Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Unbreakable Bond ❯ Fist Test ( Chapter 7 )

Unbreakable Bond

Chapter VII First Test

 

Alright, well the moment you've been waiting for, chapter 7 of Unbreakable Bond! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, as I had spent quite a bit of time working on this.

 

“Shinji, Rei, you won't be going to school tomorrow,” said Misato as she drank. “You have your activation test and stuff tomorrow. You'll be doing the whole nine yards.”

 

“Understood,” they quietly replied. They were displeased about the situation. It meant seeing the Commander; the one who had killed them twice for his own selfish desires. They wanted nothing to do with him. The Commander did not care about the well being of his staff or pilots. He cared only for his scenario and ensured its smooth execution. That was his primary objective. That was all he cared for. Everything else was nothing but a tool meant to be thrown away once its usefulness came to an end. How such a man could exist in Gendo's body was unknown. All they knew was he had to be destroyed.

 

“Hey why do honour student and baka get to ditch school and I don't?” Asuka angrily snapped.

 

“Because unlike you we don't know if they can pilot,” Misato retorted. “*Burp!* Oh, excuse me.”

 

“Gross,” Asuka muttered turning back towards the TV. Shinji and Rei sighed as they went back into Shinji's room, grabbed their pyjamas, and quietly entered the bathroom.

 

Once sure they would be undisturbed they undressed themselves, soon finding themselves naked as they went about cleaning one another. Afterwards they both settled into the tub as they let the steam lull them into a state of relaxation. It felt heavenly soaking in the tub with only their heads above the water. Rei sighed as contently as she could as she snuggled up against his chest. He in turn tightened his hold around her waist as he rested his head against hers.

 

“Shinji-kun,” Rei quietly spoke, “how shall we deal with the Commander?”

 

“Don't talk about it,” Shinji whispered placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. “We'll deal with it later.”

 

“What of the Evangelions? What is our recourse should we be unable to pilot?”

 

“We'll double up then. Even if he refuses, we'll find a way.”

 

“We could attempt to sabotage the Dummy Plug System.”

 

“But … are you sure?” he asked, surprised and concerned about her sudden suggestion. “I mean they are a part of you.”

 

“That may be,” she replied venomously, “but so long as they exist I am immortal. Immortality binds me to Eva. Should the system and the clones be removed, and you or I perished, I would be forever free.”

 

“Don't say such things,” Shinji angrily bit out tightening his hold around her waist. Rei gasped in surprise as she looked behind her. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of Shinji crying. Tears were slowly streaming down his eyes as he tried to speak.

 

“Thanks to you I learned life is something precious. I don't want to lose this life or waste it. That's why I'll fight the Angels and him to protect everyone, including yours and my own. I want us to have a future. That's why I'll fight, and you have to live.”

 

“Shinji-kun,” Rei breathed in amazement. He really had changed. She remembered how timid he was and how low his confidence and self-esteem were. Had it been a month ago neither would have this kind of resolve. They had changed for the better. It brought a smile to her lips, something she found herself doing more often. Smiling felt good. Even a simple smile often could bring a bit of joy, even if it were a dead one, it showed others one was trying to get better.

 

“For you I shall live.”

 

“Rei-chan, that means-”

 

“Shh…let us enjoy this silence,” Rei whispered gently placing her lips on his, a hand reaching up, gently wiping away the tears. They soon felt their world melt around them as they bathed in the warmth of their lips. Their chests constricted as they felt themselves heat up, lost in the moment. Rei turned her body as she pulled Shinji's head closer, deepening the kiss. Shinji slowly licked her lips as he requested entry. She slowly let him in as their tongues met, gently caressing one another. They moaned at the contact as they tightened their hold. Shinji let his fingers slowly glided against her back when he suddenly pulled back in surprise.

 

“Shinji-kun?” Rei asked worriedly.

 

“What the hell?” Shinji muttered as he looked behind him. He could've sworn something touched his back yet nothing was behind him.

 

“Shinji-kun?” Rei asked again as she touched his left shoulder. She gasped in surprise as she looked at her left shoulder.

 

“What was that?” Shinji asked in surprise.

 

“I…I am unsure. However I hypothesize we are capable of feeling each other's touch.” Rei raised her hand and gently slid it down her cheek.

 

“Do you feel it?”

 

“Not really,” Shinji replied as he touched the spot on his cheek.

