Disclaimer: As always I own nothing regarding Evangelion, this story is free and is used as distracted from my daily existence. All I own is the platnium DVD collection and few models
Story Time:
"Our you sure about this one my dear?"
"Well why not? I think she would be perfect for the young man, she is strong, fiery and at the same time there is a vulnerability about her"
The old man sits pondering his guest words, they had been sitting in this room debating over the long game of chess that was playing out down on earth. So far 2 pieces from the angels side had been removed as well as 1 from the demons, Gendo was still in possession of NERV, along with the first child and now possessed UNIT-00.
In opposition to his father stood a small wooden carving of Shinji Ikari, along with his guardian Misato Katsuragi, and Ryoji Kaji two people who had shown him kindness and compassion. There were also pieces representing his friends Toji and Kensuke as well as the class rep Hikari Horkai. Behind Shinji's piece were two other seperate pieces, 1 represented his long departed mother, the was a rough carving which held a barely humanoid shape.
"Master, why has that piece changed?" the young woman asked, her long blond hair falling down over her shoulders
"You mean the one that had been Yui and UNIT-01?"
"Yes, were they not the same piece?"
"They were, but from the actions on earth the result has caused Yui to become seperate to UNIT-01"
"Separate? So her soul is no longer bound to the beast?"
"Not quite my dear, you see the EVA's are alive"
"They are copies from the firsts, nothing more"
"That is were you are wrong, what is the fundamental rule of life?" he asks as if addressing a child
"Everything has a soul... but?"
"No buts, whether made by God or made by man..ALL living things have soul of their own"
"Then why is there no other piece beside UNIT-00?"
"The soul of the EVA is still dormant in UNIT-00, as well as all the other EVA's on earth, with the notable exception of UNIT-01"
"But how was it awoken?" She asks curiously
"Shinji and Yui, woke the dormant beast" before another question could be asked the old man continued "when they needed the extra fury and strength to defeat Sachiel and the demon, their prayers did not go unanswered"
"So the vessel is inhabited by both Yui and the soul of UNIT-01?"
"Correct they co-habit that vessel"
"What does this mean my lord? Now that the beast has been awakened, will it stand with man to fight off their enemies or will it lay waste to its creators like the monster is it?"
"That we will have to wait an see, like its creators it has the capacity for good an evil, that is why its piece is so rough, a final form has not been settled upon"
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Back On Earth
The sensors in NERV detected a distinct pattern BLUE, the city of Tokyo-03 had been mobilised to a defensive position, the automated weapons set to fire upon their target. The citizens had been gathered into the secure underground shelters to protect them from any hostile or friendly fire, ideally to keep the amount of civilian casualties to a minimum.
Both pilots had been alerted to the situation with Shinji arriving to HQ first, quickly changing from his school uniform to his white and blue plug suit as he pressed the compression button on his wrist so that loose material constricted to hug his skinny frame.
Over the ocean a large, translucent octahedron object floats toward Tokyo-3 like the angel before it, there are no wings or other signs of propulsion to allow it to remain airborne.
Back in NERV HQ, Shinji was already inside the entry plug of UNIT-01, he noticed a difference in the feeling of the cockpit, he felt more secure and even a little confident. A please smirk crossing his face, this was on of the few times he felt needed or wanted.
Rei had just arrived to one of the outer gates of the NERV HQ when the beast designated the fifth angel breached the cities outer defensives, taking its position in the city centre. Ramiel extended a drill like appendage from its bottom apex an began to bore its way through the reinforced concrete above NERV.
Within the EVA cages the NERV technicians began the preparations to launch UNIT-01, in retaliation towards this act of aggression.
"UNIT-01 is beginning launch sequence"
"Release primary lock bolts!"
"Primary lock bolts released" Shinji responds to the order
"Roger, removing secondary restraints"
Over near the far walkway stood the pilot of UNIT-00 who had arrived to take command of her own EVA as Shinji was launched through the elevator network to take his position on the surface.
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On the command bridge
"Captain Katsuragi, we are detecting a large energy built up inside the target"
"What did you say?" asked a worried Misato thinking that she may have ordered the young pilot to be launched directly into a trap.
"The energy charge is continuing to rise!"
"It can't be!" declared a shocked Ritsuko
"LOOK OUT!! DUCK!!" Orders Misato
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Ground Zero
As UNIT-01 emerges from the exit point, the sound of Misato screaming orders catches Shinji off guard distracting him long enough for a powerful beam of energy to be discharged from the angel, melting a hole through one of the towering sky scrapers a before impacting with the hardened armoured shell of UNIT-01.
The armour wasn't enough, the beam itself quickly melted through the hardened plating before starting to cook into the organic flesh beneath.
