Chapter 8
Plans
In the depths of hell.
Mara walked past tortured soul after tortured soul. Hell was a lot emptier these days, ever since that large group had left and invaded the heavens. Mara frowned as she thought about it.
'Fools. Fools who do not know their place.'
She continued to walk, heading to the deepest area in hell. In order to get down to this level, that person had to be one of the worst examples of humanity ever seen. Mara smiled at that.
'They had to make a whole new level just for them.'
She entered an area which only a select few Demons could enter or even knew about. She looked over the chamber. 13 souls were in this chamber, constant torment, pain, and misery their only companion. Each floated within a shaft of light, unable to move out from it, unable to escape it. Mara walked past the first 12, for it was the 13th she came to see. As she looked upon the man, she felt no pity for him.
'Of them all, He is the worst.'
She waved her hand and he fell to the ground. She walked over and stood above him.
"Gendo Ikari." she said, her voice dripping with scorn and venom.
Ikari looked up from the ground. "You. What do you want?"
Mara gave him a smile, "Awww, you remember me." The smile vanished. "How sweet. I want information."
"And why would I help you?" Gendo asked as he stood up.
"Maybe because I might help you get out of this area. Maybe moved up to a higher level."
"....."
"Ohhh don't look so unhappy Gendo-honey." Mara placed an arm around Gendo. "After all, It can't get any worse for you. Your in the pit of hell, you should fell honored to be here. The pit used to belong to the lawyers. Things can only go up from here."
Gendo moved Mara's arm off of him. "What do you want?"
Mara smiled, "Information on the MP Evas."
Gendo smirked at her. "I had nothing to do with their design. They were built according to SEELE's specs, not mine."
"Ahh, But you know how they function, their weaknesses," she looked him in the eyes, "Their true purpose."
Gendo turned away from her. "You should talk to Keel."
"But how close is Keel to Unit 01. Can I talk to Keel about 01?"
Gendo turned and looked at her. 'Yui?' "You can find others to talk about Unit 01. Dr. Akagi for instants."
Mara pouted, "But I wanted to talk to you Gendo-honey. A big ....strong...powerful man like you. Besides...I might be able to get you closer to Yui."
"Very well."
For the next 30 minutes, Mara asked question about Unit 01, with many question about the MP Evas tossed in. Gendo answered everyone. Mara stood up.
"Thanks Gendo-honey. I've got what I needed." Mara turned to leave.
"Wait!" Mara turned back to Gendo, "You said you'd move me up to a higher level! That I could get closer to Yui!"
Mara walked back to him and looked him right in the eyes.
"I lied." she said with a smile. "Besides, Yui Ikari has her own life now. Without you in it." She waved her hand and Gendo found himself in the air again, exactly as she had found him.
"NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!! MARA!! MARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Mara left, the sound of her name being screamed was music to her ears.
'I told them they'd be screaming my name later.'
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"What's keeping her?" muttered Urd. Belldandy looked up from across the table.
"Come on Urd. She said it would take awhile, and then after she'd have to report in."
Urd sighed, "I know Bell. I just want to get the heavens back under our control." She looked up at Belldandy. "Besides, I know that this hasn't been easy for you, Skuld and Peorth."
Belldandy gave a small smile, "Actually, It hasn't been that bad for me. Skuld hasn't minded it either. Peorth on the other hand...." Belldandy began to laugh. Urd joined in.
"I always told her that her Goddess outfit was bad, but she said she liked it. Well, now she has a reason to dress differently."
"I'm glad Misato was able to pull rank on that officer." said Belldandy, "Peorth couldn't live it down if she got arrested for soliciting."
Peorth poked her head into the kitchen, "Hey! You promised that you'd stop talking about that!"
Belldandy and Urd just smiled. Peorth glared at them and then she left. She returned a second later.
"Mara's back."
Belldandy and Urd walked into the living room with Peorth. Mara stood there, talking to Skuld and Morgan. She turned and looked at the 3 Goddesses. She seemed very nervous.
"What's the matter Mara?" asked Belldandy. "Did you get the information?"
"Uh...Yeah I got the info." replied Mara.
"Well then what's wrong?"
Mara looked at Urd, "She's coming here."
Urd blanched, "She's coming here? Your sure?" Mara nodded slowly. "Oh man....."
Skuld, Belldandy, Morgan, and Peorth looked at each other before turning to Urd.
"Who's coming?" asked Peorth.
Urd looked at Peorth. "You remember the person that helped you with your 'little' problem. Her."
"oh.....OH!"
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Sayoko sat in the control room, watching as the other pilots went through yet another series of sync tests. Due to her injuries, Sayoko was unable to participate. Unconsciously, Sayoko began to rub her right arm, which was still bandaged.