 

“Perhaps I may have the answer,” she muttered to herself. “However we do not have the time. We must sleep.” Shinji simply nodded as they got out of the tub. They dried themselves off quickly and then changed. When they pulled back the curtain they were greeted by a grumpy Misato.

 

“And just exactly were you two doing in there?”

 

“Bathing Misato-san,” they replied.

 

“Oh really?” she asked in a disbelieved tone. “Then what's with all the moaning and groaning I heard passing by?”

 

“We were merely kissing Misato-san,” Rei replied.

 

“Oh?! So tell me what was it like,” her attitude doing a 180.

 

“It was-”

 

“Good night Misato-san,” Shinji blurted as he pulled Rei into his room.

 

“May I ask why?” she asked as the door closed.

 

“I may have your discipline but that doesn't mean I can last as long as you can,” was his only reply before he leaned against the door and slid down.

 

Failing to understand the meaning behind his words Rei sat down on the bed and searched through Shinji's memory. She hadn't had much of a chance to sort out her thoughts for some time and this was a good a time as any. She began the slow process of sifting and sorting through the memories. After a few moments she saw Misato constantly making fun of her, making suggestive comments, insinuating crushes on herself and Asuka, and another such antics. It felt odd to see things from his point of view but she understood.

 

When she told Misato they had kissed it gave Misato access to huge weapons cache. Had she described the kiss it would've left them wide open to Misato's relentless attacks. And from what she had seen it would've been a full out assault rather than a slow siege or bombing raids. More likely than not she would've never let them hear the end of it. It was also likely Asuka would harass them, calling them perverts and such derogatory words and phrases. It wasn't an experience they'd be willing to put up.

 

Rei smiled lightly as she moved to Shinji's side and kissed his cheek. He smiled at the gesture and took her hand his. Rei slowly rose and walked backwards as she led him to the futon. They soon got into bed where they held onto one another protectively and possessively as they drifted off into a restful sleep.

 

That morning they woke to the voice of Misato, telling them to get up and get dressed. They were forced to skip bathing and changed right away. When they entered the kitchen where Misato waited she was greeted by an interesting sight. Shinji wore his red polo shirt and jeans which was no surprise. Rei on the other hand wore a baby blue t-shirt hugging body, revealing her blossoming form. She stuck with her regular ensemble of shirt and skirt, with a white ruffled skirt that reach down just past her knees.

 

Misato smiled widely at the cute sight before her. Shinji had an arm around her thin curvy waist while the other was behind holding her left hand. In the moments it took them to notice her she saw something on their faces she'd never seen before. The faces themselves remained neutral. It was the eyes that spoke the story. For the first time they were content. She could see the serenity within them, especially now in each other's arms. She could also see the uncertainty about their feelings towards the other. She could almost say that they wondered if they loved each other or not. Despite the uncertainty in their eyes she knew better. In the short weeks they had spent together, they had learned things that would take years, maybe even a lifetime to learn about. That strengthened their bond, friendship, kinship, and possibly, it even created true love between them. Such strength that she surmised it would just take one major push on one or the other's life to finalise their question. Although there were complaints from several parties, she saw only the positive effects it had on them.

 

“Aw, look at the cute couple,” Misato teased as they stopped in front of her. “Let's go, we'll eat breakfast on the way.” They nodded as they quietly followed her to the car. The ride to NERV had been quiet save for the screeching of Misato's tires as she ripped, stormed, and tore through the streets of Tokyo-3. How she could drive in such a manner without getting killed was any body's guess.

 

Upon arrival they scrambled out of the car and headed inside as they ate breakfast. They didn't even wait for Misato as they entered, sliding their ID cards through the card readers. As they walked through NERV, they passed many employees as they gave them curious stares. It was awkward but they ignored it. Thanks to Rei's ability to hide her reactions, or lack thereof most of the time, they seemed either oblivious to the looks or didn't care.

 

“Shinji-kun, Rei, wait a moment,” a voice called out. They turned around to see Ritsuko approaching them, clipboard in hand as usual.

 

“Rei, your locker contents have been moved into the male room. And you can enjoy your breakfast. The test doesn't start until 1100 hours. You have 15 minutes to spend, so take your time.”

 

“Thank you, Akagi-san,” they replied. They nodded to each others before going their separate ways.

