Preparations and the second coming
Author's notes:
Before all, I wanted to admit, that critical comments about my English grammar, written by Brax, Neohowler and the Seldon Planner were true. Unfortunately, no matter, how hard I try to improve my English grammar, it all seems to be in vain. But nevertheless, I hope, that this story is at last a bit readable.
Shadowdragon66, I wanted to thank you for your review. I hope, that you liked this story.
By the way, if any of you are bothering about the fact, that I described this mysterious enemy's blows without giving them much attention, then I want to inform you, that it was done with purpose of picturing swiftness of enemy's blows.
Reinforcement have arrived (afternoon of the next day, NERV technical analyze room)
Ritsuko looked in awe at newly delivered Production Type Evangelions. Just a few minutes ago, Magi computers competed testing these Evangelions, and all statistics were superior to everything, NERV had before.
Right now, these Evangelions carried only basic weapons - Advanced Palette Pistol and standard Progressive Knife. Additional weapons for these Evangelions were too huge and heavy to launch Evangelions with it, and so all additional weapons were to be delivered to battlefield apart from Evangelions. Of course it created some difficulties, but it was small price to pay for such power.
Along with additional weapons for these Evangelions, SEELE provided NERV with additional modules for these Evangelions: Muscle Enhancement Module for EVA-14, and Advanced Targeting Gear and Empowered Heat Sink for EVA-15. According to Commander Ikari's request, EVA-14 was to be specialized for melee combat, while EVA-15 was to be specialized for ranged combat. Of course such specialization would weaken these Evangelions, if they would have to fight apart from each other, but together they should be an awesome force. Now, the only problem would be in pilots…
"Dr. Akagi" - said Maya - "All tests were completed. New Evangelions works perfectly. All additional modules and weapons works perfectly as well. But who would pilot them?"
"By orders of Commander Ikari, EVA-14 should be programmed for Rei to pilot as soon as possible." - answered Ritsuko - "As about the other one… well, let's hope that we should be able to find another pilot quickly. These Evangelions were designed to work in pair. Apart from each other they would be very vulnerable. Misato mentioned, that she had an idea about pilot for EVA-15. I hope, it would work, for if enemy will attack us now, we would be helpless as little children."
When dreams come true (Meanwhile, in Aida apartment)
Kensuke sat by the window at his apartment, almost dying from boredom. It was strange, that when he had to go to school, he hated it so much, and now, when old school was destroyed, and the new one wasn't built yet, he wanted new school to be built as soon as possible, for going to school would at last kill some time.
All his friends now were either killed, or in hospital, or left Tokyo-3. He couldn't blame them though. Even now, when it was reported that all Angels are gone, and they shouldn't fear them anymore, Tokyo-3 was still very hostile place to live, because Tokyo-3 was almost turned into ruins during the battles against Angels.
So, Kensuke sat by the window at his apartment, with his camera at his lap. Despite the fact, that right now there was nothing record, it was still Kensuke's habit to carry camera with him everywhere.
But then, Kensuke heard sudden roar of motor, as bright blue car quickly approached his apartment, and parked at top speed, cutting down its speed from about 200 kph to zero. Kensuke smiled and turned on his camera, for he knew only one person, who could parked in this way.
"Hay, Misato!" - shouted Kensuke from the window, as Misato get out from car.
"Hello, Kensuke" - shouted Misato back - "Can I come in?"
"Sure thing!" - shouted Kensuke and his smile grow even wider.
After about a minute, Misato rang to Kensuke's door, and Kensuke, who was already waiting for her at the door, quickly opened the door and let Misato in.
"Can I offer you something, Misato?" - asked Kensuke, as Misato walked through the doorway - "Coffee, tea? Sorry, but coffee is instant."
"Maybe beer?" - asked Misato, with smile and wink.
"Sorry, Misato, I don't keep beer." - said Kensuke, who was a bit embarrassment by not foreseeing this possibility.
"Well, coffee will suffice then." - said Misato.
Kensuke instantly hurried to kitchen to make Misato some instant coffee, while Misato started to study Kensuke's apartment. Kensuke's apartment was a real mess. Wherever Misato looked, everywhere were books, video films, and CDs.
"Your coffee is ready, Misato!" - shouted Kensuke from the kitchen about a minute after.
Misato walked to the kitchen, set at the table in front of Kensuke and made a swallow of coffee. The coffee was a bit light for Misato's taste, but quite good, nevertheless.
"So you a living alone?" - asked Misato to start conversation.
