how can you see into my eyes like open doors
leading you down into my core
where I've become so numb without a soul my spirit sleeping somewhere cold
until you find it there and lead it back home
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
before I come undone
(Save me)
save me from the nothing I've become
now that I know what I'm without
you can't just leave me
breathe into me and make me real
bring me to life
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
before I come undone
(Save me)
save me from the nothing I've become
Bring me to life
(I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside)
Bring me to life
frozen inside without your touch without your love darling only you are the
life among the dead
all this time I can't believe I couldn't see
kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
got to open my eyes to everything
without a thought without a voice without a soul
don't let me die here
there must be something more
bring me to life
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
before I come undone
(Save me)
save me from the nothing I've become
(Bring me to life)
I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside
(Bring me to life
Evanescence – Bring me to life
Chapter 17
Two weeks later
"Anything?" asked Belldandy.
She and Asuka were sitting in the kitchen at the Goddesses' Apartment. Out in the living room, Sayoko sat on the couch, staring in the general direction of the TV. A soap opera was playing on the TV.
"Nothing." replied Asuka, "Shinji even tried to contact him. It's like he's ignoring us." She was quiet for a moment. "I think he may have decided."
"I don't think he has." Belldandy said softly, "If he had, we would know by now."
Asuka glanced over into the living room.
"I don't suppose you could explain that?"
Belldandy smiled. "It was her favorite show. She never missed it. If she had to miss it, she taped it."
"But can she……?"
"I don't know if she can or she can't." replied Belldandy.
"Then why do it?" asked Asuka.
"Because I still have hope, regardless what the doctors of heaven say."
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Kensuke sat in front of a large table in his office. On it was every piece of information the UN had collected on SEELE. He had returned to Nevada the day after Sayoko's birthday, hoping the flight home would help him collect his thoughts.
It hadn't.
He rubbed his forehead and glanced at the clock. He had been in here all day again. With a sigh he stood up and started towards the door. Asuka was probably right he thought, revenge wouldn't help Sayoko.
"I'M NOT GENDO IKARI!" he shouted, as if the German could hear him. He grabbed an empty coffee mug and tossed it at the table. The mug bounced along the table till it bumped into a control panel. A screen flickered to life. He ignored it as he opened the door.
"Mr. Allison," he heard the Soultaker say, "Keel is not very pleased with you."
Kensuke froze. What did she just say?
He raced back to the table and type in a few commands. The scene replayed.
"Mr. Allison. Keel is not very pleased with you."
Kensuke froze it. Keel. Not SEELE.
"I know I've heard the name Keel before." muttered Kensuke as he ran to his computer and typed in the name. In a second, he had it.
Name: Keel, Lorenz
Title: Chairman of SEELE a.k.a. SEELE 01
Current Status: Missing 2015, Believed Dead 2015.
'That's right.' Kensuke thought, 'The gods took them. But why would the demon say……'
He scanned down a bit further.
Children: Keel, Lukas
'He has a son. Where is he?'
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At that moment Lukas Keel sat before the SEELE council. In front of him were 10 monoliths. Those looking at him would only see a monolith as well.
"How long until they are ready?" asked SEELE 04.
"Soon." replied Keel, "The last pieces are being put into place and the final checks are about to begin."
"Do we have a pilot for our Ark?" asked SEELE 09.
"Dummy Plugs will be used in the nine. The 10th was to have been piloted by the daughter of the 4th, but we were unable to secure her. A replacement has been found."
"And what of our tame demons?" asked SEELE 10, "Will they still obey us?"
Keel smiled. "The demons are now securing our facility. It would not due to have someone stumble across 10 Evangelions before we are ready. Now if there is no new business, the meeting is over."
The monoliths vanished and the room brightened. Keel leaned back in his chair.
'Soon, the sons and daughter of SEELE will do what their fathers could not."
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Three days later.
Kensuke now found himself on a transport aircraft, heading towards England. His destination from there: a castle in southern Germany where Lukas Keel lived. Also on board was a 12 member UN commando team. The soldiers were busy prepping there weapons or catching some sleep as they still had a long ways to go, as well as several mid-air refuelings.
Kensuke had thought about calling the others and letting them know. But after how he left, he didn't know what kind of response he'd have gotten. He glanced out the window and watched as the plane passed over the American coast and out over the Atlantic.
He turned back to the letter in his hand. He had started writing it on take off and hoped to have it finished by the time they landed in England. As he wrote this thoughts drifted back to the past…..
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2027
There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us
This world has only one sweet moment set aside for us
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever?
CLICK
"I hate that song." muttered Sayoko as she pulled her hand away from the radio.
"What? It's good song." Kensuke replied.
"Yeah sure. That's why Mom cries whenever she hears it on the radio."
