Revision #1 27/8/03 Evangelion: Harbinger chapter 2/?
Notes: This is the second chapter of 'Evangelion: Harbinger', as before it is part of a series designed to replace episodes 24+ so there may be a few spoilers here and there.
May as well put the disclaimer here as well:
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I do not own the rights to Neon Genesis Evangelion or any of the characters, these are all the property of Hideaki Anno, Studio Gainax or whoever owns them. The following Evafic is my own work and any characters presented have no basis on any persons living or dead etc.
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Ok, this episode uses the same format as the previous one, OK it's a fair amount longer but I had so much stuff I wanted to cram into this episode it just got longer and longer... never mind! On with the show! As before thoughts are depicted with italics.
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Revision1: Again thanks to Crimson Wraith, not a lot has changed here, I got rid of some brackets and lost the launch sequence, we all know what happens!
One final thing- If you want to put this on your website, just ask me first, I won't have a problem with it as long as I'm given full credit of course and this file remains unchanged.
Now, are we sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...
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Eyecard- Episode 25: Golgotha
As darkness falls two figures can be seen walking along a familiar street towards the apartment of Misato Katsuragi, one of the figues has short dark brown hair and wears a white short sleeve shirt with dark trousers. Almost by contrast his companion is a little taller, has slightly longer black hair and wears a black shirt and trousers covered with a knee length black jacket. The two walk in silence for a short time before the taller of the two speaks.
Marek- "I'm sorry if I startled you before..."
Shinji- "It's... it's no trouble really... I was just thinking..."
Marek turns his head to face Shinji as a look of discomfort, Marek quickly changes the subject..
Marek- "Ok... so... How long have you been living with Major Katsuragi?"
Shinji- "H... How do you know?..."
Marek smiles, partly at his own success, partly at the Third child's reaction.
Marek- "The Major picked me up from the airport today... I'll be bunking with you until my attache gets here tomorrow, so?"
Shinji- "So?"
Marek- "So? How long have you been living with the Major?"
Shinji- "Well... since I got here really... she took me in when I arrived" now I think about it, Misato has made a lot of sacrifices for me...
Marek- "There are some men that would say that you're a lucky man"
Still lost in his previous thought Shinji's voice is distant as he barely acknowledges his companion, missing the double meaning of the statement.
Shinji- "I guess I am..."
As the pair round the corner Marek looks up and catches a flash of blue out of the corner of his eye, looking around he sees nothing. The boys continue in silence for a short time before Shinji speaks.
Shinji- "M... Marek?"
Marek- "Yes?"
Shinji- "You say you're the Fifth child and yet you pilot Unit 05, by my maths you should have been the pilot of Unit 04 when it..."
A momentary look of pain and discomfort crosses the taller boy's features. He is silent for several minutes before replying.
Marek- "No... Although I am the Fifth Child and I should have been the designated pilot of Unit 04, however, Since the Sixth Child is also English, one of us had to go out to Nevada, my father 'fixed it' so that I would remain in England..."
As he finishes this sentence a strange expression crosses his face very briefly.
Both boys look at the ground, engrossed in their own thoughts as a conversation of a more sinister kind was taking place many miles below in a darkened room with The NERV logo illuminated in red on the far wall, on one side of the room sits Ritsuko Akagi, Gendo Ikari stands at the other side accompanied by a sly looking man in a white lab coat carrying a small metal briefcase. Ritsuko regards the two men coldly before hissing at Gendo, eyes still fixed on the floor, not wanting to look at the two men.
Ritsuko- "What do you want? Come to gloat over me to satisfy some sick pleasure of yours?"
Gendo- "You know why I'm here, the dummy system... why?"
Ritsuko trows back her head and laughs hysterically, there is no joy in the laughter as she shouts at Gendo.
Ritsuko- "Why!?, can't you see Ikari?!, Are you so blind that you don't see why I destroyed them?!..."
Gendo remains unfazed by Ritsuko's outburst, he adjusts his glasses as he coldly responds to the blonde woman's lamentations.
Gendo- "That is not answering my question..."
Ritsuko loses her temper as she screams at her former lover.
Ritsuko- "It's not the dummy system you care about! All you care about is that I destroyed your precious Rei!"
A slow smile spreads across Gendo's face.
Gendo- "Thank you doctor, now, down to business... As you know you are an important member of our little 'team' and you are still useful to me, you will help us... However, your actions have led me to doubt your reliability so..."
At this the bespectacled man in the lab coat sets down and opens the metal briefcase which contains a small syringe, a charge of straw coloured fluid and a small watch-like device.
Gendo- "you see, you are too valuable an asset to replace therefore we will put a leash on you."
Man- "I'm ready sir"
Gendo- "Good... the effects of her meal should start to take effect shortly..."
A mix of fear and anger crosses Ritsuko's face as she attempts to see what the other man is doing.
Ritsuko- "What have you done you bastard?!"
Gendo- "Some of your own work... this is a neural charge, if you do anything that displeases me, I will detonate the charge, as you no doubt know this will completely paralyse you."
Ritsuko- "What?"
Gendo- "You disappoint me... I know you wish for death, so if you disobey me you will become a prisoner within your own body, unable to take your own life even..."
Ritsuko appears totally defeated as the drugs begin to take effect, she clasps a hand to her head in a vain attempt to stop her head from swimming.
Ritsuko- "You bastard..."
As she falls the man in the white coat approaches her, there is a look of fear in her eyes as the tech slides the syringe into her spine.
Gendo- "I had hoped not to have to resort to this doctor..." (To the guard outside) "Have her placed under 24 hour supervision, effective immediately."
Unaware of her friend's plight Misato Katsuragi leaves the shower, her hair still wet, a light pink bathrobe around her body, she approaches the fridge and grabs a beer, She sits down and drinks slowly pondering the emptiness of her apartment as the sound of the door opening is heard, Misato's head snaps up in anticipation as a familiar figure comes into view.
Misato- "Shinji!"
Misato nearly jumps across the table and warmly embraces Shinji as Marek stands unseen in the doorway, Misato crushes the young man to her ample chest cutting of his supply of air causing Shinji to protest in muffled tones.
Shinji- "Mis... Misato!"
Misato- "Mmm?"
Shinji- "I can't breathe!"
Embarrassment flashes across her features as she releases her young charge. She regards him with a serious expression
Misato- "I'm sorry Shinji"
Shinji- "It's... OK... really"
Her mood suddenly lightens once the formalities are concluded.
Misato- "So? What have you been up to these last few days? After all I haven't seen you in a while!"
Shinji is amazed at how the woman can still, after all she has seen come up with a light hearted question. However he finds he cannot look at her, remembering the 'conversation' with Rei earlier that day.
Shinji- "Nothing really..."
After a year of living with the young man she knows when he doesn't want to talk about something and dismisses the response in an understanding voice.
Misato- "I see..."
