Requiem
Disclaimer: Neon Genesis Evangelion and all characters/events portrayed within are property of Gainax, Hideki Anno and AD vision. This is a work of fan fiction and is not for profit.
Authors note: First work of fan fiction. I haven't written any fiction in a long time. I figured this might be a good way to get my writing chops back. Might be some ooc, acc. Pre readers needed. Constructive criticism is always welcome. This was meant as a one shot but I'm leaving the door open for additional chapters depending on feedback. Enjoy.
I stumbled a bit climbing down the rubble strewn beach. The stars still shone; Sunrise was still about an hour away. Chill winds blew in from what most called the sea of souls, making me glad of my long woolen coat. "Eight years. Has it been that long already?" Memories of 3rd impact still haunted my nightmares even today. On the horizon I could see in my mind the gigantic head of the fallen angel that looked like Rei Ayanami. Closer in to the shore, the petrified remains of the MP EVAS still stood, grotesque reminders of the madness unleashed here. Over a billion souls all connected through my mind .I shivered violently. Enough of that; I had work to do.
Down at the waters edge stood four driftwood crosses. I paused by the first one.
"Hello Father. Has mother forgiven you yet? I know that I can't. Sick thing is that even after all this time I crave hearing you acknowledge me as a son, just once. Still hurts, even now. And here I thought I had gotten rid of those feelings. What a waste of perfectly good therapy! You probably gave poor Unit 01 indigestion, bastard that you were and are. But even though I can't forgive you, I think I finally understand you. Well, maybe just a little."
"Mother" I stood before the next marker. Tears welled up but I held them back. "I wish you, of all people could've come back. I miss you. Feeling your love.helped heal my soul. One day I'll see you again, "I grinned a bit, despite myself, "but I still have too much living to do. What, me, Shinji Ikari, having a life? Sounds amazing, doesn't it. Asuka would probably say otherwise " I winced at the imagined feeling then shrugged. "Conditioned reflex, I guess." I rested my hand on the cross piece. "I'll always love you, and I miss you."
"Kaji.You were what I wish my real father was. You were always willing to advice, and even more importantly, to listen. I'll never forget that simple act of kindness. Thank you." In the sand, I propped up a bottle of lavender perfume. "Just in case you decide to do a little flirting in the next world. Misato would never admit it, but she misses you. So do I."
"Rei. My little sister that almost was. Father never gave you a chance to really LIVE life, but you gave yours twice so that I could. I tried to bring you back, but you were bound to Lillith. I might not have been much of a brother to you, but I love you. And remember, please, smile a bit. Laugh. Cry. It's all part of what makes us human. Now, please excuse me, but I have one last task to do".
Back up on the shale was an old friend of mine. Well, old/new. My original Cello was totaled in the impact. It was a part of my past, one that I was laying to rest. I sat on a boulder and thought for a minute. As the glow of the sun became visible in the distance, I closed my eyes, put bow to string and just played. It was something I had thought of on the flight here. Now, it just rolled out, seeming to play me instead of the other way around. I was just a medium for the music that flowed, soft and sad at first, then changing into a confident and almost joyous noise. As the music finally faded, so too, did my inner ghosts and demons. I was home.
I always did have a knack for speaking too soon.
Suddenly, I was greeted by a round of applause off to my side. Damn near made me jump out of my skin!! 2 members of the coastal watch, on the lookout for any "returnees". This, I did not need. I never did like playing 20 questions, even less so when all I wanted was to stay incognito. No sense in running.like I really could with a cello in tow. So I sat and waited.
"Beautifully done, but I don't recognize the piece", said the first one, wiping sweat from his forehead. Short and stocky, but a bit on the chubby side. "You wouldn't. I first performed it today." "Quite impressive but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask for some identification. This is a restricted area". This came from his partner, a tall skinny fellow who looked like he'd blow away in a strong breeze.
Just my luck; I was being interrogated by Laurel and Hardy!
