Ultraman Evangel: Ultraman vs Evangelion
Episode 6: Shinji and New Friends; Revelations Part 1
Disclaimer: The Ultraman series and Evangelion series are properties of Tsubaraya Productions and GAINAX Company, respectively. Ultraman Evangel is my OC. The insert songs are also credited to their rightful owners.
Notes:
Before beginning this episode, I thought I'd just touch on some of the things that may not have been elaborated at this point. First off, the size of the Evangelions, the Angels, and Ultraman Evangel. In the original canon, the Evas and Angels would have towered over most Ultras at an average of 80 meters or more, but as a bit of a balance, the Evangelions would average 55 to 60 meters, which is around the same as most Ultras, albeit with their lanky and hunched proportions.
Angels in their original humanoid forms are around the same or taller than the average human, and around the same heights as Ultramen when they are giants. The battle forms they assume can range from being about the same approximate height to being super-massive kaiju.
Ultraman Evangel is a young Ultraman, but would actually be taller than many Ultramen at 56 to 58 meters. This allows him to go toe to toe more easily with some of the taller Angels, while still being able to interact with other Ultras who are slightly shorter than him.
As for Rei Ayanami, there is a strong reason why she can actually see Shinji as Ultraman Evangel for reasons that will be revealed later on. I can say early however that she will be a clone of an Angel, but not one people would normally expect, and while Rei does have a resemblance to Yui, her origins will be quite different. Her actual relations will be revealed later on.
Anyways, I hope I have addressed some plot holes without too many spoilers, so let us get on with the rest of the show! :)
Jan. 25, 2045 AD
Conference Room, NERV Headquarters
Shinji Ikari had quickly put it together that Misato Katsuragi was not a happy camper right now. While Toji and Kensuke were being chewed out inside the conference room by Vice Commander Fuyutsuki for their reckless abandon and endangering themselves and the operation, Misato was already getting on his case with his actions in Eva Unit 01. "What were you thinking!?"
"Thinking what, Misato?" Shinji asked, a little weary from the two rounds of fighting of the day, if his piloting the Eva and being Ultraman Evangel could count as separate rounds.
"Getting yourself into a dangerous situation with those reckless aerobatics to the point of getting close to two civilians and letting them into the cockpit," Misato retorted with a stressed-out expression.
"I was trying to avoid being sliced sushi for the Angel," Shinji huffed, "and I couldn't just leave Ken and Toji in harm's way!"
Misato seemed frustrated with Shinji's defiance and apparent lack of concern over what nearly happened. "Shinji! You nearly got yourself killed today!" Misato slammed her hand on the wall next to Shinji. "If it had not been for Ultraman, we would not be having this discussion right now!"
Shinji suddenly gave Misato a strong glare, causing her to back off in surprise. "Don't I know that. I know it every time I get into that freaking giant of a robot that you stuff me into," he retorted, "and you're not the one having to stare death right in the face when you're kilometers under the earth in some bunker."
Misato kept up her glare but was doing her best to keep composure. "Shinji, I am your superior officer in charge of your missions. Which means you have an obligation to follow my orders no matter what."
"Even if it means we have to give up our morals as human beings?" Shinji questioned back. "Is that ok? What did you expect for me to do? Just brush off Ken and Toji like their lives were nothing!?"
"Shinji you have to understand, we're all at risk." Misato said in a grime tone reminding him of the stakes. "Like it or not, sometimes...we have to make sacrifices. It's not just you who has to stare in the face of death. All of us working at NERV knew the risks when we first signed up, all in the effort to rebuilding our world and stopping the Angels. And as your superior officer, I have to remind you to make sure this never happens again."
"Sure, whatever..." Shinji started to walk off and his guardian was starting too get ticked off with his attitude.
"Are you even listening to what I'm saying?"
"I do..." Shinji replied as he stopped not looking at her. "But what does it matter anyways? The battle was won, even though I didn't finish it. Thanks to Ultraman we've been winning."
"That's not the issue here Shinji. You ignored my orders. You're not going to like some of them but listen to when I say that even though the risks are great, I do everything in my power to ensure that you come back alive. Plus, what makes you think that Ultraman will always be there to help? Relying on him to fight your battles won't ensure you'll always survive especially when you fight so recklessly!"
Shinji turned around now to face her shaking his head. "I know... but the rest of you including my father don't give a care about what happens to me. As long as things are going swiftly the old man's way, everything is fine. You don't think I know that I'm considered expendable to him like all the other Eva pilots? Knowing that there are others out there that he can use to replace me? Don't give me that. Sometimes I think you and NERV are just putting up an act of not wanting to lose something valuable. I'll pilot the Eva, but that's just what you and Father all want from me isn't it?"
Mistato snapped, gripping Shinji by the shirt she was about to chew him out and say something. However, she chose not to seeing the look in his eyes. Did he really meant by what he said? Does a part of him feel that way? Believing that all of the kindness she showed to him was just not real? She knew that his disdain towards his father was the cause of this. Could she really blame him for thinking of those thoughts? No, no she couldn't.
Gritting her teeth, Misato scoffed letting him go. "Were done here. Go home and get some rest. I'll be there soon."
"Alright..." Shinji replied as he walked towards the door, footsteps echoing in the process. "Don't forget," he added, "I don't pilot for NERV. I'm only here because I have found friends worth protecting from both the Angels and Father. I'm protecting them so that none of them suffer what I had to suffer." The door automatically opened allowing him to exit the hallway leaving Misato by herself. In frustration for not seeing this and how Shinji felt Misato raise up one hand and slapped herself which also echoed.
Little did the both of them realize that Rei had heard the whole exchange hiding around a corner. She quickly and quietly went another way.
Opening Song - "Feel Your Breeze" by V6
I say, feel your breeze...
Anytime, anywhere in my heart...
Feel your breeze...
Never stop walking now oh!
As the opening begins with a small guitar riff we see Shinji walking forward and along the way we the faces of various Ultras appear, starting from Ultraman, Ultraseven, Ultraman Jack, Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro, Ultraman Leo Ultraman 80 before Shinji stopped looking up to see Ultraman Dyna give him a thumbs up before the teen transformed into his own Ultra form, Ultraman Evangel as the title for the story is now seen.
Kesenai kizu wo mata fuyashiteku...
Nanka kaze ga shimite yuku.
(My lasting scars are still increasing...
Somehow, it's like the wind pierces me.)
Next, we see Shinji waking up from bed where he was greeted by Pen Pen followed by Misato greeting him from the door making sure he was up.
Hitori kakaeteru fuan nara...
Ima dare ni mo aru hazu
(The anxiety a person carries along
Right now everybody has it)
Along the way to school he passes by Shin and waves over to him just in the nick of time as Toji and Kensuke run up to walk with him all of them unaware that Rei was behind them while up ahead a certain female red head huffed continuing on forward.
Kitto yoru wa nagaku...
Fukaku shindeta hou ga.
(The night sure is long...
And you sink down deep.)
We now swap over to NERV HQ where numerous personal were seen running around among them being Gendo supervising them closely.
Asahi noboru toki wa...
Sou, kirameku hazu sa.
(When the morning sun rises up...
That's right, it'll be dazzling.)
From the cages of the Eva's we see the three pilots standing in front of their respective Eva's followed by Shinji glancing up and exchanging a cold glare with his father from above.
Itsuka souzou shiteta mirai to...
Ima ga sukoshi chigatte itatte.
(The future you imagined sometimes...
Turned out to be a bit different.)
The Evas are now launched into battle and begin facing off against the Angels in Tokyo 3.