Shinji squealed in agony, his high sync ratio with the EVA causing him to feel the impact of the beam as well as the burning of its flesh, the only words that came to his mind was that he was being shot through his own heart and the LCL of the entry plug slowly began to heat up, threatening to boil the flesh from his bones.
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NERV HQ
Back at the command bridge, the gathered members of the senior staff could hear the agonising squeals of the young pilot as he endured the pain, it was something the shook them to their very centre of the being.
"SHINJI-KUN!!!!" Cries out a concern Misato
"Uh Captain... will we deploy UNIT-00?"
"Are you insane? An have the same thing happen to Rei?" What sort of people do we employ? One of our pilots is injured and they want to send the second out, to suffer the same fate "Retrieve UNIT-01 IMMEDIATEY!"
The bridge crew watch the monitors as the elevator descends back into the bowels of the earth to be returned to NERV HQ. As the EVA descends several feet below the ground the angel ceases its attack.
"The target has gone silent"
"I don't care! Whats Shinji's status?"
"He is alive!" calls out another technician
As UNIT-01 is placed in its cage, Misato leaves the bridge deferring all decisions to Ritsuko Akagi as the next in command. The medical team look over the vitals transmitted from built in sensors of the both the entry plug and the plug suit.
"The pilots brain waves are completely erratic! The cardiac response is very weak"
"Don't just stand there, increase the power of the life support systems, give him a heart message to stabilise his condition!" commands the senior doctor
Shinjis body contorts in response to electric current passed through his body to stabilise his heart beat. The entry plug is then force ejected as the technicians remove the pilot from the plug placing him on the medical gurney.
From here the medical team rush him into the emergency life support facility to stabilise his condition with an oxygen mask over his face to aid his breathing, he placed in a steel coffin like device with the words "Ice Rescue". The unit lowers Shinjis body temperature to slow the rate of swelling and the effect of any internal injuries which maybe present, slowing the breathing, heart rate and blood flow almost to a crawl to help sustain his life.
A worried Misato stands outside the operating theatre, her motherly instincts not letting her leave, her cell goes off as Ritsuko has requested her presence on the bridge.
"Captain Katsuragi, we need your help up here, to determine the next course of action"
"I am not leaving Rits"
"What do you mean, you are in charge as the senior officer"
"Listen Rits! I am not leaving Shinji, now you either get me a phone line, a desk and a monitor down here or find me someone else who can – either way I am not leaving until I can see Shinji again!" With that Misato terminates the call Sorry Rits, but who cares about the world when the person that makes up a huge part of mine is lying in intensive care? I hope you can understand.
Within 1 hour Misato had a make shift office set up outside the operating theatre, she had ordered the surgeon to give her an update on any change in Shinjis condition whether or not there was any improvement.
She had also decided that before a counter attack could be considered they would need to determine both the offensive and defensive capabilities of the latest angel. The first test involved a large life size inflatable replica of UNIT-01 dragged a long by a NERV ship.
"The particle beam cannon has fired upon the inflatable balloon, it has been vaporised!"
"Ok so there is the offence, next up check the defence" orders Misato over the quickly installed telephone. This test involved the automated model 12 self propelled mortar which had been placed on a disposable train on a track which the MAGI system had determined to be outside of the angels firing scope.
The mortar fires, the beam shooting across the crystalline water of the lake towards the angel, only to be reflected off to the right by the angels powerful AT field. The angel then retaliates by firing upon the mortar. Turning it into nothing more than burnt scrap.
Misato sits at her desk, listening to the technical brief regarding the angels capabilities as she fiddles a pen between her fingers.
"From the data we have collected, we have determined that the angel will attack any opponent within a certain target radius, so there is a 100% probability that anything that enters that range will be destroyed"
"So what you are saying is that offensively and defensively its almost perfect? IAreal flying fortress an what is the status of that drill?"
"Its digging through the reinforced concrete towards the Geo-front, it appears the angel wishes to attack NERV HQ directly"
"That sassy bastard! Whats it ETA?"
"Just after midnight ma'am, by that time the angel will have breached all 22 levels of defence armour before penetrating headquarters itself!"
"Less than 10 hours?"
Misato is then alerted that the drill has reached the first armour plate, a pleasant smile crossed her face as she heard that the drill bit was straining to bore into the metal. Meanwhile she had been made aware that it would take approx 3 hours to replace the damaged components complete with armour.
Thats when Misato had an idea inspired by an old military operation she was involved in before joining NERV. If we can not get close for battle, then hows about we just shoot the beast down... yeah, its worth a shot
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NERV Commanders Office Via Video conference
"You wanna use a target to shoot the target from outside its firing zone?"
