Rebuild SKL is Kaiser
ESKK: Here we go chapter 11 let's get started so, enjoy.
(Start Shinji Ikari NERV HQ)
Shinji's eyes suddenly snapped open as he found himself in a clean and plain white room. Looking around for a moment Shinji rose from the bed and noted that he was still alive and his injuries from Midori were dealt with. Getting up he removed the sheets and saw a slot open up releasing something wrapped in plastic. Walking over he recognized his old school uniform in it and with it a note, addressed to him.
'Rei is waiting go with her.'
Shinji recognized his fathers handwriting and growled to it. Tearing it in two Shinji threw the note aside but knew he had no choice now. At the very least he can stall for time until WILLE can rescue him. No telling how long Shinji had before Gendo pulls something. Shinji got dressed no doubt the WILLE uniform he had been given was discarded not that discarding it would make Shinji obey his father again.
Once he was dressed Shinji walked over to the door and saw it was locked from the outside. "Of course." Shinji growled but then the red light turned green and from there he saw Rei-Q standing on the other side waiting for him. Shinji glared at her knowing what she was and who she was. Despite having Rei's face as far as Shinji saw it, she was not HIS Rei.
"Commander Ikari instructed me to fetch you." Rei-Q said as she looked to Shinji with her emotionless stare. "Come Ikari-Kun." Rei said and thus Shinji resist the sudden urge to close the door.
Shinji was half-tempted to tell Rei-Q to leave and to tell his father to fuck off. Asuka had clearly been rubbing off on Shinji, but the sentiments still stands. But not trusting his father to try something else Shinji let him have this one. Following after Rei the two left the room as Shinji kept his eyes peeled for any possible escape routes. He recognized this place as NERV but despite it all Shinji noted that it had seen better days. The ugliness of his father's actions the truth of his insanity Shinji felt true rage for the man who's blood flowed through his own veins.
To think this place was where the nightmares had begun and for Shinji it will be where they will end. Walking through a large room Shinji suddenly stopped when he heard the sound of music echoing through the NERV base. Walking to the ledge Shinji looked down and saw the source of the music.
Down below Shinji saw the sight of a pale skinned young man with silver hair wearing a school uniform playing on the piano bellow. As he played away, he seemed content which Shinji found suspicious more so since he was not wearing his own Plug Suit like Rei Q currently was. Glaring down at the scene Shinji then saw the boy open his eyes revealing those crimson red irises to Shinji. Growling a bit Shinji stepped back and looked nearby seeing Rei-Q was waiting for him. Knowing they needed to keep moving Shinji followed her while keeping an eye for any familiar sights on the way.
They eventually arrived at the main hanger as they walked through. From there he heard the sign of welding metals and gears as he looked and saw automatic arms being used to construct something. As Shinji looked at it, he could not help but be reminded of Kaiser somehow. Rei lead Shinji out of the room and soon arrived at the next room that followed.
Standing before Shinji was some sort of steel womb that already he knew what laid inside. Shinji glared at it before looking up above it. "Father." Shinji greeted with venom in his voice.
"You've arrived." Gendo said with his ever, cold voice to his son. He had little time to deal with Shinji his scenario was off track but now that Shinji was here it was now back on track. "When this EVA unit is ready within the next few days you will pilot it." Gendo said and thus Shinji already had his response here.
"I refuse." Shinji said not even hesitating in his tone.
Gendo was of course caught off guard by those words. He was aware that Shinji had been conscious for over 14 years inside the Gate of Guff and had no doubt been aware of his actions since his long sleep. Still, he had underestimated his son when seeing what this actions would affect him.
"Do you not want to repair the damages that the initial and true Third Impact had caused?" Gendo asked as he glared down at Shinji from behind his visor. "This is your only way to fix it all." Gendo said but Shinji saw through his father's words.
"Don't lie to me father!" Shinji snapped as he glared at the cruel man who he had called father. "This all of this." Shinji said gesturing to the developing EVA and the whole chamber. "This is just one sad man who can't move on and would end the world just to regain a happiness he lost." Shinji said before glaring directly at his father. "You're a sad sick man and I won't let you drag me into your madness anymore." Shinji said and thus the two glared each other down.
Gendo was unmoving but so was Shinji. In turn Gendo was eventually the first to say something to his rebellious son. "You've grown." Gendo suddenly said a small crack in his tone… pride?
"I've had 14 years of self-reflection, isolation, and Rei's words to thank for that." Shinji responded as Rei had been most helpful in Shinji's 14 years trapped in the EVA Unit.
"Regardless." Gendo began as his cold tone returned in full. "You will pilot the EVA; I will give you until its ready to reconsider and if not… extreme measures will be employed." Gendo said and thus he began to take his leave of his son.
"Don't count on it, father." Shinji growled and thus he also took his leave not even bothering to speak or acknowledge Rei-Q on the way. Rei-Q stood there for a moment confused as to why Shinji would reject his father. Regardless Shinji would pilot the EVA or else Iron Kaiser will force Shinji's hand here.
(Later elsewhere with Gendo NERV)
Gendo stood before the crimson head of Lilith that bore a striking resemblance to Rei. Glaring at the image Gendo could not help but think over the meeting he had just been in with his son. The boy was showing an unwillingness to cooperate which if allowed would jeopardize the scenario. He needed Shinji to utilize Unit-13 and retrieve the Lance of Longinus and the Lance of Cassius for him. But if the boy continues to reject his orders, then Gendo will have to use extreme measures to force compliance.
Just then coming up from behind Gendo knew his old teacher was now approaching him. Fuyutsuki approached and stopped a few feet from Gendo's position. "He's changed." Fuyutsuki said as he stood behind Gendo observing the scene of the corpse. "He's grown defiant in these past 14 years." Fuyutsuki added as Gendo just stood there making no movement to speak or argue with Gendo here. "Are you worried over how this might affect the scenario?" Fuyutsuki asked as he looked over to Gendo.
"The boy will fulfil his role." Gendo said as he had given up too much to worry about a boys defiant act.
"How are you so certain he will, he knows what had happened and knows of your actions." Fuyutsuki said as he gave good points to why Gendo should be worried. "It won't be long before he learns the full extent of your actions." Fuyutsuki added and thus Gendo grew silent for a moment to that.
The man knew his old teacher was not wrong in that regard. How long did he have before Shinji found out and started making hostile attempts to stop his plans. No Shinji would not do that he is not foolish enough to lay his life down on a hopeless cause. With so little time Gendo won't be able to brainwash Shinji so his last option is to blackmail the boy. Thankfully, that was an easy task but left to many unknown variables on Shinji's response. The boy was defiant, but Gendo can't disregard the possibility that Shinji will attempt the subvert the demands for him.
"This will not affect the scenario." Gendo said with a tone of certainty in his voice. "We will adjust to factor in these variables from the boy as needed." Gendo said but then Fuyutsuki had another counter for Gendo's resolve.
