definately gravity based weaponry, think something like Zinv's mirco-black-hole, only less thqaan that due to them probably only beginning to understand it. holographic tech is a definate one, along with communication tech. perhaps even more advanced bio-mechanical technology, remember D. she was basically recreated and her soul was housed in her body, like rei, only the fact that her soul was literally visible in the orb of her left eye.
Evangelion The Great Evangelion Trailer Thread
- Thread starter DarkstarShadowrose
- Start date
Parallel
"Correction"
//////////////////////////////////////////
"So tell me Rei, what do you think of Shinji thus far?"
Ayanami Rei did not speak at first instead slowly allowing her gaze to slide away from the sight resting just beyond the thick observation window until it feel upon the form of the Sub-commander of the SEELE forces who stood at her side a disturbing smiles curving her lips and if only for a second disturbing the young woman for some inexplicable reason. The question in and of itself was strange as Rei had not truly had any interaction with the male in question only access to the detailed reports the doctor had been filing and the video from the various interrogations that had he had put through.
"He seems psychologically unstable for a Neo-Human according to his file." She attempted tilting her head to the side as the Doctor giggled.
"Of course, my little boy has suffered a lot of terrible things in fact his entire life seems to be one long tragedy but I'm going to change it and if my theory is right he is much more then a Neo-Human." She replied her eyes never straying from the goings on in the adjacent room.
If Rei felt any need to question further or comment on the woman's statement she ignored the impulse instead turning back to the operation going on before her right hand lifting up to place a long strand of pale blue hair back behind her ear where it rejoined the rest of her silky tresses. A young man of perhaps the same age of fourteen years as herself was laying on a simple metal table surrounded by surgeons and their tools his eyes closed as he remained blissfully ignorant to the medical procedure being performed.
"Once he is ready Shinji will be joining your Elite division, both sides will now control four Neo-Humans each in addition to the standard forces but I expect this to tip the balance of power in our favor." She stated clearly as the young man's abdomen was opened by the surgeons.
"I understand" She replied in an uncaring quiet monotone.
"No I don't think you do, Shinji is too become your partner or counterpart if you prefer I am even having a T1 Organ placed in him too help insure your compatibility. It will most likely be necessary for you to undergo a small amount of brainwashing and implantation as well considering this is a part of life you have no really experience in."
"My Counterpart, You wish for Pilot Ikari and I too become one?" Eyes like two blood rubies blinked as a confused note filled her voice.
A slight hum was able to pierce the sound proofing of the walls as a nurse wheeled in a cart upon which sat the pulsing form of an organ that approximately the size of an appendix but was a strange crimson color with pulsing black veins that ran across its surface like cracks in stone. It constricted & expanded as if already in the body performing its designed function but it was left alone for the time being as the surgeons prepared a place in the lean form.
"If it bothers you we could always make D his counterpart, would that be more to your liking?"
The mere utterance of that name seemed to invoke a reaction in the albino her fingers curling inward making a fist that clenched so tightly her nails were actually drawing a stream of blood and her eyes began to glow ever so slightly casting a low amount of light upon the glass before her. A barely perceptible downward turn of her mouth revealed the closest thing to a frown as her face seemed capable but it quickly faded as her uncaring visage returned.
"This is unnecessary Dr. Ikari, I will accept this duty if those are your orders."
"If you feel so strongly about then I'll reconsider just this once, you're dismissed Ayanami go enjoy the rest of your day."
There was no real need to speak in the face of the woman's obvious desire to be left alone to enjoy the second half of the surgery and so with a quick salute the girl began to silently retreat down the brightly lit hallways her steps making little if any noise upon the flooring. It was she was turning the corner that her feet stilled bringing her to a sharp halt as she found herself facing the form of a girl slightly shorter then herself with golden blonde hair that was cut short a single long bang used to cover her left eye and her right being a pale blue in color.
"Why are you Here D?" She spoke with a slight demand and a bit of annoyance in her voice.
"Sub-Commander Ikari ordered me to join her at 1500 hours." She replied in a simple tone staring unflinchingly at her superior.
"You can leave the situation has already been resolved." Rei ordered only to receive a slightly cocked head from the girl.
"I apologize but I was not given this order."
" . . . . . .Dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . I am dreaming . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . .Faces I should recognize become lost in the haze replaced by others but the attachment seemed to be lost . . . . ."
" . . . . . . My memories are fragmented, lost in the fog of my mind but at the same time I seem to know things I am not sure I did before as if the information was put there by someone else . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . . Memory is something tangible, alive in such a way that you can find yourself lost in the sensory input of that moment but this is only information, as if each detail is being read back to me by a voice I feel compelled to accept the words of as truth . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . . . The past is slipping away like grains of sand passing through the hourglass leaving my sense of self lost to the eternity of time but the voice tells me not to be afraid and I find myself unable to resist the order leaving me numb against the loss of . . . . Something important . . . . I can no longer recall what it is though . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . . . My name . . . . . . Shinji Ikari . . . . . Shinji Ikari, is this name really my own or simply more programmed knowledge . . . . . . It feels like I can no longer tell the difference . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . .Dreaming . . . . . ."
" . . . . . I am dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Waiting for the Moment I am too awaken . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . .My name is Shinji Ikari that is all I need to know in order to survive and complete my task . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Mere survival, is this enough of a purpose to exist? . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . These questions . . . . . I don't understand . . . . . . . Why are these answers so important to me? . . . . . . . I do not understand . . . . . . . . Nothing makes sense anymore . . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . Stop it . . . . . Please just stop confusing me . . . . . . . I don't want to listen to these words again . . . . . . . These lessons don't make any sense . . . . . please I'm begging you to stop . . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . .Dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . I am Dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Adrift in a meaningless sea of faces that no longer hold significance to my existence . . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Shinji Ikari . . . . . . This is my name . . . . . . These memories are no longer of consequence . . . . . . . Simply images that fade like dreams fading in the eternity of time . . . . .There is no pain in forgetting them . . . . ."
"Still . . . . .I feel something . . . . . . . some strange sensation as these times are allowed to slip away . . . . . . Perhaps this is loss? . . . . . Am I saddened too lose these memories? . . . . . . ."
". . . . . . I no longer know the answer . . . . . . ."
A beam of bright light washed over his form as awareness slowly began to trickle back into his being allowing the warmth of the golden ray of sunshine to be felt against his face and the sensation of the thin fabric that was draped over the rest of his body offering it a light insulation. The harsh scent of antiseptic hangs in the chilled air stinging his nose as he draws in a breath and the shrill call of a machine filling his ears as it seems intent on beeping eternally or at least until his life has come to an end.
Some part of him still lost in the pleasant fog wished to simply ignore the world around him and slip back into slumber but it seemed as if conciseness was not to be denied as his eyelids moved upwards ever so slowly allowing his eyes to glimpse at his surroundings the intense lighting above him bringing a sharp pain as they became his first sight. It took only a few seconds for his vision to adjust to the condition around him and slowly he turned his head allowing his eyes to sweep across the space he now occupied.
A plain room its walls painted an eggshell white color with framed prints of nature hanging in random places supposedly too catch the eye and relax the viewer but really only succeeding in making the place appear comfortable in a very artificial sense. A warm breeze drifted in from the open window bringing with it the fresh scent of the outside world and various equipment used to monitor a person was scattered around him each new screen giving him a different piece of information about his current condition.
'A hospital room' his mind theorized as he sat up in bed.
A brief moment of disorientation washed over him as he moved almost sending him falling back on to the mattress and nausea sent his vision spinning as he fought to keep the bile from rising but as quickly as the came the feelings were swept away as if drained from his body through an open tap. Pressing the heel of his palm against his forehead in the aftermath of the attack on his senses he could feel the cold sweat that had gathered upon his brow during his time in this place but he was unsure as to why it had occurred.
Pale unblemished flesh, it was all he found as he lowered his hand and began to examine the appendage in detail with a strange fascination from the soft pads of his fingertips to the surface of his palm upon which rested a single glittering droplet of perspiration. Time became irrelevant as he seemed to search for something familiar in the never-changing appendage and as he came up empty a small bit of fear began to appear in his mind.
"Why don't I recognize my own hand?"
The growing sense of panic was disturbed by the sound of the heavy wooden door to his room opening admitting a young woman of perhaps thirty with dyed blond hair and green eyes who smiled in a disarming way as he turned to acknowledge her, dressed in a simple lab coat over a dark blue blouse and black skirt in her hands she held a chart. A dull throbbing arose behind his eyes as she drew closer images that flashed before his mind's eye along with a stream of information that demanded his attention.
"Its good to see you're finally awake Shinji, how are you feeling?" She asked with genuine sounding relief in her tone.
"Shinji . . . . . . Shinji Ikari . . . . . Shinji Ikari is me . . . . . .My name is Shinji Ikari." He stated blinking at the newfound realization.
"That's right, now do you know who I am?"
"Dr. Akagi, You are Dr. Ritsuko Akagi." Once more he seemed relieved at the slightest bit of recognition his mind would offer.
"Do you remember anything else."
Closing his eyes for a moment Shinji probed the recesses of his mind seeking out the experiences that defined him only for a horrible pain almost like a thousand needles piercing his skull to be his response forcing him to whimper quietly as his hands pressed against his temples. Images, faces, eyes, and places they all passed before him but all it brought was an increase to the agony until finally the peace of a numb oblivion embraced him.
"Nothing, there is nothing . . . . . I canÆt remember the past . . . ."
'Just like the Sub-Commander explained, the brainwashing combined with the experimentation has left Shinji as a mostly blank slate with only our information open to him.'
"It's alright Shinji just give it time, Your parents along with Rei have been waiting so I am going to let them visit with you for awhile." She explained heading for the door a grin worming its way over her lips.
A face pale like his own, eyes like crimson, soft hair of a light blue color.
"Ayanami, I know her." He whispered faintly.
"I'm sure you do, Rei wouldn't be too happy if you remembered me but forgot about her being your girlfriend."
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
Enjoy I'll post again ocne things get backt o normal
Next Time the battles begin and please tell em what you want too see.
"Correction"
//////////////////////////////////////////
"So tell me Rei, what do you think of Shinji thus far?"
Ayanami Rei did not speak at first instead slowly allowing her gaze to slide away from the sight resting just beyond the thick observation window until it feel upon the form of the Sub-commander of the SEELE forces who stood at her side a disturbing smiles curving her lips and if only for a second disturbing the young woman for some inexplicable reason. The question in and of itself was strange as Rei had not truly had any interaction with the male in question only access to the detailed reports the doctor had been filing and the video from the various interrogations that had he had put through.
"He seems psychologically unstable for a Neo-Human according to his file." She attempted tilting her head to the side as the Doctor giggled.
"Of course, my little boy has suffered a lot of terrible things in fact his entire life seems to be one long tragedy but I'm going to change it and if my theory is right he is much more then a Neo-Human." She replied her eyes never straying from the goings on in the adjacent room.
If Rei felt any need to question further or comment on the woman's statement she ignored the impulse instead turning back to the operation going on before her right hand lifting up to place a long strand of pale blue hair back behind her ear where it rejoined the rest of her silky tresses. A young man of perhaps the same age of fourteen years as herself was laying on a simple metal table surrounded by surgeons and their tools his eyes closed as he remained blissfully ignorant to the medical procedure being performed.
"Once he is ready Shinji will be joining your Elite division, both sides will now control four Neo-Humans each in addition to the standard forces but I expect this to tip the balance of power in our favor." She stated clearly as the young man's abdomen was opened by the surgeons.
"I understand" She replied in an uncaring quiet monotone.
"No I don't think you do, Shinji is too become your partner or counterpart if you prefer I am even having a T1 Organ placed in him too help insure your compatibility. It will most likely be necessary for you to undergo a small amount of brainwashing and implantation as well considering this is a part of life you have no really experience in."
"My Counterpart, You wish for Pilot Ikari and I too become one?" Eyes like two blood rubies blinked as a confused note filled her voice.
A slight hum was able to pierce the sound proofing of the walls as a nurse wheeled in a cart upon which sat the pulsing form of an organ that approximately the size of an appendix but was a strange crimson color with pulsing black veins that ran across its surface like cracks in stone. It constricted & expanded as if already in the body performing its designed function but it was left alone for the time being as the surgeons prepared a place in the lean form.
"If it bothers you we could always make D his counterpart, would that be more to your liking?"
The mere utterance of that name seemed to invoke a reaction in the albino her fingers curling inward making a fist that clenched so tightly her nails were actually drawing a stream of blood and her eyes began to glow ever so slightly casting a low amount of light upon the glass before her. A barely perceptible downward turn of her mouth revealed the closest thing to a frown as her face seemed capable but it quickly faded as her uncaring visage returned.
"This is unnecessary Dr. Ikari, I will accept this duty if those are your orders."
"If you feel so strongly about then I'll reconsider just this once, you're dismissed Ayanami go enjoy the rest of your day."
There was no real need to speak in the face of the woman's obvious desire to be left alone to enjoy the second half of the surgery and so with a quick salute the girl began to silently retreat down the brightly lit hallways her steps making little if any noise upon the flooring. It was she was turning the corner that her feet stilled bringing her to a sharp halt as she found herself facing the form of a girl slightly shorter then herself with golden blonde hair that was cut short a single long bang used to cover her left eye and her right being a pale blue in color.
"Why are you Here D?" She spoke with a slight demand and a bit of annoyance in her voice.
"Sub-Commander Ikari ordered me to join her at 1500 hours." She replied in a simple tone staring unflinchingly at her superior.
"You can leave the situation has already been resolved." Rei ordered only to receive a slightly cocked head from the girl.
"I apologize but I was not given this order."
" . . . . . .Dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . I am dreaming . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . .Faces I should recognize become lost in the haze replaced by others but the attachment seemed to be lost . . . . ."
" . . . . . . My memories are fragmented, lost in the fog of my mind but at the same time I seem to know things I am not sure I did before as if the information was put there by someone else . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . . Memory is something tangible, alive in such a way that you can find yourself lost in the sensory input of that moment but this is only information, as if each detail is being read back to me by a voice I feel compelled to accept the words of as truth . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . . . The past is slipping away like grains of sand passing through the hourglass leaving my sense of self lost to the eternity of time but the voice tells me not to be afraid and I find myself unable to resist the order leaving me numb against the loss of . . . . Something important . . . . I can no longer recall what it is though . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . . . My name . . . . . . Shinji Ikari . . . . . Shinji Ikari, is this name really my own or simply more programmed knowledge . . . . . . It feels like I can no longer tell the difference . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . .Dreaming . . . . . ."
" . . . . . I am dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Waiting for the Moment I am too awaken . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . .My name is Shinji Ikari that is all I need to know in order to survive and complete my task . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Mere survival, is this enough of a purpose to exist? . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . These questions . . . . . I don't understand . . . . . . . Why are these answers so important to me? . . . . . . . I do not understand . . . . . . . . Nothing makes sense anymore . . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . Stop it . . . . . Please just stop confusing me . . . . . . . I don't want to listen to these words again . . . . . . . These lessons don't make any sense . . . . . please I'm begging you to stop . . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . .Dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . . I am Dreaming . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Adrift in a meaningless sea of faces that no longer hold significance to my existence . . . . . . . ."
" . . . . . Shinji Ikari . . . . . . This is my name . . . . . . These memories are no longer of consequence . . . . . . . Simply images that fade like dreams fading in the eternity of time . . . . .There is no pain in forgetting them . . . . ."
"Still . . . . .I feel something . . . . . . . some strange sensation as these times are allowed to slip away . . . . . . Perhaps this is loss? . . . . . Am I saddened too lose these memories? . . . . . . ."
". . . . . . I no longer know the answer . . . . . . ."
A beam of bright light washed over his form as awareness slowly began to trickle back into his being allowing the warmth of the golden ray of sunshine to be felt against his face and the sensation of the thin fabric that was draped over the rest of his body offering it a light insulation. The harsh scent of antiseptic hangs in the chilled air stinging his nose as he draws in a breath and the shrill call of a machine filling his ears as it seems intent on beeping eternally or at least until his life has come to an end.
Some part of him still lost in the pleasant fog wished to simply ignore the world around him and slip back into slumber but it seemed as if conciseness was not to be denied as his eyelids moved upwards ever so slowly allowing his eyes to glimpse at his surroundings the intense lighting above him bringing a sharp pain as they became his first sight. It took only a few seconds for his vision to adjust to the condition around him and slowly he turned his head allowing his eyes to sweep across the space he now occupied.
A plain room its walls painted an eggshell white color with framed prints of nature hanging in random places supposedly too catch the eye and relax the viewer but really only succeeding in making the place appear comfortable in a very artificial sense. A warm breeze drifted in from the open window bringing with it the fresh scent of the outside world and various equipment used to monitor a person was scattered around him each new screen giving him a different piece of information about his current condition.
'A hospital room' his mind theorized as he sat up in bed.
A brief moment of disorientation washed over him as he moved almost sending him falling back on to the mattress and nausea sent his vision spinning as he fought to keep the bile from rising but as quickly as the came the feelings were swept away as if drained from his body through an open tap. Pressing the heel of his palm against his forehead in the aftermath of the attack on his senses he could feel the cold sweat that had gathered upon his brow during his time in this place but he was unsure as to why it had occurred.
Pale unblemished flesh, it was all he found as he lowered his hand and began to examine the appendage in detail with a strange fascination from the soft pads of his fingertips to the surface of his palm upon which rested a single glittering droplet of perspiration. Time became irrelevant as he seemed to search for something familiar in the never-changing appendage and as he came up empty a small bit of fear began to appear in his mind.
"Why don't I recognize my own hand?"
The growing sense of panic was disturbed by the sound of the heavy wooden door to his room opening admitting a young woman of perhaps thirty with dyed blond hair and green eyes who smiled in a disarming way as he turned to acknowledge her, dressed in a simple lab coat over a dark blue blouse and black skirt in her hands she held a chart. A dull throbbing arose behind his eyes as she drew closer images that flashed before his mind's eye along with a stream of information that demanded his attention.
"Its good to see you're finally awake Shinji, how are you feeling?" She asked with genuine sounding relief in her tone.
"Shinji . . . . . . Shinji Ikari . . . . . Shinji Ikari is me . . . . . .My name is Shinji Ikari." He stated blinking at the newfound realization.
"That's right, now do you know who I am?"
"Dr. Akagi, You are Dr. Ritsuko Akagi." Once more he seemed relieved at the slightest bit of recognition his mind would offer.
"Do you remember anything else."
Closing his eyes for a moment Shinji probed the recesses of his mind seeking out the experiences that defined him only for a horrible pain almost like a thousand needles piercing his skull to be his response forcing him to whimper quietly as his hands pressed against his temples. Images, faces, eyes, and places they all passed before him but all it brought was an increase to the agony until finally the peace of a numb oblivion embraced him.
"Nothing, there is nothing . . . . . I canÆt remember the past . . . ."
'Just like the Sub-Commander explained, the brainwashing combined with the experimentation has left Shinji as a mostly blank slate with only our information open to him.'
"It's alright Shinji just give it time, Your parents along with Rei have been waiting so I am going to let them visit with you for awhile." She explained heading for the door a grin worming its way over her lips.
A face pale like his own, eyes like crimson, soft hair of a light blue color.
"Ayanami, I know her." He whispered faintly.
"I'm sure you do, Rei wouldn't be too happy if you remembered me but forgot about her being your girlfriend."
