A lake,not a natural born lake but one created from an explosion,a huge explosion of the likes of which had never been seen before. The Explosion of the first of the Eva series,the Evangelion unit-00.
Shinji didn't know why it was that he was there, that he was in the hell that was called the former city of tokyo-3 instead of taking refuge in the safety of the underground geofront. He sighed, was he there for answers or comfort or perhaps to selfishly put his own mind at ease? He didn't know,what he did know was that there he was indeed.
"Why...am I here?"He questioned, now he was no longer questioning why he was in the city particularly,but rather why he was there,anywhere,at all.
"You,Ikari Shinji deserve death." He looked at his hand, his hand, the hand which he had used to brutally rip apart Evangelion unit three with his friend inside it,the hand he had used to pilot,the hand he used for holding onto to Asuka,the hand which would end the world.
"Do I?"He asked,eyes turning toward the quickly fading sun once again, the day was hot,humid. Christmas...tomorrow is...I need to get something for Asuka. Where from?He didn't know,he had no way to know,maybe he could visit tokyo-2? No,that was too far away and they were still on level 3 emergency alert.
"Only a few more days until the end of the year..the second of January,the start of the plan for human instrumentality."Shinji whispered. "Why did they choose that day of all days?"
No answer,only cicadas and the silence of waves washing against the new shore, he wondered if marine wildlife had already taken the city for it's own in the week since the unit's detonation. Since his sister's death.
"A necessary sacrifice...or so father says."Shinji said. "I miss her."
Shinji didn't know when he had started walking or why,all he did know was that he had began moving and that the next he knew he was standing by a long abandoned church,the sound of a piano being played echoed from within, Shinji's curiosity got the better of him and he inched it's two doors open,looking at the man in the piano.
But it was no man that there stood but a boy,a boy much his own age playing a music Shinji could recognize as the ode to Joy,one of the greatest of Beethoven's pieces,some would say the single greatest piece of music ever created.
Shinji walked up,hands in his pockets as he heard the music continue to play,and as he approached the music stopped,the boy's gray haired form turned to face him, red eyes that looked much like those Rei had once had stared at Shinji.
"Don't you think...that music is one of the Lilim's greatest creations?"The boy asked, Shinji nodded.
"It revitalizes the spirit and the soul, the piece you played is beautiful."Shinji said.
"Thank you,I've trained for quite a while. Do you play?"The gray haired boy asked,Shinji shook his head.
"Not the piano,no."Shinji said. "But I play cello."
"Cello,i see."The boy said. "A beautiful instrument as well,one filled with much more sorrow however."
"Like all things it depends on how you use it."Shinji said. "The piano too can be an instrument for sorrow."
"I agree, Ikari-kun."The boy said, Shinji's eyes narrowed in a questioning look.
"You know my name."He said,the boy nodded.
"Of course, you're very famous in certain circles Ikari-kun."The boy said. "I'm Kaworu Nagisa,a pleasure to meet you."
"Kaworu-kun uh.."Shinji said. "I suppose I'm just not used to being infamous."
"Infamous?"Kaworu asked. "You think you're hated."
"I know I am,I'm certainly used to being hated,there aren't many who like me." Shinji said.
"I see,that is something most would call sad."Kaworu said,Shinji shrugged.
"Maybe,but the way I see it,it's better to be loved by a few than to be loved my many. The many cannot know as much as the few." Shinji said.
"Only if you keep your soul closed."Kaworu said,Shinji smiled as he looked down.
"All men close their souls,it is simply within our nature."
"Indeed."Kaworu agreed. "Mankind are the only one who can hurt themselves by denying others."
"The hedgehog's dilemma,in seeking to hide away from the pain they deny hurt and forget that the cold of life will overwhelm them eventually."Shinji said.
"You're an interesting person Shinji-kun." Kaworu said.
"So are you, Kaworu-kun."
Ritusko walked up to Misato. "So,have you made a choice?"
"I've decided to work with you guys, i don't need to know any conspiracy crap or anything else,I'll just work with Nerv as I always have."The major said, Ritsuko nodded.
"That will do,at least for now. But I warn you that even that much will lead you into hardship."Ritsuko said, Misato snorted.