 

Ritsuko smiled slightly at the sight she saw before she called them. They had been walking through the halls with Rei having one arm wrapping around Shinji's arm. It seemed cute to see them together, and it only served to strengthen her plan. After months of meticulously planning, scheming, preparing, her plan was in motion. She felt bad using them, but as she thought about it, it did have a bright side. She actually ended up bringing together the most unlikely couple in all of Tokyo-3. And they seemed to really benefit from the bond they had. How close and how strong of a bond, only time would time, but she knew that in the end, their bond would play a role as she brought an end to the unfaithful bastard called Gendo Ikari.

 

“Just you wait Ikari. You'll pay for not being faithful to me,” Ritsuko muttered venomously.

 

“Shinji-kun, have you noticed something odd concerning Akagi-san?' Rei quietly asked, taking a bite of her pastry.

 

“Not really,” Shinji responded through a full mouth before swallowing. “Why you asked?”

 

“Her kindness is rather unexpected.”

 

“What do you meat by that?” he asked, surprised she would make such a statement. As far back as Shinji knew Dr. Akagi had always been kind to him. He took another bite as he thought about it. Why would Ritsuko harbour any bad feelings towards him or Rei unless they somehow offended her? That's when it hit him. He quickly searched through the Rei's memories to find a whole section dedicated to prior experiences with Ritsuko alone. She seemed to hold a grudge against Rei, but the reasons she never found out.

 

“Rei-chan, you referring to Ritsuko-san's attitude towards you?” he asked through the food in his mouth.

 

“Please swallow next time,” Rei stated. “And yes, her attitude was bitter. As of late her anger has diminished to be replaced by kindness. Whether it is a front of genuine I am unsure at the moment.”

 

“Well I'm guessing your spending time with the Commander has something to do with it?” Shinji joked, not realising the magnitude or the truth behind his words.

 

“Perhaps it may have to do with it,” she verbally pondered as they entered the change room. “I shall speak with her after the tests.” For the rest of the time they remained silent as they changed into their plug suits. In the time they had left, they sat on the benches where Rei sat between Shinji's legs as he held her close. Time was a standstill as they enjoyed the comfort of each other's warmth. Even with the plug suits preventing them direct skin contact they could feel each other fairly well. It felt relaxing to be able to almost feel each other's skin like they did last night. For consolation their warmth was still shared between them. At the very least they had that. However time like always, was against them as they soon had to leave for the test.

 

Upon entering the cages, they were greeted by Misato who flashed them a quick smile and thumbs up before leading them towards the Evas. As they separated, both started to feel dizzy and somewhat disoriented. Yet unlike before in the hospital, it didn't affect their body functions. They could still walk, move normally, and think clearly. However the last two weeks or so had been spent in extremely close contact, and to be suddenly separated shocked their systems. Both leaned on the railings as they waited for the moment to pass. Recovering, they made their way towards their respective Evas. As the distance grew, the more distant they felt from one another. It felt like they were maybe only 6 feet away, but when they looked at each other, they suddenly found themselves at least 100 feet away. Somehow despite the great distance between them with Unit 02 between them, the debilitating effects did not surface.

 

From her vantage point in the control box, Ritsuko noticed the minor reaction between them, despite the great distance. She wondered how they were able to stand and walk properly. It shouldn't be possible from her observations, but then again she only took notes during their hospital stay. This provided her a chance to make further observations of their bond. She immediately began making preparations for the test along with a test of her own. If her guess was correct Unit 03 would arrive on schedule. She hoped something could come up to bring Unit 03 ahead of schedule, and hopefully Unit 04.

 

Unfortunately the Commander had noticed it from Central Dogma as well. However he had a different conclusion. It wouldn't be long until Rei could resume her duties. He was behind schedule and that was unacceptable. At the rate they were going the Dummy Plug system would be useless.

 

“Well start with Unit 00,” Ritsuko declared. People immediately began to work as they moved the prototype from the cages into the cramped test chamber.

 

As Shinji sat inside the entry plug awaiting orders, he felt Rei's presence move further and further away. He started to pant as he felt the adverse effects of separation. He found he couldn't think, he couldn't move, he couldn't concentrate on anything but the pain and Rei. The more he thought about it, the more painful it got. His body began to violently shudder to the point he curled into a ball in a vain attempt to stop. He didn't know what was going on; he just wanted it to stop. He wanted the pain to go away. He never wanted to be separated form Rei.

 

“Rei-chan,” he shuddered, “please come back.”

