Standard Disclaimer: I, Tarnished Blade, do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or anything associated with it and I don't own Gainax. But I can dream, can't I?
Author's note: Okay due to pre-reader input (thank DarkPower1 everybody) I'd just like to take a moment to point out a few things. 1) Since Shinji was born promptly (even though premature) after Yui was bitten by Keel he is a Day-walker. He just ignorant, so you'll have to forgive him. We will also assume it isn't known the vampire world how Blade came to be. There is one other point but I'll make it later.
Apprentice to the Blade
Chapter-02: Chase
As the large black man with the very sharp and pointed sword silently bore down on him, the silence of Shinji's mind was broken by a single repeating thought: I must run away. I must run away. Run away, run away, RUN AWAY!
Shinji jerked back, out of the blades reach, falling unceremoniously on his butt as he watched the blade cleave the air. He stared as the blade sank nearly 5 centimeters into the pavement between his legs. He looked up and for a moment he and the black man blankly looked at each other before Shinji's brain re-engaged and he bolted, scrambling away as the man yanked his sword from the pavement.
---
For a moment Blade watched as his quarry sprinted down the alleyway. It was fairly obvious that the boy was the Shinji the girl he had sent home had spoke of. The two were probably out on a date win the bum with the knife had attacked them. An experienced vampire would have simple disabled the bum and gotten some "my hero" action later. Instead, corpse with the knife and the terrified look on the boy's face almost screamed 'new vampire'. The clumsy and jerky way the boy moved spoke of an amateur and … an easy kill
Sword in hand, the hunter gave chase. The boy had protected the girl instead of making her his first victim, and Blade admired him for that. That granted the vampire a quick death, even though he probably would have ended up killing the girl if the bum hadn't attacked.
Time to put you out of your misery kid, Blade thought, a quick death before you lose all of your humanity.
Like a wraith he closed in on his prey. The boy desperately scrambled, his moves lacking the cold precision of an aged or born vampire. Probably would have made a good man, thought Blade, Oh great, now I'm getting sentimental.
I hate vampires.
Tokyo-3 Middle School: Class 2A
Toji quietly sat at his desk waiting for the school day to begin. After visiting his sister at the hospital the previous night he couldn't get much in the way of sleep. So, in what was a rare event, a restless Toji had come to school early and started in on his homework.
Look's like I won't need all the answers from Shinji and Kensuke today, thought the jock.
"You're here early Toji."
"Hey Shinji," he replied looking up, "Damn man, you look like I feel."
"Long night and no sleep," replied the third child. "How is your sister doing?" he asked as he took his seat.
"Mari's is doing pretty well. She doesn't like the physical rehab, but all the nurses are spoiling her rotten."
"Do I hear jealousy?"
"Mari hooked me up to her heart monitor and every time one of those nurses walked past it jump like ten points, it was embarrassing," grinned the taller boy sheepishly, "but Mari and the nurses thought it was funny."
Shinji snorted, "You don't sound too embarrassed."
"Hey, they giggled and then they jiggled," answered Toji cupping his hands to his chest.
This time Shinji couldn't stop himself from bursting out into a desperately needed laugh.
"So you do anything other than cater to the whims of the demon last night?"
"Well-"
>In Shinji's Head
Chibi Shinji: Well Toji as I was walking home form the store last night…
Chibi Toji: Yeah…
Chibi Shinji: …and as I'm passing the ally and there's this noise…
Chibi Toji: Uh-huh…
Chibi Shinji: And there's sum bum holding a knife to the class reps' back with a hand stuck up her skirt!
Chibi Toji enraged: WHAT! growls Must Kill Bum, grrr!
Chibi Shinji strikes macho pose: Oh, you bet I did!
Chibi Toji gawks at Chibi Shinji: Wha-?
Chibi Shinji: And you know what happened then? This wacko with a freaking sword chases me the entire night! A sword appears in Shinji's hand which he waves around to make his point.>
Chibi Toji: Wha-WHAT? You killed a guy? Got chased around the city with a pshyco with a sword? WTF man!
