Copyright Notice: I don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion or any related characters, GAINAX does.
Quick Notes: Gees, I know I said Kaworu and Arael would be in every Chapter, but they're sadly not in this one. This has a mecha battle which appears to be a little confusing at first, but that's intentional. And I might as well say it now, I'm implying a Shinji-Rei relationship, but really won't get into it until about the next two chapters. It'll be REALLY nice, I promise, and if you've read "Crimson Shut" (another fic I've written) this'll get even better. And beginning next chapter, the incredible amounts of darkness and suspense begins. This is just beginning . . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Between Day and Night
Chapter IV: Another Battle
About an hour passed. Misato stood next to Hyuga as everyone in Nerv prepared for the coming of the next Angel. Misato sighed and stared at the ground. She knew Shinji would probably hate having to pilot again. Little did she know he was looking forward to it. But, now wasn't the time to drown in her thoughts. She immediately raised her head and spoke.
"So what do we have on this one?" Misato asked.
"We've detected the Angel is slowly making its way toward the city."
"Are you sure it's another Angel?"
"The pattern's blue. It's definitely an Angel."
"Do we have anything on visual?"
"I've got it . . . here."
On the screen appeared a large red sphere.
"That's it," said Hyuga.
"Another large sphere. It doesn't look fast. Maybe destroying this Angel won't be so hard."
* * * * *
'Night in check'
Those same words ran through Gendou's head.
"Ikari."
"What?" asked Gendou who seemed irritated. Fuyutsuki had been trying to get his attention for some time.
"I know who inhabits the cores of Units 01 and 02, but I've been curious about other Units. What souls inhabit them?"
"Artificial souls." Gendou answered. "Artificial souls inhabit four Units."
"Four?"
"Excluding the Unit 04 that disappeared along with the Second Branch in Nevada, Unit 00, Unit 03, Unit 04, and Unit 06."
"A Unit 06? There is a Unit 06?"
"It was never completed for combat. It was under construction at both here and at Second Branch."
"I see," Fuyutsuki said, ending the conversation. But the idea of a secretly created Unit 06 now dumbfounded Fuyutsuki.
* * * * *
Shinji sat it in his entry plug. Before today, he hated his Eva because he saw it as a weapon of mass destruction. But now, he viewed it as his guardian that has protected him against these deadly Angels - his mother. His mother's physical body may have died but she now took on the form of a bio-weapon. Shinji now thought of his father, who was the complete opposite. He kept that physical form but it was as if his spirit was gone. 'How ironic' Shinji thought.
Soon, Shinji, as well as Asuka and Rei felt the pressure as their Units shot up the elevator shafts at incredible speeds. When they reached the surface, they felt the abrupt stop. They Evas now began their path toward the large, spherical Angel.
"I want to take on the Angel first," said an eager Asuka.
"I think it would be a better idea if we fought it together," said Shinji.
"No way! It's mine. I'm going to find it first and I'm going to destroy it first!"
Unit 02 now began to run at full speeds.
"No, Asuka, wait! Your synch ratio may not be high enough!"
Unit 02 only became faster. Unit 01 was prepared to chase after it.
"Ikari, fall back. I shall assist Pilot Soryu."
"Thanks, Lieutenant Ayanami."
"You do not have to address me as your superior, Ikari."
But before Shinji could answer back to acknowledge that, he, as well as Rei, sensed the Angel was close. Asuka in Unit 02 now confronted the large sphere. There was a short distance between the two. The Angel gave off an incredibly large AT Field. Eva-02 projected its own AT Field and was easily able to rip through the Angel's.
"This is too easy."
Unit 02 held a large axe and prepared to finish off the Angel. Unit 02 prepared the axe and rushed toward the gigantic sphere. It prepared to slash the Angel, but the Angel swiftly evaded the attack and spun past Eva-02 and was now behind it.
"Damnit, why the hell can't it stay it one place."
"Asuka, await assistance!" screamed Misato.
"I can handle the Angel by myself!"
Unit 02 turned around and immediately saw two large tentacles coming toward it. The dangerous tentacles both coming from the Angel clashed against its AT Field. After seconds of being able to defend, the AT Field shattered in front of Unit 02 and the tentacles came toward it. Eva-02 quickly ejected its Prog-Knife, and held it in its left hand. Unit 02 cut off the first tentacle with the axe and the second with the Prog-Knife.
"Come on, this can't be a - "
Before Asuka could finish taunting the Angel, a tentacle came from behind Unit 02. Unit 02 shifted to its right and cut off the incoming tentacle. Another came in from the right. Unit 02 jumped back and cut off the tentacle. A tentacle now came in from above Unit 02 and from the left. Asuka frantically began to juggle thoughts of ways to escape. Unit 04 leaped forward and pushed Unit 02 forward. Both tentacles crashed into each other. Another tentacle now came from behind the two Evas. Rei took aim with her Positron Rifle and destroyed the tentacle.