"And what of Kaiser?" Fuyutsuki asked noting how the skull devil was becoming a formidable adversary towards their desired goals. Scores of their EVA's and clones have been slain by the savagery of Kaiser's might. The three warlords who had supported NERV had been slain by Kaiser's fury leaving only Gendo left to fight on. The UN were already moving in to re-establish order in the domains of those War Lords and it won't be long until Kaiser was at NERV's doorstep for a fight.
"Iron Kaiser will serve its purpose." Gendo responded simply knowing full well that they needed a devil to fight the skull devil standing against them.
"And what if Iron Kaiser fails in that regard?" Fuyutsuki asked knowing Gendo had to have some sort of backup plan in place for that.
"By the time Kaiser can interfere it will already be too late." Gendo said and thus Fuyutsuki saw what this was. Either Iron Kaiser destroys Kaiser or manages to stall Kaiser long enough for Gendo's scenario to once more flourish.
"Do we even have a viable pilot?" Fuyutsuki asked with concern that they may be lacking in that particular area.
"If not, the remote control will have to suffice." Gendo said as they stood there. "And even if that is not the case something you mentioned to me about Rei struck me as odd now that I have considered it." Gendo said as he looked to Lilith massive lifeless head. "About her being in two places at once." Gendo added and thus Fuyutsuki saw where this was going. "I have reason to believe a pilot for Iron Kaiser is being delivered as we speak." Gendo said and in turn Fuyutsuki knew that such a thought was troubling for the man.
"So, it's true… we are at the final stages." Fuyutsuki said looking up towards Lilith's head staring lifelessly at them.
"We are well passed the point of no return." Gendo said as a fact because now that they have made it this far there was no turning back for them.
"If God will not slay the Devil, then mankind shall find another Devil to challenge him." Fuyutsuki said with a calm tone in his voice.
"If mankind can slay God, then the Devil shall suffer the same fate as God." Gendo said and thus it was clear that Gendo had no intentions of turning back anymore even if he could.
(Scene Break on the Wundur)
A day had passed since the attack and WILLE was already repairing the damages. They were taking every preparations needed for the coming battle training the troops, repairing their mechs and ensuring the EVA's were repaired. At the moment Misato and Ritsuko stood in one of the viewing boxes of the Hangers were Miki's new EVA was set up. The EVA was green and had a face that carried a white visor for its eyes.
They needed to get Miki trained up as soon as possible every advantage they had was an advantage they can use against NERV. Miki took to the training as at the moment they were putting her in the deep end.
"So, you're sure this will be safe?" Misato asked as Jun stood in the lab watching the scene before her.
"Safe? Never." Jun said but then grinned to this. "But its like you said we need every advantage we can get our hands on." Jun added as Misato hated that Jun was right for once. "Besides there's only one reason Gendo would take Shinji and we all know what it is." Jun said and thus Ritsuko growled to this comment.
"He needs Shinji to pilot an EVA once more to begin Fourth Impact." Ritsuko said in a tone showing it to be a cruel fact.
"I would not put it past Gendo." Eve said pulling up the data she had on NERV. "My findings suggested he was creating a new EVA." Eve said as she also observed the contact test here. "I just never expected it to be far along enough for him to risk abducting Shinji." Eve said calmly seeing the logical conclusion they all came upon like her.
"Do you think it's a Unit-01 type?" Misato asked looking to Eve on this one.
"I would be foolish to believe it to be otherwise." Eve responded with a clear stern tone in her voice. "We will need to rally our allies for this sort of rescue operation." Eve said but Ritsuko was silent here which Eve took note of. "Shinji however will not allow himself to be manipulated into piloting the EVA as he had been in the past." Eve said but Ritsuko noticed her tone drop a bit.
"But…" Ritsuko trailed off wanting to hear what Eve had on her mind about this.
"However, Gendo will find a means to force Shinji into cooperation be it torture or blackmail." Eve said making it clear that they needed to stop Gendo and rescue Shinji.
"With all the time you spent behind enemy lines you'd think you'd have found out where Gendo was hiding." Kuzo said as he walked into the room getting everyone's attention.
"I can't confirm nor deny that for all we knew any location that he may appear to be at could be a decoy signal to throw us off his scent." Eve said making extra sure that she had the correct scent to track Gendo down. "That's why we need the Wundur's sensors to be on operating order." Eve said making it clear why WILLE was needed for their use.
"So, the truth comes out." Ritsuko quipped a bit suspecting that Eve and her two cohorts were using WILLE to trac down NERV's primary base of operations in this broken world.
"What are you saying you DON'T have a system that can detect an EVA Unit whenever and wherever it activates?" Eve countered with a smirk currently adorned on her face.
"Back to subject." Misato said cutting in before an argument could take place around here. "How is our new recruit doing in the Entry Plug?" Misato asked as she looked to the EVA that Miki was currently testing inside of.
"Right now, her synchronization scores are well within the acceptable margins for an EVA pilot." Ritsuko said which was good news for WILLE. "Once she's been properly trained in the EVA's operating system we can start moving her to being on our active roster." Ritsuko said because the more Pilots and EVA Units they had the more likely they were to put a stop to NERV and Gendo's mad ambitions.
"That's good to hear." Misato said grateful that they would soon have an extra set of guns on the field.
"But this also brings me to my next concern." Ritsuko said as she looked to Misato. "After Eve had deployed her tapeworm program and destroyed all of our DSS Chokers if Miki were to have a traumatic episode and awaken, we won't have any means to stop her." Ritsuko said and thus Misato glared at Ritsuko for bring that up.
"Find me a way to do it without lethal force and then we can talk." Misato said as she then redirected her attention back on to the test with Miki. Ritsuko scowled to this but for now let it be opting to speak to Misato privately about the choker situation. Though Ritsuko knew they needed some form of contingency to bring down the pilots should any of them awaken and trigger the catastrophic extinction level disaster they seek to stop.
(In the entry Plug Miki)
Miki saw submerged in LCL as she had her hands gripping the control yokes of her EVA. At the moment she was focused on synchronization with her EVA while keeping it within the acceptable parameters. Her eyes were closed as she held a firm grip on the yokes keeping focus. She had been awoken early in the morning to begin these tests so they can make sure she can handle the strain EVA puts on the pilots as well as making sure her trauma did not have a negative effect on herself and the EVA.
Miki's hair floated freely in the LCL showing she was currently due for a haircut. Her Plug suit was primarily a green color baring a striking resemblance to Asuka's suit. It was shown to be bulkier around the arm area much like Mari's plug suit suggesting her EVA may have a beast mode for her to utilize during a battle. Still as she sat in the plug, she felt the bitter taste of copper through the LCL, but she chose to endure the bitter taste. Akira was doing everything he can to take down NERV and while he claims its because he does it for the sake of violence Miki saw right through her friend.
Of course, that brought forth the bitter reality of her other friend and how broken he was from their ordeal. Miki knew Akira was not monitoring with the others because of what Ryo did Akira wanted answers to the event. The funny thing about betrayal it never comes from an enemy it comes from a close friend killing you twice. The first death is your soul, and the second death is your body. Miki knew Akira was probably suffering in silence right now and as much as she wanted to comfort him, he needed his space to sort through it. Otherwise, Akira won't be able to heal from Ryo's betrayal.