"Do I need to remind you that I'm the one who's been having to come up with the plans to defeat all our enemies?"She asked sarcastically. "I know it's not easy to be the operational manager but I'll make do,at least for now."
"Well,i don't know if you've heard,but the next child will arrive soon."Ritsuko said,Misato's eyebrow rose.
"Asuka's replacement?"She asked,Ritsuko nodded. "Who?"
"Kaworu,Kaworu Nagisa." Ritsuko said. "His record,like Rei's were deleted. He's the 13th child."
"Like Rei?"Misato asked. "Is there something you know that I don't?"
"No,not really."Ritsuko assured. "Though I've theorized that he may be something akin to Rei in some way,an artificial human,just looking at him will give you the idea."
"Another clone,uh?"Misato asked. "I wonder how many of these fucked up projects exists all around the planet."
"More than you'd hope but less than you would think as well."Ritsuko said. "I've learned to make my heart cold to those types of things."
"Maybe we aren't so different after all." Misato commented with a bitter hint to her voice.
Shinji and Kaworu now both stood near one of the holes in the church's walls,looking out at the lake beyond.
"Shinji Ikari-kun."Kaworu said,Shinji looked at him.
"Yes?"Shinji asked.
"If there was something you needed to do for you own sake,even if at the cost of others..would you do it?"Kaworu asked.
"That's a difficult question Kaworu-kun..I'm sure that a few months ago I would have said that if it was at the cost of others I would never do something like it...but I've learned,that there are some things you can't live without. Some things you truly have to at least try to do,even if you fail."Shinji said,looking at Kaworu with a smile. "But that's just my view on things."
"Shinji-kun,can you keep a secret?"He asked, Shinji nodded.
"I can."
"I'm like you,an Evangelion pilot."Kaworu said,Shinji looked at him with a sorrowful look in his eyes.
"I know."
"The Eva series..."Misato commented. "Something created by humanity to defeat the angels yet born from Adam,the very creature that birthed the angels."
"Only mankind is truly capable of using the meaning of their despair and weaponize it."Ritsuko said from beside her. "It is for this reason that we have survived, that even 15 years after the largest disaster mankind has known we are fighting back against the angels."
"I hate it."Misato admitted. "Evangelion,i hate it,i hate Adam,i hate all of this."
"I Know Misato."Ritsuko said. "But it's the cost of living, and we,mankind among many other thins ,are a species who see themselves worthy of living and therefor we will pay the cost."
"The cost is their curse,the curse of Eva."Misato said. "I wonder..if one day it will be removed from this world?"
"Pandora's box is already opened,it's curses have already flown out."Ritsuko said. "That is the curse of Eva. Now the box must be opened once again to let out hope as well,release it upon the world."
"Even if it might mean destroying it under the weight of those curses?"Misato asked,eyes still locked onto the Evangelion that was unit-01.
"We must have faith,faith that hope is stronger than the curses let out of the box."Ritsuko said. "Or otherwise we will surely die."
Misato sighed as she began walking away,the doctor following after her. "I suppose you didn't come to me to talk about the Evangelion's curse, what is it?"
"The mass production series has finished it's construction."Ritsuko said,the Major's eyes widened.
"So...so soon?"Misato asked, the doctor nodded.
"It's to be expected,they had to cut down the numbers from the expected 12 to 7 due to time constraints."
"Time constraints?"Misato inquired. "What time constrains?Supposedly there aren't any more angels,they have all the time in the world."
"The committee isn't stupid Misato."Ritsuko said. "They know that eventually one party will betray the other and thus plan to plunge their knife into our back before we can plunge ours into theirs.
"Politics,even when it comes to this sort of thing."Misato said with a scoff. "How disgusting."
"Politics are an extension of individual struggle brought to the grand stage."Ritsuko said. "An inevitable part of any human project,Human instrumentality included."
The major sighed,running a hand through her hair. "Things were so much simpler at the start."
"They really weren't,you were just too blinded by your own worries to see the grand stage."Ritsuko said, Misato laughed.
"Well,they do say ignorance is bliss and all that."
The simulated plugs of three Evangelion units and their respective rates of synchronization. Ritsuko's eyes narrowed. "Are these readings accurate?"
"The simulated system is working as expected."Hyuga said. "Nothing seems to be off the mark ma'am."
