Ch 15 Sympathy For The Devil


Misato made it through the pitch-black tunnel deep beneath NERV, her only guide being the outline of the girl's light blue hair in front of her, bright enough to see even in the dark. She'd not realized how red the girl's eyes were until now. They were like crimson gems, shining and sparkling in the darkness whenever the girl looked behind at her.

They entered a wide cavern. There she could see what was obviously the focus of the entire cave system. A large metallic spear impaled a massive white titan on a cross, spotlights glaring onto its pale sagging flesh. It dripped a red liquid that looked like red but slightly off color.

"Is that LCL?"

"The Primordial soup of life. Yes, it is what all of them bleed."

"Is that Adam? Why is the first Angel being hidden under NERV headquarters?"

"Not Adam, Lilith, the life mother of all the Lillim, you and I included. He is here somewhere."

"Lillim? Just how many Angels are there?"

"Those with the fruit of knowledge. Able to think and speak, without the power of the fruit of life. It is an older name for humans than humanity. There are many, their numbers are unimportant. If the other angels get to her or Adam. It will be the end of everything."

"Rei, what do you mean, the end of everything?"

"The Third Impact, the end of humanities AT field."

"Why not just kill it? If it's so dangerous, it shouldn't exist."

Rei took offense to the suggestion. She'd have to forgive the Major's ignorance as she would have to forgive much worse from her.

"I am her."

"What do you mean, you are her? You're not making any sense, Rei."

"Rei Ayanami is not a real person. This body is made up of Angelic material along with the genetic data of Yui Ikari."

"Shinji's mom!?"

"Rei Ayanami does not have a soul. I have hers. In a sense that...is my true form."

Rei stared at the floor, not wanting to meet the disgust she expected to see in the older women's eyes. She could feel them watering. She didn't like this feeling. It hurt.

When she looked up. The woman wasn't even paying attention to her. When their eyes finally met, there was none of the rejection she'd been waiting for. Understanding the emotions of others was still difficult for her. She'd only hope she didn't irrevocably destroy whatever relationship they'd had going before.

"Rei, I can see you. I've talked to you. It doesn't matter how you were born or created, you're still human to me."

She was taken by complete surprise when the women wrapped her in an embrace. It was warm. She didn't wish for it to end and after a few moments; it did.

"They hired me with my understanding being that NERV's reason for existing in the first place was to destroy the Angels. I need you to stop talking in riddles, Rei. This is serious. What is the commander up to?"

"That's why I brought you down here. I need your help."

"What could you need my help with?"

"It's the Commander. I want...I need to save him. I need your help to be able to do it."

"He's the most powerful man in the world and we're, for the most part, his assistants. Who could he possibly need saving from?"

"Himself."


"Asuka? Are you in position yet?"

"Give me a second idiot! I'm changing my stupid power cable!"

"Can you please not yell over the comms? It's really loud."

"NO!" then a few seconds later, barely above a whisper. "In position, I can see the target."

"Shinji fire a few warning shots while it's still moving, aiming for center mass and all units prepare for some form of counterattack. Until we know what it has hiding in its sleeve, I want this Angel to be treated like a living bomb."

"How is it a warning shot if you're still shooting it? Better question: why are we trying to warn our enemy? Let's just blow this thing to hell!"

Misato didn't answer the redhead's question and Shinji was far too busy to think of something to say to her. He tightened his grip on the controls as the Angel entered his rifle's sights.

"You're sure this is the only way?" He hadn't intended to speak the words aloud, but he meant them.

'It's a bit late to be asking that now. I am as certain as I can be, unless this Angel merely only looks like the one from my time. If that's true, then we're at a disadvantage, regardless. If this Angel is like the one from my time, there's only one way we can destroy it.'

He sighed and closed his eyes, trying to ready himself for what he knew was about to happen. It still didn't make it any easier. Not wanting the other to take the shot for him, he pulled the trigger.

All his shots made their mark, or at least it appeared that way at first. His bullets appeared to phase right through the Angel's body and upon contact, the massive orb vanished completely.

His legs were shaking, every fiber of his being was telling him to jump. He could easily leap to safety. He didn't dare look at the ground below. Feeling a sinking feeling as the shadow started growing underneath him. The shadow had fully submerged his feet already..

"Shinji move! It's right below you!"

"I can't do that Misato, it already trapped my legs."

The entry plug thrustors on the entry plug roared to life in an attempt to eject itself before stopping. The Eva refused to open and allow the pod to exit, his plan was working so far. Relief coursed through him at this realization. He didn't want anyone else involved. He knew exactly what he had to do.

This didn't make him any less scared. He watched the inky blackness slowly surround his Eva's limbs and making his own numb from the sensory connection. The fear was eating him up. His ears were burning and his head hurt. He didn't want the others to try to come to his rescue, so he suffered in silence. All he could hope now was that his plan worked and what his father had told him was true.

Shinji, you idiot! Move! What are you doing!?"

"Asuka, stay away! I have a plan! You have to trust me!"

"Plan!? What are you talking about!? Is your plan to die like you lived!? A cowardly idiot!? Fight! Get out of there before I drag you out!"

The Angel's shadow had moved all the way up to his waist now. He held his arms suspended above his head. It was becoming harder to control his breathing. He could feel his heart thrumming in his chest.

"NO! I know what I'm doing, Asuka! Please! Trust me!"

"Shinji? Shinji!?" He tried to respond, but being this far submerged in, the Angel must've done something to his comms. He couldn't move his Eva's head. He took that to mean he was nearly completely inside the Angel.

"Mom? Are you there?" The Evangelion didn't respond. He'd remembered his training and already set the system into its energy saving mode. Even the lights inside the entry plug were considered non-essential.

'Have faith in your mother, Shinji. She will not leave you to die here.'

"I hope you're right."


An elderly man walked down a corridor. He looked like a corpse, ragged skin pockmarked with bruises and discoloration. A bushy gray beard hid most of his face.

He was a man out of time, or that was what he had taken to calling himself at least. More of a ghost than a real person anymore. Some ghosts held plenty of power, however.

The man took a moment to stop at an observation window as he continued toward his destination. He could see the entirety of earth. Its vibrant colors contrasted against the jet black space surrounding it on all sides.

There were billions of fools upon that rock. Staring back up at him, gormlessly thinking the Second Impact had devastated humanity to the point that further space travel was a futile dream. Little did they know of its true purpose and of their role in it. Their ignorance was astounding.

Nobody had sacrificed more than him for the throne of Godhood. There was nothing left for him to give, nothing more to sacrifice. It was designed to be his the day he was born. It was his divine right to lead humanity to its next golden age.

He continued his walk. It was only a few more doors before he reached the room he sought out. He peered through the door's screen. Inside sat a boy with white hair. Eyes closed in concentration as his fingers flew across the keys on a starkly out of place grand piano.

He did not notice his entrance. The man could recognize the song being played, but didn't care enough to recall it. He was here on business; he didn't have time to dawdle on this metallic monstrosity for long.

The playing abruptly stopped. The boy's piercing red eyes turned to meet him.

"I was wondering when you were going to come visit me."

"You've been expecting me?"

"Of course I have. It's not like they have much of a use for me anymore."

"You are correct. You work for me now. Your orders do not change, however. You simply will not have to deal with a cohort of incompetents while you carry out your objective."

"Of course, I see no issue. In my eyes, all that occurred was a cleaning of the slate. Sinners and Apostates the lot of them. 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.'"

"Spare me the Religious Hogwash. You know why they died? They crossed me. Keep that fact in the front of your head at all times."

"Is she finished?"

He took a moment to survey the strange sixth child. His attempts at threats or intimidation seemed useless. Soon he'd have a remedy for that.

"The Mark-6 is nearly complete. The only work left is the flight systems. Once complete, you will perform a synchronization test, then remain on standby until further notice."

The boy stuck out his hand for him to shake. "I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise."

He did not take it. You couldn't make him touch that freak with someone else's hands. Leaving the room with a brief wave. He didn't have time for pleasantries. He'd lost the patience for that long ago.

"Apotheosis Awaits."


