Disclaimer: See the Prologue

Corrections made: Size of Evangelion Unit 01

A/N: The title of this chapter is what 'Sachiel' means. Anyway, here's a hopefully different take on the battle with the Third Angel, and a very significant twist towards the end.


Chapter 10 – Price of God (Berserker)

Strapped to his intriguingly designed pilot seat, Shinji laid back in the cockpit section of what was known as the 'entry plug', his hands gripping the control reins as he waited for deployment. After been given a brief lecture on the operation of the Evangelion by Ritsuko (who not surprisingly kept her distance from him) Misato escorted him to the cylinder entry plug, which she explained would be inserted into the EVA. Shinji then had nonchantly torn off his coat and shirt, leaving him in a black singlet and attached these two headpiece devices Ritsuko called A-10 Connectors to his head then hopped into the plug.

It was now that he begun to question himself…

C'jit! What am I doing in here? I made it clear I wouldn't do anything he'd tell me to do. I even split his face open, less then a third of seven years worth of payback, and that definitely sent the message across. But he showed me Ayanami, carted her right in front of me in her miserable state. The way she tried to pull herself out of that gurney…and he would have made her pilot this thing if I didn't do it. I couldn't let him do that do her…I…I'm doing this for her? I feel drawn to her. And not for the reason Nam and Merl'we would suggest. If they saw her, they'd be all over me, telling me to be all over her. Ah…I'm the lowest for thinking that…Misato…is this for her as well? I suppose…I couldn't let her die by some freak alien's hand, not after she put up with me for three days instead of just leaving me down here with…him. The way she stood up for me, I guess she really didn't know NERV would try to force me into this monster…

He rubbed his bridge of his nose.

Uhhh…yeah, the way she yelled at him she genuinely didn't know he and Akagi were planning to put me into…

He quickly inhaled and his eyes widened, remembering he had played right into their hands. And not before slapping and scaring them in the process.

C'jit! Akagi's cold…I felt it somehow… Now angry and determined to get himself out of he, he gritted his teeth and begun exhaling viciously. I need to kill something! And no one will seem to mind if it's that gigantic abomination tearing the city apart above me.

And I won't die EITHER!

(SSJNYH)

Cooling down cycle complete!

All internal cage systems in docking position!

From Central Dogma Kozo stood where Gendo would have been sitting while Misato, Ritsuko and the technicians present below could see Shinji's determined, battle-hardened look on Makoto's screen. Unknown to them before today he was the apprentice of one of the galaxy's deadliest and most unorthodox hunters, having learnt everything she knew and almost became officially Blooded if he had killed Commander Ikari. Now he's a drafted pilot of NERV about to wield one of the most powerful weapons humanity has ever created and could tear the whole city apart if NERV wasn't quick enough to stop him.

Speaking of Commander Ikari he had been rushed to surgery for his open face wound just as Shinji was being prepped. Misato wondered if he was going to be put in the stockade for attempting to kill Ikari if they survive the coming sortie as Sachiel – the name given to the Angel that was attacking them, waited for them above. Silently she prayed that Shinji would win, and deliver the justice she had been waiting to see for nearly fifteen years.

She frowned. She still had her doubts though, as she looked into Shinji's brown orbs on the screen and the way he stared back with beastly intent.

We just gave a 200 metre tall death machine to an alien indoctrinated child soldier that blew up a spaceship, killed a bunch of JSSDF, killed a giant alien insect, broke the wrists of two security guards, almost crushed another guard's windpipe, brutalised two NERV Intelligence Agents and tore open the Commander's face.

And the only thing stopping him from turning on us with EVA-01 at his command is a few keyboard strokes and a slight raise of LCL pressure. It wouldn't be a glorious end for him that's for sure.

She then shook her head and crossed her arms.

No, that won't be necessary. He won't turn on us.

Her face appeared softer and she lost the frown.

He won't turn on me.

Pilot has reached the cockpit position of the plug!

Roger, inserting entry plug!

"Plug lock-in procedure complete!" Maya reported from her seat. "Initiating first level interface."

Misato's eyes widened, knowing what meant.

Oh Hell…

(SSJNYH)

Flooding entry plug…

"Eh? Wha…ARGH!"

Shinji cried out when he saw a orange-yellow liquid begun to rise up from his feet and flood the plug.

"WHAT'S THIS…?" Shinji immediately panicked and struggled in his seat. "M-Misato!"

Don't panic, Shinji, he heard Misato speak to him over the communication channel. LCL. It'll link you directly to the EVA.

"Huh?"

You'll be able to breathe in it, Misato added. Relax, let it engulf you and just breathe normally.

Still in panic yet trusting her words, Shinji stopped struggling and allowed himself to be consumed by the LCL, almost choking as his lungs adjusted to breathing liquid. Shinji closed his eyes as he felt himself almost swimming in…blood? His slowly opened his eyes, seeing everything in orange as his eyes quickly got used to the liquid.

Smells…tastes like…blood!

Shinji gasped as his environment begun to change, he then found himself plunged into darkness.

Just relax, Misato tried to keep him still.

Easy for you to say. You're not being practically injected into this…darkness?Main power connected! All circuits functioning normally!Initiating power-up sequence!