"Yes" - answered Kensuke - "My father now working for some kind of project at Tokyo-2 for almost three years now. So he visit me only when he receives a vacation, and it isn't often. And my mother… well, she died soon after I was born."
"Sorry, I didn't meant to bring you pain" - said Misato.
"Oh, no harm done." - said Kensuke - "I already get used to the fact, that father isn't at home most of the time. And as about my mother, I didn't even known her, then how could I grieve about her?"
"I see" - said Misato. She tried to delay asking this question, but it seems, that there were no topics for discussions left.
"C'mon" - said Kensuke smiling - "I know what you are going to ask, so just go ahead."
"Well" - said Misato - "I remember you were always wanting to become Eva pilot, weren't you?.."
Shadows are meeting again (Three days later, at the rooftop of a small country house in England)
The sun was already setting, when two young boys, about fourteen years of age met at the rooftop of a small country house. One of the boys wasn't really strongly built. He had back hair and blue eyes. Unlike the first boy, the other boy looked quite strong for his age. He was also quite handsome, with blond hair and gray eyes. While the first boy was dressed in black leather jacket and back jeans, the other boy was dressed in loose white shirt and dark blue jeans.
"It seems the First One will be a bit late" - said blond-haired boy - "I guess, we have to start without her."
"I can believe it!" - said black-haired boy, who looked to be a bit troubled - "Linna is never ever late! Maybe something…"
"Waiting for someone?" - said quiet voice.
Both boys turned to see young girl, about fourteen years of age with light brown hair and deep brown eyes. It seemed, that she appeared out of nowhere.
"You right, Steve" - continued brown-haired girl - "I never ever late."
"You shouldn't messed around with time like that, Linna" - said black-haired boy - Steve, who seemed to relax a bit - "I know, how much it exhaust you. We could wait a bit."
"No you couldn't, and you know that too well." - said brown-haired girl - Linna - "You have already wasted to much time. And even I can't turn time back. And besides, simple making time to flow faster for myself don't exhaust me very much. It is altering other's time what is tricky. So, any new information?"
"Yes" - said blond-haired boy - "Last night, Denis talked to me, and he said that we underestimated this organization called NERV. While we thought, that NERV is just a minor branch of SEELE, now it appears, that NERV plays much more important role in coming apocalypse. Denis found out that NERV got both Adam and Lilith. Now they apparently need only Lance of Longinus to start their Human Complement Project. But even more disturbing is a fact, that they recently received new latest models of Bio-robots, which they keep calling Evangelions or Evas. They could be trouble even for us, unless we will combine our power. Unfortunately, they are too far away for me to attack them soon enough, so, Steve, you are our only hope."
"I decided to increase my power in three times to defeat this enemy." - said Steve - "Last time, I was unable to deal any serious damage to Evangelion, and so I was forced to retreat. I won't happen again."
"But, Steve" - said Linna - "Increasing your power so much would be very dangerous to you."
"Not as dangerous, as fighting them in my current condition" - answered Steve - "These Evangelions aren't as helpless as we expected. Last time, if Evangelion was a bit more lucky, I wouldn't be here with you. But now, I won't be defeated. Watch this!"
And after that, Steve closed his eyes, and, apparently, drifted deep into meditation. After about a ten minutes, gigantic black raven appeared above them, and swiftly flied away.
"He is trying really hard this time, isn't he?" - asked blond-haired boy.
"I fear for him" - said Linna - "He don't like being helpless, as he was during previous battle. Even though, that now he should be powerful enough to destroy Evangelion, I fear for him. He wields much power, but price of his power is terrible indeed. You wouldn't be able to understand it, Third One, for your power was chap and strong at same time. Two of us are different."
"Then you are much alike, aren't you?" - said blond-haired boy - "Is it a reason, why you care so much about him."
"It is another thing, I think, you would never understand, Third One." - said Linna sadly - "I don't care for him. I love him."
The second coming (About an hour and half later, in NERV command office)
"Alarm!" - said Maya through the comlink - "Alarm, we are under attack! Repeating, we are under attack!"
"On my way." - answered Misato through the comlink, as she hurried through corridors of Geofront - "Prepare all three active Evangelions in my absence."
"Report me about situation!" - said Misato, as she finally reached NERV command office.
"As before, enemy appeared at seacoast." - said Makoto - "And as before, radars were unable to detect him. However, it appears, that now he is even more powerful then before. As United Forces tried to approach him, they were crushed by powerful sonic wave. I couldn't even call it battle!"
