Disclaimer: Gratuitous Girlfriend of Steel cameo incoming, so please be wary of a sudden influx of ship to ship combat.
Author note: And now, chapter 16. Leliel and the Dirac Sea are up, and what lies in wait therein. It'll be a long, strange trip to say the least. Buckle up guys, we're hitting the rapids of the ripples.
The Reprint and Repackaging of Evangelion
Chapter 16 Heaven Holds a Sense of Wonder
by Anonguy
Time flowed forward once more, and three weeks had passed since the incident with Iruel. All was quiet on the Angel front, and so the pilots were able to settle themselves down from their crisis of faith in the mission. Or that's how they acted, but they were young and bad at lying, and no one wanted to press the issue.
As things progressed, more and more weird instances of ruins and patches of animals and land disappearing in a massive shadow were reported. The UN investigated the Shadow, but were unable to determine what it was and was ordered off by NERV in order to make sure there wasn't anything lurking beneath the surface. A breakthrough was made, and announced to the world by Dr. Akagi and a press conference just a matter of minutes ago.
ôWe have discovered an actual Dirac sea, as it fits all of the notes left by the inventor of the theoretical model Paul Dirac.ö She announced to the UN and JSSDF. ôIt is currently stationed forty to fifty kilometers east of Tokyo-3. At this time, NERV has no idea how to approach the subject, but I assure you we are working around the clock to figure this out. Please, bear with us, we don't want to see anyone be harmed in our stead.ö
ôDr. Akagi! Is it true that the Dirac sea is swallowing anything that it touches?ö a UN rep asked, waving his hand like a crazed news reporter.
ôThat certainly seems to be the situation. Unless we say it's okay, don't touch it. It's like lava, but instead of being burned to death you get sucked into a void of infinite negative particles.ö Ritsuko answered, doing her best to deflect any curious heroes from being eaten by another dimension. Alledgedly another dimension anyways.
ôBut didn't the Evangelion fight by an active volcano?ö someone pointed out.
ôI don't know how they did it, it was like convection took a vacation. And cleaning them off was a fucking nightmare, ugh.ö Ritsuko hated when the laws of science took a pounding, as it was here job to deflect the rampant waves of bitching from the scientific community when they violated the rules of what was generally accepted as how shit worked. Not as much as she hated cleaning them off after that mission, there was a ridiculous amount of ash in various nooks and crannies.
The audience laughed good naturedly at the self-depreciation, accepting it for now.
ôöJust trust me on this, we have a good idea that the Dirac sea is connected to the Angels somehow, so please, leave it to us.ö Ritsuko adopted a semi-heroic prose. ôWe're here to protect you from those guys, and that means everyone, even the soldiers.ö
/-\ /-\ /-\
The press conference ended with little fanfare and it was back to NERV HQ to determine just how they were to deal with it. Scanners had failed to penetrate the massive shadow, leaving them uncertain of where the Angel might be inside it. To say nothing of the fact that the shadow didn't give off the blue signal, which meant they couldn't tell if the shadow was an Angel in and of itself.
ôDoctor, I believe you had a suggestion.ö Gendo said, sitting at the head of the big conference table used for really important meetings that would deal with the end of the world. Like this one, for example.
ôIt's not the best, but the only way we can be sure to get the Angel is to go inside the Dirac sea and search for it.ö Ritsuko began her presentation, using 3D models provided by the MAGI to help her points. ôNow, while there are an infinite number of negative particles, there has to be a generation point inside the shadow for the Angel to make the sea appear.ö She highlighted several spots where it likely could be.
ôSo what you're saying,ö Misato said, as she looked at the model. ôis that there are a set number of hiding spots inside the sea for it to be located.ö
ôThat is correct.ö Ritsuko nodded, grateful for the help.
ôI see that the middle is not highlighted.ö Fuyutsuki made note of, rubbing his chin in contemplation.
ôThat's too obvious, as we could just figure out the center point and just start dropping bombs into it until we kill it.ö Misato cut in before Ritsuko could answer.
ôThat, and we can't tell how big it is inside the shadow. We could conceivably drop every N2-mine into it we have and still miss it.ö Ritsuko said, in all seriousness.
ôWe have a lot of N2-mines.ö Gendo mentioned.
ôThe Dirac sea could be infinitely wide inside. If we don't know where to drop them, we'll waste them.ö Ritsuko countered, poking a finger at the model. ôThis is just the outside, the MAGI refused to even begin to calculate a scale model of the inside, saying that they couldn't make a scale downed vision of infinity.ö
ôAnd if they can't do it,ö Fuyutsuki said, looking at Gendo, who looked at Misato, then Ritsuko, before back at Fuyutsuki.
