Beauty and the Beast [NGE]

[Alex]

Well, this has been a long time coming. After much time brainstorming this fic and planning out ideas I decided to release a prologue chapter to gauge interest and as a sort of proof of concept. Thank you @Turing Decidable and @Naughtilus for helping turn my brain mess into a readable work. I should also thank @Strypgia and @Susano for the writing advice and the opportunity to bounce ideas off of as well as all the people on our discord that put up with my ramblings. Finally, I would like to thank @Jake as Doing it right this time was the fic that brought me to this site, to begin with. Without further ado here is chapter zero of Beauty and the Beast:

"Damn it Gendo!" Kozo Fuyutsuki slammed his fist on the small table that lay between him and his former student, making a mug filled with black coffee wobble off balance. "You can't keep doing this! You left a four-year-old alone at a public park unsupervised for hours. Do you have any idea how reckless that was?" He looked at the man and tried to ignore his sympathy and put on a strong front. From looking at Gendo's face one would be able to tell that you could count the amount of sleep had in the past week on one hand. Dark circles rounded his eyes and his cheeks were sullen with worry.

"I was... distracted," Gendo admitted. "SEELE keeps demanding updates on the plan. And Akane keeps dragging out this damned trial. And I have to play along and act civil when that scrawny little lawyer accuses me of killing my wife." He took a long draft of the black cup of coffee in front of him before continuing. "And besides when I was his age my father would..."

Kozo cut him off "Your father was a drunken bum! Don't try to act like being better than him is any accomplishment." He tried not to raise his voice again, knowing the child in question slumbered just down the hall. It would do no good for him to see his father like this. "Gendo," He started, calmer this time. "I think it's best if the boy was sent away, at least until matters are sorted with SEELE and the trial is concluded."

Gendo shook his head "Put him in the system? We do that and the old man and the witch get their hands on him."

Kozo nodded in understanding "Perhaps you can stay his official guardian but we should hire a tutor or caretaker to look after the boy."

Gendo looked deeply into his mug, as if trying to divine the best route like fortune teller. Eventually a thought emerged. "What about Mari? She seemed to care for the boy when they met at the funeral."

Kozo looked shocked "Makinami? Besides the funeral you haven't seen each other in years. Why trust her with the boy?"

"Yui trusted her." Gendo said, his voice grave, as if calling Yui's name made something true and inarguable. "That is enough for me."
Kozo sighed. It did make sense. "It would keep him out of clutches of the old blood. And Makinami always did have a deep respect for Yui perhaps that would carry over onto her child." A sour expression crossed his face "Still, are you sure you want your child to be raised by someone with such... inclinations?"

Gendo seemed unfazed "What matters to me is her loyalty to Yui, her inclinations are unimportant. Where is she now?"

Kozo scratched his chin "I believe she is currently working in Germany helping design the production Evangelion model with Stern under Doctor Soryu, as the council denied her proposal for S2 engine research."

Gendo scowled. Soryu had been Yui's rival in the proposal stage of the development of unit one. She was a harsh, aggressive woman, endlessly seeking to overcome others in the field and become the driving force behind GEHIRN. And it was said she had shed no tears over his wife's passing. Still, given Mari's own ambitions, Gendo doubted that she had much taste for the German either. "I will speak to her tomorrow then. If she agrees, Shinji can be gone by the end of the week." Gendo said gravely, unaware that down the hall a pair of little ears was glued to the crack of his bedroom door, listening intently.
*
Kiel Lorenz looked down at the documents in front of him through thick horned rimmed glasses. Everything was proceeding as he had foreseen. The Second Impact, while initially unplanned, had proven useful in furthering his goals. Much of the world was in ruins, with countries scrambling to rebuild and replenish or be subject to the whims of their neighbors. And that was where NERV stepped in, to offer security and resources for recovery to all those that asked for it. It was in this way that NERV ingrained itself with the existing power structures. Kiel had learned this lesson well. Bomb a populace and they will fight to the death against you. Feed a starving populace, heal them, fix their, roads and their schools and bridges and they will rise up against their leaders to venerate you. Loyalty could be bought much more cheaply with a loaf of bread and clean water than with bullets.

A young man entered his office carrying a portable computer, interrupting Kiel's thoughts. Given Kiel's strict demands for privacy, that meant the man was either very stupid or bringing important news. The chairman leaned back in his chair, remaining silent for a moment, making the boy wait patiently before he spoke in a harsh tone. "Yes?" There was a great expectation in his voice, a demand for substance.

"Sir, I realize that you asked not to be disturbed but a situation has arisen involving the Asset." He seemed nervous and not just out of fear of Kiel.

This alerted Kiel. The boy was a number one priority, any risk to him threatened his scenario. "What happened?"

The boy tried not to shake. "I think it is better if you see it yourself." Without another word he placed the device on the desk and pressed a button. Immediately, a video from what looked like security camera footage began to play. A man in a lab coat was scolding a young boy with white hair and pale skin.

"Come here this instant! You will follow me to the lab and do the tests like a good boy, do you hear me?"

Kiel paused the video to look at the assistant that had brought him the footage "Who is this?"

The young man fiddled with the device for a moment bringing up the file "Doctor Julian Heck, sir. He was in charge of assessing the subject's capabilities. He was trying to get the subject to comply with the scheduled field tests."

Kiel raised an eyebrow. "Was?"

The boy looked scared. "I... I think you should watch the tape, sir."

The boy cried out, tears welling in his eyes as he thrashed. "No! I don't wanna! No more needles! No more flashing machines! No more tests! They hurt and I don't wanna do them anymore!" He was crying as he stomped the ground in protest.

"You will do the blood tests and you will shut up, you little brat," Heck said as he walked towards the child, hand raised to strike.

And then it happened. A few feet away from the subject Heck stopped, and then, as if held up by invisible strings, floated in the air like a puppet. Heck could only mouth a silent plea to the camera before what happened next. In an instant, like a marionette tied up in strings, Heck's limbs jerked and twisted violently at unnatural angles before his body was tossed across the room, hitting the opposite wall with a sick crunch.

Kiel paused the video again, his face cold. He looked at the assistant, who looked positively green. With a level voice Kiel addressed the underling "I take it from your previous comment that the good Doctor did not survive the incident?"

The boy simply nodded.

Kiel sighed. "Cancel my appointments for the rest of the day. I will speak to the Asset. It appears that those in the Doctor's department have been using too much stick and not enough carrot." Kiel got up and rubbed his eyes. This was going to be a long day. "Oh and one more thing, send some flowers to whoever was on Heck's list of contacts after they finish scraping him off the wall."

"Ah, what kind, sir?" The boy muttered trying to hold in his lunch.

"Do I look like I care?" Kiel sneered as he retrieved his jacket from the nearby closet. He was of mixed opinions on Heck. On one hand, he had failed him. On the other he had died doing so, which was the best he could ask at such a time.
*

It was raining heavily when Shinji arrived at the small NERV airstrip located several miles from Mecklenburg. The storm caused the plane to shake as it approached the strip, frightening the young boy. Only hours earlier he had been told by his father's friend that he would be leaving for somewhere far away. He was not told where he was going or how long he would stay, only that his father required him to go. Shinji felt so lost. Only a few weeks ago his mother had passed away and now his father sent him away. Was it something he did? Shinji clutched his backpack to his chest like a life-buoy as they landed. After a moment, a man in a dark suit came and told Shinji to follow him out of the plane. Waiting outside there was a small crowd of people, each carrying a dark umbrella to combat the weather. In the center Shinji recognized someone from the funeral, a tall woman with long, dark auburn hair and glasses.

"Shinji?" The woman spoke, trying to sound calm "My name is Makinami Mari, you might remember me from the service a while ago." Indeed Shinji did. In the whirlwind of the funeral she had been the only one who sought Shinji out and comforted him. "Your father talked to me, you're going to stay with me for a while. Do you understand?"

Shinji nodded and sniffed, rain pouring down on him from where the man's small umbrella did not reach. He looked up at the strange woman. "Are you gonna leave me too?" It was a plea as much as a question, one that seemed to shock Mari to her core. Immediately, she dropped her umbrella on the ground, leaving herself open to the downpour as she surged forward towards the boy, giving him only a moment to drop his bag. The man beside Shinji stepped aside to let Mari wrap him in an embrace.

"No Shinji, I won't. I promise. I will stay with you as long as you let me." She held the boy tightly as he sobbed into her shoulder. "It's okay. You've had a long day, let's get you inside, out of this rain. There is someone you should meet." She scooped up the boy to carry him in her arms and headed towards one of the hangars. She motioned the man who had accompanied Shinji to pick up the scattered contents of the boy's backpack from the ground - a juice box, a now drenched coloring book and a plastic toy robot that beeped and whirred as its red eyes glowed.

Shinji sat on one of the plastic chairs in the waiting room and shivered. Mari told him to wait for a moment while she talked to his escort. He looked around. The boy was in a strange place with new people he did not understand. He wondered what Miss Makinami was like, what people were nice here. He stared down at his little robot and pressed the button on its chest that brought the toy to life, beeping and buzzing as it lit up. It had been a gift from his mother, Shinji never wanted to let it go. A noise from around the corner alerted him. A little girl with bright red hair wearing a maroon dress stepped into view, looking no older than Shinji.

Without hesitation, she walked right up to the boy and stuck out her hand "Hallo. Ich bin Asuka. Ich bin vier. Und wer bist du?" (Hello. I'm Asuka. I'm four. And who are you?) She asked smiling.

Shinji did not understand so simply stared back, unsure what to do. A moment later Mari returned, holding a styrofoam cup of hot chocolate. She smiled when she saw the two.
The little girl then turned to Mari with a curious expression. "Was ist denn mit ihm los?"
​

"Er versteht dich nicht, Asuka. Er spricht nur Japanisch." Mari told her patiently.

"Nur Japanisch?" The girl seemed flabbergasted. "Bist du dumm?"

Mari laughed at the young girl and gave the cup to Shinji "Here, this should warm you up. This here..." She made a motion to the red headed girl who was now looking at him oddly "is Asuka Soryu. I am sure you will get along great... once the language issue is resolved."

After taking a sip from the warm liquid, Shinji got up and imitated what he had seen the adults in his life do when they met someone. He stuck out his hand in greeting "My name is Ikari Shinji, pleased to meet you."

After a moment of consideration Asuka took the hand tentatively. Shaking it for a moment before letting go. Mari smiled at the two. She told them to follow her to the car, first in Japanese and then in German. They had much to do and little time to do it in.
​

*​

Kiel walked along the dim halls of the facility towards the wing that contained his greatest work, the soul of a god trapped in the body of a boy. In his hand he carried a bad containing his secret weapon in times such as these – a carton of chocolate milk and a Ziploc bag full of cookies. He crossed the threshold into the subject's living area. Brightly colored pastel walls and a dark ceiling with painted stars and constellations stood around him. Scattered about the ground were dozens of books and games that the subject had been given, each designed to relay a message of purpose and duty. In the corner Kiel saw that the boy had overturned several of the couches to create his own fort. The chairman sighed, for all his power the Asset was still a child and needed to be treated like one. The old man moved closer only to be hissed at by the boy's pet that emerged from the makeshift structure of pillows and blankets. It was a large hairless cat, its long limbs and wispy tail tensed as it bared its teeth at the man. But what made it striking were the creatures eyes, one green and one gold, that stared right into one's heart. That thing had been a by product of the research that created the boy and as such seemed to have a strong bond with him. Besides Kiel himself, it was the Asset's only companion.

"I bring a peace offering." Kiel said, taking out the snacks and holding them out to the light.

After a moment, the boy emerged from his construct and sat on a nearby cushion. The cat leapt to the boys lap and started purring, but did not move her eyes from Kiel. The boy's eyes, on the other hand, were red from sobbing. After a moment he reached out and grabbed the baggie of cookies and stared at them.

"There is nothing in these?" He asked concerned.

Kiel shrugged "Besides more sugar than any one person should consume? Nothing."

Tentatively, Kaworu Nagisa began to munch on the treats as he stroked his pet. "Good girl, Ptolemy. You always take care of me."

Kiel sat down on one of the striped couches and took off his glasses, rubbing his eyes. "I saw what happened to Heck, Kaworu."

The boy avoided his mentor's gaze "I didn't mean to hurt him. I just... I didn't want to do the tests anymore. I'm sorry."

Kiel shook his head. "What have I told you before? People are in pain, they suffer all the time. It is okay to kill them. In the end it will be your duty to kill them. But before then, we have to make sure you are ready. That is why we do the tests, to prepare you for our destiny."

"So it was okay?" Kaworu looked at the man curiously.

"Heck was... useful to me. I would have preferred that he lived to continue his service. But killing him?" Kiel looked the boy in the eyes as he opened the carton of milk and handed it to him. "You are Tabris, you are above such petty morality." He smiled fatherly as the boy drank his milk. "Still. In the future if you have the desire, I would prefer to tell me first so that I can find someone more suitable."

Kaworu nodded at the sage advice, placated for now by the simple affection. Kiel stayed with him for a while speaking of the world and how Tabris would fix it.
​

*​

Shinji sat in the back of the car as Mari drove them back to the NERV facility where she worked and lived. Apparently, the girl sitting opposite to him had demanded to meet him and Mari had brought her along for fun. For now, however, she seemed content to stare at Shinji out of the corner of her eyes when she thought he was not looking, and ask Mari questions in German that flew over Shinji's head but made the woman laugh. The drive to the facility was long and Shinji dozed as the rain hit the windows of the car in a steady, soothing rhythm. He was awoken gently by Mari when they reached their destination. The buildings looked very similar to the NERV buildings he had seen in Japan – tall, featureless structures that jutted into the sky like monoliths. Around them there seemed to be a number of smaller buildings, each identical save for markings on their outside to delineate the address. Mari told Shinji that she would show him their apartment, but first she needed to give Asuka back to her parent. The car pulled up to what looked like a small diner. Mari motioned the children to follow her inside. As Shinji got out, he could see three adult figures and one child; The first one was a woman with long red hair and a sour expression, who Shinji assumed was Asuka's mother. She was currently arguing with a middle-aged man with dusty blonde hair in a NERV uniform. Clinging to his pant leg was a little girl that made Shinji blink. She looked the spitting image of Asuka save for light blonde hair instead of fiery red, and bright green eyes instead of sky blue. Off to the side was a third man who was lounging in a booth and watching the argument unfold. He had dark skin and wore a darker suit. He sported a short black goatee and short cropped black hair. But as the three of them entered the diner, it was his cold glittering black eyes that stood out to Shinji. They made him nervous and Mari seemed to sense this, placing herself in between the young boy and the man.
The red haired woman did not seem to notice their arrival or, if she did, she did not let it affect her. She continued to scold the blonde haired man. "Honestly, Jonathan, I don't know why you brought her."

The man sighed "Mari said that she was picking up the boy today so I thought it would be a good idea for him to meet Rebecca. God knows these kids don't have enough friends their own age."

The man in the dark suit smiled and motioned to Mari and the children, temporarily stopping the argument "Speak of the devil."

"Mama!" Asuka yelled, running over into her mother's arms.

Mari exchanged greetings with the other adults and then motioned Shinji forward "Shinji," she said in Japanese "These are friends of mine. This is Doctor Soryu, Asuka's mother." Shinji gave a polite nod. "Over here is Doctor Stern." She said pointing to the man in the dark suit. "And here is Mr Langley who..." Mari smiled as she spied the the little one clutching Langley's leg, "seems to have someone with him." She looked up at Langley and he leaned down, looked at his daughter and told her something in German. Nervously she let go of her father and walked up to Shinji, who tried to smile. "Shinji," Mari said introducing the two "this is Rebecca Langley."

The two nervously shook hands, which made Mari chuckle in delight. Kyoko on the other hand huffed at the display. Stern just rolled his eyes and got up picking up his coat which hung on a peg by the door. "As sweet as it is to see little Yui junior. I have things to do and so do you two." He pointed at Mari and Kyoko "If we are going to make our timetable for the contact experiment, that is." The man popped the collar on his jacket before heading off into the rain. Shinji looked up at Mari, who shrugged seemingly glad at the man's departure.

Shinji yawned loudly, still sleepy from the drive. Mari took notice and said a quick goodbye to her colleagues and their children before returning to the car with Shinji. She drove a small distance to one of the many identical housing buildings on the side of the facility. Inside, Shinji saw that Mari had made a quick effort to clean in preparation for his arrival, and prepared a room for him as well. It was a plain thing - not empty but not well-furnished either. One could tell that Mari spent little time in the place. the only notable features being several large white boards in the living room, each covered with equations and diagrams. On the walls, there was little of note besides a few patches of lighter colour where apparently some posters used to be. The only personal markers seemed to be a spread of photos above the mantle, showing Mari, Yui, Gendo, and Kozo at various times and places in their university days. After a cup of warm milk and changing into his pajamas, a young Shinji went to sleep in his new bed, staring at an unfamiliar but not unwelcome ceiling.​

*​

 

[Alex]

To those of you still watching thank you. Sorry, this took so long. My editor had some computer issues. This chapter (or rather this second prologue chapter) fills in some events from between Mari taking in Shinji to their return to Japan. With sometimes years between scenes. After this chapter, the fic will go back on hold as I do not have a beta for this and it's no secret my stuff is really rough before being edited by someone competent. Anyway, here it goes.

