Chapter 12
Good Bye / Areal Arrives
It had been several days since the party. Kaji sat quietly in his office, staring at a picture of all the pilots and Misato. Currently he was staring at Sayoko.
'Why does Kami-sama allow you to remain? Misato said your Aunts and all other goddesses were ordered back up? What does he hope to accomplish?'
Kaji let out a sigh. 'A least I can try and make sure your safe from them.'
Kaji picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"It's me. Yes. Alright, I'll be there in 2 hours."
Kaji hung up then phone. He waited a few second's then picked it back up and dialed another number.
'Hi you've reached Misato' 'Shinji' 'Asuka' 'and Sayoko' 'We're not here right now so leave a message at the sound of the beep. Byyyye!'
Kaji smiled at the message. 'At least they are happy.' "Katsuragi, it's me....."
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The teacher was droning on about second impact.
Asuka, Hikari, and Sayoko were carrying on their own conversation quietly.
"So you want to go shopping after school?" asked Hikari.
"Of course I need a new outfit." said Asuka.
"I'm going too." said Sayoko.
"Do you even know how to shop?"
"Of course. There IS a mall in the heavens."
"Really?!"
"Yep."
"Wow!"
"Why do you think they call it 'heaven'?"
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Kaji drove along the road, heading towards his meeting. A bump in the road jostled the bag on the seat next to him. Kaji glanced down, then carefully pushed the pistol back into the bag.
'Can't be too careful,' thought Kaji, 'the rest I'll leave up to fate.'
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"....I saw this really cool sundress, it kind of looks like yours Asuka." said Hikari.
"What?" said Sayoko, "Do you plan on.....dressing.........like....." Sayoko's voice trailed off. Her face went very pale.
Asuka and Hikari immediately became worried. "What's the matter?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko glanced around then leaned closer to the 2 girls. "Someone just invoked my name."
"What? What do you mean?"
"Well, as gods and goddesses, we know whenever someone invokes our name. So, when you curse or utter something in their name...... that god hears it."
"But.... Your our age. I mean, who would invoke your name?"
"Its not just your name. In my case, as goddess of present, I'm technically in charge of the fates of mortals."
"Wait, you know the fate of people? Their destiny's?" asked Hikari.
"Sort of. Momma, Urd, and Skuld are technically the fates, or Norns. But we don't keep track anymore. Yggdrasil does that now. But we're still known as the fates...so."
"So who invoked you?"
"I don't know. And I'm not really in a position to check it out."
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Kaji leaned against a wall near one of the blowers that supplied fresh air into NERV Headquarters. He glanced at his watch. 'Meet me here at such and such time. Be prompt. And then he's late. Go figure.'
The sound of a car door slamming shut drew Kaji's attention. His contact had arrived.
"Your late" said Kaji.
The person did not say a word. He pulled a gun and fired.
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Asuka, Hikari and Sayoko headed to where Kensuke, Touji, Rei, and Shinji were sitting. As they were just reaching them, Sayoko was hit by a sudden feeling of shock and pain. Sayoko stumbled and fell.
"SAYOKO!" cried Hikari.
Sayoko lay on the ground as the others gathered around her. Sayoko tried to sort out what was happening. She realized it was related to the earlier event of someone invoking her name, but she had never felt this before. She reached out with her mind to see who it was. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized who it was.
"NOOOOO!" shouted Sayoko.
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Kaji lay on the ground moaning in pain. The person who shot him walked over, splashing through a puddle to reach him. He grabbed the gun that Kaji had tried to pull out and tossed it away. He then began to search Kaji's prone form.
"Where is the chip Agent Ryoji?"
"Go to hell."
"Not Likely. If all goes well, I be returning to father in victory, and you will be a puddle. Now, Where is the chip?"
Kaji smiled, "You'll never find it. I made sure of that. She'll be safe from you."
"For now." The man lifted the gun and fired another round into Kaji's chest. "Sleep well Agent Ryoji."
The man then got into his car and left.
Kaji lay on his back staring up into the sky. 'I'm sorry Misato. Looks like I won't be keeping that promise."
A women bending over him blocked out his view of the sky.
"You look like hell Mr. Ryoji." said the woman.
"I didn't know death was this beautiful."
The woman blushed. "Knock it off, I'm not death."
"Then why are you here?"
"Someone wants to see you."
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The children were gathered in the living room of the Katsuragi apartment, while Misato tried to talk to Sayoko. Misato had come immediately to the school as soon as she was called. Sayoko refused to go to the hospital, she also refused to say what was wrong. Upon arriving at the apartment, Sayoko went straight to her room and had not come out since. The children arrived a little while later as they had to walk.
"What do you think is wrong?" asked Hikari.
"I do not know. She refused to talk to me." said Rei.
Misato stepped out of Sayoko's room and walked into the living room.
"How is she?" asked Shinji.
"She won't say a thing." said Misato. "She won't even look me in the face. She just keeps holding on to that ring of hers."
"Well, we have to go." said Hikari. "Would you let us know if anything changes?"
"Sure."
Hikari, Touji and Kensuke headed out.
Misato sat down on the couch, looking at Rei, Asuka, and Shinji.
