[Evangelion Xgouki]

Ah, finally got around to starting this...

Spoiler for Darkness Within, pt 1:

July 7 MC 071

The TSAB Ground Force mess hall was bustling with activity. Bureau personnel mingled about the crowded room in search of food to keep them going for the rest of the day. Two particular Bureau members had just managed to procure some seats after getting their food.

"Ah, lunch time couldn't have come sooner."

His partner smirks and settles down into his chair, "You're just glad to be away from that mission report, Ryotaro."

"Hey, you should be one to talk. I saw that game of solitaire you were so busy 'working' on."

"It helps to exercise the mind," Shamsel retorts.

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say. I'm just glad that mission was short. Seriously, holding out in a warehouse? How cliche," he remarks before taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Though we never did find the Relic they were going to sell. Which means it's still out there somewhere..."

Ryotaro waves off his friend's doubts, "I'm sure they just have it hidden somewhere, not wanting it out in the open. They still have to interrogate the members so I'm sure it'll come up."

"Yea, maybe you're right."

"Exactly. Plus with no new reports we have some spare time."

"Heh," replies Shamsel with a smirk, "You mean free time to spend with your girlfriend."

The longer-haired male tears another chunk from his sandwich, "Oh hush you. You're just jealous you don't have anyone cute like Mayura."

He only got a snicker in response as the pair went back to their lunch. They were able to enjoy the meal for only a few minutes before a communication window popped into view.

"Lieutenants, you're needed back at base for an emergency briefing," quickly stated the Colonel's secretary before closing down the screen.

Taking a quick glance at each other, they took off towards NERV HQ with sandwiches in hand. They were thankful they didn't decide to get the plate special or else it would have been a waste.

Moments later they found themselves seated in the briefing room with several screen displaying pictures and various bits of information. NERV Commander Kouzou Fuyutsuki stood at the head of the room with his arms behind his back as he spoke.

"Recent intel on a group known as 'Prize' has come to light that they are in possession of a possible Class A Lost Logia. Based on what TSAB agents have managed to gather, the group has been in possession of what they call the 'Grimoire' for some time. The only proof we have of its existence is this picture."

A screen came to life showing a rotating image of a thick, bound book. The detailing on the book were hard to make out, probably due to the bad quality of the images found. Even so, the fact that it bore some resemblance to another Class A Lost Logia was not lost to those in the room.

"...another Book of Darkness?" mutters Ryotaro as his eyes look over the spinning image.

"We don't know for sure. Information on this Lost Logia is minimal. There have been no reports of attacks on mages for their Linker Cores so it either isn't of a similar nature...

..."or it hasn't been activated yet," slowly finished Shamsel as he gazed at the book. Beneath the table his fists clenched tightly.

Kouzou nodded, "And we don't want to take the chance. Informants have told us that it is currently being held on Non-Administered World 195. From the last report on the world it is fairly barren with scattered patches of vegetation. Remains were found of a long-extinct civilization but no other intelligent life in the past few centuries."

"And since there's no civilization the TSAB has no reason to watch it, making it the perfect hide-out for this group," adds in Ryotaro.

"That would seem to be the case. We have been cleared for off-world deployment immediately. The Longinus has been prepped and will depart as soon as you arrive. We do not know the full capabilities of this group or the Lost Logia, so proceed with extreme caution. Dismissed."

Salutes were exchanged before the pair started to make their way to the waiting Longinus.

"So much for that break, huh Sham?"

"Yea...too bad..."

He paused in his steps and turned around, "Oi, you alright?"

"Ah, yea. I'm fine. Just the thought of another Book of Darkness is a little scary, you know?"

"I know what you mean. Which is why we're gonna get to it before anyone else can use it."

Continuing down the hallway, Shamsel found himself lost in his own thoughts with his fists clenched tightly by his side, 'Another Book of Darkness...no, I won't let it happen again. I WON'T.'

Elsewhere, a man was going over some new information. A grin formed on his lips as he inputted a few commands to open a communications window. The screen flickered to life, revealing a rather irritated silver-haired girl.

"Ah, hello hello my dear."

"What do you want, Jail?" she retorts.

"Is that anyway to greet the bearer of good news? I'm hurt."

"Unless you have something important to..."

"Would, say, the Grimoire's location be considered important?"

She immediately stopped her sentence and stared at the man, "I'm listening."

"Good girl. I have been informed that it maybe held on Non-Administered World 195. At least, that's what I've been told."

"I see."

"I believe you should also know that that new Lost Logia group is also heading there to investigate it."

Her eyes narrowed, "I'll take care of them if they interfere."

"Aww," he sarcastically replied, "Don't hurt them too badly, my dear."

"Only if they get in my way. And stop calling me 'dear.'"

With that, the connection was terminated, leaving the doctor to get back to his work.