Disclaimer: I own neither Warhammer 40k nor Evangelion. All rights belong to their official owners. I am nought but a humble scribe writing a story to please the loyal, Imperial masses.

The Hammer of Our Emperor

Prologue

DISCLAIMER OF THE GREATEST SIZE:

This story, especially this part, is rated M for a reason! Daemon fuckery occurs here but will be mostly absent of in following chapters. Following chapters will also be longer, so fear not!

Blackness.

That was all Shinji saw when the power of Unit-01 finally failed. Not the LCL, which was proving increasingly negative for his health, or even the tinted screen through which he viewed what this damned biomechanical abomination saw.

Blackness.

He felt nothing… in a literal sense, that was. His seat was gone, alongside the familiar ground beneath his feet. No, he was quite capable of feeling fear, terror, and absolute panic in vast amounts.

He wasn't dead, so the small part of Shinj's mind that remained logical realized that all power couldn't be gone.

Life support, after all, was still supporting his life.

The vast majority, however, remained in a state of panic unending and thus ignored the logical part.

How ironic was it that he, the ever-cautious and non-combative Shinji Ikari, was the one to charge headfirst into an Angel which was, for all intents and purposes, a complete unknown. Oh, what Asuka would demand of him to 'make up' for being trapped in this massive ball's… shadow (he would have to check in on what, exactly, happened at a later date, but at the present moment it really didn't matter all that much).

This train of thought came to its end and, once again, Shinji was left to the oppressive blackness he was sitting in. It was completely silent, completely without feel or scent. Even the distinctive taste of LCL wasn't present, so wherever he was, it was well and truly away from Unit-01.

This silence lasted several long seconds before, finally, Shinji's outward calmness snapped and he began to desperately feel around for something. His flailing proved fruitless as his hands, feet, and head met nothing as he continued to float aimlessly in the blackness. Giving up that endeavour, and the overwhelming panic starting to get the better of him, Shinji spoke.

"H-Hell-" He paused, attempting to get his shaking voice under control before attempting speech once more, "Hello?"

Shinji's voice did not echo, as he feared. He was, however, more than capable of hearing it, so perhaps he wasn't dead quite yet…

No response came, the blackness remained black and the silence remained deafening.

"Hello?!" He tried again, louder this time but with the same response. His eyes darted about, for even the smallest glimmer of light or life that would prove Shinji wasn't well and truly insane or worse. Alas, no comfort would be found in the inky endlessness before him, so Shinji did something distinctly childish and unprofessional.

He began screaming.

"Hello?! Anyone?! Misato? Asuka?" There was no response, as the logical part of his mind suspected and the rest dreaded, not that this stopped Shinji from trying, "Father?! Please, someone!"

And it was at that final plea, when Shinji could feel his eyes welling up and his desperation reaching terminal velocity, that something, indeed, happened. A light, impossible to look at directly, appeared suddenly before Shinji. Many thoughts raced through his mind at that moment, though that general consensus was something along the lines of: 'what the hell?!'

In time, he would come to realize how accurate that sentiment really was.

An unseen force began to propel Shinji before the ever-growing light, like a hand was pressed against the small of his back. The closer he became, the brighter the light seemed to grow, until finally, Shinji could do nothing more than close his eyes and wait for fate this impossible light had in store for him.

Shinji could feel a great heat radiating off of it, such that it should have scorched the flesh from his bones. Yet… it did not, not that Shinji much noticed between the fear and terror.

The great light seemed to be studying him, its energy washing over the young man from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. His soul and body were laid bare before the light, not even the deepest recesses of his mind safe from its scouring sight. Again, Shinji was in no condition to realize this, see the aforementioned 'fear and terror'.

Finally, seemingly pleased with what it found in the midsts of its scrutiny, the Light's presence seemed to recede some. This allowed Shinji to, finally, open his eyes the barest amount. Despite the pain of doing so, and every part of his logical mind screaming at him that looking was a bad idea, Shinji's very being pushed him to take in the light.

It was impossible to comprehend, yet was equally as beautiful that Shinji's terror receded for several moments. Shinji knew not how long he stared at this light, nor how long it stared at him, but finally, it spoke, though not in any traditional sense.

"You will do." It was calming as much as it was dismissive, but the sound never reached Shinji's ears. No, it echoed through his mind like a calming wind, its presence giving Shinji a contentedness he had not known in some many years. Reflexively, with no intention of doing so, he responded.

"Yes." His voice was hoarse, like a man deprived of water for so long, yet the confidence in his voice was staggering to him. Shink Ikari did not speak with such confidence, did not feel such contentedness or… dare he say, love for something. Yet, here he was, faced with a light he did not understand but love all the same.