"Yes Sir, instead of trying to neutralise the angels AT field, I believe a pinpoint shot with a focusd energy rifle is the only way"
"Hmm, an what do the MAGI say?"
"The response from the MAGI supercomputer system came back as two affirmative and 1 conditional affirmative"
"But our probability of success is only 8.87%"
"I see no reason to reject your plan, proceed as you see fit, however do you have a sniper? As I recall neither Pilot Ikari or Pilot Ayanami have been trained in the use of such a weapon"
"Well maybe we can help with that?"
A second video feed opens on the monitors those present notice an unshaven man clad in a pair of dark slacks, as well as dark leather shoes a pale blue shirt and a tie. His long hair tied back in a pony tail
"Ah Mr Kaji, I trust that your arrival means that UNIT-02 is also here?"
"Correct commander, an the pilot of UNIT-02 is also trained in the use of sniper type equipment"
"Very well this meeting is dismissed, Captain Katsuragi collaborate with the inspector and the Second child regarding this operation"
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After seeing Shinji wheeled out of the operating room, Misato quickly got off her seat an went to the boys side holding his hand as the doctors and attending brought him to a recovery room. They explained the whole situation to her regarding the injuries and the procedure that he had just gone through. Misato felt guilt in her heart knowing that she had been the one to put him in that situation as well as having to be the one that would have to ask him again. A few moments later she kissed Shinji on the forehead and went to the NERV canteen for a conversation with one Inspector Kaji.
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NERV Canteen
"So thats you plan?"
"Yep, we can have Asuka in UNIT-02 with the positron rifle fire at the angel and have either UNIT-00 or UNIT-01 try and protect her from the angels fire"
"An how can they do that? Did you not tell me that the angel can fire almost straight through the EVA's armour?"
"Well I have left that to Ritsuko and you know her she will always come up with something?"
"I guess you are right but I wonder?"
"What? Did I over look something?"
"Well yeah, use your assets Katsuragi?"
"What do you mean by that? And it better had not been anything perverted!"
"Well over looking these reports it seems that UNIT-01, has a faster land speed than that which has been recorded from either of the 3 units, not to mention it seems to be stronger"
"Yeah and so?"
"So, hows about have UNIT-01 act as a distraction, just skirting along the angels firing range it should be fast enough to out run the angels beam, not to mention carry some sort of weapon to keep the angels interest that it is a threat"
"Hmm I see your point, good idea Kaji but I was hoping to leave Shinji out of this mission"
"You mean after his last encounter?"
"Yes, how can I ask him to pilot UNIT-01 knowing that one direct hit could kill him?"
"Listen Misato, I know I have been out of both your lives for the past few months, but from what I know of Shinji, when you need him he is always there" Kaji reaches placing his hand on top of hers "I understand how you feel, more than you will ever know my darling Misato, do not ask him to do this as a solider, ask him as a friend, ask him as a son to pilot, if it makes it any easier I will do it"
Before Misato could reply her mobile went off, she immediately noticed the number as Ritsukos "I have to take this"
"Go ahead, you are worth the wait"
"Hey Rits whats up?" she asks trying to hide the blush from Kaji, she was still mad at him for not contacting her in all these months, but she had managed to put two and two together an realised that he had been sent to Germany to overlook the transport of UNIT-02, despite what Ritsuko might say she wasn't as dumb as she looked.
"I have just ran the numbers through the MAGI an in order to have a chance of piercing the angels AT field we would need a huge amount of energy output, however our own positron rifle can not handle that amount of power, what are you going to do about that?"
A quick thought ran through her head, "Well if ours wont work, then we will borrow one"
"We'll borrow one?" asked a confused Dr Akagi "You don't mean?"
"Thats right JSSDF's new prototype!" she said with a smile that can only be described as a child with a new toy to play with.
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Tsukuba Technology Laboratory Headquarters, Strategic SDF
"I have come on behalf of NERV to here by requisition the prototype self propelled positron cannon as of 1500 hours today" Misato declared quite cheerfully
"But this is just... so riduclous!"
"We will do our best to run it as close to its original condition as possible, thank you for your cooperation, an have a nice day" she says before looking up at the ceiling of the laboratory.
"But how are you going to transport it?"
Ignore the question Misato yells out "Its all yours Rei! Take it away!"
All of the military and lab personnel freak as the roof of their complex is rippled from the walls by the huge orange giant.
"Be careful that is a piece of precision machinery!" her voice filled with scarcasm towards the young pilots handling of the rifle.
