Chapter 1
Another Beginning / Demons Strike
The room was dark except for twelve desks. Behind each desk was a person in the uniform of a UN military officer. The commander in chief of the UN military led the meeting. The discussion was on the various hot spots in the world. As the meeting was beginning to wrap up........
"Sir."
"Yes Commander Ryoji? Do you have something that you wish to add?"
Misato stood up and walked in front of her desk, addressing the others. "I would like to submit a request for the disassembling and destruction of the Evas."
The others looked at her in shock. "You WHAT?!" shouted another general.
The C in C waved his hand for silence, then looked at Misato. "Your reasons Commander?"
"Sir, There have been no attacks by Angels for the last 8 years. The Angels were the reason that the Evas were created." Misato stared at the General, "I see them as an unnecessary expenditure, the funds would be of better use elsewhere."
"The Evangelions are the most advanced weapons available." said another Commander, "To simple toss them away is inexcusable."
"I disagree," replied Misato, "The Evas haven't been able to function since the failed 3rd Impact. To continue to spend money on something that obviously will never work is wasteful and stupid."
The other officers all began to shout so that for several minutes, no one was understood. Finally, the C in C regained control.
"The Commander raises several good points. However, the decision made by this committee several months ago still stands. The Evangelions will be returned to service. Unless there are any other items...." The room remained quiet. "Then this meeting is adjourned." One by one, the other desks disappeared, leaving only the C in C and Misato.
"Commander, Your Branch has been tasked to reactivate the Evas. Do you feel you can put aside your concerns and complete this task.....or shall I have to find a replacement for you?"
Misato stood a little straighter. "No Sir. I will carry out my orders."
The C in C sat back in his chair. "See that you do." He then vanished. Misato stood quietly in the darkened room, then turned back to her desk and pressed a button. The lights came up in her office and the windows let in the sunlight.
"Those idiots!" Misato grabbed a paperweight and threw it at her wall. It left a dent, a new one amongst many. Her assistant, who had remained out of view of the others, stepped forward.
"Your developing a very bad habit Commander."
"I think reactivating the Evas will be more trouble then its worth." Misato turned and glared at her assistant. "You of all people know what those particular Evas can do."
Her assistant shuddered, "You don't need to remind me. I still have nightmares."
"I know, I'm sorry for bringing it up." Misato sighed, "At least Dr. Taltamir is still having problems, otherwise....."
"Why don't you just transfer and let someone else take over?" asked her assistant.
"And have someone else become the next SEELE?" Misato turned and looked out her window, overlooking Tokyo-2. "As long as I'm in command here, I know no one will be able to use the Evas for evil. That is why I stay." Misato turned and looked at the assistant. "You wouldn't pop in during a meeting unless it was important. What happened?"
"Sensors indicate that the MAGI at NERV were reactivated."
Misato frowned. "We disabled the MAGI and erased all the important files. Do we know what they got?"
"No, If they did get anything, they'll soon find out that the data is useless."
"Meaning....."
"They may try to get in here."
Misato turned to look back out the window. "Tell Major Ibuki to watch for anything out of the ordinary involving NORN." Misato gave a slight smile at the new computers name, a little joke by its creator. "Anything else?"
Her assistant then smiled, "Yeah, are you and Kaji coming by tonight?"
Misato looked back at her assistant. "Are you cooking or is Shinji?"
"What difference does that make?"
Misato smiled, "Well to be honest Asuka, your cooking is similar to mine."
Asuka glared at Misato. "It is NOT! Besides Shinji likes it."
"Shinji 'liked' mine too. He's too nice to say anything."
Asuka grumbled about that one. Misato laughed and patted her on the back. "Your cooking isn't really that bad. Both Kaji and I will be there." Misato returned to her desk and sat down. "Speaking of Shinji, how is he doing?"
Asuka smiled, "He found out college isn't as wonderful as he thought it would be."
"Maybe its because everyone but a certain red-haired women are attending Toyko-2 University."
Asuka blushed slightly, "I already have my College Diploma, I don't need another. Besides, what would you do without me?"
"Probably be over my head in paper work." mumbled Misato. She leaned back in her chair. "I wonder if Kami-sama has to attend meetings and do paper work?"
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"I HATE this." mumbled Kami-sama.
"Sir?" Kami-sama looked up. He sat at the head of a long table. Down each side of it sat Class 0 Gods and Goddesses, members of the Heavenly council.
"Nothing, Continue."
"Yes sir." Apollo turned back to the terminal in front of him. "SysOp Peorth reports no problems with Yggdrasil. Commander Mist reports the Valkyrie forces are in shape and on stand by..."
"They are always on stand by" mumbled Thor. "We need a good fight, it's been ages since I have fought a battle."
"And hopefully it will be longer still." replied Fukurokuju. "The world has matured much for the type of fighting you long for." Thor sat back grumbling.
"Please if I could get back to the reports..." said Apollo.
"Stuff your reports!" shouted Saturn. "That's all we ever hear now! Let's discuss something else!"
"Such as?" asked Apollo quietly.
"The Evangelions! Why do we allow such things to remain in existence?"
"According to the reports by Goddess Skuld," said Anubis, "The Evas are not a threat."
"As long as they exist they are a threat! A threat to the Heavens as well as the surface!"
"Would you care to explain that?" said Athena quietly.
Saturn looked at every deity present, "Those ...'things' are the clones of those 'Angels'. We only defeated them years ago because one of them helped us."
"They have been defeated again. By the use of the Evas."
Saturn stood and looked directly at Athena. "We wouldn't have had to worry about them had 3rd Impact gone on as we had planned, without influence. Sure, the mortals would have returned to the waters from which they were spawned, but they could have returned. Instead that half-breed interfered and...."
"THAT IS ENOUGH!!" shouted Kami-sama. He stood so fast his chair flipped out from behind him. All the deities turned and looked at their Lord. Saturn turned pale as he realized what he had said.