"Stay of this, wonder girl!"
". . ."
"Did you hear me? Stay out of this!"
"This sortie requires the abilities of both of our Evas."
"Be quiet and stay out of my way!"
Unit 02 now dashed toward the Angel.
"She does not know how the Angel's tentacles operate. There are many miniature Angels seeking our end."
Unit 02 collided with the Angel and ripped through the Angel with the axe. It then took the Prog-Knife and stabbed the Angel. The huge Angel now spun backwards and crashed into the ground. Asuka smiled at her defeated opponent.
"Next time, wonder girl, remember I can do this by myself."
Then, a tentacle now came from behind. Unit 02 turned around and saw the tentacle. Asuka promptly cut the tentacle off.
"What the hell?"
Two tentacles came from behind Unit 02 and wrapped the Eva. Asuka let out a scream. The tentacles lifted Unit 02 into the air and began to constrict it. Asuka let out an even louder scream.
"Unit 02 can't handle much more of the pressure!" Maya cried.
Unit 01 stood in place. Shinji was very uneasy. "Asuka . . . no, Ayanami said she would help her."
Asuka held back from letting out another scream. Everything around her was shorting out. "I . . . won't . . . lose . . . I . . . can't . . ."
Unit 02 fell to the ground but was still being constricted by the tentacles. Unit 04 fired two consecutive blasts from its Positron Rifle. Rei changed her aim after every blast. A miniature version of the Angel was about to release a tentacle, but Unit 04 quickly shot it down. Unit 04 then aimed back at the large main Angel, which was attempting to move. Eva-04 fired its Positron Rifle at it. It finally released Unit 02.
"Five, there are five more."
Before Rei realized that a miniature Angel was close to her, she became caught in its tentacles. She let out a scream.
"Ayanami!" Shinji screamed.
Rei let out another scream, louder than the last.
"Shinji, both Unit 02 and Unit 04 have both been seriously damaged!" Misato screamed. Shinji heard Rei scream again. That was enough for Shinji. Unit 01 began to run at top speeds toward the battlegrounds. There, he saw both Unit 02 on the ground and Unit 04 wrapped in tentacles. Shinji rushed toward Unit 04 and cut the tentacles off with its Prog-Knife.
"Ayanami? Are you all right? Ayanami?"
"I am well. What about Pilot Soryu?"
"I don't know."
"I think she may be unconscious."
"We have to - "
Before Shinji could finish, Unit 04 jumped and aimed at the miniature Angel above them. She quickly destroyed it with her Rifle.
"Ayanami, why do I sense four Angels?"
"There is miniature Angels controlling the large one, Ikari. Four remain."
"So what do we do?"
"I shall destroy the small Angels. Distract the large one before it can recover."
Unit 04 now aimed at a blur in the sky floating. Rei relied on her senses to search for the Angel. She couldn't lock on because she would only miss. She fired her Positron Rifle, but missed the mini Angel. Rei then sensed the direction the mini Angel was traveling in and aimed ahead of where the Angel was traveling in. Unit 04 fired its Positron Rifle again, and the blast connected with the mini Angel. Unit 04 turned around and quickly noticed another mini Angel attempting to ambush Unit 01 who was rushing toward the large Angel. Unit 04 fired its Positron Rifle and destroyed the miniature Angel. A miniature Angel began to dive at Unit 04. Unit 04 fired its Rifle at the mini Angel, but the Angel strafed to its right, avoiding being hit. Unit 04 fired its Positron Rifle two more times, but the mini Angel swiftly moved even more to its right and flew past Eva-04. Unit 04 turned around and fired its Positron Rifle two more times, and finally destroyed it.
Unit 01 ran toward the large Angel. It took its Prog-Knife and relentlessly stabbed the large Angel over and over again. Unit 01 stabbed the Angel again and began to rip through it with its Prog-Knife. The core slowly became clearer. Unit 01 pulled back its Prog-Knife and prepared to pierce the core. The last miniature Angel wrapped its tentacles around Unit 01's arm that held the Prog-Knife. It began to apply pressure and attempt to rip Eva-01's arm off.
"Ah . . . my . . . my arm!"
Unit 04 aimed and fired at the last mini Angel and destroyed it. The large Angel now fell to the ground, and Shinji insured its death by piercing the core with its Prog-Knife.
"Ayanami, are you okay?"
"I am well."
"W-What happened?" said an Asuka, regaining consciousness.
"We . . . de - "
"You defeated the Angel before falling unconscious," said Rei.
'Nice work, Ayanami' Shinji thought.
"You liar!" Asuka screamed. "You destroyed the Angel, I didn't! It's your fault every time! Damn you, wonder girl! One of these days I'm going to kill you! I'm going to kill you!"