"Is this really necessary, Gents? I'm not doing any harm, and was just about to leave."
"Again, I need some I.D. Now." Boy had itchy fingers; He was rubbing them up and down the baton he had at his side. I wondered if he was compensating for something. His partner stood behind and slightly to the left of him, backing him up.
I sighed. Dug out my passport, handed it over. Saw recognition kick in and waited for the reaction. 3-2-1..
I-I-I-IKARI-SAMA!!!
"PATHFINDER!!"*
Both bowed so low, their heads almost touched the sand.
.Bingo. It was this kind of thing that had a hand in driving me away from Japan in the first place. I mean, come on. Yeah, I pointed the way for everyone who wanted to come back, but a deity I wasn't. I never wanted, asked for, or deserved this kind of slavishly worshipful attitude. Personally, atheist that I was, I never was big on religion.
I waved off their homage. "Please, guys, I can't accept this honor."
"But you saved us all!! " "You're a Hero!"
"That was a long time ago. Now, I'm just another poor musician looking for a gig. Can I go now?" I asked, slightly sardonic. Both nodded, open mouthed and goggle eyed, looking for the world like a pair of bobble-head dolls. "Thank you". I started to walk away, and then stopped. "Oh, and fellows? Can you just forget I was here? I'd really appreciate it."
Again, the nod.
Thanks guys. Catch ya'll another time.
I walked away, back to the Rental R.V. I had parked up on what was left of the road. Forget about it my Ass! Within an hour or 2, word would spread that Shinji Ikari, former pilot of Unit 01, hero, savior and quasi-god was back. Couldn't be helped, though. In the meantime, I had places to go and old friends to see.
At least, I hoped they still were.
I kicked the rig into gear and rolled off into the rising sun. Next stop, Tokyo-2! ________________________________________________________________________
*Since Shinji paved the way to leave the instrumentality and objected
strenuously to being referred to as either savior or messiah, it was
decided to give him the honorific of Pathfinder.
Disclaimer: Neon Genesis Evangelion and all characters/events portrayed within are property of Gainax, Hideki Anno and AD vision. This is a work of fan fiction and is not for profit.
Authors note: First work of fan fiction. I haven't written any fiction in a long time. I figured this might be a good way to get my writing chops back. Might be some ooc, acc. Pre readers needed. Constructive criticism is always welcome. This was meant as a one shot but I'm leaving the door open for additional chapters depending on feedback. Enjoy.
I stumbled a bit climbing down the rubble strewn beach. The stars still shone; Sunrise was still about an hour away. Chill winds blew in from what most called the sea of souls, making me glad of my long woolen coat. "Eight years. Has it been that long already?" Memories of 3rd impact still haunted my nightmares even today. On the horizon I could see in my mind the gigantic head of the fallen angel that looked like Rei Ayanami. Closer in to the shore, the petrified remains of the MP EVAS still stood, grotesque reminders of the madness unleashed here. Over a billion souls all connected through my mind .I shivered violently. Enough of that; I had work to do.
Down at the waters edge stood four driftwood crosses. I paused by the first one.
"Hello Father. Has mother forgiven you yet? I know that I can't. Sick thing is that even after all this time I crave hearing you acknowledge me as a son, just once. Still hurts, even now. And here I thought I had gotten rid of those feelings. What a waste of perfectly good therapy! You probably gave poor Unit 01 indigestion, bastard that you were and are. But even though I can't forgive you, I think I finally understand you. Well, maybe just a little."
"Mother" I stood before the next marker. Tears welled up but I held them back. "I wish you, of all people could've come back. I miss you. Feeling your love.helped heal my soul. One day I'll see you again, "I grinned a bit, despite myself, "but I still have too much living to do. What, me, Shinji Ikari, having a life? Sounds amazing, doesn't it. Asuka would probably say otherwise " I winced at the imagined feeling then shrugged. "Conditioned reflex, I guess." I rested my hand on the cross piece. "I'll always love you, and I miss you."