"My Lord, I..."
"SILENCE!!" Saturn quickly sat down into his chair. Kami-sama leaned forward and placed his hands upon the table. He looked at each deity, his gaze lingered on Saturn as he spoke.
"I will never hear of my granddaughter being called that ever again! If I do.....So help me...You'd wish you had been born a demon! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!" quiet nods were given around the table.
"As to the Eva issue, this has already been discussed. My daughters AND granddaughter are watching them. Unit 01 remains locked away under heavy guard. That is the end of it!" Kami-sama turned and left the council chamber. The doors slammed shut behind him.
"That went well." said Parvati quietly. The other gods began to get up a depart.
Thor glared at Saturn before he left. "You should apologize to the Lord. You have insulted his family."
Saturn remained in his seat until only he and one other remained.
"Do not worry about the Evas." said Loki, "As the Lord has said, the Evas are being watched by the Norns."
Saturn glared at Loki, "You trust them?"
Loki laced his hands together and rested his head upon them. "I trust them unconditionally, even though demon blood runs through the veins of one."
"And the Daughter of the Present?"
"Her record is unblemished, though she is a mix of mortal and god blood."
"Had I been Kami-sama, that contract would never have been honored. To have a Goddess wed to a mortal......"
Loki waved his hand. "She is not the first God or Goddess to fall for a mortal, she will not be the last."
"Yet you have not answered my question." pointed out Saturn. "Do you trust the child of the present?"
Loki smiled, "Publicly, I trust the granddaughter of Kami-sama. Privately, I do not trust the offspring of mortal and god."
"Why do you not say so publicly?" asked Saturn.
Loki got up and began to leave. "For the same reason I'm sure you'll never do so again." He looked back at Saturn before he left the chamber. "Kami-sama forbids it."
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Shinji sat among his classmates in the auditorium. To his right sat Rei. Next to her sat Sayoko. To his left was Touji. Shinji smiled. Unlike his school experience during the Angel Wars, this Professor did not ramble about second impact. Even though the subject was rather boring, this Professor obviously enjoyed teaching it. Besides, Shinji couldn't fall asleep if he had wanted to. First of all, the Professor was Fuyutsuki. Next, his mother was his assistant. Shinji would never hear the end of it if he fell asleep.
'Only one more year and we graduate.' thought Shinji as he continued to take notes. Further down, he saw Sayoko smile.
'Knock it off Sayoko. I know your listening.'
Sayoko turned a deep red, but did not stop taking notes. The last year had been difficult for her. She had thought having her parents back would be great. It had been, but......there were some unexpected difficulties. Sayoko found herself either spending more time with her friends or out granting wishes, then spending time with her parents. This had led to some tension between her Aunt and her mother. Sayoko sighed. Rei noticed this. She moved her hand over Sayoko's and gave it a gentle squeeze. Sayoko looked over at Rei and smiled.
'At least Rei has been there for me.'
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Belldandy sat in the kitchen staring at her tea. As much as she liked the apartment, part of her longed for the old temple. Shortly after their return, She and Keiichi had gone out with Skuld and Sayoko to the old temple. The temple had partially fallen into the sea. There was no way Belldandy was going to be able to restore it. Most of her things had been packed away by Skuld, so that nothing remained in the temple. Belldandy did find something to remind her of the temple. Just above the table on the wall hung the sign that once hung on the door to her room 'Everyone's Tearoom'. Belldandy slowly got up and wondered through the apartment. After returning, things had been great for a week, then reality set in. First of all, both Megumi and Skuld were physically older then Keiichi and Belldandy were. This really didn't bother Keiichi or Belldandy that much. What did bother her was that Sayoko went to Skuld for help instead of her. When Skuld had asked, Belldandy had replied she didn't mind. But inside she was upset. Sure, Skuld had basically been Sayoko's mother for 17 years, but with Belldandy back, that should have changed, shouldn't it? Skuld must have picked up on Belldandy's thoughts because lately she had been avoiding her. Belldandy finally awakened from her thoughts. She found herself in Sayoko's room. She sat down quietly on her daughter's bed and began to cry.
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Kami-sama sat in his office, still angered over what had been said in the council meeting. Now another problem had popped up. He turned off the monitor showing his middle child, and turned to the 2 before him.
"How long has it been like this?"
Skuld shifted quietly. "For the past 8 months."
"THAT LONG!"
Skuld looked down at her feet. "I didn't notice it at first. Then 3 months ago, I was helping Sayoko and I felt something from Belldandy." Skuld's voice got quiet. "I think she is jealous and upset that Sayoko would rather come to me then to her. I tried to talk to her, but she says nothing is wrong."
Urd spoke up, "No matter what is happening to her, She always puts on a happy front. She doesn't want to trouble others with what she sees as her problems."
"And where is Sayoko during this?" asked Kami-sama.
"She is either at the University, out with her friends, or up here looking for wishes to grant." replied Urd.
"Very well," said Kami-sama. "As of now, Sayoko is off the Goddess Relief Office listing, she is reassigned to the surface. She is to spend more time with her parents."
"Yes sir." said Skuld. "I believe Rei can help. She has been talking to Sayoko a lot."
"Very well." Kami-sama turned and looked out of his windows. "What is the status of the Evas?"
"The Commander of Toyko-2 UN has tried several times now to have them destroyed. She has been turned down. The scientists are still trying to reactivate them without success."
"Let me know if anything changes."
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Elsewhere.
Draco sat brooding in his chamber. The screams of the damned still could be heard through the thick walls. The walls themselves glowed a cherry red. Times had changed, the Demons had changed. Draco longed for the days of old, when the Demons were in constant conflict with the heavens, until the doublet system was put in place. Now you could not kill a god without losing a demon. Draco did not mind the loss of a few of his brother demons, what he did mind was the possibility of killing his own doublet, thus ending his life. At one time he would have called Oni-sama his Lord, but now he did so only for show. Now he called another Lord, for he wished to return the world to the times of the past, without the doublet system. However, it had been days since he had last spoken to his Lord. All the Lord said was that he would be called when he was needed. And so Draco waited.