He woke up on top of a storm drain. His back hurt from rocks and hard metal jutting into for who knows how long. He stood up and shook off the dust, looking around to try and get his bearings of where he actually was.

Two things became apparent to him immediately, first he was shorter than he remembered, much shorter. Second, everything looked old. The buildings were enormous, but looked like they were built at least a hundred years ago. The cars were old too, none of the fancy brightly colored electric cars he'd gotten used to seeing in Tokyo-3.

"You're Robakungi's kid, right?'

A man with a lit cigarette in his mouth approached him. He seemed disinterested but determined. He couldn't remember if he'd seen him before, but he was fairly certain it was a stranger.

"Am I?"

"Don't get cute with me, kid. You're not here to fuck around."

"Sorry, what do you want me to do?"

"You know how to drive, right?"

"I don't have a license."

"That's not what I asked."

"Yeah, I can drive."

"Good. Take these and follow me." The man tossed him a pair of car keys and strode quickly to a car parked on the side of the road. It was a green sports car, there was a horse on the front and English characters on the side. He guessed some sort of American car. He got into the driver's seat and the man with him was in the passengers.

He nervously tapped his fingers on the steering wheel while they waited in silence. Too scared to ask what they were doing, or why. He just wanted it to be over as soon as possible. He kept stealing glances at the man next to him, but he ignored him, instead looking at his watch.

"Turn on the engine, now." He did as he was told and felt his heart beating in chest, almost in sync with the roaring of the car's deafeningly loud engine.

He looked out the window and saw two men walking with rapid steps towards the car, each in matching suits and their faces obscured by masks. Without a word, both of the men leapt into the backseat, ripping off their black face coverings and taking deep gulps of air.

"What the fuck are you waiting for!? Drive kid! Get us the hell out of here!"


His father's office was a mysterious place for him. There were no windows, the only light being a lamp on his father's desk. Bookshelves lined the walls with various books he couldn't read the names of most of.

"I was told that you performed well at your first job."

"Yes, father, I did my best. You could've warned me about what was coming."

"Were you really surprised? I have never hidden the nature of my work from you. You were the one who told me you had an interest in our family's business."

"I know but-"

"But nothing! You are my son! Sooner or later, this family's responsibilities will be yours! If you are not loyal to me and to this family, you can leave this house and never come back. The door is right there if you feel any hesitation. Otherwise, if you stay, you will do whatever this family asks of you, without complaint."

He bowed his head hoping to avoid enraging the man further. Saying what had been drilled into his head since birth. "I'm sorry for speaking out of line. Do you need me to do anything now?"

"No, tend to your mother. She's been moody lately. She should be in the kitchen."


"Is Dad a bad person?"

"No! Of course not! What would make you say that?"

"Cmon Mom, you know what he does for a living?"

"And what about it? He's a legitimate businessman. Money from his work bought everything in this house. If it weren't for this family's business, we'd be on the streets."

"But isn't it wrong? Doesn't that make it blood money?"

"You would dare ask such questions of your own family? Your father does what he has to do! He works very hard for this family!"

"I never said he didn't!"

"Then what are you saying, huh? We have no right to judge him. Just don't involve yourself in your father's affairs and don't worry about things that don't concern you."

"I'm sorry Mom. I was just asking. You don't need to yell."

"No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lost my temper-"

The man they were speaking of calmly strode into the kitchen. Opening the fridge and pretending to examine the contents before shutting the door and facing him.

"I lied. I have something I need you to take care of. Find a payphone and call this number. I'm expecting a similar performance as before."

He handed him an old business card. The writing on the front was illegible. Turning it over, he saw he'd scribbled a phone number in pen on the back.

The woman was staring daggers at the man. She looked to be thinking of different kitchen utensils she could use as weapons against the man. He could sense what was about to happen. He quickly made his way to the door.


Mari exited the dim hallways of NERV. The brightness of the mid-day sun blinded her as soon as she made it out the door. Blocking out the sun with one hand while she walked, using to enter the numbers she'd memorized into her newly bought phone. She didn't have long before she'd have to be back. She'd need to make the most of her downtime now.

It rang three times before she got an answer she'd almost thought he wasn't going to answer.

"You got a burner phone? Clever girl, I knew some of my genius rubbed off on you."

"If by genius you mean flagrantly showing me everything you shouldn't do. Then yeah, I definitely learned by your example."

"Ah, I'm gone for not even a full week and she's already lost all respect for her elders."

"Cut the small talk. What the fuck was that? You leave without saying a word to me? Did you forget about me!?"

"It's rude for a lady to curse Mari."

"It's also rude to leave an operative alone in enemy territory without her handler."

"It's not that hostile territory. Have you made friends with Asuka and Shinji yet?"

"Shinji? Yeah, kinda. He's just shy, mostly. Asuka gets super jealous whenever I talk to him. I've tried to be her friend, but she's not interested. At best, I've gotten her to tolerate me."

"See, that's progress. It took me years before I could get Asuka to tolerate me. Just don't lose your head. I've drawn everyone's attention up and away from you. You're worrying about nothing. Now that I'm not there to keep an eye on things. Try to keep tabs on what you can. Don't compromise yourself, obviously, but see what you can pick up."

"I'm not a child, Ryoji. I can do my job. Apologize for leaving me."

"Alright, Alright, my bad, I'm sorry. I didn't mean any offense. It came up suddenly."

"I'll accept it, but you gotta tell me. Does this have something to do with that UN committee that got bombed? Was that us?"

"I can't talk about that, Mari. I promise when I get back I'll tell you everything. Things are too sensitive right now."

"When are you coming back? Should I water your plants?"

"I'd appreciate it. Bring some of the other kids down if you need the extra manpower. I think they'd really like gardening once they tried it."

"Don't dodge the other question. What? Not allowed to talk about that either?"

"No, I just don't know when I'll be back. I've got some things to take care of over here first. Don't worry, I'll still make it in time to save the world."

"Oh good, because I was worried about that. I don't know what they've got you doing now, but I'd hurry back. Misato will be pissed that you left so suddenly like this."

"Trust me, I'm well aware."

Mari winced into the phone, imagining the major's reaction. The only reason he'd escaped intact was he'd told her over the phone.

"So how are things at NERV? it's tough not having any way to check in on you kids."

"Not good."

"What makes you say that?"

"There was a new Angel, it ate Shinji."

"Oh, my god! Did they get him out?"

"No, the Angel is some weird science thing. Akagi explained it, but it was way too smart for me. They do have a plan for getting him out, kinda."

"That's good? If there's a plan, there's hope. What did Misato come up with this time?"

"Akagi's been running the show. They're planning on dropping our entire N2 mine stockpile into the Angel. They're hoping the explosion will destroy the Angel and leave enough pieces of Unit-01 for them to rebuild it."

"Oh, that's definitely not good."

"The whole thing's fucked. Asuka and Misato look terrible, even Rei seems to be affected. I don't know what to do. I can't let him die. He doesn't deserve that, but I can't do anything either."

"There's nothing you can do. Stay strong, Mari. I believe in you. I've got to run. It was good talking to you." After that, the line went dead.

"Gee, thanks for the emotional support, boss. What a lovely and friendly work environment you've created." Mari snapped her phone in half, chucking it in the garbage bin outside her complex.

"This nightmare had better end soon. It's really hard being the optimist when everything's so… gloomy."

Her empty room didn't seem to care about her protest.


It was raining. Whatever deity looking down on them had decided the weather had to match the day's somber mood.

Everyone was wearing all black, men, women, children. Most of them he didn't recognize, the ones he did, didn't seem to wanna talk to him. After offering momentary condolences, they all avoided him like the plague.

He watched as they slowly lowered the casket into the ground. Dirt quickly piled on top of it to bury it forever. His father sat like a statue, not reacting to anything around him. Even ignoring the various associates who attempted to discuss business with him after coming to show their respect.

"We are here to honor an outstanding woman. A person who devoted her life to serving her family, her community and her faith. Let us not focus on the tragedy of a life cut short by disease. Instead, let us focus on the many good things she did with the short time the lord had given her to be with us on this earth. A healthy son with the whole world ahead of him, able to follow through on the dreams she left behind for him. I know this is hard, son. Times like this are when we need our faith more than ever. Faith and Family."