Before Miki could continue her musings however a new voice cut in from the communications link inside the Entry Plug. "Ok Miki we're done for now you can eject the Plug." Came the voice of Ritsuko which Miki nodded.
"Yes ma'am." Miki responded and thus began to depart from the Entry Plug. She needed to focus on her training because it was only a matter of time before Gendo activated whatever EVA he needed Shinji to pilot for him. Still Miki could not help but grow concerned with the inevitable battle against NERV even as the LCL drained from the entry plug of her EVA. Yes, this was her very own EVA unit fresh off the assembly line her Evangelion Unit-14. Once the LCL was drained she stepped out of the plug and was offered a towel to dry herself off with and a bottle of water to rehydrate herself. Once she was ready, Miki then began to make her way to the viewing box to get the test results. There was a lot of work to do and little time to do it all.
(Meanwhile with Akira the Brig)
Akira stood outside of Ryo's isolation cell as his friend was currently sitting on the floor in a strait jacket. As Ryo sat there the two glared at each other both with a burning desire to know one simple answer, why. They stood against each other for a moment the wall almost like an AT-Field preventing them from understanding the conflicting views of one another.
It was then that Akira decided to speak to demand the answer to his burning question. "Why did you do it Ryo?" Akira asked while he glared directly at Ryo. "After everything I went through to save you and Miki." Akira added and thus Ryo scoffed to Akira's words.
"Because NERV has the right idea." Ryo said as he looked directly towards Akira. "Look at human history look at our current history mankind is destined for self-destruction because or desire our natural need to take, consume, conquer, and kill its something primal that we can never be able to remove." Ryo said as he glared at Akira. "You have the power now Akira with Kaiser you can easily have destroyed it all end the failed experiment called the human race." Ryo said as Akira just stood there glaring at Akira.
Akira for his part returned the glare as he refused to speak. Honestly, Akira didn't know what to feel about this, here was his closest friend changed and corrupted by trauma and suffering. Miki was able to grow past it but seeing Ryo like this hurt Akira in the worst way possible. But despite this Akira just gave his friend a glare cold and aloof.
"Disgusting." Akira said and in turn took his leave of Ryo. Ryo sat there surprised at first but then just glared at Akira for leaving.
"Akira. AKIRA!" Ryo called out as he saw Akira was leaving. "Don't you turn your back on me! Akira!" Ryo called but Akira kept walking. "You know I'm right Impact is coming the Earth will be cleansed!" Ryo roared out but Akira ignored him and just kept going.
Once Akira left the brig the door closed behind him as he stood there. His fist clenched as Akira felt a surge of rage going through him. Hate, rage all Akira could feel were those stemmed from his feelings from Ryo's betrayal. Akira then roared unable to contain his fury and then proceeded to punch the wall. The strike was strong enough to cause his knuckles to bleed from the strikes impact. Gasping for air Akira tried his best to reel in his rage but right now that rage was all he had left before diving into his darkest of places.
Just then a familiar voice to Akira was heard from nearby. "First time?" A female voice said and looking to the source Akira saw Asuka was here now.
Asuka had been keeping an eye on Akira not because she cared but because she knew the feelings Akira was feeling right now. The rage the betrayal Asuka knew those feelings and knew they may push Akira to do something… dangerous to WILLE.
"So that was your friend, right?" Asuka asked trying to find the right way to approach this.
"Yeah… he was." Akira admitted with a cold tone in his voice a tone that showed the hurt that he was currently feeling. "We were survivors me, Ryo, and Miki just trying to make it through day by day." Akira said as he had this distant look in his eyes like he was a completely different person here. "Every day we roamed those lands trying to find food, shelter, water, and other survivors like us. We met a few good people, met more cowards then allies but we had each other and for the time that was enough." Akira said recalling those days. "Every day we hoped that things would get better that we would get to see what the Earth was like when the ground was green and when the oceans were blue but." Akira said before Asuka noticed something about Akira something she didn't expect to see from the psychotic pilot… vulnerability.
But Asuka also saw something else something coming down from Akira's face as he spoke, tears, was Akira crying? "Akira… are you crying?" Asuka suddenly asked but Akira in response turned away putting his walls back up giving off a tough exterior to Asuka.
"Damn… a pipe must have sprung a leak." Akira said feeling his hand out for a nonexistent leak around him.
"Akira… there's no shame in feeling sadness for what happened." Asuka said and in turn Akira scoffed before walking off.
"I am Hell… and Hell doesn't cry." Akira said while walking off from Asuka who remained behind.
Looking at Akira Asuka knew that he was trying to hide his pain behind walls of sadism and bloodlust. How she know this was because she would have done something similar as Akira. But seeing it from the outsiders perspective Asuka could not help but smirk at this seeing a challenge before her. And if anyone had known who Asuka Langley Shikinami was she never turns down a challenge when presented with one. But the minute that thought came to her head Asuka paused and looked shocked.
Asuka Langley Shikinami… yes that was who she was the one and only original Asuka Langley Shikinami. Not a clone and not a knock off but the genuine one and only Pilot of EVA unit-02 Asuka. Its funny when she thinks about it now… she was so focused on her rage against Misato and Ritsuko for their lies that she had forgotten that the truth was she was her own person. Not a clone and not a mimic of anyone else.
But with those thoughts Shinji's words echoed in her mind. "Even if you were a clone, you're the only Asuka I know." Shinji's words repeated in her mind as Asuka had forgotten about his words.
"That's right… I'm me… I'm Asuka Langley Shikinami." Asuka said with a smile of joy. She was even starting to cry a bit when those words were starting to sink in. "I'm me and even if I wasn't the original me… Shinji still only saw me." Asuka said as she to cry and smile because those words spoken were true.
"There is only one Asuka Langley Shikinami and I'm her." Asuka said as she got up and wiped the tears away. "I am me." Asuka said and thus she left her resolve restored and her old self from 14 years ago returning to full strength. But there was one last thing Asuka needed to do some words she needed to say even if the recipient can never be able to receive them. So as Asuka left, she made her way to her room where a particular item was left waiting.
(Later over in Asuka's quarters)
Asuka entered her quarters where she had all her belongings spread out in comparison to before to being strapped to the wall. Entering the room, she found the data pad Eve had given her and turned it back on. Lately Asuka had been reading up on her biological parents ever since she learned the truth. Taking a deep breath Asuka turned it on ignoring her discarded game pad that was seemingly starting to collect dust. Ever since she learned the truth Asuka had been using the game pad less then she normally did to not at all almost like she didn't need it to cope.
So, with this new resolve in her Asuka swiped through several images on the data pad until she found one that worked perfectly. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath to steel her resolve before she opened her eye once more. Asuka then proceeded to place the data pad on the bed leaning it on an item, so the screen was facing her direction. The screen was on and gave off a soft glow which had Asuka smile kindly to the image on screen.