"You know if you keep messing with that arm, it won't heal right." Sayoko glanced over at Ritsuko. Seeing she had her attention, Ritsuko continued. "I am surprised though, I would have thought you would have healed it yourself by now."
Sayoko turned back to watch the monitors showing the others. "My Aunt Urd did what she could. But because it was inflicted by a God....it takes longer to heal."
"Well regardless, it's nice to have you back."
Sayoko smiled. "Thanks Dr. Akagi."
An hour later, Sayoko sat on a bench while Rei and Asuka changed.
"So, when did your powers start to return?" asked Sayoko.
"Its not that they've returned," replied Rei, "They are not Angel powers. These are something else entirely."
Sayoko sat back and thought about it. "Is foretelling your only power?"
Rei shrugged, "I'm not sure, I was able to hear your warning."
"Try to send me a message."
Rei concentrated, remembering when she was part Angel. * Can you hear me? *
Sayoko nodded. A loud gasp caused them to turn and look at Asuka. Asuka looked at Rei shocked. "How did you......?"
"You heard that?" asked Sayoko. Asuka nodded. A pounding at the locker door made them all jump. Shinji and Touji burst in.
"What happened? We heard Rei calling and......." Shinji's voice trailed off as he and Touji took in the current dress, or lack of dress of the female pilots. All three girl's faces began to turn a deep red.
"BAKA SHINJI! BAKA TOUJI!! YOU PERVERTS!!" shouted the girls. Touji and Shinji ran for their lives as a couple of shoes and one lightning bolt flew towards them. They slammed the door shut and leaned against it. Two thuds announced the arrival of the shoes, and with a blast, the lightning bolt went through the door and hit the wall leaving a small mark. Touji and Shinji looked at the hole and then at each other.
"New rule: Never ever ever piss off a goddess." said Touji.
"Make sure you send that to Kensuke." replied Shinji. At that moment, Shinji's cell phone rang.
"Yes?"
"Shinji? It's Misato. I need and the other pilots at the Goddess's apartment in a half hour."
"What for?"
"I'm not sure. Skuld wouldn't tell me much. She did say it would involve planning to retake the Heavens. And she mentioned someone named Hild. Any idea who that is?"
Shinji thought about it for a second. "No, but I could ask Sayoko, hold on." Shinji looked at Touji. Touji shook his head.
"I'm not going anywhere near THAT door."
Shinji sighed and knocked on the door. "Sayoko?"
"What? You wanna peek again? I'll show you......"
"Who is Hild?"
Sayoko went silent at the mention of the name. A second later the door was flung open and Sayoko stared at Shinji. Her face was entirely white. "Who did you say?"
"Hild. Who is Hild?"
"Why?"
"Because we are supposed to be at your apartment in 30 mins, and she is going to be there."
Sayoko stared at Shinji a bit longer. "You kidding right?"
"No."
Sayoko let out a sigh. "This is not going to be pretty. Hild is....."
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30 minutes later. In a park near the Apartment.
The skies remained dark and clouded. Misato stood near Urd and Mara. Sayoko stood with the other pilots. Belldandy, Keiichi, Peorth, Morgan, and Skuld stood a bit farther back. A large pentagram had drawn on the ground. Mara looked over at Misato.
"Call your command room. Tell them to ignore the next Type Black pattern they're going to see."
Misato began to dial, "Why am I warning them? You can pop in and out and not raise the alarm."
"Hild's different." replied Mara, "She likes big entrances."
Misato finished making the call. "You know, I still haven't found out who Hild is. Shinji refused to say."
"She's my Mother," said Urd quietly.
"Oh, That's nice."
"......And she's the Queen of Hell."
Misato's mouth hit the ground. "She's what!?!"
Mara turned back to the pentagram. "She's here."
Thunder rumbled high above, Lightning flashed in the sky. Several bolts slammed into nearby trees. All the mortals present but Keiichi flinched. Finally one bolt slammed into the pentagram. Flames shot up from the ground. When they disappeared, they revealed a tall woman. She had platinum blond hair. She looked very much like Urd, but on her forehead was a red 6 pointed star.
"URD-CHAN!!" Hild flew at Urd and grabbed her in a hug. Touji leaned in close to Sayoko.
"THAT is the Queen of Hell?"
Sayoko glanced at Touji, "Yes. Now quiet."
"Your still overdoing your entrance mother." said Urd.
"Come now Urd." Hild said with a smile, "If I over did it, this entire city would have been wiped out." Misato and the mortal pilots just stared at Hild in shock. The pilots then looked at Sayoko questioningly. She nodded.
"Yes, she could."
Hild walked to where Misato, Mara, Morgan, and the other goddesses stood. Mara bowed low to the ground.
"Milady."
Hild waved her hand. "Rise Mara, and introduce me to this mortal."
"Yes Milady, This is Commander Misato Ryoji. She is in charge of the UN base here."