 

“Please forgive me,” Ritsuko murmured as she watched the private video feed to Shinji's entry plug. She sighed sadly as she left the observation box in the cages and headed into the test chamber were Unit 00 was mounted and secured into the holds. Ritsuko let out another sigh as she turned on the video feed for Rei's entry plug to see her suffering just as bad. Her knees were bent at a 45 degree angle, while her upper body was haunch over. She gripped the control yolks in an attempt to relieve some stressed and keep herself upright as possible. Sadly to say her efforts were virtually fruitless.

 

“Make this quick,” Misato muttered from behind Ritsuko. “You and I both know what withdrawal does to people.”

 

“I know,” Ritsuko muttered from behind. “Start the activation. Begin format Phase I”

 

“Roger,” Maya responded.

 

“Connect main power supply.”

 

“Voltage has exceeded the critical point,” Maya reported as the familiar hum of the power systems flared to life. Inside technicians worked as the clicking and clacking of computer consoles filled the room.

 

“Roger,” Ritsuko responded. “Move the format to Phase II.”

 

“The pilot's connecting to Unit 00,” another voice stated.

 

“The circuits are opening,” a second voice stated. Inside the entry plug began to flare as brilliant flashes of light flooded the plug. Images appeared and disappeared, being replaced by others. Soon the familiar HUDD display appeared before Rei, but she didn't care. She just wanted the test to be over with and be with Shinji again. She just wanted the pain to end and be with Shinji. She needed his presence. She didn't care what the exact problem was. She just needed to be with Shinji.

 

“The conditions of pulses and harmonics are normal,” that same voice stated.

 

“There are no problems with synchronization,” the first voice reported. “All nerve links are finished. Never center devices are operational.”

 

“No error in recalculated tolerances,” said a third technician.

 

“Checklist, up to 2950, cleared,” Maya reported as her screen displayed all the nerve connections switching from inactive red, to all clear green. “Absolute critical line in…

2.5

1.7

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

 

It's passed -”

 

“Pulses are flowing back!” someone just yelled.

 

“What?” Misato and Ritsuko yelled.

 

“No, it's something else,” Maya called out as she worked. Suddenly the hum died down to complete silence. In the moments it took for it to register, Ritsuko's mind was in disarray. Rei was in trouble, and Shinji was suffering. She didn't exactly know how deep the bond was but whatever happened to Rei at that moment would no doubt affect Shinji in a similar manner.

 

“Find out what's wrong this minute,” Ritsuko yelled out as she came back to her senses.

 

“All systems down. The power cable, the test chamber … What the hell?! All systems in the Evangelion are down.”

 

“Are you kidding me?!”

 

“Negative. Internal battery, computer, everything; nothing's working!”

 

“Sempai,” Maya called out, “pilot's life signs are unstable. Life support is offline … the enter entry plug is offline!”

 

“Eject the plug,” Misato ordered.

 

“It's not use! No commands are able to reach Unit 00.” Suddenly another panel lit up drawing Maya's attention.

 

“What's going on? The MAGI indicates Pilot Ikari's life signs are deteriorating at an equal rate!”

 

“Shinji-kun,” Ritsuko and Misato yelled out, panic in their eyes.

 

“What's going on?” Shinji moaned in the plug. He stopped shuddering not too long ago. However the violent shuddering was replaced by a feeling of exhaustion, weakness, and a sense of impending doom, which got worse by the second. He couldn't breathe that well, and he felt like his organs began to shut down one by one. He felt confused, dazed, and extremely disoriented. He didn't know if he floated in his plug or sat in his plug. All he knew was he was inside an entry plug and something was wrong with him. He felt his strength leave as the darkness of the entry plug dragged him into darkness.

 

Help me…

 

REI-CHAN!

 

“Commander,” Lt. Aoba called out, “activity in Unit 01.”

 

“Report,” Fuyutsuki ordered from command.

 

“Unit 01 has somehow activated, and is attempting to break free of the restraints,” Lt. Aoba reported.

 

“Eject the umbilical cable and entry plug!”

 

“It's no use,” Lt. Hyuga reported. “It's refusing all commands, including the ejective of the cable.”

 

“How is that possible?” Fuyutsuki snapped. “Isn't the cable able to be independent of the Eva?”

 

“It's supposed to be,” Lt. Aoba replied as he worked at his console.

 

“What are you thinking Shinji-kun?” Fuyutsuki muttered.

