Ultraman Evangel: Ultraman vs Evangelion
Episode 7: Shinji and New Friends; Revelations Part 2
Disclaimer: The Ultraman series and Evangelion series are properties of Tsubaraya Productions and GAINAX Company, respectively. Ultraman Evangel is my OC. The insert songs are also credited to their rightful owners.
Jan. 27, 2045 AD
Outside Tokyo-3
Shinji frowned as he saw the approaching car. He guessed that it was too much to hope for NERV to stay off his back. He slowly felt for his Splendor in his pocket...
'Section 2, NERV's security and intelligence apparatus,' Shinji thought, 'they followed us.'
Section 2's car aggressively skidded to a hard stop, with doors opening as four agents ran out and stood in front of Shinji and Rei. Toji and Kensuke stepped back as they felt the tension ratchet up.
"Pilot Rei Ayanami," the lead agent said, "you have left Tokyo-3 without the permission of Commander Ikari."
Rei said nothing in her own defense. She knew that by trusting the mysterious voice in the Splendor to keep Shinji's confidence and her going with him, she had broken protocol. Now that she thought of it, this would have been unheard of for her to disobey the Commander in this manner. She did not know what exactly was happening to herself.
"Pilot Ayanami," another Section 2 agent said, "you are coming back with us."
Shinji did not fully know himself, but something deep in himself or Evangel's being motivated him to actually step in front of the agents. "I'm sorry gentlemen, but she's with me."
The lead agent glared at Shinji. "Pilot Ikari, so you are responsible for kidnapping Pilot Ayanami."
"Look, I don't know what you are getting at," Shinji bit back, "but Rei chose to come of her own free will. What's wrong with her joining a few friends on a camping trip?"
"We have some questions for you regarding Ayanami's current behavior. You will come with us," the lead agent said. Two of them went behind Rei, while the leader and his adjutant surrounded Shinji.
"Oh crud..." Toji muttered as he watched the whole thing unfold. Kensuke hid behind Toji, apprehensive over the standoff.
'Of course my father is that paranoid,' Shinji realized. With the recent victories that Shinji had racked up as Ultraman Evangel, Gendo would be rather angry over his pet project Evangelion not defeating the Angels outright. He could also imagine Evangel's high scores in the polls having ruffled more than a few feathers.
"We can do this the easy way..." The two agents behind Rei suddenly grabbed her by the arms. "Or we can make this very ugly Ikari."
However, Shinji Ikari looked more irritated and displeased rather than afraid. He especially gave the agents handling Rei a hard look. "I'll take a hard pass. How about you let Rei go and let us have a good weekend off, and I won't have to hurt you guys." He reached into his pocket with the Splendor.
"Wrong choice kid!" The adjutant made a grab for Shinji, who just sidestepped and tripped him.
Suddenly, sounds of struggling and punching were heard behind Shinji. He turned to see that Shin Asuka had thrown one agent holding Rei to the ground, and was wrenching the other one off her.
"Hey!" The lead agent reached for his side arm, but was wacked in the head from behind. He fell over to reveal Takeshi Yamato having karate chopped him.
Shinji then saw the agent he had tripped try to reach for his gun. "Oh no, you don't!" Shinji kicked the gun into the bushes, before kicking the agent hard in the jaw. The man was left with a bruised face and broken shades as he was knocked out cold.
"Here's one for size," Shin grunted as he kneed his bad guy in the gut and elbowed him on the back of his head. A gun clicked, and suddenly the guy he threw to the ground was pointing his piece at him. "You're under arrest for assault on a NERV agent, sir!" Shin Asuka put his hands up, but in a playful, mocking manner.
"Really? I didn't know," Shin bit back, "maybe show some ID, officer!"
"Hey!" Shinji rushed over and did a somersault kick to the last agent's head. The agent fell back down to the pavement, hitting his head and getting knocked out. The whole skirmish just took fifteen seconds as all the Section 2 agents were knocked out cold by the three Ultra hosts. Rei, Toji, and Kensuke watched as it all seemed to happen in a blur.
"Well," Shinji gasped as he caught his breath, "that should keep our uninvited followers out for a good bit."
Toji and Kensuke then looked at Shin Asuka. Toji's eyes widened in recognition... "Wait a minute," he pointed at Shin, "you're that guy! You helped me and my sister!"
"Wait what?" Kensuke looked to his friend as though he were silly.
"That's the stranger who helped us run away in that first battle between Evangel and that Angel," Toji reminded. Kensuke adjusted his glasses, and did see that Shin in his Super GUTS outfit was that same man. "Well what are the odds?"
Rei then stood up as Shinji checked on her. "Are you okay," Shinji asked.
"I am unharmed, Pilot Ikari," Rei told him, "but Section 2 was able to track us down, and your assaulting them may implicate us in a crime."
"Oh man," Kensuke sighed, "hate to break it to you, Shinji, but she's right." He looked around at all the agents unconscious and bruised on the ground. "This looks bad for you."
"Actually, I can take care of that," Takeshi Yamato assured as he picked one agent up by the arms and dragged him with ease towards the black car. He then looked to Shin Asuka with an expression saying, 'you owe me one.' Shin just gave a thumbs up in response.