Yume no tame no namida wa...
Mada kiezu ni hikaritsuzukeru.
(The tears shed for the sake of dreams haven't disappeared...
They'll keep shining.)
During the skirmish a couple of kaiju appeared and seeing no other choice, Shinji flashes his Splendor and transforms into Evangel's default form, Ascension Type.
Zutto kokoro wa kimi wo miteru...
Mune ni kizanda kimochi de!
(Your heart is watching out for you...
These feelings are etched into your chest...)
Evangel is now fighting off against a Red King swapping into a red form called Force Type punching the skull monster before swapping into a blue form, Wonder Type and speeds up into the sky firing a few energy blasts at Birdon and Deemaga.
Towa ni yume wo kanjiyou...
Ano natsu kumo afureru you ni!
(Forever, feel your dreams...
Like the summer clouds are overflowing!)
As they monsters proceeded to explode, Evangel lands back down onto the ground returning back to Ascension type but suddenly in the distance the Angel, Zeruel appears. Seeing this new foe, Evangel and the other two Eva Units stand beside him.
I say, feel your breeze...
Anytime, anywhere in my heart!
Feel your breeze...
Never stop walking now oh!
As the song begins to end Shinji is seen running forward with all those he has bonded with running beside him while the Ultra Brothers and Dyna fly above them giving off their signature cries before we see them all gathered together with multiple forms of Evangel and Eva Unit's 00, 01, and 02 present.
Misato's Apartment
After grabbing an early dinner, Shinji just chose to crash in his room for the day. Thanks to his Ultra healing factor, the lingering phantom pain of damage to Eva Unit 01 and injuries sustained by Evangel quickly subsided.
Still, it was little to Shinji compared to his strong annoyance with Misato. He could not for the life of him understand her ripping on him after her initial support of his protecting his new friends from being made mincemeat by the Angel Shamshel. With the so-called Angels threatening to end the world as he knew it, Shinji would think that there were more important things for a NERV officer to worry about than her own authority and ego.
Speaking of friends, Shinji now had the complicated and interesting scenario of Toji and Kensuke now knowing his true identity as Ultraman Evangel. While he had no choice but to transform in front of them to continue the fight, Shinji knew that it was still two more people in the know than he was bargaining for. Toji now seemed to be thankful to Shinji for saving him and his sister in the previous battle against the Angel Sachiel, but knowing Kensuke's excitable personality made Shinji concerned that he would somehow blab his secret to NERV. Yet something in him, perhaps Evangel's essence, told him that Ken would somehow keep his confidence.
'Then again, he was the first to befriend me even when Toji tried to punch my lights out.' Perhaps Shinji could afford to give Kensuke Aida the benefit of the doubt. Despite his apprehensions, there was something rather relieving about having real friends in the school to actually confide in.
His phone then buzzed. Shinji already could guess before lifting the screen that Shin Asuka would be checking on him. He opted to use text. 'Hey Shin,' Shinji texted, 'long day for me.'
'So I gathered,' Shin replied.
Shinji then thought carefully about what he was about to say next. He went for it. 'Shin, do you remember me talking about Kensuke and Toji from school?'
'The military geek and the jock,' Shin quickly guessed.
'I should tell you,' Shinji texted, 'they now KNOW.' He put the last word in caps on purpose to get the point across.
There was an intermittent pause of about two minutes. Shin then texted back, 'so they do?'
'Yes,' Shinji came clean, 'while I was saving them.'
There was another pause as Shinji say a pending reply from Shin. His mentor was either thinking about his reply or typing a long one.
It came. 'We should meet with them some time, but not in the city.' It made sense that Shin Asuka would want to talk to them away from prying eyes.
'Agreed. Nowhere near NERV's city cameras,' Shinji texted back.
'I'll let you rest. Looking forward to the campout.'
The last answer elicited a chuckle from the young Ultra host. "So he wants a campout, eh? No complaints here." Shinji resumed working on a model of an F-15J he had brought with him from Nagoya as he saw the coverage of the day's battle on his computer.
The media was once again wild with excitement. 'Angel of the Stars - Ultraman Evangel Vanquishes Demon' was one of the big headlines. "So everyone's caught onto my name..." Shinji muttered. The comment sections of live videos of his battle and punditry were overwhelmingly positive as Evangel was once again credited with another decisive kill. While NERV's PR had put out disclaimers about Evangel's unknown origins and intentions while publicly lauding the performance of Eva Unit 01 in holding the line, it was clear that more and more people approved of Evangel than NERV. "Never thought in a millennia did I think I would have an approval rating as Ultraman," Shinji shook his head in amusement as he snapped together more pieces of the model plane.
Suddenly Shinji's phone buzzed for the social media app that he used. He stopped the video streaming from his computer and looked down. He saw that it was Kensuke Aida's number, and there was even a new number as part of a group chat. 'Hi Shinji,' Kensuke had messaged him, 'that new number's Toji's.'
"I see..." Shinji muttered. Toji then messaged, 'Shin-man, can we talk?'
Shinji hummed. He checked his phone for its secure status. Seeing that it was, he messaged back. 'Let me initiate a voice call. My phone is secure. Trust me on this.' With that Shinji pressed the phone button on the app. He let it ring, and soon enough, Toji and Kensuke connect. "Hey guys. Glad you all made it out of the grilling with the Vice Commander."
"Agh... you know all of a sudden the old teacher's lectures don't sound so bad after all that," Toji whined, "at least we weren't thrown into jail for the night."
"Speak for yourself," Kensuke bemoaned, "my phone's ruined, and my dad's too mad at me to buy a new one!"
"So how are you two talking if your phones are gunked up?" Shinji said in an amused tone.
"Our PCs, what else?" Kensuke said, "still... you said your phone was... secure or something?"
"Yes Ken, we can talk freely," Shinji affirmed.
"Well Shinji, or Ultraman, thanks for saving us again back there! That was the coolest thing ever! Scary but cool!"
"No it wasn't!" Toji shot back. He paused for a bit for a sigh. "Still, thanks again Shin-man. I guess Kensuke and I owe you another one."
"Don't mention it," Shinji smiled, "I keep my friends from getting squashed."
"Still, that you are Ultraman is a huge thing," Kensuke continued, "where did you come from? How is it that you have such powers!?"
"Well, I can say that I am still a human being from Nagoya, Japan and not a distant star," Shinji joked, "but as to how I got my powers, it is still a bit of a mystery."
"What do you mean?" Kensuke asked.
"Well... it's a long story... probably best if we talked in person about it," Shinji rubbed his head as he said that.
"Still, for what it's worth, you rock Shin-man," Toji expressed, "Sakura would totally squeal if she knew who I was friends with now."
"Sakura..." Shinji wondered for a second before it clicked, "your little sister."
"Yep," Toji affirmed, "and you wouldn't believe it, but she is a huge Ultraman fan."
Shinji chuckled, "Toji, I think this city is home to a lot of Ultraman fans. Everywhere I turn, everyone talks about Evangel."
"No kidding," Kensuke added, "everyone's going nuts over your victory today! And those color form changes of yours? Totally rad, Shinji!"
"Evangel's victory, Ken," Shinji reminded with a chuckle, "at this point, I myself as Shinji Ikari would not want to be the talk of the town... and I certainly would not want to end up on my father's radar like that anymore than I already am."
"You don't sound too great about your old man, Shin-man," Toji noted, "I would think that any good dad would be proud that his son is a superhero."
Shinji shook his head. "Well that's just it, Toji. He's not a good dad to me."
