Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Neon Genesis Evangelion is owned by Studio Gainax and Hideaki Anno and Utraman is owned by Tsuburaya Productions
Chapter 2: The Silver Giant
Unknown Location, NERV HQ
Ikari Gendo stood surrounded by a number of monoliths.
"This is most troubling. Not only has an Angel appeared after fifteen years, but an unknown giant killed it?" One of the monoliths began, worry just barely visible in his voice.
"What's more, this giant is not mentioned in the scrolls," another one pointed out.
"Maybe he is related to the God of Noah," another suggested. "Even within the scrolls, he is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps it refers to the giant?"
"Perhaps. Either way, without such knowledge of the giant, he could be detrimental to our plans," the first one said.
"If he becomes an issue, he will be eliminated," Gendo assured them. "But for now he might even be the key to setting the scenario in motion."
"If that is what you believe. As long as he or anyone else does not derail the scenario, we will leave this all to you." One by one the monoliths began to disappear, leaving only Gendo and Fuyutsuki to mull over the previous events.
"Do you really believe that, Gendo?" Fuyutsuki asked him.
"It doesn't matter," Gendo answered. "Our scenario will go as planned. This Silver Giant's presence does not make a difference. But if the old men think so, and they make one wrong move? Then it will be for the best."
"She's what?" said Ritsuko talking on the phone as she and Misato drove back to the Geofront. "Alright. We're heading there right now. Please watch over her." She hung up her phone. "Looks like I'll be visiting the hospital too."
"Is there a problem?" Misato asked. Ritsuko shook her head.
"No, it's just that, they said Rei is fully healed."
"Seriously? That quick?" Misato asked, surprised. "It's only been two days since her accident, right?"
"I know. I might have to check up on her. See if anything's wrong."
Misato asked about Shinji's status. Thankfully there aren't any major issues physically, only a few lost memories. Even then she can't help but worry about the boy.
After a while of silence, Misato decided to address the elephant in the room. "So, that silver giant…"
"I know just as much as you do, Misato," said Ritsuko. "I've never seen anything like him."
"You think he knows something about the Angels?" Misato wondered. "Maybe he has some beef with them?"
Ritsuko shrugged. "They seem to be more of an anomaly to him than they are to us."
"So, alien vigilante who's just helping out probably," Misato concluded. "Well, I can't say I don't appreciate it."
"You're surprisingly calm about this," Ritsuko noted. "An alien besides an angel just arrived on Earth. You even made contact with him. This is huge."
Misato shrugs. "Considering the kind of world we lived in, few things are a surprise anymore." Misato shrugged. Honestly, the real surprise is that it happened so soon. She's expecting at least three Angels in, not the first one to appear in fifteen years… This one is actually the third. Oh.
"Even so, the government isn't taking any chances. They're trying to cover it up, but I doubt they can keep it under wraps for too long. Hopefully, people don't feel too safe and think that giant can just solve all our problems for us."
Misato nodded. "Although in times like these, you can't really blame them for believing that. I'm just glad he's on our side."
"You seem so sure about that," said Ritsuko, smiling. "I'm not surprised. You've always been an optimist."
Misato returned her old friend's smile. "Hey, a bright outlook is necessary to keep on living," she said.
"I suppose. Your outlook can be helpful sometimes."
Later in the Hospital
"There doesn't seem to be any issues," Ritsuko said as she observed Rei's condition. "And any damages on her body have been healed. She's perfectly healthy."
Gendo studied the First Pilot, whose face did not show any emotion throughout the entire ordeal. "And the status of Unit-00?" he questioned.
"Kirisaki is currently overseeing its repairs," she answered, internally grateful for their most recent lieutenant helping to lessen her workload. "Will she be piloting Unit-01 until then?"
Gendo was silent for a while before responding. "The Third Child will remain Unit-01's primary pilot. Rei will remain as backup for the time being," he decided. "I expect Unit-00 to be operational as soon as possible."
"Of course." Ritsuko turned to Rei. "Are you sure you don't feel anything strange?" She noted that Rei took a little longer to respond before giving an answer.
"I'm fine," Rei said with finality.
Ritsuko wasn't too sure, but since the tests showed no negative results, she had to concede. "If you say so. Once the doctors give their approval, you'll be free to go."