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
Enjoy I'll post again ocne things get backt o normal
Next Time the battles begin and please tell em what you want too see.
Alright folks we all recall this rather dark set and the ideas spawned from it but now I am ready to begin reworking it, to either make it back into a rewritten snippet series or go longer into an actual story but I need your help and ideas on how to change it just to make it all the better or worse in your eyes.
We're reaching for perfection in thsi dea
So please help me
We're reaching for perfection in thsi dea
So please help me
I wrote this awhile ago and was considering revisiting it but I need your thoughts on it.
///////////////////////////////////////////
Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion, Noir, or Gunslinger girl. All characters and concepts belong to their creators, publishers, or distributors, so please do not sue me.
Author Note 1: This is my Second attempt at a NGE story so please give me lots of feedback so I can improve.
Author note 2: I will be posting the prologue/chapter one without a betaÆs assistance so if anyone wants the job please tell me in the review.
Author note 3: This story just sort of came to me and I have no idea where it will lead but I enjoy it when my readers tell me where they think it is going so I can make them happy. This will be very AU at points and please let me know about pairing ideas if any. I do not do YAOI pairings anything else I will try to accommodate.
Summary: Blood coats his hands yet he didnÆt remember it. Sin filled his heart and soul, yet he could not recall such acts. They stole a part of his life away and twisted his body. When he rebelled they took their gifts away leaving him hollow and stripped away his memory of that time. Summoned by his Father Shinji will regain everything he has lost. For better or worse the Forsaken shall recall.
Now on with the Show ^_^
Forsaken
Chapter One: Awakening
A fourteen year old boy with Dark brown hair and blue eyes sat submerged in a Yellow-orange liquid that smelled suspiciously like blood a pair of neural clips resting on top of his head. He wore s short sleeved white button-up shirt the top left undone revealing a dark blue T-shirt along with dark blue pants and tennis shoes.
Shinji Ikari, only child of Gendo Rokubungi and Yui Ikari tried desperately to quell the fear welling up in his heart as he sat in Evangelion Unit-01 waiting to be deployed. He had been summoned to Tokyo-3 by his father not for a reunion but because the man had a purpose for him. The young Ikari had initially refused to pilot the enormous horned purple machine but changed his mind to save another, who was injured from having to fight the monster rampaging in the city.
Pain was building behind his eyes and throughout his head the longer he sat connected to the Eva. It felt like a migraine was trying to rip his skull to shreds but he couldnÆt think of that not now. Shinji tightened his hold on the control sticks as the machine was launched upwards hurtling towards the city streets and the Third Angel.
A huge hulking black form with gray shoulder plates and a white bird-like mask for a face a crimson orb placed in the center of its chest. Its arms were long and gangly only vaguely humanoid. This was the face of his enemy two circular holes in the mask gave the feeling of eyes but the young man could see nothing in the sockets as they watched him in curiosity.
ôJust concentrate on Walking.ö Dr Akagi spoke over the comm. piercing the pain of his headache and making him focus.
æThink about walkingà..Walkà. WalkÆ he chanted mentally and felt the lumbering beast respond.
In Central Dogma several people gasped as they watched Unit-01 lift a foot and take a shaky step forward. The moment ended however when the Eva lost its balance and tumbled forward its arms coming up in front of it to shield the fall seemingly by reflex.
The Third Angel seemingly broke from its questioning gaze and charged down the street cracking the concrete with each step. The Eva was lifted by the AngelÆs left arm and the right grasped the machines left arm squeezing violently causing the synthetic muscles to bulge and veins to become visible on the EvaÆs arm.
ôAHHH!ö Shinji screams his arm being twisted in an eerie misshapen duplication of the EvaÆs. A sharp pain through his mind forcing his eyes shut tightly against it.
ôShinji, you need to keep your head. It isnÆt really your arm.ö Misato yelled over the comm. but he couldnÆt hear her.
A swift jerking motion by the Angel and Shinji felt his arm break becoming dead weight. The pain was growing in his mind only offset by the physical pain caused by the enemy. Shinji suddenly screams as the Angel strikes the EvaÆs head repeatedly cracking the protective helmet and injuring the left eye of machine. Dark blue synthetic liquid mixed with LCL as it flowed from his own eye instead of blood.
æThis pain itÆs so intense, why does my head hurt so much? I canÆt feel my left arm anymore, is someone speaking to me? I canÆt hear them did they just give up on me? IÆm going to die arenÆt I? I donÆt want to die; I canÆt die not yet and not here! I DONÆT WANT TO DIE HERE!Æ there was a sudden impact against his chest that sent the Eva flying backwards. He coughed up more of the dark blue liquid instead of blood and his eyes snapped open pupils shrinking into tiny dots.
He was walking behind his guardian as they were crossing a street in Rome Italy. The man his father had sent him to live with had been asked to teach at a university and so they had left his country of birth behind. A car came screeching around a curve suddenly and barreled down the street at high speed the driver unaware or uncaring of the pedestrians. Shinji turned hearing the strange sound the tires made and stood frozen as the vehicle sped towards him. The moment crept on and he was vaguely aware of his guardian tutor leaping off the crosswalk uncaring of the young boyÆs life.
æI remember . . . . . I remember feeling scared and then there was a blinding pain and the sense I was flying . . . . . I remember so much pain and blood . . . . I could see my own blood . . . . . it even covered my eyes . . . . . No one rushed to me and the darkness was closing in . . . . I wanted my mother or my father so badly at that moment . . . . But I was alone . . . . No one wanted me.Æ
Shinji was lying in a bed in nothing but a hospital gown and covered by a simple sheet the curtains around his bed were closed blocking people from seeing him and he from seeing people. A clear plastic mask covered his mouth and nose pumping oxygen into his body helping him breath. Various machines were connected to his arms and chest constantly monitoring his vitals and beeping with a small reminder that he did indeed remain alive. An IV was placed into his right arm allowing liquids to be provided directly to his body along with pain medication that left him numb all over.
æMy condition was Terminal . . . . . I remember thatÆs what they told my guardian and . . . . Then he left . . . . . and never came back to my room . . . . . . I was told later that he had returned to Japan . . . . . He abandoned me leaving me in the care of the Hospital . . . . . I was a ward of the government and I knew . . . . . I knew they would soon just remove the machines . . . . Soon I would die . . . . . No one was there to hold my hand or tell me it would all be ok . . . . . No one wanted me. . . . . . No one ever wanted me.Æ
He was laying in a new bed being watched through a square window set into the wall to his left. A blue eye swiveled around to gaze at his watcher to find more then one person there. Of course one was Dr Ibiki the one in charge of his care and generally the only person in the hospital who seemed to care for his welfare. The man stood at Six feet even with blonde hair and brown eyes with a pair of scholarly glasses over them. Next to him stood a trio of people he had never laid eyes on one of which could be his age. The one watching him with a critical eye though was a woman somewhere in her late twenties or early thirties with long black hair and piercing mahogany brown eyes dressed nicely in a black jacket and white blouse with a black skirt. The other two were a gentleman dressed in a brown suit and tie and next to him the young girl with green eyes and blonde hair. He felt his cheeks brighten watching her before his medicine took over and he was pulled back into sleep. He was not awake for the conversation that took place.
ôThank you for calling me about this child Dr Ibiki, I think he would be a perfect candidate.ö The woman spoke with a smile still eyeing the sleeping Shinji.
ôI thought he might, itÆs really a shame everything he has gone through if anyone deserves a chance to live itÆs him.ö He replied with a smile thinking fortune was on the side of this patient. Checking his watch he said his goodbyes and continued with his rounds.
ôSo you finally picked one.ö The man in the suit stated he had slightly long dark hair and eyes.
ôLauro, unlike you and Jean I prefer to use a discerning eye when picking a flower. That is the problem with you two just because something is replaceable does not mean you should get inferior quality.ö She responded finally turning to face her companion.
ôDo you take this long to pick out any other tool?ö He asked.
ôOf course I donÆt like inferior products.ö
æThe SWA or Social Welfare Agency . . . . They are a corporation sponsored by the Italian Government . . . . . That rehabilitates and save human lives . . . . Dr Ibiki had talked to them about me . . . . He told me I had been selected by their program . . . . . That I would live again without the aide of machines and once more be able to move . . . . . I remember feeling so much joy at his words, joy and hope for my future . . . . . That woman I remember seeing her earlier that day and it was she who chose me . . . . . . Someone truly wanted me . . . . . wanted me to live . . . . . I cried but not in pain or loneliness but instead in happiness . . . . . . I would soon be free . . . . . How truly wrong I was.Æ
Shinji lay on a cold metal table under harsh white lights surrounded by surgeons his body exposed revealing the immense damage the accident had done to him. Even living on life-support as he had been the boy would likely have not survived more then another month, less if his severally weakened immune system had been forced to try and fight any form of virus or germ. Watching through a square observation window stood the same woman her arms crossed over her chest a neutral expression on her face. She stood there watching as ShinjiÆs body was basically dissected piece by piece and replaced with Synthetic muscles and organs along with cybernetic implants and other artificial parts all of which were far more advanced then anything used publicly or secretly.
Publicly, the mission of the SWA is to save and rehabilitate human lives, but in reality, the SWA is a public front for Section Two of the Political Warfare Section, a subdivision of the Italian intelligence responsible for counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism and a series of experiments designed to create the perfect government-commissioned assassin. While Section One conducts their operations with normal human operatives, Section Two employs the use of young cyborgs on the fringe of technology. Once an agent hired by the SWA chooses a child from a near-death experience or who is in critical condition. Section Two then redefines their body in a surgical operation to be refitted with artificial body parts, such as synthesized muscles and carbon fiber frames. As a result, the child gains incredible strength (at least peak human strength), quick reflexes, and a high resilience to damage and pain.
Usually only Male agents were hired and young girls chosen creating teams known as, Fratello. However because of her record with Section One Chief Lorenzo had brought her over to Section Two with orders to choose and oversee her own Child-Assassin. She was determined to produce the best no matter the cost.
ôLucreziaö turning at the mention of her name she saw Chief Lorenzo approach and take the spot next to her watching the operation.
ôHello Sirö she greeted stiffly before turning back to the window.
ôSo this is your choice?ö He asked.
ôYes Sir, I have a good feeling about him.ö
ôI will be expecting good results then from you.ö
ôYou will have them and more Sir that is a promise.ö She affirmed her superior.
ôGood, the results from this will help the program grow hopefully. Good day then Lucreziaö with that he turned walking off.
Several hours later would find Shinji lying in a soft bed under the covers seemingly asleep in a simple room with soft blue walls and an elegant table in the center of the room along with a single window. Through a two-way mirror Lucrezia stood arms crossed with a smile watching him to her right sat a woman at a keyboard working on the final phase of his refining the conditioning and brainwashing.
ôWhat name have you chosen for him?ö the woman asked pausing in her typing to get the information.
ôFioreö she responded simply the woman didnÆt respond simply typed the name in and continued.
ôWhat level of Brainwashing and Conditioning?ö
ôMinimalö was the answer given.
æI remember . . . . . . I remember being lost . . . . . I no longer could recall Mother or Father . . . . . I no longer existed to myself . . . . . Shinji Ikari no longer existed he had died and I became Fiore . . . . . At times I briefly recalled once being unable to move or being in a lot of pain . . . . . but I no longer felt that pain . . . . . I could move and breath fresh air something that seemed to be enjoyable for me . . . . . My life was just beginning . . . . . . I had much to do and learn.Æ
Fiore stood at the firing range a cello case resting at his side as Lucrezia slipped on a pair of goggles and sound mufflers. To his right practicing with an H&K G3A3 assault rifle was a girl around his age maybe a year older with long blonde hair kept in two long ponytails and blue eyes with tan skin. She was dressed in a rather masculine manner with a white button-up shirt left untucked, long leather trench coat, black gloves, and dark blue pants. The girlÆs name was Triela, a rather rebellious and pragmatic girl whom he had formed an almost instant friendship with when they met.
ôStart two handed with your P90.ö Lucrezia ordered.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded and popped the clasps on his cello case. Inside rested a pair of FN Herstral P90 Submachine guns, a pair of FN Herstral Five-seven pistols, and a FN Herstral A5 M Long-range precision rifle. The top of the case was filled with preloaded magazines for each weapon along with tactical systems or add-ons for the guns.
Removing two 50 round magazines and setting them aside he then removed one of the Submachine guns and gave it a quick visual check. Lucrezia had extensively drilled him in making sure every weapon he used was always in perfect working order going so far as to ordering him to disassemble and reassemble every one of them until he knew each part by sight and feel. This had of course led to him not sleeping that night in an attempt to fulfill the order. Satisfied with the momentary checking he loaded a clip into the P90 and took aim at the target. Squeezing the trigger he felt the gun buck in his hands as it rapidly expelled the uniform bullets out the barrel. He fired in quick bursts until the magazine finally emptied out and then awaited an evaluation of his shooting.
ôGood but not perfect, reload again I expect a perfect grouping this time Fiore.ö She stated and had a new target set up.
ôYes MaÆamö he replied instantly and quickly exchanged magazines and took aim again. Realizing the fault in his stance he quickly shifted making it perfect and focused his mind completely on the target. Depressing the trigger he sent more bullets screaming at the new target and waited once the last round was fired.
ôAdequateö she spoke after checking the grouping. Truth, be told it had been better then most trained marksman but she would never allow him to become prideful. She expected the best from him and anything short of perfection would not do.
Fiore caught sight of another blonde running through the urban training course under the watchful eye of her Handler Lauro. This was Elsa she was almost closer to his age then Triela and the only other person he identified with or even spoke to if not necessary. She was rather cold and impersonal to everyone save her Handler, who in turn treated her as a tool or weapon refusing to see her as a human being. Something inside him was drawn to her and those green eyes, though he would not admit it to anyone let alone himself.
ôItÆs time to work on your hand-to-hand combat and handgun skills. After that you may spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish Fiore.ö
ôYes MaÆamö he responded automatically.
æI remember . . . . I remember her harsh gaze . . . . When I failed or . . . . When I did not perform good enough . . . . I had to be perfect nothing else mattered . . . . . I would be perfect nothing else would be accepted by her . . . . . or . . . by Elsa . . . . My only friends became Triela and Elsa, who seemed at ease around me more then the other girls . . . . . . New faces began to appear at the SWA . . . . . Jean chose a girl named Rico but like Lauro . . . . . He treats her as nothing but a tool . . . . . Triela told me once Hillshire, her handler had heard Rico and Elsa . . . . . had the highest amount of Brainwashing and conditioning possible . . . . . . I was thankful Lucrezia did not order that for me . . . . . though if I fail her orders . . . . It will be the fate awaiting me.Æ
Fiore sat with Triela in her room under the watchful eyes of several teddy bears. It still amazed him somewhat that every year Hillshire gave her a toy bear. Triela was currently resting her head on her arms groaning ever so often. Lifting his cup he took a sip of the tea and sighed in contentment with its taste. He had been sitting there watching her in that pitiful state for about twenty minutes now.
ôWhat exactly is bothering you?ö Fiore finally asked.
ôItÆs my time of the monthö she mumbled and watched him blink in confusion.
ôYou know two weeks ago when you thought Lucrezia was upset with you for something you couldnÆt figure out?ö
ôYeah, I spent an entire night on the firing range attempting to fix my mistake.ö He replied.
ôIt was her Time of the Month; itÆs basically something women go through from puberty on. The cramps get worse every month for me it seems.ö She explained.
ôIsnÆt that counterproductive though?ö He asked randomly and was rewarded with a toy bear hitting him the face.
Four hours later Fiore found himself walking through the streets with his handler. He was dressed in black pants, a white long-sleeved uniform button-up shirt, black trousers, and a black blazer his cello case resting against his back with a strap he held securely with his right hand. The sun was setting in the distance as they walked painting the world in oranges and reds but the tranquility was lost on Fiore. They were being deployed on a large scale sortie along with the others. The primary mission objective being the complete eradication of all enemies, in this case being a large rebellious faction that had been committing several terrorist attacks lately. Intelligence also believed they have ties with the Padania Republic Faction, a group of nationalistic radicals dedicated to the independence of northern Italy, as well as opposing globalization.
The duo entered an abandoned building across the street from the location of the targets. Climbing the stairs they arrived on the roof just as darkness descended over the world. Moving to the edge Fiore did not wait for the order already knowing his assigned task he set his cello case down and flipped the clasps up. Removing the A5 M long-range precision rifle he removed the current scope and replaced it with another from the top of the case. Fitting the scope he extended the bipod legs and lay flat on the roof getting into a sniping position, grabbing a five round magazine he easily slid it into place. Lifting the bolt and pulling it back he slid it back into place chambering a round.
ôFioreö He looked up at her as she called out.
ôNo matter what this mission must not fail. This is our debut do everything you can to complete the primary objective, I have faith in you.ö
ôYes MaÆam, I will not fail.ö Turning back with those words he placed his eyes into the scope.
ôThere are three men on the roof walking a clockwise counter-clockwise patrol pattern alternating every five minutes.ö He stated after watching the building for a few minutes.
ôThis is Lucrezia; weÆre in position and have spotted three enemies on the roof.ö The handler spoke into a wireless headset adorning her head.
ôThis is Jean, Hillshire and me are in position on the street ready for infiltration. Lauro are you in position?ö
ôJust finishing setting up now I confirm the three targets on the roof.ö
ôWe begin in five minutes then, Jean out.ö
Fiore simply stared through his scope letting his crosshairs track one man then another mentally counting down in his head. Seconds ticked by but he simply remained in position unaffected by the passage of time, when the ten second mark came his finger slid onto the trigger. Zero clicked in his mind mentally and he depressed the trigger at the same time Elsa fired, two heads suddenly exploded into a mass of gray brain matter and blood as the round pierced their skulls. The third guard only had a moment to draw breath before two bullets entered him from two sides shredding his brain and heart instantly. Neither sniper team celebrated or thought about their actions to them remorse didnÆt exist, they simply moved on to the targets that could be hit through the buildings windows. Gunfire was soon heard as Triela & Rico entered the building with their handlers.
ôWeÆre pinned down they have more numbers then we were told!ö JeanÆs voice crackled over the radio.
ôWeÆll come down and back you up from the rear entrance.ö Lauro stated as he and Elsa began making their way down the building.
öWe will meet you there.ö Lucrezia spoke up.
Fiore was studying the roof his mind working a mile a minute over every possibility. The main directive for a Child-Assassin was to obey the orders of their Handler and also to insure above all else a handlers safety even at the cost of their life. Taking this into account he quickly placed his rifle back into his cello case then shut and redid the clasps.
ôThe primary mission objective has not changed?ö He asked her standing up.
ôNo but we are to move into a full infiltration role.ö She explained.
ôYes MaÆamö walking a bit away he suddenly turned and charged to the end of the roof. Leaping from the edge he sailed through air covering the distance to the other roof with ease and skidding on the concrete surface using his hand to slow his momentum. Blue liquid flowed from the appendage as the skin was partially broken exposing some synthetic muscle.
ôFiore is making his way through the building via the roof. The distraction should allow everyone else to move in.ö She stated as if those had been her orders all along and in a way they were.
