Version 1.05: other minor corrections (thanks again, Vandenbz)
[A/N] And so we come to the penultimate chapter of our little odyssey. Not sure if that counts as a spoiler or not, but whatever. Good reactions to the last chapter, glad you enjoyed that one final bit of calm and fun before the storm. But the calm's over now, on with the bad weather…
Chapter 25: Keter
Shinji looked out over the devastated defensive cordon that had been set up to protect the EVA's storage bay.
"But how?" whispered Shinji, "How did a bunch of badly armed gang members take out all of Aria's defences?"
Samara regarded the scene critically as she spoke, "Most of the damage to the surrounding structures and to the Atlases in particular appears to have been caused by highly focused biotic strikes."
Shinji frowned as he surveyed the destruction, "EDEN did mention something about Jona Sederis having oddly strong biotic abilities that her criminal profile made no mention of."
"It's not just that," whispered Kasumi, "Look at all the bullet holes, "she said, nodding about at the walls, "They weren't just firing in one direction. They were attacked from all sides."
Shinji nodded in agreement, "A coordinated surprise assault. There were probably some indoctrinated forces on their side too."
Shinji continued looking about. The mechs had all been destroyed with the exception of the one that had obviously been commandeered by one of Jona's troops. The lone Atlas was now standing guard behind the remains of the barriers defending the storage area.
The three watched as Jona herself turned and walked past the outer defences and through the main doors.
Shinji made a count of the enemy number. Besides the Atlas, there were three turians, two krogan and one batarian. "Two to one odds and that's not including the mech," he murmured, "I need to get to Unit-01…"
"I think they're aware of that," whispered Kasumi as she clicked off her Omnitool display, "I've just received a report. The enemy has started pulling out of Talon headquarters and is now moving toward this sector and Afterlife."
"Obviously Moran is proving to be more trouble than he's worth, "commented Shinji.
"We must penetrate their defences before those reinforcements arrive," said Samara.
There was a shimmering in the air as Kasumi vanished, "Leave the mech to me," came her voice from thin air, "Be ready."
Shinji took a breath to steel himself as they waited for the inevitable signal, his knuckles cracking around the grip of his pistol.
The reaction did not go unnoticed, "You're nervous," said Samara.
Shinji smiled weakly, "I guess open warfare just isn't my style. My experience is normally more of a one-on-one affair."
"So I've heard…"
He looked to her, "A joke?"
She cocked her head, "if it helps…"
Shinji couldn't help but smile, "I suppose it did. Thanks, Samara."
"You're welcome," she responded, her eyes locked ahead.
"So what do you suppose our chances are?" asked Shinji after a moment of tense silence.
"Far better than I am used to, to be perfectly honest."
Shinji smiled, "I suppose you're used to operating alone when the odds of survival are stacked against you. I should probably flick through Aria's collection of Justicar Monthly once this is all over. I hear they make interesting reading."
That seemed to catch Samara's attention, "Aria's collection?"
Shinji shifted nervously, "If you want me to live to see my next birthday, tell no one I-" Shinji was unable to finish his plea, as he was interrupted by the sound of commotion up ahead.
Shinji looked over the barrier to see the Atlas staggering about. Its upper torso was swerving uncontrollably as sparks leaped out the rear of the hood. It flailed violently as its comrades tried to assist, only for one of the turians to stray a little too close and get himself splashed to the four winds for his trouble.
There was a loud groaning as something in the mech blew out and it collapsed lifelessly over onto one side.
"I think that's our cue…" said Shinji, but Samara was already moving. The justicar had leaped over the barricade and was sprinting the length of the street toward the disorganised mass of bodies.
One of the krogan troops noticed her and seemed about to raise the alarm, but it was already too late.
Samara reared an arm back and hurled a shockwave directly into the mass of indoctrinated enemies. Their blockade exploded in a blue flash and the figures were hurled in every direction.
Shinji came out of cover and opened fire on the remaining forces, his pistol catching its mark on one of the Krogan as he staggered back to his feet. The round shattered an entire corner of his skull and he went slumping back to the ground.
The only remaining man who hadn't been killed by the shockwave when it struck –a turian in this case— was quickly dispatched when a knife seemingly materialised out of nowhere in his throat.
Shinji watched as the turian collapsed into a gargling heap before going still.
Kasumi then reappeared, wiping her knife down before storing it somewhere up her sleeve.
Shinji regarded the two warily, "If either of you two has a bad side, I pray I never find myself on it."
Kasumi smiled, "Good work, team. Onwards." she chimed, pointing ahead and then marching off towards a nearby steel wall.
"Where are you going?" asked Shinji with a frown, following the thief along with Samara.
Kasumi smiled, "They're going to be pouring out of that door in the next few seconds to crush whatever caused that noise, and while we could fight our way through…" she paused to elbow the wall and a concealed vent cover fell free, "I prefer to make a somewhat more subtle –albeit old fashioned— sort of entrance."
Without another word, Kasumi then turned and hopped up, slipping nimbly into the vent and vanishing into darkness.
"Air vents. I hate air vents…" muttered Shinji as he jumped up and dragged himself in after Kasumi, "I swear, if I get kicked in the face…"
-Ω-
Aria ducked down behind the upturned table she was using as cover as a series of bullets whizzed by the side of her head.
With its multiple levels and cover positions, Aria wasn't lying about her club being a good defensive location. In fact, it'd be wrong to say she hadn't taken such things into consideration when handling the redesign after ousting Cerberus.
The pirate picked off a pair of Krogan as they emerged atop the stairs leading to the VIP area. The snipers she'd set up on the higher levels were doing a good job of handling any stragglers or targets of opportunity.
It was clear that the enemy was diverting a good number of troops in an attempt to secure the club, as was evident by the growing piles of corpses that littered the floor. Unfortunately for the indoctrinated forces, attacking a nightclub filled with combat trained asari and heavily armed security staff with good defensive positions was not a very wise thing to do, especially when your best armaments are light pistols and makeshift firebombs.
"What are these fuckers thinking?" shouted Aria over the noise as she effortlessly picked off a pair of batarians on the dance floor below.
"Perhaps they think we'll just run out of ammo…" called back Nirama from her position on Aria's couch where she'd braced her sniper rifle. As well as being the most comfortable sniper's nest she'd ever been in, her current spot was perfect for dispatching enemies as they came in through the main doors, "Or maybe just get bored and give up." She paused to fire a shot and a krogan entering the club dropped dead in response, "though I for one am having immense fun."
A series of shots from a sub-machine gun rang out as Tevos picked off a group of enemies that she'd lifted into the open with an immensely powerful biotic field, "Unfortunately, I do not share your enjoyment of such wanton violence."
"Just making the best of a bad situation," replied Nirama, taking a break from her shooting to stand and hurl a shockwave down at a group of enemies entrenched behind some tables. The instant they scattered, she kicked her rifle back up into her hand and picked each of them off in rapid succession, "Cheer up, Tevos. If you're nice I'll give you a freebie when all this is over."