"Arghhh I HATE WAITING" shouted Draco.
"Then wait no more."
Draco turned to the newcomer. "Who dares..... My Lord."
The newcomer was dressed in dark robes, his face hidden by a hood. "Rise my servant. I have a task for you."
"I hear and obey, my Lord."
The robed figure smiled, 'Demons are such fools.' "I have accessed the MAGI."
Draco looked confused. "But my Lord, the MAGI no longer contain any useful data."
"I am well aware of that. But the creator of the NORN system is the daughter of the MAGI's creator. Accessing the MAGI gave me a view of what the NORN will be like."
Draco looked puzzled, "Then....what do you need me for?"
"A diversion."
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Shinji moved about the kitchen getting dinner ready. Rei sat by the counter, talking to him. Shinji put down a pan.
"Skuld said what?"
"She wants us to help Sayoko open up to her mom." replied Rei. "Sayoko either comes to us, or goes to Skuld with her problems. Her mother feels left out."
Shinji sighed. "That's not going to be easy."
The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!" shouted Asuka from the living room where she had been talking to Yui, Misato and Kaji. Shinji looked at Rei.
"If you have any ideas, I'm all ears."
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Asuka could see right away something was wrong with Belldandy. When she had first seen her in the Eva, Belldandy had seemed happy, and full of life. When she had been retrieved from the Eva she seemed even more so. Now as Asuka looked at her, Belldandy's smile seemed hollow. Keiichi, Skuld and Sayoko followed her in.
"The others are inside," said Asuka. "Have a seat, dinner should be along shortly." Asuka then reached over and grabbed Skuld.
"GAH!!" shouted Skuld in surprise. Sayoko turned and gave Asuka a funny look. Asuka smiled.
"I just need your Aunt for a second."
Sayoko shrugged and went towards the living room. Asuka waited till she was out of sight then turned to Skuld.
"What's wrong with Belldandy?"
"Have you talked to Rei?" asked Skuld.
"No."
"You should talk to her." Skuld turned and started to head towards the living when Asuka grabbed her arm and led her towards the kitchen.
"You're not getting away that easily." muttered Asuka.
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Draco appeared in Toyko-2 along with 3 other Demons. He turned to one.
"You understand your orders?"
"Yes sir. We are to cause a disturbance to distract the goddesses in this city."
Draco stared at the Demon, "And....?"
"We are also to distract the UN forces."
"Good, I'm glad to see your brain functions. Remember, under no circumstances will you kill anyone." Draco grinned. "Just wound them a little."
"Does that included the Goddesses?"
"Of course."
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"Alright," said Asuka. "I'll get Belldandy. Rei, you get Sayoko. We'll get them back to normal." Rei nodded.
"Alright."
Asuka and Rei headed towards the living room. Shinji looked over at Skuld.
"Why does this sound like a bad thing to do?"
Skuld looked at the ceiling. "Because Asuka suggested it possibly."
"No, actually, Rei did. I guess we should follow." Shinji and Skuld headed into the living room.
Asuka walked over to Belldandy. "Come with me I need to talk to you."
Asuka started to pull Belldandy with her, when all the goddesses froze. Belldandy turned and looked at Skuld. Sayoko also looked at Skuld.
"Is it Mara?" Sayoko asked quietly.
"No." said Skuld quietly.
"What is it?" asked Asuka. Misato's cell phone broke the silence.
"Yes?" asked Misato.
"COMMANDER!!" came her Sub-Commander's voice. "The NORN is detecting multiple unknown patterns, currently classified as black!"
"Type Black?" Misato turned and looked at the goddesses. They all closed their eyes. With a flash, their everyday clothes were replaced by goddess outfits. These outfits differed from their normal goddess robes. These were their battle outfits (see Ah My Goddess the Movie for reference). They each reached up to their earrings and pulled off apiece. That piece extended itself into a long staff that formed an intricate pattern at one end. The goddesses looked serious.
"We'll handle it." said Skuld, dangerously. The 3 then disappeared in a bright flash.
"Commander?" came the Sub-Commander's voice.
"I'm on my way." Misato hung up. "Come on Asuka. There's trouble." They started to leave when Keiichi called out.
"Be careful. The last time I saw Belldandy dressed liked that, she was fighting a god."
Everyone stared at Shinji wide-eyed. "But...why would Sayoko ask if it was Mara?" asked Misato.
Keiichi let out a sigh, "From the sound of it....its Demons."
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Macet was having the time of his life. It wasn't often that a 2nd Class Demon had this much fun. Macet picked up a car and hurled it through the glass window of a shop.
"HOLD IT!"
Macet turned to see 2 Police Officers pointing their guns at him.
"FREEZE!"
"Not likely." Macet said, he turned and headed towards another car.
"I SAID FREEZE!!" shouted the Officer. "FIRE!"
Both Officers began firing their guns at the Demon. Just before the bullets hit, a red shield flared into existence around Macet.
"Heh, nice try. My turn." Macet picked up the car and hurled it towards the Officers. Both just barely made it out of the way. Macet laughed and continued up the street. As he reached the end, a new vehicle approached. It was a UN armored personal carrier. The vehicle turned straight towards him. The machine gun turret turned and pointed straight at him.
"Ooooo. I soooo scared." said Macet. The machine gun opened up on Macet. The red shield once again flared into existence. Macet laughed as the bullets were all deflected. He raised his hand and sent a force bolt towards the vehicle. The bolt crashed into the front armor of the vehicle. A massive explosion blasted the vehicle into the buildings behind it. Macet laughed as he looked at the remains of the vehicle.