Shinji added, "I'm only here because he believes he can control me and use me as a weapon. He put the life of an injured girl on the line if I refused."
"Wait... that blue-haired girl you mean?" Toji was incredulous.
"Rei? Who else?" Shinji affirmed, "he was going to put her in Eva Unit 01 before my first battle with the Third Angel."
That seemed to cause the mood to dive. "Dude that is cold," Toji remarked.
"You can't be serious, Shinji!" Kensuke was in disbelief, "he is supposed to be defending Earth!"
"Trust me, Ken," Shinji shook his head, "that is my father." He then shook his head. "Look guys, I know that you two are gung-ho about getting to know me, but I would sooner talk with the both of you in person about it than over the net." He then remembered Shin Asuka's suggestion, "how about we go on a camping trip? Somewhere outside the city where we can talk more freely?"
"A camping trip?" Kensuke asked.
"Yeah, and there's somebody I want you guys to meet," Shinji said, "you guys open for this Friday?"
Shinji's two new friends thought for a moment. Toji then said, "well I suppose so, but I'll have to talk with my dad."
"Me too... I'm still kinda in a bind after what just happened today," Kensuke asked, "but we'll see if it can work."
"Well we have tomorrow," Shinji smiled. He then leaned forward. "I'll be turning in for the night soon. You two get well rested, it's been a long day."
"I..." Toji wanted to protest, but ended up yawning instead. "You're right, I think I should head to bed too..."
"Same here," Kensuke also started to rub his eyes.
"And remember," Shinji warned, "what we talked about here remains between the three of us. Trust me on this."
"Shinji, consider my lips sealed," Toji promised.
"We owe you one Shinji," Kensuke replied, "so anybody asks, they'll get mum from me."
Shinji was satisfied. "That's good Ken, because there will be those who would want such secrets at all costs. It's also to protect you." Shinji leaned back. "You both have a good night." With that, the call was over.
Shinji turned off his computer and lights and went to bed. His mind swirled with many thoughts. He had only been in Tokyo-3 for two weeks, and he had not only made two new friends, but now he and Shin Asuka were about to let them into their confidence. No doubt some of the Ultra Brother would chide him and Dyna for such a breach of secrecy, but there was no turning back now.
The young Ultra host then began to think about Misato. No doubt she was still steamed over their argument after the battle. While Shinji thought that he could have handled it better in retrospect, it was hard not to tell it straight to her face what he thought of NERV. It was also hard enough as it was keeping the truth of his power as Ultraman Evangel from her as it was.
As he fell asleep, he just prayed for protection for his two new friends... and for whatever reason, Rei. His mind drifted off thinking of her...
Misato had returned to her apartment after a long afternoon in NERV. She found the lights on, but the apartment was quiet. She went towards Shinji's room, and found it locked. Misato sighed, but at least Shinji was home and resting. She went to the kitchen and cooked up some ramen. Misato then went for her fridge and initially thought of having a beer, but then the image of a patient with a rotting liver quickly dissuaded her. She settled for an iced tea.
As Misato ate in silence, she reflected on her spat with Shinji. She hit herself for losing control with Shinji and nitpicking his actions in battle. Misato realized that she probably validated his worst feelings about NERV and his father, and he shot back at her in response. Instead of seeing her concern, Shinji just saw her as another control freak. The worst part was... Shinji was probably right. She looked down at her cross pendant, a memento of her late father.
"I went and screwed up bad..." Misato bemoaned. After just barely finishing her instant meal and tea, she just rinsed her mouth and went to collapse in her bed, spent from the day's events.
Rei Ayanami's Apartment
Rei Ayanami laid on her plain bed in her rundown apartment, still in her bandages and wearing only her undergarments. She left the curtain open for some moonlight to shine in. Yet, she could not sleep, but it was not because of any pain from her mending injuries. No...
Shinji Ikari, the Commander's estranged son, seemed to haunt her visions and dreams. And it was not just as Shinji Ikari... somehow, the boy also haunted her as Ultraman... Ultraman Evangel as the 4th Angel and now the media worldwide were calling him. She somehow knew that Shinji Ikari was Ultraman Evangel, which explains his deviations from NERV's extensive psychological and physical profile of him, his lack of fear in battle, and his movements in Evangelion Unit 01. Rei's analytical mind connected these dots, but it was still a mystery as to how Shinji got all these powers and NERV never knew about them.
"Ikari..." Rei muttered. There was also the question of how she could see him as Evangel. Nothing about Shinji Ikari made sense... and yet seeing him and Evangel stirred up something in her. It was a strange sense of curiosity and a distant, faint sense of familiarity. As Rei Ayanami laid on her bed, her mind continued to repeat the same question for which she had no answer for... how?
It was then that another thought began to form in her mind... she was going to get the answers if it meant confronting the source of all her confusion.
SEELE Human Instrumentality Committee
Gendo Ikari kept his composure, but it was clear from the rest of the five-man committee's reactions, Keel Lorenz most of all, that they were very displeased that the being known as Ultraman Evangel had once again interfered. While the 4th Angel had been bested and destroyed in battle, it was not by the hands of Evangelion as the Committee had hoped for. Now instead, the public and even member states of the United Nations were looking upon Ultraman Evangel as the true hero of the war. To add insult to injury for Gendo... Ultraman Evangel had an approval rating like a public figure, and the polls showed him to be 77 percent to NERV's mere 13 percent. Even more infuriating was that the member countries' armed forces forming the UN Combined Forces and even the JSSDF were polling better than NERV at 33 and 40 percent respectively.
"Gendo Ikari," Keel Lorenz glowered, "where do we begin with NERV after today's battle? Not only did Evangelion fail to destroy the Child of Adam again, but it is yet another victory for Ultraman, and the world applauds him for it."
"Chairman Keel..." Gendo was about to begin.
"Ikari, do you even comprehend just how serious the situation is for the scenario we envisioned!?" The American member in green raged, "Ultraman takes the credit for all the victories against the Angels, and gets approval ratings that would even make a US president jealous! The whole world is saying that Ultraman is the hero while questioning the utility of Evangelion!"
"We've invested too much into Evangelion and Instrumentality for this interloper to usurp this war we are in," the yellow member of France bemoaned, "and thanks to NERV's incompetence, the Evangelion program is ever closer to the jeopardy of being shut down!"
The Russian in blue just rolled his eyes, "you Americans and French with your approval ratings."
The Brit in red was also shaking his head, "and that is why you Yankees and Frogs always forget to get things done. You worry too much about approval."
"Hey, don't forget that I'm the one securing most of the funding for this project," the American shot back.
"And you promised that not only you would produce larger numbers of Evangelions for the war, but that your country's previous president would remain in office to increase support for the UN and NERV," the Brit reminded, "and now his stupid populist fool of a successor is giving accolades to Ultraman and now has the nerve of demanding that the UN audit both NERV and the Evangelion Project! If you had fulfilled even half of the tasks you said you would have done, we would not be in this bloody mess."
"And don't forget Paris getting all squeamish now that Ultraman has claimed victory for the second time," the Russian added.
"Well it is not like Russia has done much to contribute to the Evangelion effort," the Frenchman bit back.
"You dare-"
Keel slammed a fist down on the holographic table. "Enough! This bickering is pointless!" Gendo could not help but allow himself to feel amusement at Keel losing his composure temporarily. The committee fell silent. Keel then recomposed himself as he gazed upon Gendo through his visor.