Shin then turned back to the kids. "Well, while my compatriot here takes out the trash, I think we are due for proper introductions." He pointed to himself, "Shin Asuka." He then patted Shinji's shoulder. "And you three have met my friend and protégé here."
"And..." Shinji added, "he's my fellow Ultra from another world... Ultraman Dyna."
Rei showed no apparent reaction, but Toji was stunned silent, while Kensuke looked like he was about to fanguy over Shin.
"Well, I think you all could use some answers," Shin grinned, "but I say we first get to some place quieter than here. Come along." Shin started walking and urging the kids to follow him.
"You heard him," Shinji said, "I'll take up the rear." Kensuke and Toji stumbled and stuttered out of their stupor for a but before they got moving along.
Rei looked over to Takeshi as the sensei got into the Section 2 car and started working on the computers. He had the agents all slumped against the sides of the car as he worked inside. Rei observed that despite his advanced age, the man known as Takeshi Yamato worked with sharpness and purpose. No doubt he was a close associate of Shinji Ikari and this Shin Asuka, and most likely a similar being to Shinji Ikari.
"Rei, you coming?" Shinji asked. Rei wordlessly answered by walking alongside Shinji. It was a bit of an awkward silence as they went.
Rei glanced over to Shinji, who appeared as Evangel again briefly. Then Shinji turned his head towards her, seeing her staring. "Something wrong Rei?" She quickly averted her gaze.
Shinji exhaled. "Rei, if you have something on your mind, don't be afraid to tell 's part of the reason we are out here, to talk to each other away from my father and others who should not overhear us."
Shin overheard, and could not help but smirk. "Heheheh," he chuckled to himself, "Shinji's got the hots for her..." Toji and Kensuke gave Shin a look. "I think our young Ultra friend has something for blue-haired beauty here," Shin said teasingly.
"Wha?!" Kenuske balked, eyes widened.
"Him, having something for the ice queen?" Toji wondered.
"Looks that way, doesn't it?" Shin replied in amusement.
"Well, that would be a first," Toji remarked, "no one has ever gotten her to open up." Then Toji asked, "so what is your friend gonna do about the Section 2 agents?"
Shin just gave a smirk. "Let's just say that when they wake up, it would be like our little quarrel never happened." Shin then stopped in a clearing, prompting the kids to stop."This is a good spot," Shin said, "Shinji, what do you think?"
"Works for me, brother," Shinji gave the thimbs up. They then set up camp. Shinji easily propped up his tent with his strength. He noticed Toji and Kenuske having a little trouble with their own tents. "Hey, let me help with that." He went over and helped them out on setting up their own tent with ease. This impressed Toji and Kenuske, even Shin smiled at the kind act, while Rei still remained emotionless at the act. Then the guys brought out marshmallows for the fire to roast over.
"You hardly break a sweat," Kensuke noted about Shinji.
Shinji shrugged. "I guess it's a combination of Shin's training and Evangel residing in me. Since I assumed his powers, I seem to have greater strength than before my transformation."
"And you can give a real bruising, that's for sure," Toji added, "like those two losers."
"Yeah," Kensuke beamed, "those must be some impressive Bruce Lee moves you did to 'em!"
Shinji laughed at Kensuke's comment. "More like a combo of Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Matrix and Mortal Kombat all rolled into a burrito." They all laughed at that, except Rei as usual. Then after a few seconds of laughing dying down, Shinji and Shin went on to talk about their first meeting where the latter saved the former from some bullies, their bonding as brothers, and then Shinji's finding the Evangel Splendor that unlocked his powers.
"So that wand thingie you have is called the Evangel Splendor," Kensuke asked, "and you just found it among your mom's knicknacks?"
"Yeah, when I was sorting through my stuff that my uncle had, that had my mom's possessions that I never seen, since my disgusting dad never even showed me everything about her for some reason." Shinji answered as he showed his gold and marble transformation device, "at the time, I thought it was some sort of trophy."
As Toji and Kensuke stared at the relic, Rei looked between Shinji and the Splendor. For whatever reason, it stirred something strangely warm and familiar in her being. 'What is this feeling?'
Toji whistled at the shimmering device. "Just looking at this thing gives me the tingles... and I mean tingles of real power."
Shinji nodded. He then continued, "after discovering the Splendor and surviving a monster attack where I transformed into Evangel, Shin... Dyna took me in as an apprentice, and trained me as a fellow Ultra warrior to refine my grasp of my powers."
Toji turned his attention to Shin. "So... what's your story here?"
"Yeah, how is a real Ultraman like you, doing here in the first place?" Kenuske agreed.
"Well you see..." Shin began his tale of how he hailed from Super GUTS in the dimension of the Neo Frontier. In the meantime, Shinji sat next to Rei.
"Hey Rei, I don't want to leave you out even though you are silent," Shinji said.
Rei continued to stare at Shinji, then she spoke. "Pilot Ikari, I have one question."
"I'm listening," Shinji smiled warmly.
Rei stared hard at him. "Do you not have faith in Commander Ikari's work?"