"Sorry, I've got first shot with this one," said Aria as she took out a human and a turian trying to climb over the barrier and onto the VIP level, "though you're free to join the fun."
"Sounds like a plan," chimed the dancer as she swapped a thermal clip around, using the pause to toss a grenade down onto the floor below.
"It's so nice to be wanted," murmured the councillor. Both she and Aria were thrown back an instant later when a bazooka round smashed into their combined biotic barriers.
"Looks like they're moving in the artillery, boss," shouted Nirama, the loud clunking of mech feet audible from beyond her as an Atlas trenched its way across the dance floor, pulping piles of corpses underfoot as it went. It was swiftly joined by another, and another. The three mechs split quickly up to take the VIP section from all sides, "Hmm…this could be problematic."
"They've must've taken the mech bay," commented Aria, "I did not see this coming." That was when she received a comm update from the Thunder Child on the situation surrounding the station.
After skimming the details on her Omnitool, Aria took a quick moment to offer a few choice expletives to express her rising dissatisfaction and then turned her attention on the first Atlas to begin venting her annoyance.
Things were officially getting out of hand.
-Ω-
The Thunder Child rocked to one side as a shot from one of the remaining enemy ships clipped her bow, but those last few vessels were proving to be the least of their problems.
"Thunder Child to all vessels, ignore the remaining enemy ships and concentrate your fire on the Leviathans." ordered Tisala as she swerved the ship down to avoid a blast of white from one of the smaller creatures. The three gargantuan specimens were flying in an almost leisurely triangular formation towards the station as the smaller members of their group worked to assault the pirate fleet. It had been several hours since the first of the enemy ships had arrived, and the toll of the battle was becoming visibly clear on Omega's ships.
"I'm detecting a weakness in one of the leaders' shields," said EDEN.
"Garrus!" shouted the asari.
"Locking main cannon now."
"Alert." Came EDEN's voice, "I am detecting an upsurge of energy within the target."
"Fire the damned thing, Vakarian!" Barked Tisala.
"I just did…" responded the turian with odd calmness.
Tisala watched as the Thanix blast struck the defensive shield and punched clean through it, only for it to be absorbed by a shimmering blue barrier that was only revealed when the attack struck.
Tisala could only look on in shock, "It can't be…"
"I'm detecting another power build-up from one of the target's support units." Said EDEN as one of the smaller Leviathan's flanking the leader shifted. Its tentacle-like protrusions writhed briefly and there came the unmistakable shimmering of dark energy around the massive hulk of its body. Its tentacles then flicked forward and the energy was released in their direction.
"Incoming shockwave!" called EDEN, and Tisala's hands moved to quickly get the ship out of the path of what had to be one of the largest biotic attacks in history.
Several of the crew were hurled from their chairs as the trailing side of the wave grazed their port nacelle, which would have been ripped clean from its housing had it not been for the barriers protecting it.
Tisala steadied herself in her chair, "They have biotic capabilities?" she breathed.
"So it would seem. And their biotic amplification technology looks to be far more advanced than anything we have on record."
"What's the status of the fleet?" she asked, glancing back at the AI.
"We've lost another five ships," replied EDEN, "The enemy fleet has been completely neutralised. We have yet however been able to dispatch any of the Leviathans."
"Did you send the distress signal?" Asked Tisala.
"Yes, as soon as the Leviathans arrived. And while it is feasible for vessels to reach here in time to render assistance, there are no guarantees anybody will respond to our plea for help."
"Who'd help a bunch of pirates?" muttered Tisala, "Even if they are trying to save the galaxy…" she paused to sigh, "I guess we'll just have to do what we can. Though it'll be an act of the goddess if we get out of this with our skins still attached…"
"Acts of men are better than acts of gods, "commented EDEN in an oddly brusque way, "Don't lose faith yet. I've been in worse situations than this before and the day was still won."
"Is that so?"
EDEN cocked her head, "Well I died, but yeah…"
"That's reassuring…"
Tisala cursed as a blast from one of the guarding leviathans came within several feet of striking their starboard side.
"Three of the enemies are rapidly closing on our position."
The ship shook violently as one of the leviathans reached out with its tentacles and gripped onto the aft hull and drive section.
"What is it doing?" asked Tisala as Garrus tried to orientate the main cannon on their passenger.
Suddenly, the displays about them flickered and EDEN staggered, one of her eyes twitching involuntarily, "They are attempting to force access to my main databanks." Her eyes widened, "They're after the Dummy Plug System. Tisala!" she shouted as she felt her control of the Thunder Child falter.
Tisala gritted her teeth, "Firing antiproton thrusters! Engaging overdrive."
The Thunder Child's aft blazed as her thrusters fired, bathing the Leviathan with heat equivalent to twice that of the sun's surface.
While they may have been in space, the vibrations channelled through the Leviathan's attached limbs allowed the crew to hear the creature's screams as the main portion of its body was violently incinerated.
EDEN assumed control of the ship briefly to shake the corpse off.
"You okay?" asked Tisala, glancing back at her.
She nodded, "Yes. Thank you for that, Tisala."
"No problem. But are you sure you're fine? You look a little shaken."
EDEN cocked her head, "I'm fine, thanks. That was just a particularly…unpleasant sensation."
"I can imagine," murmured Tisala, who quickly returned her attention ahead as they narrowly missed getting their hull punched through by another energy blast.
"Nice evasion," commented EDEN as she sat herself in the co-pilots chair to avoid being thrown about as the ship was repeatedly buffeted.
The ship jerked suddenly to one side and then the other as a pair of gargantuan singularities formed in space off their port and starboard sides. The gravitational forces dragged them to an abrupt halt as two of the smaller Leviathans closed in on them, their maws glowing as they readied to fire.
"What's the status on the rest of the fleet?" asked Tisala urgently.
"Engaged or crippled. There are only six ships remaining operational and all are currently engaged. The Elbrus has also been disabled. I am unable to divert any additional energy to the thrusters and the main cannon is still charging," said EDEN, who paused before adding, "I'm sorry…"
"Blasted apart by alien death rays…" lamented Tisala, "well at least I get to die with dignity…"
"And with more than a little irony…" commented EDEN.
"And there goes my dignity…"
Two flashes lit up space in the viewing port and Tisala flinched, only for both leviathans to be cast aside, for it was not from the two creatures that the flashes had originated.
A huge hole from a pair of concentrated Thanix blasts had been punched through the side of one leviathan and out the side of the other.
"What in the…?"
"I'm picking up new sensor contacts," said EDEN as several blips suddenly appeared on the grid.
A white streak shot by the side window as another ship curved about and came to a halt just off the Thunder Child's bow.
It was the Normandy.
"Now then," came a familiar voice over the comm system, "what do we say?"
Tisala sank down in her chair, deflating at the sound of Jeff Moreau's voice "Thank you…" she exhaled, "Thank you, Joker."
"There we go," he chimed, "So what did you pirates do to piss off the space squid?"
"Don't be racist, Jeff," came EDI's voice.
"Only you would act PC for cybernetic sushi," he muttered offhandedly, "but don't worry, folks. The cavalry is officially here."