"Ikari, you understand the gravity of this situation," Keel began again, "if Ultraman Evangel continues to interfere with the scenario, then we'll have to take extraordinary measures to mitigate his threat. The public approves of him, but we have to make it clear that he is an alien being, and one like the Angels. He is not to be trusted.
"Actually Chairman Keel, I believe that there is a way to use Ultraman to salvage this situation," Gendo surprisingly said. He smirked underneath his clasped hands.
"You were saying?" Keel asked.
"I believe that we can somehow use Ultraman Evangel's publicity to benefit NERV and the scenario if we learn to morph his favorability to extend towards us." Gendo offered, "what I propose is that we do not directly attack Ultraman at this current phase of the war and scenario... we send our Evangelions out to assist him on the front. However, it will be clear to the world that we do not sit back and let him do all the fighting for us."
Gendo leaned forward. "And as we gather more data on Ultraman, we will develop the necessary means to emulate and counter his powers, and when the time is right and our PR has molded public perception back in our favor, we find an opportunity to cast suspicion on his ulterior motives and emerge as the true defenders of humanity."
The other members of the committee grumbled and muttered amongst themselves. "And what makes you think we will devote additional money and resources to NERV for such an undertaking?" The British member asked.
"Every resource we spend on Ultraman is one less resource for Human Instrumentality, Ikari," the Russian reminded.
"And every battle that Ultraman interferes with is an opportunity for us to study him," Gendo countered, "and when the time is right and we find a weakness, cut him out of the equation."
Keel pondered over this... "Very well, Ikari... I hereby appoint you to oversee this project with Ultraman Evangel."
"But remember this... we only allow for this because Ultraman has become a problem for our scenario," Keel reminded, "make sure that you yourself do not become a problem."
"I assure you, Chairman Keel," Gendo smirked from behind his hands, "I serve, and will serve."
Shin Asuka looked over the Tokyo-3 cityscape from a hill. The city seemed to be bright and alive despite the destruction earlier.
"Dyna, that was incredibly foolhardy of you," Takeshi Yamato said as he walked up next to Shin, "you went flying into the battle exposing yourself like that."
Shin did not look at him, but said, "my friend was in danger, Yamato, and he could not transform then. I needed to give him some breathing room to save himself and his friends."
Takeshi gave a sideways glance towards his younger fellow traveler. "You could have gotten yourself captured or killed."
"Yeah, but I did not," Shin shook his head, "and I've dealt with much worse things that would have done in most others already."
"I just don't want you both to have your lives cut short this young," Takeshi expressed, "you both have long lives ahead as Ultras, and I prefer to see you both grow into fulfilled and wise masters."
Shin beamed. "Hey, we both have plenty of life and fight in us. You could at least give Shinji more credit."
Takeshi nodded as he watched the cityscape at night. "Maybe so. He did defeat two of Adam's Children quite handily. Today could be considered affirmation of his capabilities, though the form changes were a bit of a surprise."
"Yeah? Who knew?" Shin laughed, "and you should see the approval ratings he's got!"
Takeshi chuckled, "that's a first. Though I can't imagine NERV and his father taking that lying down. Their PR was hard at work trying to cast aspersions on him to reverse NERV's lack of approval with the public and the UN member states."
"Tsch!" Shin disdainfully shook his head, "that old man's such a putdown! What the blazes is that man's issues..."
"And speaking of NERV," Takeshi fished into his pocket and produced a card, "Ultra Father wanted me to deliver this to you."
"Eh?" Shin took the card from Takeshi's hand. He saw that it was a NERV ID card with his face on it. He then looked at the name tag and saw the alias. "Shinjo Atsugi?" He deadpanned towards the Ultra headmaster. "That the best you can come up with?"
"Not my idea," Takeshi raised his hands, "but Ultra Father believes that this will aid you in getting inside NERV and finding out what Gendo Ikari is really up to... and perhaps you can aid Shinji better and more discreetly instead of always going in guns blazing." Takeshi pointed to the card. "As far as the world knows, you will be Shinjo Atsugi, a NERV employee and technician assigned to its Technical Division under Dr. Ritsuko Akagi with a level 3 security clearance, which should clear you through everything but the most top secret levels of the organization. That means that level 2 and level 1 security will all be on you to sneak past."
"Hmmm..." Shin looked amused as he examined the card, "cool, I get to play secret agent."
"We put in a lot of work for that card, not to mention getting you inside their database," Takeshi pointed out, "we are putting our trust in both you and Evangel to save this world and the multiverse."
"And I promise that we won't let either down," Shin Asuka said as he pocketed the card. He then smirked as he remembered what he wanted to ask of Takeshi. "I do have a favor to ask you though... on my mentee's behalf..."
Takeshi raised an eyebrow at Shin's smirk.
The next day...
Shinji Ikari got off the bus at the stop closest to the municipal high school. The school was a short walking distance away which gave Shinji some time to walk off some extra energy before class with some peace and quiet to himself. With his extra perceptive Ultra senses, Shinji found himself drawn to the quiet of less crowded natural surroundings. It allowed him to also process the second half of yesterday to himself. The morning was still quiet as students were just filtering into the area. Shinji had left the apartment early so as not to face Misato, still miffed with how she lashed out at him. It did not feel like time for him to interact with her until after a day or two with what had just happened, and Shinji did not want to say something in anger that he would regret.
Shinji then remembered his interactions with Toji and Kensuke. He was thankful that Kensuke did not spill anything on Evangel, and he was especially glad to begin on a better footing with Toji. However, it all meant revealing his most important secret about his identities and powers as the Prince of the Nebula. Yet, another more human part of Shinji that was still a teen coming out of his own shell also felt relieved that he could share more of himself with real new friends... friends he could trust and confide in. Kensuke was very much an enthusiastic supporter of Ultraman, and Toji was very grateful to Evangel for protecting him and his sister. It would make his time in Tokyo-3 that much easier knowing that he had people who knew they could count on him protecting them and that he could count on to keep his secret.
As Shinji walked up to the school, a less-bandaged Rei Ayanami hid behind some trees, watching him go up the sidewalk in the early morning light. Rei was just down to the bandages over her head and left eye, which should be able to come off soon within a day or two. She just stared with silent resolve, looking for a time to properly confront him without exposing herself to the rest of the school.
'Pilot Ikari...' As Shinji left her line of sight, Rei slowly walked out of the trees and followed after him.
Shinji relaxed on a bench in the school yard as the rest of the morning student crowd filed in. He waited for his two new friends while some of the others gave him glances and friendly waves. Shinji just waved back in return.
"Shinji!" Mana jumped up and waved excitedly towards him.
"Mana!" Shinji beamed as he recognized the girl whose art of Ultraman Evangel was beginning to make the rounds around the school. Mana then walked over to Shinji.
"Hey hot stuff," Mana smiled, "you're still alive after yesterday."
"Of course I am," Shinji chuckled, "I avoided getting sliced and diced, though I can't say the same for the weapons I was using."
"Well, you live to fight another day, as they say," Mana shrugged. She then perked up, "they say that you rescued two of our classmates who wandered out in the middle of the battle. Is that right?"
"Well," Shinji stroked his own cheek sheepishly. He then decided that she would probably hear it from the grapevine anyways. "Ken and Toji were in danger, so yeah, I had to get them inside the Eva since it was the most armored thing around then. I couldn't just let them get crushed underneath."
"So it was those two," Mana rolled her eyes with a knowing smirk, "figures that Kensuke would be so crazy as to want to watch the whole thing up close, and Toji just goes along." Mana then pointed to someone in the crowd of students walking in. Shinji looked over to see that it was Hikari Horaki. "When Hikari found out, she ripped them a new one, especially Toji... and cried about it afterwards."