Once again Misato rallies into a light hearted mood as she remembers her announcement
Misato- "There's someone I want you to meet! He's gone out for now but I'll introduce him when he gets back..."
Marek- "Actually Major that won't be necessary, I met up with him by the lake"
Surprised by the boy's presence Misato berates him with mock anger.
Misato- "How long have you been standing there? It IS polite to announce yourself when you enter a lady's apartment!"
Marek stands there flushing slightly which looks obvious against his pale skin, unaccustomed to Misato's 'unique' humour.
Marek- "Sorry ma'am"
Misato notices that the boy has unwittingly stood to attention while she berated him. Her look softens as she reassures him.
Misato- "I'm just kidding! And seriously, stop with all the formalities!"
During this brief exchange Shinji has walked across the room towards the balcony.
Misato- "Shinji, is everything OK?"
Her roommate's voice is distant, his head down lost in self reflection.
Shinji- "Yeah, I'm just going for some fresh air..."
Misato looks thoughtfully at the departing boy before turning again to Marek. As the sounds of settling Marek in for the night drift through the balcony doors, Shinji stands looking over what remains of Tokyo 3, the sound of Cicadas heavy in the background. He leans his elbows on the balcony and closes his eyes.
Shinji- Does she really care?... Of course...
(Flashback)Misato- "You're free to take advantage of everything here... Except of course of me that is!"
Shinji- But isn't that what I've been doing all along...
Shinji is silent for a long time contemplating his thoughts until the balcony door slides open and Misato walks out onto the balcony. She wraps her robe a little tighter around herself and silently takes a spot next to Shinji.
Misato- "You left something behind..."
Shinji turns to look at his guardian as she ands him a small black box, on closer examination it's his SDAT unit.
Shinji- "Thanks.."
The two are silent for a moment as they look over the city, it is clear that something is troubling the young pilot, his voice is broken, on the edge of tears as he tells his guardian of his predicament, Misato keeps a soft understanding tone as she listens to the boy pour his heart out.
Shinji- "I... I went... I went to see Asuka today..."
Misato- "Me too..."
Misato looks across at her young charge and is slightly taken aback to see tears in his eyes
Shinji- "I can't see her like that Misato! She looks so weak and... broken!..."
The older woman turns her eyes downward, remembering her own reaction to Asuka's situation.
Misato- "I know it's hard, she's been through a lot, we have to be strong for her.."
Tears stream down Shinji's face as the last of his strength leaves him.
Shinji- "But I'm NOT strong! I couldn't... I couldn't protect her..."
Misato feels a slight lump in her throat as she hears her roommate speak with such conviction.
Misato- "You care about her... don't you..."
This was a statement rather than a question indicating that Misato has know Shinji's feelings for a long time. Shinji says nothing but falls into Misato's arms, crying freely. Inside the apartment Marek lies on the couch with his hands behind his head wide awake. Hearing the exchange outside he thinks for a while before reaching across to his wallet. He opens it at the centre, looking at something for a long time before returning the wallet to his small bag and closes his eyes.
In hospital room 208 '1st Cranial Nerve' Asuka continues to be assaulted by her memories mixed with fabricated ones, her eyes are wide open but her face shows no emotions, she lies flat on her back eyes wide focussing on a point halfway across the room. The clock on the wall reads 03:49, the ECG and EEG wave monitors show a steady rhythmic pattern, monitoring her heart and brain activity.
(Flashback)Kyoko- "I'll take you with me my dear Asuka"
Flash image of her doll hanging from the ceiling,
(Flashback)Young Asuka- "I'm an elite pilot now!"
Flash image of the head of Unit 02 being severed,
(Flashback)Asuka- "You couldn't do this for me?"
Flash image of nine white Evas circling an immobile Unit 02,
(Flashback)Shinji- "You're pathetic!"
Flash image of Shinji's face with an angry expression,
(Flashback)Misato- "You disappoint me"
Flash image of Misato's face, furious,
(Flashback)Kaji- "Get away from me, no one can love something like you"
Flash image of Kaji's face wearing a look of disgust,
(Flashback)Rei- "You're nothing but a doll....."
Flash image of Rei smiling cruelly,
(Flashback)Ritsuko- "Synch ratio zero! You're useless"
Flash image of Asuka in a plug suit,
(Flashback)Shinji- "I can't believe I nearly fell in love with you!"
Flash image of a broken mirror, a hairbrush and makeup box in disarray at it's base,
Kyoko- "You want the pain to stop?"
Flash image of a beach, blue waves rolling against red sand,
Kyoko- "You want the pain to stop?"
Flash image of an empty red plug suit, lying next to an open entry plug,
Kyoko- "My dear Asuka, no one wants you anymore"
Flash image of Unit 02 falling into the depths of the volcano while Unit 01 looks on, unwilling to save her. Unit 01 suspended from the cable becomes a woman hanging from the ceiling, her slowly swaying form bathed in a hellish red glow.
At this point Asuka's ECG becomes erratic and the EEG wave monitor fluctuates wildly setting off alarms within the hospital. Within seconds a medical team rushes to the Second child's side, as they attach feedback cables to her arms and chest they charge a defibrilator.
There is a rapid sequence of all these images flashing in front of Asuka's eyes before she finds herself in the cockpit of EVA Unit 02, the walls dark, when the voice starts, the voice is like a thousand voices as one speaking the same thing at the same time. Asuka looks terrified as it speaks, curling into a ball at one end of the entry plug.
Arael- "You want the pain to stop?"
Asuka is assaulted by an image of Misato lying in a pool of blood, her sidearm in her hand.
In the hospital Asuka is shocked by the doctors causing her body to jerk violently.
Arael- "You want the pain to stop?"
Flash image of Unit 00 destroyed, blood seeping through cracks and rents in the shattered armour.
In the hospital the high pitched whine intensifies as Asuka is shocked again.
Arael- "You want the pain to stop"
At this point the Angel ceases to ask questions, it merely states as Asuka is shown Kaji, his body riddled with bullets.
Arael- "You want the pain to stop"
Flash image of Horaki, her body burning away under the intense heat of an N2 mine.
The doctor checks the monitors still flashing wildly as Asuka is shocked for the third time
Arael / Kyoko- "I can make it stop"
Flash image of Shinji lying next to the remains of the entry plug of Unit 01 in an unnatural position, limbs broken, body bent back on itself.
The doctor shakes his head as the final shock courses through Asuka's body.
Asuka through force of will slowly grabs the controls of Unit 02 a look of hatred on her face, the voice or Arael is cut by more familiar voices.
Misato- "I believe in you..."
She flexes her grip as she begins to synch with the eva
Arael- "You will be at peace..."
Asuka- "No"
Horaki- "I believe in you..."
Arael- "You will be at peace..."
Asuka- "No"
Rei- "I believe in you..."
Kyoko- "Come to me Asuka!"
Asuka- "No"
Asuka synchronises as the array of colours fill the entry plug before clearing to show nothing but a dark void.