"Are EVA-14 and EVA-15 ready for launch?" - asked Misato.
"Ready and waiting, Major Katsuragi." - said Maya - "Kensuke's synchronization rate is 54,5%, while Rei's synchronization rate is 39,9%. Synchronization rate of both pilots is stabile."
"And what is status of EVA-01?" - asked Misato.
"Synchronization rate is only 26,0%" - said Maya - "It is lower, then synchronization of both EVA-14 and EVA-15. I believe, it is dangerous to sent him to battle, and Commander Ikari agrees with me."
"Very well" - said Misato - "EVA-01 will be our reserve in case of emergency."
Then Misato addressed to Shinji through the comlink - "Shinji, we can't sent all three Evangelions into battle, for it would leave us vulnerable. So you will be required to stay here. Be prepared, for in the case of emergency, you will have to fight."
"Yes, Major Katsuragi" - answered Shinji dutifully, it seemed, that all life was gone from his voice.
"Very well" - said Misato - "EVA-14 and EVA-15, launch!"
Understanding of uselessness (Meanwhile, in the EVA-01's Entry Plug; Shinji's point of view)
Of course, I couldn't hear the talk between Misato and the rest of NERV command office personal, but I could imagine very well, what they thought about me. I am useless. Waste material. Now they would either left me here, or sent me to the battlefield as cannon folder, depending from whatever my father believe, that I still can be of some use, or not.
I was surprised, that after so many months Kensuke's dream was finally fulfilled, and he become Evangelion pilot. But I was even more surprised by the fact, that Kensuke's synchronization rate quickly got higher then both mine synchronization rate and Rei's synchronization rate. It appeared, that his desire to be Evangelion pilot played a major part in his quick success.
It was irony, that now, when I was brought low, I started to understand Asuka and her feelings. Now I could understand, why she was so depressed, when my synchronization rate become higher then her. Now I could understand, how painful it is to be useless. I wanted Asuka to be near me, to tell her, how I felt. Perhaps it would make me feel better, perhaps no. But anyway, at last in that case I wouldn't feel so alone, as I felt now.
Then I head Misato's voice through the comlink - "Shinji, we can't sent all three Evangelions into battle, for it would leave us vulnerable. So you will be required to stay here. Be prepared, for in the case of emergency, you will have to fight."
How predictable. I was certain, that she would find some reasonable excuse to left me here. To make me feel better. Didn't she realized, that she hurt me even more?
"Yes, Major Katsuragi" - I answered dutifully.
Final preparations for the second battle (A few minutes later, near the battlefield/in the NERV command office)
Just after EVA-14 and EVA-15 exited NERV hangar, two sets of battle modules extended from the ground near them.
"Rei, Kensuke, we are prepared to install battle modules." - said Misato through the comlink - "Rei, install Muscle Enhancement Module. Your main weapon in this battle will be Progressive Blade. Kensuke, install Advanced Targeting Gear and Empowered Heat Sink. Your main weapon in this battle will be Advanced Palette Rifle."
After both Evangelions installed battle modules and get their weapons, Misato continued her briefing - "The enemy is coming, so get ready. Kensuke, don't worry about anything, just remember your trainings. When enemy will be in the middle of the target, press the trigger. Advanced Targeting Gear will determine delay, firing degree and the rest. Along with Advanced Targeting Gear, Empowered Heat Sink was installed to your Evangelion. With that, you would be able to maintain constant burst of fire without fear of overheating. Rei, your main objective is to prevent enemy from engaging EVA-15 in melee combat. EVA-15 isn't suitable for melee combat, so it is your main objective to protect EVA-15. Did you understand you orders?"
"Yes" - answered Rei.
"Aye-aye, Major Katsuragi" - answered Kensuke with smile.
"Be serious, Pilot Aida!" - said Misato, trying to sound as angry, as she could - "It is not some kind of game, and it is not even training, it is war! Now, prepare to engage enemy. Good luck!"
The second battle (A few minutes later, at the battlefield/in the NERV command office)
Rei and Kensuke moved their Evangelions forward, until they sighted the enemy, who apparently was waiting for them.
Kensuke stopped his Evangelion and prepared his Advanced Palette Rifle for combat, while Rei moved her Evangelion a bit further and readied her Progressive Blade for combat, preparing to defend Kensuke.
Kensuke's Advanced Targeting Gear easily targeted the enemy, but as Kensuke pushed the trigger, the enemy jumped high into air, narrowly avoiding Kensuke's shots. In vain Kensuke tried to shot enemy, while it was still in the air, for enemy moved too swiftly.