When the eulogy was finally over, he was glad. Not expecting to be placed in the spotlight. He could still feel other's pitying eyes looking at him. There was nothing that angered him more than the way they looked at him like an invalid. He hated this whole song and dance parade, only put on by a bunch of suck-ups eager to get on his father's good side.

None of them actually knew his mother, or cared anything about her. The woman who spent all her time inside, reading. She didn't have friends. She'd never talked to this priest or gone to this church. Now she was gonna be there forever.

He couldn't keep thinking about that. It was over now; he was a man, almost at least. He couldn't let things like this affect him. His father would definitely notice if he did. He didn't wanna be weak; he knew what happened to people who were too weak. That was something he knew all too well.

"We're leaving."

"We are? But what about-"

"We're leaving. There's nothing for us here, not anymore. It's time to get back to work."


"Ah, it's good to see you, young one. Did your father come along too?"

"No, unfortunately I'm all you'll get. He regrets not being able to come see you in person."

"Well, it's fine. Come in, I just made tea."

He nodded, obliging the man as he went to grab cups, taking a seat in an ornate dining room.

When they were both seated, he took a long sip, savoring the taste of the tea and noting hints of herbs added.

"My father wants his money, Mister Norabuchi."

"I'm sorry, I really am, but I need more time. I should have enough to pay you all back with interest if you give me another week."

"That's not how this works, Mister Norabuchi."

"Don't be like that. I've known you and your father for years. You know I'm good for the money."

"That's not my place to judge. I'm not the person they send when extensions are still an option. An older timer like yourself should be aware of that."

"It doesn't have to be like this. You know I'm good for the money. It's just been a terrible stretch for me. I'll get it all back and add onto the interest. How's that sound?"

He took a moment to examine the decorative teapot resting on the table. It was too shiny to be traditional. The design evoked images of the most primitive tea making devices he'd learned about in school.

After looking it over for a few moments, his fingers found the handle. In one singular motion, he stood up and smashed the piece of china over the man's head. Steam was everywhere, and the man was screaming in pain from the scalding hot water.

Letting the man writhe for a few minutes on the floor, he hoisted the man up by his shirt and forced his face to meet his.

"Where's my money you degenerate fucking gambler!?"

"Up your mother's cunt!" He head-butted the older man with enough force to knock him flat. Leaving the man stunned on the floor, clutching his head. While he was down, he kicked as hard as he could at the man's gut, eliciting a pained groan as the man curled up into a ball.

"Tomorrow! You get my father his money by tomorrow or they'll be fishing you out of the bay next week."

It was clear he wasn't going anywhere, at least anytime soon. Before he left, he stopped in the bathroom.

After finishing his business, he looked at himself in the mirror. A piece of ceramic must've hit his face. There was as a minor cut right below his eye that was leaking blood down his cheek.

An alien was looking back at him. It moved when he moved; it talked like him, even kinda looked like him. It was not him.

Suddenly, he felt nauseous. He couldn't figure out the source, and before he knew it, he was puking his guts out into the sink.

"You're monsters, all of you."


He sat at a table in an empty bar. It was a nice place. Red carpeting all over the floor, and an expensive crystal chandelier dangling above them. The tables all had some Chinese characters on them he couldn't read carved into the sides.

"Good, you made it."

"Why are we here?"

"Shimizu! Bring the cups!" His father beckoned at an empty part of the restaurant and out walked one of his associates. Bottle of Saki in one hand and two glasses in the other, one twice the size of the other.

Without making eye contact with either of them, he set the items down quickly and vanished into the back of the dark restaurant.

His father filled his own glass to the brim. Then put maybe the equivalent of a shot and a half into his glass. He'd never drank before. It was probably the least serious crime he'd committed in his youth.

"You know what this is? Right?"

"I think so. What do you want me to do?"

"This is your initiation. The liquid in these cups represents our blood. To drink from it, you must take the oath to this family. It is a centuries old tradition."

"I understand."

"Do you devote, every second of every day, every day of every year, to protecting and serving the interests of this family?"

"I do." They each took a sip from their glass.

"Do you swear on your life that you will always show respect when it is earned and, in return, earn respect for yourself and for this family?"

"I do." They both each took another sip.

"Then you are ready for the next step."

The man carefully slid his glass over to him while he did the same. He grabbed it with both hands and prepared to down the still nearly completely full goblet of sake.

"May those above judge me and those below take me If I fail in my duty." It was an inhuman amount of sake to drink, especially in one sitting. He did not stop until the glass was empty, his throat burned, and his eyes watered.

"You know what this means now? Don't you?"

"No, What?"

"You're one of us now. If anybody fucks with you, they're fucking with our entire organization. We are your family now, no substitutions."

"But we were already family. What's so different about it?"

"Before, that's all you were. You've made me and some of my friends a lot of money. This is to ensure you get the respect deserving of your newly earned rank. Don't think I haven't noticed your efforts."

"I guess that's good. Did you need anything else from me?"

"Always so boring, even when you're drunk. You haven't popped your cherry yet? Have you?"

"I've been busy with work. I don't want my first time to be with one of our 'ladies of the night.'"

"Oh, I wasn't talking about that."

"Then what were you-, Oh."

"Yep, you're still a virgin there, too. Don't worry, I'll have something for you soon."

"I can't wait."

"All in good time, all in good time."


"What a mess! I might need to come up with something stronger than idiot. He's moving beyond the bounds of normal stupidity. Him and his verdammt Martyr complex! Where does he get off throwing himself into an Angel on a suicide mission? Does he really think it's for our sake!? Does he really think we want him to-"

Before she could resist, her guardian had come behind her and forcibly wrapped her arms around her in a hug. With both her arms restrained by the women, she had to surrender and wait out the affectionate assault.

"Asuka, that's enough. He disobeyed orders and refused to retreat. There's nothing we can do for him now. We just have to hope we can think of some way to get him out of there. So we can both yell at him when he gets out."

She earned her freedom as a result of her continual resistance to the women. Bringing her face to face with the blue-haired first child. A blank expression was on her face.

"What's the matter!? Sad your boyfriend isn't here anymore!?"

"You are referring to Shinji? I am sad he is currently in danger and I am unable to help, as I would assume we all are. Does him being both a boy and a friend make him my 'boyfriend', as you call it?"

"You're really difficult to yell at. You know that, right?"

"I apologize. Being difficult is not my intention. I can only answer honestly and to the best of my ability."

"Ugh, you and him are twins, I swear. How can anyone be that earnest all the time? It'd drive me insane within an hour."

"I believe it is a common saying that all humans are unique. You are perhaps more unique than others."

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

"Asuka, she was being nice. How about we get out of here for a bit? I don't think any of us have eaten. Let's go to the cafeteria."

The two women had already left her behind. Great, now they were getting along too. She was first. If it wasn't for her, Rei would've never left her shell. They should really be thanking her for selflessly teaching that girl how to at least pretend to be normal.

"Fine, but I'd rather digest my own stomach than eat too much of that slop we call 'food' here."

She couldn't help it. She had to look again. It was a black hole that had swallowed up her future.

What was she saying? She'd asked that boy on a date. Angel or no Angel, he'd better show his ass up if he really expects her to believe he meant what he said.

Did she want him to mean it? Why was she thinking about him so much? He was gonna be fine, He's the invincible Shinji after all. He asked her to trust him. Asuka hadn't realized how much she trusted him until he said it. She'd wait even if everyone else had given up on him. She wouldn't, she couldn't. He'd earned that from her, at least that.


"Where are we going?"

"It's a place owned by a friend of ours."

"Why the hell does your father want us here, of all places? We're in the middle of nowhere."

"There's two smoking hot European girls in there waiting for us. You can wait outside if you want. I think I can handle both of them."

"Oh fuck you, when did you grow a pair of balls? I thought you were too scared of the ladies to fuck any of them."

"Who told you that!?"

"Hey, Hey. Easy there, big fella. I didn't mean any offense. Just a rumor I heard. I take it. It's bullshit?"

"Correct."

"Figures, you could've warned me. I didn't have time to put on anything nice."