Rei simply nodded.
Ayanami Rei's Apartment
To bond with a human is something Mebius has always been curious about. It was something most of his brothers and other comrades did, although he himself chose to take a disguise during his first outing on Earth. He didn't regret that decision, as it allowed him to truly bond with his friends at GUYS. Still, he wondered what it was like for the likes of Ultraman-niisan and Jack-niisan, having to share their lives with someone else, and his new mission gave him that opportunity. That being said, his new host is far from what he expected.
Ayanami Rei is a curious person. She does not emote much, taking even bonding with an alien from another dimension in stride. She has few belongings, and yet her apartment is a mess. She does not care it seems. He'd address it, but he does not want to seem rude. So instead, he decided to ask for other things.
"So, what do you do, Ayanami-san?" Mebius began.
"I am a Pilot. I thought you knew that," she answered within their shared mind in the same flat tone that she always uses when speaking.
"Ah, that's not what I meant," Mebius clarified. "What do you do for fun, I mean. Do you have any hobbies? Anything else besides Piloting?"
Ayanami was silent for a moment before she answered, "no."
"I see," said Mebius awkwardly as he tries to think of any other questions to ask her. Before he knew it, they are now in the bathroom, and Mebius realized that Ayanami is taking her clothes off.
He wondered why most Ultras tend to take on a host of the same sex. Now he knows.
"Gh-Gh-Ghyaaah!" Mebius screamed. Ayanami paused, about to remove her bra.
"Is something the matter?" Ayanami asked.
"Y-Y-You… You're stripping!"
"...Yes. That is how people bathe." she stated matter-of-factly, making Mebius realize that he did not think this merger through at all.
"Yeah, probably should've expected this. But aren't you embarrassed or anything?"
"Embarrassed?" she asked, for the first time sounding curious.
"Y-You're joking, right?" Mebius said in disbelief. This girl cannot possibly be serious right now.
"I do not know what 'joking' is," Ayanami answered.
"...Oh my God." Mebius began to question if his new host is even human. He wouldn't say he's an expert on them or anything, but he's pretty sure this is not how they act. If it were anyone else, he would've been slapped so many times his face would be hotter than the Valley of Fire. But apparently, Ayanami Rei is not anyone else. He's not sure if he should be impressed or concerned.
Soon, Ayanami has stripped herself of all her clothings, and she began to take a shower as Mebius desperately tried to think of anything to distract himself and ignore everything happening around him.
It took a long, long while, but Ayanami finished cleansing herself, which Mebius was grateful for. He's less grateful about the fact that Ayanami didn't bother to put a towel on, not minding having to walk around naked while sharing her body with a man. Eventually, they finally got to her closet, and Mebius is once again confronted by Ayanami's lack of care about anything. The entirety of her wardrobe consists of school uniforms, with no sign of any civilian clothing.
"Do you have any other clothes besides your uniform, Ayanami-san?" Mebius asked, sounding too tired dealing with her, not that she noticed.
"No," was her simple answer.
"Why?"
"This was all that was given to me. I see no reason to buy more."
It was then that Mebius remembered that Ayanami is a 14-year-old girl that for some reason is living on her own.
"Hey, where are your parents?" Mebius asked as Ayanami changed.
"I do not have any," she said, causing Mebius to internally wince.
"Oh. Sorry," Mebius said, suddenly feeling guilty for bringing it up.
"Why?" Ayanami asked in curiosity.
"...Because I brought up something insensitive?" Mebius answered in confusion. He really shouldn't be surprised, but he figured the mention of lost parents would hit a nerve.
"You shouldn't be. I never knew them, and I'm well cared. There is no issue with that, I assume?"
"Not at all," Mebius admitted. Perhaps this is normal. After all, neither Ace-niisan or Z are that bothered by the fact that they are orphans, or at least, they don't show it, preferring to appreciate the fact that someone took them in.
"So, who took care of you, if you don't mind me asking?"
"The Commander and Dr. Akagi. I grew up in NERV. They taught me everything that I needed to know."
"Eh?" Mebius said flatly. "And you didn't have a life beyond that?"
