115Chapter 1: Red Devil
Tokyo, Japan
"GAH!" Shinji startled awake.
*Hah* *Hah* *Hah* *Hah*
His breathing was ragged and he felt a little sweaty.
The now sixteen year old Shinji looked around his room erratically and breathed a sigh of relief as he confirmed he wasn't in his closet of a room in Tokyo-3.
"Fuck..." he murmured as he massaged his brows and sat up with a sigh. "Stupid 12th Angel," he murmured.
Out of all of the Angel battles that was the one that still really haunted him the most to this day due to the sheer horror of slowly dying in LCL, cold and alone. Shinji shook his head clear, not exactly the best morning but he often suffered from various nightmares anyway so this was just another normal morning for the former Third Child. He turned to the alarm clock and wasn't surprised to see it was, as Asuka would have probably put it, 'early as fuck.'
He had always been an early morning person.
He stretched as he stood up and walked out of his bedroom, closing the door with a quiet 'click.' He listened in the hallway in the second floor of his house and heard nothing so walked to his little sister's room and opened the door quietly, thanking that he had lubricated the hinges as it opened silently. He peered inside and smiled when he saw his sister sleeping, he was afraid he had woken her up with his scream.
Shinji closed the door behind himself and went to the bathroom, brushed his teeth and washed his face before going back to his room to change into exercise clothing. He still remembered what he was like back in Tokyo-3 and he had to agree with Asuka.
He was absolutely pathetic, scrawny and lacking in any drive.
So when he had become old enough to do so alone, which was still quite young thanks to the local yakuza always watching out for him, he had taken to running every morning. It helped keep him healthy, helped him get his blood pumping and help him getting energized for the day which he really needed with his constant nightmares. Plus he had read that exercise helped with your mental health and considering his past and how he couldn't really go to a psychiatrist about it he took every step to help himself, like his writing, his music, etc.
Idly he noted that he always had to work himself harder than he thinks most people would have to even feel a bit tired.
Now dressed in a pair of black shorts and a black track jacket with violet stripes he grabbed his cellphone, a pair of earphones and walked downstairs and put on his light blue running shoes. After lacing himself up he opened the door and took a deep breath.
Shinji just stood there for a moment, eyes closed as he enjoyed the cool early morning spring air. Even after living in this new world for the last sixteen years he still couldn't help but enjoy the feeling of having four distinct seasons in Japan. The cool and refreshing spring and fall, the familiar heat of summer and his favorite, the cold bite of winter.
He still remembered the first time he was old enough to play in the snow, one of his most treasured memories to this day.
He plugged in his earphones into his phone and cued up some rock music, classic rock music from the 80s and 90s. He had heard Asuka listen to them from time to time, usually when she was psyching herself up before going into her Eva. While he still preferred classical music he had to admit that Ludwig van Beethoven isn't the greatest choice for a work out.
'Should have a good hour,' Shinji estimated as he looked at the time on his touch phone, something that was never around in his world. That meant he would run for 30min and then just run the way he came which would take the same amount of time. Judging from the time that should leave him enough time for a shower before having to start breakfast.
With a smile on his face the former pilot of Unit-01 and the youngest of Pandora's children set off on his morning run.
It wasn't always a walk in the park but life was good.
A now twelve year old Shizuka Kusanagi woke up and yawned as she sat up in her bed and stretched.
She looked at the clock, "7am…*sigh* I don't know whether to be mad at Onii-chan for turning me into a morning person or not."
While she was never one to wake up energized early in the morning ever since she was a small child she had been trained by her Onii-chan to wake up early in the morning.
How you may ask?
Why by cooking such ridiculously good breakfasts that's how. If she wanted to have her older brother's ridiculously good cooking at its best she had to get it when it's fresh and that meant she had to wake up early and over the years it just became a habit. She can't even remember the last time her Onii-chan had to wake her up.
What she did wonder though is did her Onii-chan do it on purpose?
'No use thinking about it,'she thought as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and reached over to switch off her alarm clock. She had never actually had to be woken up by the alarm but she had to agree with her brother, better safe than sorry.
Shizuka looked around her large room and smiled when she the sunny weather outside, at least her walk to school will be nice enough.
After hopping out of bed, fixing herself up, showering and changing into her uniform she headed downstairs to the kitchen. She couldn't help but smile half way down the stairs as she smelled a very familiar smell in the early morning hours at the Kusanagi household.
Her brother cooking in the kitchen.
It's something that's routine but she always made sure to appreciate it, her brother had taught her to enjoy the simple things and not take them for granted, a lesson she took to heart.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs she turned left and into a small room that housed nothing but a small shrine. In the middle of the humble shrine, near some incense is a portrait of her now deceased grandmother, Chiyo Kusanagi who had died four years prior.
Shizuka bowed in respect like her brother had taught her in front of the small shrine, "good morning grandmother."
This was a part of the household morning routine, her brother probably already have done so after his run. After rising from her bow and sending a smile to her Grandma she headed to the kitchen.
Stepping inside she could see her brother wearing the 'KISS THE COOK' apron his friend Kaoru had bought him as a joke for his last birthday as he tossed the fried rice in the wok with practiced ease. Shizuka walked up to her beloved brother and embraced him, burying her face into his back, while her brother isn't especially tall he still towered over her, not that she minded.
"Good morning Onii-chan," her voice came out muffled due to her speaking into his shirt and Shinji couldn't help but chuckle. Shinji set his cooking utensils aside so he can turn around and give his precious baby sister a warm hug and a pat on the head, a sort of morning ritual for the two siblings since Shizuka was little. Idly Shinji wondered if he spoiled and babied her too much but just mentally shrugged it off, he enjoyed ensuring she lived as best a life as he could give her.
"Good morning imouto," Shinji warmly said before he went back to cooking, "breakfast is already on the table."
"And Grandpa?"
"He left on that trip of his remember?"
Shizuka blushed in embarrassment, obviously she wasn't fully awake yet if she made such a simple mistake.
As she sat down her mouth watered at the simple breakfast in front of her, a simple western breakfast of sausages, eggs and toast but she knew better than to think it would be sub-par. Her brother just didn't do mediocre when it came to cooking, even the sausages were home made she knew. Oh he wasn't a perfect cook, he experimented from time to time and sometimes the outcome was mediocre, or even more rare, bad but he insisted on only asking for input with dishes he had already tasted and passed himself. Actually, she didn't even know if he had ever fed her an 'average' meal before.
Shinji reached over to the counter where a bottle of wine and a half full wine glass sat, glad his Grandfather is fine with him drinking, picks up the glass and takes a sip as Shizuka ate. He smiled, it really helped dealing with the nightmares and bad memories that still haunted him sixteen years later. While drinking may not be the best answer to everything it worked for his problems, legal drinking age be damned. '
Is this why Misato-san used to drink so much?' he couldn't help wonder, it also helped he had grown to actually like the taste of alcohol...except beer, he never did grow to like it. He blames Misato and memories of her drinking habits.
He turned to his sister stuffing her face with gusto and wondered, 'how can Shizuka-chan eat so much and never gain weight? What kind of crazy ability is that?'
Currently Shizuka is dressed in the Jounan Academy girls uniform. Her uniform consists of a white and blue sailor uniform top with a light tan button up vest, a light green ribbon (denoting her status as a middle schooler) tied around the collar, blue skirt and black leggings. In comparison her brother's uniform consists of a white long sleeve dress shirt, black dress pants and a black gakuran button up jacket, which is currently thrown over one of the chairs at the dining table.
Shizuka now styled her hair with a bun on either side of her head, fixed in place with pink hair bands. Shinji on the other hand had let his brown hair grow out a little bit, tying it at the back into a small pony tail with a black band, making him resemble a younger Kaji from his old life. He also now wore a pair of rectangular black half-framed glasses with rectangular lenses, though they didn't do anything. They were initially gifted by Kaoru as a joke when she found out he was writing a novel to make him look the part of a young writer. Shinji had taken a liking to them though as he had never received any gifts from his friends in his old life and had worn them every day since.
