Chapter 9
Preparations
Hundreds of demons charged over the walls. Behind them lumbered the forms of 4 Evas. Before them was the Yggdrasil Control Building, in between was an army of Demons and five Evas.
"Enemy in site," said Asuka, "Requesting instructions."
"Engage the enemy Evas, then provide support to the ground forces." Came the reply. "And try not to step on our people this time Asuka."
Asuka glared at the speaker before speaking to her fellow pilots.
"Ok you heard the order, take out your target quickly and move on to help take out the other Evas or assist the ground forces."
She heard a chorus of 'Rogers' in response. "Move out!!"
Asuka charged at the nearest MP Eva. She swung her sword, trying to remove the Evas head, but it raised it's own blade, deflecting Asuka's swipe away. Asuka tried to swipe at it again, but was once again was denied.
"This was a lot easier when Belldandy was here with me." muttered Asuka. She swung the sword with as much strength as she could muster. Their blades connected, but the force of the blow sent the MP Eva flying across the battlefield. Asuka took that moment to collect her thoughts. As she did, she noticed one of the enemy Evas standing by itself. It seemed to be watching the other Evas battle.
"What the hell is that one waiting for?" Asuka wondered. Any further inquiry ended when the Eva that she had knocked down crashed into her.
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Inside the control room, Misato and Maya watched the children battle the MP Evas in the simulator. Manning the control panels were Aoba and Hyuga. Ritsuko, Mara and Urd stood just behind them.
"So, that's heaven." asked Ritsuko.
"Yes it is." replied Urd quietly. Urd leaned forward and keyed the microphone. "Rei, Group Alpha needs assistance in sector 4."
"Roger."
Everyone watched as the white Eva leaped away from its foe and charge toward the area indicated. As it ran, it pulled out it's sword. The Eva swept its blade along the ground in the indicated area, slicing through the enemy Demon forces. Rei then turned her Eva back towards the MP Evas. A loud shout of triumph caused Urd to glance at one of the other displays. Touji's Eva had just sliced deeply into an MP Eva, causing that Eva to crash to the ground. Touji spun the sword about and drove it into the fallen Eva's core. The shattered and then exploded. As the explosion cleared away, Touji could be seen moving to help Shinji. Just as his Eva reached Shinji's, a lance slammed into it's midsection. The simulation registered a hit and kill as the lance ripped through the entry plug.
"DAMMIT!!" shouted Touji, as he stepped out of the plug. He walked the short distance into the control room. He glanced up at the screen. Of the original 5 enemy Evas, now only 2 remained. However, the good guys hadn't gone unblooded. On the screen he watched as the same Eva that had knocked him out, destroy Asuka, leaving only Rei and Shinji. Touji walked to Misato.
"How are we doing?"
Misato gave him a small smile. "Better then last time. Not only did you actually get a kill this time, Asuka was able to take out 2 more before she got done in."
Touji turned back and watched the enemy Eva take on Shinji. Something in the way the Eva moved seemed familiar.
"Someone's piloting that one." remarked Touji. Misato and Maya smiled.
"We thought it would make it a bit more realistic to fight an actual person, rather then the computer. That's Sayoko controlling that one."
"SAYOKO!" Everyone turned to see an angry Asuka storm into the control room. "I was wondering what that one was doing watching! I'm going to get her for that!"
"No you won't." replied Misato with a glare. "If it forces you to work harder to remain alive, I have no problem with her being in there."
Asuka started to reply, but changed her mind. "I hate it when you're right." She muttered quietly. Misato gave Asuka a smile before turning back to the displays. Asuka watched Shinji battle Sayoko before noticing something. Sayoko was favoring her right side a bit. Asuka motioned to Touji to come closer.
"You notice something about how Sayoko's fighting?"
Touji watched the display a second. He looked at Asuka questioningly. "What's wrong with her right side?"
"She's still recovering from that force bolt from a week ago. Shinji can use that to his advantage."
"How? Their not going to let us talk to him."
Asuka gave Touji and evil grin, "Remember what Sayoko taught us?"
Touji stared at Asuka confused, but slowly recognition appeared on his face. "Oh yeah."
Asuka turned and stared at the display, concentrating on the image of Shinji.