Opening his case he depressed a switch on the top section and it sung open revealing two sacks, the bigger of the two was red and had a strap for his back, the smaller one was black and could be attached to his side. Taking them out, he secured them before closing the secret panel. Removing one of his P90Æs he loaded it with a fresh clip and then closed the case. Placing it back on his back but positioned not to mess with the red satchel he stood up. Reaching behind him he removed a circular device from a hole in the red satchel and placed it against a generator on the roof. Pressing the button set into the device he heard it beep once and then took his P90 into a two handed position and began to descend into the building.
Moving down the stairs without even a sound he stopped once he reached the inside. Finding no targets or spots enemy could be encroached in he moved on. Stopping at a corner he pressed his back against the wall hearing the sound of several people breathing. Spinning around the corner he fell to one knee and calmly pulled the trigger three men instantly fell to the onslaught but the remaining two had been able to duck behind a radiator and an old desk. Pushing off with his right leg Fiore sprinted forward before either could compensate and fire, he was upon them. Jumping over the radiator he slammed a foot into the manÆs head that was barely above it, an audible crack was heard as his neck snapped under the force. Raising his P90 as he landed he pulled the trigger sending the rounds through the rotted wood with ease and into the waiting body on the other side. The sound of a body thumping against the wall filled his ears, standing he took a second device from the red satchel and placed it on the radiator then pressed the button.
Moving down the next three floors he found passable resistance but nothing that presented an issue to him and on each floor he set another of his devices. What only remained were the last two floors and even from here he could hear the sounds of fierce fighting. Reaching into the black satchel he removed a tennis ball sized sphere and depressed a button at the top. Tossing it down the stairwell he averted his eyes to avoid the blinding flash of light that occurred three seconds later. Rolling from his position he brought his P90 up and sprayed the immediate area with bullets killing five men and forcing the rest to seek cover. Reaching to his chest he undid the strap for the red satchel and let it drop to the floor before running for the stairs that led to the first floor.
Three bullets pierced his body as he ran two in his right shoulder and the third through his side. Blue liquid spurt from the holes but Fiore didnÆt acknowledge the damage or feel the pain. Leaping the last few steps he landed next to Triela and Hillshire.
ôWe should evacuate now.ö He stated coldly still not liking the presence of his friendÆs handler.
ôWeÆre not done yet!ö Triela declared through her cramps and fired several rounds upwards.
ôTriela, pull backö Hillshire ordered and the girl growled but complied Fiore right behind them a small hand held device in his right hand.
Diving out of the building behind them he turned so that he slid along the ground on his back and yelled out.
ôFIRE IN THE HOLEö depressing the button on the hand device a heartbeat passed and then.
*BOOM*
The explosives he had set went off forcing the building to implode and destroy any survivors of the enemy. Fiore found he had the strangest desire to celebrate his deed or laugh like some sort of stereotypical mad scientist that he read about so often.
æI remember . . . . I remember the night of my first mission . . . . I was not afraid in fact I felt nothing at all . . . . There was no pain . . . . . Or . . . . Remorse . . . . Only the desire . . . . . The desire to complete my mission . . . . . Nothing else mattered . . . . . . I was an assassin . . . . . A government sanctioned assassin . . . . . My every act was condoned as long as the mission was completed and the enemy killed . . . . . I was content. . . . . . I was Happy . . . . . Nothing else mattered . . . . . I was a weapon . . . . . Just like the others . . . . . I grew stronger honing all of my skills . . . . . . as she demanded of me . . . . . Triela even gave me a gift . . . . . She parted with one of her Teddy Bears . . . . . I placed it on the window next to my bed . . . . . so that it could greet the day with me . . . . . . I truly am happy here.Æ
Fiore knocked calmly in front of room 207 in the Majestic hotel dressed like a delivery boy a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Knocking on the door and placing a cheery smile on his face he waited. After a minute he heard the chain slide away and the door open revealing a burly Russian man in a black suit.
ôWhat is it you want Boy?ö he asked in a heavily accented voice.
ôA flower delivery for Mr. Salvatoreö He stated.
ôWho are they from?ö
ôThe Hotel placed the order sir they use our shop to show important guests that they are welcome.ö Nodding the man took the bouquet and turned to shut the door. He never got to as a bullet entered his back and sent the large man falling to the floor with a thump.
Fiore entered the room firing twice more with his silenced Five-seven pistol and taking out two more armed guards. Making his way towards the bedroom he heard moaning from behind the door. Easing it open he found the target and a young woman having sex. Raising his gun he fired twice into each one before making an exit and returning to the waiting car outside and Lucrezia.
ôThe Target is silenced?ö she asked as he sat down beside her. The boy raised an eyebrow at her an odd quirk he had picked up from Triela.
ôYes MaÆam, three guards and one civilian casualty.ö He finally stated.
ôWhy did you kill the Civilian?ö
ôThe orders were to silence the target, his guards, and any witnesses. I simply followed my orders to the letter.ö
Afternoon of that day found Triela, Fiore, and Elsa up on the roof the male of the trio watching the clouds go by. Elsa had only been convinced to join as Lauro had a meeting he had to attend. The aloof girl still seemed to dislike interacting with Triela, though she was marginally comfortable with Fiore.
ôLucrezia actually questioned your kills just because one was a civilian?ö Triela asked looking at the cloud gazing boy.
ôShe practically told me my brainwashing level was going up if I didnÆt explain myself.ö He replied.
ôUgh, I know the feeling Hillshire gives me these looks every time he thinks I am stepping out of bounds. æTriela you must follow my orders or we canÆt function as a teamÆ.ö The last part was spoken with a weak approximation of HillshireÆs voice.
ôÆFiore pay attention and focus your grouping was off.Æ æFiore I want you to put all your shots through the same hole.Æ æKnow your weapon like you would a loverÆs body and it will never betray youÆ.ö Fiore hopped up doing his impression of his Handler even crossing his arms earning a laugh from his audience.
æI remember . . . . I remember being happy . . . . Elsa . . . . She became obsessed with her Handler . . . . . She constantly spoke of loving him . . . . She was completely . . . . Infatuated with him . . . . Even though he treated her . . . . Like a tool . . . . More new people came . . . . . and A new Agent was hired . . . . . Named . . . . . Jose . . . . . He hadnÆt picked anyone yet though . . . He seemed adverse . . . . To the project . . . . . The ebb and flow of time continued . . . . . . I killed more and more people . . . . . . Often as a lone assassin . . . . . sometimes with the others . . . . . . Or in small teams . . . . . . . I still needed to prove myself.Æ
Fiore was crouched behind a dumpster with Lucrezia his cello case sitting on the ground next to him. Directly ahead of them was a wooden door that served as a side entrance for a warehouse. The Padania Republic Faction had a large force and weapons cache secured inside and so the execution order had been given. He had gotten into position quicker then expected, which was happening more and more lately his speed ad skills seemed to be advancing quicker the harder he was pushed.
He was dressed normally with the exception that his blazer was replaced with a long coat and he was wearing black gloves. Taking the extra time he had earned he opened his cello case and removed his five-seven pistols placing them into a pair of rigs hidden by his coat so he had easy access to them. Stashing a few extra clips inside his jacket, he then unpacked one of the P90Æs and loaded it with a magazine before repeating his stashing process and closing the case back up. Finished with preparation he turned his eyes to the door watching it carefully incase anyone decided to take an evening stroll.
ôThis is Lucrezia, in position and preparations completeö The dark haired Handler stated into the microphone on her headset.
ôWe havenÆt completed preparations yet the operation will not begin for Thirty-minutes. Hold your position until then.ö JeanÆs voice responded through the earpiece.
*THUNK*
Fiore caught the small sound from behind the door and narrowed his eyes hands tightening around his weapon. He heard it again but it was louder denoting it was drawing closer. The doorknob was grabbed from the inside and the door cracked light glinted off a metallic object the person was holding. Fiore could hear the person identified by the base in his voice as a male talking to someone else, which is why the door had not been fully opened yet. The door was pushed open finally a tanned man appearing with his back to him his left hand on the doorknob his right wrapped around the barrel of an assault rifle he appeared to still be talking to the same person further inside. As the man turned to face his position he squeezed the trigger placing three bullets into the manÆs chest. Jumping over the dumpster he spotted the second man further in and opened fire in a controlled burst sending him to the ground before he could even life his weapon. The noise made by both his gunÆs discharge and the falling bodies alerted the group inside of danger.
Reaching into his coat he removed one of his black spheres and depressed the top button before hurling it through the doorway and turning his gaze away. Hearing the armed group fall into disarray because of the self-made and improved Flashbang he rushed through the door the muzzle of his submachine gun flashing as he tore into their numbers.
Loud speakers mounted on the walls released the sweet tones of BeethovenÆs: Moonlight Sonata into the air as Fiore worked his way toward the center of the warehouse. Bullets swarmed at any position he took like angry hornets but still he pushed forward dropping bodies indiscriminately. Hearing the click as his last clip emptied he drew one of his Five-seven pistols and picked up a curved dagger from a dead girl with his left hand.
Spinning from around the box he was using for cover he slashed the throat of an approaching faction member then dropped another two behind that one with well placed shots. Fiore ducked low the sixth sense all of the Child-Assassins developed through the initial conditioning warning him of a threat behind him. The threat was several hundred rounds passing over the space he had just been occupying fired from two heavy machine guns, brining his handgun up he sent a bullet into one shooters forehead and a second his partnerÆs throat. Fiore entered into a deadly dance following the music and cleaving through his enemies one by one. The carnage continued until only the leader remained backing away from the monster that had just wiped out his entire force of men in the span of half an hour.
Reaching down Fiore picked up a knife from another body his gunÆs lost in the fighting, which left him to steal weapons from the dead or kill with his hands.
ôWho the Fuck, are you?!ö the man yelled pressing the button that started the main doors opening. Fiore never responded just simply straightened his body back up and lifted the blade.
The doors slid open easily and the leader ran for the outside just as he reached the threshold his body fell forward onto the concrete street and began to slide his body coming to a stop before Jean and Rico the knife sticking out of the back of his head.
Lucrezia and the other Handlers came from around the corner or there positions along with their Child-Assassins getting a look at just what Fiore had done.
The soft tones of Moonlight Sonata continued to play through the speakers giving music to the dreadful scene. Blood soaked the walls in streaks from where people had impacted against them or bled out onto them leaving little trails, a lake of crimson covered the floor continuously growing as the dead gushed precious life-blood. A sea of death and destruction was laid out before them, crates broken dents and imprints left in walls, still forms of human life littering the floor some slumped against or draped over others. All in all it was horrific scene yet strangely elegant and beautiful.
Fiore stood as the center piece to it all, blue synthetic liquid leaking from the corner of his mouth, clothes ripped and torn soiled by blood and remains, his face was impassive and cold the perfect picture of what an assassin should look like. Blood was spattered across his face tiny droplets of the precious fluid would slip from it and mix with the blue liquid creating an odd spiral effect on the ground. Fiore didnÆt react when Jean stepped up to him and backhanded him across the cheek he simply made his head turn to give the effect of Jean actually harming him.
ôWhy did you attack?ö He demanded.
ôI perceived an imminent threat to my Handler and acted to insure her safety, once the first guard fell the second interior enemy had to be dealt with or my position would have been compromised and my Handler in even more danger. With the enemy alerted to my presence and any reinforcements 30 minutes from combat readiness I attacked in order to prevent the enemy from retreating.ö Fiore answered simply.
ôYou disobeyed a direct order.ö Jean growled.
ôNo, My Handler never ordered me to wait or to halt in my assault.ö
ôI gave the order to strike in thirty minutes.ö
ôI do not take orders from you.ö
Jean narrowed his eyes and brought his hand up to backhand the Child-Assassin once again only for his hand to grabbed mid-swing by Lucrezia, who leveled a cold glare at the man.
ôHe is not your reasonability Jean you would do well to remember that before acting again. If you havenÆt noticed Fiore just eliminated a sizeable group of PRF members in the time it took you and the others to finish your preparations. You will not reprimand him for a job well done in fact you will not reprimand my charge.ö She stated coldly before releasing his hand and watching him walk out a smug smile on her face. Fiore had just proven he was perfect and Jean knew he couldnÆt contest the skill of the job done.
ôGather your weapons and your cello case so we can go.ö She ordered the boy.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded and set out on his task it was on the way back as the pair sat in the back seat of the car that he spoke again.
ôLucreziaö he spoke getting her attention.
ôYes Fiore?ö
ôWill my level of Brainwashing be increased now because of my actions?ö he asked and had he been anyone else his voice would have quivered with fear.
ôNoö she replied simply.
ôDid I do something wrong? Jean spoke as if I had defied your orders, or compromised the mission but everything I did was within the scope of the mission parameters, your orders, and the directives of Section Twoö Fiore was confused about the confrontation and it was showing.
ôJean saw your actions as rebellious and uncontrolled, an open defiance of what you are to him. The Child-Assassins are nothing but tools to him expendable and expected to be docile, obedient, and never question orders or how to perform their assigned tasks. He acted as he does with Rico do not allow it to concern you.ö She explained.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded after contemplating her words a moment and committing them to his memory.
æI remember . . . . . . I remember hearing that sound . . . . . A heavy boot striking concrete . . . . . Waiting until he opened the door . . . . . . Waiting to take his life . . . . . . When the body fell I killed another . . . . . Then another and another . . . . It felt like I was dancing . . . . . I was dancing with them before they died . . . . . . A part of me enjoyed it . . . . . Then Jean slapped me . . . . And I didnÆt understand why . . . . . . HadnÆt I performed well enough? . . . . . He was not my Handler so why was he striking me? . . . . . Lucrezia explained it though . . . . . And I realized . . . . . The Handler were not perfect . . . . In fact they were very much imperfect . . . . . A question entered my mind while she spoke . . . . . If the Handlers cannot abide by the rules they set for us . . . . . . Then can they really be trusted to control us? . . .. . . Could they be trusted . . . . . not to give an order that put them . . . . . and us into terminal danger? . . .. . . Things seemed so good back then . . . . . But then it all unraveled . . . . . My world shattered . . . . I was abandoned again and betrayed once more.Æ
Triela sat with Claes and Angelica in her room watching Fiore play his cello for them. Since the warehouse mission a month prior Lucrezia had rewarded Fiore for his perfection by placing him in classes given at the Agency some of the other girls took. She had also insisted that he learn to play the cello and taking it as an order the boy set out to fulfill the request just as he had done with all his other skills. The final notes of his piece faded from the room as he finished and bowed when the three girls applauded. Fiore took that moment to reexamine his fellow Child-Assassins
Angelica was a girl appearing to be twelve years old with long black hair and eyes as blue as his own. She was also in fact the first Child-Assassin employed by the Social Welfare AgencyÆs Section Two. In this way the two of them were alike, Angelica was the first girl to be redefined and he was the first and still only boy. She was also the reason He and Triela feared the higher levels of brainwashing, not that they ever voiced being afraid of it to their Handlers. Angelica showed the signs of long-term memory loss brought on by the high amounts of brainwashing and conditioning used on her.
Claes shared the same hair color and eyes as Angelica but was also the newest Child-Assassin, her handler was a former military policeman named Rabello. She liked to read and seemed to pick up the philosophy of her Handler but still that was all Fiore really knew of the new girl in his life. The oddest thing seemed to be the glasses she wore for no reason all the time.
ôYouÆre really getting good Fiore.ö Triela praised him as he stood and began putting the instrument away.
ôThanks, IÆve been practicing everyday after my Hacking lessons.ö He replied modestly.
ôIt shows your skills really are impressive.ö Claes complimented with a smile.
ôI just wish the others were here to listen, Rico is with Jean, Petrushka & Beatrico are out on assignment with their Handlers, and Elsa was nowhere to be found either.ö Angelica added in and Triela shrugged showing she had no idea where the girl was.
ôSheÆs seemed down lately I think she asked Lauro to take her somewhere today.ö Fiore mused tapping his chin in thought. Elsa talked to him about as much as Triela but as of late he could sense something wrong with her that he just couldnÆt understand.
ôMaybe she just finally figured out that Lauro doesnÆt care for her at all. Things like that are always hard to accept.ö Triela finally put in as Fiore picked up his cello case. The blonde had known for a long time about the male Child-AssassinÆs crush on Elsa so she hoped for his sake that the girl had realized what her Handler really thought. She neglected to ever tell him of her own feelings.
ôIt is a possibility I guess we will find out later when she gets back. Lucrezia will be expected me soon for training.ö With that Fiore made his exit to continue his day.
Fiore quietly walked back towards his room as the sunset that evening after training. Lucrezia had drilled him harder then before stating he needed to improve and go beyond his current limits, all he could do was nod and comply with her orders. She had also given him a new weapon to train with, a pair of black gloves that concealed thin metallic wire useful for strangling, capturing, and cutting. He had been told the wire had many names but he preferred AssassinÆs wire it suited the tasks it would be used for after all. Storm clouds rolled in giving the sky a gray appearance as the fading sun was swallowed up.
Later that evening as he was returning to his room after his last class and seeing Triela to her room he spotted Jean talking with Priscilla, an Agent of Section Two that seemed to genuinely care for him and the other Child-assassins. Staying in the dark of the walkways he eased closer his steps not making even the smallest of noises. He was intent on hearing what was going on as Jean seemed angry, while Priscilla was shocked and more then a little worried looking.
ôThey found them in the park where Lauro gave her, her name.ö Jean stated.
ôI canÆt believe Elsa would do something like this.ö Priscilla replied shaking her head.
ôThere will be an investigation into the incident but itÆs clear that Elsa acted alone. No one saw this happening.ö He continued with a sigh.
ôI thought it was impossible for them to harm a Handler and that they were supposed to sacrifice themselves in order to protect them.ö
ôIt is, no one can figure out how or why Elsa did it. All we know for sure is First she shot Lauro and then herself right through the eye.ö Jean explained breaking the truth out.
Fiore stopped his body from reacting to the news and instead just slipped away silently. Once away from the pair he walks aimlessly without purpose or destination his eyes lowered towards the ground and his face hollow of any emotion or thought. The clouds chose that moment to burst and send rain falling to the ground and onto Fiore. He looked up at the sky letting the rain impact with his face and slide down before continuing to the ground just like tears. A strange feeling welled up inside of him, one he couldnÆt identify with his utter lack of experience with emotions at times he doubted that he had emotions but they always seemed to show up when around the other girls.
æSelf Termination, the voluntary destruction of ones self committed by their own hands. Elsa was not ordered to Terminate Lauro or herself, so then why are both now dead? Lauro refused to care for her did this refusal constitute a betrayal to Elsa, which led her to believe he was a traitor there by overriding our protection order and then demanding self termination as a punishment for breaking that rule? I do not understand this situation I have no directives for how to respond. I feel . . . . . . I feel betrayed . . . . Abandoned . . . . . This feeling is painful . . . . . I do not want to feel this emotion.Æ
æThe Handlers are responsible for everything we do and learn. So Lauro is responsible for ElsaÆs Self Termination . . . . . It is the fate that awaits all of the Child-Assassins . . . . . . . If Termination is our fate . . . . . Then does My Handler deserve to rule my life? . . . . . . The Handlers are Imperfect this is what Lucrezia told me . . . . . Yet they control our lives and our fates . . . . . They control our Termination . . . . . . Why do Imperfect Handlers control our lives and Terminations? . . . . . My Brainwashing level will be increased if anyone learns of my thoughts . . . . . . What must I do to gain the freedom of myself and my friends? . . . . . . My head hurts because I go against my directives . . . . . . I must consider the question.Æ
Something suddenly blocked his view of the cloudy sky and stopped the rain from pelting him. Turning to look to his right he found Triela watching him with worry holding an umbrella over him. Fiore blinked at her before straightening his body and regaining his emotionless look, which oddly she seemed to see through. Triela smiled at him and the pair started walking back.