"Is there no one who is worthy to face me?" Macet shouted.
"How about me?"
Macet looked up. Standing on top of a building stood Skuld. She had upon her head a helmet with a visor that covered her eyes. She pointed the end of her staff at Macet. Macet smiled.
"Let's play little girl."
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Misato and Asuka stormed into the command room.
"Status!" shout Misato.
The Sub-Commander saluted, "Ma'am, We have detected 4 Type Black patterns." He pointed to the map display. 4 points of light moved across it. "Police have encounter them. They appear to be men, but...they have powers like the Angels did. We have lost several armored vehicles to them with no damage to the enemy."
"SIR!!" shouted Maya at a display. "We are picking up 3 Type Purple patterns! They seem to be engaging the Type Blacks!"
Misato smiled 'The Calvary has arrived.' "Put us at defense level 1. All forces on alert."
"Yes Ma'am."
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"Still no response Doctor."
Doctor Joseph Taltamir stared at his assistant. "Damn, I thought we had it that time." Taltamir turned and stared through the windows into the large chamber beyond. An MP Eva stood against the far wall.
'Why won't you work?' thought Taltamir. He had been trying to activate the Evas for the past 7 years. Unfortunately, he had only the data from the MAGI to go on, and even that was incomplete. 2 direct sources of information on the Evas refused to help.
'Damn you Akagi, Damn you Ibuki.' Taltamir punched the window before him. Alarms screamed into existence. Taltamir turned to his assistant.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Apparently there are Angel like forces attacking the city. We have been placed at Defense status one."
"Great." muttered Taltamir. "Come on, we won't get anymore work done today" Both left the control room. The room remained empty for a few minutes. Then there was a bright flash, and the robed figure appeared in the room. He walked quickly over to a terminal. A brought out a diskette and placed it into a drive. He began to rapidly type. He quickly uploaded information from the diskette to the computer. He removed the disk, then stepped to the window.
"Soon, you will awaken." He said to the Eva. "And then no power in the universe will stop me."
With a bright flash, he vanished."
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Sayoko dove for cover behind a car. A force bolt sailed over her head, crashing into a building.
"Jeez," she muttered, "They just won't quit."
Sayoko stood up and pointed her staff at the Demon. A beam of light flashed from the end of the staff. The Demon just barely got out of the way. The beam hit a light pole, causing the entire pole to be frozen in ice.
"Damn, I missed."
"But I won't!"
Sayoko turned to see the Demon coming at her with a sword. She raised her staff and blocked him as he tried to slice into her. Sayoko went on the defensive as she parried and dodge the Demons strikes. The Demon came at her with a vicious slice that used both his hands. Sayoko brought her staff up to block, but the force the Demon put behind the blade shattered the staff into 2 pieces. The blade continued, slicing into Sayoko's side. Sayoko screamed in pain and fell back. The Demon stood over her preparing to deliver the death blow.
"Good-bye Goddess." He said. He started to bring the blade down. A blue blur slammed into him knocking the demon flat. Sayoko, holding her side, turned and looked at her savior. Belldandy stood posed above the Demon, her staff pointed right at the Demon's face.
"You hurt my DUAGHTER!" said a very angry Belldandy. Before the Demon could respond, the staff fired its beam, freezing the Demon in place. Belldandy turned and looked at Sayoko.
"SAYOKO!" she shouted rushing to her side.
"Momma...." said Sayoko before darkness claimed her.
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Skuld was still fighting Macet when a second Demon appeared nearby.
"Come on Macet! Its time to go!"
Macet turned and looked a Skuld. "Another time Goddess!" Both Demons vanished.
Skuld stared at were the Demons had been, then she turned and looked over the destruction they had caused.
"What were they up to?"
* SKULD!! * came Belldandy's voice.
* What? * replied Skuld.
* SAYOKO IS INJURED COME HERE QUICK!! *
* WHAT!! *
Skuld teleported immediately.
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In the command room, Misato and Asuka watched as the Purple and Black forces moved about. Every once in a while the battle was picked up on the cameras spread about the city. Misato could easily tell that the Type Blacks were Demons from the red markings on their faces. The only way she could tell the Goddesses apart was from their outfits which she had seen before she left. The Helmets they wore, along with the visors, prevented her from seeing the upper portions of their faces. On one screen, Skuld and a Demon were having one hell of a fight. On another Belldandy and another Demon were taking shots at one another. Neither were moving very much. The third showed Sayoko's battle. Sayoko had barely missed the Demon several times, she then dove behind a car. The force bolt from the Demon slammed head long into the camera.
"Sorry Ma'am, we lost the picture." said Maya.
"Can you get the scene from another camera location?" asked Asuka.
"I'll try."
Misato and Asuka continued to watch the other screens, when something happened. Both Belldandy and Skuld seemed to stumble at the same moment. Belldandy immediately pulled out of the battle and vanished. Skuld fought on. Then her Demon vanished. Skuld seemed to look about for a second and then froze. Then she too vanished. The main Map display no longer showed them as they were not using their powers.
"Ma'am, we have the location back up with camera 15."
Misato and Asuka turned back to the monitor that had showed Sayoko's fight. The first thing they could see was the Demon, now frozen in ice. The next thing they saw was Belldandy and Skuld bending over a fallen figure. The figure and surrounding cement were covered in blood.
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Mist, Valkyrie
Fukurokuju, Shinto God of wisdom, luck, and prosperity
Saturn, Roman, god of fertility and agriculture
Apollo, God of arts, music and medicine
Anubis, Egyptian God of the dead and embalming. He holds the scales to weight the hearts of men
Thor, Norse God of Lightning and War
Athena, Greek Goddess of wisdom, reason and protective force
Parvati, Hindu goddess of Divine Light and Wisdom
Loki, Norse Trickester God, concerned with thievery, magic, and fire
Another Beginning / Demons Strike
The room was dark except for twelve desks. Behind each desk was a person in the uniform of a UN military officer. The commander in chief of the UN military led the meeting. The discussion was on the various hot spots in the world. As the meeting was beginning to wrap up........