Arael- "I want you to be happy!"
Asuka- "No"
Kaji- "I believe in you..."
Kyoko- "Don't hurt me again Asuka please!"
Arael- "Come to me Asuka!"
The red EVA straightens up as power flows through the body.
Arael- "You will feel no more pain!"
Asuka's voice that has slowly been gaining strength and volume reaches a peak as she screams at the voice.
Asuka- "NO!"
Shinji- "I love you Asuka"
The red EVA pulls back it's fist and punches forward. The effect is like a mirror breaking as the fabricated reality is destroyed. In the hospital as the doctors are about to give up, Asuka regains consciousness with a sharp intake of breath and seems to become aware of her surroundings for the first time since the attack, looking up at the ceiling she breathlessly voices the final sentiments of the visions.
Asuka- "I'm not your doll..."
Asuka falls back, exhausted she falls asleep immediately but it is a peaceful, natural sleep free from the Angel's torment. In Misato's apartment Shinji Ikari sits up in bed covered in a cold sweat, a worried look on his face. The clock beside his futon reads 03:53. Shinji clasps a hand to his head and stands.
As the sun rises over Tokyo 3 the HMS Omega pulls into the harbour, due to the early hour and depleted population, the streets of the city are deserted save for two people who witness the massive British destroyer pulling in.
Touji- "I still don't see why you dragged my ass here, it's 5:30 in the morning!"
Kensuke- "Come on! You remember the last time something like this happened..."
Touji- "Yeah, we got landed with devil woman!"
Kensuke- "Yeah but a new Evangelion was delivered as well, besides we might get a British babe out of this!"
Touji- "What makes you so sure they'd send a girl? Just because they did last time?"
Kensuke- "Well... yeah"
The conversation cannot continue however as the docking is completed and a squad of British marines disembark, securing the harbour quickly. Once this is done a tall man wearing a blue uniform with gold trim and insignia joins the troops dockside, his features are obscured by the shadow of a peaked officer's cap.
Man (in English)- "Status sergeant?"
Marine (in English)- "Sir! Harbour is now secure!"
Man (in English)- "Proceed, unload the unit!"
As his order is completed a large flat transporter is slowly guided onto the dockside, the tarpaulin covered cargo resting on top, the two observers struggle to keep a low profile as the speak to each other in hushed whispers.
Kensuke- "What's he saying?"
Touji- "Who the hell cares?! Those guys have guns Kensuke! I don't think they'll take kindly to us being here!"
Touji raises his good hand and grabs his friend by the collar who is starting to stand in order to get a better filming angle.
Touji- "Put that damn camera away and lets get out of here before someone finds us!"
Kensuke- "Alright lets go, I see your point, they're specialists, we've been lucky so far..."
The two boys make their way back towards the city just in time to miss a black car with the NERV logo on the doors pull to a halt in front of the giant transporter unobserved by Touji and Kensuke two men from NERV section two get out of the car, followed by Professor Fuyutski. The professor is escorted by the two agents to the man in the blue uniform.
Fuyutski- "Good morning Commandant, I take it your trip went well?"
Commandant- "Yes Sub-commander, no problems, plain sailing so to speak"
Fuyutski- At least the Angels didn't go for this one as well. Unless...
Fuyutski- "Is this the unit?" (Indicating the transporter)
Commandant- "Yes sir, you are aware that my orders are to deliver Unit 05 personally?"
Fuyutski- "Yes we are aware of the arrangements regarding Unit 05 and your... 'charge'."
Commandant- "My orders regarding the Fifth come directly from Secretary General Locke himself, I am to 'oversee his integration into his environment for as long as I deem necessary'."
Fuyutski- "Understood, we'll take it from here"
Commandant (in English)- "Sergeant! Tell your men to pull back to the Omega and prepare for departure, your task here is complete."
Sergeant (in English)- "Yes sir!... Alright! You heard the Commandant! Back to the Boat! Move it!"
The Commandant walks over to the EVA carrier and dismisses the driver who is replaced by a NERV Section Two Agent who confirms the acquisition over the ear piece radio and the Commandant joins the Sub-commander and the other agent in the black car as they start off in convoy towards the nearby EVA lift building.
Far below Tokyo 3 in the EVA test cage Ritsuko Akagi and Maya Ibuki wait for the new EVA to reach it's destination, Maya looks worried at her superior's pale complexion and taught features.
Maya- "Dr. Akagi... are you alright?"
Ritsuko- No Maya I'm not, I've been denied even the freedom of death... I am truly in his keeping now.
Before she answers Dr Akagi releases a tired sigh
Ritsuko- "I'm fine Maya, I just didn't sleep well last night"
Maya- "If you're sure..."
The older woman turns to face her young protege before ansering with as much warmth as she can to reassure her.
Ritsuko- "I'll be fine! Now, lets get to work, here it comes..."
Almost on cue the hatch to the EVA cage slides open and the platform carrying Unit 05 descends and is locked down, upon seeing the machine Maya catches her breath and Ritsuko raises an eyebrow.
Maya- "At least Units 00 and 02 are still ok to look at..."
The source of Maya's disturbed demeanor stands in the EVA cage, while sharing the humanoid structure of all the EVAs with the 'shoulder casings'. This unit is jet black save for the occasional deep blue trim between the armour plates which are formed in an angular manor similar to Unit 01. The head however looks like a black skull, with thick armour around the eyes giving a deep set look. The jaw is set back and and looks more human than the others however the forehead sports three long 'horns' that sweep back across the skull protruding in a curve that leads partially down the EVAs neck.
Ritsuko- "I'm not surprised, they did base this design on Units 01 and 03 so it's not going to be the 'prettiest' of EVAs. It may look menacing but it's biology is closer to Unit 00 than anything else so you know what that means..."
Maya closes her eyes and sighs as she realises exactly what this means.
Maya- "More regen work..."
Ritsuko- "Uh huh... but as a result we hope it'll be more stable than Unit 01"
Maya- "Stable? You mean easier for us to control?"
Ritsuko- "Precisely, now that it's locked down we can prep it for the activation tests, the Fifth Child will be here in just under an hour."
As Ritsuko and Maya sit at their consoles and prepare the black Evangelion for activation Marek is woken up by his 06:15 alarm which seems to jar him from an unpleasant dream. He wakes and quietly moves across to the apartment's small bathroom where he takes a quick shower, he eats no breakfast but picks up the bag containing his plugsuit and other NERV stuff and rams it into the small green cloth bag, picking up his wallet as he does so. He stops and looks for a few seconds at the centre before returning it to his back pocket, he walks towards the door, leaving a small note to Misato on the fridge and makes his way towards NERV.
Shinji walks through the near deserted streets, his head bowed to his chest against the increasing wind, his SDAT player earphones in, cutting him off from the world as he reaches the edge of Tokyo pausing on the hill where Misato first showed him the fortress city, now a shadow of it's former glory.