Shinji frowned for a bit, but then softened himself with a deep breath. "I have to be truthful... it's difficult to have faith in the man who is supposed to be my dad, but leaves me behind after my mom's death. I needed love and care the most then... and he just abandoned me." Shinji curled his knees up as he continued to recount, "he left me with a teacher... but when my uncle, my mom's brother heard what had happened, he adopted me."
"Ever since then, I've been vulnerable, lost, scared, and weak." Then Shinji seemed to brighten up again. "But now that I have Shin, Toji, Kenuske, Misato... and you, I suddenly realize that I'm not that scared and lonely kid anymore."
Rei blinked. "Me?"
"Yeah. Even you Rei. I cannot explain it, but for whatever reason, whenever you are near, I feel a strong compulsion to protect you," Shinji confessed, "and not just because we are fellow pilots, but because something in my being and Evangel tells me that it is right and beautiful to protect someone as beautiful as you."
Rei was a little surprised, unable to think of having someone else caring for her, besides Commander Ikari. "Beautiful?" Rei repeated what Shinji said to describe her.
"Yes... you are beautiful, Rei," Shinji said in a warm daze. Suddenly, he then realize what he said and blushed a bit. The two sat in silence staring at each other as Shin continued to entertain the curiosity of both Toji and Kensuke.
Gendo was in his office, ever cold looking and calculating. However, he was not at all pleased... not only had Shinji just taken off, but now his subject, Rei was nowhere to be found. He began tapping his fingers, as if he was expecting favorable news. "First Shinji defies me... and now Rei is not where she is supposed to be..."
The intercom beeped. "Commander Ikari, please come to the command deck immediately."
Gendo grunted in exasperation. He then got up and went straight to the command deck. As he walked, he mentally steamed to himself, 'not only does my useless and incompetent son disappear, now Rei... This had better not be an Angel taking the advantage...'
As Gendo entered the command deck he was greeted by Ritsuko. "Commander Ikari."
The NERV commander was to the point. "Status report."
Ritsuko breathed, rattling slightly due to being a smoker. "We've detected unknown lifeform readings in the vicinity of Yamakita to our north."
"An Angel?" Gendo asked. It was rather soon for another to show up. However, Ritsuko shook her head, seeming rather confused.
"No, Commander, it's waveform does not match a pattern blue." She then told the bridge bunnies, "bring up the waveform pattern."
Maya, Makoto, and Shigeru did just that, and they were as confused as Ritsuko was.
"Pattern... yellow?" Maya wondered. "Well that's new," Makoto remarked.
'Yellow?!' Gendo thought. He was not liking the thought of yet another unknown wildcard. "What is this?" He demanded.
Ritsuko had to admit it. "It's unknown at this time, but it certainly is not the wave pattern of humans, Angels... or Ultraman for that matter."
Makoto brought up a closer visual of the energy signature. Ritsuko added, "but we can tell that it is alive and moving south." It was then that another alarm sounded. "Another signature detected," Shigeru reported, "pattern yellow, and approaching from west of the current target!"
"Wait, another one?" Ritsuko was dumbfounded that another lifeform of that same pattern showed up.
'First Ultraman, and now this...' Gendo thought. He was fuming inside right now...
Angel Space...
Shamshel continued to rage about as she swung her whips, marring the floors of the subspace her brothers and sisters resided in. "I CANNOT BELIEVE I LOST TO ULTRAMAN!" She raged and yelled as she went. Tabris could only watch his older sister in amusement.
"Your hubris and inability to take Evangel seriously became your weakness," Tabris said, "that is how you were defeated yet again, dear Shamshel."
"How dare you..." Shamshel was about to lash out, until one of her siblings stopped her. "Sister Shamshel," Zeruel, the mighty warrior scolded, "if you are done with your temper tantrum, we still have not fulfilled any of our objectives, and Evangel is still out there. Now take your seat."
"Fine," Shamshel fumed as she resumed her seat at the table.
Zeruel scowled as he contemplated the situation. "Two defeats, and so limited energy we have." Evangel had already defeated both Sachiel and Shamshel, and the brothers and sisters were still at square one with liberating their mother and finding their father.
As he was about to begin however, Zeruel felt a shift in the aura of the Earth. "Why, what is this now?"
Tabris also felt a shift in the earth... He felt for it, and realized that while he could feel Evangel's presence, this shift was not from him. "They've come back..."
Rei looked around the forest as she took in the sights and sounds. Compared to the sanitized insides of NERV, this was truly the wilds for her. She then felt for the grass underneath her. It was rather soft.
It was then that a blue little bird landed next to Rei. She stared at the little bird, unsure of how to make of it. The bird stared back for a few minutes, till it fluttered away. Rei continued to stare up at the pretty little bird as it flew away.
Shinji then came back over with two food sticks in his hand. "Hey," Shinji offered one with beef and peppers on it, "lunch."
Rei felt a little off at the gesture, but she accepted it. She stared a bit at the beef however. "I dislike meat," she said.
Shinji looked at her for a bit, but then smiled understandingly. "You could have told me." Rei looked back to Shinji. "Here," he said as he took the beef piece off the front end of the stick. He chewed on it, before taking the pepper off, and giving it to Rei.