"But Captain, just were are we going to get enough power to fire that thing? The MAGI have calculated that NERVs own generators can not supply enough voltage to penetrate the angels AT field"
"I know that, Dr Akagi had already briefed me on the necessary amount of power to pierce the enemies defences. That is why we are going to channel all the power of Japan!"
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Meanwhile Inspector Kaji had taken it upon himself to visit the pilot of UNIT-01, or as he liked to call him Shin-man, he signed the visitors log under an made his way to the recover room. He found Shinji sitting up in his bed looking out the window.
"Hey Shin-man, should you not be resting? Take it from me, you just can't off your first shot like it was nothing"
Shinji turned round an saw Kaji standing in the doorway, leaning against the door frame his arms folded against his chest.
"Kaji! Does this mean you are back in Tokyo-03?"
"Yep, it does!"
"For good this time?"
"Well only if Misato lets me" Kaji responds laughing off his statement trying to make it seem he was joking
"I wish I could I was here just to visit Shinji, but we both know there is something else on both our minds"
"The Angel?"
"Yeah, now Misato has come up with a plan to take it down... she would be here herself but..."
"She is busy at NERV, with all of the planning... its ok Kaji I understand"
Kaji instantly picked up on the depressed tone in Shinjis voice "You really should cut that out"
"Cut what out?"
"Feeling sorry for yourself, you have no idea what Misato has been through after you got shot by that Angel"
"What do you mean?"
"She left her position, an sat right in front of your operating room the whole time, she literally ordered the surgeon to keep her updated every hour under penalty of being shot an buried in the Geo-front, then she walks with you, holding your hand while the doctors bring you here"
"She did all that for me? But why?"
"She cares about you Shinji, is it not obvious?"
"If she cares, then why isn't she here?"
"Life my friend, life has put her in the position of operations director and destroying this Angel is part of the job description, but this time for her... its personal"
"Personal? How?"
"That angel hurt you Shinji, thats why she is working so hard to destroy it because it hurt you, she probably wouldn't admit to someone like me but right now its revenge thats driving her, hell if she thought it would work she would get in UNIT-01 and go fight that thing herself"
"But she can't only I can sync with UNIT-01"
"Thats right, an that is why I am here, inorder to maximize our chances of success we need you to pilot UNIT-01"
"But..."
"Shinji, I am not here asking as an employee of NERV, I am asking as your friend, to help us. We need you Shinji"
"Ok I will do it, but Kaji can I ask you something?"
"Sure whats on your mind?"
"UNIT-01, why didn't it go berzerk?"
"I think that is a conversation you need to have with Ritsuko"
"Maybe your right, but the last two battles when I was injured the EVA went berserk, but when I got shot it just stood there, the power was on but nothing happened"
"Hmmm, was there anything different from the other times?"
"Well... after 3 missions I was a little confident that I could battle the angel this time"
For a few moments Kaji explained to Shinji, how it sounded like he had disrespected the EVA, Shinji thought Kaji was crazy. It was then they had to leave as the mission start time approached, Kaji gave Shinji a new plug suit an left the room for the boy to change before making their way to the EVA cages.
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NERV HQ
During Kajis visit to Shinji, Misato was on the command bridge making sure all aspects of the operation were running smoothly to efficiently use the time available for them.
"What is the current status on the energy supply system?"
"Well Captain we are running about 3.92% behind schedule however the objective will be complete by 23:10"
"An the positron rifle?"
"On the honour of the technology department section-3 we will have this built in three hours"
"An how is our defence coming Dr Akagi?"
"Well a shield is the best that we can come with under the circumstances, it was constructed from the heat shield of an SSTO spacecraft, it may look ugly but the base coat should with stand the angels attack for 17 seconds"
"Good work Ritsuko" I guess 17 seconds is better than nothing "What about the sniper position for UNIT-02?"
"Taking account into geographical features, as well as access to power transformers this is our best choice" The technician responds showing a topographical map of a mountainous region outside of Tokyo-03
"Right, everything is looking good from now on this operation will be known as operation Yashima and will commence at 00:00 hours" Now the only remaining problem is the pilot
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Cage Seven the designated Cage for EVA UNIT-01
Shinji stands on the cold metallic walk way already briefed by Inspector Kaji upon his role in the mission, apparently Dr Akagi has a new weapon for him to use, his mind thought back to the advice Kaji had given him back at the NERV medical wing, his words playing over in his mind
"Talk to the EVA, you are partners after all"
Aww man this is stupid, well what can it hurt to try "Hey UNIT-01, I am sorry for not thanking you after the previous mission as well as not being fast enough to get out the way to avoid that angels beam cannon, because of me being distracted you got hurt, I just hope you can forgive me so that we can complete our next mission together"
Shinji felt like an idiot for rambling on about the events of the mission an talking to the huge machine infront of him, but at that moment he could have swore that the EVA's own cold eyes lit up slightly and their menacing gaze had somehow softened.