"The magi gives us a 0,00000012% probability of the data being wrong as well."Maya said,Ritsuko nodded.
"It seems we have an anomaly on ours hands,run his data through the magi and try to find a reason for it." Ritsuko said. "The last thing we can afford is an unknown element."
"He can synchronize without switching out the core."Misato commented as she looked onward. "Well,so could Shinji,I don't see the issue."
"Shinji's situation is unique,his shouldn't be."Ritsuko said.
"But you've said it yourself..he's an unkown element."
Rei moved up the escalator leading toward the outside city. "Ah,so you're the second child."
A male voice from the top of the stairs,a boy with gray hair and red eyes who narrowed upon seeing her, she looked at him and curiosity overcame her,her own eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"Me?"He asked. "Kaworu, Kaworu Nagisa,the thirteenth child,it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."She said. " You and I...are alike."
"But different as well."Kaworu said. "A beautiful duality if I could say so myself."
"You're a danger,to everyone in here..why have you taken this form,in this way?"She asked.
"Why?"Kaworu asked. "I had no choice as to my form,but I could certainly chose to descend to the depths of the terminal dogma and become one with whatever entity is down there. But my plan is something else."
"If you harm anyone in this place..i will hurt you."Rei said.
"You are protective of the Lilim."He said,she nodded. "I am as well,there is no need to worry. I find your kind wholly fascinating."
"I see.."Rei said. "Farewell,i have other things to attend to."
"Farewell."
A new day,Misato stood at the balcony her apartment,looking out at the city beyond,she was both teary-eyed and tired. "Christmas uh...sure doesn't feel like it."
"I wonder for what reason it is that they have sent me here."Kaworu asked,standing over a broken piece of the city,a thing that looked much like a headless angel,those of common culture rather the abominations that were his brethren. "The process of human instrumentality,the union of all souls."
He laughed. "They do not plan to give to me such a task,there is simply no way such a thing can truly occur,yes,no doubt they plan on betraying me."
But why?That was a good question,what truly were the means through which human instrumentality would be initiated,the only other method would be Eva-01 and it couldn't be...right?Yes,there was simply no way the council of Seele was foolish enough to assume that such a thing would work.
"Unless...of course,they wish to break the Ego of the boy."Kaworu said,pondering aloud. "The first child,Ikari Shinji."
Ikari Shinji,what a peculiar individual,he was unlike anyone Kaworu had ever met before, someone who was equal parts kind yet cold,introspective and yet it felt as if he couldn't understand himself as well. A paradox that perfectly encapsulated Humanity. Humanity..or the Lilim?No..in a way he is both, the perfect one to be chosen.
However,there was much yet to be done,much work that he still had to do. Even so,Kaworu mused. It cannot be that Seele's plans come to pass,such a thing would be against every goal for which I stand.
Kaworu nodded,yes,no matter what came to pass,the plan for human instrumentality could not be successful.
"Kaworu-kun?"Shinji asked, the boy in question's eyes turning toward him.
"Ah,Shinji-kun."Kaworu greeted with a wide smile. "What brings you to me."
"Nothing..i mean,nothing much at least."Shinji said. "I was just surprised you left at such an early hour in the morning is all."
"The early bird gets the worm as they say."Kaworu commented as his eyes turned back to the rising sun. "The sun,it's truly beautiful isn't it? It's the sort of thing that feels as if it will last forever."
"But it won't...in the end,even it will fall entropy."Shinji said,Kaworu nodded.
"Indeed,all things die in time,the short dream we call life and the long dream that is reality,those will both end in their given time."Kaworu said. "But so may they begin again."
"So,you believe in rebirth?"Shinji asked with a hint of humor. "I don't think such things can truly be relied in Kaworu-kun."
"No, there is only one short dream to be lived. What humans call life is a temporary thing,a fading dream that will surely disappear as soon as it arrived...yet the long dream,the long dream of histories of past and future can surely start anew."Kaworu said,Shinji now looked at the horizon like he did.
"That's...an interesting theory,i guess."Shinji said.
"Personally."Kaworu said. "I find the long dream to be dreadfully boring,yet within it are the short dreams of the Lilim. Tell me Shinji-kun,do you believe in the process behind unity under god?"