Rei was prepared to meet the enemy, when it landed, but still, enemy's reflexes were superior to Rei's. Easily avoiding swing of Rei's Progressive Blade, enemy launched his own assault…
*punch, punch, kick, punch, grab, smash*
In almost no time, specialized for melee Evangelion was at the ground, in full mercy of it's enemy.
As soon as EVA-14 fall to the ground and opened line of fire for EVA-15, Kensuke fired full burst of fire at the enemy. But unfortunately all Kensuke's shots just struck enemy's AT Field harmlessly.
"Rei, get up and try to disable enemy's AT Field" - ordered Misato through the comlink - "Then unit fifteen would be able to finish the enemy"
EVA-14 get up from the ground and retrieved it's Progressive Blade, but enemy has already jumped away. Once again, Kensuke tried to shot enemy down, but all in vain, for enemy easily dodged all the shots.
Then enemy jumped at EVA-14 once again, and once again Rei wasn't fast enough…
*punch, kick, punch, grab, throw*
EVA-14 was crushed to the ground about ten meters away from enemy. However, this time, enemy didn't retreated. This time, enemy charged at EVA-15 and…
"Kensuke's synchronization rate is increased" - said Maya at NERV command office - "Kensuke's synchronization rate reached 55,5%! Major Katsuragi, it seems, Kensuke and his Evangelion develop their own AT Field!"
Two AT Fields clashed, and EVA-15 was thrown back, as enemy's AT Field appeared to be stronger. And in next moment, enemy charged at EVA-15 once again, apparently wanting to penetrate EVA-15's AT Field. And EVA-15's AT Field slowly began to collapse under more powerful AT Field. However this time, Kensuke was more prepared, and he fired full burst of fire at enemy. With all enemy's AT Field centered on offense, the enemy seemed to be vulnerable to Kensuke's shots. But as it was before, enemy's extremely good reflexes saved enemy from being hit, for enemy was able to quickly get away from Kensuke's line of fire.
But by this time, EVA-14 has already get on its feet, and charged at enemy. Despite the fact, that enemy was a bit busy with Kensuke and his EVA-15, enemy still managed to dodge, EVA-14 and even turned to EVA-14 to begin his own attack. This time, enemy didn't used fists and feet, but instead used his AT Field to attack. Enemy's AT Field easily sliced through EVA-14's weak AT Field and hit EVA-14 directly into torso. Rei screamed in pain, as enemy's AT Field buried itself into torso of her Evangelion like hot knife, melting down EVA-14's armor and heating LCL Fluid.
Meanwhile, Kensuke charged at enemy from behind, reaching point blank range. Once again, again their AT Field clashed, and this time, enemy's already overburdened AT Field started to gave a way. Kensuke fired another burst of fire at enemy, but even with enemy's AT Field almost down, Kensuke shots still seemed to be unable to cause any injuries to enemy. But still Kensuke served his role, by distracting enemy from Rei for long enough.
Ignoring terrible pain, Rei made a swing with her Progressive Blade and this time, distracted enemy wasn't fast enough to dodge Rei's swing. Rei's Progressive Blade sliced enemy's torso, leaving a large cut. No blood was oozed from wound, but it was still clear, that enemy was seriously injured, and now enemy seemed to be less agile then usually. Enemy tried to shift his AT Field from offense into defense position and get away, but Rei's Progressive Blade easily penetrated enemy's AT Field and caught him in torso once again, leaving another large cut.
Facing decisions (Meanwhile, at the rooftop of a small country house in England)
Linna and blond-haired boy watched in horror as one cut and then another cut crossed Steve's torso.
"Damned fool!" - swore blond-haired boy - "And why couldn't he wait for me?! Why he went there for himself?! I would never let him fight alone, if I had known, that these Evangelions are strong enough to fight us!"
Linna said nothing, she just watched at Steve's injuries as tears run from her eyes. With all her power, Linna was powerless to fight alone. She needed somebody. But it would be his decision, not her.
"Damn!" - swore blond-haired boy once again - "And while he is fighting and dying there, all I can do is sit here and do nothing! I hate being helpless! If only I could get there in a second…" - then blond-haired boy stopped, as he realized, what he just said.
"Would you save him?" - asked Linna, with tears still running from her eyes - "Would you fight against enemy, against whom even Second One was helpless? If you would, I would gladly take you there in a second, Third One. Would you?"