"Any of you know what's wrong with her?"
"No, I didn't even have the chance to talk to her." said Shinji.
"Pilot Sohryu and Miss Horaki were talking to her during class." said Rei.
Asuka glared at Rei. "How did you know? You were staring out the window!"
"Never mind that Asuka." said Misato. "What was said."
"Well, we were planning on going shopping after school. Then she felt someone invoke her name."
Shinji and Misato looked at each other then back at Asuka. "What do you mean?"
"Perhaps she means they invoked Sayoko as a goddess." said Rei.
Asuka nodded. "Yes, that's what she said. That was just before lunch. Then we're walking out to meet the others and she just....collapses."
Misato sat back. "Well, until she tells us, we're going to be left in the dark about what happened. I need a drink." Misato got up and headed towards the kitchen. On her way, she went past the phone. The message light was blinking.
"Hey did either of you get this message?"
"We were so worried about Sayoko that we didn't notice Misato." replied Shinji.
Misato pressed play then grabbed a beer. She was about to take her first gulp when the message began.
"Katsuragi, it's me. I'm sorry that I can't be there in person to tell you this, but circumstances prevent me. Keep searching for the truth Misato, Sayoko can help you with this. Take care of them Misato, they depend on you. The next time we meet, I will says those words that I should have said long ago. Good-bye."
Misato dropped the can of beer. She quickly moved down towards Sayoko's room. She threw the door open. Sayoko sat on her bed. Misato walked over and knelt in front of her.
"Sayoko, did what you felt, have something to do with Kaji?" Misato asked.
Sayoko just stared at her.
Misato grabbed Sayoko and began to shake her "Answer me Dammit!! Did it involve Kaji?!?"
Sayoko's eyes began to tear up as she slowly nodded. She grabbed Misato in a hug and began to cry. Misato felt as if her heart had just been ripped out. She hugged Sayoko back as her tears and sobs began to fill the room. Hearing what was said, Asuka grabbed Shinji and cried into his shoulder. Shinji just sat in shock, absently rubbing Asuka's back. Rei was also stunned.
'Mr. Ryoji ... is gone?'
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The night went badly for the Katsuragi household. Shinji and Asuka could not sleep. They ended up in Shinji's room, holding quietly holding the other. Misato cried herself to sleep. Sayoko still sat on her bed, clutching her mother's ring tightly.
Morning found them still tired and upset. Shinji moved quietly in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, Asuka and Misato sat at the table. Unlike most mornings, Misato did not have a beer. She had in fact turned down the offered beer. Sayoko still sat on her bed. Misato turned to Asuka.
"Asuka, could you get Sayoko. We all need to talk."
Asuka got up quietly and went to Sayoko's room. "Sayoko, we need you at the table."
Sayoko just sat there, clutching the ring. Asuka went over and lifted Sayoko by the arm. "Com'on Sayoko. We need you." Asuka practically dragged Sayoko to the table. Sayoko just sat, staring at the table. Misato spoke first.
"Sayoko, please, you have to tell us. What is wrong?"
Sayoko continued to stare at the table. Asuka tried next.
"Please talk to us Sayoko. We want to help you."
"I felt him." Mumbled Sayoko.
"What?" asked Asuka. Shinji came out of the kitchen to listen.
"When someone invokes a gods name, there is a connection between the two for a short period of time. Because I knew him, the connection was stronger. I felt is shock.....I felt his...pain." Sayoko put her head in her hands and began to cry. Asuka put her arm around Sayoko and held her. Soon Sayoko had calmed down enough. She looked up at Asuka.
"Thanks."
Asuka just smiled, "Glad I could return the favor."
"So, what do we do now?" asked Shinji.
"Sayoko," said Misato, "In his message, Kaji said that you would be able to help find the truth."
Sayoko looked at Misato. "What are you planning Misato?"
"Kaji died trying to find the truth about NERV and the Evas. I say we continue."
Asuka, Shinji, and Sayoko looked at each other.
"So where do we start?" asked Shinji.
"Kaji's office."
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Upon opening the door to Kaji's office, they discovered an absolute mess. Papers were tossed about everywhere.
"Looks like someone's already been here." said Shinji.
"How are we supposed to find anything in here?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko moved forward into the room. "Misato, keep an eye out."
Misato was about to ask what she meant when Sayoko began to glow. Asuka and Shinji stepped back in amazement as Sayoko rose about a foot off the floor and began to chant. Papers and items that had previously been tossed about the office began to rise and move back to their original positions. Within seconds, the room was restored to its original, pre-tossed state. Sayoko slowly lowered to the floor and her glow went away. She turned back to look at the others.
"Why don't you do that to help clean the apartment?" asked Shinji.
Misato's cell phone went off before Sayoko could answer.
"MAJOR!" came Hyuga's voice. "We just detected another Type Purple Pattern."
Misato looked over at Sayoko. "Where did you detect it?"
"It didn't last long enough to trace, but it seemed to be here in the Geofront!"
"Keep me posted." Misato hung up ands turned to look at Sayoko, and the others.
"That's why." said Sayoko, quietly.
"Well, let's go and look over everything." said Misato.