Shinji- I've taken so much from them all... Misato... Ayanami... Kensuke
A look of self loathing and guilt crosses Shinji's face as more names surface.
Shinji- Touji
There is a long pause as Shinji looks over the ruined city.
Shinji- Asuka... I was too weak to protect her I'm no use to anyone... all I do is cause pain... I failed her.
Seeming to strengthen his resolve he turns and walks from the hillside away from the city.
Eyecard- Golgotha
As Misato wakes to the sound of her small alarm clock, she reaches out from under the futon, in search of the source of her discomfort, failing to find it she abandons the attempt, rises and shuffles to the bathroom, the sound of running water can be heard as she calls out.
Misato- "Shinji!, have you got the breakfast on?! Has Marek left yet?!"
There is a short pause while Misato waits for a reply upon hearing none she pokes her head around the door, her eyes still closed.
Misato- "Shinji!?"
After finishing in the bathroom she walks into the hallway now fully awake, she looks around, seeing no evidence of the third or fifth child she comes to a conclusion.
Misato- They must have gone to headquarters together, I'll meet them down there after I see Asuka.
Misato prepares an instant coffee and some toast before leaving herself.
In the clinically white mens locker room Marek places the last of his street clothes into the locker. He depresses the switch on his wrist and the black plug suit becomes form fitting. He closes the locker and makes his way to the Eva cage.
Ritsuko (over the tannoy)- "Good morning. You must be the fifth child"
Marek turns to look at the black giant, eye level with the gantry, he begins to open his mouth to speak when he is silenced by Ritsuko
Ritsuko (over tannoy)- "Don't bother answering I won't be able to hear you until you're in the entry plug."
Marek says no more as he climbs into the entry plug, the crane moves the entry plug over the base of the EVA's neck, the internal motors grip the plug and slide it down as the armour plating closes over the top.
Maya (over comm)- "Entry plug secure, filling entry plug"
The light orange LCL begins to fill the plug, Marek closes his eyes and takes a deep breath as his head is submerged and the LCL fills his lungs.
In the control room Maya keys data into a console while Ritsuko stares at the large screen showing the hundreds of neural connections between pilot and EVA, all of which are dark. Ritsuko mutters to herself as she busies her self with the connection chart.
Ritsuko- "A trouble free activation is all I ask for..."
Ritsuko (over comm)- "Alright Marek, just relax for now and grip the controls"
Maya- "Setting language interface to English"
The walls of the entry plug flash with the words ENGLISH before shifting to the multicolours of an unsynchronised EVA.
Ritsuko- "Alright Maya... begin activation sequence"
Maya- "Yes Ma'am"
The connection display occupying Ritsuko's attention begins to light up, slowly at first moving in alternating directions until it reaches the point marked ABSOLUTE BORDERLINE where it stops and flickers.
Ritsuko (over comm)- "I need you to concentrate Marek."
Inside the entry plug Marek closes his eyes briefly as the colours shift and swirl on the walls of the entry plug, he brings his right hand up level with his eyes, palm facing left, held vertically, a look of concentration on his face, this does not go unobserved by the two women in the control booth.
Maya- "What's he doing?"
Ritsuko- "No idea, it seems to be working though, I guess we all have ways of centring ourselves, Misato has her booze, Shinji has his little mantra guess this is his..." And I have bombs in my spine.
Ritsuko's thought trails off as the connection chart fills up with green lights, in the cage the black EVA stands a little straighter as it pulses with energy. In the control room, the Synchro graph display appears on one of Maya's monitors.
Ritsuko- "Maya?"
Maya- "Pilot synchronisation is 15% climbing... 22%... 26%... 28%... Pilot synch ratio has stabilised at 36%"
Ritsuko- "Only 36? He's been training for years!"
Maya- "from my understanding of the reports he HAS been training only not in an EVA, he's been training in a simulator, he's only synched with this EVA once before."
Ritsuko- "Great!... but... I suppose it's better than we expected from a second attempt" (over the comm) "Ok Marek, you're stable at 36% I expect at least 45% by the end of the day!"
Marek groans tiredly inside the entry plug as the Eva is shut down and the Synch test restarted.
The increasing wind outside has led to slight rain as Misato drives into the cartrain on her way to the hospital, as she walks down the hallway it is seen that she carries a small bag, as she approaches room 208 the doctor's conversation can be overheard.
Doctor 1- "She's had a rough night but I think she's a little better now..."
Doctor 2- "You think? She still hasn't said a word since she woke up..."
Doctor 3- "Still, she's fully responsive and all indications suggest she has full faculties... she just won't talk to us"
Doctor 1- "Well, we'd better hope she's OK, I got an order direct from Commander Ikari this morning, he says we need to discharge her and send her to terminal dogma immediately"
Doctor 3- "What?! She's barely conscious!"
Doctor 1- "Those were the commander's orders"
Hearing this Misato is furious, keeping a cool expression she opens the door numbered 208.
Misato- "Out"
The doctors leave, not wishing to confront the Major, closing the door behind them, Misato's mood immediately changes to one of concern.
Misato- "Asuka... is it true what they said about the Commander's orders?"
The girl's voice, while containing a little more life than their previous conversation is still cold and unemotional.
Asuka- "Yes... and so what if it is?" (Unconvincingly) "I'm still the best, I'll show them there's nothing wrong with me!"
Misato- "Damn it! You know you're a long way from your best right now, if you don't feel up to it I can..."
Asuka- "Don't!, I don't want you to do anything Misato! Just let me fight on my own!"
Asuka's voice is quietly resolved as she calms down and reasons with her guardian
Asuka- "I need this Misato!"
Misato- "I... I understand..."
There is a long pause as the two women regard each other, with no warning Asuka swings her legs over the side of the bed and stands in one motion, the resulting dizziness pitches her forward into Misato's arms, beads of sweat stand out on her forehead.
Asuka- "I'm OK! I can do it!"
As if in defiance Asuka forces herself to stand and after a bit of swaying she stands straight however her posture is slightly different from her normal extroversive pose in fact it's close to Shinji's, Misao sees this and looks troubled before changing the subject.
Misato- "If you're sure you're going through with this there are some things I thought you might need..."
Asuka reaches down to the bag her head still swimming, opening it she finds the neural connectors for clipping her hair back and her red plugsuit, she looks up and for the first time meets the older woman's eyes, this makes Misato smile as she sees something she didn't the last time.
Asuka- "Thanks..."
The younger woman steps behind a screen and soon the sound of a plugsuit becoming taught is heard.
In the darkness of Gendo's office, Gendo and Fuyutski are engaged in a conversation with the English Officer from the docks, the Commandant stands a little back from Gendo's desk, he wears the same uniform as before, however he has removed the peaked cap revealing a head of short dark hair with flecks of grey running through. His face is craggy with a little grey stubble shadowing his chin his pale blue eyes regard Gendo with barely repressed hatred.