However, this feeling would come to pass as the Light, as suddenly as it had appeared, vanished. Shinji was left with nothing more than its brief light in his mind and the growing cold in his limbs. Yet fear did not come, much to his surprise.

Fear came later. Said the more logical, and increasingly cynical, part of his mind warned.

When was later?

Later was now.

Shinji was suddenly and unceremoniously ripped to his side, hurtling like he was fired from a cannon. Where the Light's machinations were calm and kind, this was the exact opposite. Some unseen power wanted him moving fast, and it was not let something as unimportant as Shinji's comfort get in the way of that mission.

Reflexively, Shinji tucked his arms and legs in, fearing they might be snapped off by the nothingness flying… by…

Shinji was saved from truly realizing the stupidity of that sentiment when he crashed, unceremoniously he might add, into the ground. He bounced twice before, finally, coming to rest in the nicest, my comforting grass he had ever laid on.

With a sigh of contentment and a slight amount of pain, for bouncing as he did was not exactly comfortable, Shinji allowed himself to just rest of the ground. The ability to feel anything at all was better than the black emptiness he had just escaped, this grass and the warm breeze especially so. Shinji allowed three of his remaining four senses a turn to make sure everything was real. The smell of the grass and the faint aroma of flowers was as comforting as the feeling of the lush grass. Shinji allowed his eyes to open and, from his prone position on the ground, made out a landscape both alien and yet so familiar.

Rolling hills of bright, green grass were joined by cherry blossoms and so many other plants lost to Japan following the Second Impact. He had seen the pictures of such vegetation and beauty, of course, but to witness it himself…

It was at this moment that the more logical part of Shinji's mind, which was so neglected up to this moment, began to notice that something felt distinctly wrong about this place, but how could something that was so right be wrong?! Shinji felt nothing but contentment, looking over the rolling hills and endless flora, which had been thought lost a decade and some ago.

Naturally, it didn't occur to Shinji that he was supposed to be in an Eva at the present moment, these plants were nearly all dead, or that when he rose to dust himself off his school clothing, school clothing, was completely clean. A dead give away that something was wrong, had Shinji's mind been capable of recognizing as much given the pleasurable sensory overload.

It was then his ears picked up a sound beyond what was recognizable as the flowing of a stream and the calls of birds. Giggling and conversation seemed to come from over the nearby copse of trees, and it was like music to his ears. Leaving his worries and reservation behind, Shinji followed the sound up and over the hill.

A little ways from the base of the hill, at the bank of the stream where it was the shallowest, a collection of figures seemed to enjoy themselves.

Shinji blinked, his disbelief nearly overpowering the pleasure upon his senses this entire area was.

Asuka, Rei, Misato, Lieutenant Maya Ibuki, and Doctor Ritsuko Akagi were all arrayed about a table, eating what looked to be the greatest food Shinji had ever seen and all in extremely revealing bathing suits. Suffice it to say, almost nothing was left to the imagination, and had the expected effect of Shinji.

However, Shinji's logic, again, lost this bout as he just stood and gaped dully from his spot at the top of the hill. After a couple of moments, Lieutenant Ibuki seemed to notice Shinji and beamed up at him, kindness and happiness at his presence she had never shown throwing Shinji for a loop. While the Lieutenant was never exactly rude, quite the opposite, in fact, the two had never shared many words or interactions even 'on the job', so to speak. She waved at Shinji and called out his name, drawing the attention of the others to him. The reaction was similar across the board, even in Doctor Akagi despite the fact that Shinji was certain she had never shown that much happiness in the times they had interacted.

It was Misato that invited him to join them in their 'fun', which was stated in such a suggestive fashion that it left nothing up for interpretation. Yet, Shinji remained rooted to his spot on the hill. Something was wrong here, but his mind couldn't quite comprehend what. Asuka and Misato would never interact with each other like this, nor Rei show so much emotion. Something was very, very wrong.

Likely realizing he wasn't going to move on his own, a brief battle of the wills occurred between the five women. Eventually, it seemed Asuka won out and rose with a triumphant expression set into her face. She slipped from the table and sauntered towards Shinji, moving at a pace that set an enticing sway to her hips yet arriving at him impossibly quickly.

"What are you waiting for, Baka?" None of the usual biting tones to her voice was present, opting now for a more joyous and… Shinji didn't dare place a word on what other emotions she was putting across.