"Unity under god?"Shinji asked,the gray haired boy nodded. "I find it stupid,i mean...if god created mankind and gave them free-will...why would he then undo this all to unite all under him?"
"Perhaps because he too regrets his creation."Kaworu commented aloud.
"Or maybe it's because he knows better."Shinji said. "Maybe,it's because he knows that in unity there is no pain or hatred or racism and death. But...there is also no pleasure or love or understanding or life."
"Hmm...a different form of death."Kaworu said. Shinji nodded.
"Yes..that is what it is,the erasure of the soul,of the sacred limit that separates all beings"
"The AT field.."Kaworu commented.
"Yes,the removal of the AT field, the ceasing of the individual self is the end of all things,death in all but name."Shinji said. "That is why that idea is wrong, mankind did not come into this world simply to be taken by the cruel embrace of death."
"You deny entropy in despite of it's inevitable nature."Kaworu said.
"It is by denying entropy that man finds happiness,a reason to do more than simply lay down and accept the inevitable doom that awaits all souls."Shinji said. "I deny entropy and so does mankind,that is why we built Evangelion, that is why we fight, that is why we will continue to do so."
"Even if it will cause you pain?"Kaworu asked and Shinji nodded.
"Of course. Pain,the wound to the self,the fear of the incursion of the AT field,the fear of death. That fear is the opposite of death,in some ways one can say that fear is,in of itself, life and the pain that pain is merely an extension of life."
"Pain,proof that we are living beings."Kaworu said. "Proof that we are alive.."
"Yes.."Shinji said, a smile crossing his face. "Well, maybe you shouldn't pay much mind to what I say, I'm just a child."
Ikari...Ikari Rei,that was her name,it was odd, it was the only name she'd been ever known as and yet it was still odd..perhaps it was simply the interference that came from her last self,perhaps it was the fact everyone still slipped up and called her Ayanami sometimes that made her feel odd.
She rolled around,her eyes turning toward the clock. 12:12,the old Ayanami would never have stayed in bed this long..but Ikari Rei?Ikari Rei was feeling particularly lazy today. Lazy and introspective,what a wonderfully anguishing combination. She thought within the confines of her mind,turning toward the ceiling as she let her body rest.
That boy...the replacement for the 5th child..the one whom Makinami loved...Makinami,she fills my thoughts even though this self has never met her...it was because my other self cared for her...i wish to meet her as well,she was good...and she is attractive...i can admit such things with ease now,because I am human.
Yes,blue eyes,the eye color of human,i am human. I am...Ikari Rei..sister to Shinji Ikari...i am me...i am alive. I have so many questions as well but...just for now,i think I can afford to let loose a little. It's what Ayanami-san would have wanted...i hope.
"Humans cannot create something out of nothing."Kaworu said as he stood in the middle of the lake,atop some outlaying ruins,the monoliths of Seele which only he could see floating all around. "To create something,humans must first sacrifice something else."
"Yes." The third of Seele agreed. "The power to create something from nothing,that is the power of god."
"And yet there is one man that wishes to become god." The first said.
"Ikari Gendo."Kaworu mentioned as he looked down. "He is the one who wishes to become god."
"Yes,Ikari gendo,the head of Nerv,the organization which was made under us to push forward our ultimate plan." The second spoke.
"He has become a liability." The third added.
"And so we must move on to the next phase of the plan." The first said. "You,who are descended from Adam and his white moon shall reach completion with Adam,and fulfill our hopes."
Kaworu nodded. "Yes,it is for this reason that his salvaged soul resides within me,so I may become the achiever of mankind's ultimate plan."
"Indeed,that Is the reason for your continued existence,the 18th angel, Tabris." The 12th said.
"Angel of free will, of self-deliberation." Kaworu said. "That is the title I have taken upon as my name."
"And with that deliberation you will achieve our hopes, last of the angels." The head said. "And unleash hell once more upon this world, so that heaven can follow."
And with that,their monolithic forms faded. He shook his head.
"The fools,so blinded by their own words that they do not see the truth."Kaworu commented. " There can be no creation from destruction,without using the spears in concert all they will achieve is death,not heaven."
He sighed as he looked up. "Ikari-kun is right,dissolution of the AT field,the removal of the self,it's all just another word for death."