*​

"Well brunettes are fine and blondes are fun, but when it comes to getting a dirty job done, I will take a red-headed woman." Stern had a kick in his step as he jaunted down the hall of the German sanitarium singing as he walked. "A red-headed woman. It takes a red-headed woman. To get a dirty job done." He smiled as he sang, swinging the bundle of rope he carried in one arm to the beat. Was it 401 or 501? Stern was not sure, and these bland hallways were not helping him navigate. He absently checked the door number of a close-by apartment as he thought of his task. SEELE had not planned for this when Yui did her contact experiment she had died from the process. Kyoko, on the other hand, had lingered, insane but very much alive. Perhaps it was the Germans' indomitable nature that made the difference or perhaps it was some a result of the different nature of the Eva in question. Either way Stern shrugged, it mattered little to him. While he would normally feel that such a task was beneath him, Stern reveled in this chance. He had worked under Kyoko for years now, subject to every whim and desire the woman could muster. Finally, it was his time to shine. With Kyoko out of the way, Stern was sure that he would get his own Unit to design and his own branch to call a castle. Perhaps even a chance to peek at the old men's scrolls.

Stern reached his destination, a wreath hanging on the door that proclaimed Kyoko Soryu to be inside. Stern unlocked the door with the key he had liberated from an orderly and stepped inside. The room reeked of sunflowers, there must have been a dozen in various vases around the small room. In its center, staring at a doll, his former boss was kneeling down. Slowly she seemed to notice her visitor.

"Asuka?" The woman asked with glazed eyes.

Stern shook his head "Not quite. Asuka is coming later today to see you. Too late, I suppose but isn't that true in life. You never know what you have until it's gone. Don't worry about her tho, we have big plans for the girl. You, on the other hand." Stern smiled and closed the door behind him.

*​

Shinji was woken suddenly by the late night arrival of his guardian as she frantically came into his room turning on the lights as she entered.

"Is it morning already?" Shinji asked groggily. It certainly did not feel like it. The young blinked as he looked up at the clock on the wall. It's hands told him it was a little past two thirty in the morning.

Mari looked frantic. "Sorry sweetie but we have to go. Try and get up and changed as quickly as you can. I need to pack a few of your things before we can leave." Any suspicions Mari had about the Kyoko's contact experiment were confirmed this afternoon with her tragic "suicide". Her first priority was to protect the boy. Get him and herself far away while she could discern through her contacts whether this was just Kyoko, or if they were coming for her as well.
Shinji was confused "Go? Go where? And why are we leaving now?"

Mari kissed his forehead as she helped him out of bed "I will explain on the way. She looked at the worried little boy in front of her and sighed. "For now, just imagine we are going on vacation."

Shinji did as he was told, going to his dresser by his bed and began taking out a set of clothes. When he turned around he could see Mari stuffing several of his things into a duffle bag but what caught Shinji's attention was the shiny piece of metal held in a leather holster under her jacket.

"Is that a gun?" Shinji asked nervously. He had seen weapons before, usually in the hands of guards or soldiers at the base.

Mari looked down at her open jacket and swore under her breath "It's nothing, sweetie. Just get changed. It will be alright."

"Why do you have a gun?" To Shinji, guns implied danger, risk.

Mari sighed and knelt down so that she was on the eye level with the boy "Because the world is a dangerous place. That is something I am not going to lie to you about. And the truth is that sometimes we can't depend on others to protect us. Sometimes we have to do the protecting ourselves."

Shinji nodded sensing the realness in his guardian's voice. After a moment more, Shinji left with Mari hand in hand as they went to the car. The drive was long and meandering. Mari seemed to avoid the highways and major roads. Eventually, the two found themselves in a small grimy motel on the outskirts of the town. Shinji saw Mari pay a man a handful of bills before they made their way to a dilapidated room on the corner filled. Inside were a stained carpet and a small twin bed. Mari locked the door behind her and did all the latches.

"This is okay, isn't it? Just imagine we are camping." She looked down at the child and saw his worried face.

"Mari, how long are we going to stay here?" Shinji asked nervously.

"A couple days at most. Then... Either way, we will be out of here." She placed their bags in a corner and scooped up Shinji and led him to the bed holding him in her arms as she placed the gun on the nightstand. One eye ever on the door. "I will protect you Shinji. I swore I wouldn't leave you and I meant it." Mari held him close until the boy was sound asleep. Unsure what predators lurked in the darkness waiting for them.

*​

Asuka was bored. When her father told her she was coming to a NERV conference with him in Berlin she had expected far more ceremony and fanfare. She was to be the pilot of Unit-2 after all, so she assumed that she would be shown off to all of NERV as the hard-working paragon she was. Instead, her trip to the capitol had consisted of a dinner with her father and his co-workers in which she was ignored, swimming in the hotel pool with her bratty half sister and now killing time in an empty conference room with Shinji while their guardians were stuck in meetings. The boy was also clearly afflicted with boredom but seemed to carry it better, patiently reading his book on dinosaurs and spacemen.

"Ugh," Asuka grunted, looking up at the clock in the corner of the room. "They said they would be back half an hour ago!" she shrieked.

Shinji looked up from his activity and shrugged. He had known Asuka for two years now, and had learned not to take her occasional fury personally. Ever since her mother's death there seemed to be a part of her that chomped at the bit whenever she felt ignored or unappreciated.

Asuka stared at the adjacent wall covered in calendars and notices as she spun in the large office chair she sat in. After a moment she looked up at her companion and friend. "We should go exploring!" After a bit of prodding on Asuka's part, the two set off, examining every crevice and nook they could find, no matter how mundane. After fifteen minutes their grand discoveries consisted of a few vending machines, a pay phone and some modern art in one of the lobbies.

"We should really go back. Mari and your dad are probably done by now," Shinji suggested nervously.

Asuka huffed "Then I guess they will just have to wait for us, won't they? Come on, I think my dad said there were some gardens on the other side of the building. Asuka took Shinji's hand as she began to run down one of the halls, forcing him to keep up or be dragged.

The two's previous finds were nothing in comparison to the bounty before their eyes. It was not very large but what space it did have was packed with flora. Large pots filled with flowers of every variety Shinji could think of dotted a cobblestone path that led to a small artificial pond. As Shinji walked along the path he could see stone angel statuettes scattered about the grass, some smiling, some playing harps, while others held their heads and wept. Shinji's eyes widened as he saw that Asuka and himself were not alone in the garden. Further up by the pond was a small boy with grey hair, who appeared to be feeding some ducks pieces of a bread slice. Asuka and Shinji ran up to the boy, excited. The two very rarely had much company with other children besides Rebecca, so a new potential friend was always something to look for.

For his part, the boy seemed more shocked to see them than they were to see him. Nervous but not unfriendly, he greeted the two in German "Hello there, my name is Kaworu Nagisa. Who are you?"

Struck by the harshness of the boy's red eyes, Shinji froze up but thawed a bit when the boy smiled at them. Not wanting to be impolite, Shinji stuck out his hand. "I am Ikari Shinji..." Shinji fumbled a bit "Shinji Ikari."

Kaworu laughed and shook the hand vigorously "Nice to meet you Ikari Shinji Shinji Ikari." The boy turned to Asuka who seemed a bit nervous. Shrugging, he let go and returned to sitting at the edge of the water. "I did not know anyone else was coming. Liz was told I could feed the ducks while she talked to someone. Would you like to join me?"

Shinji nodded and sat down beside him, ripping apart a piece of the bread Kaworu gave him. "The ducks seem happy," Shinji said as one of the ducks gobbled greedily at a floating piece of bread.

Kaworu seemed to become serious, speaking as though he was reciting a lesson"My teacher says happiness or rather fulfillment is easier the simpler a thing's form is. For something like a duck, it is substantially easier than for a human... or something greater. The difficulty in fulfillment would be an order of magnitude above." The coldness dropped as he looked at the two. "That's just what he told me anyway."

Seemingly more concerned at his closeness to Shinji than his strange words, Asuka pushed Shinji aside so she was sitting between them. Grabbing the grey haired boy's hand and shaking it, Asuka put on her best authoritative voice "My name is Asuka Soryu so you know, and don't forget it. I'm gonna be a pilot and a warrior," she said with a stirring passion. "I'm gonna be a hero!"

Kaworu 's eyes lit up at Asuka's words, seemingly unfazed by how bold she was being "You're special? I'm special too! My teachers say I have a big job waiting for me."

Asuka deflated a bit at the comment. She was supposed to be the special one. She was supposed to be lauded and praised. Trying to change the subject, she remembered what he said just a moment before "Who is Liz? Is she your mother?"

Kaworu tilted his head and looked confused. "Mother? What's a mother?"

Asuka flared up at the question. Who was this idiot and why were people calling him special? "What do you mean, "What is a mother?" are you stupid or something?"

Kaworu puffed up his chest at that. "I'm not stupid! Mister Kiel says I am just different."

Asuka was about to say something but Shinji interjected, knowing how aggressive she could be. "Asuka, leave him alone, Kaworu seems nice."

Asuka stuck up her nose. "You would say that. You can be just as stupid as him, maybe you two should..." Asuka stopped when she looked up to see a frazzled-looking woman in a grey jacket and messy blonde hair looking at them.

Asuka was going to ask who she was when Kaworu answered her question preemptively by jumping up and running to the woman, throwing his arms around her legs. "Liz, come meet my new friends. That's Asuka," he said, pointing to the red head. "She is gonna be a hero like me!" Kaworu began to giggle as he pointed to Shinji, who seemed embarrassed by all the commotion "And that is Ikari Shinji Shinji Ikari."

The woman Kaworu identified as Liz smiled to the two before turning her attention to her ward. "I am very glad you met some new people but we have to go, Doctor Lorenz is waiting for us."

Kaworu nodded "Okay," Turning around the boy grinned at his new friends "Bye! I hope I will see you again." before taking his wards hand and walking off down the path.

Asuka and Shinji stayed at the pond for a while after the boy had gone, chatting quietly while finishing the piece of bread. Later they would leave and be found by their guardians and scolded for having wandered off. Neither Asuka nor Shinji mentioned the boy or the woman to the grownups, either because they did not want to tell them after being chided or because they did not find it worth mentioning. And yet for years to come, neither would forget the strange boy with the red eyes.

*​

Roughly a hundred and fifty miles north of Las Vegas in one of the less used wings of a NERV research and development facility, Mari stomped down the hall of the wing, following closely behind her head of security "He is down here?"

The man nodded and motioned to a room on the far left. He was tall, a bear of a man really, with a thick brown beard and sideburns covering his face. If one were to look closely, however, they would see the beard covered a spider web of scars that marked the man's face and neck. "I put him in one of the supply closets since I know you won't want this on the books."

"Is Shinji safe?" Mari gave the man a concerned look.

"After the test, we just sent him back to his quarters and I stationed a guard to stay with him. I trust this guy with my life, fought in Venezuela with him, good guy." The gruff soldier explained.

"Good, but don't tell him anything is wrong. Just... say they need to monitor him after the test. I don't want to make him worry any more than he has to, with all he has been through lately." Mari swallowed hard at the thought. What must be done.

Opening the large supply closet, Mari and her companion found a man in a NERV technician's uniform gagged and tied to a chair. His face and outfit revealed evidence of a struggle. Pulling up another chair, Mari sat opposite the man and motioned for her friend to undo the gag. What spilled forth was a barrage of desperate and contradictory excuses and explanations. Holding up a hand to quiet the man, Mari went cold. "You can stop all the bullshit. I pulled up your info and everything the MAGI have on you is obviously fabricated. I talked to your co-workers and none of them remember you being here before a week ago. So you're a spy, that much is obvious. But that is not why you are here. A spy I could deal with, a spy I could turn or bribe or feed false information. No, the reason you are here is that you tried to kill me and the people I love." She let the statement hang for a moment in the air as the man went pale "You tried to sabotage the activation test for Unit four. Specifically, you tried to disable the failsafes and the energy storage for the S2 engine which would have," Mari pointed over her shoulder to where the soldier was now standing, "caused the machine to cause a catastrophic feedback loop upon activation which would result in the Unit in question exploding and killing the pilot and everyone within several miles of the blast. I want to know who sent you and what other plans they may have for me and my son."

Looking at the woman and then at her very armed colleague, the man hung his head and thought, weighing his options. Deciding the present danger was more important than any previous threats of compliance, he spoke up. "Stern paid me to infiltrate the lab, he also used his clearance to fabricate my identity and put it into the MAGI. He said if I did what he said I would have plenty of time to get away clean. From there I could spend the rest of my life in some third world shithole under an assumed name and more money than I could spend in a lifetime."

Mari raised an eyebrow. "Something you still plan on doing?"

The man seemed almost smug "Well of course, that's how this works, isn't it? I tell you what you want and you let me go. Besides, it's not like you can just kill me, I work for Stern, killing me would be declaring war on him. No, you will have to just play nice and pretend this never happened. Isn't that how cold wars work?"

Mari was disgusted by the spy's arrogance and entitlement. She would enjoy relieving him of that "I am afraid that you have made a grave mistake. You assumed you were far more valuable than you are. Stern lied to you. If your little sabotage had succeeded you would have perished in the explosion along with the rest of us. You just may have been hit a few microseconds after me. Stern was using you, he never planned on paying you anything. After all, why keep a blabbing mouth only interested in money alive? And that is why Stern is not going to say a single word to the council or anyone else about what happened today or about you. He most likely knows that his plan failed and will have moved on to the next one. Which leaves me very free to do as I like with you."

The man paled as realization dawned on him "No no no! You can't kill me! What about Stern? If you kill me how will you prove to the council that he tried to kill you?"

Mari sighed "You are right about one thing, bringing this forward would escalate my little feud with Stern into a full-on war. But as much as I would love to kill that man, and I am sure some of the council would agree with me. It is neither the time nor the place to move openly against him. And besides..." Mari's face went ice cold as she leaned in to whisper to the panicking man "The possibility of you walking away from this alive vanished the moment you tried to kill my boy. Now you will do what disposable assets do best, disappear. And if half the stories the say about Vegas are true, the Nevada desert is filled with unmarked graves. One more will make little impact." Smiling as she saw the spy was too gobsmacked to speak, Mari got up and headed for the door "Deal with him at your leisure, Captain Griffin, I am off to congratulate my pilot on a successful activation test. I am thinking ice cream is appropriate."

Grinning Mari left the two alone as she headed towards the residential block where she knew Shinji would be waiting. The things I do for you.​

*​

Gendo found her in the local bar in a small fishing village north of Bangkok. It was a more of a shack than a real outfit, a decaying structure that reeked of rotting wood and bad water. Inside was not much better, the tables and the booths were covered in a thick layer of grime and a dense haze of smoke and stale air hit him like a wall as he opened the door. Looking around, he saw three occupants. One was the bartender, an elderly man cleaning a glasses with a miserable look on his face. The second was a local a youngish man currently passed out in a corner booth with a dozen bottles of something on his table in front of him like a grim trophy case. But neither of these people mattered to Gendo. At the bar, nursing some drink he could not make out, sat his real target, the reason he had come so far, Misato Katsuragi. Gendo Ikari sauntered up to the bar, catching the attention of the former soldier.
​

"I thought I told you, people, to fuck off." As Gendo approached the former army captain, she gave him a look over and sighed. "Do I know you?"

Gendo just smirked as he climbed onto the stool next to her, then ordered a double bourbon on the rocks before turning to the woman. "It took a long time to find you, Miss Katsuragi. Excuse me if I take a moment to talk before I leave to let you stew in..." He gestured to the building around them. "Whatever this place is." He took a sip from his drink before looking at her again. "At least let me buy you a round."

Misato thought for a moment and shrugged. "Fine but top shelf only, if NERV is buying then you can afford it."

Gendo nodded to the bartender who then took Misato's order. "You are a very decorated woman," Gendo said. "Afghanistan, Pakistan, Argentina. You were certainly busy when you worked for the UN special task force."

Misato took the freshly poured shot of tequila from the bartender and downed it in an instant. Shaking her head, she looked at Gendo "Yeah well, now I am here."
Gendo nodded "Getting drunk and punching your superior officer tends to have consequences."

Misato snorted, making a hand sign to the bartender to keep them coming. "If you knew that guy you would have done the same. That man is a slimy git who treated his soldiers like meat to throw away."

Gendo smiled. "I agree completely, I looked over your record. You displayed exceptional battlefield tactics and planning even when those above you were... lacking. I would say with confidence you have an impressive aptitude for military strategy."

Misato laughed. "Are you going to make your offer anytime soon or are you just going to keep stroking me off?" Misato downed the next shot of tequila and chuckled.

Gendo scowled. "I came here to offer you a job. But maybe you would prefer to squander your gifts and continue what you are doing; Floating around draining your savings one drink at a time, biding your time before looking for a hole to crawl in and die."

Misato looked sullen at that. "I don't have any fight left in me, after Argentina I just..."

"What if I said you would not be fighting to kill people but to save them?" A strange flicker crossed Gendo's face.

Misato gave him a curious look. "What do you mean?"

"Your combat prowess was not the only thing I read in your file about you Misato Katsuragi." He smiled a wicked grin when her captivated stare. "A giant made of light as tall as the sky, that split the earth and made the oceans boil. Sound familiar?"

It did. Those were the words she had told her doctor all those years ago when he had asked what had happened after they pulled her out of the escape pod. With a swift motion, she pulled out a small service pistol from her jacket and pointed it at Gendo's head causing the bartender to scurry into the back for safety "Who the hell are you?"