"Hi mom." Asuka greeted with a smile on her face. On the data pad was the image of Asuka's mother her true biological mother who smiled back at her. The woman who brought her into the world, the woman who sacrificed her life so Asuka could have a chance to be free of being manipulated, and most of all the woman who Asuka was denied ever getting to properly meet.
"I'm sure your wondering what you're little test tube baby's been up to." Asuka said as she knew the woman was dead. "Though then again I think you have a pretty good idea of what's been happening." Asuka said which caused her to sigh. She knew her mother was dead, died with her father trying to protect Asuka's future. "I know I'm overdue for that talk… I'm actually overdue for a lot of talks now that I think about it." Asuka said chuckling a bit to herself over this. "I've been learning a lot about you all your hopes and desires for me… for us." Asuka said to the woman she knew had been dead for well over 28 years. Yes, despite this fact Asuka continued to talk to her to talk to the woman's spirt about all that she had been through. "I… I have so much I want to share with you so much I wanted a chance to do with you." Asuka said as she never realized how horrible her childhood was to have it stolen from her by all the manipulative adults in her life.
"But… I want you to know that I'm going to keep living…" Asuka began pausing for a moment to gather her words. "I'm going to keep living because if I died, I would have made your sacrifice mean nothing." Asuka said knowing that Kyoko sacrificed everything for Asuka so dying would have made her sacrifice be in vain in the end. She wanted to live… she wanted to keep living… but most of all Asuka wanted to live for those who are no longer with her.
"Mom… I think… no I know that if you had lived… I could say the words I need to let you know how grateful I am for all you've done for me both what you did to try to save me… and for what we never got to experience together." Asuka said as she then wiped away a tear from her eye that began forming. "So… when this war is over, I'm going to live so you can rest easy knowing your little girl made it." Asuka said and thus she stood up while smiling. "I'll talk to you again soon, mom." Asuka said and in turn turning off the data pad she took her leave when she noticed her game pad.
Picking it up Asuka looked at it, recalling how she used it to tune out the world around her for over 20 years. It was like with Shinji and his SDAT… ironic that as much as she wanted to reject that idea, she and Shinji really were alike. She then put the Game Pad down and left it where she found it before she unlocked her door and left the room behind.
Unknown to Asuka however Mari had been hiding listening to Asuka's conversation with her mother. Mari simply smiled as it seems Asuka was starting to come out of her shell. But she wondered… how long will it be before either Asuka or Eve learned the truth about Mari about the woman known as Maria Iscariot.
(Scene Break the next day Shinji)
Shinji woke up in a sterile white room that served as his quarters. Getting up he saw the dispenser handing him another school uniform like the day before which he took from the plastic wrap. Glaring at the camera in the room it was no surprise that Shinji's movement was being heavily monitored right now. No doubt Gendo wanted to make sure his tool didn't try anything to jeopardize things.
Once Shinji was dressed and ready for the day, he left the room. He figured that with him being here he might as well explore try to find some way to open the doors. That way with security down WILLE can have an easier time when they come and attack. Still, he had to be careful Shinji was no super spy like Kaji or Eve the fact remains he didn't have any such skills here. More then that he knew his father was watching his every move trying to make sure he doesn't try escaping. Not like there was anywhere to go since as far as Shinji knew he was far into the Red Earth with no hope of surviving out there for very long.
So, roaming about Shinji noticed the Piano music being played again. Looking down to the source he saw the boy, Kaworu playing that piano again. Shinji glared down on him wanting to ignore him as he had other things to focus on, sabotage and escape. He can't trust anything here in NERV because Shinji knew even the smallest of objects might be something his father is using to force cooperation into piloting the EVA Unit. Whatever that EVA was Shinji wanted nothing to do with it piloting it or otherwise.
"Ikari-kun." Kaworu called out as this caused Shinji to pause. "Won't you join me?" Kaworu asked and thus Shinji stopped for a moment. His father is watching his every move and he could not be sure if Kaworu was here to make sure Shinji pilots the new EVA Gendo had. Still, this might open up an avenue for an Achilles heel to exploit against NERV. Shinji hated thinking like his father, but it was the only way he had the best chance at predicting his next move and countering it.
It was a bit of a descent but eventually Shinji made it to the bottom of the steps and met Kaworu at his Piano. "I've been waiting Shinji-Kun." Kaworu greeted as he smiled over to Shinji who didn't return it. In fact, as Kaworu looked towards Shinji he saw nothing of the smile he had been hoping to see here.
"So, who are you?" Shinji asked giving Kaworu a skeptical and suspicious look.
"Nagisa Kaworu an EVA pilot much like yourself, Shinji-kun." Kaworu introduced as he looked to Shinji.
"A pleasure to meet you I suppose." Shinji said but then decided to cut to the chase of why Kaworu called. "You called me here, I'd like to know why." Shinji said as Kaworu stopped playing the Piano for a moment.
"I had hoped you join me." Kaworu said gesturing to the spot next to him.
"So, you didn't really need anything?" Shinji asked glaring at Kaworu who was shocked by the glare he was receiving. "In that case I need to go." Shinji said and thus he began to walk away not even giving Kaworu the time of day here.
Kaworu sat there surprised about what had just happened. This was not what he had expected to happen. This response was not one he thought possible to come from Shinji. Sitting there alone Kaworu turned back to the keys of the Piano trying to wrap his mind around what happened. In fact, Kaworu would wager that Shinji seemed upset here even angry dare he say.
This was… unusual this did not normally happen. Kaworu for his part was used to minor changes here and there but the basis was more or less the same. So why did the change show up like this in such a way? Kaworu did not know but in his confusion and shock a new feeling was making itself known inside. Upset yes, he was upset that Shinji did not want to interact with him. Sad… yes Kaworu was sad that Shinji rather isolate himself then associate with Kaworu who only wants to help Shinji and bring forth his true smile.
This was most unusual for Kaworu did Kaiser and those other mechs cause larger changes then he had initially thought? No that could not be it there had to have been other variables he missed, but were the missing variables? To many variables and looking at his hand as it shook not enough time left. All Kaworu could do is make do with what he had and hope for the best to achieve his goal.
Just then Kaworu sensed something so looking up he saw Rei-Q staring down upon the scene. Rei-Q had been ordered to monitor and observe Shinji and make sure he doesn't try to escape or even take his own life. Rei-Q had carried out the order and had made sure any sharp or dangerous implements was well beyond Shinji Ikari's reach.
When Rei-Q saw Kaworu staring at her she shifted her direction and began to walk off. Commander Ikari needed Shinji to pilot Unit-13 but to make that happen Rei-Q had to give Shinji reason to work with NERV and Gendo. Rei-Q then began to walk away but when she did, she stopped for a moment and then moved a hand towards her forehead feeling a stinging pain from it again. Her headaches have become more frequent in recent days that she could not tell where it came from. It feels like her mind was in two places at once and she did not understand why.