Shinji felt pressure in his head where his A-10 connectors were and the plug's environment rapidly changed. The plug lit up and he immediately he could see words fly past him…

Those words: Anger, Hatred, Violence, Bloodshed!

What?

He could hear Maya's voice over the intercom…

A-10 Neural synapses operating within normal limits. First contact all clear!

Opening Reciprocal circuits…

Shinji's eyes widened…

"Wha…?"

And he found himself in blazing agony as it felt like his nowarched back was being cut open with a sword…

"ARGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

(SSJNYH)

Shinji's psychograph and synograph went haywire… WARNING! ABNORMALITY DETECTED

"WHAT THE HELL…?" Misato shouted in panic, hearing Shinji's scream and seeing him trying to struggle out of his seat, curving his back upward. "WHAT'S HAPPENING TO HIM?"

"I…I don't know!" Ritsuko exclaimed, staring at the screen. "Synchro errors are within 0 percent, this...!"

"Wh…what's that mean?" Misato gritted her teeth as Shinji continued to scream. "He should be compatible then! What's happening to him, TELL ME…?"

"I..." Ritsuko was taken back by Misato's loud voice. She tried to understand as she watched the screen displaying EVA-01's synchronisation graph. "The A-10 system when it synched his mind with the EVA it must have triggered something…"

She then rubbed her chin anxiously.

"Embedded. Like a.…a bad memory or pain; an intense pain that's he's suffered before; like he can't forget…"

And Shinji had to have a lot of them.

"Oh shit!" Misato cried. "SHINJI!"

(SSJNYH)

My…my back…feels like… last year…

Pauk! The scar on my back…!

He closed his eyes as his mind projected the images of the most horrible day of his life. He couldn't shut out the sounds, the voices…and the pain…

NO! NOT THIS AGAIN!

(SSJNYH)

A Year Ago…

"YOU LITTLE PAUK! YOUR LITTLE KNIFE JUST SCARRED MY BACK!"

WHAMP!

He felt like he was just punched and sent flying into the air…

THUD!

…and landing on his stomach, feeling something inside of him break, possibly a rib.

"Ahhhh….ahhhh…M-Merl'we…!"

"Ell-osde c'jit you little Pyode Amedha scum! How dare you interrupt your better!"

"Me…Merl'we…where…?"

"That slut of a Lou-dte Kalei is still tied down! You haven't done anything to stop me! All you did was just delay me!"

"Y-you hurt her…I-I'll KILL YOU! KILL YOU!"

"You can't kill me! Heh…and I won't kill you either. I'm just going to teach you and your bitch of a handler a lesson in respect!"

He felt himself trying to get up. But then felt a large foot down on his small frame that pinned him down. Shinji gritted his teeth as he appeared angry.

"What are y-you…?"

NO!

He heard the sound of steel leaving it's sheath.

SHIIINNGGGGG!

He felt it touch the back end of his neck….

He screamed…

"SHINJI!"

(SSJNYH)

Now…

Shinji felt his nightmare disappear and he found himself back in the entry plug when he heard Misato's voice shout at him through the intercom. Panting, he immediately sat back in his seat, tears escaping his eyes and floating around him as little droplets. The intense pain in his back begun to subside and he forced himself to remain conscious.

S-Shinji? Misato's voice was calmer, and warmer now.

"I-I'm fine now," Shinji said quietly, eyes closed as he forced the last of his tears to fall. "Y-you just brought me back, th-thank you…"

(SSJNYH)

Misato was speechless, watching him panting on the screen, before swallowing softly, sucking it up and relaxing back into his seat, that look of determination returning to his person.

I…I brought him back? From where?

Ritsuko shook his head, "I've never seen anything like that before."

"Captain. Normally in this situation the Commander would never bring this up; Shinji's psychological welfare is your responsibility, so it's your call," Kozo called down to her. "Shall we proceed…"

Misato became silent, where all eyes now turned to her. The amount of anxiety in the room was enough to figuratively choke on. She stared at the defiant, impatient face of the Third Child and frowned.

"Prepare to launch!" she exclaimed.

She then stared intensely at the screen.

What's that warrior mind of yours thinking, Shin-chan?

(SSJNYH)

Releasing primary lock bolt!

Shinji continued to hear Maya and Makato's announcement over the intercom and the EVA vibrating as the various locks and restraints were torn off EVA-01's form, feeling himself slowly moving upward.

Release confirmed! Releasing umbilical bridge!

What just happened to me? That…that felt so real! Like I was back there, years ago, at that exact moment when…

Releasing primary and secondary restraints!

He shook his head and growled.

No!

Internal battery fully charged!

External power outlet minimal!

Transporting EVA-01 to Launch Elevator!

He closed his eyes, and recanted Gaun's words to himself.

What to remember when on the hunt:

Cowardice means shame! Fear means shame! Inaction means shame. Shame means death!

I'm not a coward! I'm not afraid of anything and I'm doing something: I'm fighting the Angel!

And I have no shame.

EVA-01 has arrived at Elevator! Gate 5, stand by!

Launch path clear! All green!

I have no shame. None at all.

(SSJNYH)

Launch preparations are complete!

"Roger!" Misato exclaimed.