Asuka went on and on with her rants. However, Shinji, in his Eva was too busy talking silently. "Mother? Mother? Is that you? I can hear you. Hello, mother. It's been so long." A tear fell from his eye. "I can't believe it. It's really you. What was that? The screaming? That's . . . a friend of mine. Hmm? Making her stop is harder than it sounds."
"Lieutenant Ayanami, Shinji, Asuka, return to base."
"Affirmative," answered Ayanami.
"Wonder bitch, I'm going to kill you . . . and maybe Shinji, too."
In the entry plug of Unit 01, Shinji continued to talk to it, his mother. "No mother, I don't have a girlfriend. Hey, stop teasing me. The girl who helped me? That's . . . a friend. No, she's not the friend with the loudmouth. Thank her? I'll do that."
* * * * *
"And so the 19th Angel falls," Ritsuko said to herself."
"Why do you fight the Angels?" The voice coming from within Ritsuko became even more annoying every time it decided to speak. "Well?"
"Tsuroki, we combat the Angels in order to prevent a Third Impact."
"Oh. That's a good thing, right?"
"It's for the good of the future."
"Doctor Akagi, you wished to see me?" Rei entered. Ritsuko looked at the blue haired girl disgustingly. He hated her, but had to work with her.
"Yes. It looks like your theory was wrong. You and Asuka were attacked equally."
"Not necessarily."
"What do you mean?"
"It could have possibly been searching for the color blue - Unit 00. However, Unit 00 is gone, so it had no alternative but to attack us equally."
"So you still think your theory is correct?"
". . ."
"Well, you have those "powers" the Commander talked to me out, so I'm not going to judge your theory. But we can't rely on the idea the Angel is color-coding us. You are dismissed."
Shinji was now out of his plug suit and back into his normal clothes. There, Misato confronted him. "Hey, Shinji-chan, are you alright?"
A smile was on the boy's face. He was filled with tears of joy. "Yes . . . Misato-san. I'm alright."
Misato was surprised that Shinji gave her a straight answer without some sort of attitude that he's been giving her lately. "Is anything wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. It's more like everything's right. Misato-san, I saw my mother. I was able to speak with her. I've found my mother!"
Misato thought Shinji was going crazy. "A-Are you sure?"
"I know what I saw. I know it was my mother. We had a conversation. She was my guardian since I got here Misato. My mother never died. She only became Unit 01."
Misato didn't exactly know how to react to this. "I guess that's . . . great news, Shinji-chan."
"It is," he said tearfully. "It is." Shinji then saw Rei preparing to leave Nerv. "Ayanami!" For a second he turned his attention back to Misato. "I'll see you later, Misato-san."
"Congratulations, Misato, and regaining one point of Shinji's trust."
Misato turned and found Kaji behind her.
"Thanks."
"Even though it might not last long . . ." Kaji then faded from the scene.
* * * * *
Shinji ran over to Rei. "Hello, Ayanami."
"Hello, Ikari-kun."
"I wanted to thank you for backing me up out there."
"I should be thanking you, Pilot Ikari. You assisted me."
"Well, I guess you're going to go now. See you later, Ayanami."
"Goodbye, Ikari-kun."
Soon, Rei was en route to her apartment building. She walked at a usual slow pace.
"Hi, Rei!" said a childish voice.
Rei turned around and discovered Schala. She remained silent.
"Do you think you can play with me, now?"
"I do not think that is possible, Schala."
"Oh, all right," said the depressed girl. "Can I go with you to your home? It's getting late and it's lonely at night."
"Don't you have parents?"
Schala stared at the ground with a long frown. "No."
Rei was surprised. "You do not have a mother or father?"
Schala shook her head. Rei was very surprised. To her knowledge, a person has a mother and a father, and when they grow old enough they no longer needed to live with their parents. Then again, she never asked Shinji when he had stopped living with his mother and father.
"You may come with me."
Schala's innocent seven-year-old smile returned. Rei then noticed Schala's gleaming eyes. They were a bright and beautiful green like emeralds. They shined as if they were worth millions. Rei stared into them and felt a warm aura. It was very strange. Bizarre even. The two then began their silent trek to Rei's apartment. But soon, Schala broke the silence. "I forgot to thank you, Rei."
"You are welcome."
"How far is the apartment, mommy?"
Rei stared down at the little girl after hearing what Schala had called her. "Why did you address me as your mother?"
"I've never had a mommy before. You're the closest thing I've ever had to a real mommy."
"Even though I am not your biological mother?"
"Umm . . . I didn't understand that big word."
Rei rephrased her sentence. "Even though I am not your birth mother?"
"Just because you weren't with me since I was born doesn't mean you can't be my mommy."
"I see. I am not a proficient on families. I do not have a mother or father as well."
"Well, can I call you mommy, mommy?"
"If it pleases you."
The two soon reached Rei's apartment building, right before it began raining. Rei entered her apartment room as she usually would. Schala looked around with an odd look on her face. "It's messy," the young girl said. Rei didn't reply. Schala walked into the apartment building and tried avoid stepping on anything messy.
