when she saw him turn around and point the gun again. "Shinji no!"
Shinji didn't seem to have listened, having a murderous look on his face, he was gently squeezing the trigger, but a loud thud hit him from the side of his body.
Misato watched as one of her men knocked him down, a firing sound could be heard, Shinji had managed to make a shot, but the ammunition missed its target, hitting the wall next to Keel who was standing firm.
Misato snapped out of her trance as she approached Shinji, seeing her soldiers overpowering him on the ground, soon Misato turned and looked Keel in the eye, knowing Shinji's journey for the capture of the SEELES, is it? Misato thought as she looked at Keel.
Struggling to get loose, Shinji had an animalistic look on his face, ignoring everyone around him, his mind only wanted one thing, to kill Keel. "No!"
Soon Misato observed Shinji on the ground, being held by her soldiers, still in shock to see his face, any trace of the boy she knew was dead, indeed Asuka was right, it was someone else with Shinji's face.
"Stand still!" Spoke one of the soldiers, feeling Shinji's resistance beneath him. "It's over!"
Shinji growled at the ground as he tried to get up, seeing that he couldn't, he shouted. "You can hide behind WILLE SEELE 01, but you can't hide from me!"
Everyone in the room frowned, a lot of soldiers knew that Shinji was after the SEELES, and so far he hadn't made a mistake, Misato looked at Shinji with pity, wanting to run and hug him, but her body and mind was frozen.
Feeling a prick in his leg, soon Shinji began to feel his body becoming weak, after a few seconds, his movements became slow and he was in the dream world.
Removing the gun from close range, Misato watched as her soldiers tied him up and began to lead him outside, but her gaze soon fell on Keel, who was watching everything intently with a shadow of a smile on his face, remembering Shinji's words.
- SEELE 01. - Thought Misato as she watched when one of her men signaled that Shinji was safe.
(*)
Wunder.
Shinji slowly opened his eyes, feeling his head heavy, looking up at a white ceiling. "An unknown ceiling."
Raising his head slowly, he soon felt a headache, remembering what had happened, growling at the knowledge that he had failed, but soon he remembered seeing Misato.
Looking around, he realized that he was in a small cell, judging that he was in jail and that he was most likely in Wunder again. "Crap."
Bringing his hand up to his neck, Shinji again found himself with the DSS choker, giving a sigh as he remembered it activating and exploding his friend's head, something that was meant to be him, giving a downcast sigh as he remembered one of his worst memories.
Hearing footsteps approaching, Shinji raised his head as he saw a set of several black boots, he looked up and saw a handful of guards, all heavily armed, Shinji stared at the faces strongly.
Having been taken into a room, soon his hands were arrested, Shinji could recognize that this was an interrogation room, seeing that it was only a matter of time before he was taken to prison again, it brought a feeling of sadness to his mind.
"At least I tried." Shinji spoke dejectedly as he heard a sound of a door opening, a person entered, looking this person in the eyes, soon memories returned, making a great effort to steady himself.
Sitting up softly, Misato could finally get a good look at Shinji's face, feeling shocked at what she had seen, a scar was on his cheek, his eyes were tired and lifeless and his posture was exhausted.
But what shocked Misato the most were Shinji's eyes, remembering before the pure-hearted, extremely shy boy who couldn't keep his gaze on anyone, now he was lifeless, completely faded, but she stared at him strongly, just as Shinji did.
"Brat."
"You can die I wouldn't even care."
"You just fuck up."
"From now on, you will do nothing more."
"Murderer."
Misato shuddered at the intensity of Shinji's gaze, only she could identify a single feeling and that feeling was anger.
- My God Shinji, what happened to you? What have we done to you? - Misato thought dejectedly, but she managed to keep her posture external, even though she didn't want to, this had already become a habit for her.
Not knowing how to start a conversation with him, Misato soon remembered Asuka's words, that this was going to be hard, that he was no longer the person she remembered, this hurt her soul, she was holding back because, her mind and her heart were screaming at her to fuck off and just get up and hug him like it was the first time they had ever seen each other, not caring about the opinion of others. Beg for his forgiveness.
Seeing that Shinji was again wearing a DSS choker around his neck, Misato wished she could do something about it, but that had been an order from the WILLE council, trying in every way possible to prevent it from being put on again, but the council had been adamant.
Remembering the first time they both met in this new world, Misato knew she shouldn't make the same mistake she made two years ago, she tried the only way her mind could think of.
"Hi Shinji."
Author's Notes: Hello Calborghete folks here, how are you? Did you like it? I hope so. As always be sure to follow and save it to your favorites so you don't miss any future updates.
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