She looked up at Kozo, expecting to see Gendo sitting next to him but was absent. At first she was worried, no terrified, that without Gendo's authority they wouldn't have been able to prepare for this battle in the short time they were given but she underestimated her own leadership qualities and that of the Sub-Commander.

"If Ikari was here," Kozo said. "He would say that if we fail to defeat the Angels humanity has no future."

Misato nodded, and turned to the main screen that displayed EVA-01 at the launch elevator directly below Gate 5.

"LAUNCH!" she ordered out loud.

(SSJNYH)

Shinji instinctively gripped the reins as he felt himself elevated upward rapidly. He shut his eyes tightly as he felt like gravity was crushing him. He was only used to being descended at a rapid pace with use of the clan's drop pods, and those were only on two occasions, and that included landing on Earth from the mother ship alongside Gaun, Merl'we, Nam and four other young bloods.

Blast doors at the other end of the elevator opened and sunlight assaulted his senses as he found himself standing in the centre of Tokyo-03's main road. Standing a dozen blocks away waiting for him was the enemy:

Sachiel, the Third Angel.

Recovering from deployment, Shinji frowned as he stared down the Angel from within the plug, within Evangelion Unit 01.

Was this thing waiting for me?

Shinji? Misato said.

"Yeah?"

This is it, you ready?

"Yeah!"

Releasing final safety locks.

The cage's locks on EVA-01's shoulder plating disengaged and he felt himself, or rather EVA-01, step forward.

Good luck, Shinji, Misato said, Shinji sensing pleading within in her voice.

Luck? When have I ever had it?

EVANGELION UNIT ONE LIFT OFF!

(SSJYNH)

Are you watching this, Mr. Weyland?

"I am, Ms. Yutani," Peter Weyland responded as he watched the satellite feed of Tokyo-3 where EVA-01 and Sachiel were staring each other down. "Now if we may conclude our corporations' merge by the end of this week, we can commence operations immediately."

It'll be done. If your father was watching this…

"The old fool would have regretted turning down investment in GEHIRN," Weyland replied, bitterly. "With NERV, however, I'm planning something with a more hands-on approach. Now…"

He crossed his arms as he focused on the screen.

"Let's see what the son of Yui Ikari can do."

(SSJYNH)

"What's the Angel doing?" Maya questioned out loud, seeing that Sachiel was standing there doing nothing, as was EVA-01.

"Shinji!" she exclaimed.

Yes?

"Try walking."

How?

Better make this as clear as I can.

"Just think," Misato answered. "Just think about the very concept of walking."

(SSJYNH)

Walk?

Shinji gripped the reins.

Walk!

Slowly, almost hesitantly, EVA-01 took one step forward…

"WHOA!"

…Shinji tussling about in his plug as the gigantic biomech tripped over it's own feet and came crashing down on the street. Shinji instinctively thought of putting his left hand forward to brace himself and EVA-01 automatically did so.

YOU DID IT! Misato practically squealed with happiness.

Shinji gritted his teeth…

Get up!

EVA-01 stood back up on his feet, and Sachiel still stood there, almost patiently. Shinji's eye widened when it hit him that…

This thing…is controlled by my thoughts…Hmm…

Shinji thought about moving his arm forward, just thinking about it, not physically doing it. Sure enough EVA-01 stretched his left arm forward, then Shinji thought about waving his left hand in front of his/EVA-01's face.

Whoa…!

He/EVA-01 then balled his/it's left hand into a fist then pounded it into his/EVA-01's right hand.

This…this is…WHOA!

SHINJI!

This…THIS IS AWESOME!

(SSJNYH)

"What's he doing?" Ritsuko demanded angrily, her happiness that Shinji made EVA-01 walk disappeared when Shinji begun to practically play with the EVA.

"Uh…getting a feel for the EVA?" Makoto guessed out loud, then reported. "The Target is still standing there."

Stepping forward, Ritsuko shouted.

"SHINJI!"

What? Shinji shot back, causing Ritsuko to flinch from his tone.

"Stop playing around and engage the enemy!" she exclaimed.

"Akagi!" Misato exclaimed at her in turn.

She's been on edge since Shinji tore open the Commander's face. What gives?

(SSJNYH)

Shinji frowned and willed EVA-01 to lower it's arm back to it's side…

'Engage the enemy'? Riiigggghhhtttt…no rush though, it's just standing there.

He narrowed his eyes at Sachiel, whom was just standing there doing nothing.

Is it waiting for me to attack?

He then pictured himself giving the Angel a 'I'll-slit-your-throat' motion and EVA-01 did so.

Remember me?

(SSJYNH)

"What the…?"

Everyone saw EVA-01 threaten Sachiel.

"MOVEMENT!" Shigeru shouted out loud. "TARGET'S MOVING FORWARD!"

(SSJYNH)

It's recognises me.

And it wants to kill me now?

Despite it's size Sachiel was fast as it charged at EVA-01, immediately swinging it's left arm that went through a high rise building and sending debris hurtling towards the Evangelion as it first aimed at EVA-01's head.

Shinji reacted almost instinctively, gripping the reins and drew upon one of his memories of the training sessions when he was ten-years old, where he had dodged Nam's sideward wristblade slash and had rolled backwards across the dirt to get some space between himself and his trainer.