Gendo smiled his face a mask of calm. "You asked me if you knew me. In truth me have met before, I worked with your father. My name is Gendo Ikari, I am the commander of the Japanese branch of NERV and I am asking for your help to fight the things that killed your father and really started Second Impact."

Misato shook and put the gun down on the bar. "There are more of them!?"

Gendo nodded "And we will need people like you to help in planning our defense. Unless you still feel the urge to drink yourself into a coma in some god forsaken hive."

The words cut Misato deep, the idea that there were more of them and that they were coming filled her with childlike dread. Her father's cross hung heavy around her neck. "I'll do it."

Gendo smiled "I thought you might." He then pulled a small satellite phone out of his pocket "This is the commander. Send a VTOL to the destination I specified, two for pickup." Gendo took a moment to down the rest of his drink and held out a hand to Misato. "Our ride awaits. Are you ready to save the world?"​

*​

Kumohana Ikari walked toward the dais with ritualized precision. The air around her was choked by a thick cloud of incense but she strode undaunted, used to the feeling after so many years. Around her, glyphs and runes of all shapes and sizes seemed to be carved into every inch of the ground and walls. Stars and moons and wheels all seemed to glow in the dim light of the many candles. Reaching her destination, she picked up a slender inlaid knife placed by the stone altar and turned her attention to the vessel of her hatred: a simulacrum doll on which was carved the name of the man she despised most in the world: Gendo Rokubungi, She rejected the thought of ever calling him by his legal name. That man had stolen the heart of her only child for his own dreams of wealth and power, and he had the gall to take her name as well.

"My husband and head of this house is dead, rotting in the ground before he could see the glory of Instrumentality. My daughter, the woman you tricked and used is dead, her soul ripped apart and her visage stolen. And yet you linger, pretending to be SEELE's lapdog while you scheme and lie in your fortress." Kumohana stabbed at the doll with her knife, aiming for where its heart would be. "I curse your heart to stop in its chest." Overwhelmed with venom, Kumohana continued to stab at the doll "I curse your liver to poison you. I curse your eyes to blind you. I curse your strength to fail you. I curse your tongue so that those around you may see your falsehoods. And I curse your mind to slow and to wither so that you do not see me when I come for you." Shaking from the assault, Kumohana Ikari put the knife back on the ledge where it belonged before taking an errant candle from one of the stands surrounding the shrine. Thoughtfully, she let the flame touch one of the now frayed limbs and smiled as the doll burned. "If I have one wish in this world it is to see you suffer. For myself and the family, you have taken from me."

The Ikari's privacy was broken by the intrusion of her niece Fujiko. While not an Ikari she did her best to help the family's interests, managing their investments and interests to give Kumohana more time and room to focus on matters of greater importance. Still, she had been told before not to disturb her aunt's rituals. "I hope this is important and not another freak out over stock dips."

Fujiko fidgeted nervously outside the entrance to her aunt's sanctuary as if afraid to get too close. Kunohama sighed, her niece had turned out to be like much of the rest of SEELE, too caught up in the money and the power and too ignorant of the responsibility and the spiritual weight of their order. Waving some incense out of her face, Fujiko addressed her elder. "Our suspicions have been confirmed, Shinji Ikari will be sent to Tokyo Three soon, accompanied by Doctor Makinami who will be taking over as head of Project E and technical at the Geofront."

Kumohana smiled at the thought. While he was the child of Gendo, Shinji was also the last light of her daughter Yui, carelessly discarded by his cruel father. "Makinami?" That was unexpected. Doctor Akagi was hand-picked by Gendo and by any measure a genius. The decision to replace her must have come from above. Kiel? Did this mean that the council was listening to her? Were they losing trust in the commander of Tokyo-3? Getting up, Kumohana shook out her dress, wincing a bit at the pain in her back. "This changes things, I will need to revise the plan."

Fujiko seemed less interested in the development. "No need to worry so much, I am sure the council have matters in hand. What will come will come. Now there are some important papers that I need you to..."

"What will come will come?" The matriarch looked at her niece skeptically and with a critical eye "Such is the bleating of the lazy and the stupid. Sometimes it shames me you are my sister's daughter. The Ayanamis should hold themselves to a higher standard. No, tomorrow does not fall from the sky like a star. It is forged the actions of people today. And I plan to carve the name Ikari into all the tomorrows to come."

*​

Hopefully this time there is fewer issues.

 

[Alex]

Hello again! With the good help of @MoroseMobius pointing out my stupid mistakes, I am able to put out the next chapter. It is the first chapter proper so a lot of setup but I hope you guys will like.

Beauty and the Beast: Chapter One
​

Shinji stared out the small window of the private jet as they made their approach to the green island surrounded by sapphire waves. His stomach churning. No matter how many times and how loud he put the music on his music player his mind and his body soured. Shinji his attention to his guardian who sat adjacent to him. The boy cowered. "I feel sick."

Mari put down her magazine to look at her ward sympathetically. "Is it the flight? I can give you some gum if you want, but I would think after all your time in the Eva and the G tests that you would find this a piece of cake." Mari smiled.

Shinji shook his head "No it's..." He was unable to say. He was supposed to be strong. He was a pilot of NERV after all, and even if he wasn't like Asuka he should still have the spine to talk to his...

"It's about your father isn't it?" Mari asked, sitting back in her chair. "Shinji I am sorry that this whole situation was sprung on you so quickly. But some things are beyond any of our control and well... You're part of NERV and he is commander of one of the biggest NERV bases in the world. You would have had to meet him eventually."

Shinji nodded "I know that I just..." the words would not come "I have no idea what I am supposed to say. It has been ten years... And not once did he call or ask for me. Not once did he visit."

"Then don't say anything to him," Mari said simply. "If you don't want him then I can keep him from you. After all this time it's your choice if you let him into your life. Don't feel obligated because he is your father. Some things need to be earned beyond being a simple biological contributor."

Shinji was unsure "I don't know exactly. I don't want to turn him away but... I don't think I can just pretend he didn't ship me off and forget about me."

Mari nodded and placed a hand on Shinji's knee in comfort "I know what you mean. Don't worry about it. Just follow my lead then until you feel ready to take the reigns." Mari giggled as the plane hit an air pocket as they descended causing the whole thing to jump "Looks like we are landing soon though, so last chance for the gum."

The trip through the airport was much faster and far less painless then Shinji expected. Of course, the source was easy to spot as his guardian was incredibly gung-ho on using her NERV ID to skip any lines or security she found intrusive. And so it was with a ruthless efficiency and with more than a little annoyance of the local law enforcement that the two sped by through customs. As much as Shinji hated being made a spectacle, he did admit he enjoyed the occasional perks of being a pilot. Is this how Asuka feels all the time?

Looking up from the curb Shinji smiled as he saw a familiar figure heading towards them. Her flowing black locks seeming to glint with a shade of lavender in the sun. "Shinji! Commander Makinami! Over here!" The captain smiled as she waved exuberantly.

Shinji grinned, Misato Katsuragi was always a welcome face. The woman was once Asuka's part-time guardian and teacher. Which meant that she was also Shinji's more than once when Mari was in the middle of an important project or needed to leave town for a meeting. Shinji was happy to see the captain again, she was always a bright spot of cheer and passion in a sea of the cold professionalism of NERV. "Captain!" Shinji rushed towards the woman going for a hug before stopping and instead thrusting out his hand. I am a pilot now he decided I should act more serious.

Following behind him was Mari who seemed glad to see the captain as well, laughing at Shinji's display as she dragged her bag behind her."I thought you were not bound for arrival for a few weeks Katsuragi?"

Misato shrugged "Your switch up seemed to accelerate a lot of things that had been clogged in the pipes. From what I hear a lot of projects and tasks are being moved forward. But this isn't exactly a topic for an airport parking lot." Misato laughed as she rubbed the back of her head and retrieved her hand from Shinji's grasp to shake Mari's "it is good to see you again Commander. Err I guess its project head now. Whatever that means."

Mari shrugged "Just keep calling me Mari, fancy titles are old men who feel inadequate about themselves."

Misato laughed "If you are willing to skip out on the official NERV transport I can take you into the city myself. I am sure the kid would prefer my alpine to one of section two's grey vans."

"I think we would both appreciate the gesture. But for Shinji? Compared to unit four I am not sure anything short of a jet fighter would not seem quaint." Mari sniped with pride.

Still warm but slightly deflated Misato took them to the car.

The ride was nice and calm, with Shinji peering out the window as Misato and his guardian chatted upfront about the new situation. Shinji tried to focus on what Mari was saying and then tried to focus on the landscape that became increasingly dotted with military checkpoints and defensive emplacements as they neared the fortress city but all he could think about was that every mile that they took was one closer to his father.

Eventually, one thing Misato asked did bring Shinji out of himself through his headphones were still in in an attempt to dissuade serious conversation. "So where will you guys be staying? I found myself a nice little apartment on the east side. I figure I need some distance between myself and the base to be able to unwind."

Mari shrugged "I was told we were given one of the apartments in the Geofront. I expect to be doing many a long night in the lower levels so I think it is best we are close at hand."

That seemed to make Misato sorry for some reason. "I hope Shinji is not trapped alone down there. I've not been here long but the Geofront just feels like a big gloomy maze to me."

Mari raised an eyebrow Shinji noticed, as she always did whenever someone questioned how she raised him "Asuka will be coming soon and he will be going to school and tests. And between that, he is free to do as he wants. He has my utmost trust."

Shinji rolled his eyes at that if nothing else Mari liked to win arguments.

Misato, however, laughed at the comment "Heh, with that attitude you will have Shinji playing fast and breaking hearts. I know what teenagers are like." Now it seemed to be Mari's turn to roll her eyes. "Still," Misato continued, "I think his first day there should be a celebration don't you think? I have not been here long but Rits told me about this ramen stand that is supposed to be good. Between that and showing you around we can make a night out of it."

Mari pondered at the thought. "It would give me some time to oversee some installations that I wanted to get right. Sounds like a good idea." Mari turned to Shinji and patted him on the shoulder "Don't you think so?" She asked with a knowing smirk.

Shinji stammered "Yeah, that would be great. I mean if Misato wants to... I don't want to impose or anything."

Misato dismissed him with a wave and looked at him And not on the road... "Don't mind me. I am bored and itching for something to do. You're no bother... Unless you're scared to be seen with a pretty girl like me..."

Mari poked the captain in the ribs and flicked her attention back to the road. "None of that. You will make the poor boy explode."

They parked the car in what seemed like the first in an endless series of garages. Misato is right Shinji thought This place is a maze. After a series of elevators and hallways, Shinji had to wait no more walking into a large open space Shinji looked up, for above him on a platform beside a much older man with grey hair was his father.

Shinji froze and averted his gaze, instead focusing on the walkway around him. For his part that seemed to suit his father fine as he elected not to recognize his presence, instead addressing Mari "You arrived at a fortunate time. Tomorrow is unit zero's activation test as I am sure you are aware."

Shinji looked at how Mari would respond. Her eyes seemed to have reverted to her cold professionalism that she took out when she was unsure "Will I be given access to her files now that I am here?" The words were dry but Shinji had been with Mari to know when she was pretending to be unaffected.

"Care of the first child remains within the duties of Doctor Akagi, I am sure we have more than enough to fill your time. Now..." For the briefest flash of a moment, Gendo seemed slightly concerned himself "I am sure you are tired from the flight. I will see you at the briefing tomorrow." without another word The commander turned and left, followed closely behind by the sub commander.

When they were gone Shinji felt a hand on his shoulder "See, that wasn't so bad was it?" Mari gave a forced smile "No rest for the wicked it seems, I need to update some things in the MAGI while before the end of the day..." Mari sighed "No telling how long that will take." She turned to Misato taking out her phone and showing something to the captain "Would you mind bringing Shinji here after your dinner? It is our quarters. I know it will take a while but..." Mari threw up her hands in exhaustion.

Misato smiled and gave the woman a pat on the back "Forget about it. Besides I owe you after last time we saw each other. Commander's salary or not it was nice of you to pay for my drinks in Vegas."

Mari shrugged as she walked down the hall towards the Technical department "What can I say? I am generous when I want to be. Plus you introduced me to that sweet little bunny with the..."

Shinji coughed harshly calling his guardians attention.

"Ah well." Mari chuckled "Let's just say we are even then."

*
​

While the rest of the command staff were greeting the new arrivals, deep within the bowels of the Geofront the head of project E was hard at work. Crunched over a main access terminal Ritsuko Akagi was typing so quickly and so furiously she was concerned about damaging the keyboard. Damned SEELE and their secrets, years as head of project E without a complaint and now they think they can replace me with a week's notice. She had so much to do and so little time, desperately she tried to bury as many key files deep within the heart of the MAGI system as possible, if Dr. Makinami was indeed one of SEELE's loyalists as she suspected then Gendo, and by extension, her had much to explain. Dr. Akagi took a deep drag of her cigarette and watched the progress of her efforts slowly reach completion, soon the worst of it will be hidden well within Balthazar the Magi's second core. Lets see you find that Mari! You may be the leading mind on S2 engines but nobody on earth knows the MAGI better than me. Dr. Akagi was so wrapped in her work that she did not hear the approaching footsteps of her assistant Lt Maya Ibuki, a small brown haired girl with a nervous look on her face.

"Is there anything you would like help with Dr. Akagi?" Maya asked hoping to be useful.

Ritsuko tried to act nonchalant, giving a shrug and replying "Nothing that requires two people, just updating the MAGI for our new Director. I have been told that they prefer a very different setup over in America." Ritsuko ashed her cigarette in a tray nearby indignantly.

After a moment in thought, Maya spoke up, her eyes full of condolence "I know that all of this is a big shock, and I am sure that this transition process will be tough on all of us but I am sure we can all pitch in and make it work."

Ritsuko stared at the girl coldly, her words hitting her hard "all of us? We can all pitch in?" there was a barely restrained anger in her voice as she pointed to herself "I'm the one being replaced. I'm the one being humiliated here, not you." Ritsuko thought of tearing into the girl but simply sighed and lit another cigarette "Just head back to the bridge, I will call you if I need you."

Maya tried to compose herself "Of course I'm so sorry I mean I just..." after a moment the young lieutenant simply turned around and went silently out of the room in defeat.

Ritsuko returned to her work feeling guilty about the outburst towards the young lieutenant but she was at the end of her rope, and Ibuki's attempts to become more familiar was becoming tiresome. She smiled as she saw that the all of the files had safely been tucked away in the second core. You would never betray me would you mother. Her celebration was interrupted by the sound of footsteps from stairs above her.

"Maya I thought that I told you..." Ritsuko looked up to instead see her replacement Dr. Makinami Mari sporting a coy smile.

"I'm sorry I thought you were someone else" Ritsuko apologized flatly

"I saw the miss Ibuki on the way in, you should be more kind. People with loyalty like that are in short supply these days." Mari smirked

Ritsuko elected to ignore the comment and decided to switch to another avenue of conversation.

"I did not expect you to inspect technical so soon after arriving."

"Let's just say I like being unexpected, that and there is much to do around here. For one thing..." Mari pulled out a handkerchief and gave a strong cough "starting today technical will be a no smoking area." Mari folded the handkerchief and returned it to her pocket, Ritsuko simply ashed the cigarette and scowled. Mari looked at her watch and frowned and began to walk towards the elevator.

"I am late to a meeting with the commander, we will continue this later I expect a full diagnostic report on Unit 0, Unit 1 and their pilot."

"Of course Dr. Makinami, right away," Ritsuko replied in the most civil tone she could manage. A minute late and a mile short bitch.

Mari leaned against the wall of the elevator as it descended into the bowls of the MAGI system and slowed her breathing trying to prevent a fit. Slowly she exhaled and examined the red spattering flecked across her handkerchief. The things I do for you, Yui.

*​

He was not sure why he was here. Misato had been called away on their way back to the car and so he had some time to kill, which was not a new thing for Shinji. The world of NERV seemed to consist largely of being asked to hurry up and wait. Which gave him lots of time to himself. Here of anywhere though? In some ways, he felt drawn here. Shinji leaned against the railing and examined the two units standing before him. Each monstrously large armored giants created for battle. In front of him was unit zero. A cyclopean figure, clad in orange and white. It was the prototype unit, the proof of concept. Much less refined than the later models like his unit four. Lacking in some of the features and performance, still, he hoped for a chance to try it out before his Evangelion arrived from America if only to see what it could do. A thought he did not share with its partner Unit one. If Shinji was honest the purple creature terrified him, he could not separate it from it from that horrible day a little more than ten years ago. Shinji stared at it, it's kabuto like head betraying nothing but exuding an almost tangible sense of dread. It's not her it's not her it's not her.​

The sound of the hydraulic lift snapped Shinji out of his contemplation. Above him slowly descending, was the pilot of Unit one and the first child. Mari was right she does look like mother Shinji thought. There were obvious differences of course. The girl's hair was a light blue and she was deathly pale, but it was the eyes that stood out the most. They were a deep blood red and col like she was looking through you It was those eyes that stared down on Shinji now. The lift came to a stop and with a small click the door unlocked, the two stood face to face.

After a moment of hesitation Shinji attempted to be polite. "Hello there, my name is..."

"You are Shinji Ikari pilot of unit four and son of the commander." the girl interrupted "I was informed of your coming arrival." She was impassive her voice completely without judgment or passion "I am the pilot of unit one Ayanami Rei."