"EDEN?" asked Tisala.
"I'm detecting four other ships besides the Normandy. They just dropped out of FTL on the edge of the combat zone."
"Show me." EDEN nodded and the screen changed to display the image of four hulking ships. At their head was a large Quarian vessel. And while that alone might not have been the mightiest of additions to their dwindling numbers, the three Geth dreadnaughts flanking her were a chilling sight to behold.
A new voice sounded over the speaker system, "This is Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Rannoch Nar Rayya of the Neema addressing all remaining pirate vessels."
"This is the Thunder Child, "responded Tisala as the quarian's face appeared on the monitor, "State your intent, Admiral."
"Your distress signal was relayed to ourselves by the Normandy whilst en route. We are here to offer assistance."
"But…why?" asked Tisala, "Not that I'm complaining, mind you…"
"Let us just say we are working to repay a debt. And on a more personal note, I believe you have someone close to me on board your ship?"
"Hi, Tali!" came a cheery a voice over the intercom.
"And there it is, "sighed the Admiral, "Trust you to end up working on a pirate ship."
"It's not so bad, Tali. It's just like working on a quarian ship, only with more drinking."
"I will take your word for that."
Tisala shrugged "Debt; personal errand, either works for me. I'll paint your targets for you and EDEN should be relaying all the tactical information we have on the Leviathans."
"Understood, Thunder Child, we're standing by."
"This is the Normandy. We've received targeting information and are breaking off to begin our attack run."
"I think we'll be joining you, Normandy," responded Tisala as she entered a parallel course to the other frigate, locking onto mutual targets, "we'll need to concentrate our fire in order to penetrate their barriers."
"And I'm sure we'll look great doing it, "commented Joker, "You there too, Garrus?"
"Of course," replied the turian, not looking up from his console, "That was a nice shot there by the way. Although...the energy output of your main cannons seems to have dropped a fraction of a percent since I was last on board. Remind me to drop in and calibrate them for you some time…"
"You sure know how to party, Garrus."
"Thank the goddess for the Geth," sighed the former spectre, returning her attention to the display as the four vessels broke off and began targeting the smaller Leviathans, drawing their attention from the ailing pirate vessels, "…never thought I'd end up saying that."
"Very true, "replied Joker, "So…you ready to dance with us, babe?"
"Mister Moreau," replied Tisala with a smirk, "you've never danced until you've danced with me…"
-Ω-
Shinji looked down through the grille. The vents went no further so they knew they'd have no choice but to move into the open if they wanted to progress further.
"You have anything?" asked Shinji, looking back at Kasumi as she checked her Omnitool.
She shook her head, "Nothing. They've set up some kind of high density signal jammer. Communications are down."
"That's not good…" said Shinji, watching as the small group of guards in the section below patrolled back and forth, "If they've got jammers in place then there's no way to remotely link Unit-01 to EDEN."
"That is a problem for us to deal with later…" commented Samara, "It would appear that Jona Sederis has been forced to spread her forces thinly inside."
Shinji nodded, "They probably took a beating just trying to secure the place. To be honest I'm still not sure how she pulled it off. The talons had them vastly outnumbered and outgunned."
"As I said," said Samara, "Most of the damage outside appeared to have been caused by biotics."
"But I haven't seen any other biotics here so far besides Jona." said Shinj, "that would mean she took out most of them by herself, but how?"
"I'm unsure, but we should be cautious."
Shinji nodded, "Shall we?" he asked, nodding at the enemies below as he brought his pistol up in readiness.
An eerie sort of calm washed over Shinji and it suddenly occurred to him that he was about to casually take the lives of others once more, but he detached himself from feelings of guilt as he realised it all eventually boiled down to one thing:
Kill or die.
"Six of them," said Samara, pushing up against Shinji to look out, "A frontal assault should be sufficient."
Shinji nodded, waiting for as many of the enemy to have their backs turned as possible. He then raised a boot up and prepared to kick the grating off, "On three?"
Kasumi nodded.
"One…" began Shinji, and got no further as Samara kicked the grill off and leaped down into the open, unleashing a massive shockwave in the process and hurling all the indoctrinated forces clear off their feet. She then calmly pulled her weapon free and dispatched them with a few perfectly aimed shots.
Shinji looked to Kasumi and back, "…Three." and slid out to join the Justicar, "So, do you crawl through air vents and launch lethal surprise attacks often?" he asked, looking sidelong at the asari as she put her armament away once more.
She cocked her head, "Quite often, though I do try not to make a habit of it."
"I'll scout ahead," said Kasumi, engaging her stealth system and heading ahead through the large doors at the end of the room.
Shinji nodded. He then briefly shook his head as if clearing it.
"Is something wrong?" asked Samara.
His brow furrowed, "I'm…I'm fine. Let's go." He said, drawing his weapon as Samara walked on ahead.
The Justicar barely had a second to throw up a barrier as the first shot from Shinji's M-77 punched a hole in her shield at close range, the second bullet deflected off the biotic field.
Samara reacted without thinking. She pivoted about on one heel and leaped at Shinji, closing within his guard before he could fire for a third time. Her left hand batted the weapon aside as she skidded to a halt, punching him flat in the chest and knocking him clear onto his back.
"What are you doing?" she snapped as Shinji leaned into his shoulders and flipped himself back onto his feet.
A light shockwave stopped Shinji lunging with his Omniblade. Samara got close enough to backhand him once across the face and grab his wrist with her other hand.
Samara readied to knock Shinji back when she saw him clench his eyes tightly closed and then blink rapidly, his vacant stare focusing. And if Samara didn't know any better, she could've sworn his skin seemed to start glowing slightly, though she dismissed it as a trick of the light.
"W-what?" he murmured dreamily, "W-what's going on?" he asked, registering Samara's presence in his personal space and then the knife he was holding in his fist, "What…is this?"
"You just attacked me, "said Samara, not releasing him yet, "Explain yourself."
A look of fearful confusion appeared in his eyes, "I…I don't know. One moment I was following you and the next thing I know, I'm drawing my pistol and aiming it at you like it's the most natural thing in the world to do. I don't know what happened…"
Samara's grip loosened and she nodded ahead, "Proceed ahead of me. It would seem that the range of indoctrination somehow extends this far. We must get you out of here as quickly as possible before control is re-established."
"Control…" he breathed, bending down to pick up his sidearm. He then offered it to Samara, "You should probably-"
"-I will be fine," she interjected, "but I would appreciate it if you would tell me if you feel 'nothing' happening again."
Shinji nodded and walked on. He wasn't sure how he'd managed to sub-consciously repel the mental imperative, and he hoped he wouldn't have to try again. He paused to listen in his mind. Indeed, once more all was quiet. The whispering had been forced back.
-Ω-
They found Kasumi in the control booth overlooking the EVA, numerous unconscious or dead enemies were strewn about her on the floor.
Shinji crouched down by her and peered out through the viewing port. Jona Sederis was down below.