 

Inside the cages the monster known as Evangelion Unit 01 struggled as it attempted to break free from its restraints. The steel restraints that held its arms, legs, and B-Type equipment shoulder fins in place began to creak violently under the pressure. People began to panic as they cleared the holding area, fearing for their lives. The eyes of the unit glowed brightly in anger as it started to growl. The armour around the arms began to crack as Unit 01 continued its struggle. It would get out no matter what. Around, equipment began to fall as chunks of the restraints fell. Everywhere consoles began to explode as Unit 01 fought to break free. The shoulder bolts too began to groan under the pressure. Cables began to burst as the hydraulics spewed, coating the shoulders in the viscous liquid.

 

Inside Shinji struggled as he willed his Eva to move. It was imperative that he got Unit 01 out. He didn't care what would happen later; he cared what was happening now. He had to save her. He had to save what was virtually his other half. They had been through so much together. He was not going to let it end now. He let out an angry roar as he willed his strength into Eva.

 

Unit 01 let out an unearthly roar as it reared its head back, shattering the restrains on its mouth. Jagged red teeth could be seen as it roared. Lunching forward the beast ripped the rest of the umbilical bridge that the chin had destroyed. The B-type equipment began to crack along where it connection to the arms from the strain. Even the armour where the shoulder restraining bolts were began to buckle. The cage rocked violently as it ripped its forearms free. The arms curled back as it grasped the bolts on its shoulder. As it ripped the bindings, and almighty creak, followed by an equally powerful crunch could be heard, as the armour was ripped off its own shoulders. The Eva dropped its load into the red coolant as it leaned forward. It roared as it wrenched its left arm free, dislodging itself from the fin, as it fell. Unit 01 then ripped its right arm free as it ran the gate down.

 

Shinji panted hard as he fought the pain in his arms and shoulders. The exertion had ripped parts of the armour off its arms, resulting in the painful feedback in his arms. He felt his strength diminished as he struggled to say awake. He had to act fast before he was over. Rei had promised him that she would live; he too would keep his promise. The promised right then and there he would never leave her. Never again would he leave her in such danger if he could help it. That was his promise.

 

“What's taking those crews so long?” Misato snapped as she stared at the inactive machine.

 

“The entire level is on lockdown,” Maya replied. “No crews can get in.”

 

“What's going on?” Ritsuko yelled. “Who gave that order?”

 

“Commander Ikari gave the order?”

 

“Why would he give such an order?” Misato yelled. If he was behind the accident god knows what she would do.

 

Her question was answered as the test chamber began to rumble. They looked to the right wall as it began to crack. People could only watch in fear of what could come though. If it was an Angel, Rei would be dead. People could only pray as the wall began to crumble. It suddenly exploded as a purple fist appeared. It pulled back only to be replaced by the body of a berserker Unit 01 ramming the wall down.

 

It let out a roar as it grabbed the forearms of Unit 00 and wrenched it free form the wall as wires cables, and metal plates littered the floor. The beast grabbed around the shoulders, placed a foot against the wall, and pulled ripping out the entire assembly off the wall. Once free, it ripped off the shoulder bindings attached to Unit 00, and tossed it aside like a rag doll, the assembly striking only a few feet away below the control room. The beast laid the blue unit done on its front as it ripped off the plug coving. Seeing the plug failing to eject, Unit 01 proceeded to rip more armour off its back until it could pull out the core. Once freed everything occurred like what happened after the battle of the fifth. Only difference was that Shinji staggered his way down.

 

“Please be alright, please be alright,” Shinji pleaded as he tried to twist the emergency lever. Misato could only watch as Shinji mustered all the strength he could. He had poured his strength into breaking free of the strength and get in. But now he was tapped. He felt his strength diminish into nothingness. He gritted his teeth as he made one final push. The door hissed as it opened and LCL poured out, nearly tripping him as he tried to get in.

 

“Rei-chan,” Shinji moaned as he clamoured into the plug. For a moment his heart sank. He saw Rei lying in the seat, motionless. For a moment he thought that he would die right there before he could say anything. He felt himself starting to slip into unconsciousness when Rei began to stir. He fought to stay conscious long enough as Rei looked at him.

 

“Shinji-kun, you came,” Rei whispered weakly.

 

“Of course,” he replied with a smile. “What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't?” Rei looked up into his cobalt eyes and smiled weakly. She opened her mouth to speak when she felt her strength leave her. Last thing they saw was each other falling into a deep, black, restful peace.

 

And that concludes Chapter 7. Next chapter will just be an interlude, and to give me a chance to work on the oh so needed fluffiness and waffiness that this story needs. Anyways I hope that you guys enjoyed the chapter, I shall be expecting reviews soon.

 

Well anyways, that's all from me

 

Cheers Ja ne