"She does?"
Sayoko nodded. "Don't you listen to the lyrics?"
"I was." Kensuke stretched. "Too quiet in here now. I liked just sitting here, with you, nice music in the background."
"Like music do you?"
Kensuke glanced over at Sayoko and saw a small smile on her face.
"Why does that smile scare me?"
Sayoko gently pulled Kensuke onto his back and held his head in her lap.
"Now close your eyes." She said softly.
He obeyed. As soon as his eyes closed, Sayoko began to sing. Kensuke immediately began to feel very relaxed. He knew she was a great at singing, he just never expected her to sing for him. He soon felt Sayoko leaning over him as she finished singing and felt her lips on his. They remained that way for several moments before they parted.
"That was beautiful." He said.
"Thank you. My mother taught it to me."
"Does it have a name?"
"Megami no kimochi."
Kensuke smiled. "'Goddess' feelings' hmm?"
Sayoko just smiled.
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2038
Heaven
Kami-sama sat behind his desk, looking at the young purple hair goddess kneeling before him.
"You're injuries have all healed?" he asked.
"Yes my Lord."
Kami-sama brought a file up in his monitor. "You have used your time off wisely Cayla. Your skills have improved."
"Thank you my Lord." replied Cayla.
Kami-sama smiled. "In fact, I believe it is time for a promotion."
Cayla looked up at Kami-sama in shock. "My Lord?"
"You shall be a First Class, Type 2, Unlimited."
Cayla's eyes widened.
Kami-sama smiled. "Congratulations."
"Th-th-thank you My Lord!"
"Now why don't you go finish you current duties, and then tell your 'Sempai'."
Cayla smiled and ran from the room. She then ran back in, bowed before Kami-sama and raced back out.
Kami-sama smiled at the antics of the young goddess. He then turned his chair and looked out the window.
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Kensuke and the commando team landed in England. The commandos began to transfer equipment over. Kensuke made a quick trip over to the admin building carrying a package. He then returned to the VTOL and supervised the loading. As soon as they were aboard, the VTOL's engines roared and raced off on its way to Germany, while the package made its slow journey through the mail.
2027
For the past week, Kensuke and Sayoko had both enjoyed the others company. But like all things, it had to end. Kensuke was packing his bag as Sayoko watched.
"Why?"
Kensuke looked at her. "Because it's my job. I only had leave for 10 days."
Sayoko hugged her legs to her chest. "Why did you choose the UN anyway?"
"Because I wanted to do my part." replied Kensuke, "Shinji, Asuka, Touji, even you have done a lot for the world. I wanted to help to."
Sayoko was silent. Kensuke continued to pack.
"You could come with me you know." He said.
"I can't."
He glanced over at her. "Why not?"
"Ken," she said softly, "My Dad has been sick. All of my family is here. And then there are my duties as a Goddess."
"Can't you do them anywhere?"
"I could. But messages get sent here." Sayoko gave a sad smile. "I'm sorry Ken. I can't go."
Kensuke continued packing. "Long distance relationships don't typically work."
"That's what Aunt Megumi says."
Kensuke stopped packing and stared at his luggage. "I don't want this to end."
"Neither do I. But it must." Sayoko stood up and wrapped her arms around Kensuke. "Whatever happens, I'll always be there when you need me, just not in the way you want."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Kensuke held Sayoko tightly. "I'll keep in touch."
"You'd better."
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2038
"Come on Sayoko." Belldandy said walking out into the living room. "It's time for bed."
Sayoko was sitting on the couch, her head tilted enough so she could look out the window. Keiichi sat nearby in his recliner.
"I don't suppose you could let her stay up a bit more?" Keiichi asked.
Belldandy crossed her arms. "And then who will put her to bed?"
"Skuld?"
"Keiichi……"
Keiichi sighed. "Mother knows best I suppose."
Belldandy smiled then took her daughters hand.
"Come along Sayoko." Belldandy gently tugged on Sayoko and Sayoko obediently stood up and followed her mother.
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A few hours later.
The VTOL raced in low over the German country-side. Several times the craft jerked around as it avoided power lines, trees, and other obstacles. The lights of a small town could be seen just ahead. Beyond it, the dark shape of a castle loomed over the town. The VTOL turned and passed by the far side of the town. It then hovered over a section of forest near the castle. 13 dark shapes dropped from the VTOL before it roared off into the night.
Kensuke watched the VTOL vanish before he turned to face the Squad Leader.
"I'd feel better if you had decided not to come with sir." The Leader said.
Kensuke shrugged. "I want to see this through."
"Very well sir."
The group headed off towards the castle.
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"SEMPAI!"
Belldandy sat up in bed and looked around. Next to her Keiichi opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling.