EVA-01 made it happen, dodging Sachiel's strike and getting at least four city blocks worth of distance between itself and the Angel, making Shinji felt nauseous as EVA-01 came to a stop and stood up, back straight in defiance of it's opponent. And Shinji noticed for the first time that he a massive cable was connected to his back.

Umbilical cable! Primary power source!

Akagi wasn't kidding.

H…holy…shit… Misato sounded like she was breathless. Shinj, the way you moved…that was…w-whoa…

"Misato?" Shinji cried.

Right! Attack it, Shinji. Use your fists, the way you're controlling the EVA just keep doing it.

"R-right," Shinji stuttered a little.

Sachiel moved to attack him, swing it's right fist. EVA-01 raised it's right hand and caught it, then Shinji brought EVA-01's left fist back and punched it in it's avian skull, sending it stumbling backwards into a building and completely demolishing it

Shinji's eyes widened in shock.

Whoops…

(SSJNYH)

Misato and almost all of the bridge crew couldn't keep the smile off their faces when they all saw EVA-01's fist connect with Sachiel's head…

YEAH! First strike!

…which all faded when the Angel toppled into the structure and crushing it, and whomever was still inside it.

NO!

(SSJNYH)

"YAAARGGHHHH…C'JIT!"

Merl'we had just managed to get clear from the Angel as it collapsed into the building, bringing up dust and debris into the air. Adjusting her vision modes she could see EVA-01 standing some distance away, waiting for Sachiel to get back up. Ducking behind an abandoned car, still cloaked, the Huntress observed the ruins of the building.

How many oomans were in that building? They were still going into those shelters when that big biomech came out of the ground and that giant…mutant…bird fish charged it.

She then snorted.

Amateur, whoever's piloting that…that…

Looking at EVA-01 and scrolling through the view modes of her biomask she landed on tech-view and could see Yautja technology outlines, specifically wrist-comps, coming from within the mech's back. She gasped when she recognised the comp devices patterns, which were unique and individual to each Hunter that wore them.

CURVED BLADE?!

(SSJYNH)

Gaun was perched on another building some distance away, watching the battle unfold and seeing Sachiel get back up and slowly advance towards EVA-01.

You became it's pilot. It was unavoidable after all.

(SSJYNH)

"God…"

Misato rubbed her forehead stressfully.

"Evacuation was incomplete, damn it," she reminded herself, and everyone else, out loud. "Casualties?"

Maya covered her mouth in sadness as she read the statistics, "Fifty-six people were still in that building when it…oh God…"

"Suck it up, Ibuki," Shigeru groused. "We haven't lost yet."

Everyone, except for Kozo, almost jumped out of their skin when Shinji unleashed another war cry…

(SSJYNH)

"RAAAAARGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!"

EVA-01 struck Sachiel across the torso with it's fists in a one-two motion, before delivering an uppercut that sent it staggering back some more before it toppled over and landed on it's back into another building.

Shinji cursed out loud…

"C'JIT!"

(SSJYNH)

"Twenty casualties confirmed," Maya's sorrowful report came in.

Kozo watched the screen intently.

Eighty-six civilians dead. MAGI estimated zero to ten civilian casualties even when the evacuations were complete, but that was until the Angel arrived earlier than predicted.

Earlier? Why did it arrive earlier? That's the real question.

For Shinji, perhaps?

(SSJYNH)

"Misato!" Shinji exclaimed, angrily.

Yeah?

"Are there any people still around where I am?"

N-no. Don't worry, they're all in the shelters. It's just you and the Angel right now.

Shinji snorted, knowing the truth that people were dead because of him.

You're lying. It's you're voice.

(SSJYNH)

He knows I'm lying. It's my voice.

"CAPTAIN!" Makoto cried.

"HUH? NO…!"

(SSJYNH)

"RAARGHHH!"

Shinji brought EVA-01's fists down upon the fallen Angel, but was surprised when it raised both his hands and grabbed his. He gritted his teeth when he felt pressure on his wrists…

"Eh?"

…before feeling his left wrist snap.

"ARGGGGGGHHHHHH!"

The pain amplified tenfold due to his connection to the EVA, was none like that he's felt before. He couldn't hold back the scream, before he felt his wind knocked out of him as Sachiel kicked him, or rather EVA-01, in the stomach and he was sent falling backward and slamming into another structure, taking a fair chunk out of it.

PAUK…that hurt! I can feel this thing's PAIN?

SHINJI, MOVE! Misato screamed at him desperately. IT'S HEADING STRAIGHT FOR YOU! GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE!

Easy for you to say! You're not the one piloting this thing with your mind! AH…!

EVA-01 tried standing back up, but the Angel was upon him, gripping him by the neck and lifting him upwards before grabbing his left arm and stretching it. The feedbacks caused his left him for real to stretch and could only watch in horror as he felt it dislocate.

"AHHHHHH!"

(SSJNYH)

"SHINJI!" Misato cried.

"Arm has sustained critical damage!" Maya exclaimed. "Disconnecting circuits, re-routing connections…!"

"DO SOMETHING, RITSUKO!" Misato shouted at the doctor. "Shinji's not going to last!"