ôThen we won't know unless we go inside.ö Gendo sounded grim, grimmer than anyone present had ever heard. Then they remembered Shinji and realized the source of the uncharacteristic concern.
ôIt'll take some work, but we should be able to convince them to go in.ö Ritsuko tried to sugarcoat things, knowing that this course of action was the exact opposite of the game with Iruel: a huge gamble.
ôSome work?ö Misato laughed with open derision of her friend's choice of words. ôWe're convincing them to dive into infinite negative space and hopefully find the Angel in a space that could be as wide as the goddamn universe. This isn't tricking them into going on a school trip they don't want to, this is their lives.ö Not once, was the idea of any single pilot going alone brought up. The kids would never agree to that.
ôI admit, my phrasing was poor, but I'm trying to remain optimistic here.ö Ritsuko accepted the verbal salvo, they had to be the adults and figure this shit out first before they could even fool themselves into thinking they could order the pilots into this scenario.
ôWe must have faith that they will understand.ö Fuyutsuki added, bringing a third opinion to the field.
ôNo matter how we decide to go about it, when it comes time to give the order, I will be the one to give it.ö Gendo interjected, the weight in his voice silencing the debate for a second. ôI will have faith in my son, and the other pilots as well. I want them to know I am behind them, always behind their every effort. I... I can't stay quietly in the shadows now.ö Oh man, he was close to breaking down there.
Ritsuko and Misato shared a tiny smile off to the side, as they understood the man's feelings very well, no matter how awkwardly he may go about expressing them.
ôIf that is your wish Commander.ö Fuyutsuki replied, as if soothing the nerves of a worried child. He had been working with the man for a number of years now, he had a decent amount of knowledge of his many quirks.
/-\ /-\ /-\
ôHey Shinji, what are you doing?ö Asuka asked, being on standby with the other pilots meant that they were in the pilots briefing room. The Second Child decided to strike up a conversation with the Third.
ôNothing really.ö Shinji wasn't exactly lying, he was keeping himself busy tracking an E-net thread while organizing his music collection. ôJust tidying up my laptop, rearranging stuff I had misfiled.ö
ôA worthwhile endeavor.ö Rei commented off to the side, who sat in her chair with perfect posture.
ôStill gives me the creeps when she talks like that.ö Shinji muttered, shaking his head.
ôOh, and how should I talk?ö Rei turned to face Shinji, a false look of confrontation on her face.
ôHey now, no need to get all peevish.ö Shinji waved off from the potential argument, even if he thought the feistier speech suited the blue haired girl more.
ôHmph!ö It was perfectly delivered with enough fake indignation that Asuka had to laugh.
ôOh come on Rei, you know how Shinji is. Always barking because he's afraid to bite.ö Asuka poked him in the ribs, much to the Third Child's annoyance.
ôI didn't think you'd like getting bit.ö Shinji retorted, turning away from Asuka in a mock sulk, which only made her laugh more.
ôSomeone is in a good mood.ö Rei tossed out, playing along with the way the conversation had shifted.
ôI try. Besides, I always figured smiling a lot was like exercising.ö Asuka said, shrugging a little.
ôHow's that work?ö Shinji wasn't curious, but he didn't want her poking him again. If there was poking to be done, it'd be done by him! Wait, no, that sounded dirty.
ôThe narrator's being a pervert.ö Rei noted, poking the fourth wall hard for the interruption.
ôIt's okay, we're all perverts here.ö Asuka said, putting on a lopsided grin.
ôSpeak for yourself.ö Rei said, though a little defensively.
ôI can speak for us both,ö Asuka said, before leaning in and whispering to Rei. ôYou should be more quiet if you're going to do that in the bathroom.ö
Rei turned redder than the color of Asuka's plug suit and bolted out of her chair.
ôI so don't wanna know,ö Shinji said theatrically, sighing in a put upon way that looked so fake that it looped back around to genuine. Or something like that.
The fun times ended when Misato came in, with Gendo and Ritsuko in tow.
ôAlright you three, listen up.ö Misato said, whipping them all into shape with a single command. ôThe operation is special, as such, the Commander himself will explain it.ö
Alarm bells sounded in Shinji's head, but he kept his features stern.
ôThe mission plan has been decided, and it is one of great risk.ö Gendo paused, gathering his steam to get the rest out. ôThis plan is one that we deliberated long and hard on, and one that we're still not sure if we should do it. But as it seems the Angel is in the shadow, we need to find it.ö
ôSo what you're saying, is that you want to send the Evangelion inside it.ö Rei spoke up, before Shinji could.