For a moment there was silence, Shinji was unsure what to do so nervously he stuck out his hand "Nice to meet you Ayanami I uh... look forward to working with you."

Rei stared at the hand for a moment puzzled then with some apprehension grasped it in hers. It was cold to the touch and still like ice. She looked into his eyes but this time Shinji could see something more a hint of something he could not explain. She spoke again "I will perform my duty to my fullest ability."

Shinji swallowed hard "I guess that's all any of us can do, if you want maybe we could..."

Shinji was once again interrupted this time by the the door on the far end of the walkway which opened to reveal the smiling head of tactical captain Misato Katsuragi. The captain made her way over to the two pilots. "there you are Shinji, I see you have met Rei."

Shinji was now extremely aware that Rei was still holding his hand, blushing he pulled away and turned to the captain. Rei meanwhile briefly frowned before also facing her superior who had a inquisitive look on her face.

"What are you doing here Ayanami?" Misato asked

"I was asked to come in for a check up by Dr Akagi but was informed upon arrival that it had been canceled." Rei said matter of factly, then after a moment of thought "I decided to have a look at the units before returning home."

Misato laughed "I would have thought you would be sick of these things by now, Rits tells me you have tests all week."

The coldness in Rei's eyes returned with a hint of anger "I take my commitments very seriously, captain."

That made Misato stop "that's fair enough I guess." Turning to Shinji "So I finished that thing with Aoba that needed doing we can take that tour I promised you. Followed by that ramen place that Rits told me about"

"Thank you very much Misato, that would be great." Shinji thought for a moment and then looked to Rei She looks like she needs some cheering up far more then me "Would you like to join us Ayanami?" before turning to Misato "If that is okay with you of course."

Misato chuckled "More the merrier I guess, I just hope you two are hungry."

Rei was silent for a moment before answering, a cold sadness present "I am sorry but I do not believe I am authorized."

For a moment Shinji felt like inviting her anyway but gave in. He hated to push people and he hated to disappoint them. It's probably best I don't bother. Shinji tried to smile as he followed Misato down the walkway to the elevator "I uh... I guess I will see you tomorrow for the synch test Ayanami. It was nice to meet you."

Rei did not respond, simply shifting her focus to Unit 00 and blinking. After the two had gone she sighed. "The son of the commander..."

*​

Gendo stared up into a very familiar ceiling and sighed. He was not sleeping, but this was not a new development, rarely was he able to scrounge more than a few hours of rest a day. Too much to think about, to plan for both in general and about today. Today was... finally over. He had begun dreading the meeting between himself and his son the minute SEELE had informed him of his transfer along with his guardian as the new head of Technical. The fact that neither of them could muster up the strength to say anything to the other was no grand surprise Gendo had no idea what to say to the boy outside of orders. It was never in his plan that the boy be involved in these battles or be present in these final months. It was his hope that the boy would have a quiet happy life and find some small happiness before the inevitable end. Shinji seemed... like him when he was that age in some ways. Cold and shy and easy to scare. Hardly the ace pilot his test scores seemed to speak of. But then again Gendo had deliberately kept himself ignorant of any specifics of the boy and how Mari was raising him. It would do no good to get distracted at this point, not when I have invested so much.

Ritsuko turning over in her sleep and resting her head on his chest. Speaking of distractions... This little divergence had been all part of the plan. To guarantee her loyalty to him since he needed it so much in these final days. But... Some part of Gendo admitted this was becoming more. Not love. No, no one would ever move Yui from his heart. But this small domestic warmth was a comfort in these trying moments. A comfort I must remove, the last thing I need is to be weak and lose. And I have so much to lose. And yet... Gendo was unsure if he could rid himself of her so easily. And it is not as if she is not still useful. Even if she is no longer head of technical she still oversees Rei, the most vital part of the scenario... Perhaps it is better to continue this for that reason. Gendo assured himself. And besides, I think some small happiness before the end myself. ​

 

[Alex]

SEELE Interlude one​

Mari sat behind her new desk irritated. Her and Shinji's reunion with Gendo had gone less than well. She knew that the two would have to connect in some way, that silence could last only so long before it ate them. But she did not want to force the issue. Shinji was his own person, or at least Mari tried to let him be when he could. And that meant pushing him would do more harm than good.

Mari sighed, perhaps she was just putting this off. With a grudging stoicism, the director took out a small black device from the confines of her jacket and marveled at it. It was a plain thing, hardly more than a smooth black stone with one button on its face but it was so much more. One of the most impressive of Kiel's toys, or at least the most impressive he is willing to share with us mortals. The dead sea scrolls truly are a wonder. With a press of the button Mari would be connected to SEELE, she would be able to see and hear them as if they were right in front of her. Though rarely did any of the council members actually reveal themselves more than their voices. Instead, hiding behind black monoliths inscribed with numbers. Mari did not want to talk to them. They were the worst kind of crazy, the kind of crazy with power and a willingness to use that power to fuel their madness. But something had to be done. They were expecting her and she needed answers only they could tell her. With a great deal of hesitation, she clicked the device on. Instantly her vision blurred and darkened as she became surrounded on all sides by the floating monoliths of SEELE. Does it tap into your nervous system? Mari was dying of curiosity as to how the thing functioned but knew any attempt to reverse engineer the thing would result in serious ire.

The pillar in front of her, labeled SEELE one spoke. Instantly Mari recognized his voice the director and leader of SEELE. Kiel Lorenz. Think of the devil...

"Doctor Makinami, we have been expecting a message from you. Is the transition of power going smoothly?" There was an almost coy edge to the question.

Mari tried to stand tall, holding her head high and straightening out her lab coat. "The process has had no serious problems yet. The crew sent ahead of me have done a thorough job prepping the cages for Unit 4. And they have begun installing systems from Nevada that I had requested brought over. The only question is one of clearance." Mari cleared her throat "Why do I not have access to the lower levels of the facility? I can neither go there physically nor draw files pertaining to their contents from the MAGI. Why have I been sent here if not to do my job?"

"You have been sent," Kiel intoned "Because your petitioning as to the suspect nature of Gendo's loyalty convinced the council. But just because we trust you more than Ikari does not mean we will give you unlimited support and trust. It has been decided that no single party will have unfettered assess to both Central Dogma and the Evangelion units. Especially not after the nature of your... side projects regarding Unit 4 were revealed to us."

"Your job will be to maintain the Evangelions and the city as well as contribute Technical aid to the of the defense of the Geofront. In those area's you will have any and all support you require." A weaker snide voice came from behind.

"And to watch for Ikari, and whatever aspirations he may have in mind." A slow deep deliberate voice to her right said.

"Never forget who you serve and what your purpose is. Our patience to assets we cannot trust is... limited. And we have so many ways of showing our displeasure." A sharp voice to her left explained.

Mari was... quite aware of SEELE's reach. A day did not go by that she did not think how close she came to being like Kyoko. "I will do my duty."

"As will we all." Mari could not see Kiel but she could swear he was sneering "The true war approaches, the fate of mankind is to be tested, but we shall overcome! The revelation shall fall on man. For the black moon."

"For the black moon." The other three monoliths repeated. Some with more vigor than others. After a moment they disappeared leaving a somewhat shaken head of Technical once more alone with her thoughts. You are right about some things Kiel, you Jim Jones wannabe. There will be a war and there will be a revelation. But when the dust settles it won't be you on top.

 

[Alex]

Here it is. Thanks again to @MoroseMobius for help editing and for everyone else for your continued support and readership. I hope this chapters revelations will cause some interest and debate. Without further ado here is chapter two...
​

Chapter two​

Mari stared at the simple black stone that bore the name Yui Ikari. Save for the name it was identical to a thousand thousand others that dotted the landscape around her. Mari knew that the Ikari's were a wealthy and influential family but laws post Second impact meant that all were buried equally. There was far too many dead to spend resources on the affluent over the beggar. And in the end, it would be for naught. It would look ghastly and gaudy to have some obscene monument in a field of plain black stone. It is a field Mari thought chillingly and if Seele gets their way we will get a second harvest. Mari shook her head and tried to focus on her old friend, desperately trying to think of something to say. She was not a superstitious or particularly emotional woman, nor was she one for grand speeches or declarations. All she knew was the woman she loved was dead and that she had to carry on for her. And she was dead, Mari decided. No amount of magical nonsense from Kiel or anyone else would convince her otherwise. Even if there was something connected to Yui in Unit 1... it was nothing but a reflection of a shadow. Nothing worth worrying over.

"I have no idea what you would say to me if you were here." Mari admitted out loud "You were always a mystery to all of us. Maybe that was why I loved you. You were an unsolvable problem.... I took care of Shinji. Well... as best I could anyway. I wish we lived in a world that deserved him. One that isn't run by... people like me."

And people like the Commander. What happened to you Rock? Mari thought you were never a warm person but now? Yesterday with Shinji you seemed... heartless. Maybe Yui's death just left a hole in you nothing will ever fill. Mari smirked, not sure if she was one to talk. She was about to keep talking when she heard a voice behind her, turning around she saw her old professor smiling weakly.

"I knew you would come here." Kozo Fuyutsuki said evenly.

"It was just something I had to do. It's good to see you, professor." Mari smiled at the memories of her days in his classes. Happier, simpler times, where Mari's greatest worry was not monsters from the sky or ancient conspiracies, but student debt and trying to make Yui like her.

"It is good to see you as well. I am glad you are here, it is always good to see old friends..." Kozo stared off into the horizon, his gaze notably as far from Yui's grave as possible "The commander is glad to see you as well. Though he would never admit it."

"And Shinji? Is he glad to see him?" Mari asked pointedly.

"He is... that is a complicated thing."

Knowing her time alone was at an end Mari began walking to the edge of the graveyard towards the parking lot. Kozo followed close behind. "Men always say that when they are afraid of something simple."

Kozo shrugged, as he began to walk from whence he came, in the direction of the lot "Come on then, we had better get back if we want to be on time for the test. Best not ruin a good second impression."

That made Mari smile "A teacher to the last huh?"

A wicked glint flickered in Kozo's eye "I did teach you kids all I know."

Mari teased back coyly "But not all we know now."

*
​

​

Shinji was tense. He felt nervous all over about the synch test. It was not the test itself, God knows how many he had done in the last few years with Unit 4. No, it was the idea of doing it while his father and that girl watched. Shinji was unsure what to think of the First Child. When he looked at her he saw his mothers face but... not. Her dark red eyes seemed to mask something cold and deep. Shinji shook his head and sipped from the can of coffee Misato had given him. The boy shook his head, it would do no good worrying. Especially now, right before a test.

Shinji was so wrapped in thought he did not hear Ritsuko's assistant as she appeared around the corner of the waiting area. "Shinji? Or would you prefer Ikari? I understand we have not been formally introduced. My name is Maya Ibuki," The young woman introduced herself warmly.

Shinji got up and smiled at the young woman. She seemed nervous as well bit hid it under a veneer of bright optimism. "Shinji is fine thanks. You guys ready for me?"

Maya nodded "The change room has been properly sanitized so you can go in. Leave your clothes in locker 13 then proceed to the testing area." Was Locker thirteen the one with his plugsuit? Maya was fairly sure. But with all that had happened in the last few days, it was hard for the woman to keep track of details.

Shinji tried to smile "Sure. Easy as cake."

The young woman seemed to sense his apprehension "Worried about the test?" she asked as she sat beside him on the bench.

Shinji sighed and nodded, disappointed he was so obvious "It's not my first test but it is my first time competing against someone."

Maya shook her head "Don't think of it like that. A synch score is a useful tool, but it is not the be all end all measurement of pilot readiness. Just try your best and you will do fine. And if you don't" Maya shrugged "That just means we have to work a bit harder to help out."

Shinji gave Maya a smile as he walked into the change room, helped by her kind words. Inside the clean empty room, he made his way over to the locker Maya had told her. When he opened it he found no plug suit inside. Shinji raised an eyebrow. Apparently, this is one of "those" tests. He could have sworn that Mari had brought over a few of his suits with them. On the other hand, perhaps the Japanese branch wanted some baseline tests first for their systems. Shinji shrugged, that made sense to him and so after taking off his clothes and neatly folding them in a pile in the locker, he headed out of the door to the platform.

Looking up from her console in the observation platform Maya was the first to see the young pilot as he nonchalantly walked into the open room as bare as when he was born. Maya's eyes widened like saucers, Ritsuko, who had turned from her conversation with Mari sputtered on the coffee she was drinking. And the new Director of technical simply started rubbing her brow and sighed deeply. While Misto giggled like a school girl.

He looked up at the crowd and tried to act casual "So Unit 0, does it have any kinks I should worry ab..."

"Why the hell are you naked!" Akagi interrupted. Her face red with embarrassment and anger.

Shinji looked puzzled "There wasn't a plug suit in the locker so I assumed..."

Ritsuko fumed "Why would you assume?!" Turning to Mari, Ritsuko screeched "What the hell have you been doing in America?"

Mari rolled her eyes dismissively and turned to Shinji "Head back and get the suit Maya left for you. I'm sure it's in there somewhere." After the boy had slinked off red as s tomato Mari leaned on the edge of the desk and looked at the former head of Technical "I didn't know NERV was run by schoolmarms. Syncing Shinji with Unit 4 took a long time and a lot of tests, some of which were... more rigorous than others. I am sure you have done similar with the first child."

Ritsuko protested "That is different the first child is..." But then seemed to swallow her tongue.

Mari raised an eyebrow "The first child is what?"

Unconcerned with Rei, Misato simply laughed at her friend "Well I guess that is one way to make an impression. Not sure if it beats some of our times in university but..."

Ritsuko snorted, cutting the captain off "Let's just get this thing over with so I can wash out my eyes." Pressing a button on the console Ritsuko spoke into a microphone "Pilot one, are you ready to start the activation test?"

"I am ready." A flat voice came over the comms "I am speaking to the commander but will come out in a moment." Rei responded, making Ritsuko squirm in her seat. A moment later Gendo and Rei exited a door and split, Rei heading down the gangway in her plug suit towards the white and orange behemoth and Gendo to join the others in the pillbox.

Noticing a chill in the room as he entered Gendo raised an eyebrow "Did I miss anything?"

Mari sent a cold look to Maya and Ritsuko, hushing them into silence. Hesitantly Maya shook her head "Shinji is..." then smiled as she saw him scrambling out of the locker room in his silver plug suit "Just about to join us."

Gendo tilted his head "He is joining us?"

Mari looked surprised "I mean," She waved a hand over her console which continually spat out numbers and figures as numerous sensors watched Unit 0 and her pilot. "I doubt he will understand what these readings mean but he is a pilot after all. I don't see why he should not have a place at the table."

The sentiment seemed to be an alien one to the Commander and Doctor Akagi but neither wished to start an argument so neither commented as Shinji came in and joined them. Weakly standing behind Mari as Unit 0 began its final checks while Rei climbed inside the open plug.

Ritsuko smiled as all lights and checks began providing positive readings "Initial connection is good, link seems healthy. Initiating level two."

The hiss of powerful hydraulics filled the air as Unit 0's anchors disengaged, letting it stand on its own. Mari's eyes were fixed on the incoming numbers "All readings nominal, counting down to absolute borderline."

All seemed to be going well until the ratio dipped below point four units at which point all sense left the room. As sirens blared and monitors flashed Shinji looked through the reinforced glass. Watching as Unit 0 began to twitch and jerk.

"We are losing control of the unit," Misato said plainly, too shocked to move.

"Maya disconnect all connections! Abort the test." Ritsuko ordered, a growing terror in her voice.

Maya was frantic as she poured over her keyboard "I am trying! It is not responding to signals!" What was worse was that the unit had stopped its erratic jerks and twitches and instead began to march towards the observation pillbox its one red eye glaring imposingly at all assembled.

Mari fumed and began to argue with Ritsuko about procedure until Gendo cut through the noise with a sharp smash of glass. Ignoring the fresh cuts on his hand as he pulled the lever for emergency power shut off. "It still has thirty seconds of power, try to get that thing under control!"

"Dammit, I'm trying!" Ritsuko shouted as unit one wound up a punch before ramming his fist into the reinforced glass, cracking it.

Mari was terrified but turned to Shinji "Shinji get out of here!"

The boy, however, did not move simply standing petrified as Unit zero continued its assault, the glass and frame of the window slowly breaking as shards flew around them. Until finally...

"Emergency plug ejection!" Maya tried to act calmly as the Rei's plug rocketed out of the back of the Eva smacking into the wall opposite until its jets ran out and it dropped like a toy to the ground of the room. Bouncing with a sick thud.

"Rei!" Gendo shouted, running out of the door and towards the stairwell, followed closely by Shinji who overtook him on the stairs. To the chagrin of Mari.

"Shinji no it's not safe!" Mari pleaded as thick red bakelite streamed from the walls encrusting Unit 0.

Shinji, however, did not stop or slow down. As he raced towards the downed plug only one thought possessed his mind. I gotta save her! Any reservations or worries about the strange blue-haired girl disappeared as he ran across the room to the smoking plug. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed onto the emergency release handle to the plug. Crying out in sharp pain as his hands burned from the heat. Undaunted Shinji continued, pulling and twisting before wrenching the door free from its hinges and flung onto the ground around them, now orange from the leaking LCL from the plug.

As Gendo reached the plug himself he gaped at the broken door before pushing past Shinji to see to the injured pilot. Looking desperately at her weak and twisted form "Rei... Are you alright?!"