* Shinji? Have you got a second? *
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Everyone gathered in the briefing room after the simulated battle. Misato, Maya, and Mara stood off to one side, while Urd stood in front of the pilots. Urd looked over the pilots before she began. Asuka's face remained neutral as she avoided the look the person on the opposite end of the line was giving her. Shinji stood next to her, looking kind of guilty. Touji seemed to be alternating between a neutral expression, and one of concern. Rei kept glancing towards her left, where a furious Sayoko stood, her eyes sending daggers towards Asuka. Even though it was just a simulation, Urd could understand why Sayoko was angry. She had felt Asuka emitting telepathic energy towards Shinji, but hadn't thought anything of it until she saw Shinji beginning to direct his attacks toward the right side of Sayoko's Eva. Finally one blow got through Sayoko's defense. This inflamed her previous injury, briefly distracting her. Shinji was then able to ram his sword home, shattering the core. Sayoko's Eva blew up in a large fireball. Asuka began to cheer loudly from the control room. That cheering ended, after Sayoko had left the plug and went after Asuka. She had to be restrained by Mara and Urd. Rei arrived shortly thereafter and helped to calm down Sayoko.
"Alright," began Urd. "You all did better this time. It would be nice to have more then 2 Evas left for the good guys, but we can work on that. There is still plenty of time to run another sim." A collective groan was heard from the pilots. "No complaints. I want you to be as ready as possible for the upcoming fight. If we lose....well.....we can't lose. No go relax for a bit, and we'll run this again in 1 hour. Dismissed." Misato and Maya left accompanied by Touji, Asuka and Shinji. Just as Rei and Sayoko were about to leave, Urd called them over. She looked down at Sayoko for a second before speaking.
"I want you to cool off. Asuka didn't do a damn thing wrong."
Sayoko stared stunned at her Aunt. "WHAT?!?! She cheated! She was declared dead and sent information to Shinji! It's not fair! If he hadn't received that info I would have..."
Urd raised her hand for silence. "Sayoko, your about to fight an army of Demons. If you're fighting one, and his buddy sends him a message that causes him to defeat you, are you going to yell 'No fair' and 'You cheated' at him?"
Sayoko was silent for a second. "No." she said quietly. "Because I will probably be dead."
"Exactly. Remember that when we get up there. It just might save your life. I think you ought to apologize to Asuka." That said, Urd left the room, Mara right behind her. Sayoko stared straight ahead for a second before collapsing to her knees. Rei moved to her side.
"Sayoko! Are you alright?"
"Urd is right." Sayoko looked up at Rei, upset. "I screwed up. I'm such a fool."
"Did you learn something?" asked Rei.
"What?"
"Did you learn something?" Sayoko nodded her head slowly. "Then you're not a fool. Fool's never learn from their mistakes or try to correct them."
Sayoko smiled at Rei, "Anyone tell you that you'd make a good goddess?" Rei just smiled back. Sayoko stood up.
"Alright Rei, let's go find Asuka. I want to correct my mistake."
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Hell
Hild stood at a balcony. Far below, hundreds of demons drilled, preparing for the biggest battle of their lives. A demon quietly moved behind Hild.
"Milady?"
"Are they ready?" asked Hild, not turning from the scene before her.
"They are Milady."
Hild continued to watch the drills. "Do you think we're doing the right thing? Shouldn't we be joining those who took the heavens?"
"Milady?"
Hild turned and faced the Demon, "We have plotted for years the downfall of heaven and Kami-sama. And yet, when the time comes, we decide to help them."
The demon remained quiet for several seconds before answering. "Perhaps it's the fact that they will owe you after the battle is won?"
"We don't even know if we'll win."
The demon smiled. "I believe that we will, for none wish to disappoint their Queen. As to the gods, they will be indebted to you for helping them."
"It is not for that that I do this." Hild said quietly.
The Demon looked at Hild slightly confused. "Then why do you help them?"
"I do this for my daughter.
"You hope to gain your daughter's favor by assisting them?"
"She is my daughter after all." Hild sighed, "It seems that the only time she calls is when she needs my help. First Peorth, then when Belldandy and Keiichi disappeared, and now this. She never calls me otherwise. Like I don't exist."
"She was raised by Kami-sama." The Demon said quietly.
"That is why I'm doing this. To show my daughter that I do care, whatever Kami-sama has told her."
"Regardless your reasons, the men will follow your orders."