Ayanami's silence was enough of an answer for him, and he began to fear the worst. Was Ayanami raised as a child soldier?
Sure, people like Master Taro were very young when they began training, but to become members of the garrison weren't their only options. It was their choice, and even then it took a long time before they were deemed ready to even join, and certainly not when they're teenagers.
Suddenly a lot of things about his host began to make a disturbing amount of sense. Perhaps it was best that he withdrew himself from directly involving himself with NERV. Sure, maybe they're just desperate, but if these are the kind of people running the organization, he's afraid that he might lose faith in humanity once again.
No, stop that, Mebius. The actions of a few people should not inform your views of humanity as a whole. You learned that a long time ago.
Instead, he'll make the most of this merger, and make sure that it's not too late for Ayanami. He learned a lot of things when he came to Earth a long time ago, important things that he made sure future protectors of the galaxy should know and understand. He will have to teach her those things as well. This will be his way of giving back to the people that taught him so much, the ones that he will never forget. They helped him understand what it means to be human. Hopefully, Ayanami could understand as well.
"Ultraman Mebius?" Ayanami called out, wondering about the Ultra's silence. "Is there any problem?"
"No, nothing's wrong," he assured her. "But do you want to go out tomorrow?"
Ayanami paused at that. Mebius has the feeling that he's making her more confused about things these last few minutes than she has been her whole life. "Out where?"
"You know? Places. Just hang out. If you have the free time, of course."
"...Hang out?"
"It's what people do with their friends. Bonding, having fun, enjoying the world," Mebius explained. "We should try that and get used to each other. It could be good for you. You've been bedridden for a while now."
"Friends…" Ayanami mused, Mebius saddened by the fact that at her age, she doesn't have any. "If this is what you want to do–"
"No," Mebius cut her off, to her invisible surprise. "I'm not gonna force you if you don't want to. I'm asking if you're interested. So, do you want to hang out?"
Ayanami was silent for a long time, not used to being asked for things like this. She probably spent most of her life just doing what the commander or anyone else tells her too, not even realizing that she can make decisions for herself.
"I'm… interested," she finally said. "I'm intrigued by this… hanging out process."
Mebius smiled to himself. "Then I'll show you tomorrow. But for now, we need to get some rest. I don't think we've eaten anything yet."
"Right," Ayanami nodded as she goes to get food, and Mebius couldn't help but look forward to his first Earth meal for a very long time.
The weeks passed since the Angel's attack, and Mebius became accustomed to his current life. As promised, he took Ayanami out to have some fun, although he's not really sure if he succeeded, what with her barely showing any emotion. She didn't object to the things that they did. He tried to get her to buy some new clothes, but between his lack of knowledge towards fashion and her indecisiveness over what to buy, he decided to hold for now. He did get her to buy some nice food. She does not like meat as it turns out, so he had to look for vegetarian food for them to eat. Still good though. Other than that, they visited a few other places, Ayanami barely reacted to any of them, but when asked, she said it was an interesting experience, so Mebius had to guess her upbringing didn't leave a lot of room for emotional development. He really hopes he can help her in that regard. It's hard to read her, but she can tell that there's a hint of melancholy and loneliness in Ayanami that even she doesn't recognize, and such feelings if left unchecked can not only break her, but also others, something Hikari and Taro Kyokan realized too late…
It wasn't all just lazing around though. Not only does she go to school, but Ayanami would still go to NERV's headquarters at times. Since her Eva is still under repairs, she would instead spend her time watching Unit-01's pilot train. Apparently, he's the commander's son, who is called to Tokyo-3 on short notice during the Angel's attack, as Ayanami was still injured and they had no other pilots, although for whatever reason, he decided to stick around.
Mebius was fascinated by the boy. He noticed that he doesn't seem all that interested in piloting at all, and yet he still did it. It would be nice to know more about him and know why, but as always, Ayanami doesn't seem to care.
Now that he thinks about it, these two never spoke to each other, despite being fellow pilots. Actually, no one really socializes with the pilots. Mebius figured that if this kid is staying, he shouldn't be lonely. And neither should Ayanami.
And so came one particular school day during lunch period, and as usual, both pilots are alone. Mebius figured it was the perfect chance.