Whenever Rei-Q sleeps it feels like she would awake but as a passenger in her own body. Every time this happened, she saw people being killed by her own hands. Travelling, killing, murdering, stealing, and general chaos but such lucid dreams make it impossible for Rei-Q to understand their context.
She had brought it up with Commander Ikari and Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki several times since these dreams and headaches had started. Commander Ikari had recently said not to worry to much about them but even though she abided by them they still persist becoming more frequent with each passing day. The Dreams were originally every few weeks, then every other week, then once a week, then every few days, and now these were affecting her dreams every day since.
Rei-Q's recent dream had been the clearest they had ever been, and she felt it was cause for concern. But Commander Ikari said it was not so Rei-Q will attempt to ignore them and focused on convincing Shinji to comply. Commander Ikari needed Shinji and whether Shinji need to comply with what Commander Ikari wants. So, taking her leave Rei-Q focused on her tasks and her main duty, the fulfilment of Commander Ikari's plans)
(Scene Break the Next Day Wundur)
On the Wundur Misato was going over recent reports with Ritsuko and Jun in front of her. They were getting Miki up to snuff in piloting an EVA Unit. Its been two days now and from what she was seeing Miki was making strides to improve herself to pilot the EVA Unit.
"She's gifted." Misato said as she passed the data back to Ritsuko.
"I wouldn't say she's gifted." Ritsuko said as she noted a reasonable margin for error from her data.
"The girl has it bad for Akira." Jun said calmly while adjusting her shades. People knew what she hid under those things and were grateful she wore them. Many on the Wundur who saw her eye wondered why she doesn't wear an eye patch or something to cover it up. But the shades did the job just fine if not a bit impractical. "And after what happened to Ryo can you honestly blame her?" Jun added and thus everyone had to agree there.
Ryo was insane no way to sugarcoat this fact and he desperately needed psychological help. He had proven already to be a danger to others hence why he was in solitary confinement in a straitjacket. The fact WILLE had one on hand was a godsend, but many had thought they would never have it used. As things currently stand Ryo needed to be dropped off somewhere where he can be kept under 24/7 watch and Village-3 was not going to cut it.
Misato and Ritsuko both agreed that Ryo was just to dangerous to be left in Village-3 and WILLE wasn't designed to contain someone like him. Their only option was to keep watch of him until they can figure out how to handle him.
"How long before Miki is fully combat ready?" Misato asked as they may need the girl sooner rather than later.
"She understands the EVA's control systems but the only sure-fire way to know if she's ready is a trial by fire." Jun said as she smirked at her commanding officer.
"She's just about ready her EVA is equipped with a beast mode much like Unit-02 is but only Jun knows the activation code for it." Ritsuko said glaring at Jun spiteful that the woman refused to put that in her notes when she was developing the EVA Units before switching her attention solely towards the creation of Kaiser and Wingle.
"And you haven't shared the activation command because?" Misato asked glaring at Jun knowing how difficult the mad scientist was for WILLE and their mission.
"Let me ask you this… with how she is would you trust her with it?" Jun asked and thus Misato saw where Jun was saying.
"I hate it when she's right." Ritsuko said as she was reminded why Jun had her degrees despite her eccentricities.
"But as she is, she'll prove ideal in supporting Kaiser in battle." Jun said once more putting her creation on the pedestal that Ritsuko felt was undeserved of the mech. Just then Jun sighed a bit as she smirked. "I suppose its fortunate he hadn't been made Kaiser's pilot." Jun announced suddenly as this had gotten the two woman's attention.
"Pardon me what?" Ritsuko asked as Jun then looked to the pair.
"While you lot were running tests on Miki for EVA, I was doing my own for Ryo and Kaiser just to follow a hunch." Jun said with a bored tone in her voice. "Turns out Ryo had the highest chance of being capable of piloting Kaiser as much as Akira and Kuzo can." Jun said and thus Misato glared at Jun once more.
"And you withheld this information because?" Misato asked while glaring at Jun for not telling them what she had learned.
"Because captain while Ryo was compatible, I had no intentions of replacing Akira and Kuzo like you did." Jun said showing that as far as she was concerned Akira and Kuzo were Kaiser's only ideal pilots and any other was not worthy of the time.
"Speaking of Ryo what are we going to do with him?" Ritsuko asked as she had concerns about the boy.
"We can't leave him at any of our refueling stations and we certainly can't leave him at a Civilian controlled area either." Misato said as she tried to think on what they should do here. "For now, we'll keep him here until we get back to the UN where we will hand him off." Misato said showing she had already made this decision. "I've been in contact with some friends they're finding him a place so he can get the help he needs… after a trial of course." Misato said as she hoped the Guilty by cause of insanity would help. While Misato was not fond of what Ryo did, she did understand that the boys mind was severely traumatized.
"I hope you know what your doing." Ritsuko said as she had some concerns here. "I'm not sure why but something about that boy does not sit well with me." Ritsuko said as she knew it was not just because of his trauma induced actions. Misato's agreement went unsaid as she felt the same way about Ryo that Ritsuko did. Something just wasn't right about Ryo, and no one wanted to find out the reason.
(Meanwhile with Miki and Akira)
Miki was in her quarters as she was looking, herself over in the mirror checking out her newly given Plugsuit. Miki was making some poses with her outfit as she admired herself for a bit unaware of a guests arrival.
"Damn I make this look good." Miki said with a big smile on her face.
"You don't say." Akira was heard and thus Miki cried out in shock before twirling around and seeing Akira there.
"Akira?! How long have you been standing there?" Miki asked shocked that Akira was here.
"Long enough." Akira said with a smile on his face.
"Uh is there anything I can help you with?" Miki asked her face red with embarrassment from Akira's sudden arrival.
"Was just coming to check in on you was all." Akira said as he leaned against the doorframe while speaking to Miki. "So, they put you right next to the engine room also." Akira said noting where Miki was staying.
"I guess it's to know where the EVA Pilots are at all times." Miki said but Akira severely doubted that.
"Or take you guys out in case of an awakening." Akira mumbled as Miki looked confused for a moment there.
"An awakening?" Miki asked as she wanted to know more about whatever this awakening was.
"It's nothing important right now." Akira said waving off Miki's concerns for the time being.
"Come on Akira you brought it up so tell me." Miki said but then Akira growled a bit.
"Look its not important right now ok." Akira said making his choice to keep quiet about it.
"Jeez." Miki said as she then sat down on her bed while Akira walked in. "You know, Akira its strange how much things have changed for us." Miki said after a brief moment of silence.
"How so?" Akira asked as he looked over to Miki.
"I remember how you used to be a bit of a crybaby and me and Ryo gave you grief for it constantly." Miki said as Akira scowled at that revelation.
"I was hoping you'd forget about that." Akira said as Miki saw Akira looking embarrassed by a revelation like that.
"Well, it's true and you know it!" Miki countered as she giggled at Akira's embarrassment. Once Miki had a moment to calm down, she got back to what she was trying to say. "I mean 6 years ago we were just a trio of kids surviving the apocalyptic world we were born to and all we had needed was each other." Miki said recalling those days fondly for the bond they had all once shared.