"Sir."
"Yes Commander Ryoji? Do you have something that you wish to add?"
Misato stood up and walked in front of her desk, addressing the others. "I would like to submit a request for the disassembling and destruction of the Evas."
The others looked at her in shock. "You WHAT?!" shouted another general.
The C in C waved his hand for silence, then looked at Misato. "Your reasons Commander?"
"Sir, There have been no attacks by Angels for the last 8 years. The Angels were the reason that the Evas were created." Misato stared at the General, "I see them as an unnecessary expenditure, the funds would be of better use elsewhere."
"The Evangelions are the most advanced weapons available." said another Commander, "To simple toss them away is inexcusable."
"I disagree," replied Misato, "The Evas haven't been able to function since the failed 3rd Impact. To continue to spend money on something that obviously will never work is wasteful and stupid."
The other officers all began to shout so that for several minutes, no one was understood. Finally, the C in C regained control.
"The Commander raises several good points. However, the decision made by this committee several months ago still stands. The Evangelions will be returned to service. Unless there are any other items...." The room remained quiet. "Then this meeting is adjourned." One by one, the other desks disappeared, leaving only the C in C and Misato.
"Commander, Your Branch has been tasked to reactivate the Evas. Do you feel you can put aside your concerns and complete this task.....or shall I have to find a replacement for you?"
Misato stood a little straighter. "No Sir. I will carry out my orders."
The C in C sat back in his chair. "See that you do." He then vanished. Misato stood quietly in the darkened room, then turned back to her desk and pressed a button. The lights came up in her office and the windows let in the sunlight.
"Those idiots!" Misato grabbed a paperweight and threw it at her wall. It left a dent, a new one amongst many. Her assistant, who had remained out of view of the others, stepped forward.
"Your developing a very bad habit Commander."
"I think reactivating the Evas will be more trouble then its worth." Misato turned and glared at her assistant. "You of all people know what those particular Evas can do."
Her assistant shuddered, "You don't need to remind me. I still have nightmares."
"I know, I'm sorry for bringing it up." Misato sighed, "At least Dr. Taltamir is still having problems, otherwise....."
"Why don't you just transfer and let someone else take over?" asked her assistant.
"And have someone else become the next SEELE?" Misato turned and looked out her window, overlooking Tokyo-2. "As long as I'm in command here, I know no one will be able to use the Evas for evil. That is why I stay." Misato turned and looked at the assistant. "You wouldn't pop in during a meeting unless it was important. What happened?"
"Sensors indicate that the MAGI at NERV were reactivated."
Misato frowned. "We disabled the MAGI and erased all the important files. Do we know what they got?"
"No, If they did get anything, they'll soon find out that the data is useless."
"Meaning....."
"They may try to get in here."
Misato turned to look back out the window. "Tell Major Ibuki to watch for anything out of the ordinary involving NORN." Misato gave a slight smile at the new computers name, a little joke by its creator. "Anything else?"
Her assistant then smiled, "Yeah, are you and Kaji coming by tonight?"
Misato looked back at her assistant. "Are you cooking or is Shinji?"
"What difference does that make?"
Misato smiled, "Well to be honest Asuka, your cooking is similar to mine."
Asuka glared at Misato. "It is NOT! Besides Shinji likes it."
"Shinji 'liked' mine too. He's too nice to say anything."
Asuka grumbled about that one. Misato laughed and patted her on the back. "Your cooking isn't really that bad. Both Kaji and I will be there." Misato returned to her desk and sat down. "Speaking of Shinji, how is he doing?"
Asuka smiled, "He found out college isn't as wonderful as he thought it would be."
"Maybe its because everyone but a certain red-haired women are attending Toyko-2 University."
Asuka blushed slightly, "I already have my College Diploma, I don't need another. Besides, what would you do without me?"
"Probably be over my head in paper work." mumbled Misato. She leaned back in her chair. "I wonder if Kami-sama has to attend meetings and do paper work?"
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"I HATE this." mumbled Kami-sama.
"Sir?" Kami-sama looked up. He sat at the head of a long table. Down each side of it sat Class 0 Gods and Goddesses, members of the Heavenly council.
"Nothing, Continue."
"Yes sir." Apollo turned back to the terminal in front of him. "SysOp Peorth reports no problems with Yggdrasil. Commander Mist reports the Valkyrie forces are in shape and on stand by..."
"They are always on stand by" mumbled Thor. "We need a good fight, it's been ages since I have fought a battle."
"And hopefully it will be longer still." replied Fukurokuju. "The world has matured much for the type of fighting you long for." Thor sat back grumbling.
"Please if I could get back to the reports..." said Apollo.
"Stuff your reports!" shouted Saturn. "That's all we ever hear now! Let's discuss something else!"
"Such as?" asked Apollo quietly.
"The Evangelions! Why do we allow such things to remain in existence?"
"According to the reports by Goddess Skuld," said Anubis, "The Evas are not a threat."
"As long as they exist they are a threat! A threat to the Heavens as well as the surface!"
"Would you care to explain that?" said Athena quietly.
Saturn looked at every deity present, "Those ...'things' are the clones of those 'Angels'. We only defeated them years ago because one of them helped us."
"They have been defeated again. By the use of the Evas."
Saturn stood and looked directly at Athena. "We wouldn't have had to worry about them had 3rd Impact gone on as we had planned, without influence. Sure, the mortals would have returned to the waters from which they were spawned, but they could have returned. Instead that half-breed interfered and...."
"THAT IS ENOUGH!!" shouted Kami-sama. He stood so fast his chair flipped out from behind him. All the deities turned and looked at their Lord. Saturn turned pale as he realized what he had said.