Misato lowered her binoculars with an annoyed grunt. "Damn it. I can't read his lips from here. Even so, for someone to walk out here just to talk to himself,it's not normal."
Shinji nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Kaworu-kun's a good person,but he's hiding something."
"That is if he is even a person."Ritsuko commented,leaning against the car and with a cigarret hanging loosely from her hands.
"Even if he was the 18th he'd still be one."Shinji said. "Like Rei,need I remind you?"
"I suppose you're right."Ritsuko said. "but that doesn't change the fact that he may indeed be the 18th."
Shinji gave a sad sigh. "I have a bad feeling about it,if he really is the 18th it would explain a lot of things. Even so...why would he just not attack us,it's been two days already,is he waiting for some more opportune time?"Shinji asked. Ritsuko shrugged.
"Maybe he's planning on stabbing us in the back,it's very suspicious that his cover story is that of the next pilot when there are supposedly no more angels to be killed."
"yeah..."Misato said,bringing back up her binoculars. "The enemy Nerv is least qualified to deal with is the human one after all."
Gendo and Fuyutsuki both looked down at the frozen form of Evangelion unit-01.
"The spear of Cassius..the power to recreate our world."Fuyutsuki said.
"And the spear of Longinus that lays below here,the power to destroy those who dare oppose such attempts."Gendo said. "When used in concert these spears shall repair our reality."
"Or destroy it if so is the wish of their wielder." Fuyutsuki reminded him.
"It will not come to that Fuyutsuki."Gendo assured. "That is not the true nature of the one who will use them."
"Even so,his plan,the plan you have instructed him about for the last 5 years,is not the one of recreation but rather obliteration."Fuyutsuki said. "Will he not follow the plan laid out for him and destroy this world, unaware of the fact that Eva can no longer be an ark?"
"No,his heart has been turned..you have seen the way in which he looks at the third,it is much the same affection you and I both share for Yui."Gendo said. "He will burn the world if it will mean saving her soul,of that I am sure."
"And you said the third child was a useless piece."Fuyutsuki commented sarcastically.
"As a pilot,she is less than worthless,as a human her value is now priceless for the plan."Gendo said.
"In the end we are truly wicked, using them as nothing but pawns in a grand game."Fuyutsuki said.
"Wicked or not,it is the role we must play Fuyutsuki,for our sake as well as their own." Gendo said.
Kaworu looked up at the still form of Evangelion unit-08. The power to deny entropy,death,that is Evangelion, the alter Ego of Adam from which it was born. His eyes narrowed. The power to deny entropy,that is what I seek, the power to deny the coming storm.
"Adam's alter ego..i wonder for what reason it is that mankind would use you of all things to fight off entropy,it is within their power to recreate alter egos of the other one,the mother which comes from the black moon...and yet they do not,i wonder why this is."Kaworu commented.
Silence,no answers,such silence and lack of answers were not wholly uncommon, his eyes narrowed once again, it was time to make a choice,the choice of who would achieve victory, Lilim or his own.
"Adam's alter ego,it is time we go. Our duty is to be achieved no matter what such a thing might cost."Tabris,the true 17th angel, said,taking a step off the platform and floating slightly above the orange LCL.
Suddenly,and rather unexpectedly,alarms rang out through Nerv's bridge, a sudden outcry of red emergency lights that forced everyone into immediate alert.
"It's...a pattern blue,it's been detected inside the Evangelion cages, Unit-08 has also activated!"Hyuga cried out.
"A pattern blue?!"Aoba shouted. "That's impossible,the last angel's been defeated."
"The magi give it a 300 digit below zero probability of being a false reading!"Maya said.
"Go into immediate stage 0 alert,prepare for in-HQ interception!"Ritsuko ordered just as Misato rushed into the bridge.
"what's the status?!"She asked.
"Tentative name:18th angel,has been discovered,he's within the headquarters and has taken control of an Evangelion unit."Ritsuko said,Misato's eyes widened.
"He's got an Eva?"Misato asked. "What the hell,is it that boy?"
Ritsuko nodded. "Just as we suspected,he also seems to be capable of remotely controlling the Eva."
"If he's capable of controlling an Eva remotely..there's nothing we can do.."Misato said. The feeling seemed to be shared by the bridge crew, that was until the commander spoke up.