"Yeah, but things change." Akira said as he knew he was very different from the boy he was years ago. Miki was different from the little girl she once was. Even Ryo was different from the young man he was before being taken by the Slum King becoming his pet.
"No need to remind me." Miki responded as she rubbed her arm even through the Plug Suit, she still felt the prosthetics constantly reminding her of what she had lost to the Slum King's cruelty. "You used to be a crybaby and now… your one of the best robot pilots I know." Miki said knowing how Akira can pilot Kaiser with Kuzo after seeing them in actions against the NERV army and Slum Kings forces.
"Yeah, I know I'm just that sort of badass." Akira boasted with a smirk on his face causing Miki to roll her eyes.
"And modest." Miki said with a playful sarcastic tone in her voice. "But we're here now Heaven or Hell, we'll face it together." Akira said smirking over to Miki who nodded to Akira.
"Maybe we never need to be in Hell." Miki said as she got Akira's attention. "Maybe… if we're willing to make the most of it… anywhere can be Heaven." Miki said as this hit Akira somewhere deep as it also caught him off guard.
"What old fortune cookie did you pick that up from?" Akira asked with a smile while looking over to Miki. Though Akira will admit that those words had merit to them even if the saying sounded like a fortune cookie.
"Oh… just an old saying I've once read about." Miki said as her mind began to recall those dark days. How she and Ryo had made this morse code to communicate after enduring another of the Slum Kings sick desires. Even though their bodies were broken, and bruised Miki still tried to find hope and keep Ryo's spirits up that they would be rescued or even be able to escape. But Miki was ashamed to admit that for a time she was starting to loose hope of every being free.
"Akira…" Miki trailed off trying to find the right words to say to her friend. "I never did say thank you… for saving me and Ryo." Miki said as she patted the spot next to her on the bed. Akira nodded and sat next to Miki getting the subtle message. "So… thank you for saving my hope." Miki said as she was glad that her hope was not for nothing.
"I just wish I had gotten there sooner." Akira said with a bitter tone in his voice for his own failures to save Miki and Ryo from the Slum King.
Miki then had Akira look directly at her by turning his face towards hers. "It's not your fault Akira." Miki said as she held Akira's face so he would look her directly in the eye. "We were just kids trying to survive back then." Miki said making it clear that Akira wasn't to blame for what had happened back then. "Besides, you came back for us… that's all that matters." Miki added and thus Akira sighed to this before Miki pulled Akira in for a hug.
Akira froze up for a second but then he recalled when Miki would hug him like this too. "Even if your not crying, your still a bit of a crybaby, you big dummy." Miki said and thus Akira just eased into the girls hug. The pair sat there in silence just enjoying the moment with each other despite everything going on with the world. Because for this one brief moment everything was right in the world as it was before any of the impacts.
(Meanwhile over in Jun's lab)
Jun was currently sitting in her lab working on a few projects when she heard the door open behind her. Smirking to this she didn't even bother to look as she knew who it was. "I was wondering when you would show up, Kuzo." Jun said as standing behind her ready to draw his guns was Kuzo who stood ready for anything from the mad scientist.
"If you were expecting me then you must know why I'm here." Kuzo said glaring at Jun.
"I have a few ideas do you want to know what happened to your other clones?" Jun asked as she wanted to see how Kuzo would respond. "Or maybe you'd like to know why you're a male when your supposed to be my clone?" Jun offered giving the gunslinger pilot a taunting smile. "Ask me lets see which of my theories is accurate." Jun said as she looked to Kuzo.
"The clones who killed them me… or someone else?" Kuzo asked and thus Jun laughed to this one.
"Is that all you wanted to know?" Jun asked her tone unchanged. "Well, that's a simple one it was you… or at least another you." Jun said as she recalled that day well enough. "One of you got angry and went on a murder spree yet oddly enough you were spared this fate of death." Jun said her tone shifting to a bored one now.
"I wonder why?" Kuzo quipped his voice dripping in sarcasm. No doubt he had varying issues with Jun regardless of if she was the source code of the cloning process that had made him years ago.
"Apparently started spewing something about there can only be one or some tripe." Jun said waving off Kuzo's growing frustrations. "As for what happened to him… well not sure honestly may have been snuffed by the impacts or maybe living the best life he can." Jun said and thus Kuzo growled to this no doubt he did not receive the answer he was looking for.
Kuzo growled at the woman who made him, wanting nothing more than to riddle her with bullets. "Are you upset, not getting what you wanted?" Jun asked her tone neutral now. "The thing about the truth is that you want it to be what you think only to constantly be dissatisfied by it." Jun said seeing what Kuzo was enduring. "You were designed to be the perfect pilot for Kaiser one of two in fact." Jun said as she paused on the project, she was working on to speak directly to Kuzo about this subject. "The physical and mental strain that Kaiser places on the pilots demanded someone who can handle it someone who lives for the thrill of battle and unlike your clones you displayed that mental state." Jun said recalling how many clones had died to provide her with the perfect pilot that can handle Kaiser, Kuzo himself.
"Why tell me what I already know?" Kuzo said and thus Jun got down to it.
"Because you need to remember where you came from." Jun said directing her attention to her clone. "If you can't do that you can never hope to move forward and could very well become unable to pilot Kaiser as I'd designed you to be." Jun said as she had no way of cloning another line of Kuzo types for Kaiser to find a replacement.
Kuzo paused as he studied Jun's words. He had never forgotten where he came from even when he had been put on ice Kuzo remembered. All those years all that training only to find out there were hundreds of people who shared the same face as him taking away his identity. If that rogue didn't do the deed Kuzo would have done the deed himself.
"So, what do you plan to do now, Kuzo?" Jun asked curious as to how Kuzo would respond to this.
"I am the only one." Kuzo said as he got his creators attention. "I am the only one of me who exists, and I decide my own fate." Kuzo said as he then turned around and began to leave the lab. "And if anyone tries to dictate what my… destiny is… then I'll shoot them down where they stand." Kuzo said making it clear that he decides his own fate.
Jun smirked as she watched Kuzo leave the room before returning to her project. Things were certainly getting interesting here. Soon enough her ultimate goal will be achieved, and Kaiser will stand atop this world cementing its legend for eternity.
(Scene Break back at NERV)
Shinji was once more exploring NERV opting to avoid Kaworu for the time being. The pale skinned boy was proving to be something of a pest to Shinji. Constantly stalking him through NERV should they cross paths. Thought Shinji suspected Kaworu may in fact know where Shinji is 24/7 which was cause for concern here. Right now, Shinji was in one of the darker areas of NERV approaching what looked to be a tarp with a light behind it.
Curious Shinji approached it and heard movement from behind it. But all he needed was a glance through the blinds to see who was behind it. "Rei's clone." Shinji spoke aloud and thus Rei-Q raised her head.
"Ikari-kun." Rei-Q said as she moved and saw Shinji standing outside her makeshift home.
"I must have taken a wrong turn." Shinji said as he began to walk away. "I'll be going now." Shinji said as he really did not need this right now.