"Please tell me I'm dreaming and this is a nightmare." He muttered.
"I wish." replied Belldandy. She grabbed a robe and wondered out into the hallway. In the living room was a very tired looking Skuld and a very happy Cayla.
"SEMPAI! I'M TO BE A 1st CLASS GODDESS!!!"
"Cayla, as wonderful as that is…..…couldn't it have waited till morning, which is……." Belldandy squinted at a clock.
"……..in another 4 hours." muttered Skuld.
"……..thank you Skuld, yes in 4 hours."
"I'm sorry Sempai." Cayla said, looking down at the floor. "I was just really happy."
"I know you are." replied Belldandy, "But you have to remember that the surface and heaven vary on the time of day. Now if you want to, take a nap on the couch until we are fully awake. In 4 hours."
"Yes Sempai."
Belldandy turned and started back to bed when she froze, staring at her sister. Skuld was still on her feet, but was leaning far over, her head resting on her arms as if she was sleeping against an invisible bar. Belldandy sighed and decided against bothering Skuld. She walked back to Skuld's room and reappeared with a blanket, which she draped over her sister. She walked back down the hallway and glanced into Sayoko's room. Sayoko still lay as she had been left, tucked in and sleeping peacefully. She then went back to her room to rejoin Keiichi in the nice, warm, comfortable bed……………..
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The Squad Leader frowned as he looked over the castle with his binoculars.
"I don't see any guards." He whispered.
"There should be several along the upper wall." replied Kensuke.
"That's where I'm looking."
Kensuke frowned. This was the home of the Lukas Keel, son of Lorenz Keel and current Chairman of SEELE. There had to be some form of security.
"See any cameras?" Kensuke asked.
"No. I don't see any………wait. Got one. Looks like it's covering the area around the entrance."
"Can we take it out?"
"Not without alerting them." The Leader replied. "Looks like we're climbing the wall."
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Lukas Keel sat up in his bed and flipped on his light. Something felt wrong. He leaned over and pressed a button on the intercom next to his bed.
"Security." The speaker crackled.
"This is Keel. Any problems?"
"Negative sir. All the cameras are clear and everyone is where their supposed to be."
"Alert me if anything changes."
"Yes sir."
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The Squad climbed over the wall and stood on the narrow walkway looking down into the courtyard.
"Still no guards." muttered one of the commandos.
"There has to be someone." whispered Kensuke, "Check for heat sources."
One of the commandos raised a large scoop to her eyes and looked around. "I have a couple of heat signatures in a building over there." She pointed to a small shack building against the wall by the main gate. "Can't tell with the main building, too many heat sources."
The Squad Leader pointed to two of his troops. "You two. Go and eliminate everyone in that shack. Report back when its done."
The two nodded and walked quickly along the wall towards the shack. The rest of the squad headed towards the main building. Keeping an eye out for more cameras, the Squad tossed a grappling hook across to the roof of the main building. One of the Squad grabbed hold of the line and went hand over hand until he reached a second floor window ledge. He cut a hole in the glass large enough of his head and then peered inside.
"No sign of alarms on the window." He reported. He then opened it and tossed another rope back, creating a sort of rope bridge for the others. The squad had all entered the main building when the call came in over the radio from the shack.
"Two guards eliminated. No other sign of activity."
"Keep watch out there." ordered the Squad Leader. He then looked at the others. "Let's move.
A quick scan by a fiber optic under the door showed the hallway empty. The Leader signaled the for the squad to split up and search the building.
20 minutes later, all reported in.
The Squad Leader looked at Kensuke.
"There's no one here sir."
Kensuke frowned. "What created the heat sources?"
"Heating ducts in most cases." replied the Squad Leader.
"Uhh Sir." The radio crackled.
"What is it?"
"We found something in the basement sir. I think you ought to bring the Director."
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Keel was pacing his room.
Something was just not right and it was bothering him.
* By the twitching of my thumb, something wicked this way comes……. *
Keel frowned and looked up towards his ceiling.
"What do you want?"
* You can feel it can't you………isn't it delicious *
"I feel something." replied Keel, "I suppose you have something to do with it?"
* I have nothing to do with it, and everything. * was the Soultaker's reply, "It is the result of our contract. Your fate is intertwined with mine. *
"So what is it I'm feeling?"
* Imminent death…….. *
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"What the hell is that?" asked the Squad Leader.
He, Kensuke, and the Squad, minus the two out in the shack, were staring at a large red sphere mounted atop assorted conduit and equipment.
"It looks like an S2 engine." Kensuke said.
"Like what powered the Evas?"
"Yep."
"But what's it doing here?"
"I don't know."
One of the commandos walked up to it.