The former mercenary's personal guard was comprised of several turians, a number of vorcha and a pair of batarians. And unlike most of the others they had faced up until now, these were quite well armed, their guns having been most likely pilfered from the fallen talon guards.
Shinji focused. He could feel the EVA from his current position. In fact, he had been able to feel it long before they'd reached the facility. It was as if his sphere of influence had increased exponentially since the last time he'd been close to Unit-01.
He looked down at his Omnitool. All signals were still being blocked, "They must've figured out how the Dummy System works. There's no way EDEN can communicate with Unit-01 through all this interference."
"Samara?" asked Kasumi, nodding down below.
She regarded the numbers below for a spell, "We have faced worse odds in the past."
Kasumi smirked, "That is certainly true."
"Maybe," said Shinji, "but I still don't like the idea of being outnumbered four to one."
"We still have the element of surprise," whispered Kasumi.
Shinji frowned, "I'm not so sure…" he said, "They look like they're waiting for us down there. I'm guessing they know we're in the facility."
"What makes you say that?"
"They attempted to assume control of Shinji," replied Samara, "Possibly through the same method of indoctrination as used on the others here."
Kasumi's eyes flicked to him "Are you okay?"
He just nodded.
"Well we do have the best defensive position," said the thief.
Shinji looked down at the numbers standing at apparent attention on the gantries below. There were more of them, certainly, but there wasn't much in the way of room to spread out.
His eyes flicked to Jona. She was stood with her back to them, her attention focused entirely on the EVA.
"They may be ready for us," said Samara, "but the choice of the precise moment to attack remains ours."
Shinji nodded, "And like Kasumi said: we do have the high ground." He then began creeping to the door leading to the platform that circled the chamber from above, staying low behind the barrier as not to be seen. Samara followed after and he looked back to Kasumi, "I suppose we'll leave it to you to choose the moment. What's the signal?"
Kasumi smiled and reached into her robes, retrieving a trio of small spheres, "Oh, you'll know it, trust me…"
Shinji readied his weapon as Kasumi began creeping along the gantry, vanishing an instant later.
Shinji and Samara waited, and they both leaped to their feet as a trio of explosions rocked the entire structure.
When Shinji got up, the entire area below was in chaos. The grenades had taken out five of the enemy number and the rest were now a disorganised mess as Shinji opened fire, picking targets at random as Kasumi reappeared just in time to dispatch the enemies lifted off the ground by Samara's singularity.
All the while, Shinji kept Jona in his peripheral vision.
She hadn't moved. The only sign of a reaction from her was the dark glow of her biotic barrier as it effortlessly repelled a few shots fired by Kasumi. Shinji couldn't help but wonder why she seemed so content to just stand there and let them massacre her personal guard.
It was over almost as quickly as it started. Samara and Kasumi leaped down ahead of Shinji, the thief keeping her weapon trained on the former Eclipse leader as the consort followed cautiously down after them, his pistol also aimed at the shielded enemy.
"You took your time…" came Jona's voice, her tone almost weary, "I'd been starting to wonder if I was going to have to go out and find you myself."
"There's no way you're taking this station, Jona," said Shinji, "your forces in this facility are gone and all your guards have been crushed."
"Well of course they have. That was the idea after all."
Shinji gave a slight start when Jona turned about. Her right eye was a pure pool of white and her skin was a sickly shade of bluish-white.
"You're not looking well, Jona," said Kasumi as she circled slowly to the left.
"Well I've never felt better," she spat back as dark energy shimmered over her skin, "I have never been this strong before, no asari has. No justicar or Ardat-Yakshi has even approached this level of power."
"I would like to test that boast…" replied Samara with perfect calm, an instant before she flung a hand forwards and released a full power shockwave at the other asari.
Both Kasumi and Shinji staggered back as the two forces clashed. There was a momentary flash of something akin to surprise in Samara's eyes as Jona began edging forwards inch by inch.
The Justicar seemed to focus though and her attack intensified, staggering the indoctrinated mercenary, but not actually dropping her, "You see?" shouted Jona as she grappled with the elder asari, "This is the power they've granted me; power to overcome pirate queens and justicars alike!"
"This is killing you!" shouted Shinji, who could see the trail of violet blood leaking down from Jona's nose and ear from where he stood, "Can't you see they're just using you to do their dirty work!"
"Of course I do!" she snapped, throwing a shockwave back through her barrier right into Samara's as a counterattack, "But don't you see, human? That's just the way this galaxy works: Everybody is being used by somebody! The trick is just to make sure you end up being used by the right people!" And with that, Jona roared out in defiance and smashed aside Samara's attack, hurling the justicar from her feet and staggering the former mercenary back against the EVA.
Jona dropped to one knee as Shinji ran to Samara's side.
The former mercenary grabbed her head as pain surged through it. There was a look of shock on her face also, as if she'd been in doubt about her earlier words and she couldn't believe that she'd actually pulled it off, "Stronger than the justicars…?" she whispered, looking down at her hands through blurry eyes.
Shinji glowered at Jona as he helped Samara back to her feet, "I don't know what they did to you, Jona, but there's no way you'll last if you keep this up," he said. And indeed, just from looking at her, and if she had been human, Shinji would guess that Jona was suffering from some kind of acute radiation sickness or late stage cancer.
"I'm stronger than you think, human," she said, flicking her hand out in a backhanded motion and smashing Kasumi aside with what could only be described as a sucker-shockwave, "As for you…" she said, gasping as she pushed herself back up and began advancing on Shinji, "While you might say I'm being used, it's nothing compared to what's in store for you. Better to be a servant than a mere doll."
"I am not a doll," growled Shinji, his hand reaching slowly for his Omniblade.
The consort gasped as he was yanked suddenly off his feet by a singularity that had appeared above him.
Jona beckoned in the air and Shinji found himself drawn closer to her. He tried to pull away as she reached a hand up to touch his cheek. Her single remaining healthy eye shifted to black as she leaned in closer, "Now…give yourself to me, human."
"Sorry…" grunted Shinji as he tried in vain to lean away, "but there's only one crazed asari allowed to freely manhandle me, and you're not her…"
Jona gripped hold of the human by his arm and throat as her biotics dissipated, keeping him held up in the air. Shinji felt the connection through the hold on his arm first. He realised she was trying to forcefully fuse her nervous system to his. He knew that should've been impossible for any asari, as even ardat-yakshi required the participant to be willing in order to initiate the nearly always fatal melding.
Then he felt it: the subtle pressure against his consciousness; like force being applied to a membrane in an attempt to tear through.
"Give yourself…to me…"
"So that's it…" grunted Shinji, his teeth pressed together as he tried to resist the urge to yield that was being slowly injected into his mind, "We're just proxies. They're trying to gain control of the EVA through us."
"Silence…" she hissed, "A puppet shouldn't ask questions."
Shinji clenched his eyes closed. He could feel them now: the creatures linked to Jona's mind along with their cold, ancient, intelligence. This was beyond the indoctrination they'd been trying to force upon him before. He could resist those attempts, but this was too close; they were worming their way in behind his defences.