Gendo- "...Unacceptable, your superiors made it clear that you are under MY command for the duration of your 'visit'"
Commandant- "Commander Ikari, I have my duties to perform..."
Gendo- "Yes and as long as you are under the jurisdiction of NERV you will do them under the supervision of Section 2"
Commandant- "That is unacceptable Commander! I am here as the attache to Pilot Locke and I do not wish to be hindered performing that duty!"
Gendo- "Section 2 will not hinder you in any way Commandant Johnson, merely observe"
The man known as Johnson slams his fist into the marble desk, losing his temper
Johnson- "Damn it! I want a line to London NOW!"
Gendo looks at the Commandant's fist before returning his gaze to the man's face, he lifts a previously unseen phone handset, offering it to the Commandant.
Gendo- "One has already been prepared"
The Commandant lifts the telephone to his ear, listens intently before replacing the handset, the many eyes Gendo coldly as he speaks
Johnson- "Very well Commander, you have my co operation for now"
Gendo- "At least now we have an 'understanding'... you are dismissed"
Johnson- "Thank you...sir"
As the officer leaves Fuyutski turns to Gendo with a slight smile on his face.
Fuyutski- "Should I add him to the list of people who hate us?"
Gendo- "Your jokes may be appreciated more in different company Professor"
Fuyutski- "Sorry..."
In the Pribnow box simulator, two images are seen on the monitor marked '2nd Child' and '5th Child' the two pilots sit in their respective simulator plugs a look of equal foreboding on their young faces seemingly unaware of each other.
In the control box Ritsuko enters followed by Maya who sits at a free terminal and consults her clipboard, feeding data into the simulator, Ritsuko immediately quizzes the techs.
Ritsuko- "Status?"
Tech- "We're having a few problems with the simulation software from England."
Ritsuko- "what's the problem"
Tech- "The Unit 05 BIOS loads fine but the body won't load into the MAGI properly, something about the coding language..."
To illustrate his point the tech codes something into the terminal which responds with a high pitched tone and a cryptic error message.
Ritsuko- "Damn it! Send it back to England for recoding I'm damned if any of us are going to do it!"
After this momentary loss of her temper she regains her composure before addressing the problem calmly.
Ritsuko- "Ok, we still need a body, you said the BIOS loads properly? Well since it's based on the same mechanical technology, use a copy of Unit 01's body for now."
Tech- "yes ma'am"
In the entry plug of the Second Child Asuka sits breathing quickly, as waves of irrational fear wash over her, her thoughts are distracted by the sound of her comm channel coming to life, she is shocked to see a grey eyed boy with black hair looking at her, his pale skin accentuated by the yellowish tint of the LCL.
Marek- "You must be the second child..."
Asuka- "Yeah and what of it?"
Marek- "I just wanted to say hello, that's all, my name's Marek, I'm the Fifth child."
Asuka- "Well you've said hello, what are you still doing here."
Marek- "Well... simulator training I think, but I think something's wrong, they told me to standby, that was 20 minutes ago."
Asuka- "Yeah!" (Loudly over comm) "What's the hold up? We haven't got all day in here!"
In the control box, the crew shield their ears against the redhead's onslaught.
Ibuki- "She's making a swift recovery."
Ritsuko- "Don't be so sure, look at her wave patterns..."
Ibuki looks at Asukas wave diagrams overlaid with her personal best, her look of optimism quickly fades as it is obvious that Asuka's a long way from recovery.
Maya- "H...how?"
Ritsuko- "I honestly don't know, the MAGI are 2:1 that it is connected with the Fourteenth Angel's neural assault"
Asuka (over comm)- "What's taking so long!?"
Ritsuko- "just sit tight we're having some trouble loading the simulation bodies, you'll have to be patient."
At this point Ritsuko reaches over and cuts the audio feed from the test plugs, the sight of Asuka continuing to silently berate the control staff while Marek just sits with his eyes shut.
Asuka- "Well what's with you?, you don't seem to mind being in here for god knows how long"
The fifth child opens his eyes as an angry Asuka floats in the air to his left.
Marek- "I don't like it but what choice do we have?"
Asuka is momentarily lost for words before her tirade continues
Asuka- "Are you stupid? You really have nothing better to do than sit in this tube all day?"
Marek- "Not really."
Asuka- "Hmmph you're no better than the other two."
Marek- "Excuse me?"
Before Asuka can answer Ritsuko cuts in
Ritsuko (over comm)- "Ok you two I see you are acquainted, lets get on with the tests, Marek we can't get you're sim body to load so you're using Unit 01's body with Unit 05's BIOS, it's a little messy but it's the best we can come up with and the Commander wants the results today, so lets start with the basic movement tests."
Ritsuko involuntarily rubs the back of her neck as the two test plugs are lowered into the violet pool.
Asuka- "Say... where are the other two anyway?"
Maya- "Shinji and Rei aren't needed for these tests, Marek arrived yesterday so we need his data and you've just come out of hospital so we need to know if it's affected your piloting skills in any way."
Asuka- "Like I need to worry! I AM the number one pilot you know!"
As she says this a momentary pang of doubt flashes over her features at the realisation that the previous synch tests showed her at a mere 23%
Maya (over comm)- "well Asuka..."
Ritsuko (over comm)- "Correction- WERE, now we will do the movement tests first"
Asuka is noticeably hurt by this remark but hides it quickly with a mask of anger before resigning to the tests, the momentary flash of displeasure does not go unnoticed by Marek who closes his eyes and prepares for the test.
Ritsuko- "How are they doing?"
Maya- "Could be better, Marek's up two points to 38%, Asuka's up to 27%"
Ritsuko- "Ok... lets start the test..." (Over the comm) "OK, the first thing I want you to try is walking, just focus on putting one foot in front of the other for now."
Asuka- "This is so humiliating! anyone can walk..."
On the monitors both pilots close their eyes as the simulator bodies begin to walk, slowly at first before appearing to walk at a normal pace.
Ritsuko- "Any changes?"
Maya- "No ma'am"
Ritsuko (over comm)- "Good, no problems there, for the next test I want you to move your left arm above your head."
As before both simulator bodies perform his simple task.
Ritsuko- "Any changes?"
Maya- "Still nothing Ma'am."
Ritsuko- "This is going to be a long day."
Outside the city amidst the field of obsidian grave markers Shinji Ikari stands in front of one, the palm of his left hand pressed to its smooth surface, the lettering on the grave marker reads 'Yui Ikari', despite the gathering storm and teeming rain, Shinji is apparently unconcerned by his matted hair or drenched clothes.
Shinji- "Mother... am I doing the right thing?"
His right hand opens and closes a couple of times when he clenches it into a tight fist and walks away from the marker further away from Tokyo 3, if he had looked around back to the city he would have seen the remaining protective buildings retract into the Geofront as the warning klaxons sounded across the city.