"But Linna" - said blond-haired boy uncertainly - "What would happen to you? Taking me there in one second would exhaust you greatly. You can even…"
"I don't care, what would happen with me, as long, as Steve lives!" - said Linna - "It is ironical, I, first and most powerful of us, is turned out to be most useless. Indeed, my soul contain vast power, but my physical body is too weak, and I can't use my power properly. If it is my fate, to give my live for another of us, then so be it. I will accept my fate without fear or regret, but with courage. Are you ready, Third One?"
"But, Linna…" - started blond-haired boy, but he was interrupted…
"I ask you again, are you ready, Third One?" - said Linna - "Remember, that he don't have much time. His life is in your hands, Third One. So, are you ready to fight, or no?"
"I am ready." - said blond-haired boy in a strong voice. And then his body began to change…
The battle continues (A one second later, at the battlefield/in the NERV command office)
The enemy rolled aside, barely avoiding next swing of Rei's Progressive Blade. However, wounded enemy was no match in speed and strength for EVA-14. While enemy was in melee combat with EVA-14, Kensuke could fire at it, for he feared to hit EVA-14. But still combined AT Field of both pilots and their Evangelion effectively neutralized enemy's AT Field, leaving him no chances to win or flee.
Finally EVA-14 kicked enemy in torso, throwing enemy to the ground. But as Rei was ready to make killing blow to enemy, she felt sharp pain, and then she felt strong grip on her arms. No matter, how much she struggled, she couldn't moved her arms, for whoever or whatever griped her, was certainly much stronger, then her Evangelion. Then Rei felt even greater as arms of her Evangelion were ripped from Evangelion's body. Rei couldn't hold on any longer, and she screamed from pain.
Meanwhile, Kensuke fired burst of fire after burst of fire into back of huge humanoid, apparently made from steel or some other metal. But all Kensuke's shots just bounced off giant's armored back. It seemed, that this steel giant didn't even cared about Kensuke's presence.
"Eject EVA-14's Entry Plug immediately!" - ordered Misato back at NERV command office.
" Yes, Major Katsuragi" - answered Maya - "Unit 14's Entry Plug was successfully ejected."
"How is Rei?" - asked Misato
"She is alive" - answered Maya - "But she is seriously injured."
"Pilot Aida" - ordered Misato through her comlink. Pick up EVA-14's Entry Plug, and retreat from battlefield immediately, understood?"
"Understood, Major Katsuragi" - said Kensuke, as he dropped his Advanced Palette Rifle, picked up EVA-14's Entry Plug and headed toward exit point. Fortunately for him, steel giant didn't paid much attention to his Evangelion, and so Kensuke was able to flee without any problems.
"Second One" - said powerful thunder-like voice, apparently it was steel giant's voice - "Go back. First One needs you. She spent too much energy by delivering me here, and you know, how dangerous it is in her case."
"But what about you, Third One?" - asked another loud voice, but not as powerful as previous voice, apparently it was black humanoid's voice - "I can't leave you here alone."
"Don't worry about me, Second One." - said steel giant - Third One - "I will take care about everything here. First One needs you much more, then I do. Now go."
"Thank you, Third One" - said black humanoid - Second One - "I will never forget it."
And after that Second One changed his shape from black humanoid, into black raven and flied away at high speed.
Meanwhile, Gendo was giving orders to activate all NERV outer defenses…
"Prepare all outer defense systems." - ordered Gendo - "Close all shields. Activate outer defense turrets. I won't sent Evangelions against this Third One, for it would be slaughter! It is certain, that he was designed especially to fight Evangelions. We need to find other means to defeat him."
"Yes, Commander Ikari" - answered Maya, Makoto and Shigeru in union.
But it seemed, that Third One was completely undamaged by all shots, for all shots just bounced off his heavy armored skin. Ignoring all fire, he grabbed lifeless EVA-14 and began to tear it into pieces easily, as if heavily armored Evangelion was just doll. While Third One wasn't much larger then Evangelions, it was certainly much stronger. Finally, when EVA-14 was present in form of million of pieces, Third One took Evangelion's core into both his powerful hands, and crushed it. Core was broken into million of pieces.
"Ritsuko" - said Gendo back at NERV command office - "I hope, that you have already finished analyzing this Third One. He already finished with EVA-14, and I am certain, that now it would move against us. Give me a report."