He felt control of his limbs go first. It felt like there was an electrical current seeping into his nerves, replacing his own control. He could feel the Leviathans' influence and their yearning for dominance. He realised now that it wasn't something they fought for because they needed it, but because they felt they simply deserved it. And gods help him, he thought with revulsion, he could feel Jona too. He wasn't too shocked to find that her yearnings matched those of the creatures, and now they all flooded through him, trying to wield him as their tool.
Having obviously gleamed details from him about the EVA series and the Angels during his near indoctrinations in the past, Shinji saw that these rebel Leviathans had already used that information to concoct a final, horrifying goal.
They saw entire worlds of people forcibly linked by A.T. fields with them as the masters, like some twisted perversion of the relationship that had existed between Lilith and the Lilim. He realised now that the Leviathans didn't just want to be seen as gods by the peoples of the galaxy. They wanted to be gods.
"Disgusting…" was all Shinji managed to choke out as darkness closed.
'Is this it?' He found himself asking as the feeling seemed to creep up his spine towards his head, 'Have I come this far…only to lose like this?'
Forget violated, Shinji Ikari felt humiliated.
And so, as his will began to sap away, Shinji felt there really was only one thing left he could say:
"I'm sorry…Aria…"
Then the sensation gathered around his wrists, and just like that, everything went silent.
-α-
At least for about two seconds anyway…
'What are you, stupid?'
Shinji's eyes went saucer-wide. He also found that he could move again, except he wasn't in his own body. His actual body was, much to his understandable surprise, hanging suspended and greyed out in Jona Sederis' grip along with the rest of the world. The only colour he could see in his captive self were two points of glowing red on each wrist.
As if on its own accord, Shinji's head turned slowly around to the source of the voice; to the auburn haired schoolgirl standing there with her hands on her hips.
Shinji's already ghostly white face paled even more, "Oh by god…"
'And just what in the hell kind of a reaction is that?' snapped Asuka indignantly.
"A-Asuka?"
'Well at least your eyes haven't failed you.'
"B-but…you're dead…aren't you?"
'Of course I'm dead, you moron. It's been like a million years!'
"Better part of two decillion, but who's counting?"
'It doesn't matter how long it's been. You're still an idiot.'
"Hey, at least I'm still alive!"
'Oh, big talk coming from the guy held captive by a giant squid!'
Shinji opened his mouth to object, but found he could only smile, "I've missed you too, Asuka..."
And Shinji couldn't be sure, but he could've sworn the apparition blushed just a little bit, 'Seriously, when an idiot gets big he just becomes a bigger idiot…' she muttered, unable to look at him.
"You're just jealous because I'm taller than you now."
'Shut up! Look, do you want us to help save you from the giant space monsters or don't you?'
Shinji's brow furrowed, "We? Who else is here and, come to think of it, what exactly are you?"
'We are remnants, 'came another familiar voice, and Shinji swung around to find the still form of Hikari Horaki standing not far off.
"Remnants?"
'Or reflections,' Shinji tuned back around as another familiar voice sounded out. Kozo Fuyutski stepped forward this time, 'For the self that exists in the mind of another is also a true version of that self. And as you were the core of instrumentality, you contain a record –an imprint if you will— of all of humanity's A.T. fields.'
"I…I don't understand." Stammered Shinji, looking around him as more and more figures appeared.
'It's quite simple, really,' said Ritsuko in her way that actually implied it was anything but, 'humanity shared one A.T. field. As one, we were the Eighteenth Angel.'
'And now,' cut in Toji, 'as one, within you…'
Shinji seemed to waver as realisation dawned, "I'm the Eighteenth Angel…?"
Asuka nodded, 'You are no longer just a Lilim, Shinji. You are the Lilim. All of our reflections as one, stored within you. How does it feel to be the big picture?'
"B-but why?" stammered Shinji.
Asuka smiled, 'Because you did it for us, idiot, remember? You gave us a new world. Think of this as karma returning the favour. You won the war, Shinji…a long time ago. Now I think it's time for you to stop whining and go claim your prize, until you're ready of course to join us where we are.'
'Which I hope for your sake won't be for some considerable time…' joked Kensuke.
'Lucky bastard…' muttered Toji, 'how come he gets the hot space-wife?'
'Shut up, stooge!' snapped Asuka, 'We're being whimsical and ghostly here!'
Ghost-Toji just muttered something under his voice.
Asuka sighed, 'Alright, idiot. Now stop acting like a wimp and start acting like an Angel.' She then seemed to relent after a pause, 'I'll be there with you…'
'As will we,' And Shinji gave a start as he felt Kaworu and Rei's hands grip gently onto each of his wrists, 'you will have our voices; you will know what to do.'
Shinji smiled. He could feel the light gathering together inside as the ghosts vanished, but no longer as separate points; no longer were they differing voices; all was falling into perfect tandem. The cellist had become the conductor.
Shinji turned to the last remaining spectre besides the two other Angels, "Asuka…"
'What is it, idiot? I sort of have to go…'
"I just want you to know, I always-"
She cut him off by reaching out and pressing a finger to his lip, '-Don't. Don't you dare say what's no longer true.' She paused to sigh and then shook her head, 'No, your heart belongs to another now, and I'm not going to compete. I only ask that you remember me…'
"Until the end of my days…"
Asuka pulled her hand back and smiled, 'Later, idiot…' and her voice sounded again just as she began to fade, 'Oh, and one more thing…'
"What?"
'Congratulations…'
He couldn't help but smile reluctantly, "Thank you all…"
Shinji closed his eyes and took a long breath as all went quiet once more. It was just the three of them now.
'It is time…' came Kaworu's voice.
'Are you ready?' asked Rei.
Shinji nodded, and just like the others, Adam and Lilith began to flow back into him to join the rest.
'Then you know what must be done…' echoed their voices one final time.
And as things began moving again, Shinji suddenly realised something:
He did…
-Ω-
Jona's brow furrowed as she suddenly felt resistance. No, resistance was the wrong word. Resistance implied she was still making some headway. This was like ramming into a solid wall, "I thought I told you, boy," she snarled, "Just be a good little doll and play along. I promise this will be much less painful if you just go with the flow."
Shinji was now lax in her arms and had his eyes closed, "And I thought I told you, Jona Sederis: I am not a doll."
And from behind his scrunched left eyelid there was a shimmering of white, of something barely contained.
Shinji's eye snapped open, and from within the darkness of his pupil came a flash of light brighter than the sun. This was the last thing Jona Sederis saw before a great arc of crimson light struck her at point blank range, bisecting her from top to bottom.
It was doubtful that the mercenary even had time to process her misfortune, as the attack quickly erupted into a cross-shaped explosion that tore the roof right off the storage facility and reduced what remained of Jona Sederis' body to ash.
Silence fell for a while, broken only by the sound of debris crashing to the floor and the distant sounds of combat coming from outside.
Realising that the immediate danger had passed; Kasumi dragged herself to her feet after having been thrown back by the force of the blast a moment earlier. Samara was already up and observing Shinji in wary silence.