"You should really talk to the guy," Mebius suggested, catching his host's attention. "Ikari-kun, I mean."
Ayanami gave one brief glance towards the boy. "If I'm ordered to, I'll do it," she stated.
Mebius sighed. "You can't live like that all the time, Ayanami-san. Sometimes, you'll have to take initiative on your own."
"But you're the one telling me to talk to him," she pointed out.
"I–," Mebius began, but he realized that she was right. "Good point," he said begrudgingly, before a thought struck him. "What would you do if you're not answering to anyone? If you don't have to follow orders?
That made her pause. "I don't know," She admitted.
Mebius decided to continue. "You fused with me on your own will, so you can make decisions of your own. Why did you do it?"
Ayanami thought back to their first encounter. "I figured it was necessary. So that I can heal quickly."
"Because you want to save the World," Mebius said, rememberingher words back then.
"...Yes," she confirmed. That summarizes it well.
"Everyone is like that, I suppose. People's decisions tend to be informed by their goals."
"That is human nature," said Ayanami, much to Mebius' surprise. He didn't think he was the type to be insightful like that. And then he remembered her hobbies.
"You read books on psychology and genetics. Were you ordered to?"
"No," Ayanami answered, confused by Mebius' change of topic.
"Then why do you read them?" He questioned..
"I find them fascinating."
"And making friends isn't?"
"It's not necessary," she countered.
"Not necessary for what?"
Ayanami didn't say anything. She can't answer that. She doesn't know how to.
Mebius decided to appeal to the pilot in her. "If nothing else, you two bonding will help if you ever need to fight against the Angels together. You'd want to get stronger, right?"
"I am not ordered to, so it's not required of me," she said again.
"Sometimes, your superiors won't be able to give you orders. Then you'll have to make the call yourself." Mebius hesitated for a moment, before he added, also, take it from someone who's been doing this job for thousands of years. Alienating yourself from your comrades will only complicate relations. I've experienced it firsthand back in my early days. It was a lonely time for me, and demoralizing for them."
Ayanami debated what course of action she should take, muttering the word "lonely."
"Why are you doing this?" she asked him.
"We're merged together," he answered. "I can't make out everything about you, but I can tell you want more with your life right now, regardless of what your superiors tell you. Maybe I'm being a hypocrite, but I can't stand it when someone is in need of help, especially if someone is asking to alleviate whatever pain they're feeling."
Ayanami was surprised by Mebius' assertion. "Pain?"
"Yeah. That's what it is, Ayanami-san. It's loneliness, and it's an unbearable feeling. If you want it to end, then maybe you should start with ending his as well."
Ayanami thought about it more, until finally decided to approach Ikari-kun… before suddenly stopping.
"What is it?" Mebius asked, confused.
"...I don't know what to say," she said, somewhat awkwardly.
"Oh. Well, don't worry. Just follow my lead."
Ikari Shinji has gotten used to being alone for a long time now, so it was a big surprise when that girl from back then, the other pilot, approached his desk.
"Let us eat together," the girl – Aynami, was it? – said to him. It didn't sound like a request. Before he knew it, they were sitting in the school cafeteria. Shinji wasn't sure how he ended up in this situation. Was it out of fear? Did his mind stop working after being asked by a beautiful girl to lunch just like that?
For a while, neither said anything. They just ate their respective lunches. Then, Ayanami stopped. She just sat there, her face blank, until she asked, "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, I guess," said Shinji, not really sure what to do in this scenario.
Ayanami stared at nothing in particular, then said, "I am fine as well,"
"Th-That's good," Shinji said awkwardly.
The two sat in silence once more, until Ayanami broke it once again. "How is your training going?"
More piloting stuff. Ever since that guy with the glasses outed him as a pilot, he's gotten a lot of attention for that. He's not really sure if he likes it, especially since he hasn't even done anything yet. Not to mention, half of the questions that he's gotten is about that Silver Giant guy that killed the Angel after his screw-up.
"I'm doing well, apparently," he said.
"Are you angry?" she asked, much to Shinji's confusion.
"Angry about what?"
"That the Silver Giant stole your kill?"
Huh. That's the first time someone asked him that. "I don't know," Shinji said. A part of him is relieved that he didn't need to face that monstrosity, but he can't help but feel bad because he's sure that he disappointed everyone, even if Misato-san tells him otherwise.