"It's very messy. Why don't we clean this place?"
"What would be the point?"
"Well, it would be less messy. Your home would look better, mommy."
"I suppose."
"Well, mommy, can we?" Rei reluctantly agreed. The only time she had cleaned her room before was when she was the second and cleaned it with Shinji. In about half an hour, the room was almost fully cleaned. While Schala and Rei were cleaning, Schala was humming a song. While lifting large amounts of garbage to put in the trash, she fell, and scraped her knee. "Oww," she cried out in pain.
"Schala?" Rei walked over to the injured girl and looked down on the injured girl. She let out another cry. Rei helped the girl up and covered the scar with a band-aid. Soon, Schala stopped crying. Rei was a little hesitant before asking Schala if she was okay. "Are you alright?"
Schala slowly nodded her head. "I'm okay. Thank you, mommy."
"It is getting late. Would you like me to accompany you to your home."
"My home was . . . destroyed by one of the big robots. I know it wasn't their fault because I know you're one of the pilots."
"If you wish, you may stay here for the night."
Schala smiled. "Thank you, mommy."
Soon, Rei was in her bed. She had her feet pulled up to her breast. She then heard saw a flash of lightning followed by the sound of thunder less then a second later. Seconds later, the flash of lightning appeared again, and revealed Schala at the doorway of her room.
". . . ?"
"I-I-I'm scared. I-I'm sorry if I woke you."
There were a few seconds of silence until Rei answered. "Come."
Schala slowly walked up to Rei's bed. "You may sleep here with me."
Schala lied down next to Rei. "Goodnight, mommy."
"Goodnight, Schala-chan." After that, the two fell asleep next to each other.
* * * * *
The next day, at school, the children were all prepared for another incredibly boring day. Rei was uneasy because she had left Schala at her apartment. Asuka was in a rage because she was still angry that she wasn't the one who defeated the Angel. As Shinji sat down in his seat, someone called out to them. "Hey, Shinji." Shinji turned around and Touji ran walked over to him. "Shinji, I just wanted to say, I'm sorry I've been giving you hell for the past few days."
"It's alright. You're probably mad th - "
"I also wanted to say that I'm not angry at you for when I was piloting Unit 03."
Shinji was silent.
"It's not your fault, alright?"
Shinji was still silent.
"Alright?!" he said as he gave Shinji a light punch.
"Alright," Shinji replied.
"I'm happy we've got that straightened out. I've got sort of a mission to complete."
"A mission? What kind of mission?"
"I can't say right now. But I'll tell you after school."
* * * * *
After school, Touji confronted Shinji. "Hey, Shinji, mission accomplished. I'll see you later."
Asuka was STILL angry that she wasn't able to destroy the Angel. She was in such a rage.
"Asuka!" Hikari cried out.
Asuka turned around. "What is it, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. But you'll never believe this!"
"Believe what?"
"Touji! He asked me out! He asked me out!" Hikari was jumping around like a little schoolgirl.
"The jock? He actually asked you out?"
"Yes! This afternoon!"
Asuka was stunned. She never thought Touji would actually ever, EVER ask Hikari out.
"I can't believe this! I'm just so, so, so happy!"
* * * * *
In Nerv . . .
"Major Katsuragi, Doctor Akagi," Gendou called out.
"Yes, sir."
"The children should have been dismissed from school. Call them immediately."
"Why?" Misato cried. "Can't they have a break?"
"I agree with Major Katsuragi. They should have a - " Ritsuko suddenly remembered. "The new Unit 03 will be arriving today. Isn't it?"
"Correct. The children shall escort the Unit."
"Yes, sir," answered Misato. She walked away to gather the children while slowly talking to herself, "Why can't they have a chance to be normal children? And who is going to pilot Unit 03?"
* * * * *
"Who are you, really?" asked Keel Lorenz.
"I am the one who was destroyed. Known also as the thirteenth Angel, I am Bardiel. Responsible for using the deceased Angels to form new ones to extract revenge," answered one of the Seele members.
"Why have you decided to join us?"
"Yes, why?"
"What is your agenda?"
Bardiel in a Seele member's body stared straight at Keel. "Your plan is to initiate Third Impact. I wish to see that occur. With my help, you will have Angels at your disposal. I can bring them back in new forms as long as they are willing to see Third Impact. I owe you all, anyway. I would not be here if you did not do what you had to do in a place called 'America'."
"Then welcome, Bardiel. We have a need for an Angel, already. Today, Evangelion Unit 03 will be arriving. I hope you will have it destroyed."
"It will be done."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And so Bardiel becomes Nerv enemy #1. Whether or not you like the fic so far, PLEASE continue reading. Next Chapter is where the suspense gets really intense and all of the darkness begins. It gets REALLY dark. So if you haven't reviewed yet, read the next chapter when it comes up, and review. You won't regret beginning to read this fic.