"Commander Ikari" - answered Ritsuko - "I indeed finished analyzing this Third One. We don't have much information on him, but one thing is certain - it has AT Field. However, you will be pleased to know, that Third One's AT Field is quite weak, and it is currently working in offense mode, not in defense mode. I don't know, whatever it is just nature of Third One's AT Field or it turn it into offense mode, because it believe, that its heavily armored skin would be able to withstand any physical damage. If we would find some way to penetrate Third One's heavily armored skin, I believe that we would be able to defeat or even kill him."
"Then we would use only weapon left in our arsenal, we must drop N2 Bombs on this Third One, before it get into the NERV base." - said Gendo - " I will personally give orders to United Forces."
"But Commander Ikari" - said astonished Misato - "Explosions of N2 Bombs in such close range from NERV base would wipe away some of our ground facilities. And we don't have time to retract them. Then how do…"
"They don't matter." - said Gendo coldly - "It is necessary sacrifice. Our primary duty is to defend all humanity, and if some people are going to die in the process, then it is for greater good. Good of many, before good of few. You must always remember that."
Ritsuko smirked after hearing this words, but said nothing.
After utterly destroying EVA-14, Third One finally noticed NERV defense turrets, which hopelessly tried to shot it down. Third One turned to NERV defense turrets, and it seemed, that he concentrated its attention on them, and then…
And then all NERV defense turrets exploded, as if some kind of powerful wave of force hit them, despite the fact, that Third One didn't even moved.
"What was it?" - asked Gendo back at NERV command office.
"It seems, that it was manifestation of Third One's AT Field" - answered Ritsuko - "I was certain, that Third One's AT Field was much weaker. The fact, that he was cable of such a blast just confirms my theory, that Third One has unique form of AT Field designed only for offense."
Meanwhile another powerful wave of force blasted gates of NERV ground facility, and then Third One began to slowly walked toward facility.
"Damn!" - thought Gendo - "If Third One will make it, it would be impossible to hit him with N2 Bombs. In that case, I will have to launch remained Evangelions once again. Somehow, I don't believe, that my Evangelions would be able to defeat this enemy, for it seems to be much more powerful, then my Evangelions."
However, Gendo wasn't able to find out, whatever two remained Evangelions were match for Third One or no, for in the next moment United Forces began their attack against Third One.
Whole wing of FS-19 Heavy Bombers, belonged to United Forces flied above NERV base, and dropped twenty N2 Bombs on head of unsuspicious enemy. Accomplishing their mission, FS-19 Heavy Bombers hurried back to United Forces airfield.
"What about target?" - asked Gendo, after long minute has passed.
"Commander Ikari" - said Shigeru - "Our radars are still unable to scan area clearly. But nothing could possibly survived this explosion!"
"You never know for sure" - said Ritsuko thoughtfully - "At last when you deal with such supernatural monsters like Angels or these things."
"Oh, God" - muttered Gendo to himself - "Please, let this Third One just die! If Third One could survive explosion of twenty N2 Bombs without even AT Field to protect itself, then there is nothing we can possibly do against it!"
Another nine long minutes passed in silence, until finally Shigeru spoke.
"We receive confirmation from radars, Commander Ikari!" - said Shigeru, who couldn't hold back his smile - "There is no sign of enemy. AT Field has gone. Commander Ikari, Third One is no more! We have won!"
"Good work!" - said Gendo, who even allowed himself to smile - "This is indeed a glorious day. However, we still have a lot of work to do, before going to rest…"
Price of escape (Meanwhile, at the rooftop of a small country house in England)
Giant black raven stopped above rooftop of a small country in England. And then, giant black raven just disappeared, as if it was never there. And in the next moment, Steve opened his eyes, and surveyed his surrounding.
And then, ignoring pain in his battled body, Steve hurried to the body of girl, who lay at rooftop.
"Linna! Linna! Are you okay?!" - shouted Steve, as he held Linna's almost lifeless body in his arms.
"Steve…" - said Linna weakly - "I love…"
And then Linna Hanneth died. She used too much of her power, and her weak body couldn't survive such a strain.
Steve wanted to cry, but no tears were coming. He didn't felt sadness, only hatred for those, who took Linna from him. Hatred for those, whom he tried to save only a few minutes later.
"I'll let you have your way, fools!" - shouted Steve with hatred in his voice - "You are free to start you apocalypse! You are free to put end to this cruel world! I don't care anymore!"