"Shinji?" asked the thief unsurely.
"It's okay, Kasumi…" he responded quietly, his back still to them. Amongst the dust and smoke his body glowed vibrantly from within, "Everything is going to be okay now."
Kasumi wasn't sure what it was about the situation that left her not finding her Captain's words entirely reassuring. It may have been the fact that he had just obliterated Jona Sederis with a simple look. It might've been the fact that he currently had a ringing halo above his head. It could even have been the translucent wings sprouting from his back that were only visible from certain angles. It might even have been the fact that, whilst the asari that had been holding him up was gone, Shinji didn't seem to have noticed and was still hovering several feet off the ground.
All of the above was the most likely answer.
There was a quiet humming as Shinji descended back to the steel walkway and exhaled a quiet breath. The wings then seemed to fold up and vanish. The halo and glow however remained, albeit somewhat dimmed.
Suddenly, Shinji hissed and grabbed hold of his eye, doubling over slightly.
"Ummm, Shinji?" said Kasumi, taking a hesitant step forward, "are you…okay?"
"Ah…owww," he groaned, "Ouch! Oh…fuuuck," cursed the human in what could only be described as a most un-angelic fashion, "Oh, that fucking hurts!"
Only then did Kasumi see the small stream of blood running down from his tear duct. He extended his free hand to stop her when she stepped forward to help.
Shinji took several heaving breaths as if to focus. There was a glow from behind his fingernails and he swiped his hand back over his eye, regenerating the scorched retina and cornea in an instant, revealing the now uninjured eye beneath.
Shinji blinked his still-crimson eye rapidly as it welled up with tears. He quickly dabbed at it with his sleeve, "I am never doing that again. No wonder the Angels were so angry all the time. That really hurt."
"Are…are you okay?" asked Kasumi, finding herself oddly relieved by Shinji's sudden return to a more normal attitude.
"Well, it turns out that channelling a projected energy blast through the human eye is a stupid thing to do, who knew?"
"Will you be okay?" asked Kasumi, "You're still…glowing."
Shinji's brow furrowed and he looked down at his hands, turning them over. "I know, but don't worry, Kasumi: I'll be fine." His eyes then narrowed and he looked off into the distance, as if sensing something unseen, "We might have a slightly larger problem though. I think the puppet masters know their strings have been cut."
-Ω-
SCRAWL CRAWL:**WARNING** MID-RANGE SENSORS CONFIRM PRESENCE OF A.T. FIELD. INITATE EMERGENCY PATTERN ANALYSIS
Processing…
SCREEN CRAWL: PATTERN ANALYSIS CONFIRMED: RED.
SCREEN CRAWL: A.T. FIELD STATUS: STABLE. PRESENCE OF 18th ANGEL CONFIRMED.
EDEN hummed, "So…it's finally happened, has it?" she murmured.
Tisala looked up, "What did you say?"
She shook her head dismissively, "It's nothing, but regardless of what happens next, Shinji-kun will be fine."
"Not unless we manage to stop these things, he won't."
"No, even then…" she whispered. A small smile then graced her features, "Interesting, I'm glad…"
"About what?" asked the asari off handily, ignoring EDEN's cryptic comments in favour of focusing on manoeuvring.
"Even though Shinji is now safe and my purpose has been fulfilled, my will and yearning to protect you hasn't decreased in the slightest. I'm glad…to know how much I genuinely care about you."
Tisala frowned and briefly glanced back at her, "Are you hitting on me?"
EDEN's smile vanished and her brow clenched suddenly into a scowl, "New sensor contacts have just appeared on the edge of the combat zone."
"I see them," replied Garrus, "Another twelve."
Tisala glowered at the screen, "It looks like they had their own reinforcements waiting."
EDEN took her seat in the co-pilot's chair as Tali's voice sounded over the comm system, "It looks like their confidence was waning if they've revealed their hand."
"This somewhat tips the odds in their favour, "commented EDI from the Normandy.
"It is good to hear you have not lost your art for understatement, EDI," replied Tali.
"This is the Thunder Child to all ships, regroup and focus on the lead Leviathans," ordered Tisala to what remained of the pirate fleet, "I would be grateful for your assistance, Admiral."
The Quarian nodded on her screen, "We will focus our fire on your targets. The Geth will keep pressure on those coming in from our flanks. Reinforcements have been requested from their fleet, but it will be some time before they arrive."
"How much time is 'some time'?" asked Tisala.
"Hours, at best," replied the Admiral as the Leviathans began forming up.
The asari gritted her teeth and returned her attention to her console, evading a blast from one of the smaller Leviathans and retaliating with a sweeping blast of their main cannon. The beast was jarred off to one side. With its barrier damaged, the nearby Geth dreadnaught's main cannons punched through what remained of the creature's defences, shredding it to pieces, "Then this is all we've got. Let's make it count."
"I'm receiving an alert from the station," said EDEN, "someone in the control tower has overridden one of the main outer airlocks."
"They're making a run for the station," said Garrus," Two of the larger Leviathans have broken through the main line and are closing rapidly on that section."
"Can we stop them?" asked Tisala, glancing at the admiral.
"We do not have any ships in range, and the majority of your ships in that sector have already been disabled. It would appear that the rest of the enemy are focusing their efforts on preventing our ships getting closer."
They could only watch helplessly as the two gargantuan creatures vanished into the station aperture, which then quickly sealed itself closed to prevent pursuit.
"Send a message to Aria," said Tisala grimly, "Tell her she's about to have guests…"
-Ω-
Aria did not take the news well. And after responding with the appropriate level of cursing, she proceeded to take out her displeasure on an approaching enemy mech. Said displeasure took the form of a grenade to the hood combined with a flare that had both Aria and the mech blasted back in opposite directions.
The asari pirate growled as she dragged herself back up behind what was left of their barricade, only mildly satisfied to see the mech not getting back up, the flash of heat having baked the pilot within to a crisp.
Only one of the mechs remained now, though they had been forced to retreat to higher ground as the Atlases kept pushing them back. And while only one of the machines remained, their constant retreat had allowed a sizable force to penetrate into the club.
Nirama took her hand down from her earpiece and turned to Aria, "I've just received a report from the Talons."
Aria fired off a few choice shots, dropping some approaching enemies, "Well?"
"The indoctrinated forces are breaking off their assaults on our other fortifications. They're instead advancing directly on the habitation sectors."
"They're going after the civilians…" breathed Tevos.
Aria gritted her teeth and cursed under her breath, "Order all forces not defending critical sections to break off and regroup around those sectors."
Nirama blinked, "All of them?"
"Did I stammer? The enemy doesn't care about taking the station any more. This is just about causing damage. I'll do what I can to limit that." She adjusted her own facemask and set an earpiece in place, "Send out the orders and then link me to the public address system. They at least deserve to know what's coming."
Nirama nodded and proceeded to follow instructions. She looked back a moment later, "The word's been sent. All sectors have responded…you're on."
She narrowed her gaze, "This is Aria…" she paused to fire off another shot, "I'm guessing it would be redundant to inform you that we currently have a…situation in progress."