Hild nodded to Misato. "Commander."
Misato felt very small next to Hild. "Ma'am." 'I'd rather be stared at by Gendo Ikari.'
Hild smiled. "Unfortunately, Mr. Ikari is occupied at the moment."
Misato paled. 'Oh crap.' "Of course he is."
Mara came to Misato's rescue. "Of course you know Belldandy, Keiichi, Peorth, Skuld, and Morgan."
Hild smiled at them. "It is good to see you all again. Especially Belldandy and Keiichi, I'm glad to hear they got you out of that Eva. Horrible things those Evas."
Belldandy and Keiichi just smiled and nodded.
"And over here Milady, are the Pilots. First Child Rei Ikari, Second Child Asuka Langley Ikari, Third Child Shinji Ikari, Fourth Child Touji Suzuhara, and the Fifth Child Sayoko Morisato, Goddess 1st Class unlimited."
Hild looked at each of the children. 'The Angel, the bitch, the wimp, the jock, and the Goddess. How things have changed.' "It is good to finally meet those whom I've heard so much about." Hild got a bit closer to Shinji. "You know your kind of cute....."
Asuka moved closer to Shinji, grabbing his hand and sqweezing it very tightly.
"Mother!" shouted Urd.
Hild smiled at Shinji before she turned back to Misato and Urd.
"I suppose we should get right down to business." said Hild.
"This way....mother." said Urd.
As Urd led Hild toward the apartment, Asuka turned to Sayoko.
"What's with her?!"
"She's just trying to get to you, don't worry about it." replied Sayoko.
"BUT SHE WENT AFTER MY SHINJI!!"
Sayoko glanced over at Shinji, "Umm..Asuka?"
"WHAT?!?!"
"I think Shinji wants to be able to use his hand...better let go."
Asuka glanced at Shinji's face. Shinji was turning red in an effort not to cry out in pain. Asuka quickly let go of his hand.
"Oops."
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Later, in the Living room of the Goddess's apartment.
"First of all," started Hild, "What resources do you have?"
"There is Sayoko and myself," said Urd, "plus another 26 gods and goddesses with....similar backgrounds. And we have the 4 Evas."
"And you expect to take out the 400 or so Demons that currently reside in heaven and the 5 Evas?" Hild shook her head, "Your either very brave or very stupid."
"We do what we must." replied Urd.
"And what of Kami-sama? What of the remaining Gods that were captured? Do you know where they are?"
Urd shifted slightly, "No....we don't"
Hild gave her a very serious look, "You have no information on what is going on up there, and here you are planning to take it back?"
"We have no way to get information. The second they detect a Goddess portal, 20 Demons show up. I know, I tried."
Hild glanced over at Morgan. "What about her?"
"I can't disguise myself as a Demon." Morgan replied, "They would notice me instantly."
Hild sat back. "I see your point. Perhaps I may be of some assistance in that matter. As to your invasion force, while I absolutely can't stand Kami-sama, I hate traitors more. I will send as many demons as I can spare to assist you."
"Thank-you Mother."
Hild turned to Mara. "Now Mara, I believe you have some information on the MP Evas to share?"
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After several hours of talking, Hild left. Sayoko and the pilots sat in her room afterward, Shinji still had an ice pack on his crushed hand.
"So, if I understood everything," started Touji, "You, your Aunt, 26 other gods and an army of Demons are going to bring our Evas up there and fight 400 Demons and 5 Evas?"
"Yep" replied Sayoko.
"Sayoko," said Rei, "You barely survived a one on one encounter with a demon. Are you sure you can do this?"
Sayoko closed her eyes, "When I fought that demon, I wasn't using my full power as a Class one." She fingered one of her earrings. "This earring is a seal, a circuit breaker of sorts. Urd, I and the other 26 will break our seals. We will then have full access to our powers, no restrictions at all."
"Why didn't you do it before?" asked Asuka.
"Because we can only do so under the orders of Kami-sama." replied Sayoko. "To do so otherwise is strictly forbidden. Only once has a Goddess done so without permission." Sayoko smiled, "She was forgiven though. Events of the time made it acceptable."
"What events?"
"Oh, you know, the usual end of the world type events."
"Oh."
"So what happens next?" asked Shinji.
Sayoko leaned back against her bed. "We wait for Mara to return. Once we have the information, we go." She glanced back at the other pilots. "Right now, I want to discuss what happened earlier."
Shinji and Touji began to pale.
"Ummm What do you mean?"
"When Rei sent that telepathic message, you 2 heard it." Sayoko rolled over and looked straight at Shinji and Touji. "THAT is what we need to talk about."
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Elsewhere
"How long has it been?"
X turned and looked at Chronos. "I thought you could keep perfect track of time. What happened?"
Chronos turned in the chair and looked at X.