Rei looked at the sliced veggie for a moment, before taking it into her hand and chewing on it. Shinji then took another beef piece for himself, before giving Rei another veggie.
"I hope you like it," Shinji said, "I helped to cook this."
Rei was just about to answer when a groan-like squeal reverberated about the mountain valley. That made Shinji perk up as he now sensed something. He and Rei then felt the ground underneath them trembling. Another groan-like squeal sounded, causing Toji and Kensuke to freak out a bit and Shin to be on his guard.
"What was that?!" Toji yelled.
Shin replied, "trouble." He took on a serious expression of recognition of what it was. True enough a beetle-like giant creature reared its head from behind a ridge.
Toji was stunned at the sight of the monster. "What the-"
"Wait a minute, a kaiju!?" Kensuke gasped. However, shrill roar of a different creature interrupted Kensuke.
Shinji and Shin shot their gazes behind them, seeing a large, mutant bird-like creature with a sharp beak and sacks drooping on the sides soaring above.
"There's another one!" Kensuke screamed.
"That's a Birdon," Shin recognized it. The Birdon circled around, and spotted the two kids and Ultra host. It suddenly dove for them with its beak. Shin managed to grab both teens and hit the deck to avoid its sharp beak as it strafed the camp.
"Get down!" Shinji tackled Rei to the ground as Birdon missed them. Birdon rose back into the air and started to circle back around.
It was then that the beetle-like monster roared, getting the Birdon's attention.
"What are they doing?!" Toji said.
Shinji then took a closer look at the beetle kaiju. "A Taganular? What's that doing here?" Shinji was surprised to see both of these monsters in his world.
Toji then gave his new friend a surprised look. "Shin-man, you know these monsters?!"
"I encountered Birdon during my training, and Taganular was in the Ultra Garrsion's encyclopedia of giant creatures," Shinji answered. He then turned to Shin and asked, "you think they are extra-dimensional?" Shin closed his eyes as he focused on the two kaiju as they converged to fight each other. "No... these are native to your world," Shin told Shinji.
"What?!" Shinji was shocked by this, at first he thought that these giant creatures would have died out on Earth, coupled with the catastrophe of the Second Impact. To see such creatures emerge on his world for real changed a lot of things. Even Toji and Kensuke visibly recoiled at the sight of such creatures as Birdon attempted to stab at Taganular, which countered with swipes of its sharp claws.
"In any case, I don't think we want them around Tokyo-3! They'd wreak havoc with all the reconstruction going on," Shinji yelled to Shin.
"Right then... time to kick some kaiju rear," Shin grinned.
Shinji nodded, as he then reached for his Splendor to transform. "Toji! Kenuske! Get Rei to safety. Shin and I will handle this!" He then flexed and raised the Splendor. "EVANGEL!"
Shin flashed out his Lieflasher and thrust it up. "DYNA!"
Toji, Kensuke, and Rei had to cover their eyes as Shinji and Shin were enveloped in light. The two transformed and grew into Ultraman Evangel and Ultraman Dyna. The two Ultra warriors raised shouts and interrupted the brawling monsters. Taganular and Birdon roared at Evangel and Dyna respectively. Dyna looked to Evangel, who just silently nodded back at him. The two charged, with Evangel taking on Taganular, and Dyna handling Birdon.
Back at NERV HQ, technicians were scrambling to identify the two yellow patterns. Misato then came up onto the bridge behind the bridge bunnies. She was a bit surprised to see Ritsuko and Commander Ikari, but then shook her head as she wanted to know the source of the commotion. "Status!"
"We've got two yellow signatures in the hills north of the city," Shigeru told Misato.
"Yellow?" Misato was surprised. She then realized that north of the city was likely where Shinji was camping. "Shinji," she turned towards Maya, "has anyone been able to contact him!?"
"We're trying to get in touch with Third Child, but nothing," Maya reported. Misato felt scared for Shinji, thinking of what could be happening to him.
"Two additional lifeforms, pattern white," Makoto announced.
"Wait..." Misato did a double take, "two pattern whites?"
"Another... Ultraman?" Ritsuko muttered. "Put a visual up now!"
"Yes ma'am!" The bridge bunnies then put up the screen of what was happening, and to their complete shock, there two Ultramen in the flesh. One was recognizable as the angel-themed Evangel on the long range camera, while the other was blue and red with a large head crystal.
"That's another Ultraman!" Misato shouted.
"It..it... it really is another Ultraman!" Maya shouted.
The whole bridge then watched as the Ultramen then sprung into action. Evangel collided with a large beetle creature. The second Ultra rushed a giant mutant bird that was flapping its large arm-wings.
Toji and Kensuke felt the ground shake, while Rei seemed to not flinch from the impact vibrations. The fight between Evangel and Taganular was especially thunderous given the size of the bettle monster.
"Hey, Ayanami!" Toji called out. He and Kensuke rushed to her, grabbing her hands and dragging her away.