"I-I…" Shinji attempted, failing to find the words as he tried to not drink in her form. Tried being the operative word, and failed again being what really happened. Had Asuka always looked like this?! Yes, of course she had, but her shift in attitude did a sufficient job in reminding him as much. Suddenly realizing that he was checking Asuka out with her fully capable of seeing that he was doing it, Shinji looked back up, fearing to see violent indignation spreading across her features. Instead, much to Shinji's ever-growing surprise, he saw nothing of the sort. Instead, Asuka, quirked an eyebrow and allowed a cat-like smile to cross her face.

"Like what you see? Come on, we're all waiting for you, Shinji." She said in a sultry tone that had absolutely no business coming out of Asuka's mouth unironically. Shinji, ever the master orator, managed to stutter out an answer.

"I-I… Yes?" His voice came out as little more than a squeak, earning a giggle from Asuka as she latched onto his left arm. Her breasts pressed into Shinji's arm a little more than was strictly necessary, not that Shinji was complaining.

"You are too cute, Baka-Shinji. Come, we've been waiting for you…" Asuka announced, dragging Shinji with an impressive amount of strength, not that Shinji did much to resist. However, the logical side of his mind, which was growing increasingly more alarmed, began shouting out in warning. Something was so very wrong about this all, despite how right it felt! Waiting for him?! Shinji's self-deprecating nature knew that had to be the greatest of lies! Yet-

Shinji looked at the young woman pressed to his arm, she was smiling contentedly and without a care in the world. In other words, so un-Asuka-like it hurt. Shinji narrowed his eyes a smidge and looked at her, truly looked.

Fake. His mind said, fighting the pleasure placed upon his senses. FAKE!

Shinji blinked and paused before a headache came crashing in, earning a groan from the young man.

"Shinji?" Asuka asked, suddenly worried as Shinji closed his eyes and fought the headache, "Is something wrong?"

"I-" Shinji started but clenched his teeth in pain, the headache growing in its painful magnitude. Freeing his arm from Asuka's grip, he brought his other hand to his temple as well in an attempt to massage away the agony. This naturally, failed, and headache grew unfettered for several more seconds.

Finally, finally, it passed as suddenly as it came. A feeling not unlike what Shinji suspected an egg flowing down his neck, back, and shoulders passed and left him much more invigorated. Letting his eyes open, Shinji immediately smiled and looked over at Asuka.

"Better, I-" But the words were lost in Shinji's throat, for he immediately regretted looking up.

Asuka had changed, growing taller and more muscular across her arms and legs. She was easily six feet and only continued to change in ways that made no sense and hurt Shinji's mind. It hurt to comprehend her features, but Shinji, for the sake of his sanity and eyes, chose one and placed its visage upon all the others.

The Asuka-Creature was purple-skinned with varying degrees of shades, clothed in a bizarre amalgamation of cloth. Some parts of its body were covered while others were exposed in all their glory, displaying the Asuka-Creature's body for all to see. It was a mixture of both genders, yet neither at the same time. Its body seemed to fluctuate between man and women seemingly at random, so Shinji was confident enough to simply refer to it as an 'it'. That, however, was not where this nightmarish creature had ended, for Shinji's life could only be suffering and headaches. Its hands had shifted now to a pair of crab-like claws of differing sized, shelled in purple-going-on-black scales that seemed to pulsate in time with a heart. Its face, which Shinji only just dared to look at, was a thing of nightmares. Asuka's nice, though he would never admit as much to the pilot, features were replaced by a fleshy mask. It was as if someone had removed the face of another and crudely tugged it across the Asuka-Creature's, stretching the mask around the trio of mishappen horns and ending somewhere on the back of being's head. Shinji decidedly ignored the tail and reversed knees, he had far greater concerns at the present moment.

"Is something wrong, Shinji?" A deep voice emanated from the Asuka-Creature now, so honeyed yet holding impossible malice and sadistic joy that Shinji had no desire to involve himself with.

It reached out from him with those crab-like claws, so Shinji did the only logical thing he could think of in the face of this little revelation, he let out a shriek and stumbled back. Evidently, this thing that had been pretending to be his friend was not expecting such a reaction, as it jumped back as well in shock. Shinji's retreat was ended abruptly as he tripped over something, landing on his back hard.

Shinji took the moment to look around, and much like the Asuka-Creature, it had all been a lie. The field and trees were replaced by rolling hills of a pink, fleshy substance and gnarled, twisted trees with… human faces moulded on to them, what the actual fuck?!

The other girls had suffered the same fate as the Asuka-Creature, now all looking the same but of varying sized and shapes. In the time it took the monsters to realize Shinji was no longer under their spell, Shinji retreated several paces from his would-be captor. He managed to get whatever he had tripped over out from under him. A skull, a human skull with one eye staring balefully up at him. Shinji truly looked at the fleshy ground and came to the horrifying realisation that he was sitting on the writhing, moaning remains of humans.