In Terminal Dogma Misato is loudly directing the bridge crew about their actions as Ritsuko enters followed by Ibuki who takes a seat next to Aoba as Ritsuko takes up position next to Misato.
Misato- "...Good! Can we get visual yet?"
Tech- "Not yet ma'am"
Misato- "Have all pilots on standby immediately!"
Hyuga- "Yes ma'am"
Ritsuko- "You seem to have stamped your authority on the place, you'll be after Commander Ikari's job next."
Misato- "Ritsuko? I thought..."
Ritsuko- "Not now"
Hyuga- "All pilots accounted for except the Third child, Shinji's nowhere to be found, his phone's switched off!"
Misato- "Have section two fetch him from my apartment! Now!"
Aoba- "One step ahead of you Major he isn't there"
Misato- "Shit! Not again!"
Misato- "Ibuki, what's the status of Unit 00?"
Maya- "Regeneration is currently at 57%"
Misato- "Damn, it's no where near functional... What were Marek and Asukas final scores this afternoon?"
Ritsuko consults her notepad, reading off from the final lines of a long list of numbers.
Ritsuko- "lets see... Asuka finished at just above 35%, Marek a little better at 40"
A desparate look crosses Misato's face as she attempts to justify what she knows she will have to do.
Misato- "Well, it's not the best but we don't have anyone else, Rei can't synch with Unit 02 and we haven't time to test her with Unit 05, we'll have to make do..."
Unnoticed by Misato the command dais has risen into position with commanders Ikari and Fuyutski taking command of the operation.
Gendo- "Correct, due to the absence of the Third child we will have to make do with what we have..."
Misato- "But Sir! Marek's only just got here, and Asuka can barely synchronise, is there nothing else we can try?"
Gendo- "We COULD have used the dummy system but someone saw fit to sabotage it!"
Ritsuko lowers her head as he says this suddenly feeling guilty for indirectly endangering he two inexperienced pilots.
Gendo- "Do we have visual confirmation yet?"
Aoba- "Affirmative sir, punching it up now"
As Aoba finishes keying a sequence into his terminal, the main display unit flashes to life revealing a greenish low light image of the approaching Angel.
Aoba- "Sorry about the quality but it's the best I could do through this storm"
The Angel appears to notice something and begins to move, it is relatively squat, has six legs, four of which are heavily armoured, the armour extending up past the 'knee' joints and terminating in a curved chitinous plate, the front two legs appeared slimmer and more tubular than the other four but shared the same structure, starting at a point terminating in a curved plate. The Angels 'head' consisted of a nest of maybe 8 wedge shaped blades below which was the slightly recessed blood red core, from the image on the screen it's colour is impossible to determine but it begins to move relatively slowly towards the centre of Tokyo 3, it advances approximately 100m before stopping, raising it's front legs and hammers them down on an unseen target. It takes a short time for Ritsuko to realise what the invader is attempting.
Ritsuko- "It's trying to break into NERV through the EVA launch ducts!"
Fuyutski- "Interesting..."
Gendo- "Major Katsuragi... you have full tactical command for the remainder of this operation"
Misato- "Thank you sir!"
This is what Misato had been waiting for; she springs into action.
(Author's note: music like 'decisive battle' from the EVA OST here maybe)
Misato- "Aoba! Keep working on the tactical monitors, clean them up as much as you can and tell the children to stand by in their EVAs!"
Aoba- "Yes ma'am!"
Misato- "Hyuga! Monitor the target, confirm and classify it as the 17th Angel, I want to know as soon as it does ANYTHING different."
Hyuga- "I'm on it Major."
Misato- "Ritsuko, Maya I need to talk to you two..."
Further inside the NERV complex, three worried children sit on a bench in front of an wire cage elevator, one wears a red plug suit, one a black plug suit, the final child wears white, the three of them sit in silence, lost in their own thoughts, Marek steals a sidelong glance at Rei as she stares into space, the three of them start as the overhead tannoy comes to life, Aoba's voice speaks,
Aoba (over tannoy)- "Pilot's Locke and Sohryu are to standby in their EVAs immediately"
The message is repeated once more before the two mentioned pilots stand and move towards the lift.
Rei- "Goodbye"
Asuka- "hah! Don't bet on it Wondergirl, I'm coming back!"
As the redhead walks over to the cage elevator Marek regards the blue haired girl for a few seconds.
Marek- "Goodbye..."
Marek casts a glance back at Rei as the two pilots step into the lift which noisily starts to ascend to the umbilical bridges.
Marek- "I take it you don't get on with your fellow pilot..."
Asuka- "God knows I try! but she acts so superior to everyone, like she's better than us or something"
Marek- "Anyway... where's pilot Ikari? I heard he was the best..."
This comment evidently infuriates the female pilot who turns a dep shade of red.
Asuka- "Oh you did, did you?! And who told you that! Ikari's an idiot! Pay attention out there Fifth child, you are about to see poetry in motion!"
The two pilots are silenced as the heads of their respective EVAs come into view.
Asuka- "THAT's your EVA? Man! I thought Shinji's purple monstrosity was ugly..."
Marek can only remain silent at the truth behind her statement, it IS ugly.
In a smaller office containing a basic tactical display, the three women sit around a computer generated map showing the location of the angel relative to NERV and the surrounding buildings.
Misato- "Ok, this is the idea, I want to know if you can do it and how fast"
The two scientists look on as Misato explains her plan indicating on the map when necessary.
Misato- "What I was thinking is that this Angel is attacking via the launch ducts yes? Well, would it be possible for us to mount an explosive charge on an EVA lift? Give it something to chew on so to speak."
Maya- "What would be the point? We already know conventional weapons do next to nothing to an Angel."
Misato is slightly surprised that Ritsuko beats her to the next comment.
Ritsuko- "If it'll help those two kids out there it's worth doing, yes Misato it should be possible, we can have it ready very quickly, the way it's standing we wouldn't even need to fix the charge down, we could just launch it into it's head. But Maya does have a point, the armour's very thick, there's no guarantees that this'll even work."
Misato- "I know it's desperate, just do it!"
Ritsuko- "Come on Maya, we have some work to do"
Ritsuko opens her cellphone and quickly punches in some familiar numbers.
Ritsuko (into phone)- "Yuni.. It's me I need you to prepare lift 6 for launch, prepare an HDX explosive charge as well... I'll explain when I get there"
Misato walks quickly into Terminal Dogma, hardly pausing before giving her commands.
Misato- "Hyuga! Status?"
Hyuga- "It's just sitting there pounding at the doors, it's got through one set already"
Misato- Good, it hasn't moved "Prepare pads 5, 6 and 7 for launch and get me a channel to Dr Akagi"
Aoba- "Yes ma'am"
Ritsuko (over comm)- "We're ready when you are Major"
Misato- "Excellent, prepare EVAs 02 and 05 for launch"
The two pilots sit in the filled entry plugs, Marek sits with his eyes closed his hand vertically in front of his face, his palm facing left. Asuka sits with her head back, a vacant look in her eyes as she remembers the last time she piloted Unit 02, her inability to move her EVA coming back to haunt her.