Asuka and Shinji searched through piles of papers, and files, Sayoko and Misato went over the computer files. After 30 minutes of searching, Asuka threw her hands up in the air.
"This is a waste of time! We're never going to find anything."
Shinji looked over at Sayoko and Misato, "Have you found anything?"
Sayoko shook her head, "No if there was anything here, it has been removed or erased."
Misato sat back and began to think about Kaji's last message. "Sayoko, Kaji said you'd be able to help."
"But I've been helping." replied Sayoko.
"What if he meant help as in using your goddess powers?"
Sayoko thought about that a second. She then closed her eyes and concentrated. The entire room felt like Kaji, but something stuck out. She opened her eyes and looked towards the direction of the disturbance. On the desk was a picture of herself, Asuka, Shinji, Rei, Touji and Misato. It had been taken shortly after her first Angel fight. She walked over and picked up the picture. As soon as she touched it, she felt Kaji's presence in it. Using her powers, she closed her eyes and tried to sense Kaji's last moments with this picture. She saw Kaji was holding the picture. He was staring at the picture intently. She then heard his thoughts.
'Why does Kami-sama allow you to remain? Misato said your Aunts and all other goddesses were ordered back up? What does he hope to accomplish?'
'A least I can try and make sure your safe from them.'
Kaji then took out a disk and a chip, he opened the back of the picture and placed them inside. He then returned the picture to his desk. As soon as his hand had left the picture, the vision faded. Sayoko opened her eyes and slowly opened the back of the picture. Inside were the disk and the chip.
"I found it." Sayoko said quietly.
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Later that day, the children were going through sync tests. Ritsuko looked at the data and frowned.
"Shinji is 10 points lower then last time, Asuka is 13, Sayoko is 20! Misato what's going on?"
Misato looked out at the test plugs. "Later Ritsuko."
Ritsuko glared at Misato. She then turned back to the test. "Alright everyone. Your done." She then turned and looked at Misato. "Let's talk. Now."
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Misato led Ritsuko to her office. As soon as the doors closed, Ritsuko turned and looked at Misato.
"Now what the hell is going on!?"
"Kaji's gone Ritsuko." Misato said quietly.
"What!? What are you talking about?"
"Kaji is gone, and he won't be coming back."
"How do you know?"
Misato closed her eyes. "The last message he left. He...said good-bye
"But that doesn't mean anything! He could have just....gone somewhere."
"It was what he said in his message, he knew something was going to happen."
Ritsuko sat down quietly. "I see. He knew the risks."
Misato's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"The way he was going about searching for information on NERV. You know how many times I caught him in the MAGI?"
"Wait, you knew what he was up too?"
"Yes, But I never reported him." Ritsuko got up and headed towards the door. "Be careful Misato. I know your going to follow in his footsteps. The last thing those children need is to lose you."
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Shinji and Asuka stood quietly by Unit 01. It was in cryostasis, to prevent it from moving.
"What do you think the Evas are?" asked Shinji quietly.
"I've never really thought about it. I've always just concentrated on being the best." said Asuka. "What happened......while you were in your Eva?"
"I can't remember." said Shinji. "I do know that, I felt safe, and that I didn't want to leave."
Asuka looked at Shinji. "What made you change your mind?"
Shinji put his arm around Asuka. "You."
Asuka leaned into Shinji. "Thanks Shinji."
Shinji turned and looked at Asuka, he began to move closer to her face. Just as their lips were about to touch, alarms began to sound. Startled Asuka and Shinji backed away from each other.
"BLUE PATTERN DETECTED!! ANGEL SIGHTING HAS BEEN CONFIRMED!" came Aoba's voice over the intercom.
Misato's voice followed, "ALL PILOTS TO YOUR EVAS AND PREPARE TO SORTIE!!"
Asuka turned to Shinji, "We'll finish this later." She then turned and headed towards the cage where her Eva was.
"I'm looking forward to it." Shinji turned and headed towards his entry plug.
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In Central Dogma.
"What is the Angel's location?" asked Misato.
"Angel is current holding position in low Earth orbit." said Hyuga.
"Its not going to make this easy." Misato said. She turned towards the commanders. "Permission to engage the Angel."
"Proceed, However Unit 01 is to remain in cryostasis." said Ikari.
"Yes sir. Asuka, we're going to launch you. We'll send up the positron rifle. It might be just in range."
"Right, I'm ready Misato."
"LAUNCH EVA!!"
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On the surface, Toyko-3 was experiencing a thunderstorm. Thunder and lightning flashed across the sky as Unit 02 appeared in the city. It walked over to positron rifle that appeared out of one of the pseudo buildings.
"Ok Asuka. Grab the rifle and then take out the target." said Misato.
Unit 02 grabbed the rifle and then took aim. Inside the entry plug, Asuka lowered the targeting hood. She waited as the targeting receptacle began to lock-on to the angel. It flashed signaling lock-on.
"This one's for Kaji." muttered Asuka. She pulled the trigger. Two blasts of energy exited the rifle. They streaked towards the Angel. It they appeared to be dead on, but gravity took over and the shots fell short.
"Dammit!" shouted Asuka.
"Line it up and try again Asuka." came Misato's voice.