The girl was battered but not dead, her arms still clutching onto the handles in her plug as she shook from pain. There was a gash on her face above her eye that dripped a thin drip of blood and one of her legs looked twisted and broken. "I am... alive commander." Despite the obvious pain, she was in she barely made a sound and made no word of complaint "I am sorry the test failed sir."

Gendo nodded before backing away, turning to Ritsuko and Mari who had joined them at the bottom of the test area "Call medical immediately tell them we need a stretcher." He then turned to Shinji who was still wincing at his burnt hands "Shinji do you need..." But then stopped as he saw what was happening before him. And he was not the only one. As all seemed shocked and horrified to see Shinji's hands heal before their eyes burnt flesh cooling as scars disappeared.

Ritsuko was agape "What the hell?"

Shinji turned to Mari, unsure what to do "Mari I'm sorry I..." but went silent when his guardian shot him a look that suggested silence was the best option.

Gendo looked at his old friend with cold eyes "What did you do to my son?"

"I... made him stronger, more ready to be a pilot. I..." Mari swallowed hard "I gave him Adamite grafts and an S2 engine. So that he could properly sync with Unit 4. I did what I had to protect him."

Ritsuko was aghast, "Grafts and an S2 engine? How is that possible? But if that's true then... Shinji is..."

"Half angel." All heads turned to Misato who had gone cold as ice at the revelation. Pulling out a radio from her pocket and giving the receiver a squeeze she focused her gaze on the boy who seemed to be barely holding it together "In addition to the medical team we will need a Section 2 unit at this location. Escort the pilot of Unit 4 into quarantine level one and seal him inside. Do not let him out of your sights, this is a priority alpha scenario."

Shinji could not believe what he was hearing, with open hands he walked towards Misato. She was like an older sister or a mentor to him. Fun and airy but kind and wise, why was she looking at him liane an enemy? "Misato please..."

The captain pulled back and put a hand to her waist, thumbing her holster. Shinji stopped in his tracks. A few moments later several very armed men in black suits burst through the door all pointing what weapons they had at the boy. Mari put a hand on her ward's shoulder, "Shinji... You need to go with the agents for now. While we sort this out."

Shinji nodded and walked over to the men, his hands over his head as they placed cuffs on him as they spirited him away.

When Shinji was gone, Gendo turned to Mari, barely restrained rage in his eyes "Shall we then Doctor Makinami? Come to my office and sort this out?"

Mari swallowed grimly and followed Gendo out as he headed towards an exit. His right hand clenched into a fist as it dripped with blood.

When they were alone Ritsuko looked to Maya who was too gobsmacked to respond, "I repeat with added vulgarity. What the fucking hell are they doing in America?"

*
​

Gendo did not sit down when the two of them came to his office, instead pacing the kabbalah inscribed floor as he fumed "Tell me exactly and specifically what you did to my son. Or I swear I will let Misato have you. SEELE protection be damned."

Mari swallowed hard and tried to remember what she had prepared. She knew this would happen eventually but did not think it would happen on their second day! If Shinji had not rushed in like some hero.., Mari shook her head. It would do no good now to speculate. "The Eva needs a bridge to function. A normal human just cannot sync with an Evangelion. Kyoko proved that... Yui proved that. And I assume that is why you made the first pilot." At least that is why I pray you made the first pilot the alternatives were too sick to think about "But an Eva can sync with a pilot if there is a link between them...." Mari's eyes went cold "SEELE was planning on doing to me what they did to Kyoko, use my essence as a bridge for Shinji to pilot. And I could not let that happen. Not for my sake but for his, I can't let those monsters touch him."

Gendo sat on the edge of his desk "So you beat them to the punch. Instead of putting some human in the Eva you put some Eva in the pilot..." Gendo seemed lost in thought. "Does it work?"

Mari nodded "It does. Shinji can do things in Unit four that should be impossible. I think he is as ready as he can be for what is to come."

"What about side effects? Is he in any pain?" A look of concern flashed over Gendo's face.

Mari shook her head "None that he tells me. That thing in his chest... it lives up to its name. It is an engine without peer. That boy could run up Mount Everest without breaking a sweat." Mari smiled at the thought but her smile soured as she looked at her old friend "But it is nice you finally seem to care about him after all this time."​

Gendo slammed his fist on the table, droplets of blood splattering on the dark wood "I sent him to you so you would take care of him. He could have died, he could have been crippled. You implanted alien flesh, something you barely understood and you used it to experiment on my son! You treated him like a lab rat!"

"But I did take care of him! I made him strong. Strong enough to weather what will come. And he was hardly a lab rat. When I told him what the stakes were and what SEELE was he said he would do it."

"Of course he said he would do it! You were his guardian he would have followed you into hell if you asked! Don't say that as if he made a real choice. What kind of kid would say no to their parent if they asked him for that?"

"And why am I his parent now?! Why was I ever his parent?! It's because I was willing to love and protect him when you wouldn't!"

There was a deep silence at that, neither seemed willing to continue where they had left off. Sighing, Gendo sat down, emotionally putting other issues aside and focusing on the practical."Does SEELE know?"

"Yes, I needed to explain to them why Shinji could suddenly pilot without a bridge and why his tests came out the way they are. But I have managed to keep the info on how to do the procedure under wraps. It seems Kiel does not want the info widely available either. My guess is that he fears if something like this was available, then some of his fellow council members might prefer it to instrumentality." Mari explained. After years of working under them, Mari knew that SEELE was far less homogeneous than they would like to appear. Power struggles and conflicting desires were constant with more than a few members being removed and silenced over the years for opposing Kiel outright.

"So what now?" Gendo's rage seemed to have passed, replaced with the cold calculation Mari had heard and feared.

"That depends on you. Shinji is still my ward and your son. I trust him to pilot Unit 4 and I trust him to protect this city. But I am only the head of Technical while you are the commander. If you wish to send him away once more and wait for Soryu and Unit2 or Unit 3 and Stern's pilot then so be it."

Gendo thought before speaking "He will be kept in quarantine until I make my final decision. Between now and then I will have Ritsuko do as many tests as it takes to decide what level of danger the boy presents. Meanwhile, I will have Ibuki and her crew comb through all the files of the material you brought over. There will be no more secrets between us Doctor Makinami."

Mari headed towards the door "Am I free to go?" She asked.

Gendo shrugged "If you are asking me if you can run to SEELE I cannot stop you. But I would ask you allow me my decision before your bring down the old men. For all our sakes."

Mari nodded "For all our sakes."

*​

Shinji tried to stay calm as the hours ticked by on the small clock inside the wall of his cell. Each seemed longer and more desperate then the last. He did not know his fate nor did he know what he deserved. Why, Misato? Why do you hate me? Shinji did not mean to reveal himself like he did, in truth he would have happily kept it to himself as long as possible. But When he saw the first pilots plug smash against the wall like that. The thought made Shinji wince. There was no if about it, he had to save her he would not have been able to live with himself if he just stood by and watched. No matter who she is, or that it seemed like his father was more interested in her, given that he pushed him aside to see if she was okay. No, it was Shinji's duty to save her. Mari used to tell Shinji long and wonderful stories about how kind and empathetic and brave his mother was. In the face of those stories who was he to slink in cowardice. Still... He was unsure what was to be of him. He knew how different he was, even from the other pilots like Asuka. Mari had told him that, but was hoping that people would not hate him for it. Shinji supposed he should not have hoped.


And then it started, something deep within Shinji twitched. Like a feather across the skin or an image in the corner of your eye, something was slowly encroaching on Shinji's senses. At first, he thought it was just boredom from sitting here for hours and then he thought it was his nerves, but slowly but surely it continued to build until it buzzed like a wasp in his ear. Nervously Shinji got up and began to pound on the door. "Please, please you have to let me out. It's coming! I can feel it! You have to let me pilot the EVA! You have to!"​

*
​

Kiel Lorenz walked slowly down the corridors of his great mansion. He had grown up in a place like this, old stained wood creaked under his shoes as he passed by. But not this place, no. One of the first thing Kiel did after his journey to find the scrolls was to rid himself of all things of his previous life. He burned his family home in a purifying fire, along with his old medals, uniforms, and memories. Smiling he came to his favorite room in the mansion, the place of his collection. Hanging from each wall was dozens of plaques each containing an indulgence, literally. They had been a fascination of Kiel's and many a fortune he had spent purchasing and collecting the ancient things from collectors and the church itself. It always filled his heart with wonder. A hundred years less in purgotoria here at the price of a few prayers a few hundred their for some charity. All collected Kiel must have had several million years worth of redemption saved up in his name. How many would I need for all I have done however? How much would I need for the deaths of three billion people?. They said the the great halls of Saint Peter's cathedral in Rome were paid for by the selling of indulgences to the pious and the guilty of Europe. Proof in Kiel's mind that great things may come of sin. Soon, soon it shall be done, he has waited so long, and while he will not see the glory with his own eyes Kiel swore he would see the great forgiveness come to pass.

Kiel's ears perked up to the sound of music drifting through his empty halls, calling him forward. The sweet intricate melody of one of his grand pianos, no doubt. And there was no doubt to it's source indeed Kiel was not surprised when he pushed open the doors to the atrium to see Kaworu Nagisa playing masterfully to his audience of his cat. When the music was over Kiel clapped as he walked over to the boy, his red eyes blazing with a rare intensity. "That was far more passionate than your usual. Any reason?"

The angel smiled coyly as he scratched the ear of his faithful pet "It has started teacher, I can feel my brother's presence."

Kiel was shocked, he knew it was coming but so soon? "Are you sure?"

Kaworu smiled a sly grin "Of course, it is in my blood. I feel my brothers call. The war has started. Raziel has come."
​

 

[Alex]

Chapter 3​

According to intelligence reports, it was a pair of fishermen off the coast of Yokohama that first spotted it. Something huge and moving below the water that nearly tipped their boats from the waves it wrought. And heading straight for Tokyo-3. Further inland in the bay its top peaked just above the waterline. It seemed that they would get a good look at the creature soon when it began expelling a thick black smog, obscuring it from all sight. Two hours later it made landfall.

To describe the mood of the Geofront conference room as tense would be a horrible understatement. It had only been a few hours since the incident with Unit 0 that had left one pilot in the hospital recovering from severe injury and the other locked inside top-level security quarantine. It seemed that the angel had chosen just the right time.

"What are our options?" Gendo scanned the table for responses.

"Unit 4 is not due to arrive for another week." Mari said, her head buried in her tablet reading incoming reports "Even if we told NERV 4 to send it immediately and skip all safety checks it would still be here far too late."

"That is assuming we are even thinking about letting that thing pilot," Misato said strongly, her own anger barely contained.

Mari looked baffled "What other option do we have? Soryu and Unit 2 are in Germany, Unit 3 is in Boston and without a pilot. And Rei can barely stand."

"How do we know if we put it in an Eva it won't immediately try to kill us all?" Misato asked, her heart in her throat.

"It? Misato... Captain. This is the same boy you looked after a dozen times. The same one you just saw yesterday. I can't believe you..." Mari sighed but focused on the practical. "Put your obvious aversion to the boy aside for a moment. Without him, we are without any real options. You know those missile batteries and JSSDF placements are nothing but showmanship. Only a Eva can kill an angel."

"And I am saying an Eva is a weapon I don't want to hand over to an angel. Look... Maybe we won't need an Eva or at least one for an intensive fight. According to the JSSDF, they have been working on a positron cannon. Their projected numbers suggest it might be able to pierce an AT field of angel magnitude. If we were to requisition the device and place the first child in a sniper position we may be able to avoid a serious battle. The power demand may be a problem but..."

"That is far too many ifs and maybes for my liking. Doctor Makinami, are you sure that your pilot is trustworthy?"

Mari nodded "On my life."

Gendo gave a long sigh, then spoke "Very well then. The boy will pilot Unit 1. But not without considerations. Doctor Akagi, I want you to install additional sensors into the plug suit of the third child. If we get a pattern blue from inside Unit 1 I want to be the first to know. Oh..." Gendo swallowed hard "And disable the LCL pressure release valve. If things do not go well we need to be able to disable the pilot. If that is all?"

Gendo looked around the table again. While it was clear the captain was none too happy about having Shinji pilot she kept her objections to herself for the moment. Mari had some obvious reservations as well. Hers relating to the security measures being placed on someone who was going to risk his life saving them. But she chose to be diplomatic and kept her mouth shut. "Then I suggest we each do our tasks to the fullest of our ability. We have no second chances here."

*​

Shinji opened his eyes as his music player reached the end of its twenty-six track set. The device being the only source of distraction he had been allowed to pass the many hours since he had been thrown down here. Shinji tried not to panic as he focused on the music. It's coming, I can feel it getting closer. Shinji was unsure what they were going to do, both with him and the battle in general. Mari had always told him how important Evas and their pilots were against the angels. And with Rei injured, I should have saved her, and himself trapped down here he could only imagine what they were planning. For the hundredth time since he been locked in this room, Shinji wished Asuka was here. Maybe Nukes? Shinji knew that the UN currently controlled all confiscated nuclear weapons. Their exact location a top secret with all barred from using them or making more. But if anything would justify opening that door again perhaps it was this.

Shinji scrambled to his feet at the sound of the pressurized door's locks disengaging, Speaking of opening doors, revealing his rather beleaguered guardian. "Shinji I am so sorry." She rushed in for a hug. Something Shinji gave after a moment's hesitation. "I know you must be so angry with us all right now but that will have to wait. We need you there..."

"There's an angel coming." Shinji finished her sentence.

Mari tilted her head "How did you know that?"

Shinji rubbed the back of his head nervously "I don't know exactly I just sort of... felt it."

Mari gave him a concerned look "Alright. But... with everything else going on it might be best not to mention that to anyone. Come on. We only have so much time."

Shinji nodded and followed his guardian down the hall towards the elevators.

*​

Maya coughed gently at her mentor's smoke, trying to focus on all the work needed to be done. Unit 1 had been expected to be the first pilot's Eva and so far all settings on the unit were set to her. Shinji taking over in this hour of need? Why did Doctor Makinami do that to him? And what does it mean? Maya shook her head, she did not like to think about it. Indeed the last several years working at NERV had made Maya quite adept at ignoring things. "Are we using the data from NERV 4? I mean it is Shinji's pilot data, but then again after all that happened. Today..." Maya wobbled, unsure.

"Better just try and set the thing for the most baseline possible. Given all her lies, we can't be sure of anything she has sent us thus far, so best aim for middle of the road. We have no accurate way of knowing how his grafts will interact with the Eva."

"Unit 1 will not reject him." The commander said stone-faced from above them "We can be sure of that."

I wish I had the Commander's confidence. Maya thought weakly as she checked that the primary and secondary power generators were working at one hundred percent efficiency. Seeing a message pop up on her display Maya stood up "Modifications to the unit's LCL pressure valves have been completed. Additional sensor AT type sensor retrofitting is almost done. All we need is the pilot." And a snowball's chance in hell would be nice.

*​

The plugsuit felt heavier on Shinji's shoulders than he remembered from hours prior but he expected that to be from the stress. He was never meant to be doing this, at least not in this fashion. Unit 1 was the thing that killed his mother. Ate her alive while everyone even his commanding and powerful father could do nothing. And now I climb inside, to save the world against what Mari described as... Something in a black cloud. Entering the cages and onto the gangway, Shinji felt a million eyes watching him. Making his way towards the open plug Shinji tried to think of all the training he had revived. "Focus on the basics" One teacher had told him because when shit hits the fan you will not be able to think of anything else. Looking up he saw Mari watching him from the pillbox trying to look supportive. Shinji sighed one final time before getting into Unit 1's plug. Ready or not.

Shinji sighed as he heard the familiar suction of air as the plug sealed around him. Followed the gentle intake of LCL with its vague blood like odor. Despite his enhancements, Shinji always had to stop himself from gagging as the strange liquid filled his lungs replacing his air. Vaguely he was aware of the voices of those in on the bridge, but Shinji did not care about their reassurances nor were the figures and checks they spouted meaningful to him. Long since had he abandoned any hope to understand the specifics of Evangelion operation. Only the words from Mari that told him they were initializing the connection.

Shinji felt the sun on his back and wind on his face, and strangely he could almost feel the soft crunch of sand between his toes. He was calm and happy, in the distance he heard the splash of waves. Was this a memory? And beside him was... No. Shinji hardened his mind. It isn't her, Mari said it isn't her. The warm feeling of the sun retreated into almost nothing."Shinji what happened?" A voice came over the intercom, it was Maya. "You were synching well and then... something just dropped. Shinji still felt some connection but...

"Can I still pilot?" Shinji was desperate. He could not fail. He could not let them die.

"Well... theoretically..." Maya seemed unsure "But I can't imagine..."

His father's voice cut in "We have no other options, the target has entered the perimeter." Indeed the in the corner of Shinji's display he could see the battle unfolding. A tall black column of smoke marching slowly toward the Geofront. Seemingly unencumbered by the barrage of ballistics aimed at it by JSSDF and NERV positions. The firing stopped as the figure stopped, however. The billowing black smoke that obscured the creature dissipating, revealing their enemy.

It was a titan made of glass. Taller than Unit 1 by a head and wider around the shoulders the creature seemed almost mechanical in nature. Passed its thick but semi-translucent skin lay what looked like a thousand ticking gears and levers. All clicking and whirring in time to the creature's heart. A huge crimson orb in the center of its chest. The core, Shinji thought as he stared at the display. That was the key. At its head lay a large single unblinking red eye that seemed focused on the city.