In the command centre Misato looks on as the two EVAs, red and black are locked into position on the launchpads a empty space between them, moments later a small device moves into the space, it looks like a large rugby ball secured to the launchpad with lengths of cable.
Misato- "That's IT!?" Ah well, it'll have to do.
Hyuga- "EVAs and bomb in position, launchpads primed, awaiting your command Major"
Misato- "Where is it Hyuga?"
Hyuga- "Where it's been all this time, it hasn't moved except to get a different angle of attack"
Ibuki- "Doesn't it ever get tired?"
Maya backs down after a few distasteful looks from the rest of the bridge staff, Misato moves over and rests a hand on the backs of Hyuga's and Aoba's chairs.
Misato- "OK, Hyuga, Aoba, listen up, this is the plan, we're going to get the Angel to munch on that bomb while we launch EVAs 02 and 05 to lifts 53c and 47a respectively, to pull this off we need to launch all three pads at exactly the same time. Aoba, you take care of the EVA launches, plot the courses now. Hyuga you take care of the bomb, due to the Angels position we need to open the shutters as the bomb approaches and close them as it passes, we'll only get one shot at this so get it right"
Hyuga and Aoba- "Yes ma'am"
Maya- "The angel just broke through another barrier!"
The image on the monitor shows the back legs of the Angel gripping the asphalt surface, the remaining two thirds are buried in the EVA launch shaft.
Misato- "Perfect timing! Guys?"
Aoba- "Launch paths plotted, EVAs ready for launch!"
Hyuga- "One more second... done! Bomb launch program complete!"
Misato turns to Commander Ikari who nods nearly imperceptibly.
Misato (shouting)- "LAUNCH!"
Hyuga and Aoba simultaneously depress switches on their consoles, as they do so the three launchpads are propelled upwards with bursts of energy. In the command centre the progress of each EVA is monitored on a route display as flashing lights travelling up a green lit pathway, the bomb however is shown in the same way but the green lit segment travels with the bomb as the shutters close behind it.
On the surface the Angel stops pounding for a few seconds as a faint mechanical rumbling can be heard. The two EVAs arrive in their respective lift buildings facing the Angel in time to see it lose it's balance as the uppermost shutter opens the platform with the bomb catches it full in the head causing the bomb to detonate. In response the Angel raises the glowing hexagons of an AT field nanoseconds too late as the bombs blast knocks it onto it's back.
In the command centre Misato is quick to pounce on this new situation
Misato (shouting)- "Hyuga! Close the backup shutters!"
Ritsuko (looking at the monitors)- "Hmmm, I think you should look at this Major"
Misato turns to look at the other monitor and can't help a small laugh escaping her lips
Ritsuko- "I never thought THIS would happen"
The image on the monitor is kind of amusing, the Angel being undamaged by the blast has been knocked onto it's back its heavily armoured legs make it difficult to right itself.
Ritsuko- "I could never have planned for this, it seems that it's shape serves it well, while it's armour absorbed all of the blast, however it's centre of gravity is now so low that it can't right itself"
Misato (over the comm)- "OK you two, the Angel is incapacitated for the moment, Asuka, take point! Marek, I'm sending you a rifle; back her up!"
As if on cue a nearby munitions building opens, revealing a pellet rifle which the black EVA picks up and readies before turning to face the stricken Angel, Marek sniggers slightly at the pathetic sight in front of him.
Asuka- "What are you laughing at Fifth child?"
As she completes this question Unit 02 turns a corner facing the Angel and she too starts to laugh.
Misato (over the comm)- "Cut it out you two! it's still an Angel, destroy it THEN laugh at it!"
Regaining her composure Asuka becomes professional again, opening a channel to Unit 05 she boasts at the pilot.
Asuka- "On it. Watch and learn!"
As the red EVA strides towards the struggling Angel the shoulder casing splits open revealing Unit 02's progressive knife which Asuka readies, holding it close to her body just below her chest, she screams in fury as she jumps at the prone Angel, knife flashing down.
In the control centre the pilot's conditions are being monitored
Maya- "Asuka's synch ratio just spiked! She's up to 52%!"
As the knife descends towards the belly of the Angel the air in front of Unit 02 ripples as the AT field unfolds, disrupting the Angels own field. Moments before the knife hits home, one of the Angel's front legs catches Unit 02 across the chest sending it skidding across the tarmac in a shower of sparks, in the entry plug Asuka winces in pain as the negative effects of the synchronisation become apparent, as she is jarred by the Angel's assault her mind unwillingly remembers the effects the previous combat.
(Flashback)Arael- "You want the pain to stop"
Asuka involuntarily curls into a ball as the memory assaults her
In the command centre the effects of this have not gone unnoticed
Maya- "Asuka's synch ratio has dropped to only 18%!"
Misato- "Asuka!" (Over the comm) "Don't just sit there! Fire!"
The impact with Unit 02 has given the Angel enough momentum to right itself, it turns from the fallen Unit 02 to face Unit 05 as a volley of explosive rounds impact against the Angel's thick armour plates, the two small eyes glow from underneath the nest of blades that make up its head as it retaliates by shooting three of them at high velocity at the black EVA, one misses entirely, the other two completely pierce the EVA's body, one at the upper left chest the other cutting a glancing blow through the right hip, the force of the impacts is enough to knock the black EVA off it's feet and into a semi wrecked apartment block which collapses around the fallen giant.
In the command centre Misato turns away from the events unfolding on the monitor as Marek's screams echo around the large chamber
Maya- "The Fifth child's synchrograph just flatlined! Unit05 has gone silent, pilot lifesigns confirmed!"
Misato- "At least he's still alive"
On the monitor the Angel begins to move in a spider like fashion towards the ruined building as Misato makes a decision that does not sit well with Ritsuko
Misato- "Eject the entry plug! Get him out of there!"
Ritsuko- "No! With the EVA under all that rubble ejecting the plug would kill him!"
Misato- Damn it Shinji! Where are you when we need you!
Asuka- "no, no, no, no! I can't do this!"
(Flashback)Shinji- "You're pathetic!"
Asuka curls further into herself as she screams at the visions.
Asuka- "No! I'm no one's doll!"
Maya- "Major! Asuka's up! Her synch ratio is up to 58% and climbing!"
Misato- "Come on Asuka!"
Asuka- "Where the hell is Shinji when I need him!"
Like a colossus Unit 02 stands and picks up Unit 05's rifle, swiftly checks the weapon and fires an extended volley into the Angel's side, the Angel emits in inhuman scream as the rounds impact against the weaker armour on the sides of it's body, pivoting, the Angel lines it's head up with Unit 02.
Asuka- "No you don't!"