"Cried?" Shinji asked.
"Yep..." Mana then leaned in to whisper. "She denies it, but she was worried sick for Toji when she could not find him in the shelter. Truth is..."
"Hey, Shinji!" Kensuke suddenly called over. Shinji looked up to see his two new friends coming over. "Ken, Toji!" Shinji waved.
"Hey you two," Mana greeted with a pretend deadpan, "figured we'd see you two troublemakers still breathing."
"Mana," Kensuke groaned, "enough of that already."
"We're sorry okay?" Toji told Mana, "it's enough to have Class Prez on our case already."
"Hey," Mana giggled, "but I only do it because I care for my crazy otaku bro over here." She pointed to Kensuke, who gave Mana a look.
"Otaku bro, eh?" Shinji played along with the artistic girl, "then what does that make Toji to you?"
"Oh... the blockhead jock who follows Ken around like the brainless, but loyal guard dog that he is," Mana joked.
"Hey, give me a break, Michelangelo! I may be big and sporty, but I am certainly not a brainless jock!" Toji protested with a redness to his face.
"Just giving you a hard time, jock!" Mana laughed, "anyways, you should probably apologize to your sweetheart class president when you get the chance."
Toji appeared to be a bit flustered. Kensuke laughed at his friend's expense until the basketball jock gave him a glare. Shinji noticed Toji's reaction to Mana's teasing over Hikari. Did he... actually have something for the class president?
Not wanting things to be too awkward, Shinji quickly came to Toji's defense. "Mana, I think my two new friends have been punished enough already," he joked, "save the rest for their parents!"
"Oh Shinji, they are too much fun to tease!" Mana pouted playfully as the first morning bell began to ring. She then shook her head. "Oh well, but I suppose we should get going before we are tardy. I'll talk to you later!" With a wave, Mana skipped over to the rest of her friends in the art club.
"You two both seem to be well for being grounded outside of school," Shinji remarked to his friends.
"Ugh... only because I think about how could have been much worse if you hand not saved us," Toji groaned, "I'm under curfew after school, and Sakura, while happy that Ultraman saved us, is ignoring me."
"She's probably angry that you left her worried," Shinji shook his head. Then he leaned in and whispered with a grin "and maybe jealous that you got to see me in action up close."
"I couldn't even see out of the dark and stinking cockpit," Toji shook his head.
"My dad's still ticked as heck having to explain to his NERV bosses my actions." Kensuke sighed as he produced a burner phone from his backpack. "He let me have this so I can still keep contact in emergencies, but I'm banned from video and picture-taking for mobile internet for five days."
"You may want to lay low with that, Ken," Shinji then whispered to him, "and besides... you know what may happen if they realize that you were the one who posted the video of my first battle." That startled the otaku.
"How did- oh, yeah," Kensuke nearly forgot that Shinji had seen him, Toji, and Sakura, and saved them from a falling building back then.
"And it's an even more grave matter of you both knowing my identity as Evangel," Shinji whispered to Toji and Kensuke, "if any organization or our enemies discover that you two know who Evangel is, who knows what they will do to you both to try and get to me. I don't want you both getting hurt on my conscience."
"You really take this secret identity thing seriously, Shin-man," Toji raised an eyebrow.
"Just trust me on this," Shinji assured, "now, will you both be able to come camping with me tomorrow?"
"Well, I did talk to my dad," Toji scratched his head, "he said it was okay as long as I kept texting him to indicate I was okay. He relented because he thought I was looking out for Ken here, which is true in a sense."
Kensuke exhaled, "my dad this morning said okay, but just as long as I leave my camcorder or anything that can record things at home. He apparently believes that you are responsible enough to keep an eye on me."
"I guess I have a much better reputation among NERV people than I thought," Shinji shrugged, "but I guess it works for me." He then looked down at his watch, "we'd better get to class before the next bell in three minutes."
As the three boys walked into the school, Rei Ayanami trailed them. When she looked at Shinji, she briefly saw Evangel flash in his place again.
During lunch period...
It had been some hours after sitting through Nebukawa no Sensei's endless droning about life before the 2nd Impact, and Shinji felt relief to escape from the class even if it was for an hour-long lunch. Shinji just wanted to get lunch, get some fresh air, and meet with Toji and Kensuke just to be comfortable with those he knew and trusted enough.
However, those thoughts were interrupted when Shinji felt a hand reach out and squeeze his arm firmly. He was about to grab his would-be assailant when the Splendor in his pocket warmed up. It dawned on him that only one person of late would make that warm tingle... Shinji turned to see the blue-haired Rei Ayanami staring at him.
"Rei?" Shinji greeted as he noticed that she had only the bandage wrapped around her head and over her left eye. Rei's right arm was no longer in a sling as it appeared rather well healed and able to grab hold of Shinji. "Good to see you almost healed," Shinji smiled, deciding to be friendly with the taciturn girl.
"Pilot Ikari," Rei simply said, "we should talk." She was not used to talking this straightforward, but her logical mind was on a mission.
Shinji blinked a bit, then smiled again. "You can join me with some friends for lunch."
"Alone," Rei clarified, still being blunt. Not waiting for Shinji to answer, she pulled him with a surprising amount of force. This drew the attention of some students in the hallways as they watched the taciturn Rei tug the respected Shinji Ikari along. Shinji, being curious at to Rei's sudden interest in him, just walked along. All the while, the Splendor emitted warmth from his pocket in response to Rei's presence.
Rei led Shinji to outside the school entrance, well away from the other students. When they were behind a tree and under its shade, Shinji still felt Rei squeezing his arm hard. "Ugh," Shinji winced slightly as he used his right hand to remove Rei's from his left arm. "Okay, you got my full attention, but why-"
"Pilot Ikari," Rei spoke bluntly as she stared with her one good eye, "you have a secret."
"Secret?" Shinji asked, wondering about Rei's current behavior. "What secret?"
Rei's eye narrowed, "you are Ultraman... the one they call Evangel."
The air suddenly took on a chilly, silent quality as Shinji and Rei stared at each other. All the while, Shinji's brain was going at Ultra speeds processing what Rei had just said to him. Shinji finally managed, "what makes you say that?"
Rei then looked at the bulging object inside Shinji's pants pocket. She quickly reached into it with speed and yanked it out before Shinji's hand could stop her. She held up the Evangel Splendor like a policewoman catching a criminal with the killing weapon.
Shinji sighed... he was caught. "Okay, you got me... so how did you know?"
"How did you get this power?" Rei asked back.
"You didn't answer my question," Shinji shook his head, "how did you know? And what makes you think that is more than just my lucky charm?" He glanced back over to make sure no one was around.
Rei stared back for a bit, before simply answering, "I see you as Ultraman Evangel." There was a pause.
"That's it?" Shinji raised an eyebrow, "you see me as him?"
"There are also deviances in your behavior that are noticeable when Ultraman Evangel appears," Rei continued in her logical, even voice, "Eva Unit 01 is non-combat effective and you are non-responsive to communications at the same time. Furthermore, you are non-transparent with the functions of this device." She held up the Splendor. "You always bring this into the Entry Plug, and since I am able to discern you through your human form, I can only conclude that this is the device that is critical to your powers."
Shinji mentally sighed. It appeared that he had another curveball of fate, where not only did Evangel respond to Rei's presence, she could also somehow see him. "Well then," he said with a bit of nervous smile. He joked, "I suppose you brought me over here to say thank you?"