Chibi Shinji: Well that might have something to do about… Chibi Shinji dons a cape and grows fangs as his eyes begin to glow red> me being a vampire?
Chibi Toji stares at the vampire Chibi Shinji.
Chibi Vampire Shinji stares back.
Chibi Toji suddenly starts sprinkling Chibi Vampire Shinji with a water flask chanting: The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you!
Chibi Vampire Shinji: AAAAHH! POOF
Chibi Hikari glomps Chibi Toji as he strikes victory pose: TOUJI-SAMA! My hero!
>and in the real world:
"-No, not really," replied Shinji.
With a sigh Shinji rested his face on his desk. I wonder if holy water will work since sunlight doesn't.
"Cheer up dude," said the fellow stooge, giving the self realized vampire a pat on the back, "She can't be sick forever."
Shinji looked up and gave Toji a grin that faded quickly.
He was thirsty, and Toji's heartbeat rang like a dinner bell.
Oh god, what am I going to do?
But when had the father of angels ever been on his side?
Tokyo-3 Portside Warehouse
Abraham Whistler looked up from his computer screen as when he hear the loud crash that announced Blades arrival from his nightly hunt. He smirked as he watched the half-breed kick the offending crate that he had attacked when he first came in the rest of the way across the warehouse floor.
"So, I take it one of them got away from you last night?"
"Yeah, some kid. Just turned I think, killed the hobo that was attacking a schoolgirl, probably his girlfriend. First kill I think, seemed kind of stunned by it. Hell, he almost tripped himself up running away from me once or twice."
"You let some vampire teenybopper get away from you?" snorted the old man, "You are slipping. Guess those gray hairs aren't just for show, are they?"
The hunter ignored Whistler's needling and continued, "He headed straight in to NERV, Whistler. No hesitation, he slipped right into the ventilation system like he lived there."
That, Blade noted with some satisfaction, managed to shut up the old windbag.
After a lengthy pause the hold man finally turned back to the computer in front of him. Simultaneously he began to talk and type, "We knew they were connected, we knew it!"
"That may be, but this is our first direct connection between any vampire and NERV old man. Everything else has been circumstantial."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm starting a file on him now. What can you tell me about him? You didn't follow him into NERV did you?" asked Whistler.
"No I didn't follow him into NERV," growled Blade, "We both agreed to hold off on that. The girl called him 'Shinji.' Maybe thirteen, fourteen years old, 'bout 4 foot 9, brown hair, blue eyes."
"Blue eyes? A foreigner?"
"No. He was definitely Japanese."
"Was he wearing a school uniform or anything like that, maybe one of the local houses runs a private school?" grilled the old man.
"I don't like going after kids," growled Blade, he preferred killing things that could actually fight back.
"I know, but we can still use them to find the main safe-houses and there still vampires. Out with it," sighed Whistler.
"He was just wearing a white shirt and black slacks, but the girl was wearing a uniform. Blue skirt, white shirt and socks. A little shorter than the boy, but about the same age. She had light brown hair done up in pig tails and freckles, didn't catch a name," Blade finished.
The old man considered his computer screen before he spoke, "Hm. Those are public school colors, don't think well find him there. But we could find him through the girl. I'll do some research and maybe surveillance while you go in for your appointment."
"First time for everything I guess," muttered Blade as he setup his chair for his daily serum injection.
"Ha. Someone has the jitters," snorted Whistler.
Blade glared as he strapped himself in.
"Just think," Whistler consoled lightly, "You finally get to cut off those dreadlocks you've had to grow out the last 15 years."
"Halle-fucking-luiah," responded Blade as he feels the needle bit into his arm. He really hated dreadlocks.
Point #2 As far as this story is concerned Blade: Trinity never happened; It's my damn story, so if I say Blade has dreadlocks, GOD-DAMNIT HE HAS DREADS. And there is a reason for it, I'm just not telling you yet. : )
09:00 Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki's Office, NERV HQ
Kouzou leaned back in his chair as he studied the applicant in front of him. On his desk sat the man's references, applications and resume. An email from the head of Section-2 was displayed on his computer screen, out of the younger man's line of sight, detailing his observations of Mr. Abraham since his arrival at Nerv. He liked the way the man moved.