"We are under attack by hostile forces. And chances are, that enemy is about to come knocking down your door any moment now.
"I'm sending who I can to help with the defence of your sectors, but I can't promise that it'll get there in time. Therefore, you may officially class this as a call to arms to every loner scum and gang member out there that's able to swing a fist or point a gun.
"And if there's anybody else out there up for one fucker of a street fight, then you're more than welcome to join the fun. If at all possible, I'd like all of you out in the streets waiting for these bastards when they arrive, because the odds are, none of you are getting out of this alive if you don't.
"If you happen to have family however…then you know where it is you need to be, and I expect you to give each and every fucker that comes banging at your door the appropriate welcome.
"This is Omega: we don't have community spirit; we may not be kind; we may not even be classed as being even remotely decent or hard working, but what we are, is not to be fucked with…Thank you for your attention, and have a nice day."
Tevos sighed, "Really, Aria…"
"What?"
"You should really watch your profanity when speaking in public. There were probably children listening."
Aria rolled her eyes, "I'm so glad you've got your priorities sorted…" she returned her attention to the communicator as an inbound link was established.
"Still alive I hear…" came Shinji's voice.
Aria smiled reluctantly even as she picked off a spattering of enemies coming in through the main doors, "Same. You have something to report or are you just calling to flirt?"
"Column A…column B. You'll be glad to hear that the EVA is secure."
"There's some good news at least. How are you doing?"
"We'll…talk about that later. Let's just say I'm doing a lot better than Jona Sederis."
"And where is she?"
"In little bits."
"Good boy. Now get your ass back over here where I like to see it. This fight isn't over yet."
"Yes, ma'am," chimed Shinji, "You should know though, the enemy probably knows Jona is dead. I'm not sure how they'll react now that they don't have a proxy to-"
Shinji was cut off as a loud, ominous groan echoed out over the station from both outside Afterlife and over the comm link.
"Aria…" said Shinji carefully, "I'll call you back…"
-Ω-
Shinji lowered his Omnitool and sighed, "Well…I suppose we'd best go see what that was."
"I was worried you might say that," said Kasumi.
Shinji just smiled as he turned to walk off, "Don't worry, Kasumi. Like I said: everything's going to be fine…"
Kasumi tried to feel reassured by Shinji's mysterious optimism. She wasn't sure if she succeeded, especially once he had explained what he'd learned during Jona's attempted melding about their enemy.
-Ω-
The Normandy rocked to one side as a shockwave clipped her port armour plating, "This is starting to not be fun, EDI," said Joker as his hands flew over the controls.
"At what point did you consider it to be fun, Jeff?"
"Good point…" he said, narrowly dodging another blast as the main cannons tore a pair of holes through one of the smaller Leviathans.
The battle was not going well. The increased number of enemies had brought the creatures almost to a one to one ratio with the Omega fleet thanks to the losses they had already sustained.
Joker glanced to the side as one of the monitors went to static, "What happened, EDI?"
"We have lost contact with Admiral Zorah's ship. They have sustained heavy damage to their secondary hull and their communication system is offline."
"Then let's haul our asses over there, but what happened to their cover?"
"The enemy appears to be focusing their efforts on disabling the geth vessels. The two providing cover to the Admiral's ship have already taken critical damage. As it stands, the Thunder Child and the Normandy are the most tactically effective vessels remaining in the combat zone."
Joker looked at his readout, "How many ships do we have left?"
"There are only five operational vessels remaining including ourselves. Most of the fleet has been crippled. While many ships were destroyed, it appears that the Leviathans are more focused on neutralising the current threats than actually taking life."
"Let's not complain about that…" said the pilot as he veered the ship violently to one side, "Come on…just five more of these bastards to go."
"That is not counting the one that appears to be the leader, Jeff, or the two already within Omega."
Joker gritted his teeth as he barrel rolled the Normandy over some stray debris in order to get them into a better line of firing, "I was trying to be optimistic, EDI, and as acting commander of this vessel I hereby order you to do the same."
"Then I am afraid I must commit an act of mutiny, Jeff as another biomechanical sensor contact has just dropped out of FTL and is rapidly approaching us from the stern. Its mass is substantially larger than any of the others detected so far."
"Oh you have got to be shitting me."
"Jeff…" began EDI, and Joker turned at the rare sound of hesitation in her voice, "The contact is not a Leviathan."
He frowned, "Then what the hell is it?"
"I have run numerous sensor sweeps to ensure the readings are not erroneous, and I can confirm: approaching object is not a Leviathan…but a Reaper Dreadnaught."
The blood drained from Jeff Moreau's face. His response was nothing more than a breath of, "What?"
Joker swung the ship about and they indeed found themselves face-to-face with what was undeniably a Reaper, and an immensely large one at that.
There came a sudden glow from its underbelly, "I am detecting a massive energy build-up within the target."
"Initiating evasives!" shouted Jeff as he moved for the controls, even though he knew they didn't have enough time.
The pilot flinched down as space ahead was lit up by the Reaper's attack, only for it to miss them completely and cut through a Leviathan that had been seconds away from firing on the Alliance ship.
Joker sat back up in his seat, "It…it attacked the Leviathan?"
"The Reaper appears to be taking up a defensive position five hundred metres off our-" EDI was cut off however as her voice transformed into a buzz of incoherent static.
Joker looked to her just as the displays, readouts and lights seemed to flicker around them, "EDI?" he asked, concern laced in his voice and he reached a hand out towards her.
She then turned her head to look directly at him.
Joker flinched back when he saw the blue glow that seemed to emanate from behind the platform's irises. Then she spoke.
"Joker…"
Jeff Moreau went deathly silent. His eyes were wide, face as white as a sheet, for it had not been EDI's voice that came out of that mouth.
After a moment of abject silence, the executive officer gathered enough strength to breathe out just one single word:
"…Commander?"
-Ω-
The trio slowly made their way back outside the storage facility and into Omega's streets. If anything, the distant sounds of explosions and gunfire had only gotten louder since they were last there.
"Samara…" said Shinji, his eyes fixed on a point over the buildings as if waiting for something.
"Yes?"
"You heard what Aria said. If you feel the need to go and help the civilians rather than stay with me then I won't stop you, nor will I think less of you because of it. There may be more important things to protect here than me. That goes for you too, Kasumi. I can take care of this myself."
The thief sighed, "And now I'm guilt tripped into staying."
Samara inclined her head, "Your concern is touching, but I have already given my word to stay by your side."
Shinji cocked his head in response, "Thanks, ladies. Here's hoping…it's…nothing…" Shinji trailed off however as a gargantuan, hovering mass slithered around the corner at the opposite end of the street, its large tentacle-like protrusions writhing slightly as if feeling out the atmosphere around it. There was a deep, blue shimmering of dark energy underneath from the biotic field that was holding the beast aloft.
That deep groaning sound echoed out once more as the lead Leviathan revealed itself fully, blocking out the artificial lights high above and casting a long shadow over the three waiting below. A second one appeared in the distance over the buildings, heading in the direction of Afterlife.