Pulling on a strength he didn't know he had, Shinji managed to stop himself for vomiting on the spot before collapsing into a blithering mess. The Asuka-Creature, upon realizing the trick was up and Shinji was perfectly aware of what it looked like (he would not go so far as to say he knew what it was, however), its lips rolled up into an annoyed snarl.

"Damn, and here I thought I was going to get to have a little more fun with you." Its low voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard, yet at the same time so soothing and inviting. It was impossible to make sense of, so Shinji stopped attempting. Instead, he listened to his one thought that made sense; RUN!

Shinji continued to scramble backwards, unable to get himself to his feet until his put sufficient distance between himself and the sneering abomination. The Asuka-Creature, however, had no intention of letting him do that. With a cry that could only be described like the shriek of a banshee, for Shinji lacked the vocabulary or experience to describe it, the Asuka-Creature leapt at Shinji. Halfway between the distance, it needed to clear, the greater of its two claws opened and aimed at Shinji's neck. Halfway, however, was as far as it ever got. Its scream became one of surprise and fear. As if it had always been there, a figure appeared at Shinji's side and split the Asuka-Creature in two. Both halves finished their trek through the air and landed on Shinji. Shinji let out a strangled cry and pushed the top half of the corpse off of him. It rolled off, surprisingly light despite its size, and flopped to his side. Gasping, Shinji looked up to see his saviour. It was no longer near him, however, having somehow travelled the great distance between itself and the other Creatures in no more than a few strides. Its weapon of choice, a massive sword, carved the Creatures apart.

It was impossibly large, broad as a bus and taller still. Shinji could only watch in fascinated horror as this massive, grey beast tore through its foes. It took Shinji a moment or two to realize his saviour was completely coated in metal, looking like a massive suit of armour. It gave the being the look of a medieval European knight, albeit significantly bulked up for a modern era.

In less than fifteen seconds flat, the remaining four Creatures were dispatched, leaving silence and the aforementioned, albeit more muted, moans. Shinji nearly breathed a silent sigh of relief, thankful for his saviour. Alas, Shinji failed to remember that Murphy's Law was always in effect when it involved him.

The being turned and began marching towards the prone form of Shinji, bloodied blade still in hand. Shinji was allowed a look at its helm, following the aesthetic of 'knight'. The silver armour's eyes were glowing a sinister blue, made all the worse by the splatter of blood across one eye.

The being, in no less than six strides, reached Shinji before he could realize it was happening. The blade was thrust as Shinji's neck at an impossible speed, though it stopped just short of decapitating the young pilot. Shinji wasn't too proud to admit he let out another yelp of fear.

"Speak quickly, boy. I know you are no Daemon, so why are you here?" Its voice was heavily augmented by the helmet, but Shinji somehow knew inherently that this was a human… or close enough to count.

"I-I…" Shinji tried, but could not find the words with the blade so close to his neck or the malicious intent emanating off of this being.

"Quickly, I said! My patience grows thin!" It growled again, though thankfully pulled its blade back several paces.

"I-I- I-I was in my Eva, a-and I was fighting an a-angel. A-and I was absorbed by it… And… And now I'm here…?" Shinji how horrible that explanation sounded, and fully expected his now-former saviour to finish the job those Creatures started. Much to Shinji's shock, however, the being merely sighed and sheathed its sword.

"You speak true, as confusing as your words were. Very well, you will come with me, boy. We must go somewhere relatively safe before more of their ilk return and in greater number." The being announced, turning and marching away at a steady, albeit slightly slower pace. When Shinji didn't move, his mind still processing the whiplash he was experiencing, the being turned back and stared.

"I will not repeat myself, boy."

"Y-yes, sir!"

It felt like hours that they walked, though for Shinji it was more of a jog as the great strides of the being could only be made slightly shorter and still be qualified as moving forward. In time, however, they arrived at the mouth of a cave, situated at the border of a land far more… Shinji shook his head, all he knew was that the bordering land was blue and filled with headaches.

He followed after the grey being, entering the massive cave. He glanced up at the pieces of paper sealed to the walls in ridiculous numbers but dared not speak up. While he felt… relatively safe in the presence of the being, Shinji knew it was suffering his presence out of curiosity and would likely not be receptive to questions.

The cave spiralled downwards before ending in a massive room. The contents contrasted greatly with the purple walls and pink sand, but it still have off the militaristic appearance intended, almost as if it were an insult to the strange rocks it sat on. Statues, books, and more of the seals covered every inch of the room, yet despite that furniture was quick spartan. A simple bedroom and squat box were situated in a corner, making the room seem very empty.