The gajin had also reported abruptly on time and had been painfully polite, qualities that were rare enough in this day and age. His face gave away nothing, even with out the sunglasses in his pocket to prevent his eyes from betraying any emotion.
Good thing Ikari lets me do these interviews, thought the vice-commander, otherwise he would have an all day staring contest with this one.
"Well Mr. Abraham, you do seem to meet all of our requirements and these files say a great deal about you. But what can you tell me about Section-2? Just from what you've seen so far."
"Section-2 is responsible for the security of all Nerv installations," for a moment the dark man paused, "Beyond that, from the size of this installation, Section-2 is also responsible for the safety and security of all assets and resources, people and other wise on and off base. Also, Section-2 also investigates and deals with all threats to Nerv and its resources in any way necessary."
"The position you applied for is described as a basic security management post," replied Fuyutsuki, "How did you come to these conclusions?"
"This instillation is a lot larger and obviously consumes a great deal more resources than is publicly acknowledged," replied Abraham, "And with other programs that could use said resources it is obvious you have ways of keeping any opposition quiet. Last, any intelligence agency worth its salt probably wants to know the ins and outs of your organization."
For a long moment Kouzou held silent, hoping to provoke a reaction. When he failed he favored the man with smile, "A sharp mind. That will definitely take you far with us."
Abraham gave a predatory smile, "Oh, I can play the brute when I need to."
The gray-haired man gave an amused snort, "That may be useful for your position. You will be responsible for the security of some of our key personnel, some manipulation may be required."
"To be honest, I was hoping for that base security post. You could use a little help there."
Kouzou arched an eyebrow, "Really?"
The larger man silently reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a polymer K-bar knife and set it on the vice-commander's desk. Then he produced what looked like a can of mace, a length of nylon cord with handles for strangulation, and a ceramic semi-automatic pistol.
Silently the Vice-Commander considered the cache of weapons in front of him, thankful that applicant was actually looking for employment instead of already employed for someone else.
"I will definitely look into a post at base security for you, but in the mean time will you take the personnel security post?"
When Abraham replied that he would Kouzou smiled in relief as he reached to shake the man's hand, "Welcome to Nerv, Mr. Abraham."
"Thank you, sir"
"If you have time, I can show you around to your office and some of the main individuals you will be interacting with before you start tomorrow."
Blade smiled, "I would like that very much."
15:00 Tokyo 3 Middle School
Whistler looked up from his video screen as Blade opened the door of their surveillance van and stepped inside.
"It went well I take it," said Whistler as Blade loosened his collar and set a stack of files on the counter next to the old man.
"Eric Brooks Abraham is officially a Nerv employee as of tomorrow morning," growled Blade, "And he's a body guard, not a gate guard."
Whistler grunted, "Well that rules out smuggling me in. Who are you guarding anyway?"
"I'm in charge of security for the evangelion pilots and several of the command staff," sighed the younger man.
"Evangelion?"
"Don't ask Whistler, please do not ask me about it now," Blade said slowly, "I'm not even sure I believe what I saw myself."
"Okay," said the old man, "Looks like you've had a rough day."
"Damn straight."
"Ohh," chortled Whistler, "It isn't over yet."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"Look who I found," Whistler said, motioning towards the TV screen.
For the first time Blade notice the face of the young teen illuminated by the afternoon sun staring out the window.
"So you found her."
"The class representative of class 2-A, Hikari Horaki. Her father is a scientist for NERV."
"Is that how she knows the vampire?" asked Blade.
"No," answered the old man as he carefully stroked a track ball, changing the camera's angle. As the video feed focused on a new student, who by all rights, should have been bursting into flames. "That's how."