Gendo lost all patience "There isn't any time. Launch now!"

Shinji barely had time to react before Unit one was locked into the supports and rocketed upward. G-forces pushing Shinji into his seat as sparks flew as he zoomed up the shaft. Entering into the city proper Shinji took his bearings, looking around as dozens of seals and locks disengaged his unit from the elevator. It was dark, the sun had long since set. Around him, there was no illumination save for the emergency floodlights and the sick glow emitted by the titanic figure in the distance that was steadily getting closer. But Shinji did not see with his eyes he saw with Unit 1's eyes and darkness held no mystery to an Evangelion.

"What is my equipment?" Shinji asked into the display. His voice cooling. He was in his element. Danger or no Shinji believed this is where he needed to be.

"In your left shoulder pylon there is a close combat pistol modeled after a three fifty seven Derringer with an extended barrel. But we would advise moving to checkpoint seven marked on your display to pick up your pallet rifle, Doctor Makinami says you have been trained in their use." Maya tried to hide her worry and focus on the battle, her voice shaking faintly. "But given you're low sync rate at the moment I would rely on the auto-targeting systems of the Eva. In your right pylon is a Progressive knife. But I don't think you should..."

"Guns and a knife, got it." Shinji did not want to hear how hopeless his situation really was. Shinji knew the moment he gave up hope he was dead, and so was everyone else. Closing his eyes Shinji felt for a phantom limb he did not have, slowly opening the left pylon with his mind and taking the weapon out. That felt good, he was unsure what effect the weapon would have but having something in his hands was comforting. "Moving to primary firing position will engage when ready."

It only took Shinji a few steps before he had to stop. His low sync rate made every step a deliberate effort and every move a chore. If he was more verbose Shinji would describe it as swimming in molasses, but had no desire to be cheeky. Eventually, he made it to the point and retrieved the rifle from its stand. Bending down to one knee holding the pallet rifle to his shoulder Shinji pointed the rifle at the core of the bizarre colossus. Waiting for the Eva to do its calculations. When the red sights lined up and blinked, however, Shinji was more than happy to send his first volley of lead towards the angel.

But while the sharp cracks and the brilliant light of the weapon were impressive as it hammered into Shinji's shoulder the effects were less than so. His missiles seemingly only effective in alerting the massive golem to his presence.

Shinji froze as the angel turned toward him. It's single eye glowing with an increasing intensity. "Oh shit...."

The angel fired back, a horrible red beam blasted from its eye. For a split second the city was bathed in a pale red light as the beam shrieked towards Unit 1 and its pilot. Shinji barely had time to jump out of the way into cover, dropping his weapon and leaping to the side. And even then not unscathed. Shinji gritted his teeth as he tried to stop himself from crying out. The beam that raked the ground and city around him had burned off more than half of his left shoulder pylon. Causing Shinji to feel horrible empathic pain to a body part he did not have.

Mari came over the comms, her voice frantic "Shinji are you okay? Can you hear me?"

Shinji winced "I'm okay just... Give me a minute." For the first time since launching he was glad of his low synch rate. With less connectivity meant less pain. "I just..." The pilot tried to focus as he thought of the encounter. "What am I supposed to do? The rifle was useless and now well..." Shinji peered behind the wall to where he had shot at the giant. Beside the giant scorch mark and bits of shoulder pylon was a very melted pallet rifle. "I don't think it's much of an option now anyway."

Mari thought for a moment. "You still have the prog knife right? You're Eva should be able to pierce its AT field more easily the closer you get to it. Just focus on hitting the core and remember your training."

Shinji did not want to object, but he saw one large hole in his guardian's plan. "How am I supposed to get close to it with that... beam thing? I will get melted like a candle."

Somewhere within the bridge, Ritsuko sprang to action. "I can do that! But you will have to trust me. Advance towards the angel along the path I am sending you and I will raise blast shields in time with your approach to cover you."

Shinji admitted he held reservations about placing his life in the hands of those who threw him away for being a monster. But he saw no other choice. Grudgingly he nodded. "Affirmative, will follow the path given. Let's hope this thing does not just look like glass under his AT field."

Whether by adrenaline or something else Shinji felt stronger and more mobile as he jogged down the path laid for him. Thick blast shields raising to meet him. As Shinji got closer and closer to his enemy he tried to ignore the bright lights from behind the walls or the thick burning odor of concrete and steel.

Back in the Command Bridge two figures discussed Shinji's rising ratio. Kozo stared amazed as the small bar in the corner of their display monitor inched further and further "She is letting him in. Even after he rejected her."

Gendo arched his fingers and stared coldly at the screen. "What mother can ignore their only child in pain? Even one who has rejected them?"

Above him, in the fortress city Unit 1 gripped his knife tightly as Shinji focused on his task. He was in the final stretch and within striking distance of his foe. His heart was racing and his stomach churned. Shinji tried not to think about how it was bigger than him or stronger and that it wasn't attached to a stupid cable. Focus, just remember what they taught you, remember who you are. His courage gathered, Shinji rushed out from behind the last blast shield, screaming as he charged prog knife in hand.

What the creature had in strength it seemed to lack in speed. Swinging its arm in a lazy arc that Shinji ducked to avoid giving an opening the thrust the blade upwards into the angel. But nothing in life is that simple. And while the blade caught and sank into the titan's chest it did not reach the core, stopped by its thick armor.

Shinji was so distraught at his failure that he did not see the angel wind up for another strike, looking up a moment too late. The blow was powerful and Shinji could feel it sending the unit reeling. Inside the plug, Shinji's mind swam as he cried out. Stars filling his eyes as he tried to remain conscious. The blaring red alarms and the screams of those in the bridge doing little to clear his head. Vaguely he knew the unit was flat on its back. Shinji tried to move but couldn't. Everything was still numb and spinning. Opening his eyes he saw a terrible shadow loom over him as the angel raised one terrible foot to step on his chest. "Oh please no."

The foot came down slow, pressing down on Unit 1's chest like a vice, cracking the outer armor of the Eva. Empathic pain filled Shinji as the weight of the giant seemed to crash down on him. Automatically Unit 1's arms grabbed onto the leg of the creature towering over it. Searching for purchase as Shinji tried his best to wrench the creature off of him. But to no avail.

Feeling the air being slowly squeezed out of him as he tried desperately to not be crushed. Shinji's fear turned to anger and frustration. Shouting over the blaring sirens and alarms, Shinji mustered himself up "Fuck this noise! I am not dying like this! Invert all axums and release all limiters! Activate secret mode, code The Beast!"

back on the bridge, all eyes turned toward Mari. Ritsuko asked what they were all thinking "The beast?"

Mari gritted her teeth and sighed. "I will explain later... if we live through this." Then flipping on the speaker, "Shinji, Unit 1 does not have a beast mode, that was a modification I specifically made for Unit 4."

Shinji's world crashed around him, his last fiery stand shattered. Beast mode had been his last option. Now he was going to die. I failed, I let everyone down. I'm sorry mom. The edges of Shinji's consciousness began to blur as pain in his chest became overwhelming. His arms ragged and heavy from trying to keep the foot from caving in his armor like a tin can. Shinji something on his cheeks, he was crying. "Please someone, anyone. Help me! I don't wanna die! Please... Mother!" Shinji wailed as he felt the last of his strength leave him as he closed his eyes.

Mari lost all composure as she watched the scene unfold "Shinji!" She had no words, no comfort, and no aid. The knowledge she had failed him hurt more than the realization of her own oncoming demise. What have I done?

"Something is happening in the Eva!" Maya called out from across the room "Synch rate is skyrocketing! Sixty five percent and rising fast!"

Sitting above all others, Gendo smiled.

Shinji was fire. As he opened his eyes he burned. Lightning was in his veins and blood in his mouth. Screaming a primal howl Shinji commanded Unit 1's legs to reach upward grappling the Angels back and shoulders in a grip and pulling the thing toppling down. Shinji and Unit 1 were of one mind, not stopping a moment as he followed the momentum forward until he was straddling the angel.

My Turn.

With a guttural roar, Shinji began to hammer at the angels head and chest. Over and over blow after blow until the armor on the gauntlet of Unit 1's fist gave way sending splinters of green and purple in all directions.

As if sensing its own end, the angel turned its now cracked and battered head up, its crimson eye warming up for a final attack. Seeing what was coming Shinji grabbed the head by the neck and twisted forcing the white-hot beam to harmlessly rocket skyward until the pillar dispersed. Remembering the knife in the corner of his rage-addled mind Shinji shifted his weight down. Grabbing the handle of the prog knife still embedded with both hands and pushing down with all his might. Unit one and Shinji cried out as one as finally, the knife reached the core, impaling it. The angel for its part emitted no death knell, simply ceasing its movements and going limp as the color in its eye and core faded into a dull grey.

Overwhelmed both mentally and physically Shinji's vision darkened as he passed out in the cockpit. His mind going blank as his ragged body slumped over the controls in exhaustion.

Back in the control room, Maya blinked as the machines around her confirmed the pattern blue had been neutralized. "We're alive?"

Around the room reactions among the crew were mixed. Some laughed while others cried, some became lost control, overcome with emotions they did not know they had while some simply stared into space. Mari, however, was furious "Send out a recovery crew for the pilot immediately." Getting up Mari stormed towards Misato, fury in her eyes. "Is that proof enough he isn't a monster?" Not letting the woman respond Mari trotted out of the room.

Misato for her part remained silent simply focusing on the large display in front of her which showed the corpse of the defeated angel. We can kill them...
​

*

Thanks to my editor and all those who gave me input. Raziel concealing himself with a cloud of smoke so that he more accurately reflected his name as angel of mysteries was Morose's wonderful idea. This chapter was pretty hard in some ways since I am unused to writing extended action scenes. I hope it comes off readable.​

 

[Alex]

Interlude 2
​

Elizabeth: Is the link secure?
Stern: If it wasn't we would both have knives in our backs courtesy of the chairman.
Elizabeth: Fair enough. I think it's obvious why you called this meeting.
Stern: The first angel attacked and lost. The war we have been preparing for these fifteen years has begun.
Elizabeth: Well first one angel since Second Impact. And even then... no, let's not be pedantic.
Stern: Indeed.
Elizabeth: So what do we know?
Stern: We know it was a close fight. The lack of footage or data Kiel is giving us proves that. I have other suspensions as well.
Elizabeth: Because of the advancement? Even we got a notice from on high.
Stern. Yes. Given how close the fight seemed to be and how desperate they seem to have more Evas and pilots in Tokyo-3. Either the first pilot was far more ill-prepared than expected. Something I doubt given Kiel's lack of venom towards Ikari in the last meeting. Or, something more likely in my view. something happened to the first pilot that forced the younger Ikari to pilot Unit 1.
Elizabeth: Is that possible?
Stern: From what we know I am not sure why it would not work. And this further proves what I have been saying about getting close to Unit 1.
Elizabeth: Focus Stern. The point of this whole group is to counter Kiel and his zealots, not fuel your obsession with a long-dead woman.
Stern: It is not an obsession. Yui was the only person Kiel ever let near the scrolls. Anything from her would be invaluable.
Elizabeth: And I and the other members of this group you have assembled would rather focus on the now. Otherwise, we are no better than the cultists.
Langley: I am sorry I am late. I was stuck in meetings. They are advancing the timetable for Unit 2's delivery. Along with Asuka. I mean the second pilot.
Stern: We know. The question is how we can use this to our advantage.
Elizabeth: That is simple. Langley, demand to accompany the second pilot to Tokyo 3.
Stern: Things are moving faster than we anticipated, we need someone on the ground.
Elizabeth: I thought you said you had someone there already? An informant?
Stern: Their use is limited.
Langley: Very well, but how should I justify the request?
Stern: The girl is your daughter is she not? Surely you have ample reason? And it would be good to have some influence over at least one of the pilots.
Langley: I thought I told you my daughter is off limits.
Stern: Nothing is off limits, Langley. We are playing a high-stakes game for the weight of the world against a madman. Some things must be done.

 

[Alex]

So this one may be a bit rougher since it's self-edited as opposed to the other ones. hopefully, it is still readable. The segments are chronilogically slightly out of order but I decided it flowed better this way.
​

Chapter 4​

Ritsuko hated this part. Waiting outside the commander's office a solid door stood between them. It was all too clear things stood between them professionally. He trusted her with so much and yet kept just as much from her. Inside the office, Gendo was no doubt speaking with his superiors and benefactors. SEELE, they frightened the doctor more than she would care to admit. Only twice had she run into them. Once when she had accepted Gendo's offer to take her mother's place. They had told her two things, the first that they expected absolute loyalty. And the other what they would do to her if she disappointed them. Involuntarily, Ritsuko tensed at the memory. The other occasion was several years ago after the official selection of Rei as their pilot. One night she had come home to a shadowy looking man lounging on her couch waiting for her arrival. He seemed very interested in the commander and his dealings but seemed to give up after Ritsuko provided no new information. Clutching the small box she was carrying close to her chest she had to wonder How disposable am I to you? Her concerns however melted as the door to the commander's office slid open with a mechanical click.
​

"Come in." The words were hard but tired. Ritsuko could tell the council had not been kind.

Ritsuko could not help but smile a bit as she saw that the two were alone. Worse then the coldness Gendo exuded was when he did it in front of the sub commander. Old prick, you never liked me. You probably never liked my mother either. She was never part of your special club. Shaking her head she focused on the commander who seemed shaken. "Sir?"

Sitting up straight Gendo went rigid, flexing his jaw. You always do that. You would rather die than look weak, Ritsuko thought to herself. "Status of the Eva?" The man asked.

"Recovered and undergoing repairs. There was a lot of minor external damage but nothing too severe. The damage to the city tho... Let's just say we have been getting complaints from concerned citizens all day." Ritsuko shook her head. Ungrateful bastards. "Unit 0 is another story, even when the physical damage from the emergency ejection is fixed. I would not use that thing until we have done a far more thorough diagnostic to figure out what went wrong."

"SEELE has responded to the situation by accelerating their schedule for the arrival of the other units. Unit 3's pilot will be selected from possible candidates here while Unit 2 and its pilot will arrive within a month. Though there has been an additional alteration to the plan. Also..." Gendo paused, obviously annoyed "Apparently Langley will be joining the second child."

"Langley? What does he want?" Ritsuko had heard little of the man. An officer of NERV Langley had flittered away his years on one project or another for the UN. "Feels like we are getting new people each day. I can only hope it does not get crowded."

"Agreed. Which brings us to our next point. The pilots."

"Pilots?" Ritsuko stressed the S "Have you come to a decision then?"

"SEELE is adamant that doctor Makinami and the third pilot will stay. And I agree with them given our situation. In time he may even become an asset. And it would be foolish to scorn the council's wishes so early when we need the additional resources until Rei can resume her duties in full. Which will be?"

"Three weeks to a month for full recovery. Though I admit her biology can make such evaluations difficult." The girl was an enigma. It was her task to manage the first pilot and make her usable. Gendo's favorite. Ritsuko shook her head again trying to ignore how much the commander had seemed to care for the girl. How he lept to her rescue after the failed test.

"Very well, our first priority then is to begin diagnostic testing on the third pilot. Find out the boy's capabilities and processes. And what dangers he may pose." Him, the third pilot, the boy. He is doing as much as he can to avoid saying his name or admitting that is his son.

"And if I do see him as a threat." Ritsuko went cold "Should I begin work on any... countermeasures?"

Gendo shook his head "I doubt that will be necessary at the moment. And besides, if we try and are found out he may refuse to pilot. And we cannot jeopardize that now."

Ritsuko nodded but felt strange. Gendo was not one to wait and see if a threat was dangerous. He was one to take immediate steps against it. So his newfound laxity was odd. Either he has a soft spot for his son he has never expressed to me before or... he is incorporating him into some scheme of his. Ritsuko was not sure what was worse. Snapping her mind to attention she tried to look professional "Is there anything else?"

The commander tilted his head "No, but... what is behind your back?"

Ritsuko suddenly remembered her present. Somewhat flustered she walked up and placed the box on the table "I requisitioned them from resources, used executive authority to speed up the queue. After the accident, I thought... I know you don't like to... I thought you might like them."

Gendo slowly opened the bland cardboard to reveal a pair of white satin gloves. Raising an eyebrow "If that is all?"Dejected, Ritsuko slumped towards to the door. Stopped only at the last moment by a cough by the commander, forcing her to turn around "And... thank you. Doctor Akagi. For the gift."

*​

Maya shivered as she exited the hot club and into the cool crisp night air. At least cool and crisp by eternal summer standards. After the madness of the battle Maya had looked forward to an opportunity to unwind and by the large number of people in the club behind her, she was not the only one. The club was so thick and hot that it made Maya choke for fresh air, sending her outside. She was unsure of why she had come, this had been her third such venture and at this point, she was sure she was never one for this sort of thing. These places tended to crawl with drunk young men who were not interested in any variation of no. Maybe I'm just desperate, Maya thought as she walked a bit down the alleyway. I think if I spend another night alone watching shitty television and eating takeout I will die.

Checking her watch, Maya sighed, it wasn't even that late out. Maybe some take out would do me some good, Maya thought, that blue and pink cocktail she had ordered on a whim earlier had done nothing but turn her stomach. Maya was about to head to her car when she heard a stream of swears coming from around the corner. Lifting an eyebrow Maya looked to see who it was, hoping no one was in trouble. What she found was a young woman wrestling with a cheap lighter, trying to get a solid flame as she chewed the filter of her cigarette.