"Gott, you are a strange one aren't?" came a stern female voice
Shinji turned to his right, his eyes resting on the form of a beautiful young woman, approximately his own age, with long dancer like legs as well as a smoothing creamy skin and deep blue eyes that reminded him of the mysterious beauty of the sea and fiery red hair which contrasted with the eyes only made them more obvious and stunning.
Shinji could feel his cheeks begin to go red with embarassment, he wasn't sure if it was the fact that he had been caught speaking to UNIT-01 or that he found the young woman before him so gorgeous .
"Well hello Misato how are you have you been?" Said the young german as Shinji felt Misato rest his hand upon his right shoulder.
"Just fine, goodness you have grown some haven't you?"
"Yep, an I am not just taller my figure has filled out as well" the young woman replied beaming with pride
"Oh Shinji let me introduce you, this young lady is the pilot of UNIT-02, the second child Asuka Langley Soryu"
"So this the famous third child, hmmmm not much to look at is he?"
"Well looks can be deceptive there Asuka, after all he did manage to sync with his EVA on the first attempt and take down an angel on its maiden voyage with a sync score higher than 40% with no priortraining"
"I was just lucky" replied Shinji attempting to sound modest but actually feeling quite proud
"Luck has not thing to do with it, in my experience it comes down to confidence, opportunity and preparation, imagine what you could have done if you were fully prepared?" Kajis statements seemed to have been addressed to Shinji but they rang loud an clear to the newest pilot
"Well third, come with me and I will show you what a real EVA looks like" states Asuka grabbing Shinji by the wrist dragging him to the next cage
"Well that is certainly an interesting colour, I had no idea it was red"
"Yeah, thats not all thats different about UNIT-02"
"UNIT-00 and of course your little UNIT-01 were the prototypes, failures if you ask me, the fact that UNIT-01 synced with you is proof of that, however UNIT-02 is a little different, my UNIT-02 is the worlds first real Evangelion, created specifically for combat conditions it is the final product"
Shinji remembering how proud Kaji and Misato were of him an his achievements caused his blood to boil as this stranger mocked him, also remembering how Kaji had told him to respect his EVA, and defend it if it was ever insulted motivated his retaliation.
"Wow, you sound really proud of your EVA, but just how many actual combat situations have you been in?"
"What? How dare you question me!"
"I will take that as none, were as me and UNIT-01 have been in 4 actual encounters together and even Rei with UNIT-00 has been involved in one prior to this. Not bad for two failures" Shinji said matter of factly, before turning and walking back to UNIT-01, he was followed by a furious Pilot Soryu who opened her mouth right in front of UNIT-01 and both Captain Katsuragi and Inspector Kaji
"Listen THIRD my skills as a pilot are not in question here, after all I am the point man on this operation as the only pilot skilled enough to use a sniper rifle, an why on earth do you address your EVA as if its a third person, its a stupid doll, you are the pilot, you tell it what to do!"
"Actually Asuka, me an UNIT-01 are a team, thats how I managed to sync with it with no prior training, it have his back and he has mine, I don't question the way you pilot your precious UNIT-02 so don't you dare question mine!" Shinji said some what channelling something else that he and Kaji had discussed before arriving at the cages, before making his way to the entry plug in preparation to the mission launch
Asuka turned around still furious of having been spoken to in such a manner by the third child who treated his EVA as it was alive, how pathetic guess he doesn't have any real friends to he makes them up she thought to herself.
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Shinji had been sitting in his entry plug for the past few minutes waiting in getting the go ahead from either Misato or Dr Akagi.
"Did you mean what you said little one?" Came a strange voice from within the entry plug, it sounded like a roaring beast and soft female voice
"Ah who is there?"
"We are here, we have always been here with you little one, again we ask did you mean what you said? That you did not wish for us to be injured, and that we are a team?"
Oh man I must be loosing my mind here, "Yes UNIT-01, I meant every word, do you not like me as a pilot?"
"No little one, you are not loosing you mind, we have not had a reason to speak to you before now, from the actions of the other pilots you seem preferable, we would like to know more about you Shinji Ikari, we would like to be your friends perhaps after the mission?"
"Yeah, I would like that, do you think we can succeed in this mission? I mean after the last time" Shinji instinctly raises his hand to his chest as he remembers the feeling of the angels energy beam impacting upon his chest"
"That will not happen again, this time we have your back and you have ours, we will work as a team"
The EVA's confident inner voice washed away any doubts that may have previous occupied his mind as he nodded in approval, as well as being advised that they were moving out as the EVA began to power up.