ôElsa . . . . Committed Self Termination after killing Lauroö He stated calmly as an explanation. Triela looked at him sharply in surprise before nodding in understand.
ôElsa would rather kill the one she loved then be without him. Then kill herself, so they would never be apart.ö
ôI do not understand.ö Fiore spoke confused.
ôShe expressed her love for him by killing him when he rejected her feelings. Elsa loved him too much to let him go, loved him too much to ever lose him so she made sure no one but her would ever be with him in this life or the next.ö
ôI think I understand now Triela, thank you.ö Fiore stated and entered his room with a smile to her, a genuine smile.
ôGlad I could be of service to the Invincible Fiore.ö She quipped causing him to laugh.
ôIf you said the words I would not reject you.ö He said simply and shut his door leaving the girl stunned.
æIt becomes clear to me without the termination of all the Handlers and destruction of Section two along with the SWA we can all never be free of their control. I cannot at this time help my friends so I must simply follow my directives. We must remain this way.Æ
Three days later found all of the Child-Assassins and their Handlers on a train traveling north to the city of Verona. The mission was of utmost importance and if accomplished would strike a decisive blow against the PRF and hopefully cripple them. Fiore sat next to Lucrezia staring out the window at the rolling countryside and the beauty of nature feeling at peace with himself and his world. This was his fate and until it could be changed he would exist as others saw fit, he was a child-assassin, a weapon of Section Two and the Italian Government. He would perform in this mission as he had in all of his others, perfectly and without flaw, remorse, or hesitation.
Triela & Hillshire were sitting in the row next to them with Triela either ignoring her Handler or trying to sleep. In front of him sat Angelica and her Handler Marco the latter telling the former another Impromptu story about ôThe prince of the land of Pastaö. Rico & Jean were also in his row but in the back of the train car. Claes & Rabello were in the same row as Triela near the front. Petrushka and her Handler Alessandro sat in the seats to the back with Beatrico and her Handler Bernardo directly in front of them. It would be one of the few times all of them had been gathered for one infiltration strangely it put him at further ease.
As the train pulled into the station he retrieved his cello case and continued to silently follow Lucrezia. He was dressed in a long black coat fully buttoned, which hid his short sleeved white button-up shirt he wore below it, along with black slacks and shoes. Fiore quietly climbed into the waiting car with his Handler and stared ahead as the driver brought the car into traffic.
ôDo you remember the cover story Fiore?ö Lucrezia asked as more of a test for his knowledge then caring if he actually knew.
ôYes MaÆamö He responded immediately.
ôRepeat it then.ö
ôMy name is Fiore Minuchi, son of Lucrezia & Marco Minuchi and twin brother of Angelica Minuchi. We are visiting the city with Father, who is conducted a major business deal here in Verona. My main interest is the Cello and I attend the St WilliamÆs Academy in Rome.ö He repeated the earlier briefing she had given him word for word detailing everything about his alias for the infiltration mission.
ôGood Fiore, you continue to make me proud with your growth in the assassinÆs arts.ö Lucrezia praised pleased with his perfect performance of orders and duties once again.
ôThank you MaÆam.ö They pair once again lapsed into silence before arriving at the Hotel for their cover.
Walking behind her he allowed a bellhop to take his cello case and placed a smile on his face pretending to look around in wonder instead of actually checking for threats. Fiore could see several security cameras and acted as any child would he happily waved at one, closing his eyes with a bright smile.
ôFiore honey, come along we need to get to our room.ö Lucrezia called out sweetly and he ran to meet her at the elevator.
A few hours later Marco would arrive with Angelica to complete the illusion of a vacationing Minuchi family. The bellboy that brought them up was completely fooled when Fiore jumped into MarcoÆs arms giving him a hug. The second the door closed though, Fiore lost all emotion in his face and eyes and simply hopped down and returned to his seat on the couch and resumed reading his book. The act had actually fooled the male Handler for a moment.
ôWhere is Lucrezia?ö He asked moving further into the room. Angelica chose to take a seat next to Fiore.
ôShe departed two hours ago as per our usual operating strategy to confirm mission preparations and to scout the Infiltration site.ö He stated simply used to this type of occurrence from his Handler.
ôDoes she routinely leave you alone or is this a first?ö Marco queered after a minute sitting down with a cup of coffee opposite the two.
ôYes, once given my orders my only purpose is to execute those orders without hesitation. The Mission objective is to be my only focus or care it is unnecessary for me to accompany her. She ordered me to remain behind and I will unless given different orders.ö
Marco nodded some of his suspicions confirmed about the only male Child-Assassin. Fiore was treated the same as Rico & Elsa considered only a weapon, Lucrezia only kept his conditioning and brainwashing low to insure he lasted as long as possible. She expected perfection in Fiore and it showed in the brutal training he had been put through and the deadly efficiency in which he completed any assigned task. Marco wanted to see the boy in action during this mission just to confirm the rest of his suspicions about Lucrezia.
Fiore reached to his left in the quiet and took a second book from the arm of the couch and reached it to Angelica. She looked at it for a moment before smiling and flipping it open to about halfway and beginning to read in earnest. Neither noticed when their bodies began to move into more comfortable positions winding around one another without much care or thought. Fiore had his right elbow resting on the arm of the couch the book resting in his hand using his thumb to flick the pages as he finished with them, his legs were stretched out on the couch leaving him laying on his side. Angelica had mimicked his positioning her body resting against his and drawing his left arm around her both of her hands used to hold her book. Both appeared comfortable and unwilling to move as they continued to read. Marco quirked an eyebrow at the scene but decided against disturbing the cute scene. Angelica closed her book after a few minutes and looked up at Fiore.
ôAlexander picked up the sword once more his body quivering from exertion and continued to practice.ö Fiore began his voice soft with an undertone of emotion as he began to tell Angelica the story he was currently reading. Marco rose not wishing to disturb them and retreated back into one of the bedrooms in the large hotel suite.
Hours later when Lucrezia returned she found bother Child-Assassins asleep on the couch curled up together. A single dark blue eye opened and swiveled around to stare at her silently, Fiore just stared with that one eye as if waiting for a reprimand or order to move but giving no inclination to separate himself from Angelica. The Handler was slightly unnerved by the intensity in that emotionless gaze.
ôGo back to sleep and rest for the mission tomorrowö she whispered before heading to another of three bedrooms in the suite.
Another blue eye opened as Lucrezia shut her door and stared out the window into the night. Angelica pushed herself back against Fiore getting comfortable again and then the two different blue eyes shut again and breathing leveled sending two souls into slumber.
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Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion, Noir, or Gunslinger girl. All characters and concepts belong to their creators, publishers, or distributors, so please do not sue me.
Author Note 1: This is my Second attempt at a NGE story so please give me lots of feedback so I can improve.
Author note 2: I will be posting the prologue/chapter one without a betaÆs assistance so if anyone wants the job please tell me in the review.
Author note 3: This story just sort of came to me and I have no idea where it will lead but I enjoy it when my readers tell me where they think it is going so I can make them happy. This will be very AU at points and please let me know about pairing ideas if any. I do not do YAOI pairings anything else I will try to accommodate.
Summary: Blood coats his hands yet he didnÆt remember it. Sin filled his heart and soul, yet he could not recall such acts. They stole a part of his life away and twisted his body. When he rebelled they took their gifts away leaving him hollow and stripped away his memory of that time. Summoned by his Father Shinji will regain everything he has lost. For better or worse the Forsaken shall recall.
Now on with the Show ^_^
Forsaken
Chapter One: Awakening
A fourteen year old boy with Dark brown hair and blue eyes sat submerged in a Yellow-orange liquid that smelled suspiciously like blood a pair of neural clips resting on top of his head. He wore s short sleeved white button-up shirt the top left undone revealing a dark blue T-shirt along with dark blue pants and tennis shoes.
Shinji Ikari, only child of Gendo Rokubungi and Yui Ikari tried desperately to quell the fear welling up in his heart as he sat in Evangelion Unit-01 waiting to be deployed. He had been summoned to Tokyo-3 by his father not for a reunion but because the man had a purpose for him. The young Ikari had initially refused to pilot the enormous horned purple machine but changed his mind to save another, who was injured from having to fight the monster rampaging in the city.
Pain was building behind his eyes and throughout his head the longer he sat connected to the Eva. It felt like a migraine was trying to rip his skull to shreds but he couldnÆt think of that not now. Shinji tightened his hold on the control sticks as the machine was launched upwards hurtling towards the city streets and the Third Angel.
A huge hulking black form with gray shoulder plates and a white bird-like mask for a face a crimson orb placed in the center of its chest. Its arms were long and gangly only vaguely humanoid. This was the face of his enemy two circular holes in the mask gave the feeling of eyes but the young man could see nothing in the sockets as they watched him in curiosity.
ôJust concentrate on Walking.ö Dr Akagi spoke over the comm. piercing the pain of his headache and making him focus.
æThink about walkingà..Walkà. WalkÆ he chanted mentally and felt the lumbering beast respond.
In Central Dogma several people gasped as they watched Unit-01 lift a foot and take a shaky step forward. The moment ended however when the Eva lost its balance and tumbled forward its arms coming up in front of it to shield the fall seemingly by reflex.
The Third Angel seemingly broke from its questioning gaze and charged down the street cracking the concrete with each step. The Eva was lifted by the AngelÆs left arm and the right grasped the machines left arm squeezing violently causing the synthetic muscles to bulge and veins to become visible on the EvaÆs arm.
ôAHHH!ö Shinji screams his arm being twisted in an eerie misshapen duplication of the EvaÆs. A sharp pain through his mind forcing his eyes shut tightly against it.
ôShinji, you need to keep your head. It isnÆt really your arm.ö Misato yelled over the comm. but he couldnÆt hear her.
A swift jerking motion by the Angel and Shinji felt his arm break becoming dead weight. The pain was growing in his mind only offset by the physical pain caused by the enemy. Shinji suddenly screams as the Angel strikes the EvaÆs head repeatedly cracking the protective helmet and injuring the left eye of machine. Dark blue synthetic liquid mixed with LCL as it flowed from his own eye instead of blood.
æThis pain itÆs so intense, why does my head hurt so much? I canÆt feel my left arm anymore, is someone speaking to me? I canÆt hear them did they just give up on me? IÆm going to die arenÆt I? I donÆt want to die; I canÆt die not yet and not here! I DONÆT WANT TO DIE HERE!Æ there was a sudden impact against his chest that sent the Eva flying backwards. He coughed up more of the dark blue liquid instead of blood and his eyes snapped open pupils shrinking into tiny dots.
He was walking behind his guardian as they were crossing a street in Rome Italy. The man his father had sent him to live with had been asked to teach at a university and so they had left his country of birth behind. A car came screeching around a curve suddenly and barreled down the street at high speed the driver unaware or uncaring of the pedestrians. Shinji turned hearing the strange sound the tires made and stood frozen as the vehicle sped towards him. The moment crept on and he was vaguely aware of his guardian tutor leaping off the crosswalk uncaring of the young boyÆs life.
æI remember . . . . . I remember feeling scared and then there was a blinding pain and the sense I was flying . . . . . I remember so much pain and blood . . . . I could see my own blood . . . . . it even covered my eyes . . . . . No one rushed to me and the darkness was closing in . . . . I wanted my mother or my father so badly at that moment . . . . But I was alone . . . . No one wanted me.Æ
Shinji was lying in a bed in nothing but a hospital gown and covered by a simple sheet the curtains around his bed were closed blocking people from seeing him and he from seeing people. A clear plastic mask covered his mouth and nose pumping oxygen into his body helping him breath. Various machines were connected to his arms and chest constantly monitoring his vitals and beeping with a small reminder that he did indeed remain alive. An IV was placed into his right arm allowing liquids to be provided directly to his body along with pain medication that left him numb all over.
æMy condition was Terminal . . . . . I remember thatÆs what they told my guardian and . . . . Then he left . . . . . and never came back to my room . . . . . . I was told later that he had returned to Japan . . . . . He abandoned me leaving me in the care of the Hospital . . . . . I was a ward of the government and I knew . . . . . I knew they would soon just remove the machines . . . . Soon I would die . . . . . No one was there to hold my hand or tell me it would all be ok . . . . . No one wanted me. . . . . . No one ever wanted me.Æ
He was laying in a new bed being watched through a square window set into the wall to his left. A blue eye swiveled around to gaze at his watcher to find more then one person there. Of course one was Dr Ibiki the one in charge of his care and generally the only person in the hospital who seemed to care for his welfare. The man stood at Six feet even with blonde hair and brown eyes with a pair of scholarly glasses over them. Next to him stood a trio of people he had never laid eyes on one of which could be his age. The one watching him with a critical eye though was a woman somewhere in her late twenties or early thirties with long black hair and piercing mahogany brown eyes dressed nicely in a black jacket and white blouse with a black skirt. The other two were a gentleman dressed in a brown suit and tie and next to him the young girl with green eyes and blonde hair. He felt his cheeks brighten watching her before his medicine took over and he was pulled back into sleep. He was not awake for the conversation that took place.
ôThank you for calling me about this child Dr Ibiki, I think he would be a perfect candidate.ö The woman spoke with a smile still eyeing the sleeping Shinji.
ôI thought he might, itÆs really a shame everything he has gone through if anyone deserves a chance to live itÆs him.ö He replied with a smile thinking fortune was on the side of this patient. Checking his watch he said his goodbyes and continued with his rounds.
ôSo you finally picked one.ö The man in the suit stated he had slightly long dark hair and eyes.
ôLauro, unlike you and Jean I prefer to use a discerning eye when picking a flower. That is the problem with you two just because something is replaceable does not mean you should get inferior quality.ö She responded finally turning to face her companion.
ôDo you take this long to pick out any other tool?ö He asked.
ôOf course I donÆt like inferior products.ö
æThe SWA or Social Welfare Agency . . . . They are a corporation sponsored by the Italian Government . . . . . That rehabilitates and save human lives . . . . Dr Ibiki had talked to them about me . . . . He told me I had been selected by their program . . . . . That I would live again without the aide of machines and once more be able to move . . . . . I remember feeling so much joy at his words, joy and hope for my future . . . . . That woman I remember seeing her earlier that day and it was she who chose me . . . . . . Someone truly wanted me . . . . . wanted me to live . . . . . I cried but not in pain or loneliness but instead in happiness . . . . . . I would soon be free . . . . . How truly wrong I was.Æ
Shinji lay on a cold metal table under harsh white lights surrounded by surgeons his body exposed revealing the immense damage the accident had done to him. Even living on life-support as he had been the boy would likely have not survived more then another month, less if his severally weakened immune system had been forced to try and fight any form of virus or germ. Watching through a square observation window stood the same woman her arms crossed over her chest a neutral expression on her face. She stood there watching as ShinjiÆs body was basically dissected piece by piece and replaced with Synthetic muscles and organs along with cybernetic implants and other artificial parts all of which were far more advanced then anything used publicly or secretly.
Publicly, the mission of the SWA is to save and rehabilitate human lives, but in reality, the SWA is a public front for Section Two of the Political Warfare Section, a subdivision of the Italian intelligence responsible for counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism and a series of experiments designed to create the perfect government-commissioned assassin. While Section One conducts their operations with normal human operatives, Section Two employs the use of young cyborgs on the fringe of technology. Once an agent hired by the SWA chooses a child from a near-death experience or who is in critical condition. Section Two then redefines their body in a surgical operation to be refitted with artificial body parts, such as synthesized muscles and carbon fiber frames. As a result, the child gains incredible strength (at least peak human strength), quick reflexes, and a high resilience to damage and pain.
Usually only Male agents were hired and young girls chosen creating teams known as, Fratello. However because of her record with Section One Chief Lorenzo had brought her over to Section Two with orders to choose and oversee her own Child-Assassin. She was determined to produce the best no matter the cost.
ôLucreziaö turning at the mention of her name she saw Chief Lorenzo approach and take the spot next to her watching the operation.
ôHello Sirö she greeted stiffly before turning back to the window.
ôSo this is your choice?ö He asked.
ôYes Sir, I have a good feeling about him.ö
ôI will be expecting good results then from you.ö
ôYou will have them and more Sir that is a promise.ö She affirmed her superior.
ôGood, the results from this will help the program grow hopefully. Good day then Lucreziaö with that he turned walking off.
Several hours later would find Shinji lying in a soft bed under the covers seemingly asleep in a simple room with soft blue walls and an elegant table in the center of the room along with a single window. Through a two-way mirror Lucrezia stood arms crossed with a smile watching him to her right sat a woman at a keyboard working on the final phase of his refining the conditioning and brainwashing.
ôWhat name have you chosen for him?ö the woman asked pausing in her typing to get the information.
ôFioreö she responded simply the woman didnÆt respond simply typed the name in and continued.
ôWhat level of Brainwashing and Conditioning?ö
ôMinimalö was the answer given.
æI remember . . . . . . I remember being lost . . . . . I no longer could recall Mother or Father . . . . . I no longer existed to myself . . . . . Shinji Ikari no longer existed he had died and I became Fiore . . . . . At times I briefly recalled once being unable to move or being in a lot of pain . . . . . but I no longer felt that pain . . . . . I could move and breath fresh air something that seemed to be enjoyable for me . . . . . My life was just beginning . . . . . . I had much to do and learn.Æ
Fiore stood at the firing range a cello case resting at his side as Lucrezia slipped on a pair of goggles and sound mufflers. To his right practicing with an H&K G3A3 assault rifle was a girl around his age maybe a year older with long blonde hair kept in two long ponytails and blue eyes with tan skin. She was dressed in a rather masculine manner with a white button-up shirt left untucked, long leather trench coat, black gloves, and dark blue pants. The girlÆs name was Triela, a rather rebellious and pragmatic girl whom he had formed an almost instant friendship with when they met.
ôStart two handed with your P90.ö Lucrezia ordered.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded and popped the clasps on his cello case. Inside rested a pair of FN Herstral P90 Submachine guns, a pair of FN Herstral Five-seven pistols, and a FN Herstral A5 M Long-range precision rifle. The top of the case was filled with preloaded magazines for each weapon along with tactical systems or add-ons for the guns.
Removing two 50 round magazines and setting them aside he then removed one of the Submachine guns and gave it a quick visual check. Lucrezia had extensively drilled him in making sure every weapon he used was always in perfect working order going so far as to ordering him to disassemble and reassemble every one of them until he knew each part by sight and feel. This had of course led to him not sleeping that night in an attempt to fulfill the order. Satisfied with the momentary checking he loaded a clip into the P90 and took aim at the target. Squeezing the trigger he felt the gun buck in his hands as it rapidly expelled the uniform bullets out the barrel. He fired in quick bursts until the magazine finally emptied out and then awaited an evaluation of his shooting.
ôGood but not perfect, reload again I expect a perfect grouping this time Fiore.ö She stated and had a new target set up.