Maya smiled as she tried to get the girls attention without startling her "Need a light?" Maya took out the lighter she kept in her bag. Bright pink with a cartoon cat on it.

Giving up and putting the cheap device in her pocket the girl came closer revealing herself to Maya. She was young, late teens at most, Maya would be surprised if the girl was finished high school. She wore ripped jeans and a jacket much too big for her, on her face she wore too much makeup. But Maya could help but find her pretty, in an awkward kind of way."The stupid fucking thing never works when I need it." The girl laughed and took Maya's outstretched lighter. "Guess I am lucky I ran into a nice smoker then huh?"

Maya shook her head "Oh, I don't smoke, but my boss does and well... I like to be helpful." It was more than that. Maya loved nothing more than when her Sensei needed her. Even if it was for something as simple as a light.

The girl shrugged and lit her now very slightly bent cigarette and took a deep drag. Exhaling before handing the lighter back "Hello kitty? What are you seven?" the girl asked sharply.

Maya bristled "Your one talk. There is no way you got into that place legally." Maya pointed over her shoulder to the club "Or is that why you are out here? The bouncer saw your ID was as fake as they come and gave you the boot?"

"Yeah well... my friends didn't get the boot so I am stuck out here while they get plastered." The girl admitted, "What's your excuse?"

Maya winced at the confession, she knew more than most how careless and cruel young girls could be."I guess I am just not great at this stuff. My job does not let me get out much." Brightening up Maya thought of something "Do you have a cell phone?"

The girl gave her a look like Maya had asked if the sky was blue. "Well yeah."

"And do your friends have your number?" Maya asked.

"They said they would be quick, only a couple of drinks." The girl said weakly, unable to believe the words.

Maya sighed "If you want to stay, stay. But as someone who was where you are now, I think what you need most is a coffee and a place to sit. Hanging out here and waiting will only drive you nuts. There is a nice place a block from here."

The girl raised an eyebrow "I don't normally go with strange women in the middle of the night."

Maya sighed and stuck out her hand "Lieutenant Maya Ibuki of NERV at your service."

The mention of NERV seemed to inspire something in the girl, making her brighten up "NERV? " The girl shook her head, not wanting to look eager "Well I guess that is fine. But your paying."

Laughing at the girl's insistence Maya began to walk down the alleyway towards the smokey coffee house "You never said your name by the way. Unless you don't want to... I..."

After a moment's hesitation, the girl spoke up"Kodama, Kodama Horaki. Normally I wouldn't but..." Kodoma smiled and followed along "you seem nice enough."

Maya shook her head. Is it sad that is the best compliment I have got in years?​

*​

In a personal gym in Berlin, Asuka was not happy.

"Ugh! I can't believe I missed it!" The redhead struck the practice dummy as she spoke. Landing heavy smacks to its plasti-urethane foam head in time with her words "It's not fair!"

Rebecca, who was watching this intense display simply rolled her eyes. "Asuka it was a battle. They didn't exactly choose to leave you out."

"Shinji was there!" Asuka turned to face her half-sister. "Him and four-eyes got priority I guess. While I have to sit here and wait for those stupid admirals to plan the route. And whether it will be the Scarecrow or the Tin-man." Asuka laughed out loud "I wonder who the good doctor had to..."

"Asuka that's rude!" Rebecca chastised the girl. "And besides, didn't dad say Unit 4 was still in America? If that's true then Shinji and Miss Makinami had to sit and watch just like we did."

That thought seemed to cheer Asuka up "Serves him right. Him and his nepotistic super Eva. Us real pilots have to rely on grit and honest skill."

"Still..." Rebecca kicked her feet as she doodled in her book "It will be nice to see him again. Hopefully, he still wants to be friends after what you did the last time we saw him."

"He deserved that!" Asuka shot at her sister. Her face going red as her hair.

"You kicked him in the head!" Rebecca said already exhausted.

"I repeat: He deserved it," Asuka stated in a tone that invited no retort.

Choosing the wise path of not starting an argument Rebecca simply sighed put the book down "So me and Dad will be coming..." It was a question as much as a statement.

Asuka chilled. While she did not hate her sister or her father she had been looking forward to the spotlight that piloting provided. And it would be harder to come off as the cool ace pilot she wanted to be with her dweeby half sister at her heels and her father looking over her shoulder. "Just... don't get in my way okay? And don't cling to Shinji like you used to do. He is a pilot like me now, he won't like it."

Rebecca nodded solemnly "I just hope he is okay."

Asuka laughed "It's the day after the battle, I am sure they must be having the time of their lives."
​

*​

Shinji was the sky. Dark and vast he stretched in all directions, void of meaning. Inside the swirling nether of himself streamed an uncountable amount of stars and planets and around them jeweled moons. Each dipped and swung to and fro in the pull of the other, all in a majestic cosmic dance. It was beautiful but it was cold, and Shinji hated to be alone. One by one pearls of tears rolled down his checks, glittering in the darkness before igniting into bright red flame. More and more, hotter and hotter the flames burned. Red like Asuka's hair, red like Rei's eyes, like the eyes of that lost boy so long ago. Red like the pulsing core of the angel he had killed. Raziel... Shinji panicked as the flames around him grew hotter, scorching his skin and melting his flesh. Burning him away until only his core remained which pulsed like the heart it had eaten.

Shinji shot up as he woke, his hands scrambling for purchase in frenzy. His skin poured with sweat and yet there was still a great heat within him. After a moment of panic, Shinji tried to calm his wild breathing as he scanned his surroundings. He was in a hospital of some kind, the gurney bed he was lying in made that obvious. As did the polished floors and the faint sickly smell of industrial cleaner. They must have moved me after... all of that. The battle flashed in his mind, Shinji was unsure if he was supposed to be proud of his victory, ashamed at his poor performance or grateful for being alive. For know he decided, he could be all three.

After a moment in the dark, the room was flooded with a worn yellow light which made Shinji wince. Opening his eyes he saw his suspicions confirmed, as on the walls were the charts and graphs of a hospital. Also revealed to him was a camera placed in the corner of the ceiling focused on him. Shinji could not help but wonder who was watching and what they wanted. They let me out to fight, but the angel is dead now. Will they send me back to that hole? Anger stirred within Shinji After everything I just did for them I...

Shinji's thoughts stopped when he saw the door open revealing his guardian and the grey-haired man who had stood beside his father the first time they met. Shinji assumed he was sent to monitor him and Mari. He tried to smile at his guardian but it came out weak "Hi."

Mari rushed over to Shinji, throwing her arms around him "I'm so sorry. I saw what happened and..." Mari struggled for words "I'm sorry." Shinji hugged back, glad that someone cared. Both turned however when the sub commander cleared his throat.

"Ahem, Mister Ikari I would also like to extend my thanks." The grey-haired man extended his hand "On behalf of NERV command and the people of this city. Thank you."

The people of this city, a horrible thought passed through Shinji's head as he absently shook the man's hand "is everyone okay? It got quite a bit... crazy at the end there." Shinji's mind was filled with questions what exactly had happened that let him turn the tide, but each one only seemed to bring a grim answer so he forced them down. "Did we... How many did we lose?"


Surprised by the question Kozo pulled up a chair "I... I think you are entitled to know. Given all, you have done and after all, we did to you. There were some casualties. The vast majority were JSSDF whose weapons were no match for the angel. But there were some... others. Some people will always refuse to seek shelter in time. But you have my word none of the people of this city would be here right now without your efforts. And for that, you should be proud."

Shinji tried not to let the words go to his head, but they were all he wanted to hear. Still, the thought of good men dying for him. Just to buy him time... it did not sit well. That combined with his memories of the day previous, handcuffed and escorted by security like a criminal. And always with a weapon pointed at him. Shinji shook his head, he would do well not to leap into this mans arms so quickly "So... " Shinji went cold "what is the plan?"

Kozo sighed, clearly not used to being addressed in such a way from someone so young "You will continue to pilot. At least until it is decided your presence is no longer strictly necessary. This afternoon you be visited by Doctor Akagi, she will perform some tests to gauge the level of security needed. If you pass her tests." Kozo shrugged "Before the accident our resident pilot attended a school in the city proper. Perhaps that may be an option." Kozo stood up and headed for the door "But I am sure you are tired. And would like a moment alone with Doctor Makinami."

But we won't be alone Shinji thought You and my father will still be watching and listening. A sick feeling came over Shinji. And always will be even if they let him pilot. Even if they let him walk the streets, he would never be alone. There would always be cameras and sensors and men in vans watching and listening. Was this the price of his life? When the man was gone Shinji turned to his guardian "Who was he?"

"Kozo Fuyutsuki, once a pioneer in metaphysical biology he was also..."

"He was your teacher. And my parents too." Shinji remembered many a sleepless night when he was told stories of Mari and his mother. Of their time in school and their adventures. Shinji was not sure how many of them were real. He knew Mari would hide or omit the truth from him at times especially when things were personal to her. But the stories lit him up nonetheless.

"Yeah." Mari nodded as she sat up on the bed to join Shinji "He smiled a lot more back then. But I think we all did."

"So... He said something about a school?" The idea was almost bizarre to Shinji. Fighting to the death one day and then having a math test the next. Maybe it was because he had never really been to school. Like Asuka, he had been taught by a series of tutors and mentors, all of Mari's choosing. It was lonely at times but the one on one approach led to Shinji excelling in areas where one on one teaching made all the difference.

Mari sighed "I know it must not sound like much of a reward. And I am sorry there won't be much fanfare for what you did. I know people have gotten parades for less. But I talked it over with Kozo on the way and honestly after all that has happened and all that will happen I think some semblance of normality will do you some good. And besides..." Maris tired face managed to turn into a smirk "Where else is a boy your age going to find cute girls?" Shinji turned red "Or cute guys?" Shinji turned redder.

Shinji sputtered, trying to ignore his guardian's last question "I... I think it sounds kinda nice. After we left for Nevada I never really had much chance to... talk to other kids. It was all soldiers and scientists on the base. And... I think it will be nice to have people who don't... know. You know?"

Mari nodded "I..." The doctor hesitated, "I understand. Now..." Mari said standing up herself "I know you are probably not hungry but I am a firm believer that some good food is good for the mind. So if you don't mind I think I will get us some breakfast from the commissary. I was told my old teach that their food is surprisingly edible."​

*​

​

 

[Alex]

Okay so this was going to be a Misato thing but I could not help but write more Maya and Kodoma stuff. And as @Fate/Online helpfully suggested I should put the Kaworu and Liz thing into the story proper for those who don't read non-story posts. Thank you for the help! ​

Interlude 3​

After getting their drinks the two went to sit down on opposite leather couches in the corner of the downtown coffee house, the smell of slightly burnt grounds filling the air. Maya was enjoying her drink, a black coffee with three sugars, much better then the machine brews she had in the bowels of NERV. But then, no one ever drank those for the flavor. In the middle of the night at the end of a double shift overseeing Eva maintenance, anything with caffeine would do. Kodama, on the other hand, had gotten something a bit more decadent. Maya did it not catch it all but it involved soy, vanilla, caramel, and whip cream. And she could swear there was some mixing going on as well. Maya commented that it looked more like a dessert than a drink to which Kodama said that she should try it sometime. After finding their seats Maya asked to see the rejected card in question trying not to wince when she saw it. It was by no measure good. "I take it this your first time trying this sort of thing?"

"I don't get many chances. Most nights I am working at this restaurant on the east side. You said you are pretty busy too?" Kodama asked interestedly.

"Yeah," Maya said laughing "Sometimes its easy to forget what the sun looks like outside the Geofront." She knew she was not supposed to reveal anything particular about her job. But this was Tokyo 3, half the people in this city worked for NERV in one way or the other, and the other half sold things to the first half.

Kodama took a sip of what Maya could only describe as a coffee milkshake "That does not sound so bad. I've always wanted to join up with NERV, you guys have all the connections."

"Well we try," Sometimes it scared Maya how big of a machine she was a small gear of was. "You know, with all the stuff going on I heard that that lots of branches will start hiring more people or taking on interns."

Kodama tried not to look excited "I mean... I am top of my class. And it would be nice to get out of the house more... I will think about it." She gave Maya a bright grin "thank you. I..." She stared down into her drink "I didn't know I needed this."

Maya smiled back, her heart catching in her throat. She is like seventeen Maya, a world of difference She told herself and she probably isn't... like me either. Even if she does have very nice... eyes. "Well, I am just glad to help. My high school days were not great I admit." Maya gave a forced laugh "So I try to look out where I can."

"Well thanks again then." Kodama smiled "Maybe we can..." Kodoma was cut off by a buzzing and muffled music coming from her purse. Sighing she dug out her phone and sighed "It's them do you mind?" Maya shook her head as Kodoma took the call. "I'm at a coffee place close the club... no, I'm not with anyone... Look I didn't mean to bail. I just... Natsumi did what? Yeah, I am coming just wait a bit." Kodama ended the call and looked at Maya "Sorry I got to go, Natsumi spewed all over some girls designer dress and now my friends... well the people who brought me have been kicked out too. Sorry about ignoring you but... I just don't want to get in another fight right now. Thanks for the coffee tho." And like she was off, grabbing her jacket and her bag and running out the door leaving Maya once again alone.

When she was sure the girl had gone, Maya took an experimental sip of the Kodoma's abandoned creation wincing at the sugar rush. "Far too sweet for me."

*​

"Liz?" Kaworu asked absently as he wandered the halls of the manor. Starting in all the places he was allowed to go and then poking his head into the places he wasn't. Nowhere could he find who he was looking for. Frustrated he made his way up the twisting stairs towards his teacher's office. Mister Lorentz will know, he is her boss after all. Though the specifics of her employment were still a mystery to him As are so many things he thought bitterly, as he grew older the more and more obvious it became the Lilim were hiding things from him. And not just in the physical sense of his environment and his captivity in this mansion. No, it was clear that there were things his teachers were told not to tell him information in the books he was given that was overwritten. For all the reverence Kiel showed to his face Kaworu knew he was trying to pull his strings.

Knocking on the old oak door made Kaworu scowled. She was supposed to be teaching him the later Roman emperors today, of how the greed and corruption of man doomed them. And of the wild and violent darkness that followed. After several more knocks that went unresponded to Kaworu grimaced. He could tell Lorentz was behind this door, he could feel him. Focusing on the inner workings of the lock Kaworu shifted and moved the pins with his mind until he heard a satisfactory click.

Kiel Lorentz looked up from the stack of papers on his desk. "Tabris, I thought I told you that I was busy this afternoon. If you want I can listen to your music later but for now, I have several things that need my attention."

Ignoring the offer, Kaworu stamped his foot "Where is Liz?"

Returning to his papers Kiel rolled his eyes, pretending to be ignorant "Oh is that one of your teachers? I think she took the offer she got from another branch. Very high pay if I remember correctly."

The words hit Kaworu like daggers "Liz? Not Liz, She said would take care of me."

"Evidently she lied," Kiel said flatly. "Now if there is nothing else I would like to get back to these notes.

Kaworu ground his teeth "I can tell you know, I learned a while back. What to look for when Lilim lie." That made Kiel wince "I can see it. It crawls out of you like a worm that you spit on people. Liz used to lie to me sometimes too. But I know she would never leave without saying goodbye."

Unsettled by the new revelation "Very well then the truth. I sent her away because I disproved of her handling of you."

"She loved me!" Kaworu pleaded. It was true, of all the endless technicians and doctors that saw him, of all the faceless staff and servants, only Liz seemed to truly care. Only she smiled at him warmly when she saw him. Only she told him he was a good person, not just that he had a grand destiny.

"You are not a creature of love!" Kiel slammed his fist on the table, sending several papers onto the floor "You are forgetting your duty for lowly Lilim feelings! You are the instrument. The purifying flame of God. You are beyond love or hate. Good or evil. You are destiny. And Wrath."

Reminded of the weight of his duty Kaworu went silent. Bowing his head as he slunk off back into the manor, hoping at least to find his loyal cat for company. Stupid Lilim, He thought, you don't deserve me. ​

 

[Alex]

Chapter 5
​

Gendo looked over the morning reports. Other than the usual grumblings of the JSSDF, it seemed the cleanup from the battle was going well. With segments of Angel carcass being picked apart by crews to be divided up at a later date between branches of NERV for study. Reports on the pilots also seemed promising, as Rei was healing faster than projected. Though perhaps that was due to Doctor Akagi's strict regimen of time in LCL baths, something that the first pilot's body seemed to take to. Perhaps too well... Rei was a tool, a vital tool but a tool nonetheless and it did no good for a tool to outgrow its user. The other pilot? After all that had happened he was surprisingly cooperative. Going along with any test that Doctor Akagi demanded and still being willing to pilot. If I was in his place, I might have walked away out of spite, or ransomed my aid. The boy was unnaturally selfless, but whether that was an inborn trait or something taught by Doctor Makinami was too be seen. She was another puzzle, as was how to deal with her. For now, there was more than enough work with the repairs and setting of the Evangelions for Gendo to push on her plate but it would not always be this way. One thing was for sure, Gendo could not afford to have the Doctor dominate his son's perspective any longer. Given the importance and the danger that rested on his shoulders. "I will send him Rei," Gendo said to the sub-commander standing beside him, not bothering to look up.