Quick Notes: Gees, I know I said Kaworu and Arael would be in every Chapter, but they're sadly not in this one. This has a mecha battle which appears to be a little confusing at first, but that's intentional. And I might as well say it now, I'm implying a Shinji-Rei relationship, but really won't get into it until about the next two chapters. It'll be REALLY nice, I promise, and if you've read "Crimson Shut" (another fic I've written) this'll get even better. And beginning next chapter, the incredible amounts of darkness and suspense begins. This is just beginning . . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Between Day and Night
Chapter IV: Another Battle
About an hour passed. Misato stood next to Hyuga as everyone in Nerv prepared for the coming of the next Angel. Misato sighed and stared at the ground. She knew Shinji would probably hate having to pilot again. Little did she know he was looking forward to it. But, now wasn't the time to drown in her thoughts. She immediately raised her head and spoke.
"So what do we have on this one?" Misato asked.
"We've detected the Angel is slowly making its way toward the city."
"Are you sure it's another Angel?"
"The pattern's blue. It's definitely an Angel."
"Do we have anything on visual?"
"I've got it . . . here."
On the screen appeared a large red sphere.
"That's it," said Hyuga.
"Another large sphere. It doesn't look fast. Maybe destroying this Angel won't be so hard."
* * * * *
'Night in check'
Those same words ran through Gendou's head.
"Ikari."
"What?" asked Gendou who seemed irritated. Fuyutsuki had been trying to get his attention for some time.
"I know who inhabits the cores of Units 01 and 02, but I've been curious about other Units. What souls inhabit them?"
"Artificial souls." Gendou answered. "Artificial souls inhabit four Units."
"Four?"
"Excluding the Unit 04 that disappeared along with the Second Branch in Nevada, Unit 00, Unit 03, Unit 04, and Unit 06."
"A Unit 06? There is a Unit 06?"
"It was never completed for combat. It was under construction at both here and at Second Branch."
"I see," Fuyutsuki said, ending the conversation. But the idea of a secretly created Unit 06 now dumbfounded Fuyutsuki.
* * * * *
Shinji sat it in his entry plug. Before today, he hated his Eva because he saw it as a weapon of mass destruction. But now, he viewed it as his guardian that has protected him against these deadly Angels - his mother. His mother's physical body may have died but she now took on the form of a bio-weapon. Shinji now thought of his father, who was the complete opposite. He kept that physical form but it was as if his spirit was gone. 'How ironic' Shinji thought.
Soon, Shinji, as well as Asuka and Rei felt the pressure as their Units shot up the elevator shafts at incredible speeds. When they reached the surface, they felt the abrupt stop. They Evas now began their path toward the large, spherical Angel.
"I want to take on the Angel first," said an eager Asuka.
"I think it would be a better idea if we fought it together," said Shinji.
"No way! It's mine. I'm going to find it first and I'm going to destroy it first!"
Unit 02 now began to run at full speeds.
"No, Asuka, wait! Your synch ratio may not be high enough!"
Unit 02 only became faster. Unit 01 was prepared to chase after it.
"Ikari, fall back. I shall assist Pilot Soryu."
"Thanks, Lieutenant Ayanami."
"You do not have to address me as your superior, Ikari."
But before Shinji could answer back to acknowledge that, he, as well as Rei, sensed the Angel was close. Asuka in Unit 02 now confronted the large sphere. There was a short distance between the two. The Angel gave off an incredibly large AT Field. Eva-02 projected its own AT Field and was easily able to rip through the Angel's.
"This is too easy."
Unit 02 held a large axe and prepared to finish off the Angel. Unit 02 prepared the axe and rushed toward the gigantic sphere. It prepared to slash the Angel, but the Angel swiftly evaded the attack and spun past Eva-02 and was now behind it.
"Damnit, why the hell can't it stay it one place."
"Asuka, await assistance!" screamed Misato.
"I can handle the Angel by myself!"
Unit 02 turned around and immediately saw two large tentacles coming toward it. The dangerous tentacles both coming from the Angel clashed against its AT Field. After seconds of being able to defend, the AT Field shattered in front of Unit 02 and the tentacles came toward it. Eva-02 quickly ejected its Prog-Knife, and held it in its left hand. Unit 02 cut off the first tentacle with the axe and the second with the Prog-Knife.
"Come on, this can't be a - "
Before Asuka could finish taunting the Angel, a tentacle came from behind Unit 02. Unit 02 shifted to its right and cut off the incoming tentacle. Another came in from the right. Unit 02 jumped back and cut off the tentacle. A tentacle now came in from above Unit 02 and from the left. Asuka frantically began to juggle thoughts of ways to escape. Unit 04 leaped forward and pushed Unit 02 forward. Both tentacles crashed into each other. Another tentacle now came from behind the two Evas. Rei took aim with her Positron Rifle and destroyed the tentacle.