"My Lord, I..."
"SILENCE!!" Saturn quickly sat down into his chair. Kami-sama leaned forward and placed his hands upon the table. He looked at each deity, his gaze lingered on Saturn as he spoke.
"I will never hear of my granddaughter being called that ever again! If I do.....So help me...You'd wish you had been born a demon! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!" quiet nods were given around the table.
"As to the Eva issue, this has already been discussed. My daughters AND granddaughter are watching them. Unit 01 remains locked away under heavy guard. That is the end of it!" Kami-sama turned and left the council chamber. The doors slammed shut behind him.
"That went well." said Parvati quietly. The other gods began to get up a depart.
Thor glared at Saturn before he left. "You should apologize to the Lord. You have insulted his family."
Saturn remained in his seat until only he and one other remained.
"Do not worry about the Evas." said Loki, "As the Lord has said, the Evas are being watched by the Norns."
Saturn glared at Loki, "You trust them?"
Loki laced his hands together and rested his head upon them. "I trust them unconditionally, even though demon blood runs through the veins of one."
"And the Daughter of the Present?"
"Her record is unblemished, though she is a mix of mortal and god blood."
"Had I been Kami-sama, that contract would never have been honored. To have a Goddess wed to a mortal......"
Loki waved his hand. "She is not the first God or Goddess to fall for a mortal, she will not be the last."
"Yet you have not answered my question." pointed out Saturn. "Do you trust the child of the present?"
Loki smiled, "Publicly, I trust the granddaughter of Kami-sama. Privately, I do not trust the offspring of mortal and god."
"Why do you not say so publicly?" asked Saturn.
Loki got up and began to leave. "For the same reason I'm sure you'll never do so again." He looked back at Saturn before he left the chamber. "Kami-sama forbids it."
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Shinji sat among his classmates in the auditorium. To his right sat Rei. Next to her sat Sayoko. To his left was Touji. Shinji smiled. Unlike his school experience during the Angel Wars, this Professor did not ramble about second impact. Even though the subject was rather boring, this Professor obviously enjoyed teaching it. Besides, Shinji couldn't fall asleep if he had wanted to. First of all, the Professor was Fuyutsuki. Next, his mother was his assistant. Shinji would never hear the end of it if he fell asleep.
'Only one more year and we graduate.' thought Shinji as he continued to take notes. Further down, he saw Sayoko smile.
'Knock it off Sayoko. I know your listening.'
Sayoko turned a deep red, but did not stop taking notes. The last year had been difficult for her. She had thought having her parents back would be great. It had been, but......there were some unexpected difficulties. Sayoko found herself either spending more time with her friends or out granting wishes, then spending time with her parents. This had led to some tension between her Aunt and her mother. Sayoko sighed. Rei noticed this. She moved her hand over Sayoko's and gave it a gentle squeeze. Sayoko looked over at Rei and smiled.
'At least Rei has been there for me.'
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Belldandy sat in the kitchen staring at her tea. As much as she liked the apartment, part of her longed for the old temple. Shortly after their return, She and Keiichi had gone out with Skuld and Sayoko to the old temple. The temple had partially fallen into the sea. There was no way Belldandy was going to be able to restore it. Most of her things had been packed away by Skuld, so that nothing remained in the temple. Belldandy did find something to remind her of the temple. Just above the table on the wall hung the sign that once hung on the door to her room 'Everyone's Tearoom'. Belldandy slowly got up and wondered through the apartment. After returning, things had been great for a week, then reality set in. First of all, both Megumi and Skuld were physically older then Keiichi and Belldandy were. This really didn't bother Keiichi or Belldandy that much. What did bother her was that Sayoko went to Skuld for help instead of her. When Skuld had asked, Belldandy had replied she didn't mind. But inside she was upset. Sure, Skuld had basically been Sayoko's mother for 17 years, but with Belldandy back, that should have changed, shouldn't it? Skuld must have picked up on Belldandy's thoughts because lately she had been avoiding her. Belldandy finally awakened from her thoughts. She found herself in Sayoko's room. She sat down quietly on her daughter's bed and began to cry.
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Kami-sama sat in his office, still angered over what had been said in the council meeting. Now another problem had popped up. He turned off the monitor showing his middle child, and turned to the 2 before him.
"How long has it been like this?"
Skuld shifted quietly. "For the past 8 months."
"THAT LONG!"
Skuld looked down at her feet. "I didn't notice it at first. Then 3 months ago, I was helping Sayoko and I felt something from Belldandy." Skuld's voice got quiet. "I think she is jealous and upset that Sayoko would rather come to me then to her. I tried to talk to her, but she says nothing is wrong."
Urd spoke up, "No matter what is happening to her, She always puts on a happy front. She doesn't want to trouble others with what she sees as her problems."
"And where is Sayoko during this?" asked Kami-sama.
"She is either at the University, out with her friends, or up here looking for wishes to grant." replied Urd.
"Very well," said Kami-sama. "As of now, Sayoko is off the Goddess Relief Office listing, she is reassigned to the surface. She is to spend more time with her parents."
"Yes sir." said Skuld. "I believe Rei can help. She has been talking to Sayoko a lot."
"Very well." Kami-sama turned and looked out of his windows. "What is the status of the Evas?"
"The Commander of Toyko-2 UN has tried several times now to have them destroyed. She has been turned down. The scientists are still trying to reactivate them without success."
"Let me know if anything changes."
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Elsewhere.
Draco sat brooding in his chamber. The screams of the damned still could be heard through the thick walls. The walls themselves glowed a cherry red. Times had changed, the Demons had changed. Draco longed for the days of old, when the Demons were in constant conflict with the heavens, until the doublet system was put in place. Now you could not kill a god without losing a demon. Draco did not mind the loss of a few of his brother demons, what he did mind was the possibility of killing his own doublet, thus ending his life. At one time he would have called Oni-sama his Lord, but now he did so only for show. Now he called another Lord, for he wished to return the world to the times of the past, without the doublet system. However, it had been days since he had last spoken to his Lord. All the Lord said was that he would be called when he was needed. And so Draco waited.