Hild finally nodded to the demon. "Very well. Inform them, we go tomorrow."
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Asuka and Shinji were laid out together on the couch in their apartment. Asuka rested her head on Shinji's chest sleeping while Shinji flipped through channels on the TV. Yui walked in and smiled at the scene.
"I assume from looking at Asuka that it was a long day."
Shinji smiled at his mother. "Urd and Misato worked us overtime in the simulators. We battled for heaven 6 times. The last 2 were our best though, no casualties."
"I glad." Yui said. "I'd hate for anything to happen to you after we just got back together." Yui glanced at Asuka. "Or Asuka for that matter."
Shinji ran his hands through Asuka's hair. Asuka let out a soft sigh and snuggled Shinji a little tighter. "I don't want anything to happen to her either. She means everything to me."
The sound of the front door opening and closing caused both Yui and Shinji to glance in that direction. Rei walked into the living room. She had a serious look on her face.
"What's wrong?" asked Yui.
"Hild called." Rei said. "We go tomorrow."
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Hikari walked quickly through the park. Even though it was still early evening, the sky remained as black as it had been for the past week. Hikari had no idea what was going on. That last time she'd heard news was when Sayoko was killed. Since then, she hadn't heard from anyone, and then, just 30 minutes ago, Touji called and asked to meet her in the park. She entered a clearing where several benches were. Sitting on a bench was Touji. He smiled when he saw her.
"Hey there."
Hikari raced into Touji's arms and hugged him tightly. "What's going on? Where have you been?"
"There's been trouble in the Heavens. Rogue Demons took it over." Touji said quietly. "Sayoko, Urd, and about 26 other Gods remain. Their getting ready to take it back."
"Sayoko's alive?!"
"Yeah, she is." Touji grabbed Hikari's hands. "The reason I haven't been able to call is because we've been going through a lot of training."
"Training for what?"
"We're going to help them, along with an army lead by Mara."
"Why?"
Touji let out a sigh. "The rogues attacked heaven with the 5 MP Evas we reactivated. Shinji, Asuka, Rei and I are going to take them out with the other 4 Evas."
Hikari look a Touji worried, "Won't it be dangerous?" Touji nodded his head. "Then why must you go?"
"Because no one else can." Touji put his arms around Hikari. "The goddesses helped us out during the Angel War. Sayoko even did so when she shouldn't have. They've helped us out since then. We owe them a lot." Touji looked into Hikari's eyes. "I can't turn my back on them now. If we fail, then the Demons will rule the heavens. The world is depending on us."
"Not just the world," Hikari pulled Touji to her again. "I need you too."
Touji stood there holding Hikari for a long time.
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The next morning found the 4 pilots standing before Misato just outside the main building. Nearby, the 4 Eva kneeled, awaiting their pilots. Ritsuko, Maya, Yui, and Fuyutsuki stood just next to Misato. Hikari waited just off to the side.
"Are the Evas ready?" asked Misato.
"They're in the best shape I could get them on short notice." replied Ritsuko. She nodded to Yui. "Fortunately, I had some help."
Yui smiled, "I just want my family back in one piece."
Misato smiled, "Me too." She turned and looked back to the pilots. "You hear that? That's an order."
The pilots all saluted Misato. "Yes Ma'am!"
A bright flash caused all present to turn. Appearing before them were 28 armored figures. Next to the front 2, stood Skuld, Morgan, Belldandy, Keiichi and Peorth. The front 2 removed their helmets revealing Urd and Sayoko. They approached Misato.
"Mara and her forces are beginning to assemble outside the walls." said Urd. "They're waiting for us."
Misato nodded and turned to the pilots. "You heard her, get to your entry plugs." The pilots saluted Misato then broke formation. Rei, Asuka, and Shinji went over to Yui and said their good byes. Touji walked over to where Hikari was standing. The three Ikaris then walked up to Misato.
"Commander."
Misato looked at the children, "Yes?"
Misato found herself swamped in a hug by the three. "We'll be back, don't worry."
Misato felt tears coming to her eyes. "I'm going to hold you to that." The children stepped away and headed for their Evas. Asuka turned and looked back toward Hikari and Touji.
"Come on stooge!" Hikari glared at Asuka, but that glare went away when she looked back at Touji.