Unit 02 raised the rifle again. As it started to lock on, a shaft of light came down on Unit 02.
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"AT-FIELD DETECTED!!" shouted Hyuga.
"It's not like anything we've seen before!" said Aoba.
Screaming then came over the radio.
"NOOO!!! GET OUT OF MY MIND!!!" screamed Asuka.
"Pilot's brain waves are erratic! Possible contamination from Angel!" shouted Maya.
"EJECT THE PLUG!!" shouted Misato.
"We can't! Eva is not receiving commands! Interference from the Angel!"
"MISATO!" came Shinji's voice, "Let me help her!"
"No. Unit 01 will remain in stasis." ordered Ikari.
"What about me?" came Touji's voice.
"Just stand by." ordered Misato. "Rei. Grab the Sniper rifle and try to take out the Angel."
"Roger."
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Somewhere
Asuka was in a dark room. "Where am I?"
A scene lit up before her. A young Asuka was seen running towards a doorway.
"Momma Momma!!!! They made me a pilot!!! I'm going to be a pilot!!!!"
"WHAT! NO! Not again, DON'T MAKE ME SEE THIS AGAIN!"
"Momma!! Momma!!"
The young girl reached the door and opened it.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" screamed Asuka.
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Sayoko could feel the pain Asuka was going through, as well as hear it over the radio. Finally she couldn't take it anymore.
"Misato permission to launch and get Asuka out of there!"
The radio was silent for a few seconds other then Asuka's screams. Finally...
"Permission granted."
With a lurch, Unit 04 began to move towards the launcher.
Sayoko made contact with Shinji. "Don't worry Shinji. I'll get her."
Shinji could only nod. 'Hang in there Asuka, Help is coming.'
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Upon reaching the surface, Sayoko watched Rei fire on the Angel with the sniper gun.
"Shot blocked by AT-Field." came Aoba's voice.
"Sayoko get Asuka out of there!"
Sayoko headed her over to where Unit 02 was standing. As she started to reach for the Eva, a second shaft came down and lit up her Eva.
Sayoko found herself in a dark room. "Huh? What is this?"
A scene lit up before her. A young girl sat on the floor in front of an older woman.
"Auntie Megumi? When will Poppa and Momma come home?"
Sayoko's eyes widened "NO! Not this again!! NOT AGAIN!!!"
"I don't know Yoko. Your Auntie Skuld and Urd went to heaven to find out."
"Why did they go there?"
"Because they can't reach your Mother from here."
The front door opened revealing Skuld and Urd, all cheer gone from their faces.
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" shouted Sayoko.
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Chaos reigned in Central Dogma.
The radio was now filled with the cries of 2 pilots. Misato tried to remain in control.
"Status of Angel?"
"AT-Field is still up. The rifle is not going to penetrate." said Aoba.
"Brain waves of the pilots are all over! I don't know how much more they can take!" said Maya. Ritsuko moved next to Maya and began issuing orders concerning the pilots.
"Please Father!! Launch me!!" came Shinji.
"No, We cannot risk contaminating Unit 01." Was Ikari's reply.
"What about me? Send me!" shouted Touji.
"No." said Misato. "I'm not risking any more pilots to that monster."
"But if we don't do anything they could die!" shouted Shinji.
" Rei," came Ikari's voice. "Go get the lance."
"Yes sir."
Fuyutsuki whispered quickly into Ikari's ear. "The lance? Are you sure? The committee will not like this!"
"It cannot be helped. There is no other way to destroy this angel."
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Touji and Shinji sat in their Evas.
"Dammit Shinji! What can we do?"
"I'm going up there."
"WHAT?!? You can't your stuck in cryostasis!"
"Not for long"
Shinji began to concentrate. He tried to move his Eva's arms, but they remain frozen.
"Dammit! Come on!" Shinji struggled to move his Eva, but failed. Shinji was about to give up when he heard Asuka say something between cries.
"No...Momma, please...."
A memory stirred inside Shinji, from his time inside of the Eva.
'Mother, please help me. Asuka and Sayoko need us.'
* I agree *
With a roar Unit 01 broke its restraints and began to head towards the launcher.
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"Unit 01 is moving!" shouted Maya.
"What! It should be restrained!" said Ritsuko.
"Third Child," came Ikari's voice. "What are you doing?"
Shinji's face appeared on a monitor. "I'm going to help them." Shinji then broke off contact.
Ikari turned to the bridge crew. "Block all access to the surface. Prevent Unit 01 from reaching the surface. Where's Rei?"
"Sir, Unit 00 is beginning its ascent." said Hyuga.
"Unit 01 has broken through, its making its way to the surface!"
Fuyutsuki leaned in towards the Commander. "You don't think she's made contact with him?"
"That Professor is a distinct possibility that if true, would interfere directly with the scenario.
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Sayoko was on her knees crying as bad memory followed bad memory.
"It's all your fault my brother's dead! Yours and Kami-sama's! You took my brother away! I'll never forgive you!" said a very angry Megumi.
"No...." cried Sayoko. "I've forgiven her..."
* Have you? Have you really? *
Sayoko looked up to see the form of a man.
"Who are you?"