ôYes, but only because we're not sure just what we're dealing with. Our sensors can't penetrate the shadow, so we can't be certain if it is an Angel at all. What we have to go by is the fact that it moves around from time to time, giving off a sense that there is something alive about it.ö Gendo continued the briefing, using the visual aids provided by Ritsuko to show what he was talking about. ôAnd besides, something like this doesn't just appear from nowhere.ö
ôSo, we have to go in eh?ö Shinji said, relatively calm. ôIf this is our only path, then we can't waste time arguing over whether it is right or wrong. If the Angel hides in the shadow, then we will have to find it won't we?ö
ôThat's right, we just have to find it. And we will, because that's what we're here for right?ö Asuka added on, as the three pilots stood.
ôYou three...ö Gendo said, a minor laugh escaping his lips. ôThen if you understand the mission, all that is left is the order.ö
ôIndeed.ö Shinji said, bowing his head. ôI won't worry about what this means and any negative garbage like that. I am a pilot of Evangelion, I take my life into my own hands. You are the Commander, while also my father. Please, don't let them interfere with each other, because we'll be fine.ö
ôThank you.ö It was almost too quiet to be heard, but Shinji heard it, and for the two Ikaris, that was all that was needed. ôThe mission has been decided on, prepare the Evangelion for transport immediately. We will infiltrate the Dirac sea!ö
/-\ /-\ /-\
ôIt's like a hole in the world itself.ö Rei said, as she saw the Dirac sea from the hypersonic transport above it.
ôNo time to be wondering how deep the rabbit hole is,ö Asuka said, grinning a bit to herself as she was psyching herself up for another sortie. ôWe'll be going in shortly.ö
ôIt feels weird you know?ö Shinji added, looking at the black mass pooling below them. ôIt almost looks too unnatural to be real. Even with everything we've seen and done, I can safely say that this is the weirdest of them all.ö
ôNo argument there,ö Asuka agreed, looking at it again with frank wonder and more than a little discomfort.
ôNow, remember,ö Misato spoke up then, having received word they were ready to unload the Evangelion. ôKeep the umbilical cable connected and stay in contact with each other. We'll be cut off due to the sea's effect alright?ö
ôYes ma'am!ö The pilots chorused dutifully.
'It seems they're mostly over the last Angel.' Misato thought quietly to herself, watching them all file out and to their rides. 'These kids are made of sterner stuff than I imagined. But who know what lurks under that shadow?' Ritsuko had pulled her aside with a small briefing on the idea that the Angels were becoming smarter, craftier, and well, more human. It was imperative they be careful with the kids from now on, especially since Iruel had left such a deep impression on them.
ôThe Evangelion have made it to the ground safely.ö The pilot announced, shaking Misato from her thoughts.
ôCables are in properly right?ö Misato radioed Shinji to be certain, this wasn't the time for a slip up.
ôYes ma'am.ö The reply was crisp and focused, Shinji was ready for this.
ôOnce everyone is set, we will begin the operation.ö A pit formed in Misato's stomach, they had always been there for the kids in piloting the Evangelion, but they couldn't now.
ôEveryone is ready.ö Rei said, all three Units were holding hands.
She didn't want to say it, but when she took this post, she knew it would be dirty dirty business that had to be done. Humanity was at stake and only children could save it, experience and wisdom weren't welcome on this battlefield. The words she was about say would echo in her mind for days following, but she had a duty to perform, just as they did.
ôThen, begin the breaching of the Dirac sea.ö
/-\ /-\ /-\
The three units sank beneath the surface of the shadow, easily as though it were water. They had almost no time to brace themselves before they were falling, surrounded by darkness as far as the eye could see. Desperately, if not futilely, the Evangelion clung to one another for reassurance that they were still together.
ôIt's like descending into a whole new world.ö Shinji said with a bit of awe, the sensation of the Evangelion falling not stopping in the least. ôI can almost feel the turn of the Earth.ö
ôYeah, we're falling through space.ö Asuka added, her own wonderment at the sensation getting the better of her.
ôIt's so bizarre. This should be terrifying and destroying my sanity, but I can't stop feeling awed.ö Rei said, doing her best to remain calm.
ôMan, I don't think we're gonna stop.ö Shinji peered downward to the best of his Evangelion's ability. There was nothing underneath them. ôThough we might stop when we reach the end of the cable length.ö
ôThat was the idea wasn't it?ö Rei put in, not sarcastic like the phrasing was set.
ôWait a second, I'm picking up something.ö Asuka said, having volunteered to attach a sensor array to her Evangelion to try and find the Angel in this infinite negative space. ôIt's not an Angel, but it's... it's a mass of land!ö
ôSay what?ö Shinji exclaimed, for all of a second before a huge chunk of land appeared below them.