"I don't think they'll mind."

"Hah, being in a shitty place like this. It brings me back. Remember when you, me and Yamaguchi got drunk at that new bar in Kyushu? How old were you then?"

"I don't remember. Definitely not old enough to drink."

"That's crazy! How can you not remember! You were the most sober one there. It doesn't even feel that long ago. You can't have forgotten us carrying that horny bastard out of that whorehouse! Remember? He'd lost all his money, and that lady was yelling at him never to come back. I still laugh my ass off sometimes because of that."

"I guess I was just young. Must've drank more than I thought. I never cared much for reminiscing."

"Yeah, I haven't seen Yamaguchi in a while, think he's lambing it or…" He made a throat cutting gesture while they entered the hall of the motel they'd sent them to.

"I heard he got busted by the police. They caught him moving a serious amount of powder and turned him into an informant to investigate the whole family. It's part of the police's new tactics. The prime minister wasn't lying when he said he was going to war with the Yakuza."

"Wow, no kidding huh? You think you know a guy. I never thought he'd betray his oath. He always seemed loyal to me."

"I did as well. I didn't think he was the kind of man to betray his friends." He rapped his fist on the door once. It opened to reveal a blonde and brunette girl, each only wearing a wide smile. They strode past the two of them into another empty room, presumably where their clothes were.

"My man! That's what I'm talking about! I really should start thanking you more! You're a much better friend than I thought."

They entered the room. It was dark. He gestured for the man to sit down and he obliged, resting lazily on the large futon in the center of the room.

When he was facing the back of the room, he reached into his waistband and pulled the silenced pistol out from his pants. Pressing it against the back of the man's head.

"What the fuck is this? I fucking outrank you pipsqueak! You can't shake me down!"

"Why don't you call for help? 119 maybe? Or do you have a wire on right now, you filthy rat?"

"Oh god, Oh god, Plea-"

He had to use the bathroom before he left. He went into another room to do his business. On his way out, he stopped at the mirror and rubbed his eyes. They'd been leaking water without him even realizing. It'd nearly made it all the way down either of his cheeks.

He didn't recognize the person in the mirror, but that was normal. He wished he could grow facial hair. His jaw looked so, unmanly. His eyes looked hollow. It didn't always look that way. They truly were a window to the soul.

He'd done what the man had ordered him to do. The rest was now out of his hands. He drove back home, alone.


His father was waiting for him in his office. Smoke perforated the entirety of the room. The stench of stagnant tobacco was overpowering. The man had the shadow of a smile on his face as he coughed, and his eyes watered from the smoke. Eventually, he just gave up and took his glasses off. Giving the man a look devoid of any emotion.

"Did you take care of that problem I needed handled?"

"Yes, I did as you asked. Why me? Couldn't you have gotten anyone else to do it?"

"No, it had to be you."

"Why!?"

"You needed to learn a lesson. The only person you can trust is yourself. You knew what he was planning to do to our family. A traitor dies a traitor's death."

"Thanks for the lesson. Can I go now?"

"No, I'm not done. So sit down and shut the fuck up."

He reluctantly obeyed. The man glared at him until he sat himself down fully. "'Friends', 'Women', these are all distractions great men must face and overcome to achieve the great things they set out to do. The road to power is paved with trials and tribulations one must face. How you deal with them defines your legacy."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you are my heir and successor. You will do great things. Your family's name is one of great men. I am only here to ensure you follow the path fate has set out for you."

"You really believe in fate?"

"I believe in many things, Son. My belief gives me strength. To believe in nothing is to have already died. Remember that."

"All you've ever believed in is yourself."

"You are not entirely incorrect, so I'll let that slide. Let me ask you this instead. If you don't believe in yourself. Who else will?"


Once again, he was in that place. Strange to think the only people who'd seen the inside of this room were the two of them. Even the cleaners his father had hired hadn't ever touched the secretive room where the man practically lived.

"University? Really? Trying to set an example for your brother, are we? Good. He's got the grades he should be a doctor or a lawyer or something. He's not cut out for the family business. That doesn't mean he can't be of some use. "

"I know. I've already set aside money for him to attend a school of his choice when he's old enough. Attending class will in no way affect my business, I can assure you."

"What're you majoring in? Something bullshit, or are you actually trying to learn something?"

"Metaphysical biology."

"So bullshit, as long as it pays well. I don't want the National Tax Agency on our ass cause you got stupid with money. You need something you can clean whatever you're earning before you start spending it."

"I know I'm not stupid, father. It's not a 'bullshit' degree. It's the newest developing field in the scientific combines many fields and only a few universities offer courses on it."

"You and your fuckin' mouth. As long as you don't let this interfere with your commitment to this family, I see no issue. A thug in a lab coat, even imagining it sounds hilarious. Thank you for informing me before I had to find out on my own. The door is over there."

He left his father's study. Exiting the door, he found his brother with his ear pressed against the door, oblivious to his presence behind him.

"What are you doing?" He regretted using such an intimidating tone with his younger brother, but it was too late.

"Nothing! I was just going to get something to drink!"

"Don't spy on us again. Our conversations are between us. If you respect us. You should respect our privacy."

The boy refused to make eye contact. He stepped past him and trudged off towards his room. "Must be nice."

"What are you talking about?" His words froze his brother in his steps. Then he looked back and faced him. There was anger in his eyes, more anger than he'd ever seen in the younger boy.

"Must be nice, being the favorite."

"Favorite? What are you talking about? I'm not the favorite."

"Sure, that's why he spends every day with you and he will maybe acknowledge my existence once a week at most."

"That's different. We work together. Neither of us has a choice about that."

"Whatever. I know what the 'family business' is. I'm not stupid."

"I never said you were. You shouldn't worry about that stuff. You've got good grades. Focus on school."

"I am not a child! Stop treating me with kid gloves! Why won't either of you be honest with me?"

"You want me to be honest? You're too weak for the business. If you got yourself involved, you'd die. It's that simple. You should be thankful he doesn't want to get you involved. Take it as a chance to do different, better things."

He released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding when he saw his words had calmed his brother, at least for the moment.

"Whatever. At least I can tell you're not lying. Even if you sound like him."

"You asked for the truth and you've gotten it. Now get out of here. I have work to do."


The atmosphere inside NERV was tense, to say the least. Everyone had been on full alert for a day straight. Fatigue was definitely starting to settle in for most of the staff, her included.

Misato had probably spent more time at or around the coffee machine than actually doing work. Mostly to distract herself partially to avoid having to talk to the 'friend' who's been lying to her face for years.

Mari had been trying her best to keep everyone cheerful. She really was a good kid. They all were, each of these children, had a kindness and compassion for each other that warmed her heart. Even Asuka had a softer side. She'd seen how protective she'd gotten of the lanky boy as they spent more time together.

The pilots too had all been on alert standby. A majority of the staff were resting at headquarters during breaks to stay functional. She'd sent Mari home to rest. She'd be back for the operation, but she was the only one willing to leave. Misato knew even ordering either of the other two girls to rest at home would be a fruitless effort.

Rei had been non-stop observing the Angel. She hadn't said a word. Silently staring at the Angel as it floated on the viewscreen in the command center. Asuka had been doing much of the same, All the while doing a poor job acting like she wasn't worried. When she'd gone to check on the girl, she looked like she was trying to murder the creature with her mind.

"You can't blow him up! He said he had a plan! Don't you believe in him at all!?"

Misato would have to remember to find out who'd let Asuka in on this information, considering she'd wanted to tell the girl herself.

"Asuka, His Eva is going to run out of power soon, we've waited as long as we can. There's no other way. We have to do this."

"No, we don't! You'll kill him! Even he can't survive an explosion like that! You can't do this!"

"I know! It's not even my decision anymore. Getting Rits to wait until Shinji's internal battery ran out was all I could do. I'm sorry Asuka."

"Send me in! Send me in and I'll get him out!"

"Asuka, you don't know that. It'd be a suicide mission. We can't risk getting you both killed. The commander would never authorize it. He's prioritized the recovery of Unit-01 above all else."

"How can his own father not even care whether he lives or dies!?"