"Looks like a big red crystal to me." He reached out to touch it.
"No don't!" shouted Kensuke.
Before the commando's hand had even reached the surface, the giant sphere began to glow. Dim at first, it began to get brighter and brighter.
"I didn't touch it!" shouted the trooper.
"Everyone get out!" shouted the Squad Leader.
The S2 engine began to get even brighter, a loud hum could be heard. The commandos scrambled to get out of the basement. Kensuke watched them for a second, then looked back at the core. A crack had appeared in it.
"Good bye Sayoko…….." he said softly.
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Heavens
In the deeper reaches of the Yggdrasil core, a screen flickered to life.
ALERT ALERT
CONTRACTUAL CONFLICT
CONTRACT #9836356237283284674878
TYPE 563 CODE CONFLICT
ULTIMATE FORCE ENGAGED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was no sound. Just light. Light burst forth from the S2 Engine and engulfed Kensuke and the basement. The light continued outward in sphere form, the core at it's center. The light engulfed the commando teams as it ran for it's life, then engulfed the rest of the castle, followed by part of the mountain. The sphere expanded a bit farther, before it vanished, allowing the night to return. The only evidence of the sphere of light was a large hole in the mountain, as if a giant took and ice cream scoop and scooped away the castle, leaving nothing behind.
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ULTIMATE FORCE CORRECTION COMPLETE
ALERT ALERT
CONTRACTUAL CONFLICT
CONTRACT #9836356237283284674878
TYPE XXX CODE CONFLICT
UNABLE TO MATCH CODE
NO CODED CONFLICT/NEW CONFLICT
ULTIMATE FORCE ENGAGED
ERROR ERROR ERROR
ULTIMATE FORCE FAILURE
CONTRACT BREACH CONTRACT BREACH
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alarms screamed all over the control room.
Peorth stared in shock as error after error appeared on the main screen. With each new error, a bug leaped into life and began to hop around the room. Already there were hundreds of bugs, with more coming into existence each second. God and Goddess alike ran all over, trying to remove the rapidly increasing infestation.
Urd was busy typing away at a console, ignoring the bug that hopped onto her head.
"Peorth. We have a big problem."
"What the hell is going on?" shouted Peorth.
"The Ultimate Force is having a fit and is on the verge of crashing. Yggdrasil is starting to follow it."
"Can you stop it?"
"I tried to reset the damn thing but it keeps popping up with the error." Urd glanced over at Peorth. "We need Skuld. Now."
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For the second time that night, Belldandy was awakened. She grabbed her robe and shuffled out the door, heading towards the phone. The phone cut off in the middle of the fifth ring, and Belldandy could hear Cayla whispering in it. Belldandy turned around, hoping Cayla had told them to call back later when a loud "WHAT?!?" came from the living room, followed by a crash. Belldandy hurried down the hall. Cayla was staring at the phone as if it was cursed while Skuld was on the floor looking around confused on how she got there.
"What is it?" she asked Cayla. Behind her, Keiichi was now shuffling out of the bedroom and heading towards the kitchen.
Cayla stared at her wide eyed. "There is a massive bug infestation in the heavens. The Ultimate Force and Yggdrasil are on the verge of total shutdown. They need Skuld."
Skuld was on her feet and in her uniform in a flash. She ran to the kitchen, turned the sink on full and then vanished into the water. Keiichi went up to the sink and filled up a kettle to make tea.
Belldandy looked at him curiously.
"I doubt we're going to get anymore sleep tonight." replied Keiichi, "So we might as well start today."
Belldandy smiled. "I'll go wake up Sayoko. She needs to eat."
She got up and left the kitchen. Keiichi continued to make the tea when………..
"KEIICHI!!!"
Keiichi ran out of the kitchen and raced down the hallway, followed closely by Cayla. He found Belldandy staring into Sayoko's room. The sheets, blankets, and pillows were tossed about the floor, leaving the bed bare.
Of Sayoko there was no sign.
"Where is she?" Keiichi asked frantically.
"I don't know." replied Belldandy, "Clutching at the doorway. She was here earlier."
"But where is she now? I mean, she could she have wondered off?"
Belldandy shook her head. "No. She can only do what she's been told to do by either you, me, Skuld, or Urd."
"Could a demon have taken her?" asked Cayla.
"No." replied Belldandy, "We would have detected a demon."
"Then where the hell did she…." Keiichi gasped and clutched his chest, falling to his knees.
"KEIICHI!!" screamed Belldandy.
"Bell……" he gasped before he collapsed. Belldandy was at his side in an instant and rolled him over. She placed her head onto his chest and listened. She couldn't hear anything. Her heart went cold and panic began to take hold of her mind when she realized she should be hearing something.
His heart.
It had stopped.