ôThis is bad, we're falling too fast now.ö Rei said, noting the rapid approach of said land.
ôHow is that even possible!?ö Shinji yelled, even as he braced for impact.
ôIt's this place, as a potential portal to another dimension, it'd only make sense that the laws of physics would be made a mockery of!ö Asuka exclaimed, somehow getting in over the cries of a thousand physicists howling in sorrowful anger. By that note, how can they even see anything anyways? Wasn't it established they can't see just a few moments ago?
ôYou're getting off track again.ö Rei said, just in time for the Evangelion to crash into the suddenly appearing chunk of land. While I was ranting, it turned out that they had attempted to stop their fall or at least slow down with their AT-fields, only for them to fail because something in the sea of nothing canceled them out. Oh and if you're wondering, all of the pilots have been knocked unconscious... lovely.
/-\ /-\ /-\
ôShinji! Shinji! Get up, you're going to be late for school!ö Misato called, waking Shinji back to reality. Or so he thought, as he tried to shake off both sleep and wonder how he wound up home so fast.
ôI'm up, I'm up.ö He noted that his voice sounded deeper for some reason, he stood up and swayed a little. Had he had a growth spurt or something? He put it from his mind when an unfamiliar but still recognizable voice called him.
ôC'mon Shinji,ö the voice called, sounding like someone he knew. ôI even came by earlier than usual so we could walk to school today.ö
ôI'll be right out Mana,ö he called, the unfamiliar name rolling off his tongue as though he had said it a thousand times before. He just needed to get dressed, and quickly now.
ôAbout time,ö Mana said with a feigned indignation as Shinji emerged from his room. Hands on her hips, the mousy redhead perfectly flashed that annoyed look that seemed to have been honed from years of feminine outrage. Even in jest, it made her looked rather peeved.
ôYeah, I know. I have to open up time in my schedule between saving the world from itself and helping bridge humanity's way to the future for sleep.ö Shinji smirked at his own joke, deciding to dismiss the amused looks on their faces for anything but agreement with his statement.
ôEnough of that, we have to get to school, Mr. World Saver.ö Mana came over and took Shinji's arm in a familiar manner, one that ticked away at a small part of Shinji's mind.
/-\ /-\ /-\
ôIt's a beautiful day out.ö Shinji said, looking out at the city as they drove to their high school. He couldn't remember Tokyo-3 looking this good. And then, that thought turned up on itself. Tokyo-3? It had always been Tokyo hadn't it?
ôShinji, are you alright?ö Mana asked, somewhat concerned at how his mood became somewhat pensive.
ôNothing, just thinking about this weird dream I had.ö Shinji flashed a smile to try and calm her nerves, succeeding nominally. The drive continued in silence, but it was a comfortable one.
They arrived at school, and Shinji was struck by the wreckage he saw off in the distance behind the school. His mind whirled as he tried to make sense of everything, this whispering voice talking of angels in the back of his head. He leaned against the nearest wall to catch his breath, while Mana studiously looked on, understanding this episode for what it was.
ôYou always get like this when you look at the wreck of the Space Walk.ö It was understandable, considering this was the disappeared Yui Ikari's greatest work... and the place where many believe she had died. Not Shinji's father, or the boy himself, which tugged at Mana's heartstrings all the more.
ôI really should stop.ö Shinji said, with an uncharacteristic bite of sarcasm. Mana laughed though, so that bit of odd behavior had slipped past... for now.
ôLet's just get to class.ö Mana helped Shinji up, and lead him into the building.
/-\ /-\ /-\
Time rolled forward a bit, and school had finished for Shinji and Mana. However, both would part ways here, as Shinji went to continue his intern work at NERV, his father's company. While it was unheard of in most cases of a high school student getting such a thing, nepotism trumps tradition sometimes.
Also, it didn't hurt that he was the first to have a significant breakthrough with artificial intelligence for robots. Basing a thesis off the work of Doctor Naoko Akagi and her daughter Ritsuko, he had successfully constructed a working model for what would be the first true AI. His mother had only figured out space flight and safer Terra-forming projects before she had supposedly died in the attack that destroyed the Space Walk. If you were wondering, that is a system of elevators that took you to a space station above Earth so you could walk around in space, sort of anyways.
Which meant that he had to help with the project, interning under Department Chief Aoi Mogami.
ôAh, right on time as usual, Ikari.ö Aoi said, adjusting her glasses as way of greeting him. She had taken a professional liking of the young man's work ethic, the same of which could not be said of her underlings.