"I don't know, I'm sorry Asuka. I really am."

The look on the girl's face reminded Misato. She was speaking to a teenage girl, one whose closest 'friend' might die.. Much too young to be stuck in a situation like this. She looked so fragile, like the slightest touch would shatter her to pieces.

"I wish there was something I could do, but I can't."

"You can't do this! You can't! He can't die!" Misato grabbed onto the fiery redhead and held the girl as she softly wept and crumbled into her arms.

After tearfully embracing for what felt like a long time, the sound of commotion in the command center drew them away from each other.


They were in the dining room. He'd found his brother, suitcase packed, ready to leave in the middle of the night. He took that to mean they were alone in the large house. Before he left, he'd wanted to speak to him, not that he knew what to say, mind you.

"You're serious about leaving? Aren't you?"

"Of course I am! I'm an adult! We don't have to put up with this! I got a full ride scholarship. I don't need any of his dirty money. I'll make my own life, away from him."

"He'll find you, no matter how far you go. It's only a matter of time before someone sees you."

"Let him come! What's he gonna do once I'm already gone? You can come too, even he wouldn't kill his own children."

"It's not that simple. He'd never let me leave. You're not part of the family business, you're free to do what you want. I'm stuck here."

"Says who? Screw him! He just uses you to do his dirty work! He doesn't care about either of us! If you want to leave, leave. If you want to stay, stay. Don't make yourself think anybody's forcing you. You're my older brother. You can do anything you set your mind to."

"I definitely wouldn't say that. You wouldn't understand. One of us needs to keep an eye on him, to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. He'll be pissed, but he'll get over it."

"Whatever, I tried. If you really think that then knock yourself out. I'm not sticking around here a second longer than I have to. He could be back soon."

"Just be careful. Keep a low profile. If you're bringing any money with you, make sure it's clean. And run, run as far and as fast away as you can. Don't look back."

"I know what to do. Give me some credit. Thank you, brother. I'll be sure to call."

"Don't bullshit me. I said what I needed to. Now hurry before he gets back."


He sat himself at a large table at an empty bar. It was a place owned by his father directly. He held his drink close to his body, staring straight ahead at the wood of the table. Ignoring the overtures from various associates and attempting to make it through the forced socialization without doing any socializing.

"Man, you've grown like a weed! I remember when you barely went past my elbows! How old are you now?"

He recognized the man somewhat, but was too drunk to remember his name. "Not a child anymore. That was a long time ago."

"I won't lie at first when I heard we had to work with the boss's kid, and he was a greenback of all things. I was pissed. But you're one mean motherfucker. Scary too. I wanted to apologize for doubting you."

"Thanks." His stomach felt sick. It must've been the alcohol.

The man was much more intoxicated than himself. He'd only been able to grasp most of what he said in between spouts of drunken nonsense.

"Didn't I hear you got a degree? Aren't you a scientist now or something?"

"I only have a bachelors, in that field that's really half a degree, you need a doctorate before you can even begin to get serious about the subject. So no, I am not a scientist."

"Hah, you're a bachelor with a bachelor."

He gave the man a look that showed his lack of appreciation for such attempts at humor. He'd had enough, he was fed up with this. These were all just a formality. He'd had no business to conduct here, so he'd leave. It was as simple as that. He brushed aside several oblivious people in the middle of conversations as he made his way for the exit.

"You."

He felt eyes on him and he saw the man he'd least wanted to talk to. Pointing a bony finger at him, eyes narrowed into an accusatory glare.

"We need to talk. In private." Instead of leaving the room, he made a gesture with his hand towards the other people. They all left in orderly fashion, some stopping to grab their items, most simply exiting the moment they'd been told. Another pointless show of power.

"What?"

"Your brother, do you know where he went?"

"If I did, what would you do upon obtaining that information?"

"Son, do you think so little of me? Can a father not be concerned about the wellbeing of his son?"

A tense silence settled over them. He wasn't giving in this time. His brother had made a choice. He would respect that, even if his father would refuse to.

"He chose to leave, father. I think it'll be easier for everyone if we accept that and move on."

"Perhaps you're right. I would've appreciated a heads up, however. I hope you're not thinking of pulling a similar stunt."

"I would never."

"Good. Are you still doing that science scam?"

"It's not a scam. I will be pursuing postgraduate education at the only university in japan currently offering the course. I will be commuting to Tokyo-3 to do so."

"Be careful. That city is as close to hell for our people as you can imagine. Machines run the entire city. Some primitive fucking calculator they got hooked up into a citywide surveillance grid. The stuff of nightmares, I tell ya."

"I'll keep that in mind."


He liked class. The coursework and lectures were intensive. He had to absolutely focus his mind on completing the task at hand. He'd seemed to have a natural aptitude for it. He'd never considered himself very smart, considering the company he kept that seemed obvious.

He'd been so focused on the lesson he'd not even noticed the women sitting a couple spaces next to him in the sparse auditorium. Until fate or random chance introduced the two of them.

"Hey my pen just ran out of ink. Do you have a pencil or something I can borrow?"

She was beautiful. Long, beautifully flowing brown hair framing a pair of hazel eyes that pinned him in place with their intensity.

"Hello? Anybody home?"

"Oh, yes, sorry. Here you go." He tossed her his own pen, rummaging around in his small bag before retrieving another for himself.

He could feel the woman's gaze still on him, sizing him up. He tried to ignore it. "Hmph. You look tough, but you're a big softie inside? Aren't you?"

"I-What?" He felt his cheeks flush. He'd never felt like this in his life. He felt like a child. Not in a bad way. He felt young, innocent, almost untainted. It was a good feeling.

"I was just teasing you. Calm down. You need to get out more. A man as handsome as you should have better social skills."

"I-I'm handsome?" He felt overwhelmed. He had no idea of what to do. All he knew was he didn't wanna screw up whatever good luck the universe had decided to throw his way.

"Don't let it get to your head. Class is over. Is there anything you wanna ask me? Maybe some way you could pay me back for complimenting you."

"Oh, um, Yeah. Would you wanna maybe go and get drinks together sometime?"

"I would love to. Isn't there something else you're forgetting?"

"There is?"

"You're kind of an idiot? Do you know that? What's something you usually ask someone new you just met?"

"Oh, you're right. What's your name?"

The woman took his hand in hers. The whole encounter still overwhelmed him with a dozen different feelings he couldn't define. In a couple of minutes, it felt like this strange feminine whirlwind had blown in to flip everything he knew entirely on its head. All he knew was he wanted whatever this was to continue.

"Yui Ikari, pleased to meet you."


Shinji awoke in a space without space. He was alone in a white void. He felt like he'd been there for sometime. The rush of images made it hard for him to put a finger on who he was exactly. Once he solved that existential conundrum, he found adjusting to the nothingness he found himself in easily.

Time was hard to judge here. Soon he felt a presence behind him. It felt familiar but distant at the same time.

Staring back at him was the women in both his dreams and nightmares. With the smile that had remained lodged in his psyche for over a decade, painted on her kind features.

"It's been awhile, Shinji."

"Mother?"

"The very same. Words can't express how happy I am to see and talk to you when you're this grown. You've become a handsome young man."

"Thanks." Shinji blushed, unsure of how to return the show of affection other than giving the woman the biggest smile he could muster.

"Quite a pickle you've gotten yourself into with this Angel."

"I'm sorry. Nothing NERV has at its disposal is capable of taking it down. I didn't want anyone else to get hurt, so I did it. The only way to destroy it was from the inside. Someone had to."

"You should believe more in those around you. They have faith in you. You don't have to face these challenges alone. "

"It's not that simple."

It surprised him when the kindhearted woman rolled her eyes at him, obviously annoyed with his answer. "You sound just like your father. I've seen bits of pieces of your life since you joined Eva. You've got friends and a girl that likes you. You shouldn't be throwing yourself headfirst into danger like this. People are waiting for you to come home."

"I do? Is that why I've been seeing all these things…"

"What kind of things?"

"I think it's my father, but he looks young. There's this older man who looks like him. I think he's my grandfather or something."

"I sense his presence, but it's so faint. It doesn't make sense. This may sound ridiculous, but is your father in the entry plug with you?"