"What the fu-," muttered Blade in shock as he looked from the screen to Whistler and back again, "I thought Frost was the only one to have the UV make up!"
"I can't tell if he is wearing any from the video feed."
"What the fuck, Whister!"
"We know they've been trying to make another day-walker for some time, looks like they finally succeeded."
"Pray it's make up old man," Blade whispered.
The old man smiled grimly and crossed his arms in front of him, "I hack his school file, and there was some security. But I got the file. His full name is Shinji Ikari-"
"Gendo Ikari's son," blurted Blade.
"Yeah, prince to the Bastard King himself."
"One of the Evangelion pilots is named Ikari," said Blade reaching for the stack of papers.
"Your gonna have to tell me what the hell an Evangelion is dammit!"
Blade ignored him as he sorted through the paper work until; "Found it. Well shit, its him."
"Classes get out in about 30 minutes," Whistler said, "Time for some speed reading."
"And then," growled Blade, "Me and the Third Child are going to have a little chat."
---
Shinji silently stared out his window, stoically ignoring the various messages from Kensuke and Hikari on his laptop and the teacher's repeat Second Impact lecture. He had been lucky in avoiding the class rep. so far to day but with the end of class rapidly approaching he was out of ideas on how to avoid her when she had Asuka's assignments for the day, but at least she had stopped emailing him after lunch. Kensuke on the other hand started sending instant messages almost as soon as Hikari had stopped.
His computer gave another near silent beep, acknowledging yet another instant message from the military otaku.
Shinji233: what is it ken?
Techgodv01: christ shinji why aren't you paying attention?
Shinji233: what are you talking about?
Techgodv01: SOMEBODY HACKED YOUR SCHOOL FILE!
Shinji eyes widened as he re-read the message.
Shinji233: how would you know?
Techgodv01: i sort of consider the school servers my home turf you know? got my own monitoring system installed in a hidden file. it lets me know if anyone else is messing around. So when someone accessed your file without clearance i tried to back track him but when I started getting close the bastard nearly fried my computer!
Shinji233: when?
Techgodv01: after lunch
Shinji233: it was probably just some hacker
Techgodv01: i don't think so
Shinji233: don't worry about it, section 2 will take care of it
With that Shinji logged off and started a staring contest with his reflection in the classroom window. It was sort of funny that he still had one. Then again, he thought, vampires were suppose to explode in sunlight. He was a little disappointed when he didn't. It would have solved a lot of problems for him.
Like taking care of a sick Asuka, avoiding Hikari, and that sickening thirst that came over him whenever someone passed him by. That or he smelled them. He never realized the girls in his class wore so much damn perfume. Only constant swallowing kept him from drooling openly. It was like standing downwind from a bakery when the loaves of bread were cooking. Only the loaves of bread were really human beings.
His stomach growled like the monster he had become as he swallowed another mouthful of saliva. Opening his eyes he watched the clock on his computer tick one minute closer to the final bell. His stomach clenched as he remember the feeling of relief when he had . . . when he had felt the thugs blood had slide down his throat.
Shinji held his stomach as he breathed slowly through his teeth. He didn't know how much more he could take. He had to do something before he lost control.
Unseen by him, the class rep. stole a hard glance at the third child. You can't avoid me forever, thought Hikari as the final bell creped a minute closer, Your time is almost up.
Will Hikari be able to corner Shinji after class
Will Shinji be able to control the beast inside?
Will the author give Asuka a real reason to hate our tortured protagonist?
Does Shinji get a hero thanks from Hikari? (Assuming he doesn't faint if she tries to.)
Is the author done writing this chapter?
Nope.
At least to the last one ; )
As soon as the bell rang Shinji was out of the classroom like a shot. He had to get away; he couldn't take it any more. The smell of food almost overpowering him. Nearly bowling over a couple of upper classmen he bolted through a doorway and up the stare case to the school roof, taking the steps three at a time.
---
With a determined look on her face Hikari rush after Shinji just fast enough to catch him going thought the stairway door. Knowing that if her classmate had wanted to leave the school he would have gone down the stairs at the end of the hallway she followed at a more leisurely pace.