"By my command and as of this moment the freeze on Evangelion unit 01 is hereby lifted,as well as any piloting restrictions regarding the first child."He said,his voice without a hint of hesitation. "Prepare for in-base interception."
Fuyutsuki leaned in,whispering. "Are you sure about this Gendo?We are not aware of what could happen if a soulless Evangelion is to synchronize with the pilot."
"We will have to have faith Fuyutsuki."Gendo said. The older man nodded.
"Canceling bakelite freezing process." A voice could be heard through the intercommunication system as the bakelite that surrounded the unit began to glow,slowly turning liquid before it was drained from the cage.
"Removing object SP-C1" With this, a gigantic crane grabbed hold of the spear of Cassius and slowly removed it,as it was removed the Evangelion's slightly opened jaw fully closed.
"Removing termination plug." The cross-shaped termination plug was removed,being quickly put aside as the plug delivery system quickly loaded up another entry plug,this one black with red lines. "Inserting second series special induction plug."
The black and red lined plug was partially inserted,just enough so that the pilot could still get in,and get in he did. Shinji looked at the new plug,it was much like the old one,it's control surfaces were different however, particularly a new set of buttons seemed to be added to the already existing control surfaces. He gave them all a careful push,feeling just how far they went.
Then,the LCL started draining in, Shinji breathed it in and moments later the activation sequence began.
"First activation phase has gone without issue,the S2 organ has activated."
"Apotheosis is at 56 and holding."
"Second phase of activation is underway,lowering theoretical plug depth to plus one."
A flurry of images flashed all around him,all equally abstract,and then a rainbow,followed shortly there after by the image of the world arround him, he looked to both sides. This one's certainly got a more spacious field of view...i like it.
"Second phase of activation is go,proceeding to third phase."
"Third phase has been bypassed,synchronous rate is holding at 0%!"Maya could be heard saying from the other side.
"What?!" Then Ritsuko."That's impossible, isn't the unit active?"
"Yes ma'am,the unit seems to be fully operational,the synchronization rate is just showing up as zero." Maya said.
"As long as the unit moves it will make do." His father could be heard saying. "Proceed with the interception."
"Understood,Shinji are you ready?" Ritsuko asked.
"This is the first child,Shinji Ikari,I'm ready for level 0 interception mission." Shinji said.
"Target has just passed the fifth malebolgie!" Maya's voice could be heard saying from over the intercommunication system once again.
"Shinji,deploy now!"Misato ordered to which he obliged with a nod.
"Pepole will forget their foolishness and make the same mistake more than once." The second said.
"But not us,not Seele." The first spoke.
"Though in the past we have relied on the angels and on Adam,we no longer shall." The third added.
"Unit-01." The first began. "object of our hope,it shall be it that proves that mankind can advance by it's own merits."
"The last angel falls now, and our ascension comes close at hand." The sixth said.
The purple form of unit-01 descended down the main shaft, Kaworu's eyes turned upward to look at it. "You're late,Shinji-kun."
The purple titan reached out it's hand. "Nagisa!"
Only to be blocked by the pink hand of Evangelion unit-08.
"Unit-08..."Shinji cursed.
"It's because I am born from adam."Kaworu said. "As someone who is born from Adam it is easy for me to synchronize with unit-08 almost as if it didn't have a soul, though I must say the soul itself did put up a valiant fight."
"Damn it!"Shinji cursed as he removed his progressive knife,being followed shortly afterword by the pink Evangelion,the two crashed against each-other,neither of the two Evas being able to overpower one another. "I'm sorry about this Makinami-san!"
As the titanic struggle between the two Evangelions continued,one of their knives was diverted,striking at the position were the angel with a human face stood,a field of energy,an AT field,protected him from this attack.
"AT field..."Shinji commented.
"Exactly,that is what you Lilim call it is it not?"Kaworu asked. "The AT field,the Absolute territory of the soul that cannot be intruded on."
"The light of one's soul.."Shinji finished in a sorrowful tone.
"Indeed,and as you seem to be aware,Lilim such as you also have an AT field,that which separates your mind from that of others. Then again,you are not fully Lilim,are you?"He asked. "You too can push outward the light of your soul if you wish,i wonder why you do not?"