ôShinji, you came back to me! I've been so lonely here without you!ö A tall blonde woman promptly wrapped herself around him, in quite the lewd fashion, which was very inappropriate considering the age gap.
ôMs. Ooi.ö Aoi admonished the woman, forcing her to release the young genius from her hold.
ôPlease, Satsuki.ö Shinji said in a level tone, not totally unhappy with the attention but he was engaged after all. ôWe're coworkers here, so behave yourself.ö
ôBut it's just so mean of you to be engaged before I ever got a chance at you!ö Satsuki whined, crocodile tears in her eyes as she did her usual routine whenever their shifts lined up.
ôDear lord, why do I keep putting her on the same shift as him?ö Aoi muttered to herself, she felt a migraine coming along. Joy.
ôWe've been over this time and again, I proposed to her when we were kids with the express purpose of making sure we would be reunited later. I intend to keep that promise, and it is frankly, rather rude of you to try and break it.ö Not missing a beat, Shinji lectured Satsuki as he usually had to, considering the woman's attitude.
ôAh, Shinji, here's the data.ö A short brunette said, pushing Satsuki out of the way. Roughly too, considering the very dark look give to the back of the other woman's head.
ôThank you Kaede, nice to see some people want this project to get done.ö Shinji took the data pad with grace, nodding and smiling his thanks.
ôAnd that is how you do it,ö Kaede whispered to Satsuki, setting the blonde off.
ôAgano!ö Satsuki roared, causing everyone present to break out laughing. It was a cheery scene, one that seemed out of place here where the future of mankind was being further formed. Shinji looked at the data pad and saw the finalized schematics for the testbed.
ôRei...ö he whispered, the name familiar and taut on his lips, before he shook his head and got to work.
/-\ /-\ /-\
ôChancellor! Chancellor! Wake up, it's the start of the Parliament!ö an older male voice sounded outside the door, awakening Asuka from her peaceful slumber.
ôI'm awake, Johann, I'm awake.ö Asuka got up from bed, not really noticing the different to her height, hair, or the fact that the request to wake up was given in perfect German. What she did notice, was the fact that her bust had increased a little, straining a bit against the silken nightie she wore. ôWhat the...?ö And as quickly as the shock came, it flowed away, as her mind woke up more and she took her puzzlement as a result of tiredness.
ôMadam Chancellor, the Parliament will be meeting in ten minutes, please hurry and get dressed!ö Johann called from behind the door, poor man sounded positively panicked.
ôShouting at me like I'm a horse will not get me dressing faster.ö Asuka admonished the man, sighing theatrically at his antics, even as she complied with his request. Chancellor of Germany and her butler couldn't stop yelling at her like she was deaf and insensate. But he was a faithful one, so she didn't hold it against him. ôI can bathe later, I slept longer than I wished to have. Busy night last night, wasn't it?ö
ôVery busy, Madam Chancellor. You broke the impasse between the two parties last night after a marathon debate over taxes of the Lunar colony.ö Johann wasn't informing her, just allowing her to focus on him and less on other things that didn't involve her dressed to open the Parliament session today. She was a good girl, young woman, who was the shining light for the future of Germany and the whole of Europe. By 2020, every country on the continent would have a Lunar city, making the loss of the International Space Station and the Space Walk a distant memory.
ôWith time to spare, I am ready.ö Asuka announced with a feigned regal tone, posing in her form fitting red dress that looked more suited for a ball than politics. But that's what the public loved about her, she'd been Chancellor since 12, so they got to see her grow up, as it were. ôLet us go.ö
/-\ /-\ /-\
Time flowed forward and Asuka had finished her duties at Parliament for the day. And just in time too, as a young girl with red hair waited impatiently for her. Right as the youngster's patience began to wane, Asuka appeared with arms out.
ôSister!ö the little girl cried, running over to give Asuka a great big hug.
ôSorry I'm late Cecilia, Parliament ran later than usual. But it was for a good cause, the taxes on the Lunar colony have been lowered, which means an easier time for Papa.ö Asuka explained to her sister, sure that the girl didn't really understand.
ôYay!ö Cecilia cheered, not getting it but anything that made things better for her father was something to cheer for to her.
ôThere's still time, you want to go to the park today?ö Asuka asked, more as a formality than anything, as she already knew the answer.
ôOf course!ö Cecilia said, her tone almost chirping she finally wormed her way from her elder sister's embrace and stood holding her hand.
ôHold on tight, okay?ö Asuka smiled at her sister's serious nod in response and shook her head. ôWell, we're going now.ö
The two exited the building and into the late afternoon air, the sun casting a glow of vibrant life on the scene. Asuka took a deep breath and marveled privately at the beauty of the sight before her, a Germany unblemished and unmarred by the ravages of disaster. It really took her breath away, if only in the figurative sense.