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Temporary NERV base
"OK information feed coming through now" stated Maya Ibuki as she adjusted her latest working envirnoment "Wait this can't be right?"
"What is it is Maya?"
"According to these reading EVA-01 sync score is 60%, its never been that high, there must be some sort of feedback error"
Kaji over heard what Maya said to Ritsuko as a cocky smirk crossed his face, he knew he was right in assuming that the EVAs were alive, it was just a theory based on the actions of self perservation during the battle with the third angel as well as the arachnid demon. He knew the EVA had acted instinctively on it own to protect not only its own existence but the pilot. By getting Shinji to treat the EVA as an equal rather than a tool, he had hoped that they would cooperate more an realise their full potential, he hadn't considered that there would be such a rise in the sync ratio as well.
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Outskirts of Tokyo-03
Up on the roof of one of the building on the outskirts of town, there was a gathering of students from Shinjis school. Of course there were the obvious suspects, Kensuke Aida as well as Toji Suzahara, along with a few mecha fan boys and the just some other guys who wanted to increase their own social ranks by bragging on how they had seen an EVA.
Most surprising were the collection of girls from the school all lead by the class rep Hikari Horaki, who had decided not to wear her school uniform an instead had gone with a pink t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans with tan boots, her hair not in its normal pig tails but instead was being worn down around her shoulders.
"Their really late, some military organisation, we should head to a shelter"
"No way – I hacked into my dads data file, I am absolutely sure this is the time it said"
" Well ok then, were in the heck are they?" asked Toji who repeatedly keep glancing over at the class rep
Almost on cue their attention was caught by the sound of a flock of birds taking flight into the air as the foilage began to part revealing a large metallic door.
"The entire mountain is moving!"
"There they are the Evangelions!" Cried an excited Kensuke
The first EVA to emerge from the opening was UNIT-00, carrying the fabricated shield in its left arm its luminous orange armour stood out from the dark background of the trees. This was then followed by the newest addition to the forces, UNIT-02 standing just a little taller than UNIT-00 and also looking slightly heavier. Its blood red armour really catching the boys attention.
"Hey look! Is that a new EVA?"
"Huh? Wow! Awesome a third giant robot an this one is red, must be a bad ass male pilot!"
"Mr Aida! You really are a sexist pig, just because it is red doesn't mean the pilot is male"
"Says you, hate to burst your little fantasy but its obvious that the orange one and purple on are both girl pilots"
"Do you think he is right Hikari, I mean if the one that saved you is a girl"
"No, hes wrong" she said with a smile on her face
"How can you be so sure?" another girl asked
"Well think about it, the orange one is female, the features are round and graceful just like a gymanst, the red one yes is taller and looks heavier but still has a feminine air about it like a dance, the purple one, well its taller than those two with a heavier build like a warrior, not to mention the overall design, an if that doesn't convince you then call it woman's intuition"
As the students discussed the gender of the pilot to each EVA, few noticed the presence of UNIT-01 as it emerged from the earth standing between UNIT-00 and UNIT-02
"Hey look there he is!" One girl cried out as the rest began to crowd around the safety rail at the edge of the building. As the EVAs began to mobilise the crowd erupted in cheer voicing their support to them.
"Yeah go for it Evangelions!"
"We believe in you!"
"Go kick some monster butt!"
Shinji looked at the crowd through his monitor, zooming on a loan figure who was standing at the back away from the crowd, her hands clasped tightly in front of her torso, the magnification allowed him to see the tears in her eyes. He noticed her mouthing "Please be careful" to him.
To acknowledge he got his EVA to lift its left arm, extending its hand holding its thumb up, which caught the cheering students off guard slightly as a bright smile appeared on Hikaris face. The other girls looked around at her, putting two and two together
"Oh my god Hikari! He noticed you!" The girl screeched with excitement
"I don't think so, I mean he could have gesturing to all of us"
"Oh really? Then how can you explain that it appears as if he is looking right at you?"
"Its a giant robot, you can't tell that he is looking right at me" her face blushing more than she ever felt possible
"Yeah, yeah if you wont listen to reason then call it womans intuition" the girl laughed continuing to watch the EVA's depart into the mountain which surround Tokyo-03
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Temporary NERV based at Mount Futago
"The angel as penetrated another level of armour, estimated time of breach at NERV HQ is 3 hours 55 minutes"
The technicians busied themselves testing the cooling units as well as making sure that as much power from all over Japan was being directed through the prototype cannon.
"OK pilots here are the battle plans for the operation, Asuka, you will be the gunner as the most experienced pilot regarding sniper manoeuvres."