Kozo Fuyutsuki raised an eyebrow "Are you sure that is wise? I understand your desire for... control, regarding the third pilot but I am not sure using the clone is a good idea. Perhaps if you reach out personally..."

Gendo shook his head "After this past week I doubt he has any desire to see me... or you, for that matter. And I do not think that I... that I could be useful in that regard. But he may be able to bond with a fellow pilot and the more he bonds with her the more leverage we have."

"Mari has photos of Yui, photos she has shown the boy. Shinji must know there is something extraordinary about our pilot regarding her lineage and connection to Yui. I can't imagine what he must think of her."

"Whatever he thinks of her it did not stop him from rushing to her rescue after the activation test. Putting himself in grave danger by revealing his nature to us." For himself, Gendo found Rei's likeness to Yui to be off-putting. Forever a symbol of his failure, and as such he did not like to see her more than was necessary as he thought it was now. "For that reason alone I can foresee the two getting close. Nothing bonds one to another than saving their life. And as for secrecy, we have had no problem with Rei on that front before when she was at school. She knows what topics and information are off limits to those outside our circle."

"I still say your decision to send her to that place was a mistake. You are far too emotionally attached to that thing. Do not let it blind you to the scenario we have spent so long assembling. Neither should your little trist with doctor Akagi."

"I am guaranteeing her loyalty, nothing more. With the addition of Doctor Makinami and the coming of Langley and the great unknown of unit's two and three and Stern, the scenario is becoming quite... complicated. We need all the stability we can get if we are to accomplish our goals in the face of these changing circumstances."

Kozo looked unconvinced "By my count, and by the stray blonde hairs on your jacket, you have been quite enthusiastic in your strategy. Tell me, are you using the same method to ensure the inspector's loyalty? Or is Akagi a special..."

"Enough!" Gendo's stoicism broke to reveal an outright hostility. "I will not be mocked by you." Sneering he continued "And I will not be second-guessed. It will do you well not to forget that teacher."

Restraining himself Kozo let the matter drop "Very well then, we should focus on the tasks at hand. I shall keep my ear to the ground for news regarding unit's two and three and you shall... task the clone."

*​

Rei woke to the warm light of the lab filtered through the amber LCL that floated around her. Bubbles danced on her naked skin as the tank filtered and re-filtered the liquid. On her breast, a small electrode beeped in time with her heart. Taking a deep breath of the tart water made a dull ache spread in her chest. I am still injured, I do not wish to be. I wish to be useful. Rei stirred as she saw the blurry but familiar form of Doctor Akagi walk towards her tank. She does not look at me, she does not like to look at me. With practiced care the Doctor input a series of codes into the console beside her tank activating the drain. Slowly the liquid emptied, leaving Rei to sputter on the newly pumped in air. She tried to stand but found she could not. Crumpling on the floor of the tank from the shooting pain in her side and in her arm. Looking up at the cold stern face of Doctor Akagi she heard the familiar sounds of the tube unsealing. When the door was open Rei could simply tilt her head and look at the woman "Am I needed?"​

Doctor Akagi did not look at her, instead focusing on the console "The commander has requested your presence."

Gritting her teeth Rei stood and shook off of the LCL that still clung to her form. "Very well." wincing Rei headed towards the door.

Akagi rolled her eyes "you should probably get dressed first."

Rei nodded absently "As you wish."​

*
​

Rei stood at attention facing the commander. They were in his office, a cold intimidating space marked on every surface with unknown glyphs and runes. Rei could only wonder what they meant. She liked it though, being summoned so personally made Rei feel... needed. Unusually the commander seemed distressed. His normally calm facade now scarred with worry and his flexing hands... now covered in satin white. Rei was unsure what to do, so simply stood in silent reflection waiting for her orders. Clenching his teeth the commander looked up to face her "Rei... you are... looking better."


"Doctor Akagi's treatment is going well. I should be ready for the next battle." Rei could not help but feel however a certain harshness in the doctor care, an anger not easy quelled. "She said you have a task for me?"

"I want you to get close to the third pilot and report back any details you can find. I want you to earn his trust. Do you understand?"

Rei understood the task but not the intent. Was he not the commander? What secrets did Shinji hold that the commander did not already hold? Perhaps this was some new piece in his changing scenario, something Rei could not fully grasp. "How am I to do this?"

Gendo took a small card from inside his coat and laid it flat on the dark wood of his desk. "I had this made when the third pilot was deemed not an immediate threat." Rei looked at it, on its face was a picture of the the boy, who was brandishing an awkward smile, beside the picture lay his name and several sets of numbers. "this is his key to freedom," Gendo explained "With this he may wander the city at his leisure. It is identification, transportation registration, and even access to an expense account. I want you to give it to him."

Rei did still not quite understand the Commander's goals, nor did she understand why it had to be her to do this. But the thought of seeing the boy again... it was something she felt drawn to. She could vividly remember his face that brief moment after opening the plug door before the commander pushed him aside. He was in pain but there was a happiness upon him. A sense of satisfaction. It was deeply strange to Rei, to see someone so intent on aiding her. I am the one who is disposable, does he not know this?​

The trip to the apartment that her fellow pilot shared with his guardian was not a difficult affair. Long since had Rei memorized the pathways and the corridors of the Geofront, it's twisting hive like geography intercut with tunnels and slow-moving elevators. Arriving at the quarters the commander had spoken to her of Rei tilted her head, bag dangling from her uninjured arm. The sliding door to the apartment was slightly ajar. Peering inside she saw only darkness. She had no fear of danger, the Geofront was one of the most guarded places on earth. But in the midst of the ticking order of this place, such a thing stuck out. After raptly knocking three times Rei shrugged and entered, she had a mission to do after all.

*​

Shinji relished the stream of hot water that was blasting at his back. He wasn't dirty, not really. It had been a long time since he had sweat. But after the last few days each filled with long intrusive tests from Doctor Akagi, Shinji just wanted to feel clean. There was, however, a strict reminder of his actions. Around one wrist lay a tight black band. Innocuous looking to be a watch it was more like a shackle, for contained inside was a tracer to watch his movements and a sensor to detect his field. If it drew close to a pattern blue section two teams would be sent in and would escort him back to that concrete hole. Not that they had much to worry about superpower wise, he was no Sun Wukong. For all of Mari's tests back in Nevada Shinji could barely make a cup wiggle if he tried. For the hundredth time that day Shinji thought of Rei. What can she do? Is she like me? No, if she was like me then they would not have reacted to me the way they did. Mari was frustratingly silent on the topic instead telling not to worry about her.

Shaking his head he tried to follow Mari's advice. Shutting off the shower and grabbing a fluffy white towel from the counter. At the very least he was safe from prying eyes here. That had been a demand of Mari's that their apartment be bug and camera free. Wrapping the soft towel around his waist he opened the door and headed towards his bedroom steam from the shower billowing into the hallway. Shinji was grateful that in the interim of his days in the hospital NERV movers had delivered all of the things that he and Mari had asked to be shipped over. It was not a lot, but if he closed his eyes it could feel like a home. Opening the door to his bedroom Shinji had to stop himself from recoiling, as the object of his thoughts the first pilot was sitting on his bed, a small bag in her hands.

With a face that bore no judgment, Rei turned to him "Hello. Did you enjoy your shower Ikari?"

Shinji turned a bright shade of red as he held his towel in a vice grip "What are you doing here!?"

"I was sent by the commander to give you your identification card," Rei said flatly

"I...okay, fine that bit aside how did you get in here?" Shinji asked stammering.

"the door was unlocked and open," Rei explained calmly.

Shinji swore under his breath, while the Geofront was of similar construction to the base back in Nevada it differed in many small design choices, some of which Shinji was still getting used to. Shinji looked at the girl on his bed, searching her features for a reaction or a sign. There was none. Apparently breaking into his apartment and seeing him half naked was not something worthy of note. Once again Shinji had to wonder what are you? And what has my father done to make you like this? "Can you please... just wait in the living room or something?"

Rei tilted her head in some small confusion but then nodded and got up heading out the bedroom door "As you wish."

A deeply frustrated moment later, when Shinji walked into the living room, now fully clothed. He found his unexpected guest to be poring over some of the pictures Mari had put on the mantle. Reflexively when he saw which one Rei was holding Shinji spoke up "can you... put that back please?"

Rei turned to Shinji, still holding the framed photo "What is it?"

"Its a picture of Mari and my mom at university now... Please, put it back. Mari is really protective of it. She says its one of her few pictures of them together."

Obediently, Rei put the picture back, her eyes lost in thought "They seem... happy."

"They were good friends." Shinji was unsure about some of the things Mari had told him about their relationship but had no desire to voice his thoughts on the matter to Rei. "Now, you said you had something for me?"

Rei took a small card out of her bag which bore Shinji's likeness and handed it to him. Sitting down Shinji took a good look at the object as Rei explained its function. So I am free within the city. Well... free to be watched and monitored but, still. It was no doubt a large step up, Shinji was unsure what he would do first. His days on the Nevada base had left him quite used to cramped limited environments. This combined with the school tho... Shinji could almost pretend he was someone else. Someone... normal. He shook his head, he had a duty. Looking up Shinji saw Rei heading toward the door. For reasons unknown to him he reached out "Where are you going?"

Rei looked at him curiously "I have given you what needed to be delivered. My mission is over."

Shinji shuffled his feet, unsure what to say. Rei was a strange creature to him and not someone he felt very comfortable with. But he was lonely and... Whatever she was Shinji did not want to blame her for his own feelings "You can stay if you want. We are going to be fighting together. Maybe we should know each other better?"

Rei stopped and nodded, returning to the couch where Shinji was sitting. Taking a seat for herself she nodded again. "as you wish."

Shinji sighed, it was clear that she was only doing this because she was told. Or that following orders had become so routine for her that she knew nothing else. It was not an unknown for Shinji. Ever since he was chosen to become a pilot, long before he was revealed as anything Shinji's life was never fully his own. Long nights training, followed by hard days. Tests and retests and re retests, everything measured and quantified. Mari tried to make it better, and where she could she did but there were times that even she would turn and demand more than he wanted to give. I should not think like this, I have my duty, that is enough. Looking at Rei again Shinji tried to focus "Mari said that you would be going to school together as well."

Rei thought for a moment, shifting her weight when she appeared uncomfortable "We are."

"What's it like?" Shinji wondered what to expect.

"It is very... Loud." Rei said after a moment "It is strange to see, in the Geofront everyone has a task to do. A purpose to fulfill. At this school, the people all seem to flitter and chatter about as they would. Barely constrained by the commands of their teachers. It is strange."

Shinji laughed a bit, Rei's words made him think of Asuka. Over the years her patience for her teachers shrank to less and less as her prestige within NERV grew. Will you be joining us? The thought seemed almost comical. Far more then him Asuka was a warrior, not someone to enjoy being boxed into a classroom the very opposite of her sister. "Is there anything you like doing at school?" Shinji asked, searching for some connection to be made with the red-eyed girl.

"I... sometimes in gym class, we are taken to the on-site pool to swim. I... I like it. The feeling of the warm water above and around me. It is... peaceful." Rei's eyes seemed to glitter in the low light as she remembered.

Shinji tried to smile "With the weather you get here you must be able to swim whenever you want."

Rei nodded "There is a certain comfort in the stability. One day the same as the next. But... I have read in my books about how it was before. Of the snow and ice in the winter and the cherry blossoms in the spring. I have wondered... always wanted to see them with my own eyes."

"It was hot for the entire time I was in Nevada. Dry too, some days outside it felt like something was sucking the water from your skin." Shinji shivered "But in Germany... I remember when I saw my first snowfall. I was so gobsmacked. My friend called me an idiot for being stunned at something so simple. But there was so much beauty in it. Maybe... when this war is over you can travel to see the snow."

A dark look crossed Rei's face then, causing her to look away. Shinji was about to apologize when she spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper "I think... I think we should focus on our mission for now."

That caused a thick silence between them. Dejected Shinji tried to follow her directions and focus on their mission. Asking a question that he asked himself so often. "Rei... why do you pilot the Eva?"

"It is my connection with humanity," Rei said. Strength in her words.

"I get that." Shinji nodded in agreement "I've spent so long alone that Eva can make me feel... part of something. But there is something else as well." Shinji swallowed hard, building up his courage to say what came next "When I was young my mother died in front of me. I remember all the screaming and the chaos. And I remember the horrible... emptiness that followed it. I want to stop that from happening. As much as I can. I have to. The thought of some boy losing their mother, some parent their child, anything. Because I failed them. It's almost too much to bear. If I can help, I think I should."

"like you helped me." Shinji looked up to see Rei staring into him, her face warmer then it had been "You did not have to, crews were on their way. You threw away your secret just to help me." There was doubt in her voice like she did not understand. After a moment and with a grunt of pain from her shoulder Rei bowed "Thank you. For helping me."

Shinji spluttered at the display, "It's nothing... I mean it wasn't nothing but... I would do it again. I am just sorry that you were still hurt." When Rei stopped bowing Shinji sighed and looked at the girl, trying to avoid gaze, Shinji worked up the nerve to ask her directly "Rei... what are you?"

Rei tilted her head at the question "I am Ayanami Rei, the first pilot. Is that not enough?"

Shinji slumped his shoulders and got up, walking towards the kitchen he smiled glumly "I... I guess it is."

Shinji was going to ask something else when he heard the distinct slide of the door opening, turning he saw Mari carrying several large boxes under her arm. "Shinji!" She said as she entered the "I got us dinner. I know we just got to Japan but I have been craving pizza like a madwoman and you know how I can be when I set my mind to... Oh." Mari saw that Shinji was not alone "You have a guest."

Shinji got up and brought the card to Mari "Rei came to give me this. She said it would let me get around the city if I wanted to."

Mari seemed less enthused "Hmm, I am sure she did. Well, if she is all done then maybe she should go back to wherever she...."

Shinji shot his guardian a pleading look. Silencing her "Can't she stay for dinner? You did buy..." Shinji's eyes widened "A lot of pizza."

Shrugging Mari sat down, clearly not very happy but unwilling to start a fight over it. Joining her at the table Rei sat down quietly before pulling out a plastic case from her bag. To the amazement of Mari and then of Shinji Rei took pill after pill of various shapes and sizes from it and laid them in front of her carefully after she was confident that all was accounted for she turned to Shinji "I do not think that I can eat... whatever is on those things but I would be very grateful for some water."

Springing to action Shinji retrieved a glass from the cabinet and began to ran the water, waiting for it to get as cold as it would before filling up the glass. Returning to Rei, Shinji smiled and gave her the simple drink and spoke. "I hope you are okay... that seems like a lot of..." but fell silent as he felt the words dry in his mouth. I should not press her.

With ritualized precision, Rei began to take the assortment of medication, intercutting each pill with a small draft of water. Noticing her lack of courtesy Mari snorted "You would think after all you have done for her she could manage a thank you."

"Mari it's not..." Shinji stammered defensively. He hated when she did this, it was one thing to be the loud forceful person she was against people Shinji disliked, it was another to scorn someone Shinji was trying to connect with.

"I am grateful for Shinji's efforts the other day after the activation test. If not for him I may have been more badly injured then I was." Turning to Shinji she nodded again "Thank you pilot Ikari."

Put off guard by the repeat of thanks, Shinji simply went quiet, staring at the greasy cheese mess in front of him.

"He also saved this whole city from the worlds toughest grandfather clock. But perhaps you didn't notice." Mari said indignantly. Again Shinji winced but was unable to say anything.

"Why should I be grateful for that?" Rei asked, her voice even but curious "It is his duty to pilot is it not?"

At that Mari stood up and walked out of the room unable to deal with the blue haired girl anymore. Shinji, on the other hand, began to beam at his fellow pilot. She understands... she has a duty too. ​

*​

Gendo stood opposite Rei in one of many dim hallways of the Geofront. He had come to speak with her as she made her way back to the lower levels and her tank. He wanted to talk about her mission and of the third child"So he has a guilt complex, and remembers what happened all those years ago..." Gendo went quiet and thought for a moment, his hands curled into tight white fists "Did he... mention me at all?" Before Rei could answer Gendo shook his head and focused his gaze, returning to the matter at hand. "If you can I would like you to get him to tell you more about his time in Nevada. Even the smallest detail may yet betray a greater secret."

"Yes sir, as you wish." Rei nodded at the commander's instruction. She turned to leave but then faltered, turning around Rei wrapped her arms around the commander gently pulling him into a hug.

Gendo froze, paralyzed by shock. As Rei squeezed his chest Gendo felt his own rise in panic, his breath catching in his throat. Yui... If he closed his eyes he could almost.... no. "Rei let go of me."

Immediately Rei obeyed, letting go and stepping back before standing at attention. "I am sorry I... when I was with The Third Pilot and Doctor Makinami I witnessed them do that. I... wished to know what it felt like."

"I would ask you not... do that to me." Gendo tried to remain composed.

Rei nodded, it had been a disappointment in truth anyway. Her touch seemed to provoke no happiness within the commander and likewise, she felt nothing from his. Perhaps she could not feel the way that Shinji felt or perhaps... she should find a better target for her trials. Walking off down the hall towards the elevator Rei thought of snow "as you wish commander." ​

*​

This one is again just me so expect a few errors, I should have waited to post but you guys were so nice about this stuff I really wanted to push the envelope. I hope you guys enjoy and find it interesting.​