"Sit," The being ordered, pointing at the ground without taking a look back to see if Shinji was listening. Shinji did as he was told, obviously, and watched with rapt attention as the being crossed the room and reached the box. Form inside, it withdrew a large mug and what Shinji suspected, and hoped given his parched mouth, was water. After pouring the near opaque liquid into the mug, the being returned and offered the massive cup to Shinji.

"Drink," Was the monosyllabic order.

Shinji accepted the drink, nearly gagging on the horrid taste but gulping down every last drop nonetheless. After a few seconds of desperate drinking, Shinji set the cup down with a satisfied sigh before remembering his audience. Offering the cup back and lowering his gaze, Shinji murmured thanks to the being. Wordlessly, the cup was retrieved and replaced from where it came from. When the being returned this time, however, it knelt before Shinji sitting form.

"Tell me everything," Was the order, and so Shinji did.

He told the being of the Evas and the Angels, of NERV and his father, of Asuka and Rei.

I will never be able to look at them the same way again. Shinji though as he spoke, remembering his close encounter with the Creatures a few hours before with a shudder, IF I ever see them again…

It was with that morose thought that Shinji recounted everything he remembered about what had happened before the Angel. Despite going over parts of his life which weren't strictly important in the recounting of his story, Shinji was never once stopped by the being. In fact, it never spoke during the entire time Shinji spoke. That is, until the very end when Shinji was absorbed by the 12th.

"... And then a great, golden light approached me and-"

"A golden light?!" Demanded the figure, an edge to its voice as it perked up. Shinji jumped, not expecting a response now of all times. Looking up at the glowing blue eyes of the being, Shinji struggled to find his words.

"I… Y-Yes, a golden light."

"What did it say?!"

"I… Something about… me being able to do?"

"Do? Do what?! Do not be coy with me, boy!" Snarled the being, and though Shinji jumped in fright he noticed a different edge to the being's voice.

"I-I don't know! It just said 'you will do', I swear!"

The being was silent for several long moments. These moments stretched into minutes as it continued to stare at Shinji unflinchingly. Shinji did the same, fearing the outcome if he dared look away even for a moment.

Finally, the being angled its head up and stared at the ceiling, seemingly thinking about… something.

"... So it is true…" It murmured, its words barely reaching Shinji's ears.

"W-What?" Shinji blurted out, regretting that action immediately when the being's head snapped down to stare at him once more, "Sorry…"

"... What is your name, boy?" The words were softer now, far… dare Shinji think, kinder?

"Shinji. Shinji Ikari." Shinji stated, not looking up to meet the eyes of the being. Silence passed for several painful moments before its voice came up again.

"Look at me, Shinji Ikari of Japan." It ordered, and Shinji obeyed instantly, "I know not why you were sent here, nor how long you will be in the Warp. However, I sense within you great potential. To survive here, you will need to be trained, and to be trained you must be willing to survive. I see your thoughts, Shinji Ikari, and I see your self-loathing. There is no room for doubt if you wish to survive. So, tell me boy, do you wish to survive?"

Shinji stared at the being in shock for several long seconds, unsure of how to respond or even if he should. Did he want to survive? Of course, but what was that about it being able to read his thoughts? Shinji could barely comprehend what had happened over the last few hours, and now suddenly this massive being wanted to train him to survive this place?! Him?! Shinji Ikari, the cowardly and weak son of Gendo Ikari?!

But… But if he died here, he would never be able to see Rei or Asuka or Misato again. Without Unit-01, humanity would be forced to rely entirely on Units-02 and 00 and… No. Shinji couldn't leave his fellow pilots… his friends to that fate, alone no less. Shinji wouldn't run away, he mustn't run away.

"Y-yes-"

"Louder, boy! Speak with confidence, only those worthy of the Emperor's light may be protected by it!"

"Yes, sir! Please, train me!" Shinji responded more out of reflex, but that seemed sufficient to the titanic being, who nodded.

"Good. I still sense the fear in your heart, but that will vanish with time if you are to survive. My Emperor brought you here for a reason, and I intend to see his will completed. For now, rest. We begin in eight standard-hours time."

Shinji had some many questions, and few with any answers, but the being was already walking away, so Shinji opted for the first that popped into his head.

"S-Sir, wait… What do I call you?" Shinji managed when it paused its trek back to the squat chest to look back at him. The being waited a long moment, clearly debating on how much to say or if to say anything at all.

At last, it spoke its name.

"I am called Kaldor Draigo."

Reviews are not only accepted, but requested! Please, tell me how I can improve so that I might make this story the best it can be!