ôYes MaÆamö he replied instantly and quickly exchanged magazines and took aim again. Realizing the fault in his stance he quickly shifted making it perfect and focused his mind completely on the target. Depressing the trigger he sent more bullets screaming at the new target and waited once the last round was fired.
ôAdequateö she spoke after checking the grouping. Truth, be told it had been better then most trained marksman but she would never allow him to become prideful. She expected the best from him and anything short of perfection would not do.
Fiore caught sight of another blonde running through the urban training course under the watchful eye of her Handler Lauro. This was Elsa she was almost closer to his age then Triela and the only other person he identified with or even spoke to if not necessary. She was rather cold and impersonal to everyone save her Handler, who in turn treated her as a tool or weapon refusing to see her as a human being. Something inside him was drawn to her and those green eyes, though he would not admit it to anyone let alone himself.
ôItÆs time to work on your hand-to-hand combat and handgun skills. After that you may spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish Fiore.ö
ôYes MaÆamö he responded automatically.
æI remember . . . . I remember her harsh gaze . . . . When I failed or . . . . When I did not perform good enough . . . . I had to be perfect nothing else mattered . . . . . I would be perfect nothing else would be accepted by her . . . . . or . . . by Elsa . . . . My only friends became Triela and Elsa, who seemed at ease around me more then the other girls . . . . . . New faces began to appear at the SWA . . . . . Jean chose a girl named Rico but like Lauro . . . . . He treats her as nothing but a tool . . . . . Triela told me once Hillshire, her handler had heard Rico and Elsa . . . . . had the highest amount of Brainwashing and conditioning possible . . . . . . I was thankful Lucrezia did not order that for me . . . . . though if I fail her orders . . . . It will be the fate awaiting me.Æ
Fiore sat with Triela in her room under the watchful eyes of several teddy bears. It still amazed him somewhat that every year Hillshire gave her a toy bear. Triela was currently resting her head on her arms groaning ever so often. Lifting his cup he took a sip of the tea and sighed in contentment with its taste. He had been sitting there watching her in that pitiful state for about twenty minutes now.
ôWhat exactly is bothering you?ö Fiore finally asked.
ôItÆs my time of the monthö she mumbled and watched him blink in confusion.
ôYou know two weeks ago when you thought Lucrezia was upset with you for something you couldnÆt figure out?ö
ôYeah, I spent an entire night on the firing range attempting to fix my mistake.ö He replied.
ôIt was her Time of the Month; itÆs basically something women go through from puberty on. The cramps get worse every month for me it seems.ö She explained.
ôIsnÆt that counterproductive though?ö He asked randomly and was rewarded with a toy bear hitting him the face.
Four hours later Fiore found himself walking through the streets with his handler. He was dressed in black pants, a white long-sleeved uniform button-up shirt, black trousers, and a black blazer his cello case resting against his back with a strap he held securely with his right hand. The sun was setting in the distance as they walked painting the world in oranges and reds but the tranquility was lost on Fiore. They were being deployed on a large scale sortie along with the others. The primary mission objective being the complete eradication of all enemies, in this case being a large rebellious faction that had been committing several terrorist attacks lately. Intelligence also believed they have ties with the Padania Republic Faction, a group of nationalistic radicals dedicated to the independence of northern Italy, as well as opposing globalization.
The duo entered an abandoned building across the street from the location of the targets. Climbing the stairs they arrived on the roof just as darkness descended over the world. Moving to the edge Fiore did not wait for the order already knowing his assigned task he set his cello case down and flipped the clasps up. Removing the A5 M long-range precision rifle he removed the current scope and replaced it with another from the top of the case. Fitting the scope he extended the bipod legs and lay flat on the roof getting into a sniping position, grabbing a five round magazine he easily slid it into place. Lifting the bolt and pulling it back he slid it back into place chambering a round.
ôFioreö He looked up at her as she called out.
ôNo matter what this mission must not fail. This is our debut do everything you can to complete the primary objective, I have faith in you.ö
ôYes MaÆam, I will not fail.ö Turning back with those words he placed his eyes into the scope.
ôThere are three men on the roof walking a clockwise counter-clockwise patrol pattern alternating every five minutes.ö He stated after watching the building for a few minutes.
ôThis is Lucrezia; weÆre in position and have spotted three enemies on the roof.ö The handler spoke into a wireless headset adorning her head.
ôThis is Jean, Hillshire and me are in position on the street ready for infiltration. Lauro are you in position?ö
ôJust finishing setting up now I confirm the three targets on the roof.ö
ôWe begin in five minutes then, Jean out.ö
Fiore simply stared through his scope letting his crosshairs track one man then another mentally counting down in his head. Seconds ticked by but he simply remained in position unaffected by the passage of time, when the ten second mark came his finger slid onto the trigger. Zero clicked in his mind mentally and he depressed the trigger at the same time Elsa fired, two heads suddenly exploded into a mass of gray brain matter and blood as the round pierced their skulls. The third guard only had a moment to draw breath before two bullets entered him from two sides shredding his brain and heart instantly. Neither sniper team celebrated or thought about their actions to them remorse didnÆt exist, they simply moved on to the targets that could be hit through the buildings windows. Gunfire was soon heard as Triela & Rico entered the building with their handlers.
ôWeÆre pinned down they have more numbers then we were told!ö JeanÆs voice crackled over the radio.
ôWeÆll come down and back you up from the rear entrance.ö Lauro stated as he and Elsa began making their way down the building.
öWe will meet you there.ö Lucrezia spoke up.
Fiore was studying the roof his mind working a mile a minute over every possibility. The main directive for a Child-Assassin was to obey the orders of their Handler and also to insure above all else a handlers safety even at the cost of their life. Taking this into account he quickly placed his rifle back into his cello case then shut and redid the clasps.
ôThe primary mission objective has not changed?ö He asked her standing up.
ôNo but we are to move into a full infiltration role.ö She explained.
ôYes MaÆamö walking a bit away he suddenly turned and charged to the end of the roof. Leaping from the edge he sailed through air covering the distance to the other roof with ease and skidding on the concrete surface using his hand to slow his momentum. Blue liquid flowed from the appendage as the skin was partially broken exposing some synthetic muscle.
ôFiore is making his way through the building via the roof. The distraction should allow everyone else to move in.ö She stated as if those had been her orders all along and in a way they were.
Opening his case he depressed a switch on the top section and it sung open revealing two sacks, the bigger of the two was red and had a strap for his back, the smaller one was black and could be attached to his side. Taking them out, he secured them before closing the secret panel. Removing one of his P90Æs he loaded it with a fresh clip and then closed the case. Placing it back on his back but positioned not to mess with the red satchel he stood up. Reaching behind him he removed a circular device from a hole in the red satchel and placed it against a generator on the roof. Pressing the button set into the device he heard it beep once and then took his P90 into a two handed position and began to descend into the building.
Moving down the stairs without even a sound he stopped once he reached the inside. Finding no targets or spots enemy could be encroached in he moved on. Stopping at a corner he pressed his back against the wall hearing the sound of several people breathing. Spinning around the corner he fell to one knee and calmly pulled the trigger three men instantly fell to the onslaught but the remaining two had been able to duck behind a radiator and an old desk. Pushing off with his right leg Fiore sprinted forward before either could compensate and fire, he was upon them. Jumping over the radiator he slammed a foot into the manÆs head that was barely above it, an audible crack was heard as his neck snapped under the force. Raising his P90 as he landed he pulled the trigger sending the rounds through the rotted wood with ease and into the waiting body on the other side. The sound of a body thumping against the wall filled his ears, standing he took a second device from the red satchel and placed it on the radiator then pressed the button.
Moving down the next three floors he found passable resistance but nothing that presented an issue to him and on each floor he set another of his devices. What only remained were the last two floors and even from here he could hear the sounds of fierce fighting. Reaching into the black satchel he removed a tennis ball sized sphere and depressed a button at the top. Tossing it down the stairwell he averted his eyes to avoid the blinding flash of light that occurred three seconds later. Rolling from his position he brought his P90 up and sprayed the immediate area with bullets killing five men and forcing the rest to seek cover. Reaching to his chest he undid the strap for the red satchel and let it drop to the floor before running for the stairs that led to the first floor.
Three bullets pierced his body as he ran two in his right shoulder and the third through his side. Blue liquid spurt from the holes but Fiore didnÆt acknowledge the damage or feel the pain. Leaping the last few steps he landed next to Triela and Hillshire.
ôWe should evacuate now.ö He stated coldly still not liking the presence of his friendÆs handler.
ôWeÆre not done yet!ö Triela declared through her cramps and fired several rounds upwards.
ôTriela, pull backö Hillshire ordered and the girl growled but complied Fiore right behind them a small hand held device in his right hand.
Diving out of the building behind them he turned so that he slid along the ground on his back and yelled out.
ôFIRE IN THE HOLEö depressing the button on the hand device a heartbeat passed and then.
*BOOM*
The explosives he had set went off forcing the building to implode and destroy any survivors of the enemy. Fiore found he had the strangest desire to celebrate his deed or laugh like some sort of stereotypical mad scientist that he read about so often.
æI remember . . . . I remember the night of my first mission . . . . I was not afraid in fact I felt nothing at all . . . . There was no pain . . . . . Or . . . . Remorse . . . . Only the desire . . . . . The desire to complete my mission . . . . . Nothing else mattered . . . . . . I was an assassin . . . . . A government sanctioned assassin . . . . . My every act was condoned as long as the mission was completed and the enemy killed . . . . . I was content. . . . . . I was Happy . . . . . Nothing else mattered . . . . . I was a weapon . . . . . Just like the others . . . . . I grew stronger honing all of my skills . . . . . . as she demanded of me . . . . . Triela even gave me a gift . . . . . She parted with one of her Teddy Bears . . . . . I placed it on the window next to my bed . . . . . so that it could greet the day with me . . . . . . I truly am happy here.Æ
Fiore knocked calmly in front of room 207 in the Majestic hotel dressed like a delivery boy a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Knocking on the door and placing a cheery smile on his face he waited. After a minute he heard the chain slide away and the door open revealing a burly Russian man in a black suit.
ôWhat is it you want Boy?ö he asked in a heavily accented voice.
ôA flower delivery for Mr. Salvatoreö He stated.
ôWho are they from?ö
ôThe Hotel placed the order sir they use our shop to show important guests that they are welcome.ö Nodding the man took the bouquet and turned to shut the door. He never got to as a bullet entered his back and sent the large man falling to the floor with a thump.
Fiore entered the room firing twice more with his silenced Five-seven pistol and taking out two more armed guards. Making his way towards the bedroom he heard moaning from behind the door. Easing it open he found the target and a young woman having sex. Raising his gun he fired twice into each one before making an exit and returning to the waiting car outside and Lucrezia.
ôThe Target is silenced?ö she asked as he sat down beside her. The boy raised an eyebrow at her an odd quirk he had picked up from Triela.
ôYes MaÆam, three guards and one civilian casualty.ö He finally stated.
ôWhy did you kill the Civilian?ö
ôThe orders were to silence the target, his guards, and any witnesses. I simply followed my orders to the letter.ö
Afternoon of that day found Triela, Fiore, and Elsa up on the roof the male of the trio watching the clouds go by. Elsa had only been convinced to join as Lauro had a meeting he had to attend. The aloof girl still seemed to dislike interacting with Triela, though she was marginally comfortable with Fiore.
ôLucrezia actually questioned your kills just because one was a civilian?ö Triela asked looking at the cloud gazing boy.
ôShe practically told me my brainwashing level was going up if I didnÆt explain myself.ö He replied.
ôUgh, I know the feeling Hillshire gives me these looks every time he thinks I am stepping out of bounds. æTriela you must follow my orders or we canÆt function as a teamÆ.ö The last part was spoken with a weak approximation of HillshireÆs voice.
ôÆFiore pay attention and focus your grouping was off.Æ æFiore I want you to put all your shots through the same hole.Æ æKnow your weapon like you would a loverÆs body and it will never betray youÆ.ö Fiore hopped up doing his impression of his Handler even crossing his arms earning a laugh from his audience.
æI remember . . . . I remember being happy . . . . Elsa . . . . She became obsessed with her Handler . . . . . She constantly spoke of loving him . . . . She was completely . . . . Infatuated with him . . . . Even though he treated her . . . . Like a tool . . . . More new people came . . . . . and A new Agent was hired . . . . . Named . . . . . Jose . . . . . He hadnÆt picked anyone yet though . . . He seemed adverse . . . . To the project . . . . . The ebb and flow of time continued . . . . . . I killed more and more people . . . . . . Often as a lone assassin . . . . . sometimes with the others . . . . . . Or in small teams . . . . . . . I still needed to prove myself.Æ
Fiore was crouched behind a dumpster with Lucrezia his cello case sitting on the ground next to him. Directly ahead of them was a wooden door that served as a side entrance for a warehouse. The Padania Republic Faction had a large force and weapons cache secured inside and so the execution order had been given. He had gotten into position quicker then expected, which was happening more and more lately his speed ad skills seemed to be advancing quicker the harder he was pushed.
He was dressed normally with the exception that his blazer was replaced with a long coat and he was wearing black gloves. Taking the extra time he had earned he opened his cello case and removed his five-seven pistols placing them into a pair of rigs hidden by his coat so he had easy access to them. Stashing a few extra clips inside his jacket, he then unpacked one of the P90Æs and loaded it with a magazine before repeating his stashing process and closing the case back up. Finished with preparation he turned his eyes to the door watching it carefully incase anyone decided to take an evening stroll.
ôThis is Lucrezia, in position and preparations completeö The dark haired Handler stated into the microphone on her headset.
ôWe havenÆt completed preparations yet the operation will not begin for Thirty-minutes. Hold your position until then.ö JeanÆs voice responded through the earpiece.
*THUNK*
Fiore caught the small sound from behind the door and narrowed his eyes hands tightening around his weapon. He heard it again but it was louder denoting it was drawing closer. The doorknob was grabbed from the inside and the door cracked light glinted off a metallic object the person was holding. Fiore could hear the person identified by the base in his voice as a male talking to someone else, which is why the door had not been fully opened yet. The door was pushed open finally a tanned man appearing with his back to him his left hand on the doorknob his right wrapped around the barrel of an assault rifle he appeared to still be talking to the same person further inside. As the man turned to face his position he squeezed the trigger placing three bullets into the manÆs chest. Jumping over the dumpster he spotted the second man further in and opened fire in a controlled burst sending him to the ground before he could even life his weapon. The noise made by both his gunÆs discharge and the falling bodies alerted the group inside of danger.
Reaching into his coat he removed one of his black spheres and depressed the top button before hurling it through the doorway and turning his gaze away. Hearing the armed group fall into disarray because of the self-made and improved Flashbang he rushed through the door the muzzle of his submachine gun flashing as he tore into their numbers.
Loud speakers mounted on the walls released the sweet tones of BeethovenÆs: Moonlight Sonata into the air as Fiore worked his way toward the center of the warehouse. Bullets swarmed at any position he took like angry hornets but still he pushed forward dropping bodies indiscriminately. Hearing the click as his last clip emptied he drew one of his Five-seven pistols and picked up a curved dagger from a dead girl with his left hand.
Spinning from around the box he was using for cover he slashed the throat of an approaching faction member then dropped another two behind that one with well placed shots. Fiore ducked low the sixth sense all of the Child-Assassins developed through the initial conditioning warning him of a threat behind him. The threat was several hundred rounds passing over the space he had just been occupying fired from two heavy machine guns, brining his handgun up he sent a bullet into one shooters forehead and a second his partnerÆs throat. Fiore entered into a deadly dance following the music and cleaving through his enemies one by one. The carnage continued until only the leader remained backing away from the monster that had just wiped out his entire force of men in the span of half an hour.
Reaching down Fiore picked up a knife from another body his gunÆs lost in the fighting, which left him to steal weapons from the dead or kill with his hands.
ôWho the Fuck, are you?!ö the man yelled pressing the button that started the main doors opening. Fiore never responded just simply straightened his body back up and lifted the blade.
The doors slid open easily and the leader ran for the outside just as he reached the threshold his body fell forward onto the concrete street and began to slide his body coming to a stop before Jean and Rico the knife sticking out of the back of his head.
Lucrezia and the other Handlers came from around the corner or there positions along with their Child-Assassins getting a look at just what Fiore had done.
The soft tones of Moonlight Sonata continued to play through the speakers giving music to the dreadful scene. Blood soaked the walls in streaks from where people had impacted against them or bled out onto them leaving little trails, a lake of crimson covered the floor continuously growing as the dead gushed precious life-blood. A sea of death and destruction was laid out before them, crates broken dents and imprints left in walls, still forms of human life littering the floor some slumped against or draped over others. All in all it was horrific scene yet strangely elegant and beautiful.
Fiore stood as the center piece to it all, blue synthetic liquid leaking from the corner of his mouth, clothes ripped and torn soiled by blood and remains, his face was impassive and cold the perfect picture of what an assassin should look like. Blood was spattered across his face tiny droplets of the precious fluid would slip from it and mix with the blue liquid creating an odd spiral effect on the ground. Fiore didnÆt react when Jean stepped up to him and backhanded him across the cheek he simply made his head turn to give the effect of Jean actually harming him.
ôWhy did you attack?ö He demanded.
ôI perceived an imminent threat to my Handler and acted to insure her safety, once the first guard fell the second interior enemy had to be dealt with or my position would have been compromised and my Handler in even more danger. With the enemy alerted to my presence and any reinforcements 30 minutes from combat readiness I attacked in order to prevent the enemy from retreating.ö Fiore answered simply.
ôYou disobeyed a direct order.ö Jean growled.
ôNo, My Handler never ordered me to wait or to halt in my assault.ö
ôI gave the order to strike in thirty minutes.ö
ôI do not take orders from you.ö
Jean narrowed his eyes and brought his hand up to backhand the Child-Assassin once again only for his hand to grabbed mid-swing by Lucrezia, who leveled a cold glare at the man.
ôHe is not your reasonability Jean you would do well to remember that before acting again. If you havenÆt noticed Fiore just eliminated a sizeable group of PRF members in the time it took you and the others to finish your preparations. You will not reprimand him for a job well done in fact you will not reprimand my charge.ö She stated coldly before releasing his hand and watching him walk out a smug smile on her face. Fiore had just proven he was perfect and Jean knew he couldnÆt contest the skill of the job done.
ôGather your weapons and your cello case so we can go.ö She ordered the boy.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded and set out on his task it was on the way back as the pair sat in the back seat of the car that he spoke again.
ôLucreziaö he spoke getting her attention.
ôYes Fiore?ö
ôWill my level of Brainwashing be increased now because of my actions?ö he asked and had he been anyone else his voice would have quivered with fear.
ôNoö she replied simply.
ôDid I do something wrong? Jean spoke as if I had defied your orders, or compromised the mission but everything I did was within the scope of the mission parameters, your orders, and the directives of Section Twoö Fiore was confused about the confrontation and it was showing.
ôJean saw your actions as rebellious and uncontrolled, an open defiance of what you are to him. The Child-Assassins are nothing but tools to him expendable and expected to be docile, obedient, and never question orders or how to perform their assigned tasks. He acted as he does with Rico do not allow it to concern you.ö She explained.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded after contemplating her words a moment and committing them to his memory.