"Don't worry. When I come back we'll set the date." Touji then kissed Hikari. He then turned and ran to his Eva. Sayoko watched Hikari before she felt a pair of arms encircling her. She turned to find her mother there.
"Mom I.." Belldandy shushed her.
"I know you'll come back." She said quietly. "I just wish I could go with you." Belldandy pulled Sayoko close to her in a tight hug. "Watch out for your Aunt."
"I will." Belldandy released Sayoko. Keiichi walked up to her and gave her a hug. Sayoko then put her helmet on and walked to where the other gods were standing. Urd started to follow when Skuld grabbed her arm.
"Urd, be careful."
Urd smiled, "You know me. I'm always careful."
Peorth gave Urd a look, "That's what we're afraid of."
Urd frowned at Peorth and Skuld. Skuld gave Urd a smile before hugging her. "Your fun to tease. Keep an eye on Yoko."
"You know I will." said Urd.
Urd put her helmet on and moved to stand in front of the other gods. Urd shouted a command and all present deployed their wings. As one the 28 gods and Morgan rose off the ground. Urd raised her hand to her helmet and carefully moved its new piece of equipment into place over her mouth, a microphone/transmitter, which allowed her to contact the Eva pilots. Skuld had come up with it at the last minute, only Urd, Morgan, Sayoko and Mara were so equipped.
"Alright guys. Whenever your ready."
Each of the Evas deployed its wings. 3 rose off the ground immediately. The last one, Touji's looked down at Hikari. Touji watched Hikari for a few seconds longer before he lifted his Eva off the ground. As soon as the group reached an altitude of about 2,000 feet, a portal opened and the group vanished through it. The portal disappeared after the last one moved through. Hikari remain staring at the spot for a long time, before Belldandy put her arm around her.
"Come on. We can wait at our apartment together." Belldandy, Keiichi and Hikari walked off together. Misato watched them go. She turned and looked to Skuld.
"What do we do now?" she asked quietly.
"We wait." Skuld replied. She turned to look at Misato. "We wait, and pray."
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Author's notes,
Having read a lot of your comments, the one that pops up time and again is the request for a love interest for Sayoko, the so called K2. I'm still thinking about it, after all, there is a 7 year gap between the 2 stories. Something had to happen in that time.
Preparations
Hundreds of demons charged over the walls. Behind them lumbered the forms of 4 Evas. Before them was the Yggdrasil Control Building, in between was an army of Demons and five Evas.
"Enemy in site," said Asuka, "Requesting instructions."
"Engage the enemy Evas, then provide support to the ground forces." Came the reply. "And try not to step on our people this time Asuka."
Asuka glared at the speaker before speaking to her fellow pilots.
"Ok you heard the order, take out your target quickly and move on to help take out the other Evas or assist the ground forces."
She heard a chorus of 'Rogers' in response. "Move out!!"
Asuka charged at the nearest MP Eva. She swung her sword, trying to remove the Evas head, but it raised it's own blade, deflecting Asuka's swipe away. Asuka tried to swipe at it again, but was once again was denied.
"This was a lot easier when Belldandy was here with me." muttered Asuka. She swung the sword with as much strength as she could muster. Their blades connected, but the force of the blow sent the MP Eva flying across the battlefield. Asuka took that moment to collect her thoughts. As she did, she noticed one of the enemy Evas standing by itself. It seemed to be watching the other Evas battle.
"What the hell is that one waiting for?" Asuka wondered. Any further inquiry ended when the Eva that she had knocked down crashed into her.
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Inside the control room, Misato and Maya watched the children battle the MP Evas in the simulator. Manning the control panels were Aoba and Hyuga. Ritsuko, Mara and Urd stood just behind them.
"So, that's heaven." asked Ritsuko.
"Yes it is." replied Urd quietly. Urd leaned forward and keyed the microphone. "Rei, Group Alpha needs assistance in sector 4."
"Roger."
Everyone watched as the white Eva leaped away from its foe and charge toward the area indicated. As it ran, it pulled out it's sword. The Eva swept its blade along the ground in the indicated area, slicing through the enemy Demon forces. Rei then turned her Eva back towards the MP Evas. A loud shout of triumph caused Urd to glance at one of the other displays. Touji's Eva had just sliced deeply into an MP Eva, causing that Eva to crash to the ground. Touji spun the sword about and drove it into the fallen Eva's core. The shattered and then exploded. As the explosion cleared away, Touji could be seen moving to help Shinji. Just as his Eva reached Shinji's, a lance slammed into it's midsection. The simulation registered a hit and kill as the lance ripped through the entry plug.