"Lower the feedback!" Ritsuko suddenly ordered Maya.

(SSJYNH)

Shinji felt the pain in his arm lessen and mentally ordered EVA-01 to punch Sachiel in the 'face' with it's free hand, temporary stunning it and allowing the EVA to place it's feet on it's body and push off it, allowing him break free and get some distance, knocking down another structure in the process and causing and explosion which shook the entire city.

He could feel the flames lick at his back as he struggled to get EVA-01 back on it's feet. He gritted his teeth, trying to hold back tears of pain.

"Hurts…" he whimpered. "Hurts…a-agony…"

Shinji, listen, Misato tried to consol him. What was dislocated wasn't your arm…

"IT SURE FELT LIKE IT!" Shinji shouted her into silence, frustrated as he nursed his stricken arm. "What do I do?

J-just walk yourself out of that building. We'll think of something…just hold on…

Seeing Sachiel approach him, Shinji gained control of his emotions and appeared stoic. He gritted his teeth as EVA-01 grabbed hold of it's own left arm before one loud crunch later…

CRACK!

"AH!"

…it relocated and restored it's own arm. It then relocated it's hand…

"CRACK!"

"OW!"

…and moved it around, trying to restore feeling to it. He then clenched it into a fist.

(SSJNYH)

"EVA-01's left arm and wrist restored!" Maya reported in surprise.

"What?" Ritsuko cried. "How?"

"He…he did it himself," Misato answered, rubbing her hand together nervously. "He…he just imagined relocating his own arm and…God…"

"This is impossible," Ritsuko stated, almost pacing within the control centre. "His control over the EVA, it's almost…natural for him. He shouldn't be at this level…"

Misato saw merit in Ritsuko analysis. She half-expected the Angel to be on top of Shinji the moment he stepped in, and were surprised when he threw the first blow and it connected. For a minute as the Angel ran towards EVA-01 she thought that Shinji would panic and the Angel would be on top of him almost instantly and that the personnel in Central Dogma would have to bust their own backs trying to persuade Shinji to throw a punch. But Shinji, the warrior that he is, stepped up to the challenge and threw that first punch all by himself.

The bastards that trained him warped his mind and that's rubbing off the EVA. Of course piloting it would be natural for him. All he could do is picture himself hacking some oversized cockroach in half and the EVA would do it...even if it doesn't have a sword or anything remotely sharp.

But hearing his screams and his brief saddening whimpers of pain, she remembered he was still vulnerable. Vulnerable inside a foreign environment, the plug, which would be nothing like wherever he's being in those seven years not on planet Earth.

"Status," Ritsuko said, drawing Misato attention to her. "What is EVA-01's status?"

"Moderate damage to arm and wrist, but it still has full mobility," Maya reported.

"He's engaging the enemy!" Makoto reported. "He's charging!"

"What?" Misato turned back to the screen

(SSJNYH)

Shinji bellowed out loud again when EVA-01 suddenly charged Sachiel, grabbing the Angel and tackling it. They skidded across the road, their feet nicking and damaging structure but luckily not knocking over any more.

EVA-01 became pummelling the Angel in the face, it's fists moving like a piston and not giving it a change to counter. EVA-01 then gripped it's left arm with it's left forearm and with it's left hand, and with it's right fist Shinji commanded it to bring it down on it's arm, with one shattering of bone it separated from the rest of it's body.

EVA-01 then tossed the severed forearm over it's shoulder, Shinji panting as he felt the adrenaline spike in him and he felt his face slowly twist into a smile.

Shinji! Do you see that red orb in the centre of the Angel?

His smile faded, hearing Misato again.

"Yeah!"

Target that! Misato ordered. That has to be the core, it's weak spot.

"Right! GAH…!"

He then felt Sachiel strike it's head with his right first.

"AH!" the feedback caused Shinji to cover the left side of his face as it seared in pain. "PAUK!"

Shinji, look out!

Sachiel tackled EVA-01 in turn and then gripped it's head with his left hand. Shinj could see the hollow palm begun to light up and he put his hand forward to shield himself from the glare.

Is that a particle beam? Oh c'jit IT IS!

Move Shinji! You're a sitting duck just lying there! MOVE!

EVA-01kicked Sachiel off itself, this time it propelled itself into the air, spun itself so that it's head and torso were facing the EVA and then aimed it's hand at it. It was sent propelled many miles above into the air as it fired a blueish-white beam straight downward at EVA-01 and Shinji.

"ARGH!"

Shinji cried out as he rolled out of the direction of the beam as it struck the road where EVA-01 had being lying, nicking the right side of EVA-01's face…

"ARGHHHHHHHHH!" Shinji screamed as he covered his right eye as it seared in pain.

The resulting explosion sending him flying through several more structures and he felt like every bone in his body was being shattered from contact with supposedly reinforced building material.

"ARGH….AHHH…GRAAAAGGGHHHHH!"

(SSJNYH)

"CURVED BLADE!" Merl'we instinctively cried out loud as she saw from a safe distance EVA-01 knocking over several buildings as it was blown halfway across Tokyo-03 before coming to a stop amidst ruins.

Her breathing erratic from panic, she begun to maker her way towards the other side of the city, bent on saving her friend.