æI remember . . . . . . I remember hearing that sound . . . . . A heavy boot striking concrete . . . . . Waiting until he opened the door . . . . . . Waiting to take his life . . . . . . When the body fell I killed another . . . . . Then another and another . . . . It felt like I was dancing . . . . . I was dancing with them before they died . . . . . . A part of me enjoyed it . . . . . Then Jean slapped me . . . . And I didnÆt understand why . . . . . . HadnÆt I performed well enough? . . . . . He was not my Handler so why was he striking me? . . . . . Lucrezia explained it though . . . . . And I realized . . . . . The Handler were not perfect . . . . In fact they were very much imperfect . . . . . A question entered my mind while she spoke . . . . . If the Handlers cannot abide by the rules they set for us . . . . . . Then can they really be trusted to control us? . . .. . . Could they be trusted . . . . . not to give an order that put them . . . . . and us into terminal danger? . . .. . . Things seemed so good back then . . . . . But then it all unraveled . . . . . My world shattered . . . . I was abandoned again and betrayed once more.Æ
Triela sat with Claes and Angelica in her room watching Fiore play his cello for them. Since the warehouse mission a month prior Lucrezia had rewarded Fiore for his perfection by placing him in classes given at the Agency some of the other girls took. She had also insisted that he learn to play the cello and taking it as an order the boy set out to fulfill the request just as he had done with all his other skills. The final notes of his piece faded from the room as he finished and bowed when the three girls applauded. Fiore took that moment to reexamine his fellow Child-Assassins
Angelica was a girl appearing to be twelve years old with long black hair and eyes as blue as his own. She was also in fact the first Child-Assassin employed by the Social Welfare AgencyÆs Section Two. In this way the two of them were alike, Angelica was the first girl to be redefined and he was the first and still only boy. She was also the reason He and Triela feared the higher levels of brainwashing, not that they ever voiced being afraid of it to their Handlers. Angelica showed the signs of long-term memory loss brought on by the high amounts of brainwashing and conditioning used on her.
Claes shared the same hair color and eyes as Angelica but was also the newest Child-Assassin, her handler was a former military policeman named Rabello. She liked to read and seemed to pick up the philosophy of her Handler but still that was all Fiore really knew of the new girl in his life. The oddest thing seemed to be the glasses she wore for no reason all the time.
ôYouÆre really getting good Fiore.ö Triela praised him as he stood and began putting the instrument away.
ôThanks, IÆve been practicing everyday after my Hacking lessons.ö He replied modestly.
ôIt shows your skills really are impressive.ö Claes complimented with a smile.
ôI just wish the others were here to listen, Rico is with Jean, Petrushka & Beatrico are out on assignment with their Handlers, and Elsa was nowhere to be found either.ö Angelica added in and Triela shrugged showing she had no idea where the girl was.
ôSheÆs seemed down lately I think she asked Lauro to take her somewhere today.ö Fiore mused tapping his chin in thought. Elsa talked to him about as much as Triela but as of late he could sense something wrong with her that he just couldnÆt understand.
ôMaybe she just finally figured out that Lauro doesnÆt care for her at all. Things like that are always hard to accept.ö Triela finally put in as Fiore picked up his cello case. The blonde had known for a long time about the male Child-AssassinÆs crush on Elsa so she hoped for his sake that the girl had realized what her Handler really thought. She neglected to ever tell him of her own feelings.
ôIt is a possibility I guess we will find out later when she gets back. Lucrezia will be expected me soon for training.ö With that Fiore made his exit to continue his day.
Fiore quietly walked back towards his room as the sunset that evening after training. Lucrezia had drilled him harder then before stating he needed to improve and go beyond his current limits, all he could do was nod and comply with her orders. She had also given him a new weapon to train with, a pair of black gloves that concealed thin metallic wire useful for strangling, capturing, and cutting. He had been told the wire had many names but he preferred AssassinÆs wire it suited the tasks it would be used for after all. Storm clouds rolled in giving the sky a gray appearance as the fading sun was swallowed up.
Later that evening as he was returning to his room after his last class and seeing Triela to her room he spotted Jean talking with Priscilla, an Agent of Section Two that seemed to genuinely care for him and the other Child-assassins. Staying in the dark of the walkways he eased closer his steps not making even the smallest of noises. He was intent on hearing what was going on as Jean seemed angry, while Priscilla was shocked and more then a little worried looking.
ôThey found them in the park where Lauro gave her, her name.ö Jean stated.
ôI canÆt believe Elsa would do something like this.ö Priscilla replied shaking her head.
ôThere will be an investigation into the incident but itÆs clear that Elsa acted alone. No one saw this happening.ö He continued with a sigh.
ôI thought it was impossible for them to harm a Handler and that they were supposed to sacrifice themselves in order to protect them.ö
ôIt is, no one can figure out how or why Elsa did it. All we know for sure is First she shot Lauro and then herself right through the eye.ö Jean explained breaking the truth out.
Fiore stopped his body from reacting to the news and instead just slipped away silently. Once away from the pair he walks aimlessly without purpose or destination his eyes lowered towards the ground and his face hollow of any emotion or thought. The clouds chose that moment to burst and send rain falling to the ground and onto Fiore. He looked up at the sky letting the rain impact with his face and slide down before continuing to the ground just like tears. A strange feeling welled up inside of him, one he couldnÆt identify with his utter lack of experience with emotions at times he doubted that he had emotions but they always seemed to show up when around the other girls.
æSelf Termination, the voluntary destruction of ones self committed by their own hands. Elsa was not ordered to Terminate Lauro or herself, so then why are both now dead? Lauro refused to care for her did this refusal constitute a betrayal to Elsa, which led her to believe he was a traitor there by overriding our protection order and then demanding self termination as a punishment for breaking that rule? I do not understand this situation I have no directives for how to respond. I feel . . . . . . I feel betrayed . . . . Abandoned . . . . . This feeling is painful . . . . . I do not want to feel this emotion.Æ
æThe Handlers are responsible for everything we do and learn. So Lauro is responsible for ElsaÆs Self Termination . . . . . It is the fate that awaits all of the Child-Assassins . . . . . . . If Termination is our fate . . . . . Then does My Handler deserve to rule my life? . . . . . . The Handlers are Imperfect this is what Lucrezia told me . . . . . Yet they control our lives and our fates . . . . . They control our Termination . . . . . . Why do Imperfect Handlers control our lives and Terminations? . . . . . My Brainwashing level will be increased if anyone learns of my thoughts . . . . . . What must I do to gain the freedom of myself and my friends? . . . . . . My head hurts because I go against my directives . . . . . . I must consider the question.Æ
Something suddenly blocked his view of the cloudy sky and stopped the rain from pelting him. Turning to look to his right he found Triela watching him with worry holding an umbrella over him. Fiore blinked at her before straightening his body and regaining his emotionless look, which oddly she seemed to see through. Triela smiled at him and the pair started walking back.
ôElsa . . . . Committed Self Termination after killing Lauroö He stated calmly as an explanation. Triela looked at him sharply in surprise before nodding in understand.
ôElsa would rather kill the one she loved then be without him. Then kill herself, so they would never be apart.ö
ôI do not understand.ö Fiore spoke confused.
ôShe expressed her love for him by killing him when he rejected her feelings. Elsa loved him too much to let him go, loved him too much to ever lose him so she made sure no one but her would ever be with him in this life or the next.ö
ôI think I understand now Triela, thank you.ö Fiore stated and entered his room with a smile to her, a genuine smile.
ôGlad I could be of service to the Invincible Fiore.ö She quipped causing him to laugh.
ôIf you said the words I would not reject you.ö He said simply and shut his door leaving the girl stunned.
æIt becomes clear to me without the termination of all the Handlers and destruction of Section two along with the SWA we can all never be free of their control. I cannot at this time help my friends so I must simply follow my directives. We must remain this way.Æ
Three days later found all of the Child-Assassins and their Handlers on a train traveling north to the city of Verona. The mission was of utmost importance and if accomplished would strike a decisive blow against the PRF and hopefully cripple them. Fiore sat next to Lucrezia staring out the window at the rolling countryside and the beauty of nature feeling at peace with himself and his world. This was his fate and until it could be changed he would exist as others saw fit, he was a child-assassin, a weapon of Section Two and the Italian Government. He would perform in this mission as he had in all of his others, perfectly and without flaw, remorse, or hesitation.
Triela & Hillshire were sitting in the row next to them with Triela either ignoring her Handler or trying to sleep. In front of him sat Angelica and her Handler Marco the latter telling the former another Impromptu story about ôThe prince of the land of Pastaö. Rico & Jean were also in his row but in the back of the train car. Claes & Rabello were in the same row as Triela near the front. Petrushka and her Handler Alessandro sat in the seats to the back with Beatrico and her Handler Bernardo directly in front of them. It would be one of the few times all of them had been gathered for one infiltration strangely it put him at further ease.
As the train pulled into the station he retrieved his cello case and continued to silently follow Lucrezia. He was dressed in a long black coat fully buttoned, which hid his short sleeved white button-up shirt he wore below it, along with black slacks and shoes. Fiore quietly climbed into the waiting car with his Handler and stared ahead as the driver brought the car into traffic.
ôDo you remember the cover story Fiore?ö Lucrezia asked as more of a test for his knowledge then caring if he actually knew.
ôYes MaÆamö He responded immediately.
ôRepeat it then.ö
ôMy name is Fiore Minuchi, son of Lucrezia & Marco Minuchi and twin brother of Angelica Minuchi. We are visiting the city with Father, who is conducted a major business deal here in Verona. My main interest is the Cello and I attend the St WilliamÆs Academy in Rome.ö He repeated the earlier briefing she had given him word for word detailing everything about his alias for the infiltration mission.
ôGood Fiore, you continue to make me proud with your growth in the assassinÆs arts.ö Lucrezia praised pleased with his perfect performance of orders and duties once again.
ôThank you MaÆam.ö They pair once again lapsed into silence before arriving at the Hotel for their cover.
Walking behind her he allowed a bellhop to take his cello case and placed a smile on his face pretending to look around in wonder instead of actually checking for threats. Fiore could see several security cameras and acted as any child would he happily waved at one, closing his eyes with a bright smile.
ôFiore honey, come along we need to get to our room.ö Lucrezia called out sweetly and he ran to meet her at the elevator.
A few hours later Marco would arrive with Angelica to complete the illusion of a vacationing Minuchi family. The bellboy that brought them up was completely fooled when Fiore jumped into MarcoÆs arms giving him a hug. The second the door closed though, Fiore lost all emotion in his face and eyes and simply hopped down and returned to his seat on the couch and resumed reading his book. The act had actually fooled the male Handler for a moment.
ôWhere is Lucrezia?ö He asked moving further into the room. Angelica chose to take a seat next to Fiore.
ôShe departed two hours ago as per our usual operating strategy to confirm mission preparations and to scout the Infiltration site.ö He stated simply used to this type of occurrence from his Handler.
ôDoes she routinely leave you alone or is this a first?ö Marco queered after a minute sitting down with a cup of coffee opposite the two.
ôYes, once given my orders my only purpose is to execute those orders without hesitation. The Mission objective is to be my only focus or care it is unnecessary for me to accompany her. She ordered me to remain behind and I will unless given different orders.ö
Marco nodded some of his suspicions confirmed about the only male Child-Assassin. Fiore was treated the same as Rico & Elsa considered only a weapon, Lucrezia only kept his conditioning and brainwashing low to insure he lasted as long as possible. She expected perfection in Fiore and it showed in the brutal training he had been put through and the deadly efficiency in which he completed any assigned task. Marco wanted to see the boy in action during this mission just to confirm the rest of his suspicions about Lucrezia.
Fiore reached to his left in the quiet and took a second book from the arm of the couch and reached it to Angelica. She looked at it for a moment before smiling and flipping it open to about halfway and beginning to read in earnest. Neither noticed when their bodies began to move into more comfortable positions winding around one another without much care or thought. Fiore had his right elbow resting on the arm of the couch the book resting in his hand using his thumb to flick the pages as he finished with them, his legs were stretched out on the couch leaving him laying on his side. Angelica had mimicked his positioning her body resting against his and drawing his left arm around her both of her hands used to hold her book. Both appeared comfortable and unwilling to move as they continued to read. Marco quirked an eyebrow at the scene but decided against disturbing the cute scene. Angelica closed her book after a few minutes and looked up at Fiore.
ôAlexander picked up the sword once more his body quivering from exertion and continued to practice.ö Fiore began his voice soft with an undertone of emotion as he began to tell Angelica the story he was currently reading. Marco rose not wishing to disturb them and retreated back into one of the bedrooms in the large hotel suite.
Hours later when Lucrezia returned she found bother Child-Assassins asleep on the couch curled up together. A single dark blue eye opened and swiveled around to stare at her silently, Fiore just stared with that one eye as if waiting for a reprimand or order to move but giving no inclination to separate himself from Angelica. The Handler was slightly unnerved by the intensity in that emotionless gaze.
ôGo back to sleep and rest for the mission tomorrowö she whispered before heading to another of three bedrooms in the suite.
Another blue eye opened as Lucrezia shut her door and stared out the window into the night. Angelica pushed herself back against Fiore getting comfortable again and then the two different blue eyes shut again and breathing leveled sending two souls into slumber.
Fiore sat the next morning with his cello case open in front of him disassembling and methodically cleaning each weapon checking them part by part for any flaws. A box of bullets set to his right so he could fill each clip with fresh ammunition, he was once more glad that his P90 and Five-Seven pistols used the same rounds, as it cut down on time and he could easily empty a clip to use the bullets in one weapon or the other. Finished with his Long-Range rifle he placed it back in the case and started on the P90Æs and not long after the handguns. Closing the case up he slipped on his AssassinÆs wire gloves, though they would most likely not be used unless absolutely necessary.
Rising at the sound of feet approaching he was able to turn in time to meet his HandlerÆs gaze when she opened the roomÆs door. Nodding at him she turned back around and he picked up his cello case following her out the reassuring weight at his back. Walking down the hallway the pair passed a gray haired man of Japanese ancestry dressed simply, save for the pin on his collar that read ôNervö. The man stared at Fiore as they passed before moving at a quick pace towards his room, he paid no mind to the man as he was of no threat to him, his Handler, or the mission.
Angelica stood next to Fiore that night standing on a roof opposite a tall office building, she was dressed in a long gray jacket and gray pants, while he wore his long black coat. Each also had a weapon hanging from a strap at their side, Fiore had one of his P90Æs and Angelica had her Steyr AUG. The mission was complicated involving three separate locations to be hit one right after the other with no survivors unless someone of key interest was spotted and able to be subdued. He and Angelica were the main strike force on the first target, Triela, Petrushka, Rico, Claes, and Beatrico would be working their way up from the ground floor to link up with the pair. Because of the high risk associated with this mission the child-assassins were on their own the Handlers would be monitoring everything though from a secure location.
Each grabbed a zip-line that was angled to take them right to one of the 15th floor windows of the 37 floor building. Nodding to one another and sharing a smile they launched themselves from the roof, descending rapidly diagonally towards the entry point. Reaching down with their right hands both began firing into the reinforced window causing it shatter giving them a clean opening to roll through as they released their zip-lines.
Coming up from his roll Fiore immediately opened fire on the room while confusion still reigned. Angelica followed suit sweeping the right while he handled the left. The room was quickly silenced bodies laying all over the floor riddled with bullets but the peace ended a heartbeat later when the door leading to the stairs was kicked open and assault rifle fire was upon them. Ejecting his spent clip Fiore charged the aggressors strafing left and right to avoid being shot, as he reached the first man his hands lashed out with lightning fast strikes before he spun around the man and jumped up delivering a devastating kick to the back of his head sending him forward to meet a bullet from Angelica. Landing he was upon the next man in a second dodging his punches with ease and responding with palm thrusts or punches working his body over. Grabbing a clumsy overhead strike he hurled the man into the third attacker and watched them twitch as his partner ventilated them from behind him. Pulling a fresh clip for his P90 out a pocket he slipped it in before walking into the stairwell.
Jumping the railing he landed in a crouch outside the fourteenth floor door Angelica landing next to him. She moved to the door as he slid a hand into his coat and pulled out one of his improved Flashbang grenades when the door was pulled open he pressed the button and tossed it into the open floor. As it went off Angelica came from around the door and entered and sweeping the area with her eyes and find numerous cubicles along with disoriented people. Signaling Fiore forward the pair ducked into an empty cubicle and opened fire on the blinded enemy before they could register what was happening. It was a massacre that neither cared about simply following the orders provided and lacking remorse for the loss of human life.
The massacre continued floor-by-floor until the reached the rendezvous point at the fifth floor. Bursting through the door without pause they quickly noted that the others were not having an easy go of things. At least fifty men were still standing in the large open lobby like floor and twice as many were already dead. Letting his P90 rest at his side he reached into his coat and pulled out both of his Five-Seven pistols and moved to help out Triela and Rico, while Angelica went to assist Petrushka, Beatrico, and Claes.
Jumping forward his foot impacted with a womanÆs face turning his foot as he made contact he twisted the broken nose bone sending a shard of it up into her brain causing death. Pushing off as the body fell he brought his guns up and began firing whenever his eyes spotted an enemy his pistols discharging in three round bursts. He landed next to Triela with eight bodies falling in various places and his barrels smoking.
ôShow offö she muttered before raising her SIG-Sauer P230 pistols and picking off another pair of targets.
ôRico, sweeping fire push them together.ö Fiore ordered the girl, who put her CZ 75B pistol down and lifted a Galil assault rifle from her side.
As Rico forced the faction members into the center of the room so did Petrushka under AngelicaÆs command. Once clumped together the fight became one-sided under the onslaught of seven Child-Assassins. When the last body tipped over the group took a moment to try and catch their breath before continuing.
ôTwelve floors to go and they know weÆre here now.ö Claes observed straightening her glasses.
ôConsidering the damage done so far though, they have to be expecting an armed military unit or Section One. If we act accordingly we can capture three floors before they realize weÆre the threat.ö Fiore stated reloading his P90.
ôWe still also have a time limit working against us.ö Rico put in reminding them all just how long this mission was planned to be.
ôPetrushka, Beatrico, and Rico will take the elevator up Rico will be in charge until we meet up again. Angelica, Claes, Triela, and I will make our way by the stairs. Use whatever directive or deception you need to get onto the floor and begin extermination, we will meet up together on the 19th floor.ö Fiore ordered and began walking up the stairs taking command of the situation as the Handlers had not designated a leader for this operation.
ôSee you guys up topö Triela waved before running to catch up with the others.
Fiore & Triela stayed hidden in the stairwell as Angelica and Claes put on the act for the guards of the 16th floor, the gunfire from Rico and her team easily made the sob story of watching their parents die and running believable. As the man turned his back he surged forward and tackled him from behind crushing his wind pipe with a well placed strike, sending both to the floor as the three girls behind him opened fire on the floor.
The last twelve floors were quickly taken as the enemy succumbed to panic in the face of such odds, which became worse when the seven reunited and began marching through the resistance offered. Reaching the roof they found a black unmarked helicopter beginning to fly away from the building with five suited men onboard. Fiore charged the edge of the roof and leapt off easily latching onto the chopper, pulling out one of his disc shaped explosives he placed it on the machines side before repeating the process twice more. Taking out the detonator button he pressed the button and back flipped away from chopper the heat of the explosions following behind him lapping at his body.