/-\ /-\ /-\
Rei returned to her senses when she perceived she was floating in mid-air. Her eyes snapped open and she took in the familiar sight of Tokyo-3... but different. The passage of time had surely come and left the city looking both the better and worse for it, if that makes sense to you. Some parts were worn out while others looked positively brand spanking new.
The First Child looked around some more, before noticing she wasn't alone, as Shinji and Asuka sat on a bench not five feet away. But there was something vastly different about them, most noticeably being the fact that they were both grown ups now. In fact, Rei barely recognized them, save for Asuka's still red hair and Shinji's usual cocksure posture.
What had happened to them all after they fell in the Dirac sea?
ôLong day huh?ö Asuka said, looking out at the city sprawling before them. It was a sight that inspired awe in her every time she looked upon it.
ôNo longer than usual, just feels that way.ö Shinji said, somewhat even keeled for him, but perhaps maturity had taken the bite from his words.
ôIt must be hard, all the eyes of this world upon you. It's enough to make a girl jealous.ö Asuka said, teasing a bit, almost a casual flirt.
ôIs it? I don't pay attention to other people much when you're around.ö Shinji smirked, flashing that old snarker charm.
ôMercy, you do have a way with words, don't you?ö Asuka didn't sound annoyed, though the wording may have one feeling something was off. She leaned forward, and Rei quickly turned away when she realized what was about to happen.
ôWhat is going on? What the hell happened?ö Rei looked around again before something about her hands caught her attention. It took a few seconds, but she could see right through herself!
Her scream pierced outward unto infinity, contained only by the black void that encased her.
/-\ /-\ /-\
Shinji sat up groggy in the entry plug of Unit-01, his head aching as he felt he was slammed back into himself. Which sounded impossible now that he thought about it, ignoring any potential existentialist viewpoint of course. But yeah, he had a pretty terrible headache, not helped by the fact that he couldn't really see.
He closed his eyes and breathed, feeling Unit-01's animal conscience against his, a questioning feeling coming from the alien machine of destruction. He could feel the Evangelion pulse beneath him, as if it were... alive. But that wasn't possible, right? It was just a robot, right?
...Right?
ôShinji.ö Asuka's voice came over the communicator surprisingly clear, meaning that the sea apparently didn't block their communications.
ôAsuka, are you okay?ö He put his worries about Unit-01 aside for now and focused on his fellow pilots.
ôHead hurts like hell, and I've been better, but I'm not particularly injured.ö Her reply was filled with surprising cheer, before her voice grew grave. ôI can't contact Rei at all.ö
ôOh man, this is seriously messed up.ö He was worried, but he couldn't voice it properly right now. ôMaybe she's still unconscious.ö
ôWe can't look for her, because we can't see.ö Asuka pointed out, the lights in their cockpit didn't even work, even though everything else did.
ôIf you seek Light little humans, you only need but to wish for it in your hearts.ö An ethereal, and oddly feminine with a youthful lilt to it, voice rang out from all around them. Like the richest musics, it pulsed through every bit of their beings.
ôWhat the hell?ö Shinji asked, looking around. Who had said that?
ôWho said that?ö Asuka demanded, whipping her head around in the dark in fear.
ôI am Leliel, and this is my domain.ö The voice replied, still as smooth as before.
ôShinji this is!ö Asuka said, before she was cut off.
ôDon't say anything Asuka, we have to be careful.ö Shinji replied, hoping to keep what they suspected to be the Angel they came to kill off guard.
ôDo not worry, your unease is probably a by-product of the dark. Your kind has always lost their nerve when their sight is taken away. This darkness has always been here, even as I slumbered, it took in things, people and animal. Though I was asleep, I could hear their dying screams in my dreams.ö Leliel didn't pay any attention to their exchange and went on like they never said anything. ôNow please, restore the light from your hearts and come out of those dreadful machines, your friend needs you.ö
ôRei!ö They both exclaimed, and instead of making threats to Leliel, they decided to concern themselves with Rei first and making sure she was safe. The return of the light did little comfort them as they worked quickly to exit their Evangelion and find their imperiled companion.
/-\ /-\ /-\
Back at NERV, things were tense, to say the least. Not only had they lost contact with the Evangelion pilots, there was little to no response of data streaming into the MAGI. Whatever was happening down in that hole, they had no way of knowing.
ôMan, this sucks.ö Aoba complained, sitting at his console with nothing to do. He had been barred from video games after the Iruel incident, but only for a month or two.