"Losing your powers will do that to you. Now how long has it been?"
"Five days." said Erie as she walked over. "We've been stuck in here for five days."
"I could think of worst places to be besides the convocation hall." Chronos looked around the hall. It was here that Gods and Goddesses were presented to the rest of heaven upon receiving their new ranking. Now it was a prison for the remaining 800 or so Gods and Goddesses that were left. Yelling and shouting could be heard near the stage, causing all eyes to shift there.
"What is going on?" asked X.
Erie sighed, "What's left of the council is over there. They're arguing about what do to."
"Where's Kami-sama?" came a new voice. X, Erie and Chronos looked about.
"Who said that?" asked Chronos.
"I did."
Chronos looked about. "Who did?"
"Dammit! Look down!"
Chronos looked down to see a foot tall blond Demon.
"Who are you?"
The Demon glared at Chronos. "Mara, 1st Class Demon."
"Ok, Why are you in mini form? I mean.....Your friends control heaven."
Mara sighed. "Because these Demons are anything but friends. And it raises less eyebrows then a Demon talking to Goddesses in plain view. Now, Where's Kami-sama?"
"Not here." said X. "He hasn't been seen since the attack. The last one to see him was Commander Mist."
"The Valkyrie? Where is she?"
Chronos opened a pocket, "Jump in, I'll take you to her."
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A half hour later, Mini-Mara finished speaking to Thor, Apollo, Commander Mist and several other council members. Saturn sat quietly by himself.
"Let me get this straight," said Apollo, "You were sent here by Urd to do reconnaissance of heaven, because she, small group of gods, and the mortal Evas are going to take back heaven from the Demons." Apollo sat back. "Your crazy."
"How do we know you speak the truth?" asked Athena.
Mara sighed, "I have no reason to lie. I have been ordered to help by the Queen of Hell."
"Humph..." muttered Thor, "What does she care what happens here? She's been trying to cuase our downfall since the beginning."
"She wants the traitors dealt with." replied Mara. "Other then that, her reasons are her own."
"What's in it for you?" Everyone turned and looked the new voice. Saturn had spoken for the first time since the fall. "What's in it for you Demon?"
Mara stared at Saturn for a second before replying. "When I was younger, I used to hang around with Urd and Belldandy, mostly Urd. We had good times together, until we were separated to begin our respective training. Afterwards, I didn't see them until Belldandy granted that wish to Keiichi Morisato." Mara smiled. "I spent 6 years trying to separate those two, and then they vanished. Since they were no longer around, I was no longer required to try and break them up. Then when I was working with Urd and Skuld during the events of 8 years ago, it reminded me of old times. Afterwards, Urd and I kept in touch, meeting on the surface once in a while. Even after Belldandy and Keiichi returned, we continued to meet." Mara let out a sigh. "I know that both sides frown on such things, but I enjoy the relationship I have with them." She glared at Saturn. "That is what I'm getting out of this. Besides, Sayoko is beginning to think of me as another Aunt."
The gods present all stared at her.
"But.... Sayoko is dead." said Apollo.
Mara looked at Apollo confused. "Oh I thought I mentioned it. Sayoko is alive and well. She'll be coming up with Urd for the attack."
"She has her powers?"
"Yes, she does." Mara gave them a smirk, "Apparently Loki isn't as great a programmer as he thought. Now, I still need to find Kami-sama. Any idea where he is being held?"
"Check his office, he could still be there." replied Mist.
"Thanks." Mara started to head out.
"Wait." Mara turned back to Mist. "Check the doorway on level 30. Make sure the shield is still up."
"What's there?"
"Unit 01 and the remains of Unit 04."
Mara stared at Mist wide-eyed. "I can't believe you still have them!"
Mist shrugged, "It was Kami-sama idea. I'd just as soon be rid of the things."
Mara quickly moved out. High above them, Loki and Draco watched the mini demon leave the chamber.
"You were right, she was here." said Loki. "What do you suppose she's doing?"
Draco stared at where the other demon had once been. "I think she's spying on us for Hild."
Loki raised an eyebrow, "Hild may join us?"
"I'm not sure. If she is, why would Mara talk to the council of heaven?"
Loki thought about that. "She is a friend of Urd. Perhaps Urd is planning something."
Draco stared at Loki. "What is she going to do? She is only one Goddess."
"Yes, but there are still those 26 missing gods and goddesses." Loki turned to look out a window. He watched Demons flutter about, annoying the souls who had thought heaven would be just that. He then looked on as an Eva walked by. An Eva.
"Urd's niece was an Eva pilot!"
Draco looked at Loki shocked. "You don't think?"
Loki nodded. "Remember, we only took 5. There are still 4 that were not working. They could have fixed them." Loki turned and walked towards the exit. "Go to your forces. Tell them to prepare for an attack."