"We need to find cover while Shinji and Shin are battling those monsters," Kensuke said, "to the trees!" Evangel dodged the razor spikes on Taganular's arms as it swung at him. He then gave a strong kick, which barely fazed the heavy creature through its armor. He then decided to go for the eye, only for Taganular to block with one arm, before using the other to strike him. Evangel fell back from the blow, but quickly spun back up to resume his assault.
Dyna had to roll out of the way of Birdon's fire breath as it scorched the earth. Then Birdon flew up and attempted to divebomb Dyna Dyna backflipped as the giant bird swooped in and upwards, barely avoiding a knick from its beak. Dyna then gave a strong kick to the gut, sending the Birdon flying back and falling to the ground.
Birdon got back up and then spewed a stream of fire. Dyna blocked with his arms, getting a few burns on his armor. The giant mutant bird then rushed Dyna, who barely stopped its sharp beak and pushed it back. Dyna grunted as a claw scratched a bit of his face.
Evangel dodged Taganular's tail as the beetle kaiju used it as a blunt weapon. Shinji grunted from inside the inner light. "Of all the creatures..." He was then body-slammed by the large beetle, sending him into a hillside. Evangel grunted as he pried himself from the rock and soil, only to see Taganular burrow into the ground. Realizing what was about to happen, Evangel quickly jumped up. He avoided two claws from the beetle kaiju piercing upwards. The young Ultra prince safely backflipped back on his feet as he charged up a Brace Shot. Evangel cast the shot, only for it to bounce off the hardened shell.
"That is one hard monster!" Toji yelled out as he watched his friend fight. Rei just stood and watched Evangel silently.
Dyna then put up his Ultra Barrier as Birdon unleashed its fire breath. The Ultra veteran successfully blocked the flame attack before forcing it back onto the kaiju. Birdon stumbled backwards hastily from its own attack, incurring some burns. Then the bird Kaiju flew up and attempted to dive bomb Dyna again. The veteran Ultra jumped up out of the way and flew after Birdon in an aerial chase.
Meanwhile, Taganular roared as its shell burned with energy. Evangel and Taganular charged each other. As the young Ultra grabbed Taganular's head though, Evangel hissed in pain as he felt the heat burn his hands. He choked as Taganular lifted him by the neck into the air, before flinging him about and throwing him into another hillside. "Oh... he's getting his but kicked," Kensuke winced as he recorded with his phone. However, the angel-like Ultraman flipped back onto his feet, and flexed his arms out from his head crystal. He transformed in a flash of red and orange into his Force Style.
"He's red and orange again," Toji shouted. "Hah!" Evangel flexed his fists and went to grab Taganular. While it burned still, Evangel Force Style was able to handle the heat better. The kaiju attempted to shake him off, but he held strong. "Huuurrrr!" Evangel grunted as he countered Taganular's heat with his own, with the arm braces and chest protector burning with a bright orange light. Then it attempted to grab Evangel again, only for the young Ultra to slide behind the monster to grab its neck. Evangel pulled with some effort to lift and flip the heavy monster's head onto the ground.
In the skies, Birdon blasted fireballs at Dyna, who used his agile frame to twist and turn past the blasts easily. Dyna accelerated to meet Birdon's next attempt to ram him head on.
Angel Space...
The Children of Adam watched as the battle between Evangel, Dyna, Birdon, and Taganular unfolded. "I have not seen these kaiju since the days of ancient Earth," Tabris acknowledged as he saw his old friend, Evangel fight Taganular while the other unknown Ultra fought Birdon.
Zeruel frowned. "I thought these wretched creatures would all have been destroyed. None should have survived between us and the Ultra warriors."
Sachiel frowned, "It seems we were mistaken. Earth creatures are annoyingly resilient to any attempts to purge them..."
Tabris mused over this. "True... and these creatures still seem to pose a challenge as ever even for my old friend." He could not help but crack a small smile as Evangel was going toe to toe with Taganular.
However, Sachiel seemed to be incensed at the sight of Evangel. "I want to go back out and avenge the last battle. I want him to suffer for humiliating me!" Zeruel glared at the Third Brother. "Brother Sachiel, you used up your corporeal energy reserves."
But Sachiel would not be placated, "then give me more! This time I will not hold back." Tabris, ever the voice of reason, spoke to him. "Brother, even if we wanted to, we only have so much energy with neither father nor mother here to sustain us. We have such little economy of power to manifest in the real world."
"Brother Tabris is right, Brother Sachiel," the thinker known as Armisael spoke.
Shamshel looked towards him in disdain. "And when are you ever right," she hissed.
Armisael just closed his eyes, "when we underestimated Evangel's resolve to oppose us to the last Ultraman."
Sachiel stewed in silence while Shamshel continued, "well I would have taken care of Evangel if he still not had surprised me with those blasted Style Changes." Shamshel took the loss even worse than Sachiel, "I was about to destroy him, I had him in my tendrils!"
"Calm yourself sister!" Zeruel boomed. His authoritative voice silenced the mutterings of the others in the space. "All of us seek justice against Evangel, but we've already lost against him twice in two consecutive battles. Another one of us going to confront him will mean nothing if we cannot understand his weaknesses. We will observe... for now.