"Kaji.You were what I wish my real father was. You were always willing to advice, and even more importantly, to listen. I'll never forget that simple act of kindness. Thank you." In the sand, I propped up a bottle of lavender perfume. "Just in case you decide to do a little flirting in the next world. Misato would never admit it, but she misses you. So do I."
"Rei. My little sister that almost was. Father never gave you a chance to really LIVE life, but you gave yours twice so that I could. I tried to bring you back, but you were bound to Lillith. I might not have been much of a brother to you, but I love you. And remember, please, smile a bit. Laugh. Cry. It's all part of what makes us human. Now, please excuse me, but I have one last task to do".
Back up on the shale was an old friend of mine. Well, old/new. My original Cello was totaled in the impact. It was a part of my past, one that I was laying to rest. I sat on a boulder and thought for a minute. As the glow of the sun became visible in the distance, I closed my eyes, put bow to string and just played. It was something I had thought of on the flight here. Now, it just rolled out, seeming to play me instead of the other way around. I was just a medium for the music that flowed, soft and sad at first, then changing into a confident and almost joyous noise. As the music finally faded, so too, did my inner ghosts and demons. I was home.
I always did have a knack for speaking too soon.
Suddenly, I was greeted by a round of applause off to my side. Damn near made me jump out of my skin!! 2 members of the coastal watch, on the lookout for any "returnees". This, I did not need. I never did like playing 20 questions, even less so when all I wanted was to stay incognito. No sense in running.like I really could with a cello in tow. So I sat and waited.
"Beautifully done, but I don't recognize the piece", said the first one, wiping sweat from his forehead. Short and stocky, but a bit on the chubby side. "You wouldn't. I first performed it today." "Quite impressive but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask for some identification. This is a restricted area". This came from his partner, a tall skinny fellow who looked like he'd blow away in a strong breeze.
Just my luck; I was being interrogated by Laurel and Hardy!
"Is this really necessary, Gents? I'm not doing any harm, and was just about to leave."
"Again, I need some I.D. Now." Boy had itchy fingers; He was rubbing them up and down the baton he had at his side. I wondered if he was compensating for something. His partner stood behind and slightly to the left of him, backing him up.
I sighed. Dug out my passport, handed it over. Saw recognition kick in and waited for the reaction. 3-2-1..
I-I-I-IKARI-SAMA!!!
"PATHFINDER!!"*
Both bowed so low, their heads almost touched the sand.
.Bingo. It was this kind of thing that had a hand in driving me away from Japan in the first place. I mean, come on. Yeah, I pointed the way for everyone who wanted to come back, but a deity I wasn't. I never wanted, asked for, or deserved this kind of slavishly worshipful attitude. Personally, atheist that I was, I never was big on religion.
I waved off their homage. "Please, guys, I can't accept this honor."
"But you saved us all!! " "You're a Hero!"
"That was a long time ago. Now, I'm just another poor musician looking for a gig. Can I go now?" I asked, slightly sardonic. Both nodded, open mouthed and goggle eyed, looking for the world like a pair of bobble-head dolls. "Thank you". I started to walk away, and then stopped. "Oh, and fellows? Can you just forget I was here? I'd really appreciate it."
Again, the nod.
Thanks guys. Catch ya'll another time.
I walked away, back to the Rental R.V. I had parked up on what was left of the road. Forget about it my Ass! Within an hour or 2, word would spread that Shinji Ikari, former pilot of Unit 01, hero, savior and quasi-god was back. Couldn't be helped, though. In the meantime, I had places to go and old friends to see.
At least, I hoped they still were.
I kicked the rig into gear and rolled off into the rising sun. Next stop, Tokyo-2! ________________________________________________________________________
*Since Shinji paved the way to leave the instrumentality and objected
strenuously to being referred to as either savior or messiah, it was
decided to give him the honorific of Pathfinder.