"You still have not answered my question as to how you obtained these abilities, Pilot Ikari," Rei pressed.
"That's a long story, Rei," Shinji shook his head, "and if we are being honest here, I would prefer that you not tell NERV or my father about this."
"Pilot Ikari, this must be reported," Rei stated.
"No, it cannot. I can't explain everything now-" Shinji tried to reason with Rei, but she shot him down.
"It is our duty to NERV to be transparent with anything that causes disruptions to piloting Evangelion," Rei said in her still emotionless voice, "and that includes-" Suddenly the Splendor glowed, which caused a warm feeling to shoot through Rei's arm and caused her to feel lightheaded. She fell towards the ground as Shinji caught her in his arms, still holding the glowing Splendor.
Rei felt light, but it was a warm and comfortable feeling she had not known before. She then heard a voice in her head that sounded like a more mature version of Shinji Ikari's. 'Trust him... trust him...' the voice sounded. For whatever reason, a deep, closed off part of Rei responded to that voice. That subconscious was actually telling Rei to trust Shinji and not to tell NERV, not even the Commander.
Rei was still dazed from the warm feeling as Shinji removed the Splendor and quickly pocketed it. "Rei? You alright?" Shinji asked softly. Rei looked up and saw Ultraman Evangel in Shinji's place again.
"You... are Evangel," Rei said softly, then added, "your device told me... not to tell..."
Shinji was a bit surprised, but then nodded. "That's right, just don't tell anyone okay? I will explain it sometime, I promise." He then lifted Rei back up to her feet. "Let's get back to lunch now, I have friends waiting for me." As Shinji escorted a confused Rei Ayanami, he began thinking about how she would likely be the next person on the camping trip to have to explain things to. As he walked, he still felt the warmth of the Splendor back in his pocket.
"Now there is something you don't expect to see," Kensuke whistled as he saw Shinji escorting Rei his and Toji's way under a tree. Some of the other students noticed Shinji helping Rei by the waist, eliciting some whispers and gasps.
"Hmm... alot of things we don't expect to see have been happening with him around," Toji nodded with some amusement for their Ultra friend. As Shinji approached with Rei, he set his lunch tray down.
"Hey guys," Shinji grunted, "I hope you don't mind some extra company." Rei quietly sat down next to Shinji. Shinji then picked up an apple from his tray and handed it to her. "I know you aren't very hungry right now, but at least have this." Rei gave Shinji a glance for a few seconds, and then quietly accepted the apple.
Kensuke and Toji both looked at Shinji and Rei shocked at what just happened. "No way," Toji muttered, "have I gone nuts, or did Shin-man get the ice queen here to accept an apple?"
"You're not nuts... and he got her to join us for lunch." Kensuke had to add that to another list of impressive things about Shinji Ikari, Ultraman Evangel's host.
Shinji noticed how Toji's jaw had practically dropped open and laughed. "Toji, you're going to get a fly in your mouth like that. I just invited Rei over to sit with us for once."
Toji realized how stupid he looked and shut his mouth. "You didn't have to phrase it like that Shin-man."
Kensuke shook his head. "But how, Shinji? In all the years she's been at this school. She's hardly said a thing to anyone. Nobody approaches her."
Shinji looked back with some tenderness upon Rei. She briefly glanced at him, but averted her gaze quickly down to her apple. "She's shy, but right behind that quiet façade is quite an observant and sharp mind." Shinji then leaned in towards his guy friends. "Also... she knows."
"Wait, what?" Kensuke asked.
Shinji looked to Kensuke seriously. "You heard me, Ken. She KNOWS."
"What do you mean she knows? What does she know?" Toji was confused. It was then that Kensuke leaned over to whisper in his ear so that others would not hear his clarification. It was some seconds, before Toji's expression changed to that of both surprised and knowing dismay. "Oh..." He then gave Shinji a look. "But how?"
Shinji shrugged and played it easy. "Like I said, an observant and sharp mind... even more than I anticipated."
"Okay... so what then?" Toji asked, "you sure she's not going to spill?"
The young Ultra hero felt his Splendor give a flash of reassuring warmth. "Another good friend of mine told me that I have nothing to worry about," Shinji said with a small smile, "our secret is safe."
Kensuke rubbed the side of his head. "Wow... I just hope that this won't backfire on us."
"I can handle this... besides, I think we just found ourselves another camping partner. Hopefully she will be up to what I will be explaining tomorrow..."
Rei ate her apple as she quietly glanced sideways to see Shinji talking with his two new friends and eating. They were now talking about a subject called 'sports'. While she paid little to no attention to the chatter, she could not help but reflect on the words from the voice she heard from the device Shinji possessed. Rei could not understand what was going on and how, but this strange voice compelled something inside of her to trust Shinji and let him explain to her how he was Ultraman.
The next day...
Misato Katsuragi was no longer a drunk woman, and she realized how much of a screw up with interactions she was when she went off on Shinji. It had already been over a day since then, and Shinji had been giving her the silent treatment. Not knowing what to say then, she gave him the space. While Shinji left her breakfast yesterday morning before leaving, the two had hardly seen one another.
After brushing her teeth, Misato gave herself a good look in the mirror, seeing the messy hair and bags under her eyes from a restless night of both late work and sleepless dreams. At NERV, many of the staff had varied opinions of Ultraman Evangel, and it was becoming clear that there was a growing split in those opinions. Most were supportive of Evangel, with Kozo Fuyutsuki openly and vocally advocating for him as an ally amongst NERV's top brass. However, a small, but powerful minority represented by one Commander Gendo Ikari regarded Evangel as a nusiance with distrust. While they were not attacking Evangel directly in public, it was clear to Misato that Commander Ikari and his inner circle were steaming over his interference. The fact that the public and UN member states were polled to have far more approval for Ultraman's actions certainly did not endear the hero any further with his skeptics in NERV and the UN command.
However, Misato's mind was on Shinji and how she could salvage things as a guardian with him. The last battle with the Fourth Angel who called herself Shamshel had left her frazzled, and realizing just how much she cared for him, not just as an assigned charge under NERV's orders, but like a son she never had. When Shinji had unceremoniously broken down her alcoholism, Misato started to feel a sense of human emptiness that had long been suppressed under the partying and drinking, and Shinji's brush with near death going up against Shamshel before Ultraman Evangel saved the day made her realize how scared she was to lose someone she had become close to. However, instead of expressing that concern and care, Misato knew she just came across as another callous agent of NERV's unwelcome authority.
Brushing her hair and leaving the restroom, Misato noticed how quiet the apartment was. She then took a look at the kitchen. It was deserted, but there was another breakfast plate wrapped in tin foil at her usual spot at the table, along with a letter. Shaking the sleep out of her head, Misato took interest in the addition to her morning meal and picked up the letter; it was addressed to her.
It read:
Dear Misato,
I'm just letting you know that after school this afternoon, I will be camping in the hills and mountains outside of Tokyo-3 for the weekend with three new friends. I assure that that I am NOT running away, but I need to have some time with friends outside of NERV to chill and get my bearings again after our argument. I can understand that you were concerned for me, but I know that my father could care less if he no longer viewed me as useful with how Ultraman has been intervening. I need to be with my friends to get a sense of my purpose for being here, and certainly not because my selfish father simply demands it.
If you need to find me or an emergency comes up, you have my cell phone number. Just don't let security freak out and come after me.
-Shinji
P.S - Please let Dr. Akagi know so that she reschedules training for another date. Also, take care of yourself... and I hope Tokyo-3 remains safe after Ultraman Evangel's recent victory.