NERV, Tokyo-3
Gendo frowned as the battle raged on the drone feed. 'To think that there's not only one but two Ultras, but two unknown monsters, that are not Angels, once again complicating my scenario,' he thought.
Misato meanwhile was trying desperately to call Shinji. Aside from the lack of a pilot for Eva Unit 01, Misato was genuinely concerned that her charge was in danger and might get hurt up north. "C'mon Shinji pick up!" She was begging to the heavens.
The Bridge Bunnies were in shock and awe of seeing two Ultras, duking it out with two unknown monsters.
"I didn't think that there would be another Ultraman," Shigeru exclaimed.
"Neither did I" Maya muttered.
"There are more of them?" Makoto voiced aloud.
As the Bridge Bunnies discussed the topic, Dr Ritsuko looked like she swallowed a bee. "Two Ultramen and two monsters!?" Ritsuko leaned over the command bridge. "Maya, where is the First Child? Can we find her?"
"Negative... I cannot locate or contact her," Maya reported. "Try locating her cell phone," Ritsuko ordered.
"I tried that, but she hasn't answered!" Maya replied.
"Damn it!" Ritsuko was now really stressed. This was noticed by Gendo. He overheard the exchange, and he too could not help but wonder where Rei was.
Rei watched as Evangel wrestled hard with the beetle creature that he referred to as Taganular. The two titans slugged it out as Evangel ducked under a razor-sharp claw and decked Taganular hard in the face. The kaiju stumbled back, then attempt to burrow underground again. However, Evangel rushed up from behind and grabbed it. Ultra and kaiju struggled hard, but the former held strong to the latter, not letting the creature escape.
Taganular burned with intense heat as Evangel fought past the pain. He gathered just enough strength to throw Taganular aside into a hill.
The trio of humans watched as their Ultra friend rubbed his hands and arms.
"Oh... that oversized bug must be really hot to burn him like that," Kensuke winced.
In the air, Dyna continued to tangle with Birdon. He deflected one fireball, but that was enough for Birdon to ram him and send him drifting. Birdon then rushed Dyna to attempt a beak stab. Fortunately, Dyna grabbed Birdon by the beak and delivered an upper cut. He then kicked Bridon high into the skies and charged up an attack. "Heh!" Dyna grunted as he unleashed a Solgent Beam that struck the giant bird mutant and detonated its body. Toji and Kenuske looked on in shock and awe. Rei just blinked in silent wonder at the display of the Ultra's power.
"Take that, bird brain!" Toji shouted.
"Birdon's down for the count!" Kensuke yelled.
Rei turned back and watched as Evangel raised his fists again as Taganular heated up even more. It was then that the beetle monster's abdomen glowed with energy, which moved up to its horn. Taganular fired off a superheated fusion beam. Evangel jumped to the side as the beam scorched the air and trees underneath. It then shifted the beam's orientation, nearly surprising Evangel. The young Ultra had to roll away quickly as the beam chewed up and incinerated the landscape. As the Ultra jumped above it, the beam singed his left shoulder and arm. Evangel grunted in pain as he held and rubbed that left shoulder, only for the kaiju to charge and bash Evangel hard into another hillside.
"Evangel get up!" Kenuske shouted, "don't let that sucker beat you!"
Shinji heard the voice of his friend as he willed Evangel to recover, but soon enough, he felt the color indicator on his chest start to blink. He knew that he could not sustain another hit like that.
"Oh crud, it's that color thingy again," Toji realized.
"It's his timer!" Kenuske pointed out. "His energy is running low!"
Evangel resolved to finish the fight before he drained his life force any further. He shot several Brace Shots at Taganular to slow it down, before using his feet to push back hard.
Rei was unfazed as the kaiju fell back with a loud boom. Evangel, still in his Force Style, felt his brace heat up and pulse with an orange-gold hue. He looked upon the brace, as though remembering something. Then, he clenched his fist as he clanged the brace against his chest protector. The armor flashed with the color indicator as a pulse of power shifted into the brace, causing it to shine. "Hwaarrrhhh!" With a manly roar, Evangel rushed forward. Taganular saw Evangel running towards it and tried to charge up another beam, only for Dyna to swoop in and bombard it with his volley of Beam Slicers. Taganular was distracted as the barrage blinded it. Evangel then brought up his glowing hot brace in front of his face and swung in a slashing motion. The Force Style's Burning Brace Chop struck through the mutant beetle with a big flash of spark and flames.
Everyone watched as a wind howled through the silence between Evangel and Taganular. Neither moved... until Taganular's trunk fell, and its midsection shifted. Toji and Kensuke's jaws dropped as the entire upper half of the kaiju fell forward, completely bisected. Rei just stared, apparently unfazed by Evangel's complete dismemberment of the bulky monster.
Evangel relaxed his posture as he stood triumphant.
NERV Control Room
Everyone present just stared at the complete destruction of Taganular at the hand of Evangel.
"He just cut that monster in half," Misato gasped.
Ritsuko looked slack jawed as Evangel had defeated another opponent with relative ease.
The Bridge bunnies looked paralyzed and dumbstruck of the fight between the two Ultras and the new monsters.