ôThat's not funny.ö Hyuga frowned at the unintentional pun. But then, he frowned at puns whenever he felt he could get away with it.
ôIt wasn't a joke.ö Aoba defended himself quickly, not feeling like an argument.
ôMakoto, leave it alone.ö Maya didn't want to hear an argument about nothing either, so she stepped to Aoba's defense.
ôFine, fine. Sheesh.ö Hyuga quieted down and the depressed atmosphere grew deeper for the bridge crew.
ôI can't blame them, this waiting is driving me nuts.ö Misato said, as she waited back with the Commander, Sub-Commander, and Ritsuko. It had been hours since the pilots had submerged and they could only wait.
ôWe're running long on patience here though.ö Ritsuko said, even as she knew the labs and the MAGI were working at full tilt to find someway to contact the pilots.
ôWe will have to make plans for the possibility of their loss.ö Fuyutsuki decided to be the one to breach the bad news.
ôNot yet.ö It was quiet, nearly inaudible sound coming from around Gendo.
ôPardon?ö Misato asked, not sure if she head him right.
ôNot yet. The umbilical cables are still connected, they're still there. Still there...ö It was still quiet but loud enough to be heard. Gendo's hands were shaking, causing the other people around him to smile as they understood the words and their meaning.
ôVery well, we'll table that talk for now,ö Misato said, as she got up with Ritsuko. ôCome on, let's get down to the lab and see if they have anything for us yet.ö Misato and Ritsuko exited the bridge without a further word.
ôI see, the one worried most of all is you, huh Commander?ö Fuyutsuki said, plying the man from his worried silence for a brief bit of chat.
ôWhen a soldier puts their faith in their commander, they're counting on that commander to lead them home alive. I can't call myself the Commander of NERV if they all don't make it back here in one piece.ö Gendo was calm in his delivery, but the fact he never stopped looking forward, meant that he couldn't do anything to dispel the notion he was worried.
ôMore than the Evangelion themselves, those Children are wonderful pilots that we won't be able to replace easily.ö It was a simple statement, but one that carried heavy meaning. Equating the lives of the pilots to that of the Evangelion would seem ludicrous, you couldn't just snap your fingers and make more appear. But then, you could say much the same for people able to pilot them this well, right?
ôThey'll be back, but the state they're in when they return will have to be dealt with carefully.ö Gendo let out a slight sigh, it came and went in the blink of an eye, but it was there. Gendo Ikari, the man who destroyed the World with Second Impact was worried. For the pilots who had believed in him enough to risk their lives on a gamble of foolish proportions. Sleep wouldn't be easy tonight for him, as rarely as it had ever been.
/-\ /-\ /-\
ôRei!ö Shinji and Asuka flanked the First Child on either side, leaning down to check on her condition. ôAre you okay?ö They could see nothing psychically work with Rei, but they did notice she was trembling slightly.
ôNot there, I'm not there.ö Rei appeared to be muttering this to herself, a light sign of tears at the edge of her eyes.
ôRei, get a hold of yourself! Rei!ö Shinji vigorously shook the crying girl, snapping her out of her daze.
ôShinji? I can hear you but I can't see.ö Rei turned herself towards the voice, hoping for some help here.
ôIt's okay, just close your eyes and wish for light in your heart. It's how we found you.ö Asuka instructed Rei, more because she didn't want Rei being too emotional towards Shinji at the moment. Not out of jealousy, just wanting to keep Rei under control.
ôAlright, I'll try.ö Rei closed her eyes and did as instructed, and when she opened them, by some miracle she could see. Shinji helped her to her feet without a word, when Leliel's voice came to them again.
ôI see that the blue haired one is back on her feet. Good.ö The voice sounded genuinely relieved by this, a puzzling thing to be sure.
ôThis is...ö Rei said, feeling the connection between herself and Leliel so very keenly. She trailed off when Shinji grabbed her arm and motioned for her to be silent.
ôAh, I have forgotten what I believe you'd call, 'my manners.' I am Leliel, the ah, I suppose 'mistress' would be the closest to correct, of this domain.ö As Leliel spoke, countless fractals of light spiral before the eyes of the Evangelion pilots before coalescing into the form of a young looking girl.
ôIt's a pleasure to meet you.ö Asuka said, as the one of the trio with the best manners. She bowed slightly, the other two copying the movement for now.
ôI have been sleeping for a long time, so this is the first time I have talked to your kind in person. Those who have not gotten lost in the dark have been lost through to the other side. I do not know where it always goes, just that the entrance and exit rarely match up to favorable worlds.ö The word were precise and clear, but they lacked a certain... quality to them that made them more than a little strange to the human ear.
