Ever wonder what "NGE" would've been like if Gendo hadn't abandoned Shinji, but instead raised him and trained him with NERV from the start? Here's a chance to find out.

The plot itself is pretty straight-forward, so there's not really much need to go on it some more. Naturally, changes are abundant. The number order for the Children has been changed, with Shinji as the First, Rei the Second, and Asuka the Third. Shinji's character has changed dramatically, of course. He has a backbone, and sometimes comes across as a sort of younger version of his father, but with a bit of Yui mixed in (as Fuyutsuki points out). He even has something of a low tolerance for a lot of the more, I should say, perkier characters of "Evangelion", such as Misato. He distrusts Ritsuko completely, and absolutely can't stand to be around Asuka, who in this story is infatuated with Shinji rather than Kaji. In fact, the only person Shinji seems to trust is Rei. It's truly touching to see how they interact, as well as see our hero's conflict that to be able to love Rei while knowing who and what she really is.

There is some bad to this fic, I'm afraid, as good as it is. At times, Shinji seems too much like his father, but because he still seems to be able to experience emotions, he appears at times to come across as something of a jerk. And there is little to resemble to the Shinji of old, save for the first Angel battle when he has some natural hesitation and anxiety of going into battle for the first time. If Shinji showed a bit more emotion like this, perhaps even having a bit more of his mother's character like Fuyutsuki pointed out, he might be a bit more enjoyable character.

Still, the story's a good read, and shows some promise for parts to come. I'd recommend reading it, anyway.

Until Instrumentality is needed again…

SEELE-05
February 9th 2000

This fic affirms my belief that Shinji is the centre of NGE. As a result of the changed circumstances in this alternate universe, we have a very different Shinji and thus, quite a different NGE world. Taken on its own merits, one might think
that accusations of OOCness simply miss the point.

Shinji exudes the type of authority that comes from knowing many secrets. He is sardonic and doesn't suffer fools lightly - making clear that he feels he is surrounded by idiots. But he has a very human heart. A genuine streak of humanity to
match his ruthlessness as well as the self-awareness of his frailties and mortality. What a character! I wouldn't might a full anime series about someone like that.

The greatest impact of these changes are discerned in Shinji's relations with the other cast members. His hostility to Ritsuko, irritation at Misato, scheming with Gendou all make extremely interesting reading. Particularly touching is his
plaintive bittersweet relationship with Rei. Asukaheads will probably complain about how their heroine is rendered in this fic - the Asuka letter-writing scene in Part 2 is somewhat uneven and could use more development but on the whole, this rather original depiction of Asuka intrigues me.

The author also seems to have a thread of 'denial of love' which runs through the fic (e.g. Shinji-Misato, Shinji-Rei and Asuka-Stepmom) where characters find it difficult to acknowledge, accept or return love and concern.

On the whole, I really liked it. A pity that there isn't more fuss about HOBS and that the production rate is about two parts a year. Definite thumbs up from me.