"That Evangel is on a roll," Makoto said, "I mean, that already three victories!"
Maya had her jaw dropping up and down, trying to form the words for what just happened.
"That is some power," Shigeru was nodding and grinning.
Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki had entered the bridge just a few minutes before upon hearing that Evangel and his companion had appeared with the two unknown monsters. He was grinning as the two Ultramen had once again surprised everyone on how they took down the two unknown creatures.
Speaking of the second Ultraman, he floated down next to Evangel. He held out his hand, to which Evangel replied with a very human handshake. Commander Fuyutsuki smiled again as the rest of the bridge were awed by the interaction... but not Gendo.
Gendo resented the interference of the Ultramen even more with this surprise victory. And now he had to wonder... where was Rei and that son of his?
Back at the forest, Evangel and Dyna then both nodded, and jumped into the air to disappear, and then reappear to the group without drawing too much attention. Toji, Ken, and Rei turned around to see Shinji and Shin emerging from the tree line, though Shinji looked more visibly tired. "Shinji," Kensuke yelled as he and Toji ran up to him.
"Shin-man," Toji ran up to Shinji, "you okay?" Shinji smiled wearily. "I'm okay guys, but honestly... that was one of the easier monsters I've killed in a while," he affirmed with a grin.
Shin gave his mentee a knowing smile. "Yeah... you just wiped out Taganular with less trouble than most other Ultra's I know."
"Yeah man! That was so awesome, seeing not only one, but two Ultramen fighting those monsters!" Kensuke said.
Rei walked up to Shinji. "Rei, is there something wrong?" Shinji asked.
"You possess great power," Rei said, "yet you do not share this with NERV."
Shinji looked conflicted, but steeled up a little. " Because if I did tell them , then no doubt the Commander and the others would find a way to dissect me, see what makes me tick, and exploit Evangel's power for selfish interest."
"Selfish? But NERV defends the human race," Rei replied. Shinji took a deep breath. He then said. "Then why did my father leave the entire Antarctic Expedition to die in the Second Impact?" That response dropped hard like a bomb, leaving everyone except Shin stunned.
Rei could not actually believe what she heard Shinji say. "Left to die?" Rei asked.
Shinji then saw Rei's shocked and confused expression, even if it was tame. He then sighed as he calmed down a bit. "I think I should start from the beginning." Shinji and Shin sat back down with the others, taking turns explaining what they learned about Gendo from the Ultra Brothers, such as his involvement with the fateful Antarctic Expedition, the disappearances and murders of those investigating the expedition's mission and fate, and more about Shinji's true mission.
"And that is why Shinji is here," Shin helped to finish, "because the guys and I think that this Second Impact may have something to do with his old man's shadiness and why these Angel things are attacking you all." They all stood in shock, horrified and outraged by how the very same people that they sworn to protect humanity, were the very same ones that single-handedly sent it and the Earth into near oblivion and kept it secret.
"Now I'm not saying that NERV necessarily did it themselves or on purpose," Shin added a disclaimer, "but something about Gendo Ikari does not pass a smell test."
"And think about it," Shinji said, "if this man could abandon me, his own son after my mom died... what makes you think he would not abandon those who work for him?"
"Then what you said about him in the first battle..." Kensuke asked.
"You're talking about the same man who would send out an injured pilot to her death just to guilt-trip me," Shinji reminded as he looked upon Rei with a mix of gentleness, sadness, and anger, "I went out because it was the right thing to do... and Evangel whispered the same to me."
"That's really mucked up," Toji added. "My old man is strict, but that is just down right cold," Kensuke added with a sticking out of his tongue.
Rei just stood. She tried to remain stoic, but Shinji could see the conflict, and even possible hints of sadness in her eyes.
Later after the group returned to their camp, Shinji and Rei sat down together. "Rei..." Shinji muttered towards her after some period of silence.
Rei just stared up at Shinji for a bit, but then asked, "am I to be sacrificed?"
Shinji shook his head with a determined look. "My father may think that, but not on my watch," he said with a gentle but firm voice to Rei, "not if I and Evangel have anything to say about it. I don't know what my father has on you that make you think that way, but he has no right to simply use you like that, injured or not."
Rei gasped softly at that, never having heard someone saying that Commander Ikari is using her, and had no right to do so.
"I don't care even if he was the only caretaker you had in your life," Shinji expressed with that strange Ultra warmth and nostalgia, "he was wrong to use you against me, even though the threat was out there at the time. I would sooner give up being an Eva pilot and take the fight to the Angels as Ultraman Evangel alone if that is what it takes to keep you safe."
Those words alone, made Rei stare, profoundly surprised at having someone care for her enough to want to do such things to keep her safe.
"But that would mean that you-" Rei protested, but Shinji nodded.
"Of course... if he does anything to harm you or my friends," Shinji made clear, "he will have to face me."
That left Rei conflicted again, with her either choosing Commander or Third Child to see if either of them were in the right. While she now knew that Shinji's powers were the result of some family heirloom, this trip left her with even more questions about herself and who she was loyal to
Angel Space
Tabris smiled to himself for his old friend, even though his siblings were less than enthused over his victory and the fact that he had yet another companion; an Ultra companion.