'So these are the words of an Angel.' Shinji thought to himself, as he tried to make sense of how to deal with Leliel. 'But I don't get the sense that this Angel is actually an enemy.'
ôI see.ö Asuka said, continuing as the speaker for the group. For now at least, as it was likely that the others would have their own piece to say. ôIt must be pretty lonely in here.ö Ply with an easy point, even if it wouldn't understand the words or their meaning, it would keep the Angel busy.
ôDuring my long sleep, I have not had a chance to understand this term you say, 'lonely' was it? I could hear the voices and calls of countless beings and creatures, so the noise is not something I am unfamiliar with. I suppose, I can appreciate that word, as you are the first humans I have been awake to speak to.ö Leliel trailed off, as if thinking a great deal about her next words. ôThe difference between us is striking, to me at least. You seem small, almost tiny to my senses, but you carry yourselves with greater import than my mind would allow you. In contrast, I am vast, seemingly ageless and have to contort myself into this form so that we can actually have this conversation, but you speak to me as if we are equals. It is incredibly audacious and yet humbling all the same.ö
ôWe do not speak to high beings often,ö Shinji said, before Asuka or Rei could stop him or speak their minds. ôAs humans, we can only speak as we have been taught, and treat others as we understand ourselves. It is true that you are far beyond what our senses can effectively measure, but that face you wear allows us the comfort to speak to you on our level.ö The Angels weren't humans after all, so it was only logical that they would seem so alien and foreign to them. But this was an opportunity denied to them by the fight with Iruel, a legitimate chance at understanding the nature of the beast they fought. He was Yui Ikari's son after all.
ôSo I see, it is but the nature of our respective kinds. It makes sense in a way, as we are on two different planes of existence.ö Leliel seemed amused by the direction the conversation had taken, even if she didn't really understand the meaning behind the words that were said to her.
ôWe clearly have a lot to talk about, but I'm afraid we won't have time before something rash is done.ö Rei said, having been quiet and studying the Angel for signs of hostility. ôOur respective kinds have not gotten along well, so this is an unprecedented chance for diplomacy and discovery.ö
ôYeah, but the others are probably nervous since they haven't heard from us at all.ö Shinji said, looking over towards the Evangelion. ôPerhaps we could send a message to them?ö
ôBut how?ö Asuka asked, more to draw Leliel in than anything.
ôI should be able to dampen the waves that block your communication, but it sadly only works for messages leaving.ö Leliel offered, which the three took eagerly.
ôThen I'll go prepare the message at once.ö Rei sprang towards Unit-00 with a quickened step, mentally going over the note in her head.
ôAre we sure we should do this?ö Asuka whispered to Shinji, a bit pensive about staying here longer than may be necessary.
ôFor now, we need to keep our host pacified. We have no idea how to kill this one, so we shall have to play it by ear. Don't worry though, I'm sure what we'll learn will be invaluable to us in the future anyways.ö Shinji whispered back, hoping that Leliel wasn't eavesdropping on them.
ôI hope you're right.ö Asuka looked over at the Evangelion, and wondered for a spell.
ôSo do I.ö
End Chapter 16
Teaser for Chapter 17: ôMeet Me In Outer Spaceö
ôWe have a message coming in over an encrypted line.ö Hyuga said, as he opened it.
ôIt's from Rei, they're alright!ö Maya cheered, throwing her hands up as she read the message.
ôThey have engaged the Angel in... a conversation?ö Aoba sounded doubtful of this, but wasn't prepared to voice this concern out loud.
ôCommander, what do we do?ö Ritsuko asked, before Misato could say something careless. Not that she would, but you have to cover your bases after all.
ôWe should have faith in them, as they are either gathering valuable information on the Angels, or they are waiting for an opening to exploit.ö Gendo replied, though he looked a lot less... stressed than before.
ôAnd if we're lucky, both.ö Misato added, looking towards the screen displaying the message. She hoped those kids had the right idea, but she'd be ready with something to bail them out should it go wrong. That was her job as tactical commander, and it was one she wouldn't fail easily.
ôSo what does this do to the message from the higher ups?ö Ritsuko asked, referring to the cryptic message to expect Unit-03 and a new pilot any day now.
ôNothing, for now.ö Gendo replied, shrugging his shoulders. ôBut as long as the worst case doesn't happen, we won't need Unit-03 at all.ö
Author note: And that's where we stop. Took my time with this one, think it came out alright. Hope to be back with 17 and the conclusion to Leliel and another Angel appears? What does the sinister Bardiel have in store for our heroes? And who is this mysterious new pilot, who is totally not Touji? Tune in... next time!
So uh yeah.