"Wait." Rei-Q said as she took hold of Shinji's hand stopping him from leaving. Neither of them said anything as Rei held Shinji's arm in a firm grip. Shinji stared at the girl intently, Rei doing the same with her disturbingly expressionless eyes.
"Did you need something?" Shinji asked being polite as he asked. However, despite his polite tone the boy was coldly eyeing the bluehead, but Rei-Q was completely unfazed by that. Rei kept silent for some time, and Shinji started to wonder if the girl was going to respond when she spoke.
"Why did you refuse to pilot?" Rei-Q asked as she looked at Shinji wanting an answer.
Shinji in turn freed his arm from Rei-Q as he looked offended by the clones question. "You should know why." Shinji said as it should be obvious why Shinji refused the demands of his father.
"Don't you want to live?" Rei-Q asked as Shinji growled to this response from her.
"I'd rather die then kill off what's left of mankind all because my father demanded it of me." Shinji said making it clear that he hated his father even more so then the rest of the world who had suffered because of his own actions.
"Do you hate Gendo Ikari?" Rei-Q asked as she needed to know. If Shinji had hatred for Gendo then maybe she can work an angel so Shinji will comply and pilot Unit-13 as Gendo intended.
"Yes." Shinji said and in turn things changed.
Rei-Q didn't know what came over her as she was in front of Shinji in less than a second. Cold red eyes met cold blue ones, the former flashing with sharpness and the latter with bitterness. But just as she was about to slap him Shinji caught the hand and with momentum and fury Shinji pushed Rei-Q back hard enough to make her stumble and fall. She hissed in pain from the impact as Shinji stood over the clone glaring at her.
"Your not Rei." Shinji said plain and simple to her as she laid on the floor pinned by Shinji's hate filled glare. "The Rei I know would have supported me against my father she knows why I won't and can't work under him ever again." Shinji said as his voice was deep with venom against Rei-Q. "Your just a duplicate made to look like her, but you will NEVER be Rei because as far as I care there was only ONE Rei the one, I tried to save 14 years ago!" Shinji shouted and in turn left Rei to lay there for a moment longer.
This was her last means if it does not work Rei-Q had to inform the Commander. "Don't you seek to understand the man you hate?" she asked suddenly as Shinji kept glaring at her.
"That's the thing I do understand him and that's why I hate him and why he needs to be stopped." Shinji said and thus he turned around and left Rei-Q there mewling over his words trying to find what he said that could be of use. She found nothing of use.
(Later Elsewhere in NERV Shinji)
Shinji had left Rei-Q where she lived knowing full well, she could not help him and would not help him. He knew that this place was somewhere in the Red Earth but any access to a working radio was locked up for him. Gendo was no doubt trying to keep Shinji here hoping to break him into piloting the EVA. Shinji had to find a way to escape but without an EVA he was effectively trapped here. Plus, even if he tried to use it Shinji would not put it past his father to put some traps and countermeasures in to ensure that Shinji complies. So many variables and so many ways this could go wrong that Shinji was lost.
Walking through the halls of the old NERV Base Shinji came to a stop as he looked to a familiar scene. The elevator that once lead Shinji to where Lilith had once resided. Misato held his hand that day ever so tenderly and for Shinji that was the first bit of motherly love he had received in over 10 years. But there was no going back to that he can't change the clock and redo everything that had already happened. All he could do was make the best of the present and use that foundation to build a better future.
"Shinji-kun." Came an old voice and thus looking to it Shinji saw the Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki 14 years older standing there in the hall with him.
"Mr. Fuyutsuki." Shinji greeted with a cold glare at him.
"Pardon an old man for bothering you I was wondering if you were doing well." Fuyutsuki said as he looked to Shinji with clear concern for the son of Yui.
"You would know I've barely seen anyone around here." Shinji said noting the distinct emptiness of NERV at the moment.
"I've noticed." Shinji said as he looked to the man. "I'm sorry sir but I'd rather return to my room." Shinji said but then Fuyutsuki cut him off.
"To plan an escape or wait for WILLE's arrival, correct?" Fuyutsuki asked and thus Shinji stopped. "Gendo no doubt suspects you will be attempting this but if you wish to escape there might be a way." Fuyutsuki said and thus Shinji looked to the man with concern.
"How do you know this?" Shinji asked worried that Fuyutsuki may be reporting this to his father.
"It was not hard to figure out." Fuyutsuki said showing Shinji was not as subtle as he would have liked to be. "But will you humor a tired old man with a game of Shogi?" Fuyutsuki asked and thus Shinji gave Fuyutsuki a look as if considering it.
Taking a breath Shinji figured he might as well. "Alright." Shinji said and in turn followed the old man to another room in the base.
(Later in another NERV Chamber)
The two sat around a Shogi Board in which Shinji had released the Shogi pieces from the box. "So… I'm correct to assume you've been awake for over 14 years now inside the EVA?" Fuyutsuki asked as he and Shinji began to take the pieces they would use from the pile.
"Yes, Rei and I… have talked." Shinji said as he gathered his pieces one at a time. "She told me everything that I suspect your going to tell me… about my mother and her relations to Rei." Shinji said as he gathered the pieces.
The old man was shocked at first but then let out a chuckle of a tired old man. "Yes." Fuyutsuki said as he knew Shinji cut out a huge chunk of the conversation between them. "I suppose that was why you rejected that other Rei." He said as he knew it was the logical explanation.
"She's not the Rei I know because there is only one Rei Ayanami and that other one… she's a counterfeit my father made to deceive me into trusting his words." Shinji said as he suspected that was Gendo's angle here.
"So, you see her as a completely different person from the one you know." Fuyutsuki said as he was surprised by this.
"Yes… I was awake for 14 years keeping Unit-01 in the Gate of Guff… I had a lot of time to myself to think." Shinji said as he as their game had yet to start yet. "Not much to do except think, contemplate, and talk with Rei." Shinji said as Fuyutsuki noticed how Shinji was speaking right now. "Isolation became a good motivator for me to look at myself and Rei's knowledge on Philosophy helped also." Shinji said as he then bitterly chuckled. "I destroyed the world and for lack of better words I got therapy for my troubles." Shinji said which Fuyutsuki had found to be fascinating.
"I see… you've truly grown." Fuyutsuki said hopeful that Shinji may finally break the curse.
"I chose to stay in the Gate of Guff for the sake of others it was a choice I made because I wanted to protect the people I cared about." Shinji said as he stopped gathering pieces for a second. "It was a choice I made and even if it was for others… I made it for me." Shinji said smiling a bit sadly as he recalled the day he came to that decision. He could have left the Gate of Guff anytime he wanted but so long as NERV existed Shinji could not allow his father to reclaim Unit-01.
"I suppose there is no need for words between us at this junction." Fuyutsuki said as he produced something from his person. "I felt this should belong to you." He said and thus slid over the folded paper to Shinji. Shinji took it and upon unfolding it he gasp at what he saw inside it.