"DAMMIT!!" shouted Touji, as he stepped out of the plug. He walked the short distance into the control room. He glanced up at the screen. Of the original 5 enemy Evas, now only 2 remained. However, the good guys hadn't gone unblooded. On the screen he watched as the same Eva that had knocked him out, destroy Asuka, leaving only Rei and Shinji. Touji walked to Misato.
"How are we doing?"
Misato gave him a small smile. "Better then last time. Not only did you actually get a kill this time, Asuka was able to take out 2 more before she got done in."
Touji turned back and watched the enemy Eva take on Shinji. Something in the way the Eva moved seemed familiar.
"Someone's piloting that one." remarked Touji. Misato and Maya smiled.
"We thought it would make it a bit more realistic to fight an actual person, rather then the computer. That's Sayoko controlling that one."
"SAYOKO!" Everyone turned to see an angry Asuka storm into the control room. "I was wondering what that one was doing watching! I'm going to get her for that!"
"No you won't." replied Misato with a glare. "If it forces you to work harder to remain alive, I have no problem with her being in there."
Asuka started to reply, but changed her mind. "I hate it when you're right." She muttered quietly. Misato gave Asuka a smile before turning back to the displays. Asuka watched Shinji battle Sayoko before noticing something. Sayoko was favoring her right side a bit. Asuka motioned to Touji to come closer.
"You notice something about how Sayoko's fighting?"
Touji watched the display a second. He looked at Asuka questioningly. "What's wrong with her right side?"
"She's still recovering from that force bolt from a week ago. Shinji can use that to his advantage."
"How? Their not going to let us talk to him."
Asuka gave Touji and evil grin, "Remember what Sayoko taught us?"
Touji stared at Asuka confused, but slowly recognition appeared on his face. "Oh yeah."
Asuka turned and stared at the display, concentrating on the image of Shinji.
* Shinji? Have you got a second? *
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Everyone gathered in the briefing room after the simulated battle. Misato, Maya, and Mara stood off to one side, while Urd stood in front of the pilots. Urd looked over the pilots before she began. Asuka's face remained neutral as she avoided the look the person on the opposite end of the line was giving her. Shinji stood next to her, looking kind of guilty. Touji seemed to be alternating between a neutral expression, and one of concern. Rei kept glancing towards her left, where a furious Sayoko stood, her eyes sending daggers towards Asuka. Even though it was just a simulation, Urd could understand why Sayoko was angry. She had felt Asuka emitting telepathic energy towards Shinji, but hadn't thought anything of it until she saw Shinji beginning to direct his attacks toward the right side of Sayoko's Eva. Finally one blow got through Sayoko's defense. This inflamed her previous injury, briefly distracting her. Shinji was then able to ram his sword home, shattering the core. Sayoko's Eva blew up in a large fireball. Asuka began to cheer loudly from the control room. That cheering ended, after Sayoko had left the plug and went after Asuka. She had to be restrained by Mara and Urd. Rei arrived shortly thereafter and helped to calm down Sayoko.
"Alright," began Urd. "You all did better this time. It would be nice to have more then 2 Evas left for the good guys, but we can work on that. There is still plenty of time to run another sim." A collective groan was heard from the pilots. "No complaints. I want you to be as ready as possible for the upcoming fight. If we lose....well.....we can't lose. No go relax for a bit, and we'll run this again in 1 hour. Dismissed." Misato and Maya left accompanied by Touji, Asuka and Shinji. Just as Rei and Sayoko were about to leave, Urd called them over. She looked down at Sayoko for a second before speaking.
"I want you to cool off. Asuka didn't do a damn thing wrong."
Sayoko stared stunned at her Aunt. "WHAT?!?! She cheated! She was declared dead and sent information to Shinji! It's not fair! If he hadn't received that info I would have..."
Urd raised her hand for silence. "Sayoko, your about to fight an army of Demons. If you're fighting one, and his buddy sends him a message that causes him to defeat you, are you going to yell 'No fair' and 'You cheated' at him?"
Sayoko was silent for a second. "No." she said quietly. "Because I will probably be dead."