Shinji simply made another angered cry as he pulled away his knife and struck into the head of unit-08,plates of armor giving with a shower of sparks as the opposing Evangelion struck Shinji in the arm. "Damn it!"
Kaworu's eyes narrowed as he looked at the form of the two Evas. Human hope,that is what the Lilim of Seele said I was, the hope for humanity. In the end my choice must come to this,which humanity am I truly the hope for? Kaworu closed his eyes with a hum.
"The strongest AT field ever has just been detected!"Hyuga reported.
"Light,magnetism,even sub-atomic particles,nothing's getting through,we've lost contact with Eva-01!"Aoba said
"Heaven's gates are opening!"Maya said.
"Shinji..."Misato whispered.
Kaworu Nagisa, otherwise known as Tabris,the true 17th angel,floated above the surface of the lake of LCL that came from the crucified giant,slowly hovering upward as he ascended to meet his maker.
"Adam,our primordial mother, it is the fate of all angels to reunite with him,even if it must destroy mankind."He said,his eyes turning up. "But...as expected,i was betrayed."
What stared back at him was a mask with seven eyes, seven eyes and a purple mask. "Lilith,mother to mankind,as expected it is you that resides within the depths of the last tenet of the black moon."
There was a great crashing sound as Evangelion unit-08 fell below Kaworu,deactivated and with a progressive knife stuck to it's head. Then he was grabbed by the hand of unit-01,forced to look at it's face as it stared at him with it's white glowing eyes.
"Ah,you've taken unit-08 from me."Tabris said. "Well,it's to be expected, in the end I could only get so far with her anyway."
"Why?"Shinji asked,no other word leaving his lips until the gray haired boy responded.
"There are some things you just have to do,even if it means destroying yourself,that's something you said,isn't it Shinji-kun?"Kaworu asked.
"..."Shinji didn't respond,he couldn't.
"Well,in the end there was nothing else that could be done,in a world like our own only one can survive,Adam's children or the Lilim,as long as humanity survives I don't mind."Kaworu said with as smile.
"You can't die."Shinji said,his voice was unusually sure,unusually firm. "I won't allow you to die."
"Even though I've betrayed you,you refuse to kill me."Tabris said,shaking his head.
"It's because you've betrayed me...that I will curse you now."Shinji said,Tabris' eyes narrowed.
"Curse me?"He asked.
"yes..i will curse you."Shinji said,releasing him and letting him stay afloat in the air. "The curse of self-deliberation,the curse of the fruit of knowledge."
"The Lilim's curse. To choose their own fate rather than to have one given to them..."Kaworu commented. "Is that the curse you place upon me then?"
"Yes...you,Tabris,the true 17th angel of free will...i force you to live up to your own title,to live life as your own and for your own goals...that is my curse."Shinji said.
Tabris looked up as he felt a new presence, the blue haired form of the second child appeared above him,her eyes glowed red as her AT field overwhelmed his own. "Hmmm I see..then I will also curse you."
Shinji waited as Tabris looked straight at him. "I curse you to save this world Shinji Ikari,i curse you with the job of being mankind's guardian no matter the cost to your own self,if you accept this curse so will I accept yours,in return I shall swear upon my very soul that I will not break your curse."
"That's fine by me.."Shinji said. "I'll protect the world and in exchange you will become your own self..farewell,Nagisa Kaworu."
"Farewell,Ikari Shinji."
"Another AT field has just appeared,just as strong as the first!"Hyuga reported
"What?!"Misato asked. "Is it an angel?"
"We've got pattern blue...it's like that time with the 15th angel!"Hyuga said.
"Rei..."Misato said in a whisper, Ritsuko looked at her, the doctor's eyes were enough for her to realize that she was correct.
"Wait..both have faded!"Hyuga added. "We've reestablished communication with the unit!"
"Target elimanted."Shinji said simply, 'sorrow' in his voice. "The 18th Angel..is dead."
Shinji walked into Asuka's room,his room as well he supposed. "Hey."
No answer,only her silence.
"Merry Christmas."
"...to you as well..meine Leibe.."
AN:Was the ending scene with Asuka and Shinji necessary?No..did i want to add it to make you all suffer?Maybe...
Well,next up is act III's end, so wait just a little longer for that!