"Still glad you stayed?" was all Shinji felt able to ask as he subconsciously unfolded his A.T. field about himself and his companions.
"Still confident," replied Kasumi, looking around as the shimmering passed harmlessly over her body. Shinji marvelled at how even she kept her voice, "Still, I…don't suppose you could just swat it out the air, could you?"
He cocked his head, "I dunno, it's pretty big…"
"I've seen bigger…" murmured Samara as impassively as always.
"Still confident…" repeated Kasumi, "We've been in worse scrapes than this."
"That much is certainly true," commented Samara as the Leviathan hovered in the air before them. So far it seemed as though it wasn't even paying attention to them, as it was slightly angled towards the gaping hole in the storage facility.
"Nope," said Kasumi, "I have a very good feeling about this." Which Shinji felt was a very bizarre thing to say when you have a monstrous hulking behemoth towering in the air above you.
Shinji titled his head acceptingly, "Why wouldn't you? You're an admittedly attractive Japanese woman-"
"-Why thank you."
"And he's a tentacle monster."
Kasumi made a strange squeaking sound with her throat and her face paled slightly, "And there goes my confidence."
Shinji smiled, "I was only joking, Kasumi. I'm sure it-"
He was cut off however by a voice that seemed to boom deafeningly within their minds "WE WANT…YOUR BODY."
Shinji could almost feel the thief turn to glare at him, "Kasumi…I think it was talking to Me." he said, keeping his focus ahead.
"Oh, well that's a relief..."
"Don't worry. My A.T. field should protect us from whatever-"Shinji was cut off again however as a mind-piercingly loud screeching seemed to explode within his head.
He doubled over, clasping his head as the Leviathan's influence focused on him at close range, worming through his A.T. field.
Shinji dropped to his knees, and he felt Kasumi by his side, "Inside…" he chocked, "it's…inside."
"GIVE YOURSELF TO US."
Shinji gritted his teeth and his eyes seemed to shimmer, "Enough of this…"
Shinji then closed his eyes and inhaled a deep calming breath. Both Samara and Kasumi staggered back as his body pulsed with radiant light.
The wings from just earlier blazed back into existence and the air was filled once more with the subtle resonance from the halo above the Angelic human's head. Kasumi had to narrow her eyes due to the sheer brightness of the light now shimmering from under Shinji's skin.
Everything then went quiet, even the Leviathan seemed taken aback. Even the gunfire in the distance was blocked out. The only sound was that of a ringing similar to a choir drawing out one long, harmonious note.
Shinji exhaled slowly and opened his mouth to speak, keeping his eyes locked on the Leviathan above as he sounded his decree, "Come to me now, Lilith's dark shadow, servant of her children; vessel of humanity's salvation…I have a job for you."
There was a quick, high-pitched whine followed by a deafening explosion that, even with the A.T. Field in place, had Kasumi and Samara ducking for cover as what was left of the storage facility evaporated in a great plume of cross-shaped celestial light.
Shinji didn't even blink.
First came the wings: those orange, insect-like wings of light that unfolded outwards from the hole in the ground. They seemed to be the source of the sudden windstorm that quickly swept across Omega. Two purple hands then reached out of the crater and gripped hold of the buildings to the left and right.
The horn atop Unit-01's head pierced through the rubble as the Evangelion clawed its way free. Its eyes blazed with the same light as the halo above its head, a halo that matched perfectly the one above Shinji's.
The EVA didn't clamber to its feet so much as it levitated out of the column of light suspended by its wings.
There was a shimmering from the Leviathan as it quickly reinforced its own barriers.
The EVA touched lightly down and then stepped out into the streets of Omega, where it quickly took up position behind the three small figures below, dust and debris swirled in a tornado about its tall form.
The EVA's frontal shutoff jaw tore open and it roared, baring its teeth like an animal about to pounce on cornered prey. The leviathan seemed to recoil back a good few metres at the sight.
Shinji then brought his right hand up and swept it out to the side in one smooth flourish. High above, the Evangelion mirrored the move perfectly.
From within Unit-01's chest plate, a red light seemed to bleed outward. It then coiled outwards and down around the extended limb, gathering into a pulsing, crimson orb in the palm.
The EVA clenched its fist and the orb of light shattered. The pieces then seemingly morphed into a glistening bloodlike liquid, which then quickly extended and elongated.
The liquid coiled about and, with an almost musical ring, solidified into a gleaming, twin-pronged crimson lance.
Evangelion Unit-01 flipped the Lance of Longinus into the air and caught it with its other hand, twirling it around once.
Shinji briefly snapped himself out of his instinctive trance to look up at the EVA, "Huh, I was wondering where that had got to..."
Shinji turned back to face the Reaper-shaped creature as the EVA gripped the Lance of Longinus in both hands, readying for battle. The storm slowly began to subside, "I suggest you two leave now and go help those civilians."
"Will you be okay?" asked Kasumi.
"Let's just say it's been a while since I last did this sort of thing, so I may be a little rusty. And I'd like if possible to avoid the risk of stomping on you because of that. With that said, you have my word that I'll be fine."
Kasumi seemed hesitant, but nodded, "Alright, but if you break your word I'm stealing all your stuff."
Shinji just smiled, "Deal. And please try to be careful too. While it might not be a giant monster, going up against wave after wave of armed enemies charging you mindlessly without end isn't something to be shrugged at."
Kasumi and Samara exchanged a glance but said nothing. Instead, they merely bid their farewell and departed towards the other combat zone.
Shinji sighed almost wearily and returned his attention to the Leviathan as it hovered silently, seeming more than a little hesitant now.
"This is the end," said Shinji, his tone quiet despite being amplified by the field protecting him.
The leviathan seemed to bristle, "The people of this galaxy have fought too long and too hard for me to let you start their suffering all over again. It's over. I'm going to put an end to you…and then my story will begin at last. I think I've earned that much."
There was a brief moment of silence between them.
"WHO ARE YOU TO STAND BEFORE US, TINY ONE?" demanded the creature. It's deep baritone holding an almost indignant note.
Never once did Shinji raise his voice as he responded, "I am Lilim, the last Angel. I am also Adam and Lilith, the first Angels. I represent the beginning and end of all things as well as everything that came between." He narrowed his eyes at the alien colossus, "Who are you…to stand before me?"
The Leviathan's body began to glow with barely contained energy. A low growl emanated from somewhere within it.
"You wanted Unit-01, didn't you?" he asked, and his serene smile tightened slightly on one side, "Well here it is…"
As the various forces on board Omega and in the void outside began their final clashes, the last of the EVA series launched itself upon the enemy…
-Ω-
To be concluded…
-XA-
[A/N] And thus ends this chapter, since I loathe cliffhangers so much. Sorry this took so long, RL stuff has just been mental the past few months and I've barely found any time to get back to writing, but I hope you weren't too disappointed with the wait. The next…sorry, final chapter, should be out in a few weeks' time, until then…
Catch you one last time for Chapter 26: In the Beginning…