"Arghhh I HATE WAITING" shouted Draco.
"Then wait no more."
Draco turned to the newcomer. "Who dares..... My Lord."
The newcomer was dressed in dark robes, his face hidden by a hood. "Rise my servant. I have a task for you."
"I hear and obey, my Lord."
The robed figure smiled, 'Demons are such fools.' "I have accessed the MAGI."
Draco looked confused. "But my Lord, the MAGI no longer contain any useful data."
"I am well aware of that. But the creator of the NORN system is the daughter of the MAGI's creator. Accessing the MAGI gave me a view of what the NORN will be like."
Draco looked puzzled, "Then....what do you need me for?"
"A diversion."
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Shinji moved about the kitchen getting dinner ready. Rei sat by the counter, talking to him. Shinji put down a pan.
"Skuld said what?"
"She wants us to help Sayoko open up to her mom." replied Rei. "Sayoko either comes to us, or goes to Skuld with her problems. Her mother feels left out."
Shinji sighed. "That's not going to be easy."
The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!" shouted Asuka from the living room where she had been talking to Yui, Misato and Kaji. Shinji looked at Rei.
"If you have any ideas, I'm all ears."
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Asuka could see right away something was wrong with Belldandy. When she had first seen her in the Eva, Belldandy had seemed happy, and full of life. When she had been retrieved from the Eva she seemed even more so. Now as Asuka looked at her, Belldandy's smile seemed hollow. Keiichi, Skuld and Sayoko followed her in.
"The others are inside," said Asuka. "Have a seat, dinner should be along shortly." Asuka then reached over and grabbed Skuld.
"GAH!!" shouted Skuld in surprise. Sayoko turned and gave Asuka a funny look. Asuka smiled.
"I just need your Aunt for a second."
Sayoko shrugged and went towards the living room. Asuka waited till she was out of sight then turned to Skuld.
"What's wrong with Belldandy?"
"Have you talked to Rei?" asked Skuld.
"No."
"You should talk to her." Skuld turned and started to head towards the living when Asuka grabbed her arm and led her towards the kitchen.
"You're not getting away that easily." muttered Asuka.
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Draco appeared in Toyko-2 along with 3 other Demons. He turned to one.
"You understand your orders?"
"Yes sir. We are to cause a disturbance to distract the goddesses in this city."
Draco stared at the Demon, "And....?"
"We are also to distract the UN forces."
"Good, I'm glad to see your brain functions. Remember, under no circumstances will you kill anyone." Draco grinned. "Just wound them a little."
"Does that included the Goddesses?"
"Of course."
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"Alright," said Asuka. "I'll get Belldandy. Rei, you get Sayoko. We'll get them back to normal." Rei nodded.
"Alright."
Asuka and Rei headed towards the living room. Shinji looked over at Skuld.
"Why does this sound like a bad thing to do?"
Skuld looked at the ceiling. "Because Asuka suggested it possibly."
"No, actually, Rei did. I guess we should follow." Shinji and Skuld headed into the living room.
Asuka walked over to Belldandy. "Come with me I need to talk to you."
Asuka started to pull Belldandy with her, when all the goddesses froze. Belldandy turned and looked at Skuld. Sayoko also looked at Skuld.
"Is it Mara?" Sayoko asked quietly.
"No." said Skuld quietly.
"What is it?" asked Asuka. Misato's cell phone broke the silence.
"Yes?" asked Misato.
"COMMANDER!!" came her Sub-Commander's voice. "The NORN is detecting multiple unknown patterns, currently classified as black!"
"Type Black?" Misato turned and looked at the goddesses. They all closed their eyes. With a flash, their everyday clothes were replaced by goddess outfits. These outfits differed from their normal goddess robes. These were their battle outfits (see Ah My Goddess the Movie for reference). They each reached up to their earrings and pulled off apiece. That piece extended itself into a long staff that formed an intricate pattern at one end. The goddesses looked serious.
"We'll handle it." said Skuld, dangerously. The 3 then disappeared in a bright flash.
"Commander?" came the Sub-Commander's voice.
"I'm on my way." Misato hung up. "Come on Asuka. There's trouble." They started to leave when Keiichi called out.
"Be careful. The last time I saw Belldandy dressed liked that, she was fighting a god."
Everyone stared at Shinji wide-eyed. "But...why would Sayoko ask if it was Mara?" asked Misato.
Keiichi let out a sigh, "From the sound of it....its Demons."
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Macet was having the time of his life. It wasn't often that a 2nd Class Demon had this much fun. Macet picked up a car and hurled it through the glass window of a shop.
"HOLD IT!"
Macet turned to see 2 Police Officers pointing their guns at him.
"FREEZE!"
"Not likely." Macet said, he turned and headed towards another car.
"I SAID FREEZE!!" shouted the Officer. "FIRE!"
Both Officers began firing their guns at the Demon. Just before the bullets hit, a red shield flared into existence around Macet.
"Heh, nice try. My turn." Macet picked up the car and hurled it towards the Officers. Both just barely made it out of the way. Macet laughed and continued up the street. As he reached the end, a new vehicle approached. It was a UN armored personal carrier. The vehicle turned straight towards him. The machine gun turret turned and pointed straight at him.
"Ooooo. I soooo scared." said Macet. The machine gun opened up on Macet. The red shield once again flared into existence. Macet laughed as the bullets were all deflected. He raised his hand and sent a force bolt towards the vehicle. The bolt crashed into the front armor of the vehicle. A massive explosion blasted the vehicle into the buildings behind it. Macet laughed as he looked at the remains of the vehicle.