Shizuka looked at her Onii-chan as she finished her meal. She masked her frown with her glass of orange juice as she observed the boy-no the young man who had, pretty much, raised her in the absence of their mother. While she didn't mind her mother's busy schedule, unlike her brother, she would never deny how much her brother had done for her. Which is why she found herself frowning as she watched him enjoy wine so early in the morning, people his age shouldn't drink at all!
And her brother drank somewhat often too, seriously she can't believe her Grandpa, how can he let her brother get away with that?
But what made her worry is that whenever he drank a lot, more than his usual glass or two, he always had a…troubled look on his face. Thankfully it looks like this time he's going to stop at just one, probably just wanting to enjoy the drink.
In a lot of ways she compared her brother to famous artists and musicians, a lot of them were troubled people, people who suffered and hurt and expressed themselves in their art. She had read her brother's novel 'The Beginning of Evangelion'…well she's still reading through it. Honestly she found it difficult to read through sometimes because there are some messed up things in his book, along with some difficult language. That worried her, was he trying to say something in that book? She had seen him do his paintings, always being related to his book, so there's obviously a story to it. Then there's his music, whenever he played on the piano…he never seemed unhappy as he played, far from it but she always found his music…somber and kind of sad.
Is something hurting him on the inside?
Grrrr, she really wished she would grow up faster. It irked her, not understanding her brother and what may be making him unhappy.
Even in his dreams he seemed to be troubled. While it doesn't happen every day, he did sometimes wake up in the middle of the night screaming from nightmares.
She always wondered, how can he always smile for her? Every time he saw her he smiled and she knew it wasn't fake, it was too honest, too warm and full of love. How could he be so happy? To her knowledge her brother only had one, that's right ONE friend.
His childhood friend, a cross-dressing girl named Kaoru Sayanomiya.
Shizuka he had actually been against his friendship with the older girl when Shizuka met her, how she played with the feelings of girls with her good looks reminded Shizuka too much of her Grandpa! She did not want her dear Onii-chan to be a womanizer like her dear Gramps but when she had seen the two playing together she had let it go. Kaoru made her Onii-chan happy and in the end that's all Shizuka wants.
Still, she wished her brother had more friends. Hell, maybe even a womanizing Onii-chan would be better than the so called 'Melancholy Prince' of Jounan Academy. She hated that nickname and how the the girls of Jounan preferred to just admire him from afar. Even some of her classmates liked to gossip about what could be troubling him. That pissed her off to no end, the way they talked about her troubled older brother felt...wrong. They talked about him like some fantasy character, someone you can wonder and think about but never reach. Sure he may be aloof at times but she knew her brother is just as human as anyone else. He cried when their grandmother died, enjoys talking with his best friend, wants a pet, gets scarily angry when people pick on her and smiles when he sees people enjoy his food.
She sighed, really, what a troublesome brother she has.
"Shizuka-chan?" Shinji called out to her as he started to put together his and his sister's bento boxes. "Is something wrong?"
"N-no. Jeez Onii-chan," she pouted with a glare, "don't baby me!"
Shinji just smiled, he really did spoil her didn't he? Well he didn't mind, aside from his Grandpa and Mama Pandora she's the only family he has now. She's the family he never had and he wanted her to live the life he never could...until his rebirth. He knows what's it like to live an empty childhood, like hell he'd let Shizuka live anything resembling the life he had lived.
…Well there's also his…ugh, mother but he hasn't seen her in a while so she's out in his books.
And if anyone messed with his sister? He wouldn't hold back in putting them in their place.
"If you say so," and Shinji went back to work preparing the lunches.
"So," Shizuka started, "are you looking forward to that trip to Sardinia?"
"Well," Shinji replied without looking up, "I'm only going to give that weird stone tablet back to Grandpa's friend right? Then come back."
"Onii-chan!" she smacked her hand on the table and suppressed an 'ouch', she didn't need her brother's babying her to ruin her momentum, as she glared at her brother. "Chiyuki-san arranged a private jet for you and a hotel! Enjoy yourself! That's an order!"
What she wanted to add was, 'you almost never do anything for yourself!' but she decided to keep that to herself, he would just wave it off as his 'duty' as her family. While she sometimes found her brother mysterious she knew Shinji found great happiness in his family and would do anything for her.
In all honesty that grated on her almost as much as her Grandpa's womanizing stories. Her brother had given up so much for her. He always cooked whatever she wanted, he cleaned the house, he would pick her up from places when she was younger and never hesitated when she wanted to go somewhere or wanted to see a movie. When his book was published three years ago and exploded in popularity he had bought a bigger house, complete with a backyard, all because she mentioned wanting more space.
She had been half joking back then!
The biggest sign of her brother spoiling her is the refrigerated glass display in their kitchen which her brother always kept full with homemade deserts whose taste and appearance rivaled anything a any chef can produce. That was her most recent birthday present, she loved her brother's sweets but even she thought that was overkill!
The only thing he had bought for himself with the money was, basically, a brand new kitchen and a car. When he turned sixteen in January and gotten his license he bought both a car for family use and a car for himself.
Still she was happy he bought something to celebrate the success of his book. She still remembered when he had first driven home in that white sports car of his, big stupid smile on his face, the only time she'd ever seen him with a dumb grin. So rare an event that was that she had taken a picture to forever preserve the moment.
"Alright," Shinji said as he nodded and hummed in thought, "I had always wanted to visit Europe."
Although he had to admit he wants to visit Germany specifically, Asuka had made it sound like the most amazing country ever.
*ring* *ring* *ring* *ring*
Hearing his phone go off he fished it out of his pocket, thankful that whoever it is timed it so that he finished making the bento boxes.
He smiled when he saw the number and answered in a humble voice full of false respect, "good morning Sayanomiya-sama."
His smile turned a little mischievous as he could almost hear his childhood friend twitch in annoyance, she hated when he called her that.
Ah, seems like his mischievous cross-dressing friend rubbed off on him didn't she?
"…don't call me that! *ahem* Anyway, good morning Shinji-kun. I know this might be sudden but is your sister in the room?"
Shinji looked up, "no, she just left to make sure her books and stuff are in order." He looks at the clock, "I'll be leaving for school soon though. Why? Is something wrong?"
"No, I just wanted to talk to you before you leave for your trip to Sardinia tomorrow. I mean I know you're going to miss me aren't you?" she teased while hiding the reason she asked about his sister. Kaoru knew Shizuka only tolerated her because Shinji liked being around her so much. She did not want to hear her friend's sister's annoyed grumbling so early in the day.
"Of course I'll miss you," Shinji answered truthfully, missing the teasing tone in her voice.
"…"
Shinji raised a brow, "Kaoru-nee? Hello? Still there?"
"Y-yeah! S-still here! *ahem* J-Just checking up on you, that's all. *sigh* Anyway I have a meeting with some of the other clan heirs tomorrow so I can't call you before you leave so I'm calling now. Excited for the trip?"
"Yeah, Shizuka-chan already asked me. Ordered me to enjoy myself, how can I say no to that?"
"Fufu, you do need to loosen up more."
"What's with today? People ganging up on me," Shinji grumbled as he finished his wine and went to put away the bottle. "I think my life is fine, thank you very much."
"Hahaha," came a laugh from the other side. "Be safe though okay? How long are you going to be gone again for? A week?"
"Five days."
"Close enough, you'll need to owe me once you get back so don't do anything stupid while you're there."
Shinji smiled, he knows what she meant. Ever since they first met all those years ago their meetings had become a regular weekly occurrence, every Friday. They no longer played and he didn't practice his magic as often but they always met up unless something kept them. Mostly they use it as a chance to unwind. Kaoru venting about her troubles in the magical world and him venting about the stress of trying to raise his younger sister or talking about whatever they have on their minds.
"Of course. I'll just see some of the sights, enjoy the view of the ocean and taste some of the food. No jumping in volcanoes, promise," he said with a smile, that in his opinion is still the dumbest thing he had ever done. Oh he had no regrets saving Asuka, that part he would never regret as he saw it as one of his greatest moments but it had been a stupidly reckless action regardless.
"Oh, ha ha," she laughed dryly before teasing him, "and steal some recipes right?"
"…" Shinji blushed in embarrassment, "I prefer the term 'borrowing and improving'."
"Ha! Right, whatever lets you sleep at night. I look forward to tasting whatever you borrow and improve when we meet up again then."
"I aim to please."
"That you do," she said before her voice turned from playful to concerned and serious. "Hey, just reminding you, don't use your barrier magic okay? I don't think the magical societies of Europe will be as nice or as lenient as me. With me keeping you a secret from the HCC I can't do much if they try and forcefully recruit you."
"I-is that something they do in Europe? Recruit people forcefully?" he asked nervously.
"Fufu, no not really, I'm just messing with you," and Shinji's brow twitched at that, damn joker. Then her voice grew serious again, "just be careful though okay? I can't help you if something does happen."
Shinji smiled, he didn't have many friends but his one friend is a damn good one, even if she liked to mess with people. "Understood. Anyway, I need to get to school. I'll text you when I arrive."
"Right, I'll respond as soon as I can. Take care, bye."
"You too," and Shinji hanged up before shouting, "come on Shizuka! Let's go!"
Island of Sardinia, Italy
Shinji really had to wonder if he had his priorities straight. Right after leaving the small airport where the private jet his Chiyuki-nee had chartered for him Shinji had landed he didn't go looking for his Granpa's friend. No, instead he had went to the local market in search of fresh seafood. That had been something he had never got to use back in his old life. The warming of the oceans caused by Second Impact had killed a lot of the fish species in Japanese waters. Pair that up with the supply problems that racked Tokyo-3 during the Angel War and Shinji had never had a chance to use fresh seafood.
So of course he had prioritized buying ingredients for dinner ahead of his real reason for coming to Sardinia in the first place. His hotel room had an amazing kitchen and with the market so close by it seemed a shame not to go and get first pick of the day's catch.
Well, Shizuka and Kaoru had told him to enjoy himself right? Man he looked forward to cooking dinner tonight.
After dropping off his groceries and luggage he had finally decided to go along with his task, carrying the tablet in a messenger bag.
...Sadly, even though he used to be a professor, his Grandpa's handwriting is borderline unreadable. Idly he was almost sure that the tentacles of the 4th Angel could hold a pen better than his Grandpa's hands, he looked down at the note his Grandfather had left him...absolute chicken scratch.
So as he wandered the city, dressed in a simple grey shirt, olive green light jacket, black jeans and grey skater shoes he called his sister on his phone. He had hoped his Grandpa was home so he can clarify the directions he was left with but, alas, no such luck.
"Huh?" Shinji murmured as he walked, "there aren't any train stations around here though."
"Sorry Onii-chan," his sister replied, "but I don't know when he'll be back. He went out drinking with his friends tonight."
"And left you alone?"
"No, stop worrying, you'll get an ulcer. Chiyuki-nee is over."
"Make sure you don't let her in the kitchen," both Kusanagi siblings shivered at the memory of when the, then yakuca princess now yakuza boss had once tried to cook a simple dinner when they were all younger. Shinji had faced many fearsome opponents in his previous life. He had faced a creature that went against common sense, having a two-dimensional 'body' and a three-dimensional 'shadow', a creature that even to this day Shinji wondered could even be considered living. Hell, he had faced a massive flying crystal-blue diamond shape-shifting particle canon that vaporized half a mountain in it's own passionate attempt to wipe him and Rei out of existence.
Yes, he had faced monsters and had known fear.
And he would, with no hesitation, face any of the Angels again before even thinking about fighting...whatever the hell Chiyuki had created all those years ago.
"I understand Onii-chan," his sister replied resolutely.
"I see, that's good," Shinji sighed in relief, replacing a kitchen is easy with the money he has now but he couldn't replace his sister. "I guess I'll ask around, someone's bound to know something."
...Wow that was probably the most laid back Misato-like idea he had ever had.
"Someone? Onii-chan do you even speak Italian? Are you going to be alright?"
"I'll be fine," Shinji reassured her, "I do speak Italian, fluently."
"…" Stunned silenced followed and he didn't blame her. While he had the 'Language' ability he had only displayed English and Japanese with the occasional German around his family.
"Anyway, I'm going to hang up now. Be a good girl for Onii-chan."
"I will! And remember have fun."
Shinji sighed as he hung up, it's not like he tries not to.
"It's official, I used up all my luck when I died and managed to be reborn," Shinji murmured in frustration as he stared out at the sea. It had been another hour and it's now the afternoon and he still hadn't found where he needs to go. With a sigh he shook his head, he'll just call his Grandpa later after dinner, he should be back by then.
For now though he's in Sardinia and he will enjoy it.
Which is why he's currently walking along the waterfront, choosing to avoid the beach to keep the sand out of his shoes and just walked along the boardwalk. He couldn't help but be in a little bit of awe at how…alive this world is.
So beautifully, wonderfully and spectacularly alive. His old world had been so…dead, most animals and half the world's human population had died. Even the sea, in all its vastness sometimes seemed empty. He still remembered, after the battle with the 6th Angel, standing on the flight deck of the UNS Over the Rainbow as he and Asuka just stared out at the ocean and what the ocean looked like.
It was beautiful yes, serene even but looking back now he can't remember ever seeing one sign of life. No schools of fish, no dolphins, no anything.
Here though?
Here he could see life. Sea gulls gliding overhead, fishing boats out at sea, and the market had been filled to the brim with the morning's fresh catch.
He couldn't help but feel if he needed to die in this world to save it he may do so willingly, if only to protect its life and its beauty. Just the thought of his little Shizuka growing up in a world as dead as his old one...it gave him chills. He would never let that happen.
It also made him a tad lonely.
It's hard to enjoy one's vacation or trip or whatever his little excursion had become alone. No Shizuka clinging to his side, no cross-dressing redhead that always made Shinji feel comfortable.
But most of all he missed the people of his old world right now.
He missed Rei, the odd quiet girl that he had always admired for the strength she had, quietly persevering in her task as an Eva pilot. Never had he heard her complain.
He missed Misato, the woman who like Mama Pandora, is the mother he never had. She was busy and lazy and a slob and a drunkard…wait where was he going with that again? Oh right, that even if she was all those things she still tried to care for him, to give him some semblance of a normal upbringing even if she obviously didn't know what she was doing in hindsight.
And Asuka, the girl who he loved and hated all at once. The girl whose strength he admired even to this day, the memories of her fire the standard he tried to set for himself now.
He wished they were all here, in this beautiful living world.
"You guys would have loved it here," he said to no one with a bittersweet smile.
And with that the lonely boy walked, he would enjoy this world not just for himself but for all those who couldn't be here with him.
Eventually getting tired the brown haired boy sat down at an outdoor cafe and ordered himself a drink. Enjoying the taste of expertly made coffee and the feeling of the refreshing breeze coming off of the Mediterranean Sea.
Feeling curious Shinji took out the tablet he had been sent to deliver and looked it over.
"Man this is a weird tablet," Shinji said to himself. "I can't help but get a bad vibe from it."
It was an old thing, ancient, not surprising considering his Grandpa's field back when he was a professor. Still for the life of him Shinji couldn't tell what made it special other than being really damn old.
He finished off his drink, left what he owed with a substantial tip and was about to get back to his hotel room to rest after all the walking he had done when he heard a female voice call out to him in Italian.
[Hey, you over there!] Shinji looked up to see one of the most beautiful women he had ever met, and that's saying something. After knowing Rei, Asuka, Misato and his childhood friend Kaoru that's saying something.
She seemed to be around Shinji's age and of average height with Shinji being only a bit taller than her, he had never been the tallest person around after all. She had flawless skin, beautiful pink lips, long golden blond hair that flowed past her hips with two black ribbons on either side of her face. She also had a generous figure for her age...or for any age really.
But what really caught him though are her eyes, her striking blue eyes that reminded him painfully of a certain red head but he managed to catch himself and suppressed a cringe. He could see it there in those sapphire orbs, her fire, her courage and her confidence.
He would be lying if he said he didn't feel like a moth hovering in front of a flame right now, she was beautiful, breath taking.
The girl wore an expensive looking low cut red dress with black accents and black frills and detached sleeves. It showed off her generous figure well while remaining elegant, showing enough to attract attention but not enough to be tasteless. She also wore a black and white ribbon around her neck. All in all she's the stereotypical fiery Italian beauty Shinji had always imagined.
Then she pulled out a knife on him and Shinji's thoughts on the girl's beauty slammed into a wall. The fight or flight instincts he had honed on the battlefield of post-Impact Japan, for the first time in 16 years, reared its head once more, his mind coming up with multiple ways to fight and to win. He suppressed a frown as he felt Exterminator of the Lilin activate, while he could at least be happy she's human, he had heard stories from Kaoru of spirits once, he still didn't like the ability.
Still, he didn't want to kill or even harm her and he's pretty sure this is a misunderstanding...hopefully. While he actually hadn't lost any sleep over killing any of the hundreds and perhaps thousands of human soldiers during the event he had dubbed 'The Siege of Tokyo-3' he didn't look fondly on the memory either. So he really hoped this wouldn't escalate.
[Hand over that grimoire immediately] she demanded as she held the knife in front of her.
Shinji blinked at that before he responded in Italian too. [W-what? Grimoire?] Wasn't a grimoire a book? He didn't even bring a book with him to Sardinia!
The girl though just thought he was repeating her words in confusion. She looked at the foreigner, he looked Japanese to her, well luckily enough she did speak that language.
"Do you not understand Italian? Fine then I'll ask again in Japanese. Hand over that grimoire immediately."
Shinji frowned, he did speak in Italian but he didn't correct her, if dealing with Asuka and Misato taught him anything about strong willed women its that its better to not antagonize them needlessly.
"Are…you trying to…rob me?"
…
Well Asuka had always called him a Baka and after hanging out with Kaoru for half his life her love of messing with people had rubbed off on him. He just couldn't resist, he just hoped he wouldn't get stabbed for it. If he did he'd blame his childhood friend.
Still he had to admit her reaction to the accusation was totally worth it. Her face showed an expression that's a cute and amusing mix of incredulous and embarrassed while an adorable amount of pink dusted her cheeks. Honestly if he didn't think she'd gouge out his eyes for it he would've taken out his phone and snapped a picture.
"M-mugging?! How rude."
She seemed to almost pout at him and he resisted the urge to pinch her cheeks to see if she would get even more flustered.
…Damn he blames Kaoru for this, maybe Shizuka was right and she is a terrible influence?
"Hurry up. I'm a knight of the Copper Black Cross, do you really think I wouldn't notice?"
Shinji blinked in surprise, "knight?"
He looked at the girl again, no armor, no sword or…anything knightly on her. He wouldn't judge her for her gender, he knows women can kick ass, Asuka being case number one for him but…did knights in the traditional sense still exist? He cursed not asking Kaoru more about European mages or their titles and ranks. Kaoru called herself a Hime-Miko and she never acted like the priestesses he knew about. Is this girl a magic user too? Is knight a similar title to Hime-Miko?
*RAAAAAH!*
Shinji and the girl both flinched as a roar erupted from somewhere dangerously nearby and Shinji felt the air…shift. It became heavier, like the very air wanted to crush and destroy him.
But he and the girl still stood and both looked towards the sound of the roar and saw a sight that brought back memories of days and battles gone by to the ex-Third Child.
A giant.
A monster.
A massive boar the size of a building emerged from the ground and roared again and Shinji couldn't help but stare at it as something inside him thrummed to life.
It felt awake and excited and Shinji couldn't help but feel the same way for some reason. He felt no fear for he had faced more than this but he couldn't help but feel excited as well for reasons that escaped him.
Shinji shook his head, knowing from previous experience he needs a clear head to live through this. He has no Evangelion to protect him now, he's small, soft and squishy.
"A heretic god?" the girl beside him muttered.
"A what?" Shinji asked.
"It doesn't matter. Go, get out of here, run!" having warned him the girl went off sprinting past a red four-door sedan. "Arriana, lets go!" she hopped on top of the car and they sped off towards the rampaging boar.
"Fuck!" Shinji shouted in frustration as the girl went off towards what Shinji's instincts told him would be her death. Flashes of a red head appeared in his mind. Of how she screamed and screamed until she couldn't scream anymore as the 15th Angel raped her mind. How the life and fire that once shown so beautifully bright had almost been snuffed out. How that gorgeous girl had just lied in bed, in a coma, almost dead to the world. "FUCK!"
Shinji took off into a spring in their direction, he didn't care if he'd die trying but damnit he's not going to run from this! He won't let something so beautiful be snuffed out by some…monster again! So with fire in his eyes he ran.
An image of a blue haired girl flashed in front of him. He remembered her sacrifice, how she died because he was too useless to do anything.
"Damnit not again!" pushing himself harder he ran after the unnamed blond, not noticing a blue haired youth clad in white robes and a light grey cloak hovering above him.
"Well well, aren't thou brave? Thou art interesting, young warrior," the youth spoke with a smile.
Shinji looked up as he finally caught sight of the brave if foolish young woman as she stood on top of a building. He had noticed she had changed her clothes somehow. Gone is the dress and in its place she wore clothing more practical in a fight but no less stylish. She wore a form fitting black long sleeved top tucked into a pair of form fitting dark grey pants held up with a brown leather belt and high cut brown leather boots with a red and black striped shoulder cape around her shoulders.
"What are you doing?" Shinji murmured as he watched.
The girl lifted her right arm up in front of her, hand open and a complex magic circle flashed into existence in front of her. The circle glowed brightly in red and pink and the symbol of a rose appeared in the middle. Magical energy came from the circle and Shinji could sense it, whatever it was it was powerful Shinji knew. Whatever she was doing he could feel the energies of the world bending to the blonde's will. Kaoru had once commented that Shinji's magical senses are extremely sharp so he knew whatever she was doing was powerful. But what could stop a god? He remembered her saying something about a heretic god.
But the more important question that came into his mind was, could she stop a god?
Any further thoughts were cut off when she started her chant.
"Lion of Steel and he who begets you, the Lionheart," more magical energy burst forth as a head of a lion made of steel emerged from the circle, jaws open and to Shinji's amazement she reached inside it. "Heed the oath made by Knight Erica Blandelli!" Then she pulled her arm out of the beast's maw with flare and pulled out a beautiful sword as the lion head and the circle vanished, "Cuore di Leone!"
Shinji watched amazed and somewhat curious at the display of magic, he had seen Kaoru's magic before but all she had done was set up wards to keep mundanes away from their meetings. He had never seen Kaoru pull a sword or anything out of thing air before and he idly wondered if there was a Dirac Sea involved, if he remembered his debrief correctly it connected to everywhere and everywhen.
The ex-Third Child then turned his attention to the young woman's blade, it was a flawless sword, a true masterpiece of the art of forging steel. The sword, Cuore di Leone he guessed the name was, had a long slender blade and an ornate but minimalist guard that shone in the sun like silver while the handle is wrapped in rich blue leather. If Shinji had to guess it was a rapier from the thin and elegant blade shape that seemed to be maximized for thrusting, that said he didn't doubt the blades edge is still perfectly capable of cutting better than mundane steel.
He doubted magical swords need to be controlled by the laws of physics to the same extent that normal swords are.
"Yah!" with a cry she struck, sending a lance of red magical energy at the giant boar.
But it wasn't enough as it struck a shining gold barrier whose magical energy made the girl's impressive show seem like a fly compared to a dinosaur to Shinji.
"I knew it," he heard her speak, "it's a divine beast. The god's plan to start a fight here."
And she attacked again with more force.
Shinji briefly wondered what the hell a divine beast is or why gods would fight before removing them from his mind. He could ask about them another time, he'd ask the girl later if they both still drew breath after this.
After all he had never wondered nor really cared why the Angels came before, as long as they're dead then the problem is solved.
"Now how do I kill that boar?" he wondered to himself, the thought of that being something that may be impossible for him never even crossing his mind for some reason.
"Kya!" the girl screamed as the boar charged at her, the explosion from her failed attack that had once again been foiled by the barrier blew her back, out of the way of the charging boar but into the space between buildings.
Right over the alley where he stood.
"FUCK!" Shinji cursed for what felt like the umpteenth time today as he dashed forward. He needed to catch her but catching her at ground level wouldn't do anything, she'd knock him down and the sudden impact may cripple them both. Well it would cripple her for sure, he would probably just regenerate since Fruit of the Messenger had become more and more powerful as he grew up.
Then he got an idea, remembering a trick he hadn't used in years ever since he and Kaoru had stopped playing magical keep up.
He used his At Field and projected it slightly ahead of him horizontal to the ground and above it, followed by another and another one as he climbed, creating an impromptu stair case.
"Gotcha!" he couldn't help shout as he caught the girl and absorbed some of the force with an 'oomph'. He leaned back to help bleed off more energy but he miscalculated and fell off his shimmering blue platform. He shifted mid-air to place himself between the ground and the girl and landed on the ground with a loud thump and a sickening crack. Luckily they weren't too high up.
Unluckily he had landed on a pile of rubble and he could feel warm blood leaking from the back of his head, his back is sore and he could taste the iron of blood in his mouth. A small part of him also noted the feeling of his now smashed phone in his pocket, oh well that can be replaced, the blond knight's life cannot.
Panting from all the running and excitement he looked at the brave knight in his arms and he sighed in relief, she's breathing okay and other than a few scrapes and being unconscious she seemed fine. He's in much worse shape, his head is ringing and his vision is starting to spin. Still he was surprised, he should be hurting a lot more from that fall. He felt like he would be okay in just an hour or so, aside from pain nothing serious had been done to him.
He shook his head, he can still see the boar rampaging, he needs to get her out of here!
Then he felt it inside him, as if answering his needs he felt Fruit of the Messengers ability unlock a bit more than before and he could feel himself healing his minor wounds faster than his already impressive rate did previously.
*step*
His head snapped to the side and saw a boy around his age. He wore white robes and a grey cloak. He had pale skin, emerald green eyes like his sister and dark blue hair.
But what set Shinji on edge is the feeling the youth gave off. His magical senses screamed that this boy is dangerous, more dangerous than the boar. His blood felt hot as his heart pumped faster, his instincts telling him to stand his ground.
He couldn't help but give a slightly insane smile at that before he shook his head, the knight is his priority and he has to remind himself that as his adrenaline flowed.
With a groan he sat himself up before putting the girl down behind him as gently as possible before he stood up. He got into a hand to hand fighting stance.
Oh he knew it was futile, he hadn't figured out how to use his AT Field offensively and he just somehow knew that power wouldn't be enough anyway. His blue barrier lacked the power of the ones produced by the Evas and Angels.
And this kid was on the level of the Angels, and he isn't, not right now anyway.
But still he'll stand his ground, fuck running away, he became tired of that years ago and somehow he had the feeling that if they came to blows he wouldn't do as badly as he thought he might. He had jumped inside a volcano without specialized D-Type equipment, he had destroyed an army, he had stood against nine Evangelions and won! He-Shinji shook his head, he's not here to start a fight, even if he felt he could somehow win it. He wants to protect the self-proclaimed knight, starting a fight would be against that particular goal.
Then Shinji noticed the youth held a stone tablet that seemed really familiar, he looked at his messenger bag and saw that it had opened during his fall, he bit back a curse. If that thing gets destroyed he wouldn't know what to tell his grandfather.
"Does this belong to thee?" the youth asked and the ex-Eva pilot noticed a strangeness in his speech, Shinji understood him thanks to his ability to understand any language but he couldn't name the dialect being spoken.
"It does," Shinji answered, honestly surprised at how calm he sounded. Then he remembered he had broken long ago and understood, he was never normal, not even since the day he was reborn. "Who are you?"
"I am the Victor. I am the strongest and that which will defeat every enemy."
Shinji raised a brow at that, "quite the bold statement."
The youth smirked, "Perhaps. In truth, I don't think it's necessarily bad to have a taste of defeat."
"Humility is good," Shinji nodded, idly noting how he's calmly conversing with something his senses told him is a complete monster. Then again his top priority is keeping the girl safe. If this...thing wanted to have a pleasant chat then he'll happily chat away. "Besides, how can you improve if you don't know what you lack?"
"I have heard humans say that. So, I tried to revive the king of the ancient gods, in order to fight them, alas I have yet to be defeated." The boy then turned to the blonde behind him and Shinji moved to cover more of the girl, the youth just smiled in response. "Art thou willing to face me to protect that witch? Thou art willing to die for a stranger?"
"I have died for less," Shinji shrugged, which is true, his first death had been because he had enough of…everything really. Now though… "To die in defense of someone like her, someone who stood her ground and fought, who showed valour in the face of an enemy she obviously had no chance against…yes I will. For a person more deserving of life than myself I will fight and die."
The youth smiled, what an entertaining mortal. As a god of war and victory should he not reward such a brave warrior? He looked at the boy and hummed in thought, he...felt strange. His presence was more than that of a mortal man, more than even most people who have descended from divine blood but he felt less than what he would think a Campione would feel like...interesting. Then he saw something in the human's eyes, something even more interesting. They were the eyes of someone who had bathed in the blood of his foes, of someone who had fought and seen true war, true violence.
"Ha…ha…hahaha…HAHAHAHAHA!" the youth laughed, "Yes, yes I see it now. You are a good warrior, I see it in thine eyes. Thou hast gained victory over great foes hast thou not?"
Shinji frowned, "I'm a warrior?"
"Hahaha," the youth laughed good heartedly. "Thou need not be so humble, for I know. I see it thine eyes, the look of someone who has seen great bloodshed, who has felled his enemies and relished in victory! Blood has soaked thee, it is ingrained into thy being. I approve, honourable warrior."
The youth set the tablet down and started to walk away but he stopped after a dozen or so paces, looking over his shoulder he spoke.
"Take the tablet young warrior, you may keep it…regard it as a sign of my favour. I expect much out of thee. Perhaps thou will show the Victor the defeat he seeks?"
"How do you know we'll meet again?"
The youth smiled a serene smile, "because destiny calls for it and because I sense a hint of something in you that calls for it. Do not disappoint me when we meet again, warrior."
A massive tornado of wind surrounded the boar and with a flash of light the boar and the monstrous youth vanished.
"I'd prefer the term soldier really...and I'm retired now as far as I know," Shinji sighed and looked over at the blonde knight and sighed again. "Now…what should I do with you? Asuka always called me a Baka and I guess she's right. My plan never went pass saving the girl…"
Erica Blandelli opened her eyes.
"Ungh" she groaned, she felt sore all over. She blinked a few times and stared at the ceiling in confusion.
She remembered facing a divine beast and…not being able to do anything.
She should be dead.
Then why the did she feel so comfortable? Soreness aside of course. Did her maid Arriana come get her? She sat up, absently noticing how nice the bed felt. She threw the sheets off of her and blinked in surprise.
Her clothes had been removed and a few scrapes and cuts had been bandaged and probably cleaned. She must have been hurt by the divine beast worse than she thought if Arriana did all that and she didn't wake up.
Looking around the room she saw a white bath robe neatly folded at her bedside and threw it on herself, giving her some modesty, and tied it at the front. She walked out of the bedroom and noticed that Arriana had managed to get them a really nice hotel room, probably at the other end of the city away from the boar's path. She scanned the room and froze when, at the kitchen with his back facing her is not her maid but a familiar looking back of a young man.
Erica tensed, ready to call her sword to her side.
Shinji of course noticed she had awoken and decided to break the ice, "did you find the bathrobe?"
"Y-yes," the knight couldn't help but blush a little bit at her state of dress.
"Are you wearing it?"
"Y-yes."
Shinji sighed in relief and turned around letting the pasta cook as he leaned back on the counter. Seeing her in nothing but a bathrobe made him blush a bit so he made sure to make eye contact and not let his eyes wonder. He swore he can still feel the sting from the titanic slap Asuka gave him on the Rainbow, and he had no intention of something similar happening. That said though wasn't that Asuka's fault? Why would you wear a dress on something as windy as the deck of an aircraft carrier at sea? Shinji shook his head, he didn't want to make the knight upset by ignoring her.
"Are you ok?" the boy asked Erica and the knight was surprised at how…soft his voice sounded, she hadn't really paid attention to the small details when they first met. He had a possibly dangerous artifact after all, so she was on edge. Now though she got a good look at him and she allowed herself to relax, he obviously had no hostile intent.
And she had to admit he was quite good looking. He had a kind looking face that was handsome in more a 'cute' way than a 'rugged' way, he had longish chocolate brown hair tied into a short ponytail that gave him a bit of a roguish flair.
But what really caught her attention were his eyes. He had heterochromia with a steel blue right eye and instead of the usual green or brown his left eye is instead a ruby red. They were beautiful and she was struck by the sincere concern in his eyes.
"I'm fine. A little sore but I'm fine. I can heal the rest soon enough with magic," she reassured him. She could have lied but after what he saw and how he seemed to have helped her…her honour as a knight demanded she at least not lie to him about something so minor.
"That's good," Shinji smiled, "when that boar sent you flying I caught you but you didn't wake up for a few hours so I got a little worried. It's almost time for dinner."
Erica nodded before looking around, "where is Arriana?"
"…sorry, who?"
"My maid," Erica crossed her arms around her chest, "didn't she change me out of my clothes?"
Shinji just blushed bright red and looked away and after a beat he spoke quietly, "…I-I…I ah…I'm the one that…changed you…out…of your…c-clothes…"
"WHAT?!" that pervert! Erica moved to slap him but to her surprise he caught her, "you pervert!"
"I did what I needed to!" Shinji answered, his face red from embarrassment and frustration. Seriously, why did people always say that to him? Asuka had said it all the time but what the hell had he done? It's not like he wanted to look…well he did, he is a teenager and she is a beautiful girl but not in the way she may be thinking! "You were hurt and you needed to be looked after. I have a sister, I will never treat you or any woman inappropriately."
He let her go and she stepped back. The boy sighed before bowing, catching Erica off guard.
"I'm sorry if I treated you inappropriately," he rose from his bow, "but I had no other alternatives."
"I f-forgive you."
The boy stood up and smiled and Erica couldn't help but blush a little bit.
"Good. Now I think I should introduce myself. I'm Shinji Kusanagi from Japan. I know about the existence of the supernatural world but have no real knowledge about it."
"Erica Blandelli, member of the mage association known as the Copper Black Cross, I hold the rank of knight."
Shinji blinked, "I see. Uh, well I would wash up now if I were you." He gestured at his room's bathroom, "I've laid out some of my clothes for you that you can borrow. Your clothes are intact, I've sent them to be washed by the hotel staff."
Erica nodded and went off to the shower and when he heard the door click Shinji let out a breath. He had never been good with girls…well except Kaoru but he had known her for so long any nervousness had long since disappeared…and Shizuka but she was his sister. Other than them he doesn't have any real experience with women in this new life.
It didn't help that Erica had held him at knife point earlier today, not exactly the best first impression for either of them.
It also didn't help that Erica is totally his type, strong willed, brave and with a bit of attitude. Want him to charge head long at a giant boar monster? Sure, with good reason he won't run away from danger anymore. Fight off a god-like being unarmed in defense of a girl he'd never met? Sure, better reason to die than the last time but talk to said girl? Yeah, no, not as easy.
He looked out the window at the night sky and murmured, "…why do I have the feeling that if Mama Pandora is watching she's enjoying herself right now?"
Erica walked out of the bathroom of the bo-no Shinji's she corrected herself- hotel room feeling much better. She smelled and felt clean and she didn't feel sticky with sweat. She had healed her injuries as well and other than some muscle fatigue and the drain on her magical reserves she felt fine now, if perhaps a little hungry. She's now dressed in a simple white shirt that's too big for her and a pair of grey shorts, not exactly her style but considering she faced down a divine beast on the scale of that boar and came out fine she's not complaining.
She leaned on the door way as she dried her hair with a towel while watching Shinji cook. It actually made her smile in amusement. On his face is an honest smile as he worked his magic, she found it kind of cute, he obviously liked what he's doing. When she first spotted him with the grimoire he had a frown on his face and when he wasn't smiling at her earlier he had a slight frown on his face, with his big eyes he reminded her of a puppy that had been hurt by its master.
That smiling face suited him more in her opinion.
"Having fun?" she teased and Shinji flinched, too lost in his own little world to have noticed her finish her shower.
"I am," he answered with an embarrassed smile, "I've never cooked with such fresh seafood, these were caught just this morning. Have a seat, dinner will be ready soon."
Erica did so and made herself comfortable, he had all the chance to do something to her and he didn't. He seemed honourable and as a knight she respected that.
"Here you go," Shinji served, "seafood pasta."
Erica blinked it looked good, really good, almost too good to eat. "Are you a chef?"
"Ah ha ha no," Shinji laughed awkwardly with a mild blush. He only cooked for his family, Chiyuki and her group on occasion, and a bento for Kaoru when they met up every week. While they always appreciated his cooking skills, especially as he got better over the years, hey usually just showed their enjoyment instead of complementing him nowadays. Honestly he much preferred that as he still hadn't gotten used to getting praised. "I've cooked for my little sister ever since we were little so you can say I've just gotten really good with practice. I've never made anything like this though, I hope you like it."
Erica tried some and froze. She looked at the plate of pasta with stars in her beautiful blue eyes.
By the gods, if she didn't know any better she would have thought Shinji had a cooking Authority but he obviously wasn't a heretic god and there are only six Campione in existence so that couldn't be. The pasta had been perfectly cooked, the tomato sauce was light as not to overpower the shrimp and shellfish, which are all perfectly cooked as well.
"…D-do you like it?" Shinji asked hesitantly, a little worried as his guest just froze.
She nodded, liked it? "It's the best thing I've ever had."
Shinji smiled and blushed a bit. "I bought some wine earlier today. I don't know about you but after today I can use a drink"
Erica leaned back and gave a happy sigh, she had just had the best dinner of her life. She took a sip of wine and appreciated the smooth flavour. It looks like her host also had good taste in wine as well. She did have to wonder how he had the money for this though, she recognized the wine bottle and she knew it wasn't cheap and even the hotel room was top notch.
Shinji had a small smile on his face as he enjoyed his wine, he hadn't bought a lot earlier today, just one bottle. He would like to have more to drink after the stress of today and the painful memories that flashed into his mind before he went after Erica but he had to admit it felt nice to share a drink with someone. In fact he thought the wine taste better with someone to drink with and Erica was better company than his grandfather who got annoying when he overdid it.
Still Shinji had questions, especially if the blue haired youth from earlier will appear again.
"Erica-san I have a question."
"Hm? Well I guess I can gift you some of my knowledge," she smirked.
"What was that…thing, the boar? You said a something about a heretic god."
Erica blinked in surprise, she had not expected that question. "…it's a god."
Shinji supressed an annoyed twitch at the look she was giving him, like he was the idiot here…and considering he ran straight into danger without a clue as to what the danger was she may have been right. Still, in his opinion it was a perfectly reasonable decision.
That said he made sure to pay attention, sensing a connection to the chant Pandora had said before he had been reborn.
What was the line again? Something about the sacrifice of a god being part of the conditions right? He really cursed that newborns couldn't write, he couldn't remember her exact words anymore, not after so many years.
"As in a real god?"
"Yes. A heretic god that brings disaster to the world. A god that has rebelled against and broken out of their legend, descending into the mortal world. They have existed since time immemorial and cause disasters of different kinds depending on their legend. A sun god can cause a drought; a god of the sea can cause typhoons, etc. Most normal humans tend to see them as natural disasters but people with magic can see them for what they are."
"I see," Shinji massaged his temples. Of course he would be sucked into fights with god like beings again because fuck normalcy.
Well at least they weren't aliens.
"Do you really not know that much? Heretical gods are basic knowledge in any magical organisation."
"I don't belong to any organisation," Shinji shook his head. "My best friend is a Hime-Miko of the History Compilation Committee back in Japan. I know of magic but I'm not knowledgeable on anything much past that."
Erica frowned, "magic is supposed to be kept secret from the mundane world."
Shinji leapt to the defence of his friend, ignoring Kaoru's warning about not using his magic. "I know it's a secret." Shinji picked up his wine glass and generated an AT Field over his left palm and placed the wine glass on top.
Erica watched in surprise as Shinji placed the wine glass on his palm only for a blue hexagonal barrier to shine to life, supporting the glass above his palm. While magical barriers aren't rare Shinji's blue barrier didn't feel like any mortal magic she knew about to her supernatural senses. Most importantly there was no prayer, no words of power or any chant, it just...happened.
"I can do magic too," Shinji explained as he took the glass and finished his drink. "I can only make barriers like this and do some basic hypnotism, which she taught me, but that's it. She promised to keep me a secret from the HCC to protect my way of life so I'd appreciate it if you kept this a secret too."
The blonde knight looked at him and after a moment nodded, "I see this is an important secret for you. I will keep your secret safe unless you turn out to be a danger, I swear on my honour as a knight."
"Thank you."
"I have a question though."
"Go ahead," Shinji nodded.
"If you don't belong to any magical organization why do you have such a powerful grimoire?"
"Ah I'm guessing you meant the tablet?" Shinji scratched his cheek, "I came to Sardinia to deliver it to someone. A friend of my grandfather lent it to him when he was younger and he thought it time to return it."
"Who are you delivering it too?" Erica raised a brow to that.
"Um," Shinji fished the note of instruction from his pocket, "someone named…Lucretia Zola?"
"Lucretia Zola?!" Erica started in surprise, "the great mage? The Witch of Sardinia?"
"Y-yes? I don't know much past her name. If I remember correctly she met my grandparents in Japan when they were younger," Shinji couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of his Grandma's story. "Grandma Chiyo didn't like her very much since, apparently Lucretia-san had a thing for my grandfather. She was afraid Grandpa would cheat on her for Lucretia-san and forbid him from meeting her ever again."
Erica couldn't help but stare at Shinji incredulously, "t-that explains why you're here then I suppose. *ahem* Fine then, I shall accompany you, I'll contact my maid later and we can leave tomorrow afternoon."
Shinji nodded, "I know, I had a feeling you would say that."
"Y-you did?" Erica blinked in surprise while cursing internally about how often the boy had caught her off guard in one day.
Shinji nodded with a knowing smile, "you're too good a person to let something dangerous be. I saw that earlier today when you told me to run while you tried to fight the boar and I can see now how much you take your role as a knight seriously. So I won't insult you by telling you not to come. Instead I'll thank you for helping someone as clueless as me. Even if you did threaten me with a knife."
Erica just gave him a cute and innocent smile, "Knife? Me? I don't remember that happening."
Shinji just sighed, why did he have to have a knack for meeting troublesome women? And why are they always so attractive? He can't even be mad at the blond, life is unfair.
Early Evening, the Next Day
Down a rural road on the Italian island of Sardinia the sound of a roaring engine can be heard and if one were to concentrate hard enough they may be able to hear the faint sound of screaming.
The sound emanated from a dark violet 4-door luxury sports sedan, a Maserati Quattroporte GTS barreling down the road at high speed.
...Driven by one Shinji Kusanagi, thankful that his yakuza ex-babysitter turned had arranged such a nice car for his use during his trip.
Seeing the mansion Erica had told him the witch lived in he put his plan in motion. With the ease of a professional race car driver he yanked on the hand break and cranked the wheel, sliding the car in a high speed drift that ended in a perfect parking job in front of the gate.
Quickly turning off the engine and hoping out he turned around to see Erica and her maid Arriana stumble out of the front passenger seat and rear passenger seat respectively. They looked a little pale which he thought was strange, did they suffer from motion sickness?
Erica took deep breaths just like her friend and maid is currently doing. She looked up to see Shinji totally fine and couldn't help but wonder, 'who the hell taught you how to drive?!'
Misato had taught Shinji and Asuka how to drive during they stay at Tokyo-3 in case of emergencies and they had to race to HQ themselves and he's pretty sure she would have been proud of his parking job just now.
Erica had thought her maid was bad at driving but Shinji, the kind but somewhat melancholy boy, had (and she's pretty sure) brought her closest to death since…ever. Oh sure he didn't hit anything like her maid tends to but at least Arriana stayed at the speed limit and while Shinji had never hit anything he seemed to avoid collisions by just the tiniest of margins.
And she was pretty sure their average speed had been around 150 kilometres per hour, scary considering they weren't the only ones on the older narrow roads.
"Hmm. I don't think I've seen any of you before," a female voice asked and all three turned to see a talking black cat.
While Erica and her maid weren't fazed Shinji had to blink a few times before he just sighed. Why is he even surprised about the existence of a talking cat? He had seen that gods are real, met a real life magical knight, and in his previous life he lived with a penguin that sometimes read the newspaper and watched TV.
"We are here for a delivery Lucrezia Zola-sama," Erica answered, "from a Ichirou Kusanagi."
"Sorry about that. I shouldn't be lazy just because I can use magic," she said and Shinji and Erica couldn't help but hear how…unapologetic her apology sounded.
Erica stood in front of her, dressed in her red dress again. Shinji stood beside the young knight wearing a black long sleeved shirt with a white cross design over his heart, grey jeans and black and red sneakers. In his arms, being held with great care, is the same black cat from earlier that he now petted lovingly. Even without her master controlling her the cat is quite intelligent and Shinji had taken a liking to her, making him ponder if Shizuka would be ok having either a cat or a penguin in the house.
He really missed having a pet.
That said Shinji couldn't help but blush at the woman lounging on her side in front of him. If he had to describer her with one word it would be 'sensual' as everything about her dripped sex appeal, even her voice. She has a slim figure with…generous assets that could turn an angel (the biblical kind of course) to sin, flawless skin, long light brown hair and mesmerizing violet eyes that Shinji had trouble not looking at. Which may have been for the best considering she wore very little, just very showy purple lingerie. Shinji couldn't help but gulp when he first saw her.
Erica just stared at the woman with a tad bit of annoyance at her lack of clothes and obviously lewd appearance.
"You look very young," Shinji couldn't help but comment.
"Oh?" Lucretia gave him a mischievous smile, "Like what you see boy? You don't seem too surprised though, I assume you're Ichirou's grandson?"
Shinji nodded with a blush, "my life is…far from normal ma'am, I was surprised at first but I just assumed...magic."
Lucretia Zola looked at the boy, really looked at the boy and smiled internally at what she saw in his eyes, they were the eyes of someone who had seen far more than most at his age has. 'Far from normal indeed.'
"Fufu, want to see what else I can do with my body and my magic?" She teased and smiled when Shinji blushed harder so she positioned herself so he could get a better look at her body. She couldn't help it, the boy was adorable and oh so very amusing. "You can look you know, while it's cute you're trying to be as gentlemanly as possible I might end up being offended."
"Lewd," Erica muttered at Shinji which just caused him to sigh, this isn't his fault! Why must he like the type of women who causes him headaches?
"Oh don't say that," Lucretia said, "I think it's adorable, his blushing face, don't you agree?" She then picked up the tablet, "The Secret Book of Prometheus huh? Ah, how nostalgic."
"Prometheus?" Erica asked in surprise.
"Mhm," the Witch of Sardinia hummed as she looked at the tablet and slyly smiled as she looked up at Shinji. "Tell me boy, did you meet anyone on your way here, someone memorable?"
Shinji slowly nodded, "I did. He called himself: The Victor."
"And what did he say?"
"…He gave it to me and told me he was letting me take it," Shinji said slowly, "as a sign of his favour."
Erica gasped, it was clear to her that he had met a heretic god, which made her curious, what did he do to earn his favour? Especially if it's who she thinks it is…
Lucretia raised a brow in curiosity, wondering exactly the same thing as Erica but deciding to pop the question.
"What did you do?"
Shinji stole a glance at Erica before sighing and looking at Lucretia again, careful to control his eyes so they don't wonder.
"When a giant boar, a divine beast rampaged Erica-san tried to stop it. She ended up getting blown off a building. I caught her but ended up hurting my head. When I was recovering someone came, The Victor, and my senses screamed he was dangerous. I knew I couldn't carry Erica and escape and she was knocked out so I got up and stood my ground."
Lucretia smiled, "you'd fight a heretic god unarmed?"
Shinji gave a self-deprecating smile, "I told him that protecting someone brave, someone like Erica is worth fighting for."
"…You really mean that don't you? You would have fought him to the death for her."
Shinji nodded, a little uncomfortable at all the attention.
"HAhahahaha!" Lucretia laughed before giving him a smile. Not the lewd or flirty smile she had given prior but a real warm one full of…approval. "Ichirou must be so proud of you. So young and already…quite the man."
Shinji shivered at the tone she ended her statement in and started feeling like a piece of meat duck taped onto a kitten that had wandered in front of a hungry wolf.
Erica just stared at him, blushing and eyes wide in awe. He…he had done that…for her? He would have died for her?
"I'll give this to you then," Lucretia handed the tablet back to Shinji, "I have a feeling it may come handy to you in the near future."
Erica wanted to protest but for some reason couldn't find the words for it.
"I am so glad I didn't have more wine on hand last night," Shinji grumbled as he carried a drunk and sleeping Erica in a princess carry, noting how light she actually felt. While he had carried her to his hotel room yesterday with no trouble she felt even lighter now, how could he have gotten so much stronger in a day?
Shinji carefully opened the door to the room Lucretia had told him to let Erica sleep in and walked into the cozy and well-furnished room, closing the door quietly behind him. He sighed, recalling having to do something similar with Misato whenever she came home drunk after a night out with Dr. Akagi. Except he was smaller back then, being thirteen and unfit and Misato being heavier than Erica meant he had to drag her on the floor and couldn't carry her like he's doing now.
"Arriana, unzip me," Erica sleepily muttered before he put her on the bed.
"Fuck," Shinji cursed as he undid the zipper at the back of her dress, revealing Erica in her lacy white underwear as the dress fell to the ground. "She's so going to kill me if she finds out about this."
He gently set her down on the bed, took off her high heels, before adjusting her to make her more comfortable before draping the covers over her, noting how cute she looked as she slept. Shinji shook his head and decided to take his leave before it got creepy and headed for the door only to freeze when the knob didn't turn.
Someone had locked it.
And he knew who it was.
"That mischievous witch," Shinji said, brow twitching, while promising never to let Lucretia and Kaoru meet. "L-U-C-R-E-T-I-A!" he angrily whispered.
The Next Morning
"You pervert!" Erica screamed, gasping for breath as she stood, blushing like mad while covering herself with a blanket. She stood over a half-awake Shinji who had slept on the floor.
Well, he was half awake...before she screamed and he had woken up fully.
"G-good morning?" Shinji squeeked.
"Go die!"
'I already have,' Shinji thought with amusement. "What did I do?!"
Erica smiled a smile that was too sweet for Shinji's liking. "While I trust you haven't done anything to my body, considering how you did act like a gentleman when I was unconscious yesterday, you now have this unladylike image of Erica Blandelli burned into your retinas-"
'Is that what she's mad about?' Shinji frantically thought, doing all in his power not to get slapped back into his old universe. He thought she looked fine, more than fine actually. With her hair a little messy, cheeks a tad bit pink, wearing nothing but her underwear and breathing a little erratic Shinji had to try really hard to keep his mind out of the gutter...well more than it already is.
Damn his teenage hormones!
"I think you look fine! More than fine! You look stunning!" he screamed, hoping to appease the angry blonde.
Erica, caught flat footed, sputtered while blushing up a storm, "W-wha…what i-is that-"
*CRACK* *BOOM*
Both teens flinched at the flash of lightning followed by the crack and rumbling boom of thunder. Both looked outside and saw the sky had darkened and rain started to pour.
And something in Shinji started to stir once more.
Next- Chapter 3: The Awakening
Shinji's Newly Gained Authorities: None
Shinji's Newly Revealed Authorities: None
Changes to Shinji's Authorities:
Fruit of the Messengers: Both due to the passage of time and in response to the appearance of the heretic god Shinji's other authorities are starting to fully awaken as his Campione nature is starting to fully manifest. Fruit of the Messenger is just the first to respond.
AN
Well as many Campione! fans have notice I've taken more from the anime rendition of the Sardinia incident. Honestly I'm still working my way through the LNs, not an easy thing to do with writing other stories, my other hobbies and most importantly school. As a result I'll be using the anime and wiki as the primary source for several of the chapters and eventually I'll be using LNs and the wiki once I've fully caught up.
Also I just want to address a few things.
First: If you leave a review and want a response PLEASE make an account so I can respond to you. Someone asked for Misato, or the Campione! universe's version of Misato in this case, and honestly I could do it but I can't tell you that and I dunoe who actually READS my ANs. When someone asks me to do something or suggests something I tend to bounce the idea with them for a bit and I can't do that if you're anonymous/a guest.
Second: I had some people take issue with Shinji's development as an irregular Campione and...well that's the thing, he is an irregular Campione. Most Campione have killed a HERETIC god, born from humanity and our legends. Shinji has killed the Angels, the progeny of Adam, a Seed of Life, and are beings fundamentally different in that they are flesh and blood creatures independent of mankind. Coupled with the fact that Shinji's soul is from a different dimension and I do have to ask you to keep in mind this is a crossing of two entirely different lores and as such some things will be different. Once Shinji fully awakens as a Campione his abilities will be like all his siblings.
Now onto the chapter itself.
When writing this chapter I did actually look up what happened in the LNs to compare to the anime. While I didn't see anything wrong with following the anime style of the Sardinia incident I wanted to do it a bit differently. One I wanted to already hint at Erica and Shinji being attracted to each other. In the anime I always found Erica falling for Godou too quick as in episode one the bicker a bit and Erica doesn't like him seeing her in her underwear and in the first part of episode 2 she sneaked into his bed naked. Here I wanted to make it less jarring, Erica being impressed by Shinji's character and Shinji being taken in by Erica's strong personality and beauty.
I do kinda have to apologize for the cliffhanger but honestly if I included his awakening and the battle following I would be WAY over my chapter avrg of 10k words.
See you all next time!