"No."

"As I thought-"

"Well, about that, he technically is inside the entry plug. He's just in here." Shinji knocked on the side of his head to make the absurd point more clear to the woman.

"In your head? How did that happen?"

Shinji shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine."

"Wait, are there two of them? I have access to the Eva's external visual feed. I've seen there's still a commander at NERV."

"You guessed it. The one in my head is from the future. He's the one who told me about the truth of the Eva's, second impact, all of it."

His mother's smile faded in an instant. "The future, you say? And he told you everything? Is that how you were able to contact me?"

"Yes, he hid it from me at first. Eventually I found out. He warned me against it. He said the higher the sync ratio, the riskier it became to even use the Eva."

She regained her early composure, but something seemed off to him. He couldn't place it. It probably wasn't important. He could worry about it later. Now he had an actual chance to look at her, to speak to her.

"Your father was never the academic type. You're in no danger. The sync ratio being higher is a good thing. It connects you deeper to the entire system. Allowing you to access more of the Eva's strength on top of matching your reactions with perfect accuracy to the Eva."

"But what if I end up like…." He couldn't finish the sentence, it sounded wrong to say.

"It's okay. It's a reasonable fear to have. The accident that day at the lab was tragic. I'm sorry you had to see it. Eva technology has advanced light-years since then. There's no chance of something like that ever happening again."

"You're sure?"

"Positive. Now tell me about this girl. I can only get impressions of your memories and emotions when you sync with Eva. Who is she? What's she like? I can tell she's important to you."

"Oh well, she's just a friend. Her name's Asuka. She's the pilot for Unit-02."

"The Second Child? Good, I knew her mother. The two of you met when you were very little. Too young to remember, but it was hilarious. You played with blocks and she bossed you around the whole time, calling herself the 'construction manager."

"That sounds like Asuka." Shinji chuckled along with his mother, imagining the memory.

"I'm curious. Have you spoken frequently with this future version of your father? Has he told you about his past? About his father?"

"We've talked but well, uh, No. Nothing like that, he's helped me out with piloting my Eva. He also helped me get Rei out of her rundown apartment. Sometimes he gives advice that's kinda useful. This Angel was the same as in his time, so we came up with this plan."

"That's it?"

"Well, I mean, there was other stuff. We had a fight, then we just kinda started getting along. We've both agreed we need to work together to stop Seele. Besides that, he only really talks when there's an Angel or I ask him about something."

The woman palmed herself in the forehead with an audible slap. He felt a shiver run down his spine at the thought of upsetting her, but she recovered quickly. Looking more frustrated than anything.

"Did you ever ask him about his past?"

"No, sorry."

"You don't have to apologize, why didn't you?"

"I didn't really think about it. The fact that he was a time traveler seemed more important. I asked him, the real him. He wouldn't tell me anything."

"It's really not my story to tell. I'm sure you'll find out. Before you go, I wanna ask. The other pilots, your classmates, the girl Asuka. Do you truly care for them?"

He felt that it was an important question from the way she asked it. He made sure to think about his answer carefully before he spoke.

"I do. I wanna save them, all of them. They deserve to live their lives and be happy."

"Remember to treasure those bonds, Shinji. They're what makes you strong. Protect them with all you can. Happiness is earned, not given. Anything you want from this world is yours if you go and take it for yourself."

"Will I get to see you again?"

"Do you wish to?"

"I do, I really do."

"Then you shall."


"I've heard you've begun seeing someone at your little university. I thought you'd be better at keeping it discreet."

"You were spying on me?"

"Please, When have I not? How long has this been going on?"

"It does not concern you."

"I asked you a question."

"I'm an adult. What I do in my own free time is my business."

"Fine, then I'll just go with what the data suggests, a few months at most. I'll remember this insolence. This girl had better not interfere in our business."

"The rest of the men have their girlfriends and wives, among other various partners. Do they also get interrogated about the details of their relationships?"

"They're not my son. They're nothing, common street thugs given purpose by me. I have much bigger plans for you than anything they could hope to accomplish in their entire pathetic lifetimes."

"Do you ever plan on letting me in on some of these plans?"

"When the time's right, you'll know everything you need to. For now, your place is to do what I say when I say. Without distraction, if this girl causes any problems, you know what the consequences will be."

"Don't you dare threaten her. If you harm a hair on her head, there's nothing on this earth that'll save you from me." He kept his voice even. Ensuring every syllable carried the seriousness of his words.

"Interesting. You must like this girl. You've only known her for what? A year? No shame in threatening your own dear father?"

He stared ahead, glad his glasses concealed his eyes. Not breaking the tense eye contact while avoiding further escalation of their quarrel.

"Fine. I'm not a monster, you know. If you really like this girl, you have my word. I won't touch her. Can I at least know the name of the girl who has you so captivated? To satisfy my own curiosity."

"Fine, her name is Yui, Yui Ikari. We're just friends."

"Yeah, right, and I'm a philanthropist. Wait a minute, Ikari? Same Kanji as an Anchor?"

"Yes?" He watched in utter bewilderment as the man burst into a fit of uncontrolled laughter at his answer. After a couple of minutes, he wiped a few tears from his eyes. Then said something that confused and aggravated him even further.

"You're a real chip off the old block? You know that? Forget I said anything. You go right ahead."

He said nothing, simply waiting for the encounter to end before he lost his temper and did something he regretted. The longer time went on, the more of a possibility it seemed. As a child, it seemed so impossible.

It was an objectively evil act. Not that he hadn't done his fair share of those already. His father was old, each week he seemed to break down further. He was hoping time would do what he was too afraid to do. It was cowardly; he knew it, but he wasn't sure of what else to do.

Lately, he'd been representing him in business more than the man actually participated in himself. He spent day after day locked inside his study, with smoke staining the walls and spilling into the halls.

He'd been having meetings with someone, or someones he wasn't sure. They'd happened before with semi regular frequency. Every time he tried to question what the meetings were about, he'd get rebuked and dressed down for having the audacity to 'stick his nose where it didn't belong'.

He didn't trust the way he reacted to the news of his newfound relationship with a civilian. He should've realized that it was foolish to assume that he would get a free pass like his brother had. That was an anomaly in the family who lived life on his own terms. Sooner or later, he'd have to make a choice. It was difficult to choose, but nothing had come without struggle to him before.

Yui was kind to him. She'd introduced him to her former professor and now close friend. They'd become reluctant but earnest friends. The man was smart, he could spot him from a mile away for what he really was. Yui didn't seem to care, no matter how many hints he dropped to his true nature. She fiercely resisted any attempts by him to break things off between the two of them. He'd been unable to give her a good reason for splitting up. In this newfound world he found himself in, he encountered a problem he'd never experienced before.

He simply couldn't bring himself to tell the woman no. She was very persistent, not to mention stubborn. With a temper, to boot. If she wanted something, she knew how to get it.

He shook himself out of his stupor. She was a good person. She didn't need to get hurt because he couldn't quit acting like some lovesick puppy. He needed to be alert and prepared for whatever his father might do to retaliate when he finds out what he's been planning. First, he'd have to have a plan fully formulated. Which had yet to be accomplished.

He needed to think calmly and logically. Come up with the most reasonable and effective solution to the problem. It didn't have to end like that. He could think of something, he had to.


He was driving down the road. Idly watching the people on the sidewalk from the corner of his eye. Even amongst crowds of people, he was an outcast, alone. Separated from others by an impossible wall separating himself from normal people. It was a feeling he couldn't escape lately, his attempts to extricate from the family business left with a growing amount of free time to reflect. He didn't like that.

He didn't have friends. He'd had friends. Meaningless attempts at bonding and socializing with people worse than even him most of the time. He'd met some good people, as good as you could be in his line of work. They'd lasted the shortest of any of them.

Getting close to anyone resulted in the inevitable pain of loss. His father hadn't needed to pass along that lesson to him. He learned that on his own. So why was he still doing it? Letting in another person into his world was dangerous. He shouldn't have let things go this far. He didn't know how things had gotten out of hand, but it was his own fault.