(SSJNYH)

Gaun felt her mandibles twist painfully as she saw EVA-01 skid to a stop, and Shinji's outline within the plug area become limp and unresponsive. Sachiel landed itself on the opposite side of the city and quickly begun stomping back towards EVA-01 and Shinji.

"Pup…" she muttered.

PUP!

She then started moving, leaping off the top of the four storey building she was standing on and making her way across the abandoned streets, still cloaked.

(SSJNYH)

"SHINJI, NO!"

Misato screamed as she saw Shinji's limp form just lie there in the plug, arms and leg stretched as he struggled to close his eyes. He felt like he was being torn in two when he coughed blood that floated about in the plug and he tried moving his mouth to speak. EVA-01 didn't look much worse, lying there amidst rubble, which perfectly reflected Shinji.

It…it hurts… Shinji whimpered painfully. He tried lifting his head, his right eye closed. M-Misato…

"Critical damage to chest cavity, ribcage, left side of head!" Maya rapidly exclaimed. "The right side is going into paralysis!"

Shinji begun muttering deliriously in an alien language, and Misato felt like she was the only person who could hear amidst the seemingly bickering technicians and doctor.

Ka…m'jec…m'jec Gaun…sova…kais…borra…

"Heart beat erratic!" Makato cried. "Oh shit…"

"What?" Misato demanded. "WHAT IS IT!"

"Reversing synographs! Pulse is flowing back!" he replied. "He's losing control of the Unit."

"Then stop that back flow! Do it manually!" Ritsuko ordered.

"Can't! Signal's being rejected by the EVA!"

Misato gritted her teeth and turned away from the shouting technicians, now staring at the seemingly unconscious form of Shinji Curved Blade. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to block out everything going on the command centre as she tried to figure out what to do now.

Do now?

That's it…show's over! God help us!

"Force eject plug!"

All eyes turned back to her. Kozo was intrigued.

"Captain Katsuragi!" Ritsuko shouted at her, outraged.

"All previous orders have been suspended!" Misato shouted back. "Pilot safety is now our primary concern. FORCE EJECT PLUG!"

Suddenly the viewscreen displaying the inside of the plug became white noise.

"There's no override!" Maya called out. "We've lost all contact with the EVA!"

Misato's eyes widened in horror, and she turned back to the screen.

NO! SHINJI…

(SSJNYH)

What's this?

No longer feeling pain but warmness all around, Shinji opened his eyes and found himself floating naked, amidst white stars. His scars were gone as was the ornaments in his air, and his wrist-comps had disappeared as well, leaving no trace of them on his hands.

Am…am I dead?

He sighed and smiled.

I must be.

He chuckled mirthlessly.

Heh, they were counting on me. All of them. To save them. Oomans were counting on me to save them…

Why did I agree in first place? What was I fighting for?

Images or Rei and Misato suddenly flashed in his mind…

Oh, right. Just for those two oomans? They must be disappointed that I died…disappointed at me that I died…

He then saw Gaun…

Mother?

No…

He looked panicked.

Oh, no…she's still in the city.

Her…Merl'we, Nam.

They're still in the city.

He gritted his teeth as he felt anger well up inside him once again.

I…I can't be here! I-I have to get back, somehow! I…have to save them…all of them…I…

Warm…

I feel warm.

Why do I feel so warm?

He turned himself to see a bright light approaching him.

What's that?

A womanly figure materialised out of the light and Shinji froze up, stunned. She recognised the figure, something he thought he would never see again, back when he was ooman.

I-is that?

No…it is.

M-mom?

He felt his muscles clench…

What the…?

…his fists clench…

Why do I…?

….his adrenalin spike and his blood boil…

Want to…?

…his eyes slant and narrow in rage…

…to…?

…his teeth clench in anger.

KILL!

Shinji screamed like a berserker and lunged for the ethereal looking woman, hands stretched as if ready to throttle her.

"IKKKKARRRRRRIIIIIII!"

KILL!

(SSJNYH)

"EVA-01's REACTIVATED!" Maya cried out loud.

All in Central Dogma saw Sachiel went for EVA-01's throat that it suddenly came back online and struck it in the core with it's fist, causing it to stagger back, winded. The camera inside the entry plug revealed Shinji sitting properly in his seat, gripping the reins tightly enough so that the bones in his wrists begun to creak. He was gnashing his teeth as the blood that he had coughed up earlier was now splattered all over his face, giving him a macabre, feral appearance.

EVA-01 begun to move slowly back onto it's feet, Shinji's will to survive and desire to kill all the power it needed. Ritsuko stared at the screen in disbelief.

"What's happening, Rits?" Misato cried. "A minute ago EVA-01 was out for good!"

'That's not possible,' she thought, panicked. 'Ikari was confident that at this point in the battle the soul within EVA-01 should have taken control and the EVA would go berserk…not the pilot."

"RITSUKO!" Misato shouted at her, seeing she was distracted. "ANSWER!"

"I-I don't know!" Ritsuko exclaimed. "This wasn't supposed to happen!"

Surprised, Misato demanded. "Wha…what do you mean you don't know?"

Shinji bellowed again, and this time…

"VRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"

…EVA-01's opened it's titanic mouth, ripping out the joints that kept it's jaws clamped together, and bellowed out loud with him.