"Affirmative!"
" Rei, you will cover with UNIT-00"
"Yes"
"An Shinji, you will be the distraction we need you to draw the enemies fire away from Asuka and Rei"
"I understand"
"Oh an Shinji, we have a new weapon for you to use"
"What is it?"
Ritsuko and Misato had dragged the boy over to large object covered with a canopy, "Its called the punisher, it was an idea put forward by NERV personnel, hold it in the centre, the long shaft will operate just like a normal rifle, the short part at the top will fire a bazooka missle and the two at the sides house 2 separate rifles for when you run out of ammo"
Shinji looked over the drawing of the large metallic cross as Ritsuko explained its design to him, it was fairly large almost as big as UNIT-00 and he guessed that due to its size it must weight a tonne, which Misato quickly joked "Its heavy because it is full of mercy"
"I am just to defend UNIT-02 is that correct?" asks Rei
"Yes Rei, now its time to get geared up" commands Captain Katsuragi
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All over Tokyo-03 the power began to fade, street lamps, neon signs on restaurants or billboards slowly fading to darkness, the city seemed as deserted as ever with the exception of the angel in the centre which stood out from the blackness with it own menacing aura. Slowly the power was drained from the surrounding cities until all of Japan was cast into darkness.
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As the pilots got into the EVA's after the briefing Asuka merely commented to her comrades that this is how its done, telling them to watch and learn. Rei on the other hand had said good bye to Shinji, something that had shook him to the bone, she had never called him by his first name before its was always Ikari, never Shinji.
The feeling did not sit well with him as he entered UNIT-01, the biomechanical beast seemed to detect the pilots worry.
"Do you worry for the doll little one?" its asked him
Yes I do UNIT-01, I am not sure why? After all she has stolen my father from me he thought knowing the EVA could detect such things, if anything it would stop those listening on his audio channel thinking he was insane
"She has stolen nothing, your father Gendo abandoned you of his own choosing, there is no need to hate the puppet, instead your grievance maybe with the puppeteer" the voice changing some what to a more comforting females like a mother
How can you be so sure?
"We have seen much before your arrival little one, the commander does not treat her or others as well as he may have you believe"
"Regardless he is still my father"
"If that is what you believe, however a father is kind, a father protects you, a father raises you. He has done none of those, neither to you or the pilot of our sister.... you may wish to select a new father"
As the EVAs mobilised into their positions, Asuka laying prone on the ground staring down the sight of the rifle, slightly to the right was Rei with UNIT-00 holding its shield ready to jump into the path of the enemies fire.
Further along mountainous region was Shinji, with the sentient UNIT-01 holding the new weapon called the punisher, Shinji has opened the bottom shaft as was ready to open fire on the angel following Misatos orders.
Are you ready for this UNIT-01?
"Fear not, we will assist you little one"
Meanwhile, the power from all of Japan was being redirected to the positron rifle which Asuka was aching to fire against the angel to destroy it with a single shot, just as she had been ordered to do so by Dr Akagi.
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NERV Type 14 Mobile Command Centre
"Energy build up detected from the Angel!"
"No not again!" Cries out Dr Akagi
"Shinji NOW!!!" orders Misato
Shinji emerges from behind cover, firing the bazooka at the angel only for the shell to impact on the angels AT field. Shinji runs a few miles to the left, firing a barrage of bullets towards the angel, the angel fires its energy beam, however its target has changed to UNIT-01.
As the beam comes ever closer the EVA changes direct sprinting to the left trying to outrun the shock wave of the impact as he continues to fire barrage after barrage of bullets towards the flying fortress. The shell casings impacting on the ground scattering the wake of UNIT-01's foot steps.
Misato orders Asuka to fire the rifle, mankinds own energy attack escapes the barrel of the rifle firing towards the angel. Ramiel detects the energy an charges its own attacks, ignoring the purple EVA long enough to fire its own energy weapon.
Both beams fly across the lake which separates them, their energies causing them to warp in mid-air , throwing them off target, UNIT-02s attack impacts just to right of the angel, were as its attack creates a massive smoking crater just to left of the EVA's
The impact reverberates through out the ground, sending personnel through the air, shaking heavy support and transport vehicles as if they were nothing but tin cans.
Shinjis primary weapon had run out of ammo, he cast it to the side and took out the 2 smaller rifles concealed in the secondary compartments. Before resuming his attack on the angel, realising that it was futile the bullets didn't have the impact power to break through the angels defences. "Come on die you bastard!" Shinji and UNIT-01 thought or said in unison.