"Ayanami… no mother." Shinji said realizing in the photo was a picture of his mother holding him as an infant.
"This is the woman your father is destroying everything to reunite with." Fuyutsuki said as he now had a sad tone. "And I'm afraid I was a willing accomplice in his madness." Fuyutsuki said as he showed his own self loathing and guilt for not doing enough to stop Gendo. "But I believe now that its not God who shall step forward for humanities sake… it will be the Devil." Fuyutsuki said and thus Shinji knew exactly what the old man was talking about here.
"Kaiser." Shinji said knowing that Kaiser had the best shot at ending his father's madness.
"Yes." Fuyutsuki said smiling with hope that Kaiser will do what is needed to stop Gendo and his insane plans.
"Sir… why did you help him?" Shinji asked as he wanted the truth from the old man standing before him.
"Simple… I had hoped to reunite with Yui as well apologize to her for being such a failure and a foolish old man." Fuyutsuki said as he wanted to make right the wrongs, he helped Gendo to cause on Earth.
"Its funny… I understand what he's trying to do… I understand the why… but I can't accept any of this either." Shinji said as he stopped gathering Shogi pieces altogether. "He's a sad selfish bitter man who isn't able to move on and live with what he has left." Shinji said as he was all that was left of Yui so long ago. "My father ran away and he's choosing to keep running away… I can't let him instigate an Impact." Shinji said and thus Fuyutsuki saw that no game was needed from the boy.
"I see… you've truly grown… your mother would be proud." Fuyutsuki said and in turn Shinji was surprised by this before nodding. Shinji then offered the picture back to Fuyutsuki but instead the old man pushed it back to Shinji.
"Keep it." Fuyutsuki said as he looked to the boy. "You deserve it more then I do." He said and thus Fuyutsuki got down to it. "You wanted to know how to escape… the only way is to Pilot Unit-13… but if you are truly committed to stopping Gendo then you'll no doubt figure it out." Fuyutsuki said as he was already pushing his luck.
Shinji saw through it and knew that he had to figure it out on his own. Shinji suspected this new EVA was built with some means for Gendo to keep Shinji from using it to escape removing that option. Shinji needed to figure out a plan and soon or else Shinji will find himself facing the Fourth Impact being triggered.
"Thank you." Shinji said bowing to the old man and in turn began to take his leave of Fuyutsuki who simply nodded and smiled some.
"Yui… have I done the right thing?" Fuyutsuki mused as he watched Shinji walk away to device a plan to escape or stop Gendo.
(Scene Break the Next Morning Gendo)
Gendo stood in the chamber in which Uniot-13 slept and knew that now was the time. The steel incubator opened up releasing gallons upon gallons of LCL from it. Inside the massive EVA stirred as Gendo glared upon the EVA. "At last, the final executor." Gendo said as he knew it all hinged on Unit-13 and Iron Kaiser. The EVA to break the seal to Central Dogma and Iron Kaiser to deal with Kaiser. It was time to bring Shinji to fulfil his purpose whether he wants to or not.
(Meanwhile over in Shinji's room)
Shinji laid on the bed as he started at the picture Fuyutsuki gave him. Staring at it he could see the resemblance between Rei and his mother. In retrospect Shinji suppose he should call Rei his sister instead making Eve his niece in everyway that matters. As he laid there for a moment Shinji's eyes drifted to a woman near his mother smiling as he swore, he had seen her somewhere before. The glasses was scratching a memory at the back of his head… who was this woman and why was she stirring his memories.
However, before Shinji could question it further his door opened and from it, he saw Rei-Q standing there. She looked at Shinji who in response glared at her knowing why she was here for him.
"Come." Rei-Q said and thus Shinji chuckled a bit there.
It had started with that one word… funny that it will likely end with that one word as well. He knew if he stayed or fought his father may have approved for Rei-Q to use more hands-on methods to get Shinji's compliance on the matter. Seeking to save his energy for a fight Shinji stood up and followed after Rei-Q to see his father for what Shinji hoped would be the very last time.
(Later)
Shinji stood before his father once more and was faced with the massive form of Unit-13 and was surprised at the size of it. It was by far the biggest EVA he had ever seen which made him concerned for Kaiser having to fight it.
"I've given you enough time." Gendo began cutting straight to the chase. "Have you reconsidered your decision to defy me?" Gendo asked as he glared down at Shinji with every intent to get his way.
"No, I won't pilot it." Shinji said standing firm here.
"I see… very well." Gendo said and thus with a switch in his hand floodlights came on revealing another hanger nearby. Shinji turned and was surprised to see a giant dark red mech standing there. "This is Iron Kaiser." Gendo introduced as Shinji looked at the robot that oddly reminded him of Kaiser.
"Iron Kaiser?" Shinji asked worried that it and Kaiser may be related.
"Its being equipped with an autopilot but I'm sure Rei will be more then willing to pilot it." Gendo said as Rei-Q nodded to this.
"Yes." Rei-Q responded but Shinji glared at him.
"This bluff again?!" Shinji asked as he recalled how Gendo used this to emotionally blackmail him into piloting the EVA 14 years ago when he originally arrived in Tokyo-3. "Your starting to go senile father Rei-Q isn't even injured and even if she was, I know what and who she is, so it won't work." Shinji said but Gendo begged to differ.
"On the contrary Shinji… Rei will be piloting Iron Kaiser and deploying towards the nearest human safe zone and destroying everything there." Gendo revealed surprising Shinji when he said that. "Then she will go on to the next, and the next, and the next." Gendo said showing to Shinji his method to force compliance from Shinji. "Hundreds dead because you wanted to foolishly be the hero." Gendo said and thus Shinji was horrified by this.
"You monster." Shinji said shocked that his father would stoop so low as this. "You can't do that!" Shinji cried out and saw Gendo held the cards against him now.
"The choice is yours slow and painful death by Iron Kaiser or utilizing Unit-13 and retrieving the Lances from behind the seal over Termina Dogma." Gendo said and thus Shinji knew he had little choice.
'I underestimated him damned if I do and damned if I don't.' Shinji mentally scolded himself for not suspecting his father would have other ways to get what he wanted.
"What is your choice, Third Children?" Gendo asked glaring down upon Shinji who clenched his fist with rage boiling up.
"Not giving me a choice." Shinji said as he was angry, and he knew Gendo had him in check. "Fine… I'll do it." Shinji said bitterly while glaring at Gendo. His only hope was that WILLE will detect the EVA and in turn come running to stop the EVA from carrying out his father's plans.
(Meanwhile outside of NERV Ruins)
Standing outside the base the burned Rei clone grinned maliciously as she licked her lips in anticipation. "Hello NERV mama's home." She said before letting out a maniacal laugh as she saw her goal was within reach, Iron Kaiser. So, with her goal near she kept moving knowing she would have to sneak in if she wanted to claim Iron Kaiser for her uses.
(TBC)
ESKK: A brand new chapter finished so now that its done I'm going to bed. You all know the drill leave a review before leaving and as always folks, ja-ne.