"Stay of this, wonder girl!"
". . ."
"Did you hear me? Stay out of this!"
"This sortie requires the abilities of both of our Evas."
"Be quiet and stay out of my way!"
Unit 02 now dashed toward the Angel.
"She does not know how the Angel's tentacles operate. There are many miniature Angels seeking our end."
Unit 02 collided with the Angel and ripped through the Angel with the axe. It then took the Prog-Knife and stabbed the Angel. The huge Angel now spun backwards and crashed into the ground. Asuka smiled at her defeated opponent.
"Next time, wonder girl, remember I can do this by myself."
Then, a tentacle now came from behind. Unit 02 turned around and saw the tentacle. Asuka promptly cut the tentacle off.
"What the hell?"
Two tentacles came from behind Unit 02 and wrapped the Eva. Asuka let out a scream. The tentacles lifted Unit 02 into the air and began to constrict it. Asuka let out an even louder scream.
"Unit 02 can't handle much more of the pressure!" Maya cried.
Unit 01 stood in place. Shinji was very uneasy. "Asuka . . . no, Ayanami said she would help her."
Asuka held back from letting out another scream. Everything around her was shorting out. "I . . . won't . . . lose . . . I . . . can't . . ."
Unit 02 fell to the ground but was still being constricted by the tentacles. Unit 04 fired two consecutive blasts from its Positron Rifle. Rei changed her aim after every blast. A miniature version of the Angel was about to release a tentacle, but Unit 04 quickly shot it down. Unit 04 then aimed back at the large main Angel, which was attempting to move. Eva-04 fired its Positron Rifle at it. It finally released Unit 02.
"Five, there are five more."
Before Rei realized that a miniature Angel was close to her, she became caught in its tentacles. She let out a scream.
"Ayanami!" Shinji screamed.
Rei let out another scream, louder than the last.
"Shinji, both Unit 02 and Unit 04 have both been seriously damaged!" Misato screamed. Shinji heard Rei scream again. That was enough for Shinji. Unit 01 began to run at top speeds toward the battlegrounds. There, he saw both Unit 02 on the ground and Unit 04 wrapped in tentacles. Shinji rushed toward Unit 04 and cut the tentacles off with its Prog-Knife.
"Ayanami? Are you all right? Ayanami?"
"I am well. What about Pilot Soryu?"
"I don't know."
"I think she may be unconscious."
"We have to - "
Before Shinji could finish, Unit 04 jumped and aimed at the miniature Angel above them. She quickly destroyed it with her Rifle.
"Ayanami, why do I sense four Angels?"
"There is miniature Angels controlling the large one, Ikari. Four remain."
"So what do we do?"
"I shall destroy the small Angels. Distract the large one before it can recover."
Unit 04 now aimed at a blur in the sky floating. Rei relied on her senses to search for the Angel. She couldn't lock on because she would only miss. She fired her Positron Rifle, but missed the mini Angel. Rei then sensed the direction the mini Angel was traveling in and aimed ahead of where the Angel was traveling in. Unit 04 fired its Positron Rifle again, and the blast connected with the mini Angel. Unit 04 turned around and quickly noticed another mini Angel attempting to ambush Unit 01 who was rushing toward the large Angel. Unit 04 fired its Positron Rifle and destroyed the miniature Angel. A miniature Angel began to dive at Unit 04. Unit 04 fired its Rifle at the mini Angel, but the Angel strafed to its right, avoiding being hit. Unit 04 fired its Positron Rifle two more times, but the mini Angel swiftly moved even more to its right and flew past Eva-04. Unit 04 turned around and fired its Positron Rifle two more times, and finally destroyed it.
Unit 01 ran toward the large Angel. It took its Prog-Knife and relentlessly stabbed the large Angel over and over again. Unit 01 stabbed the Angel again and began to rip through it with its Prog-Knife. The core slowly became clearer. Unit 01 pulled back its Prog-Knife and prepared to pierce the core. The last miniature Angel wrapped its tentacles around Unit 01's arm that held the Prog-Knife. It began to apply pressure and attempt to rip Eva-01's arm off.
"Ah . . . my . . . my arm!"
Unit 04 aimed and fired at the last mini Angel and destroyed it. The large Angel now fell to the ground, and Shinji insured its death by piercing the core with its Prog-Knife.
"Ayanami, are you okay?"
"I am well."
"W-What happened?" said an Asuka, regaining consciousness.
"We . . . de - "
"You defeated the Angel before falling unconscious," said Rei.
'Nice work, Ayanami' Shinji thought.
"You liar!" Asuka screamed. "You destroyed the Angel, I didn't! It's your fault every time! Damn you, wonder girl! One of these days I'm going to kill you! I'm going to kill you!"