Apparently, Ayanami sensed his discomfort. "Do not feel bad. I lost control of my Eva just before you arrived. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been called in the first place. I have been in this program far longer than you, and yet..."
And now Shinji feels even more guilty. "I'm sorry."
Ayanami looked puzzled. "Why?"
"I'm sorry that I stole your chance."
Shinji noticed that Ayanami's response this time was quicker than the previous ones. "It is no one's fault but my own. And it's not a competition. I will fight the Angels. It doesn't matter when."
That made Shinji wonder. "Why do you pilot, Ayanami?"
Again, her response was immediate. "It's my link."
Shinji was confused. "Your link?"
"My link to humanity," Ayanami nodded. "I have nothing else."
Yeah, that was a little sad, Shinji had to admit. But it also felt somewhat familiar.
"How about you? What are your motivations?" Ayanami asked him
Besides the fact that his father ordered him to? "I don't know," he admitted.
Ayanami took a while to answer again. "That's alright. You will figure it out some day."
Shinji gave her a nod. Then there was silence again, but this time, it was Shinji who broke it. "Why are you talking to me now? You didn't seem interested back then?"
"I was told that bonding with allies would result in a better work performance. I wanted to test if it's true."
At that moment, Shinji is sure he heard someone yell, "IDIOT!"
"Oh," Shinji deflated. "So this is an experiment to you?"
"Yes." Why does it feel like someone desperately wants to bang their head on the table?
It's hard to tell since Ayanami barely emotes, but there are hints of confusion and bewilderment in her face, as if she's having a hard time understanding a concept being told to her. "But I did find this a fascinating experience," she suddenly said. "What about you?"
That made Shinji think. All this? Talking with someone? A fellow pilot who has an idea of what he goes through? "I… this is nice," he said without thinking. "I enjoyed this." Shinji's eyes widened as his face turned red. Surprisingly, Ayanami's mouth began to twitch. It didn't form a smile or anything, honestly, Shinji isn't even sure if she's capable of that. But the words that came out of it did sound much fonder and warmer than her normally monotone way of speaking.
"Me too."
Suddenly, there was the sound of ringing, and Ayanami picked up her phone. Once she hung up, she told him, "Emergency-call up. Let's go."
Her words are immediately followed by loud sirens.
Later, Somewhere Outside Tokyo-3
Aida Kensuke is having the time of his life! Ever since the reports of a giant monster attack, he couldn't contain his excitement. Not only that, but they already have a mecha prepared for such an event? So cool. And that's not getting to the reports of an alien giant coming in to finish the giant monster off. It's like one of those old tokusatsu, but in real life!
"Wow," said Kensuke as he pointed his camera at the flying purple insectoid monster that began to take on a vertical position. "It was worth all the trouble! And here he comes!" Now he points his camera towards the building where the giant robot – Eva Unit-01, he remembered the new kid called it – emerges. Coming out of the building, he began shooting at the monster with his gun. It was an amazing sight… until the monster attacked it with light tentacles coming out of its body.
"What the hell! It's kicking his ass already?!" Toji, who he convinced to help him sneak out, exclaimed, as the giant robot… didn't do anything.
Instead of the cool mecha battle Kensuke was expecting, the robot didn't fight back. Instead, it was on the defensive, trying in vain to get away from the monster, but it was able to cut through what seems to be the Eva's power source, and it threw the robot.
…Right towards them.
Kensuke and Toji screamed, but fortunately, the Eva's hand narrowly missed them. The Eva, the new kid, took notice of them, shaking in fear, because while Kensuke said he's willing to die just to see these things, he didn't mean almost immediately!
And now the purple monster came flying right towards them, attacking the Eva. The new kid struggled to keep it from harming him… from harming them.
"Why isn't he fighting back?!" Toji yelled.
"Is it because we're here?" Kensuke realized in horror.
NERV HQ
"Let's go, Ayanami-san!"
Rei nodded as she slipped away, making sure she is not detected by anyone.
Inside Unit-01
This is bad, Shinji thought. He's losing power, the Angel has the upper hand against him, and worst of all, two of his classmates, one of them being the glasses-wearing kid, apparently sneaked out to watch him fight, and now they're all about to die.