Misato put the letter down with a sigh. Well it was a bummer that she was going to be missing Shinji most of the weekend. At least he wasn't running away and he didn't seem too mad at her... but it was also clear that his father's presence at NERV continued to be a sore point for him.
Misato then opened the tin foil to see the still warm toast, bacon, and eggs that Shinji had made. She found it in herself to smile a bit at Shinji's expression of friendliness despite their spat. However, she knew that she was looking towards at least two days of having to survive on instant food after this morning. She shook her head... only two weeks since Shinji Ikari came to Tokyo-3 and she had already gotten spoiled on his home cooking. Misato could at least make her own coffee and that was just it. The few times she tried cooking anything other than instant food back in college usually ended in hilarious disasters. She had long given up on trying home cooking, but the appeal of Shinji's cooking stirred up some renewed interest.
'Might not be a bad idea to try again... at least with myself at first.' Misato then went to prepare her morning coffee to go with the breakfast. After that, it was just a matter of breaking the news to her friend Ritsuko.
Fuyutsuki's Office
Kozo Fuyutsuki was a man of traditional and relaxed tastes in his free time, and his breakfast was no exception as he ate his own onigiri with a soothing drink of powdered green tea. His peaceful morning would be a contrast with the busy and contentious day he was expecting ahead.
To say that Gendo Ikari was dissatisfied would be completely understating things. When the NERV commander returned from New York in the aftermath of Ultraman Evangel's second victory, he and Section 2 grilled the NERV command and bridge personnel on duty that day hard for details. While Gendo kept his composure, Fuyutsuki remembered seeing the icy seething rage in his former student's eyes. While the Angel had been destroyed and Tokyo-3 had been saved, the failiure of Evangelion to produce a victory in NERV's favor incensed Gendo, and the recent polling showing Evangel's approval over NERV in a landslide all combined to make for what Fuyutsuki thought was a time bomb just waiting for an opportunity to explode.
Fuyutsuki shook his head. Gendo was so invested in the Human Instrumentality Project, and his own take on it, that he seemed to almost regard the angel-like Ultraman as a potential enemy to be dealt with. The old professor had no doubt that the ambitious commander and SEELE would be finding ways to remove Evangel as a meddling interference in their quest for ascension and domination of the world. None of them seemed to care that doing that would certainly doom the world anyways, and Fuyutsuki had seen plenty of things from his fateful expedition to the ruins of an unknown ancient city in Cambodia before the Second Impact that confirmed to him that there were many unseen and dangerous forces dormant within and without the Earth. Being a survivor of that expedition, it was only thanks to one of the Ultramen that intervened at the time that he and his few remaining colleagues escaped the ruins of what turned out to be an interdimensional gate with their lives. While the expedition's findings were seized by the United Nations and classified, Fuyutsuki carried with him the memory and knowledge that Earth once had giant protectors to fend against extraordinary beasts and forces of darkness that once terrorized the humans of antiquity. He truly believed that Ultraman Evangel was an answer to his years-long prayer for help from God and heaven against the alien beings falsely named as 'Angels', and that Gendo's resentment against Evangel was a truly foolhardy agenda.
'Gendo... you may have been my student once,' Fuyutsuki then resolved, 'but whatever you and SEELE are planning to do, I won't let you eliminate Ultraman... not when humanity finally has a chance to win and live in this ravaged world.' The old man's eyes filled with a brightness unseen since those lost days of his youth. With every chance and authority he had as the Vice Commander of NERV, Fuyutsuki would help and protect Ultraman Evangel so that he could protect humanity and this Earth's future.
Gendo Ikari looked up at Evangelion Unit 01 in the isolation of the Eva cage. His steely face was unreadable as usual, but his eyes had an ambitious determination to them.
"Ultraman Evangel..." he muttered, "no matter how strong you are or why you came to Earth, you will not stand in the way of my reuniting with Yui."
After school...
Shinji waited at the bus stop for his two guy friends and the surprise addition to the group, the mysterious Rei Ayanami. Shinji had let Shin know that Rei would be coming since she knew his secret identity, and was amused at his mentor's mix of dismay and teasing. Shin certainly had a way of teasing over girls, even though Rei was no ordinary girl.
Still, Shinji thought to himself that it would be nice to hang out more with people his age who not only knew his secret, but can be entrusted with it... at least that's what he hoped for with Rei Ayanami at the end of this trip. He hardly knew her from the day they first met, yet that blue-haired girl occupied a good part of his thoughts and dreams at night. Whenever he dreamed of her, there seemed to be some sort of vague memories that appeared to belong to Evangel. He didn't know why, but Shinji felt a sort of sadness from Evangel... one that was deep and nostalgic. There was a sort of beauty and attraction to Rei that Shinji was at a loss to explain, except that it had something to do with Evangel. The young boy then shook his head before he could wander to stranger places.
He then felt the Splendor flash with warmth. Before he turned to face the presence, Shinji already knew who it was. "Hello Rei."
Rei Ayanami showed no expression, but her good eye gazed upon Shinji. Shinji stood up to greet her. "I knew you'd come after all," he said.
Rei nodded. She could already guess that the Ultraman inside Shinji Ikari could sense her. "I wish to have answers, Pilot Ikari."
"And answers you will find," Shinji assured. He then took on a serious expression, "but you must also know that what you will find, you must protect as a secret. It has implications not only for my life, but yours as well."
Rei tilted her head. Someone other than Commander Ikari showing concern for her continued to be an alien concept, especially Shinji Ikari, who was supposed to be weak and scared according to the profile. Yet... he was not only strong and powerful as Ultraman Evangel, he was also nice and gentle with her. And there was something inside Shinji that reached out to some inner part of her somehow that made her want to trust him and keep his confidence. "I... I do not comprehend."
It was then that Shinji gently reached out and took Rei by the hands. "Rei... there are enemies of Ultraman Evangel out there who would hurt and kill to know who I truly am," he explained as he quickly glanced around. Shinji continued, "I cannot understand how I feel... strongly about you... but if something were to happen to you or anybody else I cared about, it would kill me inside. Please, understand that I'm telling you to protect my secrets so that I can protect you."
The two were silent for a moment. It was then that it dawned upon Shinji what he just said, and he blushed all of a sudden. 'Whoa, did I really say all that?'
"Hey Shinji!" Kensuke and Toji were walking over to him and Rei.
"Hey guys," Shinji greeted back, "you both are in time." He then reached over to his bags to show some of the camping gear that he had. "Hope you two brought your stuff."
"Not a problem, Shin-man," Toji smirked as he gestured with the cooler and foodstuffs.
"And I got the second tent here," Kensuke helt up the folded parts in a bag, "and you said that this... mebtor of yours will be picking us up at the next stop?"
"You betcha, Ken," Shinji said with a thumbs up, "and while I don't wanna give spoilers, you two have actually met him before."
"Wait, we did?" Kensuke asked.
"You'll see him when we meet him," Shinji chuckled.
Toji then looked over to Rei, who was sitting down. "Wow, she's actually coming with us. Here I was thinking Ice Queen wouldn't show up."
"Toji!" Kensuke hissed.
"First off, Toji," Shinji replied, but he was not mad, "here name is Rei. Second, she's a little confused right now with how she can actually see me. I at least owe her an explanation... and maybe to get to know her better and why she can see my secret."
"Get to know her?" Toji grinned. Realizing what he was thinking, Shinji playfully shoved him in the shoulder, but accidentally nearly knocked him over. Kensuke narrowly caught him and the foodstuffs before he went over. "Hey, easy on the merchandise, Shinji!"