The angels drill had pierced the final piece of resistance an had gained access into the geo-front, it had gain access to harm every single human that lived within Tokyo-03.
Another energy build up was detected within the target and had been fired towards the other EVA's the beam narrowly missed Shinji, turning to face the direction of the beam, he saw it impact against the shield held by UNIT-00, Rei was fulfilling her mission to protect UNIT-02.
The metallic shield began to liquify against the heat of the angels attack, Shinji heart began to race at the thought of watching her die. UNIT-01 roared in his head, the roar was a combination of anger and sadness.
"Whats wrong UNIT-01?"
"Shinji, we must help our sister please!" the voice was equal parts beast and woman this time, the beast howled with fury while the woman cried with sadness, it was more than Shinji could bare
"Asuka take the shot already!" He yelled over the comm system
"No can do, wondergirl here is blocking my shot"
Shinji gritted his teeth an ran towards his comrades, he had no idea what he was going to do, but he could let Rei die, he could not let UNIT-00 be destroyed. UNIT-01's speed increased, if anyone had been recording this they would have realised that UNIT-01 had again broken the Evangelion land speed record, as well as Shinji's sync ration increasing another 20%
As UNIT-01 neared the orange UNIT-00, they braced themselves as they grabbed the kneeling EVA by the waist, hoisting it from the ground. Shinji felt the heat of the beam dance across his back, in the same way that UNIT-01 had. Shinjis actions had created enough of a window for Asuka to fire the positron rifle a second time.
This time, there was no warpping of the beam, as it shot straight and true piercing through the core and heart of the angels as it burst into flames, impacting against the cold concrete roads and footpaths of Tokyo-03.
UNIT-01 continued to hold UNIT-00, it sat to the side with its left arm under the orange EVAs chest , as it ripped out the entry plug before placing it on the ground next to it foot. UNIT-01 then adjusted the position of UNIT-00, flipping to rest on its back the weight now supported by the purple EVAs right hand, the left still resting on its sisters torso.
The heat of the melted armour had caused the gauntlets of UNIT-01 to melt slightly not like either it or Shinji cared. Shinji has left the EVA an was now struggling with the levers to the entry plug to check that pilot Ayanami was alright after her ordeal. Ok after this mission I am really gonna start working out he thought trying to make light of the situation as the heat from the plug burnt through his plug suit to his hands. It was several more minutes before he finally managed to open the hatch.
"Ayanami! Are you alright?"
His eyes looked at the unconcious pilot, his mind began to think the worst that he had been too late despite how fast UNIT-01 had ran save her. Tears began to fill his eyes as he was over came with guilt, as if he had kill her himself.
"AYANAMI!!!" he yelled again this time causing the young woman to stir to life, as she slowly opened her eyes. To be greet by a smiling yet tearful Shinji Ikari.
Upon meeting her gaze, Shinji turns his head to try and hide his tears as he lets them fall down his face.
"I am sorry, I have no idea what I should say or feel at a time like this" Rei states as she adjusts her position in her seat
"Maybe you should just try smiling for a change"
Rei's red eyes for the second time met with Shinjis, as she looked at the pleasant smile on his face to see her alive, she felt accepted by someone. A small smile crossed her lips as her shoulders relaxed.
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A/N: OK here is the latest chapter, an yes I know I have tampered with the timeline but hey it was fun! Ok so now we have Asuka, Rei and Shinji with their respective EVA units to cause all sorts of madness and laughes. Also please don't slate me for making UNIT-01 sentient, it was just an idea that I had while on a sugar rush and I thought that it may have potential,
As always please read and review an as a peace offering here is an OMAKE!
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OMAKE
"Ayanami! Are you alright?"
His eyes looked at the unconcious pilot, his mind began to think the worst that he had been too late despite how fast UNIT-01 had ran save her. Tears began to fill his eyes as he was over came with guilt, as if he had kill her himself.
"AYANAMI!!!" he yelled again this time causing the young woman to stir to life, as she slowly opened her eyes. To be greet by a smiling yet tearful Shinji Ikari.
Upon meeting her gaze, Shinji turns his head to try and hide his tears as he lets them fall down his face.
"I am sorry, I have no idea what I should say or feel at a time like this" Rei states as she adjusts her position in her seat
"Maybe you should just try smiling for a change"
Rei's red eyes for the second time met with Shinjis, as she looked at the pleasant smile on his face to see her alive, she felt accepted by someone. A small smile crossed her lips as her shoulders relaxed.
Shinji continued smiling while at the same time thinking, Holy crap that is creepy, I wonder if Rei is the anti-christ? Explians the blue hair and red eyes. Wait! What if she has 666 tattooed on her head? Note to self be nice to Rei!