"EVA-01 just ripped out it's own frontal shut-off joint!" Makato cried. "What the hell is that kid doing to it?"

"Sync ratio's at 75 percent and rising!" Maya exclaimed. "Shinji's heart beat at twice the normal speed! His psychograph is off the charts! I-it's like he's losing his mind!"

On the view screen they saw EVA-01 charge the Angel, with blood in Shinji's eyes.

"I-I think I know." Ritsuko stated shakily. "Shinji's the one going berserk…and it's affecting the EVA."

Misato's eye widened.

Shinji? Berserk? Unit-01?

Memories flashed back of Shinji cutting the Kainde Amedha queen in half, staggering out of his hospital room covered in blood, and beating those Section 2 agents down, and those times had a maniacal expression reminiscent of a certain condition derived from the Norse.

Not good!

(SSJNYH)

"YAAAAARGHHHHH….!"

Shinji let out cries of exertion as he was imagining himself punching Sachiel, EVA-01 obeying his will and was pummelling it's massive fists into the monster's core. And with that last cry of might he drove it's fist harder into the core, cracking it and sending it falling backwards into yet another building, flattening it.

Just as EVA-01 moved to attack it some more the space between them cracked and pulse with golden lightning, then suddenly a hexagonal barrier appeared, striking and preventing EVA-01 from advancing towards it and sending it flying backwards.

(SSJYNH)

"AN AT-FIELD!" Misato cried.

"So the Angels do have them," Ritsuko added.

(SSJYNH)

Reflecting his own darkened, half-crazed berserker state of mind, the lighting within the plug became red as Shinji was now smiling maniacally, his left eye still closed.

"That won't stop me," he hissed.

For good measure he charged again and imagined himself tearing through the Angel's golden shield. EVA-01's hands stretched themselves forward and it immediately rammed itself into the AT Field. It then begun to force it open.

Shinji! It's firing again!

From the eyesockets of one of the skull next to it's 'face' it fired another particle beam. Shinji imagined withstanding the blast and to his surprise EVA-01 projected it's own hexagonal AT Field that not only blocked the beam but also phased out the Angel's own AT Field. EVA-01 then grinded it's sharpened left knee cap into the ore then moved it' right leg behind Sachiel and shoved it forward so that it tripped over on it's back onto the ground.

It then brought it's fist down on Sachiel's core, breaking parts of it. The Angel laid there, seemingly helpless, until suddenly it darted forward, wrapping it's legs around EVA-01 and his arms around it's chest.

"WHAT?" Shinji shouted.

(SSJYNH)

"WHAT THE HELL'S IT DOING NOW?" Misato cried out loud.

"SELF-DESTRUCT!" Ritsuko answered equally loud.

Misato felt herself paralysed with chills as she watched Sachiel tighten itself around EVA-01.

(SSJYNH)

Gritting his teeth so hard he thought he felt one of his molar's crack, Shinji willed EVA-01 to run straight ahead through the nearest building, and another one, and another one, just to try and loosen Sachiel's hold on EVA-01.

SHINJI! Misato cried, no doubt watching in horror as he plowed EVA-01 and Sachiel into the structures.

EVA-01 felt Sachiel loosen it's hold on his legs and grabbed it by it's own legs, at first trying to pry them off but instead opted to tear them off right from underneath it. Lifting the legless Angel by the armpits it then slammed it back onto the ground, bringing up tons of debris and dust.

The boy felt like he was sweating blood as he stared out of the plug at his fallen, almost limbless opponent. Shinji was panting once again as the strain begun to tear away at him. He noticed he was seeing red and wiped his face, his blood on his hand.

"Uhhh…" he groaned.

S-Shinji? he heard Misato's voice once again.

He smiled, "Yeah?"

You can finish it off now. This battle can finally end.

Shinji stared down at his helpless foe and nodded, willing EVA-01 to put it's left foot out and ready itself to stomp it's core in. Suddenly Armiel lifted it's remaining arm and aimed it at the ground. EVA-01 crossed his arms to deflect the blast as it propelled itself into the air and away from him. Shinji gritted his teeth, as did EVA-01, and leap backwards to avoid the searing blast.

Shinji/EVA-01 stared up to see Sachiel stop firing it's particle beam and descend back towards the hurtled downward towards Shinji with it's arms stretched wide and exposing it's cracked core, intent on plowing itself into his EVA and knocking it down. Shinji willed EVA-01 to ball it's right hand into a fist.

(SSJYNH)

All human eyes in Central Dogma were now on this savage hunter turned reluctant pilot. Misato unconsciously clasped her hands together as if in silent prayer. On the viewscreen they could see Shinji's determined face. He then opened his mouth and let out a battle cry….

"RAAAAAARGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

…as Sachiel was upon him, stunning everyone on the bridge. As Sachiel went to wrap it's arms around EVA-01 it propelled it's fist forward and struck it in the core.

"Oh…my god…" Maya was heard to whisper.