The free hand of Unit 02 comes up, palm outwards as the Angel lets fly with a volley of blades, the air ripples and the blades impact harmlessly and shatter against the now visible AT field. The Angel is quick to notice the ineffectiveness of it's attack and charges Unit 02, driving it back under its weight, the forearms beating at the overwhelmed EVA, one catching the umbilical cable housing sending it crashing to the floor, inside the entry plug Asuka hears the telltale tone that indicates battery power, looking to her right she sees 04:46:12 decreasing rapidly.
Asuka- "Damn it!"
In the entry plug of EVA 05 Marek sits in the darkened cell thinking
Marek- Why the hell am I here?
Marek- What did they expect from my first field exercise?
In the tightness of the entry plug he wraps his arms around himself
(Flashback)Johnson- "You disappoint me cadet! Dismissed!"
(Flashback)Man2- "Listen, you need to try harder from now on m'kay?"
(Flashback)Man3- "Screw up again and you're FINISHED!"
(Flashback)Woman1- "Unit 04 activation was a failure, the facility is gone... I'm sorry"
(Flashback)Johnson- "You'll be transferred to Tokyo 3 along with your new unit effective immediately!"
(Flashback)Girl- "I'll be done by this evening and I'll call you again... goodnight"
In the wrecked rain soaked streets Unit 02 is rapidly losing ground against the Angel it's nimble forearms striking against the red EVA's limbs until with a final stroke it catches Asuka off guard and trips her, snapping the leg just above the ankle sending Unit 02 crashing to the ground.
Unseen behind the Angel the rubble begins to move as the demonic form of Unit 05 rises like a phoenix, blood / LCL pouring from the wound in it's side, the long blade still impaling it's chest, the black EVA picks up a larger chink of masonry and hurls it at the Angel catching it off guard and sending it skidding across the street, it's sharp limbs struggling for purchase. Unit 05 hunches over slightly and hesitantly grasps the narrow protrusion at the end of the blade embedded in it's upper chest with both hands.
Maya Ibuki knocks over her coffee as she looks at her readouts.
Maya- "Unit 05 has reactivated!"
Misato- "Berserker!?"
Ritsuko runs to the young technician's side and looks over her shoulder at the synchrograph readouts and status monitors
Ritsuko- "No! The pilot still has full control!"
(Author's note: I had 'Normal blood' in mind here from the EVA OST)
In the entry plug of Unit 05 Marek wears a passive expression, his eyes slightly glassy, he grits his teeth and winces as Unit 05 pulls the blade from it's upper chest with a spray of blood. For the first time Marek glances at the countdown to his right.
Marek- "less than five minutes..."
Across the street Unit 02 attempts to rise before falling back, it's left leg broken by the Angel's fury. The Angel turns to face the new threat as Unit 05 grasps the long blade like an impromptu sword.
All eyes are on the Angel as it turns to face Unit 05, lowering it's head.
Misato- "Look out Marek!" (Over comm) "Asuka can you hear me? I need you to protect Unit 05, he still can't get his field up, he's badly damaged as it is but he's still mobile! Break it's field down Asuka!"
Asuka- "Stupid Fifth Child... Can't even raise an AT field!"
Asuka raises her battered EVAs hand, projecting the AT field to catch the launched spines. Marek does not appear to notice as he takes the opportunity to charge the Angel, blade raised high, the two crash together, the improvised sword cleaving through one of the forelimbs like it were butter, the Angel screeches in pain and surprise as the severed limb drops to the ground.
In the control centre Gendo looks on as the EVA rips into the angel, a slight smile on his face, his expression unchanging as Fuyutski leans down and whispers into his ear.
Fuyutski- "It appears our gamble payed off"
Gendo- "It certainly seems that way..."
Maya- "Dr Akagi, look at this!"
Ritsuko glances over Maya's shoulder at the colourful graphs and tables
Ritsuko- "What!?"
Misato- "What's wrong?"
Ritsuko- "The Fifth child's readings are all over the place! heart rate's up, alpha patters are all over the spectrum, his synch ratio is fluctuating between 30 and 85%!"
Misato (over comm)- "Calm down Marek! We need you to concentrate!"
After some time of no response Maya confirms the message reception.
Maya- "well he got it..."
The message goes ignored by the young pilot, his grey eyes glazed over and blank as his EVA hacks away at the weakening Angel, the improvised blade cutting deep gashes into the creature's flesh, the force of the blows shattering the thick armour. The front of the Angel is a mess of blood and crushed chitin, as it attempts to retreat from the ferocity of the black unit the EVA gains ground cutting deeper into the body and vital organs.
Observing the violent events with a slightly horrified expression Asuka opens a channel to the command centre.
Asuka- "What's going on Misato? Why doesn't it kill the damn thing?"
Misato- "That's not berserk Asuka,... that's the pilot"
Asuka- "Mein gott!"
Asuka looks genuinely shocked for a few seconds before regaining her composure and opening a channel to Unit 05.
Asuka- "Listen you idiot, kill the Angel already! Go for the core!... You know!, the red sphere?!"
Casting a cursory glance of thanks at the immobile Unit 02, Unit 05 lifts and switches it's grip on the blade forcing it down through the remaining flesh and into the Angel's core which starts to crack as the pressure is increased, with a final effort the core becomes dark and Unit 05 falls backwards as the timer in the cockpit reads 00:00:00, crashing inactive to the ground.
In the NERV caffeteria, two women sit with deserved cups of coffee
Misato- "I still have trouble believing that degree of violence can come from a 15 year old boy regardless of his background, it was so brutal!"
Ritsuko- "you saw it yourself Major, Lt. Ibuki had to excuse herself. The look on his face when they got him out of the entry plug though..."
Misato- "Yeah, he looked older than Fuyutski!"
Ritsuko- "Where are the pilots now?"
Misato- "Still cleaning up I think....... I hope they're OK, this was hard on both of them"
In the mens locker room Marek stands in the shower, the frosted glass concealing the lower half of his body, the water runs off his head, matting his hair as he leans heavily against the white tiled wall of the shower, his head level with his shoulder. It is hard to tell but he seems to be crying.
========Fly me to the moon=========
Misato- "After the battle Marek becomes cold and unresponsive, an encounter with Rei changes that however. Shinji is still nowhere to be found and Asuka relishes in her recent performance plus I have to deal with the increased pressure from the British Military attache!"
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OK! This is the second in the series, jesus! I didn't mean for it to be so long! I hope you all enjoyed it, this is also my first effort at a fight scene, so feedback please! As before could any comments or anything be sent to robblindsay@hotmail.com with the subject 'EVAFIC', thanks.
Author's note to all Asuka fans: I know an ACC outperformed her in this one, I don't want it to come over that he's better than her, I wanted to show a little insight into his 'personal fuck up' and a psychotic rush in battle seemed an appropriate way to do so, I also wanted to enforce the idea that Asuka's still nowhere near 100% so it doesn't seem like an 'instant recovery' hope you all get what I'm trying to do.