* I am Areal, and you are a Goddess 2nd Class. *
Sayoko's eyes widened, "You're the 'Angel'"
* Yes, That is what the lilim call me and my brothers. And I will enjoy destroying you. *
"But I have done nothing to you."
* It is not you directly I will hurt, but Kami-sama. His betrayal of us so long ago has left the bitter taste of defeat on our lips. We will achieve what we were denied so long ago. *
"I don't know what happened, But I will fight you with my last breath."
* Little one, your power is not great. What can you do against me? I hold you and the lilim female in my power. *
"She may not have the power to defeat you," came a new voice, "But I do."
Sayoko and the angel turned to the newcomer. It was a woman in her late twenties. She had bright blue eyes, and long brown hair that went down to her knees. But the two most noticeable things were that she wore the blue and white robes of a goddess, and had the exact same markings as Sayoko upon her face. Sayoko stared in shock.
"Momma?"
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Good Bye / Areal Arrives
It had been several days since the party. Kaji sat quietly in his office, staring at a picture of all the pilots and Misato. Currently he was staring at Sayoko.
'Why does Kami-sama allow you to remain? Misato said your Aunts and all other goddesses were ordered back up? What does he hope to accomplish?'
Kaji let out a sigh. 'A least I can try and make sure your safe from them.'
Kaji picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"It's me. Yes. Alright, I'll be there in 2 hours."
Kaji hung up then phone. He waited a few second's then picked it back up and dialed another number.
'Hi you've reached Misato' 'Shinji' 'Asuka' 'and Sayoko' 'We're not here right now so leave a message at the sound of the beep. Byyyye!'
Kaji smiled at the message. 'At least they are happy.' "Katsuragi, it's me....."
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The teacher was droning on about second impact.
Asuka, Hikari, and Sayoko were carrying on their own conversation quietly.
"So you want to go shopping after school?" asked Hikari.
"Of course I need a new outfit." said Asuka.
"I'm going too." said Sayoko.
"Do you even know how to shop?"
"Of course. There IS a mall in the heavens."
"Really?!"
"Yep."
"Wow!"
"Why do you think they call it 'heaven'?"
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Kaji drove along the road, heading towards his meeting. A bump in the road jostled the bag on the seat next to him. Kaji glanced down, then carefully pushed the pistol back into the bag.
'Can't be too careful,' thought Kaji, 'the rest I'll leave up to fate.'
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"....I saw this really cool sundress, it kind of looks like yours Asuka." said Hikari.
"What?" said Sayoko, "Do you plan on.....dressing.........like....." Sayoko's voice trailed off. Her face went very pale.
Asuka and Hikari immediately became worried. "What's the matter?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko glanced around then leaned closer to the 2 girls. "Someone just invoked my name."
"What? What do you mean?"
"Well, as gods and goddesses, we know whenever someone invokes our name. So, when you curse or utter something in their name...... that god hears it."
"But.... Your our age. I mean, who would invoke your name?"
"Its not just your name. In my case, as goddess of present, I'm technically in charge of the fates of mortals."
"Wait, you know the fate of people? Their destiny's?" asked Hikari.
"Sort of. Momma, Urd, and Skuld are technically the fates, or Norns. But we don't keep track anymore. Yggdrasil does that now. But we're still known as the fates...so."
"So who invoked you?"
"I don't know. And I'm not really in a position to check it out."
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Kaji leaned against a wall near one of the blowers that supplied fresh air into NERV Headquarters. He glanced at his watch. 'Meet me here at such and such time. Be prompt. And then he's late. Go figure.'
The sound of a car door slamming shut drew Kaji's attention. His contact had arrived.
"Your late" said Kaji.
The person did not say a word. He pulled a gun and fired.
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Asuka, Hikari and Sayoko headed to where Kensuke, Touji, Rei, and Shinji were sitting. As they were just reaching them, Sayoko was hit by a sudden feeling of shock and pain. Sayoko stumbled and fell.
"SAYOKO!" cried Hikari.
Sayoko lay on the ground as the others gathered around her. Sayoko tried to sort out what was happening. She realized it was related to the earlier event of someone invoking her name, but she had never felt this before. She reached out with her mind to see who it was. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized who it was.
"NOOOOO!" shouted Sayoko.
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Kaji lay on the ground moaning in pain. The person who shot him walked over, splashing through a puddle to reach him. He grabbed the gun that Kaji had tried to pull out and tossed it away. He then began to search Kaji's prone form.
"Where is the chip Agent Ryoji?"
"Go to hell."
"Not Likely. If all goes well, I be returning to father in victory, and you will be a puddle. Now, Where is the chip?"
Kaji smiled, "You'll never find it. I made sure of that. She'll be safe from you."
"For now." The man lifted the gun and fired another round into Kaji's chest. "Sleep well Agent Ryoji."
The man then got into his car and left.
Kaji lay on his back staring up into the sky. 'I'm sorry Misato. Looks like I won't be keeping that promise."
A women bending over him blocked out his view of the sky.
"You look like hell Mr. Ryoji." said the woman.
"I didn't know death was this beautiful."
The woman blushed. "Knock it off, I'm not death."
"Then why are you here?"
"Someone wants to see you."