As he stepped onto the second floor Blade saw the girl walk across the hall and through a heavy door on the left side of the hall. Casually walking down past the 2A class door he saw his objectives desk was empty.
He whispered into the microphone in his collar: "I've lost the vampire, I'm going after the girl, she might lead me to him. If not, at least I can take care of her."
"I just saw the boy, he's on the roof," replied Whistler through Blade's earpiece.
As he entered the stairway Blade took note of the fading footsteps above him.
"The girl is on her way there now, two birds one stone."
Halfway through his ascent Blade froze, his inhuman ears picking up the same low growl that had precipitated the attack on the thug last night. With a surge of desperate speed Blade raced up the stairs, his right hand gripping the sword hidden under his trench coat.
---
"Just back the fuck off Class Rep.," snarled Shinji, "I don't want to talk about it!"
Startled, Hikari actually jumped back from her usually mild mannered classmate. For a moment she considered Shinji's posture. His back to her with his shoulders tight and hunched. Pain and self-loathing seem to radiate from him.
Hikari remembered. The smell of the monsters breathe. How it felt against her neck while he held the knife to her back. Her horror when the thug ran his hand up her skirt.
How Shinji saved her.
How she ran away.
How she left him with the monster that was going to rape her . . .
. . . Oh god . . . Shinji, thought the horrified girl.
Hikari's hand reached for the tormented boy's shoulder as she whispered, "Shinji . . . did he-"
"He's dead," screamed Shinji, jerking himself from under Hikari's hand, "Now leave me the fuck alone!"
Shaking with want the third child strode forcefully from class 2A's Class Rep. as one horrifying thought filled his mind: Oh god she smells so good.
Shinji's imagination filled his mind with the delicious image of her blood sliding down his throat.
Oh, God. Someone make it stop!
As if to answer his prayer, Shinji heard the roof door open.
"Class Representative Hikari Horaki," rasped a deep voice, "I must speak with the Third Child. Alone."
Shinji heard Hikari sigh in relief as she responded, "Yes sir."
"Oh, and Representative Horaki?"
"Yes sir?"
"As far as you are concerned, nothing of importance happened last night. Understood?"
Shinji's back straightened in shock as he listened.
"Wha-"
"You are aware of Mr. Ikari's station, right?"
"Uh, yes-"
"What do you think the punishment is for attacking a Evangelion Pilot?" The voice paused letting the idea sink in before continuing, "In any event the . . . man had a record, it was no loss."
Hikari gasped as the voice continued relentlessly, "Now, Miss Horaki, it would greatly please all of us in Section-2 if you would forget the events of last night. Do you understand?" The or else went unsaid but was obviously heard judging from the quake in Hikari's reply.
"Yes Sir, Goodbye Sir."
"One more thing . . . we never had this conversation."
Hikari practically ran off the roof, slamming the door behind her on the way down the staircase.
Shinji, sill facing the edge of the school roof, and the stranger shared a moment of silence before the boy finally managed to stuttered out, "T-there were no Section-2 agents last night. How did you know what happened?"
Shinji heard the terribly familiar sound of drawn metal. Wide-eyed Shinji spun to see the same sword that had pursued him last night appear from beneath the Section-2 agent's coat. With a flick of the agent's wrist the blade was brought to bear on him.
As the blade tip steadily approached, Shinji squeezed his eyes shut and braced himself for the end.
end chapter 2
Once again I would like to thank DarkPower1 for suffering through the pre-read. I think we'll spread the love and choose a new vict- uh new pre-reader for the next chapter, when it's ready. And do forgive any inconsistences with the horizontal rules, there being a bit bitchy.
Now I know that you guys don't like it when I take my sweet time putting this stuff together. But I will tell you I'm making it a goal to do a new chapter every week. Not all of them will be for Apprentice to the Blade but a good part of them will. And don't worry; the next chapter will not end with another sword at Shinji's throat next time. We still have guns and stakes to use ya know.