"Is there no one who is worthy to face me?" Macet shouted.
"How about me?"
Macet looked up. Standing on top of a building stood Skuld. She had upon her head a helmet with a visor that covered her eyes. She pointed the end of her staff at Macet. Macet smiled.
"Let's play little girl."
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Misato and Asuka stormed into the command room.
"Status!" shout Misato.
The Sub-Commander saluted, "Ma'am, We have detected 4 Type Black patterns." He pointed to the map display. 4 points of light moved across it. "Police have encounter them. They appear to be men, but...they have powers like the Angels did. We have lost several armored vehicles to them with no damage to the enemy."
"SIR!!" shouted Maya at a display. "We are picking up 3 Type Purple patterns! They seem to be engaging the Type Blacks!"
Misato smiled 'The Calvary has arrived.' "Put us at defense level 1. All forces on alert."
"Yes Ma'am."
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"Still no response Doctor."
Doctor Joseph Taltamir stared at his assistant. "Damn, I thought we had it that time." Taltamir turned and stared through the windows into the large chamber beyond. An MP Eva stood against the far wall.
'Why won't you work?' thought Taltamir. He had been trying to activate the Evas for the past 7 years. Unfortunately, he had only the data from the MAGI to go on, and even that was incomplete. 2 direct sources of information on the Evas refused to help.
'Damn you Akagi, Damn you Ibuki.' Taltamir punched the window before him. Alarms screamed into existence. Taltamir turned to his assistant.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Apparently there are Angel like forces attacking the city. We have been placed at Defense status one."
"Great." muttered Taltamir. "Come on, we won't get anymore work done today" Both left the control room. The room remained empty for a few minutes. Then there was a bright flash, and the robed figure appeared in the room. He walked quickly over to a terminal. A brought out a diskette and placed it into a drive. He began to rapidly type. He quickly uploaded information from the diskette to the computer. He removed the disk, then stepped to the window.
"Soon, you will awaken." He said to the Eva. "And then no power in the universe will stop me."
With a bright flash, he vanished."
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Sayoko dove for cover behind a car. A force bolt sailed over her head, crashing into a building.
"Jeez," she muttered, "They just won't quit."
Sayoko stood up and pointed her staff at the Demon. A beam of light flashed from the end of the staff. The Demon just barely got out of the way. The beam hit a light pole, causing the entire pole to be frozen in ice.
"Damn, I missed."
"But I won't!"
Sayoko turned to see the Demon coming at her with a sword. She raised her staff and blocked him as he tried to slice into her. Sayoko went on the defensive as she parried and dodge the Demons strikes. The Demon came at her with a vicious slice that used both his hands. Sayoko brought her staff up to block, but the force the Demon put behind the blade shattered the staff into 2 pieces. The blade continued, slicing into Sayoko's side. Sayoko screamed in pain and fell back. The Demon stood over her preparing to deliver the death blow.
"Good-bye Goddess." He said. He started to bring the blade down. A blue blur slammed into him knocking the demon flat. Sayoko, holding her side, turned and looked at her savior. Belldandy stood posed above the Demon, her staff pointed right at the Demon's face.
"You hurt my DUAGHTER!" said a very angry Belldandy. Before the Demon could respond, the staff fired its beam, freezing the Demon in place. Belldandy turned and looked at Sayoko.
"SAYOKO!" she shouted rushing to her side.
"Momma...." said Sayoko before darkness claimed her.
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Skuld was still fighting Macet when a second Demon appeared nearby.
"Come on Macet! Its time to go!"
Macet turned and looked a Skuld. "Another time Goddess!" Both Demons vanished.
Skuld stared at were the Demons had been, then she turned and looked over the destruction they had caused.
"What were they up to?"
* SKULD!! * came Belldandy's voice.
* What? * replied Skuld.
* SAYOKO IS INJURED COME HERE QUICK!! *
* WHAT!! *
Skuld teleported immediately.
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In the command room, Misato and Asuka watched as the Purple and Black forces moved about. Every once in a while the battle was picked up on the cameras spread about the city. Misato could easily tell that the Type Blacks were Demons from the red markings on their faces. The only way she could tell the Goddesses apart was from their outfits which she had seen before she left. The Helmets they wore, along with the visors, prevented her from seeing the upper portions of their faces. On one screen, Skuld and a Demon were having one hell of a fight. On another Belldandy and another Demon were taking shots at one another. Neither were moving very much. The third showed Sayoko's battle. Sayoko had barely missed the Demon several times, she then dove behind a car. The force bolt from the Demon slammed head long into the camera.
"Sorry Ma'am, we lost the picture." said Maya.
"Can you get the scene from another camera location?" asked Asuka.
"I'll try."
Misato and Asuka continued to watch the other screens, when something happened. Both Belldandy and Skuld seemed to stumble at the same moment. Belldandy immediately pulled out of the battle and vanished. Skuld fought on. Then her Demon vanished. Skuld seemed to look about for a second and then froze. Then she too vanished. The main Map display no longer showed them as they were not using their powers.
"Ma'am, we have the location back up with camera 15."
Misato and Asuka turned back to the monitor that had showed Sayoko's fight. The first thing they could see was the Demon, now frozen in ice. The next thing they saw was Belldandy and Skuld bending over a fallen figure. The figure and surrounding cement were covered in blood.
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Mist, Valkyrie
Fukurokuju, Shinto God of wisdom, luck, and prosperity
Saturn, Roman, god of fertility and agriculture
Apollo, God of arts, music and medicine
Anubis, Egyptian God of the dead and embalming. He holds the scales to weight the hearts of men
Thor, Norse God of Lightning and War
Athena, Greek Goddess of wisdom, reason and protective force
Parvati, Hindu goddess of Divine Light and Wisdom
Loki, Norse Trickester God, concerned with thievery, magic, and fire