Imagining the person in question made his worries seem less important and more absurd. He enjoyed her company too much. It was a vice he couldn't quit, even knowing it was leading to his inevitable destruction. Honestly, in his twisted mind, that made him like her even more.

Red and blue lights appeared in his mirror. He checked his speed. He wasn't breaking any traffic laws. This meant one of two things: either there was a warrant out for his arrest or this cop was doing some work 'off the books' and he was about to be killed.

Neither was a situation he wanted to involve himself in. He saw two more lights appear and realized it was much more likely the former. He had enough money saved up to cover legal expenses. Flagrantly resisting arrest would guarantee whatever sentence they were trying to stick on him would land.

He pulled over, resting his open palms on the steering wheel. Constantly keeping the weapon tucked into his waistband in the front of his mind. In case he needed to use it.

"Detective, while it's good to see you. I must say, I think you may have forgotten what the covert part of covert surveillance means."

"That's real funny. We need to talk, Robakungi. Can we talk at the station? I promise you'll wanna hear what we have for you."

"What could you possibly have that I would need? I think you've forgotten your role as a detective. I suggest you reflect on that before it gets you into trouble."

"I don't have time for the cat-and-mouse game today. This is serious. Take it or leave it. The offer stands. If you like that new girlfriend of yours, you might wanna hear what we have to say."

"Damn it. Fine, I'll follow you. I'm not getting into one of those cars."


He strode into the house he had spent his childhood in with purpose. Launching the door open with his foot and not caring enough to close it behind him.

On the way to his fathers. He was gripping the steering wheel with such intensity he thought he might crush it into his palms. His rage constantly building and building until his insides felt like they were boiling. All he could see was red. The beating of his heart in his chest reached a crescendo. As he made his way up to the door, the embers of his anger turned into a cool determination for what was coming.

Lately, his father was never unaccompanied by at least one bodyguard, even in his own home. It was only one man. It would be over before it began.

He probably knew who it was, another bastard no guilty or less than he was. He'd not survive this encounter, and he would. The cruelty of fate. There wasn't a choice. He'd become a threat to his father's grip on power. Lost his usefulness to him and was therefore to be discarded like he was garbage.

He'd found happiness. Beginning school almost 8 years ago, he'd never have imagined he'd have found someone not only willing to tolerate him. But seemed to truly enjoy his company.

Nothing in this world came without sacrifice. This was one absolute truth he'd learned. It was better than being alone.

Anything was better than being alone.

He was right. Of course he was. A man he'd known for more than a decade stood slumped against the wall. An assault rifle lazily strung across his back.

All it took was one shot. It was quick, painless. Another body added to the pile, another life extinguished by him. If there is an afterlife, it will not be pleasant for him. Of that, he is certain.

He was too full of adrenaline to open the door. Instead, backing up and opting to kick in the door with enough force to throw it off its hinges.

"What the fuck was that!? What the hell are you doing here!?"

He took off his glasses, folding them into his shirt-pocket, keeping his pistol pointed at the man's head. "A man as smart as yourself never predicted this day would come? I'm disappointed, father."

"You!? I can't believe I raised a man willing to kill his own father. I'm the one who's disappointed."

"Drop the act. The police caught you on tape at the restaurant. I know what you were planning."

"You would betray your own flesh and blood to law enforcement? You truly disgust me if that's the case. I'd rather die than live knowing my son became a rat."

"Of course I didn't. I think you know why this is happening. If you haven't figured that out by now, then I guess you'll never know."

"I should've never let you go to that stupid University. Eight years of academia poisoning you against me. Those people don't know anything. They live in their Ivory towers looking down at people like us."

"Wrong, again. You just had to threaten her, didn't you? The thought of me finding someone who made me happy upset you so deeply you planned to kill the both of us in a petty revenge. You've left me no other choice."

"Do you think I'm an incompetent!? That I've already gone senile! I'm as sharp as the day I was born! You think I didn't see you and your shit!? I don't know how you've been coming up with the money to kick up, but I can see you've been abandoning this business. Your rackets are dead and you haven't made a collection in months. Did you think I'd really let you leave!? That you could take your little girlfriend and elope to the hinterlands and live the simple life of a farmer!? You could never! You took an Oath!"

"I was a child! You made me do it! All I had was you!"

"You were 17 by then. Plenty old enough to make your own decisions. You chose to work for me. You chose to continue after you saw what it entailed. There was always an out. You refused to take it. Do not blame me for the guilt of your own actions."

"You're wrong! I never had a choice! What else was I supposed to do!? Let you do it to him instead!"

"You always have a choice! That is a child's reasoning. You know your brother would never have worked for me willingly. I needed someone I could trust who was also capable of doing their job. You ended up fitting the bill perfectly. Never once did I see you flinch upon receiving an assignment. You'd complain now and then. In the end, it didn't matter. You always followed your orders."

"Maybe you're right, but I'm choosing to do this too. This nightmare must come to an end. I will protect the happiness that exists in the world, no matter the cost."

"You are nothing but a child stumbling at the feet of giants. Happiness dies, its existence is defined by its temporality. Power in all its forms is pervasive. It lasts longer than you or I can imagine. You're a fool to leave my side. Soon, I will possess unimaginable power. Plans are coming to fruition that were set by my own father."

"I'm done with your plans. If you value power more than happiness, I feel sorry for you. I'm bringing an end to all of this."

"You don't understand! We could become one amongst the gods! Save humanity from its certain destruction! I need you just as much as you need me!"

"Did you ever truly care about me, or was that it? The day I stop being of use to you is the day I'm discarded and replaced." He had to ask. No matter the answer, it was the question that's been weighing down on him nearly his whole life.

"If you really think that, then pull the trigger." The man seemed unafraid of the weapon, pointing at him, grabbing the barrel between his fingers and pressing it to his own forehead. "My plans are the culmination of God's will enacted on this earth. I can be stopped as much as the tide. Sooner or later, we will succeed. I can assure you, you will remember this day forever as your greatest failure."

"We? Who have you been working with? They're not part of the family or I'd know about them. What have you been hiding?"

"From you? Everything. I can assure you. You'll find out who they are very soon. The fact that you still don't only further proves your ignorance. It's my own fault. Perhaps I should've told you sooner. What's done is done, however."

"You are correct about that."

"Are you afraid? I've seen you pull that trigger countless times before. I was the one who taught you how to shoot in the first place. I know you can do it. What's the difficulty now?"

His trigger finger was trembling. He focused on keeping it still, but it was a futile effort. He kept his steely gaze locked onto the man's stony expression. The barrel of his pistol sticking into the man's forehead.

"I know you. You're just like me. You've always been afraid. It's because deep down, you're a coward. Too afraid of other people to ever survive in the real world. I gave you the power to conquer your fear. To make others fear you instead, you threw it all away, for nothing. You always were a disappointment, you and your brother. Even now, you fail to meet my expectations. Kill me properly if you're going to do it. Be a man."

"Sorry to disappoint."


Shinji awoke with a start. Finding himself stripped and lying on an examination bay in NERV's medical bay. He found himself staring directly into the green eyes of NERV's chief medical officer. Frowning at him with a look of disappointment.

"You're absolutely certain you don't remember anything from being inside the Angel?"

"No. it's all fuzzy"

"So what happened?"

"Don't remember much. I passed out at some point when the LCL filtration started failing. I think the oxygen deprivation made me have some lucid dreams, but they were just dreams."

"You don't remember anyone approaching you or speaking to any presence while you were inside?"

"No, nothing like that."

"Okay, I'm curious. What did you see? Anything related to Eva or just an extended fever dream?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." His brain felt so overloaded with information it was about to explode. He wanted to be alone as soon as possible to digest what had happened to him inside the Angel.

"Suit yourself. You checked out fine physically. Scans didn't show any anomalies or contamination. I can't keep you much longer or they'll have my head."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

He'd just managed to get off the bed and unsteadily stepped towards the pile of clothes, sitting on a chair next to the bed. The door opened and distracted him. Before he could react, a human missile bolted in and tackled him back against the bed.

"Well, would you look at that? I need a smoke." The steely grip around his waist and the smell of strawberries flooding his nose distracted Shinji from the doctor's exit.