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Plans
In the depths of hell.
Mara walked past tortured soul after tortured soul. Hell was a lot emptier these days, ever since that large group had left and invaded the heavens. Mara frowned as she thought about it.
'Fools. Fools who do not know their place.'
She continued to walk, heading to the deepest area in hell. In order to get down to this level, that person had to be one of the worst examples of humanity ever seen. Mara smiled at that.
'They had to make a whole new level just for them.'
She entered an area which only a select few Demons could enter or even knew about. She looked over the chamber. 13 souls were in this chamber, constant torment, pain, and misery their only companion. Each floated within a shaft of light, unable to move out from it, unable to escape it. Mara walked past the first 12, for it was the 13th she came to see. As she looked upon the man, she felt no pity for him.
'Of them all, He is the worst.'
She waved her hand and he fell to the ground. She walked over and stood above him.
"Gendo Ikari." she said, her voice dripping with scorn and venom.
Ikari looked up from the ground. "You. What do you want?"
Mara gave him a smile, "Awww, you remember me." The smile vanished. "How sweet. I want information."
"And why would I help you?" Gendo asked as he stood up.
"Maybe because I might help you get out of this area. Maybe moved up to a higher level."
"....."
"Ohhh don't look so unhappy Gendo-honey." Mara placed an arm around Gendo. "After all, It can't get any worse for you. Your in the pit of hell, you should fell honored to be here. The pit used to belong to the lawyers. Things can only go up from here."
Gendo moved Mara's arm off of him. "What do you want?"
Mara smiled, "Information on the MP Evas."
Gendo smirked at her. "I had nothing to do with their design. They were built according to SEELE's specs, not mine."
"Ahh, But you know how they function, their weaknesses," she looked him in the eyes, "Their true purpose."
Gendo turned away from her. "You should talk to Keel."
"But how close is Keel to Unit 01. Can I talk to Keel about 01?"
Gendo turned and looked at her. 'Yui?' "You can find others to talk about Unit 01. Dr. Akagi for instants."
Mara pouted, "But I wanted to talk to you Gendo-honey. A big ....strong...powerful man like you. Besides...I might be able to get you closer to Yui."
"Very well."
For the next 30 minutes, Mara asked question about Unit 01, with many question about the MP Evas tossed in. Gendo answered everyone. Mara stood up.
"Thanks Gendo-honey. I've got what I needed." Mara turned to leave.
"Wait!" Mara turned back to Gendo, "You said you'd move me up to a higher level! That I could get closer to Yui!"
Mara walked back to him and looked him right in the eyes.
"I lied." she said with a smile. "Besides, Yui Ikari has her own life now. Without you in it." She waved her hand and Gendo found himself in the air again, exactly as she had found him.
"NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!! MARA!! MARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Mara left, the sound of her name being screamed was music to her ears.
'I told them they'd be screaming my name later.'
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"What's keeping her?" muttered Urd. Belldandy looked up from across the table.
"Come on Urd. She said it would take awhile, and then after she'd have to report in."
Urd sighed, "I know Bell. I just want to get the heavens back under our control." She looked up at Belldandy. "Besides, I know that this hasn't been easy for you, Skuld and Peorth."
Belldandy gave a small smile, "Actually, It hasn't been that bad for me. Skuld hasn't minded it either. Peorth on the other hand...." Belldandy began to laugh. Urd joined in.
"I always told her that her Goddess outfit was bad, but she said she liked it. Well, now she has a reason to dress differently."
"I'm glad Misato was able to pull rank on that officer." said Belldandy, "Peorth couldn't live it down if she got arrested for soliciting."
Peorth poked her head into the kitchen, "Hey! You promised that you'd stop talking about that!"
Belldandy and Urd just smiled. Peorth glared at them and then she left. She returned a second later.
"Mara's back."
Belldandy and Urd walked into the living room with Peorth. Mara stood there, talking to Skuld and Morgan. She turned and looked at the 3 Goddesses. She seemed very nervous.
"What's the matter Mara?" asked Belldandy. "Did you get the information?"
"Uh...Yeah I got the info." replied Mara.
"Well then what's wrong?"
Mara looked at Urd, "She's coming here."
Urd blanched, "She's coming here? Your sure?" Mara nodded slowly. "Oh man....."
Skuld, Belldandy, Morgan, and Peorth looked at each other before turning to Urd.
"Who's coming?" asked Peorth.
Urd looked at Peorth. "You remember the person that helped you with your 'little' problem. Her."
"oh.....OH!"
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Sayoko sat in the control room, watching as the other pilots went through yet another series of sync tests. Due to her injuries, Sayoko was unable to participate. Unconsciously, Sayoko began to rub her right arm, which was still bandaged.