Hitting the roof hard he began rolling with the impact coming to a stop before the others his coat was in taters and he seemed scuffed up but otherwise his redefined body had saved his life. Feeling hands around him he acquiesced to the others help getting him up, dusting himself off he gave a smile to his comrades.
ôThink we have for dinner before the next one?ö He stated with a straight face. Angelica leaned close and used two of her fingers to snuff out an ember on his shoulder.
ôI think you should change coats first.ö Triela joked after a moment and all seven Child-Assassins began heading for the pick-up vehicle.
ôI like this coat.ö He replied during the trip causing a few laughs among the group.
The soft notes of a Cello filled the smoky and dimly lit bar as Fiore sat on a simple chair on a stage with light focused down upon him his cello resting against him as he played for the patrons of Verona. The second target of the mission was known to frequent the tavern along with his security and so he was to wait for the man to arrive, though it seemed silly to him to have all of Child-Assassins scattered about the establishment for such a simple assignment. Eliminating this one target was set as a high priority, high enough to warrant 75% civilian loses if it became necessary to insure the target was silenced.
Fiore had changed into a new coat exactly the same as the one he wore earlier and also had put on a black beret much like the kind Elsa preferred to wear in colder mission locations. He could spot the others through the cigar and cigarette smoke sitting together or with their handlers looking completely bored and enraptured by his music, when in reality they were on alert for the enemy.
The door opened exposing the bar to the chilly Verona night and a trio of people entered all dressed in black suits, with the two bigger and better muscled men flanking the man in the middle. The obvious bulges in their jackets revealed that they were carrying some sort of firearm and they seemed to carry themselves like professionals. Compared to his bodyguards the target was a thin lanky man with a traditional tan and a rat-like face, dressed in an expensive black suit and walking through the tavern as if he were the emperor of Rome reborn. Fiore let a gentle smile tug at his face, oh how he would enjoy peeling that look from the manÆs face when he killed him.
ôYo kidö the rat-faced man spoke to Fiore wanting his attention.
ôYes Sir?ö He replied stopping his playing much to the annoyance of his audience.
ôPlay Santa Lucia for meö he ordered.
ôIÆm sorry Sir but I donÆt take requests perhaps another night.ö He responded pleasantly.
ôIt wasnÆt a request punk now play it.ö
ôI apologize again sir but my pieces for the evening have already been decided.ö
He snapped his fingers an the goon on his right stepped forward grabbing Fiore around the neck and lifting him up into the air seemingly choking him, though in reality Fiore was simply acting. Pointing his left arm down he felt one of his flashbangs fall into his hand, which he then depressed the button on and allowed to fall harmlessly to the floor.
ôLittle punk I am the king of Verona, no one crosses me maybe having your fingers broken will teach you a lesson!ö as he finished speaking he saw the kid close his eyes and thinking it was in fear laughed.
The blinding light of the grenade changed his tune and in a mere second the entire room, save those of the SWA were without sight and highly disorientated. Fiore quickly slammed a foot into the goon holding him stomach forcing the man to double over in pain and then looped Assassins wire around his throat. Pulling the razor edged wire tight with all of his enhanced strength he watched the manÆs head cleanly pop off with no resistance what-so-ever. Angelica fired a single shot as she stood killing the other goon and Fiore looped another line of wire around the target dragging him out of the bar before the patrons could see again. The others watched FioreÆs back before following him down the streets, where he then hurled the target against an alley wall and stood back as Jean stepped forward.
ôNow then your going to tell me everything I want to know.ö And so began the interrogation. When it ended Jean turned and walked away nodding to the Child-Assassins, who raised their weapons and en masse executed the PRF supporter.
The moon was high in the sky brightly lighting the nighttime sky as the hour passed Midnight, Fiore walked behind Lucrezia with his cello case into the ruins of an old fortress on the outskirts of Verona. This was the final and most dangerous of the three sites to be attacked during the mission, yet for some reason Lucrezia was going against the profile for the mission as briefed to them all collectively by Jean and entering the fortress. Fiore didnÆt need his sixth sense to feel the danger around this situation or to wonder why an area supposedly crawling with enemy was eerily quiet and devoid of security.
ôSomething is wrong here.ö He spoke aloud as they rounded a corner and walked a flight of stairs the only light coming from the moon and stars above.
ôNo Fiore everything is going according to plan now just keep quiet and follow me, we have a long trip ahead of us.ö Lucrezia assured and in the distance the sound of a helicopter pierced the silence of the night.
ôI do not understand this is not the mission scenario.ö He stated in confusion and stopped.
ôFiore, you need not worry just follow my orders and come along.ö She retorted turning her head around to stare at him with a piercing gaze.
ôYou are compromising directives and placing yourself in undue harm I do not understand.ö Fiore was wracking his mind for an answer about these orders somewhere deep in his programming something was telling him not to obey his Handler.
ôDo you think the Padania Republic Faction is so stupid as to not eventually figure out what the government is doing and using against it Fiore? WeÆve known about the Social Welfare Agency and the Child-Assassin project for a very long time only a fool wouldnÆt realize that with all the deaths and losses that a new weapon was being employed.ö Lucrezia smiled at him though to Fiore it seemed twisted.
ôYou are a member . . . . Of the Padania Republic Faction . . . . But . . . . That would make you . . . . . an enemy.ö He took a step backward his carefully ordered world shattering around him.
ôI was placed in Section One to help provide Misinformation and protect our more valuable members. Imagine my surprise when Chief Lorenzo approached me to join Section Two and train my own Child-Assassin to pick and train you. You Fiore will be the weapon that evens out this little war we have going on, along with the secrets your body holds.ö Her smile became nearly malicious as she watched him take another step back.
ôThe PRF has been playing a game with the SWA since I joined; sending out false leads and using them to clear out the rebellious elements in our ranks. Never letting anyone important get into your grasp just sending you endless waves of cannon fodder, I could easily warn anyone when I went out to ôScoutö now come along Fiore you know you canÆt hurt me its not possible with your directives and training to obey.ö
ôStay back, you are an enemy and a traitor if you attempt to come any closer I will be forced to subdue you.ö Lucrezia continued to walk forward causing Fiore to tremble.
ôSTAY BACK!ö
Triela & Hillshire ascended the stairs twenty minutes later to check up on Lucrezia and Fiore as the team had yet to check in and there were no signs of any PRF members. As they reached the top both stopped and stared at the sight presented to them, listening to the utter quiet that was only broken by the sound of clothing ruffling as a body trembled, which wa sonly perceivable to Triela with her advanced hearing.
The moonlight glinted off a thin metallic wire attached to the ceiling and flowing down to wrap around a personÆs neck, who hung limply obviously dead with the paler of skin and lack of breath. That person turned out to be Lucrezia her body swaying gently from side to side and revealing the huddling form of Fiore behind her, sitting on the floor with his knees drawn up to his chest shaking with wide eyes staring at his gloved hands silently. Hillshire took a step forward and FioreÆs eyes snapped along with his body.
ôStay Backö he stated coldly with a soft voice.
ôFiore, what happened here?ö Hillshire demanded.
ôI killed her . . . . . . . I killed her with my own two hands . . . . . . . She violated the directives and I killed her . . . . . . I destroyed my imperfect handler with my own two hands . . . . . She couldnÆt be trusted . . . . . . She wanted to . . . . . . She wanted to turn me over to them . . . . . I canÆt trust you . . . . . STAY BACK!ö Fiore brought one of his Five-seven pistols up pointing it at Hillshire. Triela quickly brought her own handgun up unable to fight her own programming and pulled the trigger sending a single shot into FioreÆs right hand.
Time seemed to slow down then as the bullet entered his hand and exploded out the other side sending his gun skittering away and sending Fiore to the ground in shock. Hillshire ran forward quickly drawing syringe from his coat, which all the Handlers now carried since ElsaÆs killing of Lauro. Slamming the needle into the Child-Assassins neck he pressed down on the plunger sending the liquid drug surging into the deadly young man. Triela met his eyes as they began to cloud and could only find betrayal within their depths directed at her and then nothing at all as they finished glazing over.
æI . . . . . I . . . . I REMEMBER!Æ
The core of Evangelion Unit-01 pulsed with energy sensing the danger to its Pilot and the eyes began to glow with the mouth guard snapping free letting it open wide. ShinjiÆs body began to pulse and the LCL bubble around him before surging into his form causing him to scream in pain and lose conciseness a single word passing from his lips.
ôFioreö
Office of Commander Ikari
Gendo Ikari, formerly Rokubungi sat in behind his desk with Sub-commander Kozou Fuyutsuki at his side and Doctor Ritsuko Akagi standing before them with a clipboard in her hands. The dark haired and bearded man leaned forward his hands hiding the lower half of his face and a pair of sunglasses keeping his eyes from being seen, which only added to the cold and calculating persona people associated with him.
ôI take it you have found something unusual about the Third Child that couldnÆt be stated in a simple report.ö The man stated simply getting to the point.
ôYes Sir, the physical examination I performed once Pilot Ikari was removed from the plug along with testing I did to prove my findings revealed quite a lot about him. Most of it shouldnÆt even be possible and isnÆt not even with NervÆs level of technology.ö The Faux blonde replied crisply hiding her own inner annoyance at the man treating his own son like a common tool.
ôContinue.ö
ôYes Sir, firstly Pilot IkariÆs skin is not normal or human, instead it is a synthetic and durable facsimile that appears resistant to extreme temperature changes and damage that can be done with most modern weapons. Below the skin the Third ChildÆs body has been completely redefined or replaced with technology IÆve never encountered before, more then 90% of his body has undergone this change. We also noticed through psychological and brain chemistry analysis that the pilot was subjected to numerous types of highly advanced brainwashing, which have also been broken somehow but even the MAGI have no explanation for this yet.ö
ôWhat do you mean by redefined and replaced?ö Fuyutsuki asked his aged face creasing in thought.
ôShinjiÆs body has been refitted with synthetic or synthesized muscles, artificial organs and body parts, Cybernetic implants, and his bones or skeletal structure replaced with a carbon-fiber frame. Oddly, though it appears as if a majority of the implants and other replacement parts were removed at some point leaving the Pilot slightly frail but on par with an average human child. The MAGI theorize that when Evangelion Unit-01 regenerated and went berserk somehow the Eva using LCL repaired and replaced all the missing parts in Shinji.ö
ôWhere is the Third Child now?ö Gendo asked still seemingly calm even as his own genius mind went to work on this situation.
ôResting in the infirmary IÆd like to keep him there and observe him, perhaps talk with him and try to learn about his implants and their uses. Potentially their benefit for mankind could be revolutionary.ö Ritsuko stated her scientific mind drooling at the prospect of this technology.
ôI want to be informed when he awakens that is all your dismissed Doctor.ö The supreme commander of Nerv said and watched the blonde scientist scurry out of his dark domain.
ôWhat do you plan to do Ikari?ö Fuyutsuki asked when they were alone.
ôI want the Third Childs former guardian brought in and interrogated about all this. This could have profound effects on the scenario.ö
Infirmary
A pair of blue eyes slowly opens revealing a chillingly cold and deadly calm within their depths this was further enhanced by the emotionless look adorning the face of the young male patient. The harsh lights of the room coupled with the sunlight or artificial sunlight streaming through the curtained window made it easy to see as he lifted his right arm to inspect it, along with clinching his fist open and closed several times.
æWho is it that I am now? Shinji Ikari died in Italy alone and abandoned by anyone and everyone, which gave birth to Fiore. Fiore the first and only male Child-Assassin in a way the ADAM of Section Two, who was trained to be the deadliest killer in existence and taught every trick in order to survive any given scenario even losing his Handler, however Fiore died as well betrayed by the SWA for simply following his directives and executing a traitor. I suppose I am the third being baring the best of both my progenitors and lacking none of their failings, a person who is called and will be called Fiore Ikari. I like it and now I can help the others starting with the Eve of Section Two, two years was it that long ago or is my memory missing gaps and lost in time I must hurry to help her.Æ
Sitting up Shinji Ikari, the Third Child as indicated by the Marduk report smiled a thin mirthless smile, suddenly lashing out with his left arm and slamming it fist first into the wooden table by his bed. The wood cracked under the immense strength of the impact before splintering and crumbling to the floor broken.
æSomehow with my memories returned all my implants regenerated as well in fact they seem stronger then before. Those bastards took them away and didnÆt even let me explain, so be it I can have fun playing with them now and bringing them down.Æ He thought climbing out of bed as the door opened admitting the blonde, who had met up with him at Miss Katsuragi when they arrived at Nerv.
ôAh good your up already, you gave us quite the scare Pilot Ikari.ö She spoke pleasantly.
ôTwenty-sevenö he responded simply and quietly.
ôExcuse me?ö
ôI said Twenty-seven.ö
ôAnd what pray tell is Twenty seven?ö Ritsuko asked.
ôThe number of ways I can kill you before you have a chance to alert anyone to my attacking. Thirty-three ways if I donÆt mind being discovered and having to fight my way through security after you screamed or hit that alert button near the door.ö He explained without even turning towards her not needing to see the doctorÆs face pale.
ôWell I would hope you didnÆt find it necessary to attack an unarmed person who is only trying to help you.ö Ritsuko reasoned after a moment of composing herself. Shinji didnÆt respond to her he just simply continued to stare out of his hospital roomÆs window.
ôYour father wanted to be informed when you woke up he must have been worried about you.ö She tried hoping baiting him with GendoÆs attention would get a response. Minutes passed with no words spoken and Ritsuko heaved a sigh turning to exit the room.
ôI would like to meet with him.ö ShinjiÆs voice carried over the quiet.
ôIÆll let him know you want to speak to him.ö With that she fully walked out of the room and leaned on the door once she shut it glad to be away from someone seemingly colder and more deadly then Commander Ikari.
ôI will speak to him now.ö Shinji said to himself closing his eyes.
/////////////////////////////
Rising at the sound of feet approaching he was able to turn in time to meet his HandlerÆs gaze when she opened the roomÆs door. Nodding at him she turned back around and he picked up his cello case following her out the reassuring weight at his back. Walking down the hallway the pair passed a gray haired man of Japanese ancestry dressed simply, save for the pin on his collar that read ôNervö. The man stared at Fiore as they passed before moving at a quick pace towards his room, he paid no mind to the man as he was of no threat to him, his Handler, or the mission.
Angelica stood next to Fiore that night standing on a roof opposite a tall office building, she was dressed in a long gray jacket and gray pants, while he wore his long black coat. Each also had a weapon hanging from a strap at their side, Fiore had one of his P90Æs and Angelica had her Steyr AUG. The mission was complicated involving three separate locations to be hit one right after the other with no survivors unless someone of key interest was spotted and able to be subdued. He and Angelica were the main strike force on the first target, Triela, Petrushka, Rico, Claes, and Beatrico would be working their way up from the ground floor to link up with the pair. Because of the high risk associated with this mission the child-assassins were on their own the Handlers would be monitoring everything though from a secure location.
Each grabbed a zip-line that was angled to take them right to one of the 15th floor windows of the 37 floor building. Nodding to one another and sharing a smile they launched themselves from the roof, descending rapidly diagonally towards the entry point. Reaching down with their right hands both began firing into the reinforced window causing it shatter giving them a clean opening to roll through as they released their zip-lines.
Coming up from his roll Fiore immediately opened fire on the room while confusion still reigned. Angelica followed suit sweeping the right while he handled the left. The room was quickly silenced bodies laying all over the floor riddled with bullets but the peace ended a heartbeat later when the door leading to the stairs was kicked open and assault rifle fire was upon them. Ejecting his spent clip Fiore charged the aggressors strafing left and right to avoid being shot, as he reached the first man his hands lashed out with lightning fast strikes before he spun around the man and jumped up delivering a devastating kick to the back of his head sending him forward to meet a bullet from Angelica. Landing he was upon the next man in a second dodging his punches with ease and responding with palm thrusts or punches working his body over. Grabbing a clumsy overhead strike he hurled the man into the third attacker and watched them twitch as his partner ventilated them from behind him. Pulling a fresh clip for his P90 out a pocket he slipped it in before walking into the stairwell.
Jumping the railing he landed in a crouch outside the fourteenth floor door Angelica landing next to him. She moved to the door as he slid a hand into his coat and pulled out one of his improved Flashbang grenades when the door was pulled open he pressed the button and tossed it into the open floor. As it went off Angelica came from around the door and entered and sweeping the area with her eyes and find numerous cubicles along with disoriented people. Signaling Fiore forward the pair ducked into an empty cubicle and opened fire on the blinded enemy before they could register what was happening. It was a massacre that neither cared about simply following the orders provided and lacking remorse for the loss of human life.
The massacre continued floor-by-floor until the reached the rendezvous point at the fifth floor. Bursting through the door without pause they quickly noted that the others were not having an easy go of things. At least fifty men were still standing in the large open lobby like floor and twice as many were already dead. Letting his P90 rest at his side he reached into his coat and pulled out both of his Five-Seven pistols and moved to help out Triela and Rico, while Angelica went to assist Petrushka, Beatrico, and Claes.
Jumping forward his foot impacted with a womanÆs face turning his foot as he made contact he twisted the broken nose bone sending a shard of it up into her brain causing death. Pushing off as the body fell he brought his guns up and began firing whenever his eyes spotted an enemy his pistols discharging in three round bursts. He landed next to Triela with eight bodies falling in various places and his barrels smoking.
ôShow offö she muttered before raising her SIG-Sauer P230 pistols and picking off another pair of targets.
ôRico, sweeping fire push them together.ö Fiore ordered the girl, who put her CZ 75B pistol down and lifted a Galil assault rifle from her side.
As Rico forced the faction members into the center of the room so did Petrushka under AngelicaÆs command. Once clumped together the fight became one-sided under the onslaught of seven Child-Assassins. When the last body tipped over the group took a moment to try and catch their breath before continuing.
ôTwelve floors to go and they know weÆre here now.ö Claes observed straightening her glasses.
ôConsidering the damage done so far though, they have to be expecting an armed military unit or Section One. If we act accordingly we can capture three floors before they realize weÆre the threat.ö Fiore stated reloading his P90.
ôWe still also have a time limit working against us.ö Rico put in reminding them all just how long this mission was planned to be.
ôPetrushka, Beatrico, and Rico will take the elevator up Rico will be in charge until we meet up again. Angelica, Claes, Triela, and I will make our way by the stairs. Use whatever directive or deception you need to get onto the floor and begin extermination, we will meet up together on the 19th floor.ö Fiore ordered and began walking up the stairs taking command of the situation as the Handlers had not designated a leader for this operation.
ôSee you guys up topö Triela waved before running to catch up with the others.
Fiore & Triela stayed hidden in the stairwell as Angelica and Claes put on the act for the guards of the 16th floor, the gunfire from Rico and her team easily made the sob story of watching their parents die and running believable. As the man turned his back he surged forward and tackled him from behind crushing his wind pipe with a well placed strike, sending both to the floor as the three girls behind him opened fire on the floor.
The last twelve floors were quickly taken as the enemy succumbed to panic in the face of such odds, which became worse when the seven reunited and began marching through the resistance offered. Reaching the roof they found a black unmarked helicopter beginning to fly away from the building with five suited men onboard. Fiore charged the edge of the roof and leapt off easily latching onto the chopper, pulling out one of his disc shaped explosives he placed it on the machines side before repeating the process twice more. Taking out the detonator button he pressed the button and back flipped away from chopper the heat of the explosions following behind him lapping at his body.