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The children were gathered in the living room of the Katsuragi apartment, while Misato tried to talk to Sayoko. Misato had come immediately to the school as soon as she was called. Sayoko refused to go to the hospital, she also refused to say what was wrong. Upon arriving at the apartment, Sayoko went straight to her room and had not come out since. The children arrived a little while later as they had to walk.
"What do you think is wrong?" asked Hikari.
"I do not know. She refused to talk to me." said Rei.
Misato stepped out of Sayoko's room and walked into the living room.
"How is she?" asked Shinji.
"She won't say a thing." said Misato. "She won't even look me in the face. She just keeps holding on to that ring of hers."
"Well, we have to go." said Hikari. "Would you let us know if anything changes?"
"Sure."
Hikari, Touji and Kensuke headed out.
Misato sat down on the couch, looking at Rei, Asuka, and Shinji.
"Any of you know what's wrong with her?"
"No, I didn't even have the chance to talk to her." said Shinji.
"Pilot Sohryu and Miss Horaki were talking to her during class." said Rei.
Asuka glared at Rei. "How did you know? You were staring out the window!"
"Never mind that Asuka." said Misato. "What was said."
"Well, we were planning on going shopping after school. Then she felt someone invoke her name."
Shinji and Misato looked at each other then back at Asuka. "What do you mean?"
"Perhaps she means they invoked Sayoko as a goddess." said Rei.
Asuka nodded. "Yes, that's what she said. That was just before lunch. Then we're walking out to meet the others and she just....collapses."
Misato sat back. "Well, until she tells us, we're going to be left in the dark about what happened. I need a drink." Misato got up and headed towards the kitchen. On her way, she went past the phone. The message light was blinking.
"Hey did either of you get this message?"
"We were so worried about Sayoko that we didn't notice Misato." replied Shinji.
Misato pressed play then grabbed a beer. She was about to take her first gulp when the message began.
"Katsuragi, it's me. I'm sorry that I can't be there in person to tell you this, but circumstances prevent me. Keep searching for the truth Misato, Sayoko can help you with this. Take care of them Misato, they depend on you. The next time we meet, I will says those words that I should have said long ago. Good-bye."
Misato dropped the can of beer. She quickly moved down towards Sayoko's room. She threw the door open. Sayoko sat on her bed. Misato walked over and knelt in front of her.
"Sayoko, did what you felt, have something to do with Kaji?" Misato asked.
Sayoko just stared at her.
Misato grabbed Sayoko and began to shake her "Answer me Dammit!! Did it involve Kaji?!?"
Sayoko's eyes began to tear up as she slowly nodded. She grabbed Misato in a hug and began to cry. Misato felt as if her heart had just been ripped out. She hugged Sayoko back as her tears and sobs began to fill the room. Hearing what was said, Asuka grabbed Shinji and cried into his shoulder. Shinji just sat in shock, absently rubbing Asuka's back. Rei was also stunned.
'Mr. Ryoji ... is gone?'
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The night went badly for the Katsuragi household. Shinji and Asuka could not sleep. They ended up in Shinji's room, holding quietly holding the other. Misato cried herself to sleep. Sayoko still sat on her bed, clutching her mother's ring tightly.
Morning found them still tired and upset. Shinji moved quietly in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, Asuka and Misato sat at the table. Unlike most mornings, Misato did not have a beer. She had in fact turned down the offered beer. Sayoko still sat on her bed. Misato turned to Asuka.
"Asuka, could you get Sayoko. We all need to talk."
Asuka got up quietly and went to Sayoko's room. "Sayoko, we need you at the table."
Sayoko just sat there, clutching the ring. Asuka went over and lifted Sayoko by the arm. "Com'on Sayoko. We need you." Asuka practically dragged Sayoko to the table. Sayoko just sat, staring at the table. Misato spoke first.
"Sayoko, please, you have to tell us. What is wrong?"
Sayoko continued to stare at the table. Asuka tried next.
"Please talk to us Sayoko. We want to help you."
"I felt him." Mumbled Sayoko.
"What?" asked Asuka. Shinji came out of the kitchen to listen.
"When someone invokes a gods name, there is a connection between the two for a short period of time. Because I knew him, the connection was stronger. I felt is shock.....I felt his...pain." Sayoko put her head in her hands and began to cry. Asuka put her arm around Sayoko and held her. Soon Sayoko had calmed down enough. She looked up at Asuka.
"Thanks."
Asuka just smiled, "Glad I could return the favor."
"So, what do we do now?" asked Shinji.
"Sayoko," said Misato, "In his message, Kaji said that you would be able to help find the truth."
Sayoko looked at Misato. "What are you planning Misato?"
"Kaji died trying to find the truth about NERV and the Evas. I say we continue."
Asuka, Shinji, and Sayoko looked at each other.
"So where do we start?" asked Shinji.
"Kaji's office."
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Upon opening the door to Kaji's office, they discovered an absolute mess. Papers were tossed about everywhere.
"Looks like someone's already been here." said Shinji.
"How are we supposed to find anything in here?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko moved forward into the room. "Misato, keep an eye out."