"Exactly. Remember that when we get up there. It just might save your life. I think you ought to apologize to Asuka." That said, Urd left the room, Mara right behind her. Sayoko stared straight ahead for a second before collapsing to her knees. Rei moved to her side.
"Sayoko! Are you alright?"
"Urd is right." Sayoko looked up at Rei, upset. "I screwed up. I'm such a fool."
"Did you learn something?" asked Rei.
"What?"
"Did you learn something?" Sayoko nodded her head slowly. "Then you're not a fool. Fool's never learn from their mistakes or try to correct them."
Sayoko smiled at Rei, "Anyone tell you that you'd make a good goddess?" Rei just smiled back. Sayoko stood up.
"Alright Rei, let's go find Asuka. I want to correct my mistake."
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Hell
Hild stood at a balcony. Far below, hundreds of demons drilled, preparing for the biggest battle of their lives. A demon quietly moved behind Hild.
"Milady?"
"Are they ready?" asked Hild, not turning from the scene before her.
"They are Milady."
Hild continued to watch the drills. "Do you think we're doing the right thing? Shouldn't we be joining those who took the heavens?"
"Milady?"
Hild turned and faced the Demon, "We have plotted for years the downfall of heaven and Kami-sama. And yet, when the time comes, we decide to help them."
The demon remained quiet for several seconds before answering. "Perhaps it's the fact that they will owe you after the battle is won?"
"We don't even know if we'll win."
The demon smiled. "I believe that we will, for none wish to disappoint their Queen. As to the gods, they will be indebted to you for helping them."
"It is not for that that I do this." Hild said quietly.
The Demon looked at Hild slightly confused. "Then why do you help them?"
"I do this for my daughter.
"You hope to gain your daughter's favor by assisting them?"
"She is my daughter after all." Hild sighed, "It seems that the only time she calls is when she needs my help. First Peorth, then when Belldandy and Keiichi disappeared, and now this. She never calls me otherwise. Like I don't exist."
"She was raised by Kami-sama." The Demon said quietly.
"That is why I'm doing this. To show my daughter that I do care, whatever Kami-sama has told her."
"Regardless your reasons, the men will follow your orders."
Hild finally nodded to the demon. "Very well. Inform them, we go tomorrow."
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Asuka and Shinji were laid out together on the couch in their apartment. Asuka rested her head on Shinji's chest sleeping while Shinji flipped through channels on the TV. Yui walked in and smiled at the scene.
"I assume from looking at Asuka that it was a long day."
Shinji smiled at his mother. "Urd and Misato worked us overtime in the simulators. We battled for heaven 6 times. The last 2 were our best though, no casualties."
"I glad." Yui said. "I'd hate for anything to happen to you after we just got back together." Yui glanced at Asuka. "Or Asuka for that matter."
Shinji ran his hands through Asuka's hair. Asuka let out a soft sigh and snuggled Shinji a little tighter. "I don't want anything to happen to her either. She means everything to me."
The sound of the front door opening and closing caused both Yui and Shinji to glance in that direction. Rei walked into the living room. She had a serious look on her face.
"What's wrong?" asked Yui.
"Hild called." Rei said. "We go tomorrow."
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Hikari walked quickly through the park. Even though it was still early evening, the sky remained as black as it had been for the past week. Hikari had no idea what was going on. That last time she'd heard news was when Sayoko was killed. Since then, she hadn't heard from anyone, and then, just 30 minutes ago, Touji called and asked to meet her in the park. She entered a clearing where several benches were. Sitting on a bench was Touji. He smiled when he saw her.
"Hey there."
Hikari raced into Touji's arms and hugged him tightly. "What's going on? Where have you been?"
"There's been trouble in the Heavens. Rogue Demons took it over." Touji said quietly. "Sayoko, Urd, and about 26 other Gods remain. Their getting ready to take it back."
"Sayoko's alive?!"
"Yeah, she is." Touji grabbed Hikari's hands. "The reason I haven't been able to call is because we've been going through a lot of training."
"Training for what?"
"We're going to help them, along with an army lead by Mara."
"Why?"
Touji let out a sigh. "The rogues attacked heaven with the 5 MP Evas we reactivated. Shinji, Asuka, Rei and I are going to take them out with the other 4 Evas."
Hikari look a Touji worried, "Won't it be dangerous?" Touji nodded his head. "Then why must you go?"