"So those two Ultras" Shamshel said, spitting out the name as if it was venom, "have overcome two of the ancient kaiju."
"How is it that Evangel even has another companion?" Another sibling said, "I thought they all died out."
"Yet this one lives," another sibling stated.
The Fifth Brother of the siblings, Ramiel stroked his crystal smooth chin, "this will upset our own plans if they interfere with us freeing Mother and avenging Father."
"But how can this be?" Yet another sibling angrily demanded. Tabris shook his head. "Perhaps... our fighting Evangel is reawakening dormant monsters."
"And what do you think should be done about this?" Shamshel questioned Tabris.
However, Sachiel was already frowning. "Now little brother, do not dare give us some sympathy sermon... We know you too well." Sachiel growled, looking ready to throw down.
"Silence," Zeruel raised his hand, as the de facto leader. The angels then went silent, as Zeruel then stood up from the table, tall and powerful as the warrior leader he was. "This bickering and speculation is pointless."
"Well do you propose, Zeruel?" Shamshel asked, having somewhat recovered from her angry outbursts earlier.
"As you all know... we have but limited energy from our unsealing to manifest our chosen forms," Zeruel began, "and we have yet to be victorious against Evangel."
"Zeruel if I may, maybe I can be the one to do battle with the Ultramen," Ramiel said as he stepped forward. He was the powerful Fifth Brother.
"Of course... but I must concede that we've been reckless... underestimating the power and allies that Evangel still has. Clearly his own long dormancy has failed to diminish his strength," Zeruel said as he was contemplative.
"Not for long" Ramiel said, " I will be the one to end him, for my strength alone can never cease!"
Tabris looked to his crystal-man-like brother. "Be careful about such words... you do have great strength, but remember how resourceful the Prince is."
Ramiel, the Fifth Brother gave an equivalent of a glare and sneer towards Tabris. "That was the past... and this time, I have developed some new tricks to cut him down."
"Fifth Brother," Tabris warned, "Evangel did not earn the name Prince of the Nebula on a whim. I remind all of you that the most proud of his enemies were often the ones to fall the hardest at his hand."
"I do not need you to tell me that," Ramiel calmly but coldly rebuffed, "and I will likewise advise that you forget your previous friendship with that traitor."
"I ask that you do not go there," Tabris glowered at Ramiel.
Fortunately, Zeruel was quick to intervene when he said, "as I was saying, as reluctant as I am to admit it... we need more advantages to win against Evangel and the humans to ensure victory. Thus, we will have to make slight changes to our strategy without expending our energy reserves."
"Tell us, brother," Ramiel urged.
Zeruel looked intently to his brother. "Find and seek out any beasts you can... tame and master them as yours before you lay siege to the Mother's prison."
Ramiel glared at Zeruel for that. "Tame the beasts? Why waste time with these creatures?" Some of the others grumbled as well.
"Because, powerful as he is, Evangel is still mortal, and he can only manage so many attacks at one time when the numbers are against him. Have those wretched beasts serve a final meaningful purpose before we lay waste to the Earth for their crimes," Zeruel laid it out.
"Good..." Shamshel huffed in a booming feminine voice, "because I hated those slimy things anyways." The other siblings also raised their voices in begruding approval, though Tabris said nothing.
"Then it is decided." Zeruel pointed to Ramiel. "Brother Ramiel... go and seek out these creatures and survey your targets... may the spirit of our father inspire you to success."
"Yes, Zeruel," Ramiel affirmed, "may the heavens shine upon us Children of Adam."
With that, the preparation for the next battle was set in motion.
Episode 7: Shinji and New Friends; Revelations Part 2
Ending Song: "Inori - You Raise Me Up" by Lena Park
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
Rei Ayanami is seen floating in a dark space, all alone.
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Rei is quiet, curled up and still. However, there is a hint of sadness to her taciturn expression.
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile and with me
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity
Suddenly there is a flash of light in front of Rei, causing her to open her eyes, and glimpse Shinji Ikari.
Shinji gives a warm smile as he flies towards Rei.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
Shinji flies up to Rei and reaches out to her with an extended hand.
Rei seems confused by the warmth coming from Shinji as she briefly sees Evangel in his place.
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
Rei reaches up and takes Shinji/Evangel's hand, causing light to burn away the darkness.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
The light dissipates, and Rei finds herself flying above pure white clouds and a beautiful flower field of irises below. She looks to her right to see Shinji holding her hand as he guided her through the skies with tenderness and affection.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
With a nod to Rei, Shinji flashes his Splendor. Evangel's light enshrouds the couple as he carries the both of them in his hand.
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
Still holding Rei, Shinji gives a nod to Evangel.
You raise me up, to more than I can be...
Evangel flies into the skies with Shinji and Rei, the three of them becoming a streak of light.
Sorry about that again. Between life, writer's block, and rivalling fandoms, I've got a lot going on, but I have not abandoned this fic!
Once again, thank you for those who continue to read, fave, review, and support this fic, and I hope you continue to do so.
God bless and good day to all! :)