At least that's what he thought until he saw a giant humanoid coming from the sky.
It was the Silver Giant! He grabbed the Angel and threw it away from them.
The Angel switched targets, its focus now on the Silver Giant as the two battled.
"Shinji-kun, let those two in your cockpit!" Misato told him. "After you've retrieved them, retreat! We'll start over!"
She and Dr. Akagi argued about that decision, but ultimately, Misato decided to push through.
The plug was ejected and his two classmates hopped in. Misato repeated her orders, but Shini couldn't hear her. Not with all the noise in his head.
He panicked and wasn't able to do anything. The Silver Giant had to bail him out again. He almost killed these two with him if it weren't for luck. He hates this. He hates this feeling. Why does he have to feel this? What is he even doing here?
"I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away…"
Why, though? He was told to retreat. The Silver Giant can kill the Angel on his own. And if he's deemed unfit to be a pilot for his failures, then there's still Ayanami who is more than willing to do this job. He won't have to face these things again.
Ayanami…
"It's my link. My link to humanity. I have nothing else."
"I will fight the Angels. It doesn't matter when."
Is this what it's all about? He's ashamed that Ayanami, who has not once been sortied, is so motivated to fight, while he's out here second guessing everything? Ashamed of what people would think of him if he chickened out?
Ashamed and scared of what would happen if he fails to do his duty?
No longer caring about Misato's orders, Shinji took out his Progressive Knife,and he screamed as charged towards the Angel. The Silver Giant, who is struggling to fight it without an AT-Field although he can easily withstand its tentacles, took notice of Shinji's actions, and he moved out of the way just as he was closing in. The Angel was able to penetrate Unit-01's body, but it didn't matter, as he was able to stab its core.
The Silver Giant took this opportunity and fired a beam. Combined with his Progressive Knife, the Angel didn't stand a chance. It exploded then and there.
Shinji stared into the distance as the Angel was reduced into nothingness. He tried to hold it, but he couldn't. He broke down.
He didn't care that there are people watching him. He didn't care about the alien that fought beside him. He couldn't take it anymore.
He felt Unit-01's shake, and Shinji dared to take a look. The Silver Giant placed a hand on his shoulder, taking notice of his distress. He pumped his other fist into the air.
The Silver Giant took his hand off from the Eva, then extended it towards Shinji. Shinji hesitated, not sure what to do, but the Eva's power is running out. He took the Silver Giant's hand and shook it.
Satisfied with this, the Silver Giant flew away. Tears are still coming out of Shinji's eyes, but even then, he can't help but watch in awe, a sentiment his two classmates shared.
Misato's Apartment, Three Days Later
"Rei-chan?" Captain Katsuragi said, surprised by her presence. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello Captain," Rei greeted. "Is the pilot– is Ikari-kun here?"
Captain Katsuragi had a forlorn expression on her face. "Yeah. He hasn't been doing well since the fight with the Angel. Maybe you can get through to him."
Rei nodded and was allowed entry to their home. The Captain led her to Ikari-kun's room, and she knocked. "Shinji-kun, Rei-chan is here."
No response. Sighing, Captain Katsuragi opened the door anyway.
Shinji didn't respond even as Misato opened the door and he sensed someone come in. He just sat there quietly, head hidden behind his legs, his SDAT on repeat.
"I'll leave you two alone," said Misato as she closed the door. He felt the bed shake.
"You haven't gone to school for three days," Ayanami noted. "Have you not left this room as well?"
Shinji didn't say a word, and he didn't move a bit.
"What are you listening to?" Ayanami asked. Again, no response.
She sat there in silence for what felt like a really long time, and then he felt her move closer, and for the first time since she got here, he allowed himself to get startled and he looked up as he felt Ayanami place a hand on his shoulder.
His mind flashed back to those dreadful events, when the Silver Giant did the same thing. Suddenly, it dawned on him what the Silver Giant was trying to say.
"Good job," said Ayanami.
And just like that, Shinji cried once again. Ayanami didn't say a word at any of this, but she did not move. She stayed in the same position all throughout, by his side as Shinji's repressed emotions revealed themselves.