"Oops," Shinji now felt sheepish and awkward, "sorry, I sometimes forget my own strength."
Rei silently glanced over at Shinji suddenly laughing with his friends over his strength. 'Pilot Ikari has enhanced strength, even in human form,' she noticed, "yet is comfortable in the company of others despite his unique nature.' She thought back to her own unique nature, and how it kept her distant from others and close to the commander, if submission to the scenario could be called that.
At NERV
"Camping?" Ritsuko gave Misato a look of surprise.
"Camping, Ritsuko," Misato confirmed to her friend. She cross her arms with some relief in her face. "At least he's not so mad with me anymore," she said, "but I'll be missing the little guy."
"Not so little at 164 centimeters," Ritsuko stated Shinji's height, another thing about him that his report underestimated, "and very well built." She then looked at the schedule for the weekend that she would have to totally rework. "Oh well, Ican work around that."
"You seem to be pretty chill about this, Rits," Misato remarked.
"Don't get me wrong, I am still miffed with him," Ritsuko said as she smoked a cigarette, "but it would be far more productive to give him extra training to make up for this weekend."
"Sounds like you're putting him through the wringer," Misato shook her head with a chuckle, "it would just be like you."
"Well, hey," Ritsuko shrugged, "with the way Ultraman Evangel has been stealing the show and kills, we got catching up to do. Commander Ikari's pretty incensed with how Evangel has an approval rating."
"Ugh, no need to remind me of those episodes," Misato stuck her tongue out, "Section 2 really lit a fire under my butt, so to speak." She never forgot how NERV's security and intelligence apparatus grilled everyone on the bridge for details on Ultraman's battle. Even Kozo Fuyutsuki was not exempt, and his session seemed to be double in length what everyone else were put through, with Gendo himself presiding. While Fuyutsuki was even-tempered and answered well, it was clear to others that something of a rift had formed between the commander and vice commander over Ultraman Evangel's presence and motives.
"But what else frustrates me is not knowing how Evangel does it," Ritsuko admitted, "his attacks just seem to be able to go through the Angels' AT-Fields around their cores with little trouble. Not only that, he kills them without so much as causing a catastrophic megaton blast from them going critical. Ultraman Evangel has become yet another scientific curiosity. How does he do it, where does he come from, and why is he here?"
"Hey Rits," Misato suddenly teased, "you know that maybe the next time he comes along, you could always take a bullhorn and ask him?" While no longer alcoholic, Misato still enjoyed getting a bit of a rise from her old friend for kicks and alleviating the mood.
"Heh, I wish," Ritsuko bantered back, "maybe you should be the one to do it, since you owe him twice for saving Shinji's life. I'd even wager that the vice commander may know a lot more about Ultraman Evangel than he even lets on right now. He's well advanced in age, but almost acts like a cheery schoolboy when his hero shows up."
"Cheery schoolboy?" Misato raised a teasing eyebrow, "more like cheerleader in a uniform jacket." She pretended to deadpan on the last part, before bursting into snickers with Ritsuko. At least the two friends found something to laugh over together.
Rei sat quietly in the row behind Shinji, Kensuke, and Toji. The bus they were on had gone a good fifteen minutes outside the city. Rei could see that they were already into the outer suburbs, after which they would be into the rural areas that made up the old former town of Hakone.
In all her years growing up, Rei Ayanami had not once set foot outside of Tokyo-3, merely regarding the countryside and hills as nothing more than background. As the bus left the suburbs, though, it was clear to her that Shinji was taking her and his friends further than she had ever gone before. The greenery and older houses looked alien to Rei like how Shinji was.
Rei then looked back to Shinji sitting in front of her. Shinji was talking with Toji about a recreation called basketball. To her, it was completely irrelevant to what an Eva pilot was about, but Shinji accommodated Toji with little trouble. If anything, Shinji was taking interest in Toji's activities, and the two unlikely friends were bonding over basketball and banter over who was going to be teaching who.
"I just wouldn't want to embarrass you though," Shinji told Toji, who just playfully waved dismissively. "Come on Shin-man," Toji bantered back, "most of the other guys at school are either pretty boys or nerds."
"Hey, I'm right here," Kensuke protested, though the grin showed that he knew Toji better than that.
"Anyways, I really could use a challenge here," Toji said, "and with that stamina of yours, I would really appreciate it on top of what you're already doing for us."
"You're the captain of the basketball team and I'm still new," Shinji said, "I can't possibly humiliate my friend and draw that kind of attention to myself."
"As if you aren't doing that already," Toji snarked playfully, "I mean, you got the chicks in the art club digging ya." He then whispered, "and you should see some of the art of Evangel they are putting up around the school. I think more than a few of them are even crushing on him."
"I don't know whether to be flattered or concerned," Shinji rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, but anyways, I think you give me too little credit," Toji got back on subject, "I mean I'm no super soldier the way you are, but I can boast in experience and technique. Besides, I teach you and in return, you make me push harder to keep up with you. Fair enough?"
Shinji shrugged and hummed. "Okay then, Toji. You're the boss with basketball, so I'll follow your lead."
"That's the spirit," Toji gave Shinji a bro-bump.
Soon the bus arrived at the intended stop. Shinji got off first, followed by Toji, Kensuke, and Rei. Toji and Kensuke looked around at the wooded area around the stop as the bus drove away. "Well Shinji, this is as far as we could take the bus," Kensuke whistled, "so you're saying that we wait here for this mentor of yours?"
"Yep," Shinji said, "and we're far enough away from the populated areas of Tokyo-3 to have no CCTV cameras watching us. I certainly don't want us to draw attention to him."
"Far enough away is right," Toji looked at the bus stop which seemed to be very old, "with how overgrown this stop is, I doubt most people would even bother coming out here!"
Rei looked around the bus stop. There seemed to be no one about so far...
However, with her good eye, she suddenly spotted a black car in the distance. Rei knew who it was immediately. "Pilot Ikari, Section 2 is approaching."
"Section 2!?" Toji was surprised that NERV security had followed them.
"Not those guys again," Kensuke groaned.
Shinji frowned as he saw the approaching car. He guessed that it was too much to hope for NERV to stay off his back. He slowly felt for his Splendor in his pocket...
Episode 6: Shinji and New Friends; Revelations Part 1
Ending Song: "Inori - You Raise Me Up" by Lena Park
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
Rei Ayanami is seen floating in a dark space, all alone.
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Rei is quiet, curled up and still. However, there is a hint of sadness to her taciturn expression.
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile and with me
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity
Suddenly there is a flash of light in front of Rei, causing her to open her eyes, and glimpse Shinji Ikari.
Shinji gives a warm smile as he flies towards Rei.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
Shinji flies up to Rei and reaches out to her with an extended hand.
Rei seems confused by the warmth coming from Shinji as she briefly sees Evangel in his place.
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
Rei reaches up and takes Shinji/Evangel's hand, causing light to burn away the darkness.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
The light dissipates, and Rei finds herself flying above pure white clouds and a beautiful flower field of irises below. She looks to her right to see Shinji holding her hand as he guided her through the skies with tenderness and affection.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
With a nod to Rei, Shinji flashes his Splendor. Evangel's light enshrouds the couple as he carries the both of them in his hand.
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
Still holding Rei, Shinji gives a nod to Evangel.
You raise me up, to more than I can be...
Evangel flies into the skies with Shinji and Rei, the three of them becoming a streak of light.