"You know if you keep messing with that arm, it won't heal right." Sayoko glanced over at Ritsuko. Seeing she had her attention, Ritsuko continued. "I am surprised though, I would have thought you would have healed it yourself by now."
Sayoko turned back to watch the monitors showing the others. "My Aunt Urd did what she could. But because it was inflicted by a God....it takes longer to heal."
"Well regardless, it's nice to have you back."
Sayoko smiled. "Thanks Dr. Akagi."
An hour later, Sayoko sat on a bench while Rei and Asuka changed.
"So, when did your powers start to return?" asked Sayoko.
"Its not that they've returned," replied Rei, "They are not Angel powers. These are something else entirely."
Sayoko sat back and thought about it. "Is foretelling your only power?"
Rei shrugged, "I'm not sure, I was able to hear your warning."
"Try to send me a message."
Rei concentrated, remembering when she was part Angel. * Can you hear me? *
Sayoko nodded. A loud gasp caused them to turn and look at Asuka. Asuka looked at Rei shocked. "How did you......?"
"You heard that?" asked Sayoko. Asuka nodded. A pounding at the locker door made them all jump. Shinji and Touji burst in.
"What happened? We heard Rei calling and......." Shinji's voice trailed off as he and Touji took in the current dress, or lack of dress of the female pilots. All three girl's faces began to turn a deep red.
"BAKA SHINJI! BAKA TOUJI!! YOU PERVERTS!!" shouted the girls. Touji and Shinji ran for their lives as a couple of shoes and one lightning bolt flew towards them. They slammed the door shut and leaned against it. Two thuds announced the arrival of the shoes, and with a blast, the lightning bolt went through the door and hit the wall leaving a small mark. Touji and Shinji looked at the hole and then at each other.
"New rule: Never ever ever piss off a goddess." said Touji.
"Make sure you send that to Kensuke." replied Shinji. At that moment, Shinji's cell phone rang.
"Yes?"
"Shinji? It's Misato. I need and the other pilots at the Goddess's apartment in a half hour."
"What for?"
"I'm not sure. Skuld wouldn't tell me much. She did say it would involve planning to retake the Heavens. And she mentioned someone named Hild. Any idea who that is?"
Shinji thought about it for a second. "No, but I could ask Sayoko, hold on." Shinji looked at Touji. Touji shook his head.
"I'm not going anywhere near THAT door."
Shinji sighed and knocked on the door. "Sayoko?"
"What? You wanna peek again? I'll show you......"
"Who is Hild?"
Sayoko went silent at the mention of the name. A second later the door was flung open and Sayoko stared at Shinji. Her face was entirely white. "Who did you say?"
"Hild. Who is Hild?"
"Why?"
"Because we are supposed to be at your apartment in 30 mins, and she is going to be there."
Sayoko stared at Shinji a bit longer. "You kidding right?"
"No."
Sayoko let out a sigh. "This is not going to be pretty. Hild is....."
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30 minutes later. In a park near the Apartment.
The skies remained dark and clouded. Misato stood near Urd and Mara. Sayoko stood with the other pilots. Belldandy, Keiichi, Peorth, Morgan, and Skuld stood a bit farther back. A large pentagram had drawn on the ground. Mara looked over at Misato.
"Call your command room. Tell them to ignore the next Type Black pattern they're going to see."
Misato began to dial, "Why am I warning them? You can pop in and out and not raise the alarm."
"Hild's different." replied Mara, "She likes big entrances."
Misato finished making the call. "You know, I still haven't found out who Hild is. Shinji refused to say."
"She's my Mother," said Urd quietly.
"Oh, That's nice."
"......And she's the Queen of Hell."
Misato's mouth hit the ground. "She's what!?!"
Mara turned back to the pentagram. "She's here."
Thunder rumbled high above, Lightning flashed in the sky. Several bolts slammed into nearby trees. All the mortals present but Keiichi flinched. Finally one bolt slammed into the pentagram. Flames shot up from the ground. When they disappeared, they revealed a tall woman. She had platinum blond hair. She looked very much like Urd, but on her forehead was a red 6 pointed star.
"URD-CHAN!!" Hild flew at Urd and grabbed her in a hug. Touji leaned in close to Sayoko.
"THAT is the Queen of Hell?"
Sayoko glanced at Touji, "Yes. Now quiet."
"Your still overdoing your entrance mother." said Urd.
"Come now Urd." Hild said with a smile, "If I over did it, this entire city would have been wiped out." Misato and the mortal pilots just stared at Hild in shock. The pilots then looked at Sayoko questioningly. She nodded.
"Yes, she could."
Hild walked to where Misato, Mara, Morgan, and the other goddesses stood. Mara bowed low to the ground.
"Milady."
Hild waved her hand. "Rise Mara, and introduce me to this mortal."
"Yes Milady, This is Commander Misato Ryoji. She is in charge of the UN base here."