Misato was about to ask what she meant when Sayoko began to glow. Asuka and Shinji stepped back in amazement as Sayoko rose about a foot off the floor and began to chant. Papers and items that had previously been tossed about the office began to rise and move back to their original positions. Within seconds, the room was restored to its original, pre-tossed state. Sayoko slowly lowered to the floor and her glow went away. She turned back to look at the others.
"Why don't you do that to help clean the apartment?" asked Shinji.
Misato's cell phone went off before Sayoko could answer.
"MAJOR!" came Hyuga's voice. "We just detected another Type Purple Pattern."
Misato looked over at Sayoko. "Where did you detect it?"
"It didn't last long enough to trace, but it seemed to be here in the Geofront!"
"Keep me posted." Misato hung up ands turned to look at Sayoko, and the others.
"That's why." said Sayoko, quietly.
"Well, let's go and look over everything." said Misato.
Asuka and Shinji searched through piles of papers, and files, Sayoko and Misato went over the computer files. After 30 minutes of searching, Asuka threw her hands up in the air.
"This is a waste of time! We're never going to find anything."
Shinji looked over at Sayoko and Misato, "Have you found anything?"
Sayoko shook her head, "No if there was anything here, it has been removed or erased."
Misato sat back and began to think about Kaji's last message. "Sayoko, Kaji said you'd be able to help."
"But I've been helping." replied Sayoko.
"What if he meant help as in using your goddess powers?"
Sayoko thought about that a second. She then closed her eyes and concentrated. The entire room felt like Kaji, but something stuck out. She opened her eyes and looked towards the direction of the disturbance. On the desk was a picture of herself, Asuka, Shinji, Rei, Touji and Misato. It had been taken shortly after her first Angel fight. She walked over and picked up the picture. As soon as she touched it, she felt Kaji's presence in it. Using her powers, she closed her eyes and tried to sense Kaji's last moments with this picture. She saw Kaji was holding the picture. He was staring at the picture intently. She then heard his thoughts.
'Why does Kami-sama allow you to remain? Misato said your Aunts and all other goddesses were ordered back up? What does he hope to accomplish?'
'A least I can try and make sure your safe from them.'
Kaji then took out a disk and a chip, he opened the back of the picture and placed them inside. He then returned the picture to his desk. As soon as his hand had left the picture, the vision faded. Sayoko opened her eyes and slowly opened the back of the picture. Inside were the disk and the chip.
"I found it." Sayoko said quietly.
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Later that day, the children were going through sync tests. Ritsuko looked at the data and frowned.
"Shinji is 10 points lower then last time, Asuka is 13, Sayoko is 20! Misato what's going on?"
Misato looked out at the test plugs. "Later Ritsuko."
Ritsuko glared at Misato. She then turned back to the test. "Alright everyone. Your done." She then turned and looked at Misato. "Let's talk. Now."
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Misato led Ritsuko to her office. As soon as the doors closed, Ritsuko turned and looked at Misato.
"Now what the hell is going on!?"
"Kaji's gone Ritsuko." Misato said quietly.
"What!? What are you talking about?"
"Kaji is gone, and he won't be coming back."
"How do you know?"
Misato closed her eyes. "The last message he left. He...said good-bye
"But that doesn't mean anything! He could have just....gone somewhere."
"It was what he said in his message, he knew something was going to happen."
Ritsuko sat down quietly. "I see. He knew the risks."
Misato's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"The way he was going about searching for information on NERV. You know how many times I caught him in the MAGI?"
"Wait, you knew what he was up too?"
"Yes, But I never reported him." Ritsuko got up and headed towards the door. "Be careful Misato. I know your going to follow in his footsteps. The last thing those children need is to lose you."
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Shinji and Asuka stood quietly by Unit 01. It was in cryostasis, to prevent it from moving.
"What do you think the Evas are?" asked Shinji quietly.
"I've never really thought about it. I've always just concentrated on being the best." said Asuka. "What happened......while you were in your Eva?"
"I can't remember." said Shinji. "I do know that, I felt safe, and that I didn't want to leave."
Asuka looked at Shinji. "What made you change your mind?"
Shinji put his arm around Asuka. "You."
Asuka leaned into Shinji. "Thanks Shinji."
Shinji turned and looked at Asuka, he began to move closer to her face. Just as their lips were about to touch, alarms began to sound. Startled Asuka and Shinji backed away from each other.
"BLUE PATTERN DETECTED!! ANGEL SIGHTING HAS BEEN CONFIRMED!" came Aoba's voice over the intercom.
Misato's voice followed, "ALL PILOTS TO YOUR EVAS AND PREPARE TO SORTIE!!"
Asuka turned to Shinji, "We'll finish this later." She then turned and headed towards the cage where her Eva was.
"I'm looking forward to it." Shinji turned and headed towards his entry plug.
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In Central Dogma.
"What is the Angel's location?" asked Misato.
"Angel is current holding position in low Earth orbit." said Hyuga.
"Its not going to make this easy." Misato said. She turned towards the commanders. "Permission to engage the Angel."
"Proceed, However Unit 01 is to remain in cryostasis." said Ikari.
"Yes sir. Asuka, we're going to launch you. We'll send up the positron rifle. It might be just in range."
"Right, I'm ready Misato."