Healing touch (Meanwhile, in the still standing building nearest to the explosions of twenty N2 Bombs)
Blond-haired boy leaned against the wall of the nearby building. Gathering last remains of his strength, blond-haired boy get inside, and fall to the floor. His plan to transform into his human form to confuse enemies and escape worked just perfectly, except for a one little detail. He was so used to be almost indestructible metal giant humanoid in combat, that he didn't realized, that damages, he suffered during explosions of twenty N2 Bombs, even though, that they were reduced greatly, when he transformed into his human form could be serious enough to kill him. And now, he was paying for his mistake, by dying alone, not even in battle.
And so, blond-haired boy closed his eyes, preparing to meet death. Then suddenly, the pain was gone. Instead of pain, warmth filled his body.
"Is it what it is like to die?" - though blond-haired boy - "But then, in that case, why am I feeling so alive?"
Then blond-haired boy opened his eyes, and saw a magnificent sight. Beautiful girl of about his age stood before him. Her golden blond hair fall freely on her shoulders, and her green eyes gazed at him warmly. She was dressed in white dress.
"What… who are you?" - asked blond-haired boy in astonishment.
"My name is Helen" - she said - "I am just like you. I am the Sixth One. I am Sixth Savior of the mankind."
Blond-haired boy studied himself, and found that all his terrible injuries were healed somehow.
"It was you who healed me?" - asked blond-haired boy - "But how have you done it?"
"It is part of my power, of course." - said Helen - "When warriors go into battle, they always need somebody to wait for them at home, and take care of their injuries, when they would come back tired and wounded."
"Hmm… then thank you, I guess" - said blond-haired boy a bit embarrassed, for until now, he was always taking care about himself by himself, and never relayed on anybody else's help.
"You are welcome." - said Helen with a charming smile - "I understand, that you aren't from Tokyo-3, and so you don't have place to stay. You can say in my apartment. It was just recently rebuilt after destruction of sixteenth angel. Let's go."
"But I…" - started to say blond-haired boy, but Helen didn't gave him chance to finish.
"Don't be silly!" - said Helen - "I have a large apartment and so we would live in the separated rooms. I live by myself, so don't worry about anything. Just follow me."
And blond-haired boy obediently followed Helen to her apartment.
Following the dreams (Meanwhile, in Slicer apartment in Tokyo-3)
The boy laid on his bad in his new apartment. He came to Tokyo-3 only recently, and he still wasn't sure why. Terrible nightmares were torturing him for almost a month now. Finally he came to devastated city from his nightmares, but what he was going to do now?
Thinking all these, the boy didn't noticed, how he fall asleep…
The cruel dream (Alan Slicer's point of view)
I stood in the middle of the wasteland. No matter, where I looked, only pictures of destruction were before me. It seemed, that there were no life in this world. No humans, no animals, no even insects. The world was dead.
"I am dreaming again." - I said to myself, as there were no living soul around me - "But it is strange. This dream isn't like all my previous dreams. What does it mean?"
"I means, that you are now where you belong." - said voice from behind me - "You have learned all you needed from your previous dreams, no it is time for you to go on."
I turned around, and saw a boy of about my age standing behind me, where there were nothing just a moment ago. He had brown hair and deep black eyes.
"Why are you?" - I asked him - "Are you the one, who is behind all these?"
"Oh, no" - said brown-haired boy - "I just visited your dream to explain its meaning. While I indeed have power to conjure dreams, this dream is your own."
"All right, then tell me what you wanted to say." - I said.
"Oh, thank you very much." - said brown-haired boy with a mocking smile - "You see future in this dream. No some kind of unavoidable future, but one of the possibilities. Some arrogant humans, want to archive god-hood. Unfortunately, side effect of this would be devastation of Earth, and death of all human beings. And you are one of the few, who can prevent this apocalypse from happening. You are the Seventh Savior. I wanted to give you more time to fully realize your powers, but now you must act quickly. Too much time was wasted. We, the others saviors tried to penetrated headquarters of top secret military organization know as NERV, to retrieve being called Adam, which is the key to this apocalypse. While, both Second Savior and Third Savior failed to penetrate NERV defenses and retrieve Adam, the still caused major damage to NERV defenses. Now NERV is most vulnerable then it ever was. But you must act quickly. Now retrieval of Adam is up to you, for even if Second Savior and Third Savior survived their attack on NERV, they wouldn't be able to fight again for quite a long time, for they wasted too much of their power, and it would take them quite a long time to restore their power."
"But I don't have any power." - I said in astonishment - "I don't even understand what power you are talking about."
"Oh, but you have the power" - said brown-haired boy - "You need just to remember your previous dreams, for they are the key to you power. And I can help you there. I can restore your previous dreams in your memory."