After a minute, the girl pulled herself off him, much to his disappointment. Her entire face was flushed and the skin around eyes looked red and irritated. He saw a blur of purple hair behind her and before he knew it; he was wrapped into another hug. This time with him and Asuka being trapped between the surprisingly muscular arms of their guardian.

"Ack! Get off me, woman!"

"One more minute, then I promise I will. Your hair is really soft Asuka, what conditioner do you use?"

"You're asking that now!?" Later! Don't you have a subordinate to scold for disobeying direct orders?"

"Aww, don't be like that, Asuka. This is a happy reunion! We're all here, together, and we're alive. If anything, we should celebrate the occasion!"

"Fine! If you won't do it, I will!." Shinji stared at the girl dumbstruck as her palm collided with his cheek, hard.

"Don't you EVER do something that STUPID again! Do you have any idea how scared everyone was!? You almost died, idiot!"

"I'm sorry. I made it out okay, though. All's well that ends well?" Shinji deeply regretted his words. He briefly worried that she'd only been concerned about his safety. So she could be the one to kill him for his stupidity.

A brief look at her eyes warned him of the impending danger. He braced himself for a hit that never came. He looked up from the floor to see the girl giving a glare that could melt concrete but otherwise leaving him unharmed.

"All's well that ends well with you making us a hell of a dinner for freaking us out like that! We had to spend our entire weekend dealing with that stupid Angel!"

Shinji realized what had upset her so much. She'd asked him to go with her this weekend to dinner and a movie. Instead, they'd had to spend all of it stressed out of their minds worrying about the threat of imminent death. It was his fault. He had to make it up to her.

An idea quickly formed in his head to do just that.

"I need to pick up groceries. There's a new foreign market that opened up near the grocery store. Do you wanna come with me to pick up something you like so I can make it?"

"I guess I wouldn't expect you to be able to pick out good European cuisine. Let's go, I hate hospitals."


"Would you like to, uhh, be my girlfriend?"

The girl sitting across from him nearly choked on her ice cream. Breaking into a raucous fit of laughter and clutching her side. Loudly banging her hand on the table and drawing all eyes in the small parlor onto them.

"You're adorable. What do you think we are now?"

"Well, you know, friends and stuff."

"Yep, just really good friends. Don't forget 'study partners'. I actually sleep in your bed because that decade old brick you call a mattress is super comfortable to lay on."

He felt his face turn red with embarrassment. Awkwardly scratching the back as he tried to think of what to say.

"Well, I mean we never really talked about it, so I thought-"

"I like you. I'm pretty sure you like me too. We spend our time together because we like to and it's fun. What else is there to talk about?"

The more he thought about it, the more he agreed with her. "I guess you're right. I just didn't want you to think I was just out to get that."

"I wish you'd try to get it more."

"Yui!"

"What? We're adults. Is it so terrible for some strangers at the mall to think you're sleeping with an attractive soon to be college grad?"

"When you put it like that. It's embarrassing."

"Guys aren't embarrassed about that! You stole my lines. So since I'm your girlfriend now. Will I get to meet your parents? You never mention them. I know you had to come from somewhere."

"They are both….passed on."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"It's okay. It feels like a long time ago now."

"Were they nice?"

"My mother had her moments. I believe she did the best she could. As for my father, the less that's said, the better."

"I know what you mean. My mom passed away a few years ago. My father is too much of a bastard to die."

He could sense that it was still a sensitive subject for her. He desperately wanted to learn everything he could about this woman who'd entered his life like a force of nature.

"Do you have any siblings?"

"No, do you?"

"A brother, I haven't seen him since he left for college."

"How long ago was that? What's he like?"

"Years. He was smart, too smart for his own good. That's why he left home the instant he became an adult. I don't blame him. He was courageous, unafraid to speak his mind even if it got him into trouble."

"You must think pretty highly of him. Why haven't you talked to him?"

"It is better that way. He is safe. That is all that matters."

"If you say so. So Robakungi, do you have any plans after you graduate?"

"You're working for your father, aren't you?"

"I am. There's not much choice. Our degrees are too specific to go anywhere else. The barrier of entry is so high to perform any experiments, my father has a complete monopoly on the field."

"So, we'll be working together, it seems."

"It seems like it. I sure do hope we'll get along."

"Something tells me we'll manage."


After dinner, Shinji went to his room. Stopping to tell the two women in the living room now watching TV that the day's events had worn him out, and he needed rest.

He'd not even made it inside his room before the barrage of questions filling up in his head unleashed themselves.

'Did you see what I saw inside the Angel?'

'Yes.'

'Was that you?'

'Was it the man who would become Gendo Ikari, the commander of NERV? Yes. Was it me specifically? Absolutely not.'

'What makes you say that?'

'The broad strokes were the same, but there were too many details askew for me to push it aside as simply a faulty memory. That was not my life, but your father's life. The flesh and blood man.'

'Did you also kill yo-'

'Yes.' The darkness in his stone silenced him before he could finish, the answer adding to his growing sense of unease.

'Why?'

"The same as him, I had no choice. The woman I had come to love was in danger because of another one of his schemes to grab more power for himself. His role in the committee was only made clear to me after I began working with them myself. Keele was a vulture circling his already decaying corpse. I have no doubt that he lunged at the opportunity to seize power for himself and direct Seele to his whims.'

'But, he was your father. You can't just do something like that.'

'And yet I did. I'm not endorsing patricide as a universal concept. I simply had to deal with the circumstances dealt to me.'

'So wait a minute. I come from a family of Yakuza? Do you have all the tattoos and stuff?'

'At one time you would've. I've seen to the end of that specific group. I'd rather not discuss these things. It's unimportant now, nor was it my life you saw. It was his. If you're really curious, you should ask the man in person.'

'Yeah, because he'd love to tell me about his past of being a professional murderer that I don't think anyone else even knows about. Great idea.'

'Rei made a good point. If you continue to neglect reaching out to him, he will forever be beyond your grasp. You saw his memories and you can see the love we have for Yui. It is a universal truth. That is a connection you both share.'

'What about us? We've been getting along, kinda. Doesn't that count for anything?'

'Perhaps, knowledge is power in this world. I have given you an edge that may mean the difference between victory and defeat. I am not the one in charge of NERV, nor am I the one about to carry out plans to enact the Third Impact. The Gendo Ikari you should wish to properly get along with is inside headquarters at this moment.'

Shinji pondered this for a long time, looking at his SDAT sitting on his bed. He briefly considered abandoning this conversation entirely and drowning his errant thoughts in music. He pushed the urge away.

'I talked to her. While I was inside the Eva.'

'What did she say?'

'To not give up and to treasure the bonds I have with the people around me.'

'I would listen to what she had to say then. Your mother was always wise beyond her years, one of many things that I admired about her. I wished I'd listened to her advice more when I had the chance.'

'I will. I promise. I won't run away. I can't.'


Gendo stood alone inside the Evangelion cages. Watching the massive form of Eva Unit-01 as it sat idle, its eyes still faintly glowing. He stretched out his arm to place his palm on what would roughly be the Eva's chin.

"Can you hear me? Yui?"

He removed his hand quickly when he heard the tapping of feet behind him, looking to see the doctor approaching him with a clipboard in hand.

"What?"

"There are no signs of contamination, in the entry plug or otherwise, same for the pilot. Whatever the Angel had been attempting to do, it failed."

"Good, as expected. Are we prepared to receive the new arrival?"

"Yes, we're going to be doing the testing in Matsushiro. The same routine we did for Unit-04 when it got here. Are they sending a pilot along with this one also?"

"No, we will be recruiting the fifth child ourselves. Have you found a suitable candidate?"

"Yes, I have one whose core can be prepared immediately."

"Get it done."

"I've finished up with Rei's testing for the day. Should I send her home, or do you want to see her?"

Gendo stared at the mechanical titan as it loomed over them. Through a force of will he made himself look away, turning his back on the woman as he made his way down to terminal dogma.

"I think I'll do that." He left the woman without a goodbye. He could feel her hateful glare on the back of his head, but ignored it. A problem for another day.


AN: