Chapter Text
This is a world of gods and monsters.
A long time ago, two deities settled on the land, inadvertently creating the human race. They were Adam and Lilith, beings of immense power and perfection. Adam sought to dominate and destroy humanity, while Lilith created Goddesses to protect them.
For millennia, Adam and Lilith fought over the planet, with Lilith's side eventually winning out. The Goddesses placed Adam to a deep sleep, where he could never harm humanity. From there, they would spend the rest of their eternal lives serving humanity.
Goddesses take on many forms, consisting of powerful players. There were Soryu and Shikinami, twin gods of the sea; Makinami, dirge of the skies and master of romance; or Kirishima, granter of boons to those on the battlefield. The head of the Goddesses was the fearsome Katsuragi. A wise tactician and strongest of the Goddesses, she disappeared after laying the final blow on Adam, never appearing to mortals. All Goddesses defer to her orders.
Humans worshipped Goddesses since their dawn. SEELE Kingdom made them their patron saints for protection, praying whenever they waged war. Currently, they were fighting to defend against their rivals in WILLE Country, unaware of how they had long lost the favor of their patronage…
He hit the floor, his cheek scratched from the assault. He could taste iron dripping from his mouth, so he wiped his mouth. He wouldn't let them have the satisfaction of seeing their handiwork. Not willingly, anyway.
"He won't even fight back!" He heard his tormentor say. "All talk and no bite, a coward to the end!"
"Shinji! Please, don't give up!"
The little girl's cries forced him to focus. Shinji picked himself up from the floor, ready for another round. Sakura was watching from behind the clay statue, only able to watch as her friend readied himself for a second beating.
"Kitsuragi should be here any second!" Sakura looked around, then brought her hands to her mouth. "SOMEONE, HELP! THEY'RE BEATING HIM!"
"Shut up, you tramp!" A soldiers tried to silence her. "We're doing all this for you, you know? He's the Prince, but he can hardly defend himself let alone you!"
"He's done more for me than you bullies ever will!" Sakura wondered what was taking so long! "HELP!"
"Aw, forget it." He said. "We can have fun with her after we're finished with him!"
"Hells yeah. Compared to his sister, he's a disgrace!"
"Tell me something I don't know." Shinji coughed out. "Just leave her alone. What would Toji think?"
"Please, as if we care what that idiot thinks!" The whole platoon laughed at the comment. "Suzuhara won't let us even look at her. Hell, I bet you're just trying to sink your claws in that girl, get her while she's young! She's got a thing for you."
Shinji ignored what they said. He tried to swing fists, but his frail body was unsurprisingly unable to hold against men hardened by warfare. They quickly surrounded him, taking turns punching and kicking him down, until he was left near unconscious on the floor. Shinji barely felt the kick to the head by the end of it.
"When Toji gets back, you're gonna regret this…"
"We'll see about that." A soldier laughed. "Fellas, let's cripple him. It's not like Katsuragi's protection extends to weaklings like him!"
At that, Shinji closed his eyes. The pain would only last an hour, he would adjust as he always had. He felt them grab his left left, their strong arms ready to pull…
"And just what do you think you're all doing!?"
A sigh of relief escaped Shinji's lips, as all the soldiers suddenly panicked at once. All eyes turned attention to the newcomer, a middle aged woman with raven hair and a red cloak around her visage. She was surrounded by followers, spears at the ready against any perceived threat. The soldiers saluted the woman, hoping she caught them unaware of their intentions.
"High Priestess Kitsuragi, ma'am!" The ringleader said. "We did not mean to disturb the peace!"
"Disturb it you did." Kitsuragi said, taking a brief glance at Sakura before tending to the bleeding boy on the floor. "You know those reside here are under Katsuragi's protection. If you violated that…"
"Please, you have to understand!" An older soldier said. "Suzuhara refused all requests for a marriage interview despite all we offer! If only you allow us a conversation…"
"She'll marry when it's time." Kitsuragi shook her head. "With your horrible conduct, none of you are going to be given a chance. I'll inform the King of what you had done today."
"NO, YOU MUSTN'T!" The ringleader said. "Our careers will be ruined!"
"You should have thought of that. Now get lost."
In fear of the Priestess and a potential fight, the platoon quickly left the premises. They could have fought the guards, but Kitsuragi seemed to put fear the fear of a Goddess in them with mere words. Shinji often wondered how she received such a gift, as well as wherever he could have it as well.
"Now that that's over with," Kitsuragi clapped her friends, shooing the guards away as she pulled out a small box from her cloak. "You can come out, Sakura! Shinji here is gonna need your help!"
"On it!"
Sakura happily skipped over, helping Kitsuragi bandage Shinji's wounds He felt a slight ache over his mouth, as the cuts on his arms were covered.
"I'm fine. Honest. I really don't need your help, Miss Kitsu- OW!"
"Hell you are." Kitsuragi smiled. "All it takes is some nice bandaging and you'll be good as new again. Right, Sakura?"
"U- Um, yeah." Sakura said with a fierce blush. "And don't you forget it, Shinji! Toji'll want to see you at your best instead of being beaten up like that! You scared me!"
"I'm sorry." Shinji responded too quickly, rather practiced for either woman's liking. "It's really nothing I haven't had before. They were… nothing."
"No it's not. I mean it, thanks for always helping me out, Mr. Shinji!" Sakura nodded her head. "With how often big brother's away, and you're so kind!"
"Anything for a friend." Shinji smiled at the girl, unable to resist rubbing her hair. "And for the Temple. I'm sorry I couldn't do more, Miss Kitsuragi."
"None of that, now." She flicked her finger at his forehead. "It's Misato! I've known you your whole life, there's no need to be formal with me!"
"It's just being polite, that's all. Is…" He hesitated for a moment. "Is Father coming home?"
"Yeah." Misato said rather disinterestedly. "I received the word this morning. They should be arriving at the docks in about an hour. We should head over there right now."
She took Shinji by the hand and lifted him up the floor. She gave him a look over, gazing as his scrawny frame punctured by a violet yukata. Sakura wore the same kind of yukata, as those who served in the Temple did.
"Well, it does beat sitting around here. Can I come?"
"Sure thing!" Misato tapped his nose. "Remember, patience is the greatest virtue a healthy boy like you could have!"
Shinji narrowed his eyes at that. "Misato, I wouldn't want lessons on patience from you."
Misato's eye twitched at the remark, which signaled to Shinji he overstepped as he tended to do.
"Don't sweat it, Shinji, the horse is gonna be just fine. Nothing but cozy as I say!"
She turned around in a huff, which only increased the sinking feeling in Shinji's chest. He gulped as Sakura whistled in Misato's direction.
"Oooooh, you made her mad, Mr. Shinji! I'll recite your funeral rites!"
"Y- You better,…"
Indeed, Sakura was right to worry for his health. Shinji was barely holding onto Misato;s waist as she commandeered the horse like a lady of war.
"HAHA! SHINJI, LOOK WE'RE ALMOST THERE!
"CAN'T YOU SLOW DOWN?!"
"NOPE! WE'RE ALEADY LATE AS IT IS!"
She kicked the horse to force maximum speed. As they crossed the town square, the horse had a number of close calls with random pedestrians and objects scattered across the street. While Shinji panicked as he often did in any stressful situation, Misato had the most wicked grin plastered on her face. With how little free time she had, this was one of the few times where Misato felt alive.
"No wonder they like to ride these to battle! Woohoo, we have a handsome steed over here, right Shinji?!"
"… I'm gonna be siiiick…"
"Geez, we really need to work on your stomach strength."
Shinji kept quiet as he hugged himself closer to Misato. He felt safer next to her, even with her wild gallivanting.
"Please slow down… I don't want you to get hurt…"
Misato rolled her eyes at this, but with no real annoyance. Her smile remained as she rubbed the horse's head, causing it to slow down in response. It was a good thing too, as they narrowly avoided destroying a priceless clay toy collection from a street vendor.
"Hey! Watch it!" The vendor said. "Those cost ten million yen!"
"Good thing nothing was broken then!" Misato winked at the man. "All praise Katsuragi!"
Pretty soon, Misato and Shinji arrived at the seaport. A crowd had already formed in anticipation of the army's return, hundreds of women and children lined up ready to see their husband and fathers again… or which ones manage to return from war. Thanks to Misato's privileges, she and Shinji were greeted by guards and escorted to the front of the port with little issue.
On the way, Shinji was forced to hear all sorts of lurid comments from the guards about Misato.
"Boy I'd love to get a hold of her jugs."
"You'll be executed for that."
"Damn it. Oh well, she's probably just a bitch considering how she acts."
"Definitely. Still, she's hot."
Even though Misato kept a stoic front, Shinji could tell from her shaking arm those comments got to her. In truth, he was about ready to tell them off when he felt her hand take his own.
"Misato?"
"Just keep holding it and don't let go. We don't want to get lost do we?"
Hearing the unspoken request, Shinji nodded and held on tight. He tried to smile for her, even as a blush formed across his cheeks.
"R- Right."
"Thanks, Shinji. You've always been such a good boy."
She stuck out her tongue, much to Shinji's chagrin. Teasing, just teasing he had to remind himself. He was eighteen years old and yet she always found a way of making him feel like a four year old again. Suddenly, Shinji was forcibly reminded of the day he met her.
He was left at the Temple not long ago. Dad was training his older sister, so he couldn't take the time to watch over him. He would be back, Dad said, after he deemed Rei sufficiently finished. Not knowing how long that meant, the four year old Shinji felt abandoned in this strange place. He took in the green scenery, hearing the gusts of wind and running water.
This isn't so bad, he thought. He gulped, turning around to step inside the Temple. It was a tall building that looked like several houses stacked on top of each other. Where their multiple floors? Are there stairs? It was past the red ori gate, where Shinji went through the door.
His first thought upon entering was how empty it seemed. Where were the followers? The priests? It must have been a break day, for Shinji to walk through the oversized mat that nearly fit the room. There was only on door, a slight of stairs that led to places Shinji didn't know, and kanji he couldn't ready yet. His education hadn't taken him that far.
In the corner of the room, there was large clay statue. A beautiful warrior with flowing hair and a searing scar etched into her abdomen. She held a crossbow in hands, kneeling to aim for a perfect strike. There was a cross shaped form on her neck that stood out from the rest of her. A symbol? Shinji was enthralled by the thing at once.
"What… is that…?"
He said curiously, an innocent question from a prying child. He did not expect to hear an answer so quickly.
"That's Katsuragi, Lilith's champion and the head of the goddesses."
The four year old boy was startled. He felt a flush form around his cheeks as the newcomer laughed.
"You must be Shinji. I'm Miss Kitsuragi, but you can call me Misato." She said, kneeling to face the boy directly in the eyes. He found it soothing to stare at them. "I'm the high priestess. How are you?"
"I'm… well…" Shinji found himself nervous. "Dad left me here. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do."
"We can figure something out." Misato said with a wink. "Children have their own safe spot in the Temple to play. Maybe we can hang out there?"
"I- Well, I wouldn't want to impose, M- Miss Kitsuragi…"
"It's not imposing at all. As long as you're here, this'll be home away from home. Got it?"
"Y- Yeah."
"Good boy! Come on!"
She grabbed Shinji by the hand and showed him to a room just upstairs. They played with toys and instruments, spending the day together In such bliss that Shinji ever so briefly forgot about the distance forming between him and his family.
Over the years, Shinji had spent more time with Misato than he would with his own father. He had long since given up on earning his approval, as Rei already possessed his full attention. He couldn't begrudge Rei either. He was no hero like her, risking her life on the battlefield unlike him. Shinji shifted his focus towards helping where he could, such as cleaning the Temple or keeping unwanted pests out. It was something he could say was for his own sake, something Misato heavily encouraged.
"You need to do things for yourself, not just because I tell you!"
Said the woman who barked orders at him, Shinji thought with a light chuckle. He honestly didn't mind. Misato was a good person, one he came to love over their time spent together. Therein lied the problem, however. The way he loved Misato was not the same love she had for him. She saw him as just a boy under her care, but what he felt for Misato was strong. It terrified him beyond belief.
'Rei cares, I know she does. Toji and Kensuke are my friends but Misato is… she's the woman I would want to marry.'
It was a secret he kept with him since he was a boy. Being the King's weak and pathetic son, unable to live up to his standard, earned him the scorn of most. She deserved better than someone incapable as he was. There was nothing he could do to change that, even as Shinji daydreamed the day Misato and himself would marry and live a comfortable life away from Father.
A nice dream. Shinji was saddened to know it could never come true.
"THE SHIPS ARE ARRIVING! LOOK"
The announcement caught Shinji's attention. Sure enough, he and Misato saw a dozen or so warships returning from the sea. Under most circumstances, it would be a sign of jubilation. But…
"Oh my gods…"
"What happened?!"
"They look destroyed! I can still see the smoke!"
"Was anyone injured!?"
"WHERE IS MY HUSBAND?!"
Far from the pristine condition they set out in, the ships arrived damaged, charred from days of conflict and disrepair. Anyone could tell the signs of retreat than victory. As soon as the ships settled, doctors and guardsmen arrived to tend the wounded. Soldiers were carried off in a hurry, screaming and begging for their suffering to end, Shinji had to withstand the cries of families being turned away from their loved ones out of necessity.
"LET ME SEE HIM! LET ME SEE MY HUSBAND!"
"DAD!"
"WHAT DID THAT?! SHOW ME, WHERE CAN I SEE HIM!?"
"IKARI! SHOW YOURSELF, YOU COWARD!"
At that last provocation, Shinji felt the hand on his own tighten.
"People die in war, Shinji." Misato said. "Come with me. We have to check with your father. The fight must have gone poorly for them to be like this."
Extremely, both knew. They walked past medical staff taking others to safety, to see the few remaining uninjured soldiers talk amongst themselves. Two of them recognized Shinji immediately.
"Is that you, Shinji!?"
"Hey buddy!"
Shinji let go of Misato's hand, embracing his brothers-at arms. He couldn't keep the smile from his face, knowing they were alright.
"Kensuke! Toji! Sakura's been worried about you two."
"And you didn't?" Toji playfully slapped Shinji's arm. "Some friend we have, Ken?"
"Oh is that Katsuragi?" Kensuke rubbed his hands together. "You think she'll finally accept our marriage proposals?"
"No." Shinji said bluntly. "Sorry, but what happened out there? There were more wounded men than usual."
Toji grimaced. "We lost. Bad. We lost our territory in Makinami Island."
Shinji understood it to be horrible news. "You're serious?"
"Yup." Kensuke confirmed."We're going to lose the war soon if we don't get a miracle."
"I just wonder if we offended the Goddesses somehow." Toji said. "I mean, we burned the fire like we usually do. We performed the rites. But we're dying in massive numbers while the enemy's kept their stronghold."
It was strange to the men. For generations, the SEELE Kingdom had won every war waged against them. This was their losing streak, with no one knowing the cause. Had the Goddesses abandoned them? Shinji had no time to ponder, as he saw the last couple of passengers emerge from the main ship.
"I'll make sure to ask Misato about that. See you later."
Toji and Kensuke watched Shinji return to Misato, nodding once they realized why he had to take off. They knew Shinji from training alongside Rei. They knew the King was a slave driver when it came to his men and family.
"All because his wife died at childbirth. Something in Shinji's father shut down from the world."
"Yeah, Ken." Toji crossed his arms. "But that bastard's rotten. Even when performing to his standards they suffer."
Quickly, Misato took a hold of Shinji's hand again.
"Did you tell them no?"
"Like you said." Shinji shook his head. "They just never quit, do they?"
"Nope!"
"Figures. Here they are."
From the edge of the pier, Shinji could see them. The armor had been pierced, but the girl with brown hair and green eyes stared at him as impassively as she always had. She nodded her head.
"Shinji."
Shinji gave her a small bow. "Rei."
Rei nodded, before returning the bow. Behind her was a tall man. He had a blindfold over his eyes, his vision having been lost to time, a beard on the sides of his face and a frown not too dissimilar from his son's. Even so, King Ikari walked past Shinji in favor of talking to the High Priestess.
"High Priestess."
"Your Majesty." Misato said with a bow. "I'm sorry for the loss of your men."
"The Goddesses are responsible for this failure." Gendo dismissed. "I wish to speak to the Council at once."
"Really? I should come then."
"No. This is between leaders, Kitsuragi. The Council will be enough. Come with me, Rei."
He did spare a glance at his own son as he marched with Rei away from the vicinity. Shinji felt his face fall.
"Father…"
"Just as ungrateful as he always is." Misato rolled her eyes. She rubbed the top of Shinji's head. "There's no use wasting time, Shinji. If I'm not going to be part of the Council meeting, then we should head back to the Temple. Bring Toji, he'll want to see Sakura."
"…"
"Shinji?"
"Sure, Ma'am."
Shinji nodded, following Misato along. It had always been like this. Rei showed some care, but Father did. Misato… she always cared… if only he had the stomach to erase his terrible feelings. All they did was hurt, knowing Misato did not feel the same.
"Ikari. Explain yourself."
"Another failure?! Are you serious?!"
"But it should have worked! We sliced more of his body than normal!"
The SEELE Kingdom operated with two ruling parties: the reigning monarch, the crown passed down from generation to generation, and the Council, a select group of noblemen that financed the King, the military and country. Ostensibly, they offered checks and balances to make sure the monarch would not misuse their resources. In practice, they colluded for their own selfish aims.
"Affirmative." Gendo Ikari responded. Rei stood to his left side with nary a word, his other comrade to the right. "Many were lost. We escaped the battle alive. Too many men injured."
"Our territory was taken! Another island fallen to that upstart WILLE Kingdom! If we don't make use of Adam's body we will not be able to maintain our lands for much longer!"
"It is the risk we took when we decided on this plan."
"I am starting to have doubts. Could we not plead for the Goddesses again?!"
"By gods, we relied on their power for centuries and they took from us! Why should THEY take while we suffered? That's why we agreed to this plan in the first place!"
"Have we flown too close to the sun?!"
"No, it's just Ikari at fault again!"
It was sadly predictable. The SEELE Council, proud old men who ran the country to the ground bickered and bickered and when faced stalemate they blamed it on the King. Gendo would have killed them all years ago if it weren't for his own plans. His right hand man agreed.
"Gentlemen, no one is to blame." Kozo Fuyutsuki told them. "We had no idea going in what would happen once we burned pieces of Adam's body for tribute. Arguably, we are doing ourselves a favor by leading out the military into thinking the Goddesses had abandoned us. All the better once we forsake them."
"Not good enough!" Keel Lorenz slammed his hand to the table. "Without a military we'll be sitting ducks! How can we be sure it wasn't your incompetence that cost us victory?!"
"Everything went as planned." Gendo said. "I burned Adam's remains and we lost. In the end, this is just a setback."
"A setback too many will result in death! This whole enterprise was a mistake."
"Why don't you just quit then, Saito? Do you plan on leaving us to pasture?"
"I'm considering it!"
"The Goddesses are emotional, brash and impulsive! They'd exterminate us if they knew our deeds. We need to usurp their power for our kingdom, we cannot give up now! What use is power if they refuse to share!"
More like they wanted all the power for themselves and were angry to the Goddesses even had it. They stopped the regular sacrifices for the Goddesses before, and were honestly, genuinely surprised a price had to be paid. Gendo was beginning to have his patience tested and spoke up:
"Gentlemen. I propose a solution. A last resort, but a necessary measure given the circumstances."
The old men at the table stared at him. Even Fuyutsuki was curious.
"Surely you're not suggesting…?
"Let me know if you have it right." Gendo sneered. "We need Adam's remains if we are to ascend to Godhood. We will need the favor of the Goddesses for a little while longer. As we no doubt already lost favor with our burnings of Adam, we go back to an old rule…"
Fuyutsuki realized immediately what this meant. "Ikari…"
"In times of hardship, a human sacrifice suffices to appease the Goddesses."
The old men looked at each other. They were surprised by the suggestion, some even appeared fearful. Whether over the potential consequences or having something resembling a conscience, Gendo did not know or care to learn.
"And… you have a perfect sacrifice?" Lorenz said. "It cannot be random."
"I do, actually." Gendo placed his hands below his chin. "My son is a worthwhile sacrifice to the Goddesses."
The room was astonished by the choice. Rei's eyes widened ever so slightly at her father's declaration. Even Fuyutsuki, having served Gendo faithfully for his lifetime, could not be more appalled by the suggestion.
"To kill your own child… Ikari, are you certain?"
"More than ever." Gendo said. "It is the only way we can proceed. Rei is needed on the battlefield. The Goddesses are not picky with human sacrifices, just that they happen. The boy is… collateral damage to our goals."
Fuyutsuki had to stop himself from arguing. Keel seemed to be restraining himself as well, keeping his head low, deep in thought. The other men looked to their leader, patiently waiting for Keel's answer. Gendo never had respect for them, and clearly they do not think highly of him either.
By the end, Keel made his decision.
"Tomorrow then, we'll reconvene for the sacrifice."
After a few minutes, the meeting was adjourned. The older men left the room in a hurry, no doubt steeling themselves for the sacrifice that laid ahead. Rei remained passive at the exchange. Fuyutsuki was saddened at Gendo's choice.
"Do you hate your son that much? Is there no other way?"
"I have never been more certain of anything in my entire life." Gendo shook his head. "He hasn't grown. He is a spoiled child, too weak for war and too late to find a purpose. No, he has to die."
Rei was the first to move from the table and leave. Gendo began to do so as well, before Fuyutsuki put a hand on his shoulder, forcing the King to face him.
"He was like you, once. Yui wouldn't have wanted this."
The mere mention of her name drove Gendo up to a wall. He readied the sword in his hand to slash at his mentor and right hand. For a few seconds, Fuyutsuki wondered if this would be the day he finally died, only to be disappointed when the King relented. He turned away and walked, but not before leaving the old man with one last thing:
"He stole my Yui from me. His sacrifice is… an exchange."
At the same time that was happening, food was being prepared at the Temple of Katsuragi.
"Hmmmmmmmm, AH! This is the life, isn't it Shinji!?"
Misato slammed the cup of sake onto the table, letting out a loud burp. Shinji laughed at the sight. He passed her a plate of rice and vegetables, while he set a bowl of soup for himself. As Shinji sipped his soup, he couldn't keep his gaze off of Misato's face as she chugged down the sake like it was nothing. It was messy, sloppy even, but Shinji smiled all the same.
"I suppose so, Kitsu- Misato." Shinji corrected himself. He didn't want to be lectured again. "I wonder how you can perform service if you're drinking a lot of the time."
"That's my secret, hic, sorry!" Misato grinned a happy drunk. "The more you do it, the more you're used to it. Never interferes with the work. Hahahaha…"
"I see."
"Besides, I'm only as drunk as I allow myself to be!"
As Misato finished her cup, she finally noticed the plate of rice before her. She looked at Shinji.
"This is… oh, right it's for me." Misato said, taking some chopsticks to dig in. "Mmmm, your cooking is the finest in all the land."
"You don't need to flatter me."
"No, it's completely true. I've eaten loads during my job, you should be the head chef of the palace or somethun'. You're so incredible, I absolutely love it!"
Shinji flushed at the compliment. "I- If you say so…"
"I mean it!" Misato chuckled, bringing her hand over to Shinji's cheek, making let out a tiny gasp. "You're just the cutest thing in the whole wide world!"
"Misato…"
"Haha, you'll have to forgive me, Shinji. I was just remembering right now how you were just this small boy when I met you. Now, you're practically a grown man! Sure, you're not a warrior like your friends, but you're brave in your own way, kind and…"
Her eyes showed a bit of wistfulness as she looked over Shinji again. She rubbed his cheek again, placing a finger right on his lower lip.
"M- Misato?"
"… You're going to make a woman very happy, Shinji." Misato sighed happily. "I'm sure in no time, some woman's going to burst into the temple and claim you as a husband. If not your dad, I'm gonna arrange it."
Shinji's smile faded upon hearing this. He moved Misato's hand away from his face.
"I'd rather you didn't…"
"Come on! Why noooooot?"
"I'm… just not really feeling it…"
"Tell meeeeeeee!"
"Misato!"
A few minutes pass, and Misato was knocked unconscious from the drinking. Shinji dragged her body to her room, a small little thing with only a single futon. Shinji found it curious how such a lively woman could have no objects of value or even a painting of her own. Her bed barely looked lived in! He supposed the nature of a High Priestess meant she was often busy. He laid down Misato on the futon, who was happily calling his name in her sleep.
"Shinjiiiiiiii… yum, yum yum…"
"Good night, Misato." Shinji said, brushing some hair from Misato's perfect face. "… I don't think there's going to be anyone other you…"
Giving in to temptation, he placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Misato smiled wider at that, causing Shinji to briefly panic that he might have woken her up. When he didn't, he turned around.
"I'll see you in the morning. I need to make a prayer."
Shinji left the room after that, shutting the door behind him. Briefly, he saw Misato seemingly get up, only to fall to the floor. He didn't think of it too much. Drunks can be weird after all.
He picked up a small bottle of sake, and went down the stairs. He found himself in front of Katsuragi's statue. It did not take much to make a prayer to that Goddess; one simply offered sake and the proper respect, which Shinji did as he kneeled in front of the statue and placed his hands together.
"Okay… I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away…"
He breathed in, taking in the sight of the statue. Strangely, staring into its eyes helped soothe him for the task he set himself on.
"Hello… Katsuragi…" He nervously started."I've prayed to you as part of the service, but this is the first time I prayed to you for my own sake. Misato always encouraged me to talk to you."
The statue did not speak. Why would it? It was just a statue after all.
"Really, this is silly. I should be settling this with a love goddess, like Makinami or something. But I've known you my whole life so I wanted to ask for your help on this… if you can."
…
"I've always had friends. But sometimes with friends, I feel alone. It's strange. Father hates me, Rei doesn't see me as anything other than his son and Misato…"
He couldn't lie to himself any more. His heart threatened to burst.
"I love her. More than anything, she's… kind. She's brave, fierce and all sorts of things… she says I'm like that, but I know it's true about her! I love the way Misato is so casual after a long day and how protective she is of me and others. She's devoted to you, to everyone's sake, I wish I had even half of her strength! When Father abandoned me she was there, she was there before everyone else and I love that! She's so amazing and I- I love her so much it makes me want to-!"
He felt hot tears falling from his eyes. Shinji swallowed a lump forming on his throat.
"I know it's common to marry young. I could marry her, as a Prince. But I don't- I don't want to force that on her. She's been a friend to me since forever and I don't want her to stop treating me like one if she doesn't feel the same way! It's why I came here. I don't have anyone else to talk to you about this, so I need your counsel, Katsuragi."
…
"What should I do about these feelings? Do I fight them? Do I say something to Misato?"
He lowered his head, closing his eyes for a moment. He sighed.
"Just a sign or a message of what I should do next. That is all I ask of you."
Shinji bowed once, before getting up from the floor. It was silly to think a war goddess like Katsuragi would answer his prayers. There have been stories of Goddesses appearing after prayers, but Katsuragi herself was never among them. She was a mystery, only known about due to offhand comments and texts deciphered through time.
"I guess I should head to- AAAAAGH!"
Suddenly, Shinji felt a unspeakable pain across his back. He threw himself to the floor, the statue of Katsuragi unmoved by the yelling and screaming.
"AAAAAAAHHHHH- MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!"
Anyone in the temple would have heard his cries for help. Misato just happened to be nearby to see her friend in pain, rushing to his aid without abandon.
"Shinji! What's happening?!"
"IT HURTS! IT HURTS!"
"Hold on, let me help you!"
"GET AWAY FROM ME!"
Misato held Shinji, forcing him still so he could sit through the pain. He thrashed around in her grip, violently trying to push her off in his rage. The fight caused his kimono to rip apart in Misato's hands, dropping Shinji to the floor as she stared plainly at his back.
"Shinji…"
She saw him breathe, crying from the torture he had been put through. A pang of compassion came over Misato, moving her to hug him from behind, rocking him back and forth in her grief.
He sniffed in her embrace, unable to look at anything.
"It hurts so much, it hurts…"
"I'm so sorry, Shinji. I really am."
Misato whispered sweet apologies into his ear to calm him down. She took a glance at his back, finding the source of his pain for the past several minutes.
A cross, shape to exact detail like the one on Katsuragi's statue, burned into Shinji's flesh. Misato traced her fingers across the symbol.
"W- What…" Shinji shivered from the touch. "What are you seeing?"
She solemnly stared at the cross, wondering where things will go from here onward. She formed plans upon plans to speak to the King, how to ease Shinji into the ordeal he will now have to deal with.
"You've been marked, Shinji. For some reason, Katsuragi picked you among countless others."