Asuka went on and on with her rants. However, Shinji, in his Eva was too busy talking silently. "Mother? Mother? Is that you? I can hear you. Hello, mother. It's been so long." A tear fell from his eye. "I can't believe it. It's really you. What was that? The screaming? That's . . . a friend of mine. Hmm? Making her stop is harder than it sounds."
"Lieutenant Ayanami, Shinji, Asuka, return to base."
"Affirmative," answered Ayanami.
"Wonder bitch, I'm going to kill you . . . and maybe Shinji, too."
In the entry plug of Unit 01, Shinji continued to talk to it, his mother. "No mother, I don't have a girlfriend. Hey, stop teasing me. The girl who helped me? That's . . . a friend. No, she's not the friend with the loudmouth. Thank her? I'll do that."
* * * * *
"And so the 19th Angel falls," Ritsuko said to herself."
"Why do you fight the Angels?" The voice coming from within Ritsuko became even more annoying every time it decided to speak. "Well?"
"Tsuroki, we combat the Angels in order to prevent a Third Impact."
"Oh. That's a good thing, right?"
"It's for the good of the future."
"Doctor Akagi, you wished to see me?" Rei entered. Ritsuko looked at the blue haired girl disgustingly. He hated her, but had to work with her.
"Yes. It looks like your theory was wrong. You and Asuka were attacked equally."
"Not necessarily."
"What do you mean?"
"It could have possibly been searching for the color blue - Unit 00. However, Unit 00 is gone, so it had no alternative but to attack us equally."
"So you still think your theory is correct?"
". . ."
"Well, you have those "powers" the Commander talked to me out, so I'm not going to judge your theory. But we can't rely on the idea the Angel is color-coding us. You are dismissed."
Shinji was now out of his plug suit and back into his normal clothes. There, Misato confronted him. "Hey, Shinji-chan, are you alright?"
A smile was on the boy's face. He was filled with tears of joy. "Yes . . . Misato-san. I'm alright."
Misato was surprised that Shinji gave her a straight answer without some sort of attitude that he's been giving her lately. "Is anything wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. It's more like everything's right. Misato-san, I saw my mother. I was able to speak with her. I've found my mother!"
Misato thought Shinji was going crazy. "A-Are you sure?"
"I know what I saw. I know it was my mother. We had a conversation. She was my guardian since I got here Misato. My mother never died. She only became Unit 01."
Misato didn't exactly know how to react to this. "I guess that's . . . great news, Shinji-chan."
"It is," he said tearfully. "It is." Shinji then saw Rei preparing to leave Nerv. "Ayanami!" For a second he turned his attention back to Misato. "I'll see you later, Misato-san."
"Congratulations, Misato, and regaining one point of Shinji's trust."
Misato turned and found Kaji behind her.
"Thanks."
"Even though it might not last long . . ." Kaji then faded from the scene.
* * * * *
Shinji ran over to Rei. "Hello, Ayanami."
"Hello, Ikari-kun."
"I wanted to thank you for backing me up out there."
"I should be thanking you, Pilot Ikari. You assisted me."
"Well, I guess you're going to go now. See you later, Ayanami."
"Goodbye, Ikari-kun."
Soon, Rei was en route to her apartment building. She walked at a usual slow pace.
"Hi, Rei!" said a childish voice.
Rei turned around and discovered Schala. She remained silent.
"Do you think you can play with me, now?"
"I do not think that is possible, Schala."
"Oh, all right," said the depressed girl. "Can I go with you to your home? It's getting late and it's lonely at night."
"Don't you have parents?"
Schala stared at the ground with a long frown. "No."
Rei was surprised. "You do not have a mother or father?"
Schala shook her head. Rei was very surprised. To her knowledge, a person has a mother and a father, and when they grow old enough they no longer needed to live with their parents. Then again, she never asked Shinji when he had stopped living with his mother and father.
"You may come with me."
Schala's innocent seven-year-old smile returned. Rei then noticed Schala's gleaming eyes. They were a bright and beautiful green like emeralds. They shined as if they were worth millions. Rei stared into them and felt a warm aura. It was very strange. Bizarre even. The two then began their silent trek to Rei's apartment. But soon, Schala broke the silence. "I forgot to thank you, Rei."
"You are welcome."
"How far is the apartment, mommy?"
Rei stared down at the little girl after hearing what Schala had called her. "Why did you address me as your mother?"
"I've never had a mommy before. You're the closest thing I've ever had to a real mommy."
"Even though I am not your biological mother?"
"Umm . . . I didn't understand that big word."
Rei rephrased her sentence. "Even though I am not your birth mother?"
"Just because you weren't with me since I was born doesn't mean you can't be my mommy."
"I see. I am not a proficient on families. I do not have a mother or father as well."
"Well, can I call you mommy, mommy?"
"If it pleases you."
The two soon reached Rei's apartment building, right before it began raining. Rei entered her apartment room as she usually would. Schala looked around with an odd look on her face. "It's messy," the young girl said. Rei didn't reply. Schala walked into the apartment building and tried avoid stepping on anything messy.