"Because no one else can." Touji put his arms around Hikari. "The goddesses helped us out during the Angel War. Sayoko even did so when she shouldn't have. They've helped us out since then. We owe them a lot." Touji looked into Hikari's eyes. "I can't turn my back on them now. If we fail, then the Demons will rule the heavens. The world is depending on us."
"Not just the world," Hikari pulled Touji to her again. "I need you too."
Touji stood there holding Hikari for a long time.
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The next morning found the 4 pilots standing before Misato just outside the main building. Nearby, the 4 Eva kneeled, awaiting their pilots. Ritsuko, Maya, Yui, and Fuyutsuki stood just next to Misato. Hikari waited just off to the side.
"Are the Evas ready?" asked Misato.
"They're in the best shape I could get them on short notice." replied Ritsuko. She nodded to Yui. "Fortunately, I had some help."
Yui smiled, "I just want my family back in one piece."
Misato smiled, "Me too." She turned and looked back to the pilots. "You hear that? That's an order."
The pilots all saluted Misato. "Yes Ma'am!"
A bright flash caused all present to turn. Appearing before them were 28 armored figures. Next to the front 2, stood Skuld, Morgan, Belldandy, Keiichi and Peorth. The front 2 removed their helmets revealing Urd and Sayoko. They approached Misato.
"Mara and her forces are beginning to assemble outside the walls." said Urd. "They're waiting for us."
Misato nodded and turned to the pilots. "You heard her, get to your entry plugs." The pilots saluted Misato then broke formation. Rei, Asuka, and Shinji went over to Yui and said their good byes. Touji walked over to where Hikari was standing. The three Ikaris then walked up to Misato.
"Commander."
Misato looked at the children, "Yes?"
Misato found herself swamped in a hug by the three. "We'll be back, don't worry."
Misato felt tears coming to her eyes. "I'm going to hold you to that." The children stepped away and headed for their Evas. Asuka turned and looked back toward Hikari and Touji.
"Come on stooge!" Hikari glared at Asuka, but that glare went away when she looked back at Touji.
"Don't worry. When I come back we'll set the date." Touji then kissed Hikari. He then turned and ran to his Eva. Sayoko watched Hikari before she felt a pair of arms encircling her. She turned to find her mother there.
"Mom I.." Belldandy shushed her.
"I know you'll come back." She said quietly. "I just wish I could go with you." Belldandy pulled Sayoko close to her in a tight hug. "Watch out for your Aunt."
"I will." Belldandy released Sayoko. Keiichi walked up to her and gave her a hug. Sayoko then put her helmet on and walked to where the other gods were standing. Urd started to follow when Skuld grabbed her arm.
"Urd, be careful."
Urd smiled, "You know me. I'm always careful."
Peorth gave Urd a look, "That's what we're afraid of."
Urd frowned at Peorth and Skuld. Skuld gave Urd a smile before hugging her. "Your fun to tease. Keep an eye on Yoko."
"You know I will." said Urd.
Urd put her helmet on and moved to stand in front of the other gods. Urd shouted a command and all present deployed their wings. As one the 28 gods and Morgan rose off the ground. Urd raised her hand to her helmet and carefully moved its new piece of equipment into place over her mouth, a microphone/transmitter, which allowed her to contact the Eva pilots. Skuld had come up with it at the last minute, only Urd, Morgan, Sayoko and Mara were so equipped.
"Alright guys. Whenever your ready."
Each of the Evas deployed its wings. 3 rose off the ground immediately. The last one, Touji's looked down at Hikari. Touji watched Hikari for a few seconds longer before he lifted his Eva off the ground. As soon as the group reached an altitude of about 2,000 feet, a portal opened and the group vanished through it. The portal disappeared after the last one moved through. Hikari remain staring at the spot for a long time, before Belldandy put her arm around her.
"Come on. We can wait at our apartment together." Belldandy, Keiichi and Hikari walked off together. Misato watched them go. She turned and looked to Skuld.
"What do we do now?" she asked quietly.
"We wait." Skuld replied. She turned to look at Misato. "We wait, and pray."
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Author's notes,
Having read a lot of your comments, the one that pops up time and again is the request for a love interest for Sayoko, the so called K2. I'm still thinking about it, after all, there is a 7 year gap between the 2 stories. Something had to happen in that time.