Hitting the roof hard he began rolling with the impact coming to a stop before the others his coat was in taters and he seemed scuffed up but otherwise his redefined body had saved his life. Feeling hands around him he acquiesced to the others help getting him up, dusting himself off he gave a smile to his comrades.
ôThink we have for dinner before the next one?ö He stated with a straight face. Angelica leaned close and used two of her fingers to snuff out an ember on his shoulder.
ôI think you should change coats first.ö Triela joked after a moment and all seven Child-Assassins began heading for the pick-up vehicle.
ôI like this coat.ö He replied during the trip causing a few laughs among the group.
The soft notes of a Cello filled the smoky and dimly lit bar as Fiore sat on a simple chair on a stage with light focused down upon him his cello resting against him as he played for the patrons of Verona. The second target of the mission was known to frequent the tavern along with his security and so he was to wait for the man to arrive, though it seemed silly to him to have all of Child-Assassins scattered about the establishment for such a simple assignment. Eliminating this one target was set as a high priority, high enough to warrant 75% civilian loses if it became necessary to insure the target was silenced.
Fiore had changed into a new coat exactly the same as the one he wore earlier and also had put on a black beret much like the kind Elsa preferred to wear in colder mission locations. He could spot the others through the cigar and cigarette smoke sitting together or with their handlers looking completely bored and enraptured by his music, when in reality they were on alert for the enemy.
The door opened exposing the bar to the chilly Verona night and a trio of people entered all dressed in black suits, with the two bigger and better muscled men flanking the man in the middle. The obvious bulges in their jackets revealed that they were carrying some sort of firearm and they seemed to carry themselves like professionals. Compared to his bodyguards the target was a thin lanky man with a traditional tan and a rat-like face, dressed in an expensive black suit and walking through the tavern as if he were the emperor of Rome reborn. Fiore let a gentle smile tug at his face, oh how he would enjoy peeling that look from the manÆs face when he killed him.
ôYo kidö the rat-faced man spoke to Fiore wanting his attention.
ôYes Sir?ö He replied stopping his playing much to the annoyance of his audience.
ôPlay Santa Lucia for meö he ordered.
ôIÆm sorry Sir but I donÆt take requests perhaps another night.ö He responded pleasantly.
ôIt wasnÆt a request punk now play it.ö
ôI apologize again sir but my pieces for the evening have already been decided.ö
He snapped his fingers an the goon on his right stepped forward grabbing Fiore around the neck and lifting him up into the air seemingly choking him, though in reality Fiore was simply acting. Pointing his left arm down he felt one of his flashbangs fall into his hand, which he then depressed the button on and allowed to fall harmlessly to the floor.
ôLittle punk I am the king of Verona, no one crosses me maybe having your fingers broken will teach you a lesson!ö as he finished speaking he saw the kid close his eyes and thinking it was in fear laughed.
The blinding light of the grenade changed his tune and in a mere second the entire room, save those of the SWA were without sight and highly disorientated. Fiore quickly slammed a foot into the goon holding him stomach forcing the man to double over in pain and then looped Assassins wire around his throat. Pulling the razor edged wire tight with all of his enhanced strength he watched the manÆs head cleanly pop off with no resistance what-so-ever. Angelica fired a single shot as she stood killing the other goon and Fiore looped another line of wire around the target dragging him out of the bar before the patrons could see again. The others watched FioreÆs back before following him down the streets, where he then hurled the target against an alley wall and stood back as Jean stepped forward.
ôNow then your going to tell me everything I want to know.ö And so began the interrogation. When it ended Jean turned and walked away nodding to the Child-Assassins, who raised their weapons and en masse executed the PRF supporter.
The moon was high in the sky brightly lighting the nighttime sky as the hour passed Midnight, Fiore walked behind Lucrezia with his cello case into the ruins of an old fortress on the outskirts of Verona. This was the final and most dangerous of the three sites to be attacked during the mission, yet for some reason Lucrezia was going against the profile for the mission as briefed to them all collectively by Jean and entering the fortress. Fiore didnÆt need his sixth sense to feel the danger around this situation or to wonder why an area supposedly crawling with enemy was eerily quiet and devoid of security.
ôSomething is wrong here.ö He spoke aloud as they rounded a corner and walked a flight of stairs the only light coming from the moon and stars above.
ôNo Fiore everything is going according to plan now just keep quiet and follow me, we have a long trip ahead of us.ö Lucrezia assured and in the distance the sound of a helicopter pierced the silence of the night.
ôI do not understand this is not the mission scenario.ö He stated in confusion and stopped.
ôFiore, you need not worry just follow my orders and come along.ö She retorted turning her head around to stare at him with a piercing gaze.
ôYou are compromising directives and placing yourself in undue harm I do not understand.ö Fiore was wracking his mind for an answer about these orders somewhere deep in his programming something was telling him not to obey his Handler.
ôDo you think the Padania Republic Faction is so stupid as to not eventually figure out what the government is doing and using against it Fiore? WeÆve known about the Social Welfare Agency and the Child-Assassin project for a very long time only a fool wouldnÆt realize that with all the deaths and losses that a new weapon was being employed.ö Lucrezia smiled at him though to Fiore it seemed twisted.
ôYou are a member . . . . Of the Padania Republic Faction . . . . But . . . . That would make you . . . . . an enemy.ö He took a step backward his carefully ordered world shattering around him.
ôI was placed in Section One to help provide Misinformation and protect our more valuable members. Imagine my surprise when Chief Lorenzo approached me to join Section Two and train my own Child-Assassin to pick and train you. You Fiore will be the weapon that evens out this little war we have going on, along with the secrets your body holds.ö Her smile became nearly malicious as she watched him take another step back.
ôThe PRF has been playing a game with the SWA since I joined; sending out false leads and using them to clear out the rebellious elements in our ranks. Never letting anyone important get into your grasp just sending you endless waves of cannon fodder, I could easily warn anyone when I went out to ôScoutö now come along Fiore you know you canÆt hurt me its not possible with your directives and training to obey.ö
ôStay back, you are an enemy and a traitor if you attempt to come any closer I will be forced to subdue you.ö Lucrezia continued to walk forward causing Fiore to tremble.
ôSTAY BACK!ö
Triela & Hillshire ascended the stairs twenty minutes later to check up on Lucrezia and Fiore as the team had yet to check in and there were no signs of any PRF members. As they reached the top both stopped and stared at the sight presented to them, listening to the utter quiet that was only broken by the sound of clothing ruffling as a body trembled, which wa sonly perceivable to Triela with her advanced hearing.
The moonlight glinted off a thin metallic wire attached to the ceiling and flowing down to wrap around a personÆs neck, who hung limply obviously dead with the paler of skin and lack of breath. That person turned out to be Lucrezia her body swaying gently from side to side and revealing the huddling form of Fiore behind her, sitting on the floor with his knees drawn up to his chest shaking with wide eyes staring at his gloved hands silently. Hillshire took a step forward and FioreÆs eyes snapped along with his body.
ôStay Backö he stated coldly with a soft voice.
ôFiore, what happened here?ö Hillshire demanded.
ôI killed her . . . . . . . I killed her with my own two hands . . . . . . . She violated the directives and I killed her . . . . . . I destroyed my imperfect handler with my own two hands . . . . . She couldnÆt be trusted . . . . . . She wanted to . . . . . . She wanted to turn me over to them . . . . . I canÆt trust you . . . . . STAY BACK!ö Fiore brought one of his Five-seven pistols up pointing it at Hillshire. Triela quickly brought her own handgun up unable to fight her own programming and pulled the trigger sending a single shot into FioreÆs right hand.
Time seemed to slow down then as the bullet entered his hand and exploded out the other side sending his gun skittering away and sending Fiore to the ground in shock. Hillshire ran forward quickly drawing syringe from his coat, which all the Handlers now carried since ElsaÆs killing of Lauro. Slamming the needle into the Child-Assassins neck he pressed down on the plunger sending the liquid drug surging into the deadly young man. Triela met his eyes as they began to cloud and could only find betrayal within their depths directed at her and then nothing at all as they finished glazing over.
æI . . . . . I . . . . I REMEMBER!Æ
The core of Evangelion Unit-01 pulsed with energy sensing the danger to its Pilot and the eyes began to glow with the mouth guard snapping free letting it open wide. ShinjiÆs body began to pulse and the LCL bubble around him before surging into his form causing him to scream in pain and lose conciseness a single word passing from his lips.
ôFioreö
Office of Commander Ikari
Gendo Ikari, formerly Rokubungi sat in behind his desk with Sub-commander Kozou Fuyutsuki at his side and Doctor Ritsuko Akagi standing before them with a clipboard in her hands. The dark haired and bearded man leaned forward his hands hiding the lower half of his face and a pair of sunglasses keeping his eyes from being seen, which only added to the cold and calculating persona people associated with him.
ôI take it you have found something unusual about the Third Child that couldnÆt be stated in a simple report.ö The man stated simply getting to the point.
ôYes Sir, the physical examination I performed once Pilot Ikari was removed from the plug along with testing I did to prove my findings revealed quite a lot about him. Most of it shouldnÆt even be possible and isnÆt not even with NervÆs level of technology.ö The Faux blonde replied crisply hiding her own inner annoyance at the man treating his own son like a common tool.
ôContinue.ö
ôYes Sir, firstly Pilot IkariÆs skin is not normal or human, instead it is a synthetic and durable facsimile that appears resistant to extreme temperature changes and damage that can be done with most modern weapons. Below the skin the Third ChildÆs body has been completely redefined or replaced with technology IÆve never encountered before, more then 90% of his body has undergone this change. We also noticed through psychological and brain chemistry analysis that the pilot was subjected to numerous types of highly advanced brainwashing, which have also been broken somehow but even the MAGI have no explanation for this yet.ö
ôWhat do you mean by redefined and replaced?ö Fuyutsuki asked his aged face creasing in thought.
ôShinjiÆs body has been refitted with synthetic or synthesized muscles, artificial organs and body parts, Cybernetic implants, and his bones or skeletal structure replaced with a carbon-fiber frame. Oddly, though it appears as if a majority of the implants and other replacement parts were removed at some point leaving the Pilot slightly frail but on par with an average human child. The MAGI theorize that when Evangelion Unit-01 regenerated and went berserk somehow the Eva using LCL repaired and replaced all the missing parts in Shinji.ö
ôWhere is the Third Child now?ö Gendo asked still seemingly calm even as his own genius mind went to work on this situation.
ôResting in the infirmary IÆd like to keep him there and observe him, perhaps talk with him and try to learn about his implants and their uses. Potentially their benefit for mankind could be revolutionary.ö Ritsuko stated her scientific mind drooling at the prospect of this technology.
ôI want to be informed when he awakens that is all your dismissed Doctor.ö The supreme commander of Nerv said and watched the blonde scientist scurry out of his dark domain.
ôWhat do you plan to do Ikari?ö Fuyutsuki asked when they were alone.
ôI want the Third Childs former guardian brought in and interrogated about all this. This could have profound effects on the scenario.ö
Infirmary
A pair of blue eyes slowly opens revealing a chillingly cold and deadly calm within their depths this was further enhanced by the emotionless look adorning the face of the young male patient. The harsh lights of the room coupled with the sunlight or artificial sunlight streaming through the curtained window made it easy to see as he lifted his right arm to inspect it, along with clinching his fist open and closed several times.
æWho is it that I am now? Shinji Ikari died in Italy alone and abandoned by anyone and everyone, which gave birth to Fiore. Fiore the first and only male Child-Assassin in a way the ADAM of Section Two, who was trained to be the deadliest killer in existence and taught every trick in order to survive any given scenario even losing his Handler, however Fiore died as well betrayed by the SWA for simply following his directives and executing a traitor. I suppose I am the third being baring the best of both my progenitors and lacking none of their failings, a person who is called and will be called Fiore Ikari. I like it and now I can help the others starting with the Eve of Section Two, two years was it that long ago or is my memory missing gaps and lost in time I must hurry to help her.Æ
Sitting up Shinji Ikari, the Third Child as indicated by the Marduk report smiled a thin mirthless smile, suddenly lashing out with his left arm and slamming it fist first into the wooden table by his bed. The wood cracked under the immense strength of the impact before splintering and crumbling to the floor broken.
æSomehow with my memories returned all my implants regenerated as well in fact they seem stronger then before. Those bastards took them away and didnÆt even let me explain, so be it I can have fun playing with them now and bringing them down.Æ He thought climbing out of bed as the door opened admitting the blonde, who had met up with him at Miss Katsuragi when they arrived at Nerv.
ôAh good your up already, you gave us quite the scare Pilot Ikari.ö She spoke pleasantly.
ôTwenty-sevenö he responded simply and quietly.
ôExcuse me?ö
ôI said Twenty-seven.ö
ôAnd what pray tell is Twenty seven?ö Ritsuko asked.
ôThe number of ways I can kill you before you have a chance to alert anyone to my attacking. Thirty-three ways if I donÆt mind being discovered and having to fight my way through security after you screamed or hit that alert button near the door.ö He explained without even turning towards her not needing to see the doctorÆs face pale.
ôWell I would hope you didnÆt find it necessary to attack an unarmed person who is only trying to help you.ö Ritsuko reasoned after a moment of composing herself. Shinji didnÆt respond to her he just simply continued to stare out of his hospital roomÆs window.
ôYour father wanted to be informed when you woke up he must have been worried about you.ö She tried hoping baiting him with GendoÆs attention would get a response. Minutes passed with no words spoken and Ritsuko heaved a sigh turning to exit the room.
ôI would like to meet with him.ö ShinjiÆs voice carried over the quiet.
ôIÆll let him know you want to speak to him.ö With that she fully walked out of the room and leaned on the door once she shut it glad to be away from someone seemingly colder and more deadly then Commander Ikari.
ôI will speak to him now.ö Shinji said to himself closing his eyes.
/////////////////////////////
Shinji sat up and looked around. A large, heavy-looking door barred the entrance. He was lying down on what felt was a cheaply made mattress. There was a small lightbulb hanging from the ceiling, illuminating the room he was in.
Not a room, a cell.
This wasn't where he fell asleep. Last thing he remembered, he failed to stop Third Impact. He had stopped eating, just slept whenever he became too tired to move. How did he get here?
The sounds of footsteps could be heard coming down the hall outside the door. Sitting up, he waited for what he believed was going to happen.
Footsteps stopped outside the door, followed by the jingling and then the clanking of metal as the lock opened. The door swung open and in walked an oddly dresed woman.
She was wearing a strange pink and purple plugsuit, but that was where the similarities ended. It was very low-cut, down past her navel and instead of the normal flat soles, they were very high heels.
Her tan skin was topped by wildly styled silvery, white hair.
"Hello, Mr. Ikari. You're probably wondering where you are and who I am, right?"
Shinji could only nod, his voice failing him for a moment.
"Let me answer the second question first. I am Daimakaicho Hild, ruler of Hell. You are in Hell, well, not quite." she said, conjuring a chair to sit on.
"Wha...?"
"Technically, you are in Limbo. You see Shinji, you are a good person, and without all that NERV business you were involved with, there would be no way you'd end up here.
"However, NERV was never in the business of saving the world. A small group of people called SEELE, the people who helped fund NERV, were going to use Third Impact to try force humanity to 'evolve' to the next stage. That did not work out the way they wanted and instead ended the world. Your father was trying to double cross them so that he could be together with your mother. That didn't work out, either.
"Now, you're a good person. You didn't think or say bad things about others. However, you did help to instigate the end of humanity. Sure, you were told that you were saving the Earth from angels, and you were acting under that belief, but you did help start Third Impact.
"So, here's your situation: you're not 'good' enough to go to Heaven and not 'evil' enough for Hell, so you'll be staying here until Heaven and Hell can come to agreement about what will happen to you. To be honest, you're so good a torturing yourself, that if you end up in Hell, I'm going to have a hard time finding a suitable punishment for you.
"So, now that that's out of the way, do you have any questions?"
"Um...If I'm in Hell, how did I die?" Shinji asked.
"Technically, you're not in Hell. Limbo is more like a holding area. Souls waiting for judgement stay here. We can't come to an agreement about what to do with you, so for the time being, you stay here. As to how you died, that building you stumbled into to sleep? There was some seismic activity while you slept and the building collapsed, killing you. That answer your question?"
Shinji nodded. "What happens now?"
"You sit here and wait untill a decision is reached. It's the only thing you can do right now." She said, standing to leave the cell. Un-summoning the chair, she walked to the door. "Don't worry too much, Mr. Ikari. The decision more than likely won't take too long."
With that, the Queen of Hell walked out, the door closing and locking behind her, leaving Shinji alone in his cell, to listen to the sounds of footsteps walking away down the hall.
Not a room, a cell.
This wasn't where he fell asleep. Last thing he remembered, he failed to stop Third Impact. He had stopped eating, just slept whenever he became too tired to move. How did he get here?
The sounds of footsteps could be heard coming down the hall outside the door. Sitting up, he waited for what he believed was going to happen.
Footsteps stopped outside the door, followed by the jingling and then the clanking of metal as the lock opened. The door swung open and in walked an oddly dresed woman.
She was wearing a strange pink and purple plugsuit, but that was where the similarities ended. It was very low-cut, down past her navel and instead of the normal flat soles, they were very high heels.
Her tan skin was topped by wildly styled silvery, white hair.
"Hello, Mr. Ikari. You're probably wondering where you are and who I am, right?"
Shinji could only nod, his voice failing him for a moment.
"Let me answer the second question first. I am Daimakaicho Hild, ruler of Hell. You are in Hell, well, not quite." she said, conjuring a chair to sit on.
"Wha...?"
"Technically, you are in Limbo. You see Shinji, you are a good person, and without all that NERV business you were involved with, there would be no way you'd end up here.
"However, NERV was never in the business of saving the world. A small group of people called SEELE, the people who helped fund NERV, were going to use Third Impact to try force humanity to 'evolve' to the next stage. That did not work out the way they wanted and instead ended the world. Your father was trying to double cross them so that he could be together with your mother. That didn't work out, either.
"Now, you're a good person. You didn't think or say bad things about others. However, you did help to instigate the end of humanity. Sure, you were told that you were saving the Earth from angels, and you were acting under that belief, but you did help start Third Impact.
"So, here's your situation: you're not 'good' enough to go to Heaven and not 'evil' enough for Hell, so you'll be staying here until Heaven and Hell can come to agreement about what will happen to you. To be honest, you're so good a torturing yourself, that if you end up in Hell, I'm going to have a hard time finding a suitable punishment for you.
"So, now that that's out of the way, do you have any questions?"
"Um...If I'm in Hell, how did I die?" Shinji asked.
"Technically, you're not in Hell. Limbo is more like a holding area. Souls waiting for judgement stay here. We can't come to an agreement about what to do with you, so for the time being, you stay here. As to how you died, that building you stumbled into to sleep? There was some seismic activity while you slept and the building collapsed, killing you. That answer your question?"
Shinji nodded. "What happens now?"
"You sit here and wait untill a decision is reached. It's the only thing you can do right now." She said, standing to leave the cell. Un-summoning the chair, she walked to the door. "Don't worry too much, Mr. Ikari. The decision more than likely won't take too long."
With that, the Queen of Hell walked out, the door closing and locking behind her, leaving Shinji alone in his cell, to listen to the sounds of footsteps walking away down the hall.