Sachiel's body was now wrapped around EVA-01's fist as it penetrated through it's shattered core into it's body. Shinji was now panting, trying to catch his breath, not remembering the last time he had put himself through such a berserker trance. To his chagrin he just did…

When I tried to save Merl'we…

He frowned and tried to pull his fist out of Sachiel. Suddenly he found himself engulfed in a bright white light as the Angel met it's demise, Shinji shielding his eyes while the personnel in Central Dogma just watched as the light blasted downward from EVA-01's into the GeoFront and shining on HQ in the form of a white cross. With EVA-01 standing triumphantly it's first pointed upwards at the heavens.

(SSJNYH)

Reclining in his seat, Weyland continued to watch the satellite feed of the battle, a glass of rye now in his right hand.

"Impressive."

He took a sip of his rye.

"This is some way to kick off our war against the Great Unknown: Waving our fists at it. You watching this, Schaefer?"

Yeah? a heavy Austrian-accented voice said over the desk intercom. They're making a kid pilot that thing?

"They are."

Fucking cowards!

(SSJNYH)

Shinji felt his strength leave him, EVA-01 promptly mimicking his actions as it toppled over and crash through another building, luckily no one inside it this time.

"Nain-desintye-de…" he muttered to himself tired.

He willed his EVA to stand up and walk towards Armiel's severed left forearm, the EVA wobbling as it did so. It then fell to it's knees and it finally lost power and become still. Suddenly the entry plug popped out of it's plug, immediately venting the LCL that sprayed all over.

Shinji, what are you doing? Misato said, demandingly.

The plug's hatch opened and Shinji slowly but surely climbed out, slowly climbing down the length of EVA-01's back, his coordination off as he heard light whistling in his ears like if he was suffering from a concussion. Just as he was about to step off the EVA and onto the steel of Tokyo-03's main street he felt nauseous as he clutched his chest and nearly tripped onto the street.

"Uhhh…HWARKKKK!"

His left hand on the ground as support he fell to his knees as he begun to expel the LCL in his lungs, throwing it up. Afterwards, he took a long, deep breath, taking in fresh oxygen graciously provided by the atmosphere of this planet.

He then stood back up, his vision still wobbly as he saw the severed arm some feet away from him. Extending his wrist blade he limped towards it, smiling lightly.

(SSJNYH)

"Hey, what's he doing now?" Shigeru said, watching the live-camera feed of Tokyo-03 main street of Shinji struggling towards Sachiel's forearm in a daze.

(SSJYNH)

Standing before the severed limb, Shinji gave a cry of exertion as he swung his wrist blade and broke off a piece of the arm, which fell onto the steel ground. Shinji bent over and picked up the shard which was as big as his thumb. He smiled. He then enclosed his left fist over it as he felt himself begin to lose unconscious, this time falling down on his bottom as everything became dizzy and he passed out.

(SSJNYH)

Central Dogma became quiet as they watched the camera feed of Shinji now unconscious next to the Angel's still physical severed arm. Misato downcast her eyes, which then widened when she realised she had just shed a tear.

Tears?

She wiped it away and choked back a sob.

Why am I feeling like this? We had no choice; we needed a pilot, someone to make the EVA move. I shouldn't be upset. Why the hell am I upse…?

She paused and silently gasped as she quickly understood why, but still chose to question herself.

Is it because I stood by as he agreed to pilot, only after he found himself in the corner Ikari… and I, put him in? Someone who should be recovering from torment suffered at whatever's hands we put him through more torment? After everything he's being through I threw him back into the fray and…and we probably drove him insane? And he trusted me…

Oh God…

She gritted her teeth and bowed her head, quietly sobbing.

He trusted me.

"Captain?"

Misato looked up at Kozo, who looked at her sternly. She nodded.

"Begin…begin salvage procedure," Misato ordered out loud. "Deploy rescue teams."

The silence ended abruptly as command scrambled. Ritsuko frowned at her and stepped out of Central Dogma, shaking her head. Misato turned back to the feed to see Shinji still lying there, then looking up at the main screen at the devastation both EVA and Angel, but mostly EVA, inflicted upon Tokyo-03.

Now we're paying for it.

She sighed.

Shinji…

"HEY!"

Misato quickly looked up as she heard Shigeru exclaim.

"What is it?"

"We just lost camera feed on Shinji's position!"

Misato was alarmed, "What?"

(SSJNYH)

"Ahh…ahh…ah?"

Shinji opened his eyes to see the blue sky and the sun bearing down on him. He closed his eyes turned to his left to avoid the glare, watching as a tall feminine translucent shape begun walking towards him, decloaking to reveal someone he thought he would never see again.

He smiled, "Yau-th."

The dark-skinned, masked Huntress stared down at him. Then slowly she crouched down reached for his shoulder, pulling him over to her in a warm embrace. Shinji wrapped his arms around her back, resting his head on her chest.

"Pup," she replied quietly.

Shinji passed out again.

"Hurry up, Gaun!" Merl'we called out from the nearest alleyway as Gaun scooped up Shinji in her arms. "Before we lose our newest Blooded hunter again."

The both of them promptly disappeared in the alley, and out of sight.


C'ji – Shit/damn/general expletive

Pauk – Fuck

Lou-dte Kalei – Baby Maker (female insult)

Ell-osde c'jit – Damn you

Nain-desintye-de - "The Pure Win", absolute victory

Yau-th – Parent/Guardian