"It's very messy. Why don't we clean this place?"
"What would be the point?"
"Well, it would be less messy. Your home would look better, mommy."
"I suppose."
"Well, mommy, can we?" Rei reluctantly agreed. The only time she had cleaned her room before was when she was the second and cleaned it with Shinji. In about half an hour, the room was almost fully cleaned. While Schala and Rei were cleaning, Schala was humming a song. While lifting large amounts of garbage to put in the trash, she fell, and scraped her knee. "Oww," she cried out in pain.
"Schala?" Rei walked over to the injured girl and looked down on the injured girl. She let out another cry. Rei helped the girl up and covered the scar with a band-aid. Soon, Schala stopped crying. Rei was a little hesitant before asking Schala if she was okay. "Are you alright?"
Schala slowly nodded her head. "I'm okay. Thank you, mommy."
"It is getting late. Would you like me to accompany you to your home."
"My home was . . . destroyed by one of the big robots. I know it wasn't their fault because I know you're one of the pilots."
"If you wish, you may stay here for the night."
Schala smiled. "Thank you, mommy."
Soon, Rei was in her bed. She had her feet pulled up to her breast. She then heard saw a flash of lightning followed by the sound of thunder less then a second later. Seconds later, the flash of lightning appeared again, and revealed Schala at the doorway of her room.
". . . ?"
"I-I-I'm scared. I-I'm sorry if I woke you."
There were a few seconds of silence until Rei answered. "Come."
Schala slowly walked up to Rei's bed. "You may sleep here with me."
Schala lied down next to Rei. "Goodnight, mommy."
"Goodnight, Schala-chan." After that, the two fell asleep next to each other.
* * * * *
The next day, at school, the children were all prepared for another incredibly boring day. Rei was uneasy because she had left Schala at her apartment. Asuka was in a rage because she was still angry that she wasn't the one who defeated the Angel. As Shinji sat down in his seat, someone called out to them. "Hey, Shinji." Shinji turned around and Touji ran walked over to him. "Shinji, I just wanted to say, I'm sorry I've been giving you hell for the past few days."
"It's alright. You're probably mad th - "
"I also wanted to say that I'm not angry at you for when I was piloting Unit 03."
Shinji was silent.
"It's not your fault, alright?"
Shinji was still silent.
"Alright?!" he said as he gave Shinji a light punch.
"Alright," Shinji replied.
"I'm happy we've got that straightened out. I've got sort of a mission to complete."
"A mission? What kind of mission?"
"I can't say right now. But I'll tell you after school."
* * * * *
After school, Touji confronted Shinji. "Hey, Shinji, mission accomplished. I'll see you later."
Asuka was STILL angry that she wasn't able to destroy the Angel. She was in such a rage.
"Asuka!" Hikari cried out.
Asuka turned around. "What is it, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. But you'll never believe this!"
"Believe what?"
"Touji! He asked me out! He asked me out!" Hikari was jumping around like a little schoolgirl.
"The jock? He actually asked you out?"
"Yes! This afternoon!"
Asuka was stunned. She never thought Touji would actually ever, EVER ask Hikari out.
"I can't believe this! I'm just so, so, so happy!"
* * * * *
In Nerv . . .
"Major Katsuragi, Doctor Akagi," Gendou called out.
"Yes, sir."
"The children should have been dismissed from school. Call them immediately."
"Why?" Misato cried. "Can't they have a break?"
"I agree with Major Katsuragi. They should have a - " Ritsuko suddenly remembered. "The new Unit 03 will be arriving today. Isn't it?"
"Correct. The children shall escort the Unit."
"Yes, sir," answered Misato. She walked away to gather the children while slowly talking to herself, "Why can't they have a chance to be normal children? And who is going to pilot Unit 03?"
* * * * *
"Who are you, really?" asked Keel Lorenz.
"I am the one who was destroyed. Known also as the thirteenth Angel, I am Bardiel. Responsible for using the deceased Angels to form new ones to extract revenge," answered one of the Seele members.
"Why have you decided to join us?"
"Yes, why?"
"What is your agenda?"
Bardiel in a Seele member's body stared straight at Keel. "Your plan is to initiate Third Impact. I wish to see that occur. With my help, you will have Angels at your disposal. I can bring them back in new forms as long as they are willing to see Third Impact. I owe you all, anyway. I would not be here if you did not do what you had to do in a place called 'America'."
"Then welcome, Bardiel. We have a need for an Angel, already. Today, Evangelion Unit 03 will be arriving. I hope you will have it destroyed."
"It will be done."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And so Bardiel becomes Nerv enemy #1. Whether or not you like the fic so far, PLEASE continue reading. Next Chapter is where the suspense gets really intense and all of the darkness begins. It gets REALLY dark. So if you haven't reviewed yet, read the next chapter when it comes up, and review. You won't regret beginning to read this fic.