"No please don't!" - I said in horror - "I don't…"
But then memories flooded me…
Memories (Alan Slicer's point of view)
Blood… the people were dying around I, as sharp blades appeared from nowhere and pierced them… I jumped at one of the blades and ride it as if it was some kind of skateboard… I rushed forward, all obstacles in my way were crushed by some kind of force… "The humans call it AT Field" - said voice in my mind - "But it wave of emotions coming from the depth of your heart, from the depth of your soul"… Then I meet another one, enormous metal giant and we fought… our AT Fields clashed, and resulted explosion annihilated the city, in which we fought… and we stood among destruction, the only survivors. Both of us were too exhausted to continue the fight…
Circle of men and women stood silently at the large clearing in the middle of the forest. Then one woman spoke - "From now on, we will give each other sacred oath never to attack each other again. We will give oath, never to use our power to harm others. We will give oath to use our power only for good purposes, never for evil purposes."
"Yes!" - answered all of us in union…
The world was dead… only circle of men and women stood among the devastation, as if it was mocking stupidity of a human race… "We have made an error" - said the same woman - "We thought, that we were helping these humans to find their way. We thought, that we were doing them favor by fighting these angels. But we were wrong. We never realized, that humans were worst enemy for themselves. By helping them, we just leaded them to their death. But we must learn from our mistakes. We must never let something like that happen again."…
Riding my blade, I flied through the space, with my AT Field protecting me. Millions of years of perfecting my abilities make more powerful, then I could even imagine. But still, I wasn't powerful enough to stop this madness. The universe was dying. I watched as one by one, stars were consumed by endless darkness…
"We have failed" - I thought bitterly…
And then, I remembered woman's last words - "We have failed, and the end has come. The end of all things. And when all things will be consumed by this darkness, we will die as well. But now, the curtain of time has opened before me. We will be given the other chance. When countless amount of time will pass, another universe would be formed from the remains of this dying universe. And we will be reborn, once again in human bodies to fight all consuming darkness. This time, we must not fail, for it will be our last chance for success. But we will be weak once again, and this time we won't have time to perfect our powers. Most of our memories and knowledges would be gone, but we will still have some of our memories. Remember, we must not fail again. It will be our last chance…"
And then, I too was consumed by endless darkness…
The cruel dream continues (Alan Slicer's point of view)
"Do you understand now?" - asked brown-haired boy - "Are you ready to fight now?"
"I don't think, that I really understand my powers" - I answered weakly - "But I will try to prevent this apocalypse, whatever it is. I will do my best."
"Goodbye then" - said brown-haired boy - "I am certain, that we will meet again. And good luck."
And then I woke up…
Another SEELE meeting (An hour later in SEELE council room)
And once again, Gendo and Professor Fuyutsuki faced eleven gray monoliths, which represented anonymous SEELE council members.
"So, Ikari, do you have any progress in analyzing and defeating our new enemy?" - asked SEELE-01
"Indeed" - answered Gendo - "We have some success. However we found out, that enemy, which attacked us before wasn't alone. There are at last two others creatures, which have similar goals, which are to prevent us from starting Human Complement Project. We decided to call these new enemies Devils. It is possible, that there are seventeen of them, as there were seventeen Angels, but we don't know it for certain. Only one thing is certain, Third Devil is no more. Second Devil, the one, which attacked us before flee once again, but don't worry, we will kill him sooner or later. We also have news about First Devil, but we don't know who or what it is. However, we suffered a small setback, for EVA-14 was totally destroyed by Third Devil, and it is beyond repairmen. I ask you to sent us some more Evangelions."
"Sending more Evangelions to you would be impossible at this moment." - said SEELE-12 - "However, we will try to sent you some additional help, as soon, as we will construct more Evangelions."
"Can you give me any information, about these Devils?" - asked Gendo - "Surely some records concerning Devils attacks at various SEELE associated organizations should survived."
"I afraid, that no records concerning Devils attacks at various SEELE associated organizations survived." - said SEELE-03.
"Without doubt" - said SEELE-05 - "Some agent of Devils or one of the Devils himself infiltrated our organization."
"Somebody skillfully remove all evidence of Devil attacks" - said SEELE-04 - "Only ruins of various SEELE associated organizations facilities remains to bear witness of cruelty of these Devils."
"You must defeat this enemy, Ikari" - said SEELE-01 - "While these Devils are still at large, we don't dare to start Human Complement Project."
"I will do my best" - said Gendo.
"Then" - said SEELE-01 - "I proclaim this meeting finished."