Hild nodded to Misato. "Commander."
Misato felt very small next to Hild. "Ma'am." 'I'd rather be stared at by Gendo Ikari.'
Hild smiled. "Unfortunately, Mr. Ikari is occupied at the moment."
Misato paled. 'Oh crap.' "Of course he is."
Mara came to Misato's rescue. "Of course you know Belldandy, Keiichi, Peorth, Skuld, and Morgan."
Hild smiled at them. "It is good to see you all again. Especially Belldandy and Keiichi, I'm glad to hear they got you out of that Eva. Horrible things those Evas."
Belldandy and Keiichi just smiled and nodded.
"And over here Milady, are the Pilots. First Child Rei Ikari, Second Child Asuka Langley Ikari, Third Child Shinji Ikari, Fourth Child Touji Suzuhara, and the Fifth Child Sayoko Morisato, Goddess 1st Class unlimited."
Hild looked at each of the children. 'The Angel, the bitch, the wimp, the jock, and the Goddess. How things have changed.' "It is good to finally meet those whom I've heard so much about." Hild got a bit closer to Shinji. "You know your kind of cute....."
Asuka moved closer to Shinji, grabbing his hand and sqweezing it very tightly.
"Mother!" shouted Urd.
Hild smiled at Shinji before she turned back to Misato and Urd.
"I suppose we should get right down to business." said Hild.
"This way....mother." said Urd.
As Urd led Hild toward the apartment, Asuka turned to Sayoko.
"What's with her?!"
"She's just trying to get to you, don't worry about it." replied Sayoko.
"BUT SHE WENT AFTER MY SHINJI!!"
Sayoko glanced over at Shinji, "Umm..Asuka?"
"WHAT?!?!"
"I think Shinji wants to be able to use his hand...better let go."
Asuka glanced at Shinji's face. Shinji was turning red in an effort not to cry out in pain. Asuka quickly let go of his hand.
"Oops."
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Later, in the Living room of the Goddess's apartment.
"First of all," started Hild, "What resources do you have?"
"There is Sayoko and myself," said Urd, "plus another 26 gods and goddesses with....similar backgrounds. And we have the 4 Evas."
"And you expect to take out the 400 or so Demons that currently reside in heaven and the 5 Evas?" Hild shook her head, "Your either very brave or very stupid."
"We do what we must." replied Urd.
"And what of Kami-sama? What of the remaining Gods that were captured? Do you know where they are?"
Urd shifted slightly, "No....we don't"
Hild gave her a very serious look, "You have no information on what is going on up there, and here you are planning to take it back?"
"We have no way to get information. The second they detect a Goddess portal, 20 Demons show up. I know, I tried."
Hild glanced over at Morgan. "What about her?"
"I can't disguise myself as a Demon." Morgan replied, "They would notice me instantly."
Hild sat back. "I see your point. Perhaps I may be of some assistance in that matter. As to your invasion force, while I absolutely can't stand Kami-sama, I hate traitors more. I will send as many demons as I can spare to assist you."
"Thank-you Mother."
Hild turned to Mara. "Now Mara, I believe you have some information on the MP Evas to share?"
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After several hours of talking, Hild left. Sayoko and the pilots sat in her room afterward, Shinji still had an ice pack on his crushed hand.
"So, if I understood everything," started Touji, "You, your Aunt, 26 other gods and an army of Demons are going to bring our Evas up there and fight 400 Demons and 5 Evas?"
"Yep" replied Sayoko.
"Sayoko," said Rei, "You barely survived a one on one encounter with a demon. Are you sure you can do this?"
Sayoko closed her eyes, "When I fought that demon, I wasn't using my full power as a Class one." She fingered one of her earrings. "This earring is a seal, a circuit breaker of sorts. Urd, I and the other 26 will break our seals. We will then have full access to our powers, no restrictions at all."
"Why didn't you do it before?" asked Asuka.
"Because we can only do so under the orders of Kami-sama." replied Sayoko. "To do so otherwise is strictly forbidden. Only once has a Goddess done so without permission." Sayoko smiled, "She was forgiven though. Events of the time made it acceptable."
"What events?"
"Oh, you know, the usual end of the world type events."
"Oh."
"So what happens next?" asked Shinji.
Sayoko leaned back against her bed. "We wait for Mara to return. Once we have the information, we go." She glanced back at the other pilots. "Right now, I want to discuss what happened earlier."
Shinji and Touji began to pale.
"Ummm What do you mean?"
"When Rei sent that telepathic message, you 2 heard it." Sayoko rolled over and looked straight at Shinji and Touji. "THAT is what we need to talk about."
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Elsewhere
"How long has it been?"
X turned and looked at Chronos. "I thought you could keep perfect track of time. What happened?"
Chronos turned in the chair and looked at X.
"Losing your powers will do that to you. Now how long has it been?"
"Five days." said Erie as she walked over. "We've been stuck in here for five days."
"I could think of worst places to be besides the convocation hall." Chronos looked around the hall. It was here that Gods and Goddesses were presented to the rest of heaven upon receiving their new ranking. Now it was a prison for the remaining 800 or so Gods and Goddesses that were left. Yelling and shouting could be heard near the stage, causing all eyes to shift there.
"What is going on?" asked X.
Erie sighed, "What's left of the council is over there. They're arguing about what do to."
"Where's Kami-sama?" came a new voice. X, Erie and Chronos looked about.
"Who said that?" asked Chronos.
"I did."
Chronos looked about. "Who did?"
"Dammit! Look down!"
Chronos looked down to see a foot tall blond Demon.
"Who are you?"
The Demon glared at Chronos. "Mara, 1st Class Demon."
"Ok, Why are you in mini form? I mean.....Your friends control heaven."
Mara sighed. "Because these Demons are anything but friends. And it raises less eyebrows then a Demon talking to Goddesses in plain view. Now, Where's Kami-sama?"
"Not here." said X. "He hasn't been seen since the attack. The last one to see him was Commander Mist."
"The Valkyrie? Where is she?"
Chronos opened a pocket, "Jump in, I'll take you to her."
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A half hour later, Mini-Mara finished speaking to Thor, Apollo, Commander Mist and several other council members. Saturn sat quietly by himself.
"Let me get this straight," said Apollo, "You were sent here by Urd to do reconnaissance of heaven, because she, small group of gods, and the mortal Evas are going to take back heaven from the Demons." Apollo sat back. "Your crazy."
"How do we know you speak the truth?" asked Athena.
Mara sighed, "I have no reason to lie. I have been ordered to help by the Queen of Hell."
"Humph..." muttered Thor, "What does she care what happens here? She's been trying to cuase our downfall since the beginning."
"She wants the traitors dealt with." replied Mara. "Other then that, her reasons are her own."
"What's in it for you?" Everyone turned and looked the new voice. Saturn had spoken for the first time since the fall. "What's in it for you Demon?"
Mara stared at Saturn for a second before replying. "When I was younger, I used to hang around with Urd and Belldandy, mostly Urd. We had good times together, until we were separated to begin our respective training. Afterwards, I didn't see them until Belldandy granted that wish to Keiichi Morisato." Mara smiled. "I spent 6 years trying to separate those two, and then they vanished. Since they were no longer around, I was no longer required to try and break them up. Then when I was working with Urd and Skuld during the events of 8 years ago, it reminded me of old times. Afterwards, Urd and I kept in touch, meeting on the surface once in a while. Even after Belldandy and Keiichi returned, we continued to meet." Mara let out a sigh. "I know that both sides frown on such things, but I enjoy the relationship I have with them." She glared at Saturn. "That is what I'm getting out of this. Besides, Sayoko is beginning to think of me as another Aunt."
The gods present all stared at her.
"But.... Sayoko is dead." said Apollo.
Mara looked at Apollo confused. "Oh I thought I mentioned it. Sayoko is alive and well. She'll be coming up with Urd for the attack."
"She has her powers?"
"Yes, she does." Mara gave them a smirk, "Apparently Loki isn't as great a programmer as he thought. Now, I still need to find Kami-sama. Any idea where he is being held?"
"Check his office, he could still be there." replied Mist.
"Thanks." Mara started to head out.
"Wait." Mara turned back to Mist. "Check the doorway on level 30. Make sure the shield is still up."
"What's there?"
"Unit 01 and the remains of Unit 04."
Mara stared at Mist wide-eyed. "I can't believe you still have them!"
Mist shrugged, "It was Kami-sama idea. I'd just as soon be rid of the things."
Mara quickly moved out. High above them, Loki and Draco watched the mini demon leave the chamber.
"You were right, she was here." said Loki. "What do you suppose she's doing?"
Draco stared at where the other demon had once been. "I think she's spying on us for Hild."
Loki raised an eyebrow, "Hild may join us?"
"I'm not sure. If she is, why would Mara talk to the council of heaven?"
Loki thought about that. "She is a friend of Urd. Perhaps Urd is planning something."
Draco stared at Loki. "What is she going to do? She is only one Goddess."
"Yes, but there are still those 26 missing gods and goddesses." Loki turned to look out a window. He watched Demons flutter about, annoying the souls who had thought heaven would be just that. He then looked on as an Eva walked by. An Eva.
"Urd's niece was an Eva pilot!"
Draco looked at Loki shocked. "You don't think?"
Loki nodded. "Remember, we only took 5. There are still 4 that were not working. They could have fixed them." Loki turned and walked towards the exit. "Go to your forces. Tell them to prepare for an attack."
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