"LAUNCH EVA!!"
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On the surface, Toyko-3 was experiencing a thunderstorm. Thunder and lightning flashed across the sky as Unit 02 appeared in the city. It walked over to positron rifle that appeared out of one of the pseudo buildings.
"Ok Asuka. Grab the rifle and then take out the target." said Misato.
Unit 02 grabbed the rifle and then took aim. Inside the entry plug, Asuka lowered the targeting hood. She waited as the targeting receptacle began to lock-on to the angel. It flashed signaling lock-on.
"This one's for Kaji." muttered Asuka. She pulled the trigger. Two blasts of energy exited the rifle. They streaked towards the Angel. It they appeared to be dead on, but gravity took over and the shots fell short.
"Dammit!" shouted Asuka.
"Line it up and try again Asuka." came Misato's voice.
Unit 02 raised the rifle again. As it started to lock on, a shaft of light came down on Unit 02.
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"AT-FIELD DETECTED!!" shouted Hyuga.
"It's not like anything we've seen before!" said Aoba.
Screaming then came over the radio.
"NOOO!!! GET OUT OF MY MIND!!!" screamed Asuka.
"Pilot's brain waves are erratic! Possible contamination from Angel!" shouted Maya.
"EJECT THE PLUG!!" shouted Misato.
"We can't! Eva is not receiving commands! Interference from the Angel!"
"MISATO!" came Shinji's voice, "Let me help her!"
"No. Unit 01 will remain in stasis." ordered Ikari.
"What about me?" came Touji's voice.
"Just stand by." ordered Misato. "Rei. Grab the Sniper rifle and try to take out the Angel."
"Roger."
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Somewhere
Asuka was in a dark room. "Where am I?"
A scene lit up before her. A young Asuka was seen running towards a doorway.
"Momma Momma!!!! They made me a pilot!!! I'm going to be a pilot!!!!"
"WHAT! NO! Not again, DON'T MAKE ME SEE THIS AGAIN!"
"Momma!! Momma!!"
The young girl reached the door and opened it.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" screamed Asuka.
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Sayoko could feel the pain Asuka was going through, as well as hear it over the radio. Finally she couldn't take it anymore.
"Misato permission to launch and get Asuka out of there!"
The radio was silent for a few seconds other then Asuka's screams. Finally...
"Permission granted."
With a lurch, Unit 04 began to move towards the launcher.
Sayoko made contact with Shinji. "Don't worry Shinji. I'll get her."
Shinji could only nod. 'Hang in there Asuka, Help is coming.'
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Upon reaching the surface, Sayoko watched Rei fire on the Angel with the sniper gun.
"Shot blocked by AT-Field." came Aoba's voice.
"Sayoko get Asuka out of there!"
Sayoko headed her over to where Unit 02 was standing. As she started to reach for the Eva, a second shaft came down and lit up her Eva.
Sayoko found herself in a dark room. "Huh? What is this?"
A scene lit up before her. A young girl sat on the floor in front of an older woman.
"Auntie Megumi? When will Poppa and Momma come home?"
Sayoko's eyes widened "NO! Not this again!! NOT AGAIN!!!"
"I don't know Yoko. Your Auntie Skuld and Urd went to heaven to find out."
"Why did they go there?"
"Because they can't reach your Mother from here."
The front door opened revealing Skuld and Urd, all cheer gone from their faces.
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" shouted Sayoko.
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Chaos reigned in Central Dogma.
The radio was now filled with the cries of 2 pilots. Misato tried to remain in control.
"Status of Angel?"
"AT-Field is still up. The rifle is not going to penetrate." said Aoba.
"Brain waves of the pilots are all over! I don't know how much more they can take!" said Maya. Ritsuko moved next to Maya and began issuing orders concerning the pilots.
"Please Father!! Launch me!!" came Shinji.
"No, We cannot risk contaminating Unit 01." Was Ikari's reply.
"What about me? Send me!" shouted Touji.
"No." said Misato. "I'm not risking any more pilots to that monster."
"But if we don't do anything they could die!" shouted Shinji.
" Rei," came Ikari's voice. "Go get the lance."
"Yes sir."
Fuyutsuki whispered quickly into Ikari's ear. "The lance? Are you sure? The committee will not like this!"
"It cannot be helped. There is no other way to destroy this angel."
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Touji and Shinji sat in their Evas.
"Dammit Shinji! What can we do?"
"I'm going up there."
"WHAT?!? You can't your stuck in cryostasis!"
"Not for long"
Shinji began to concentrate. He tried to move his Eva's arms, but they remain frozen.
"Dammit! Come on!" Shinji struggled to move his Eva, but failed. Shinji was about to give up when he heard Asuka say something between cries.
"No...Momma, please...."
A memory stirred inside Shinji, from his time inside of the Eva.
'Mother, please help me. Asuka and Sayoko need us.'
* I agree *
With a roar Unit 01 broke its restraints and began to head towards the launcher.
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"Unit 01 is moving!" shouted Maya.
"What! It should be restrained!" said Ritsuko.
"Third Child," came Ikari's voice. "What are you doing?"
Shinji's face appeared on a monitor. "I'm going to help them." Shinji then broke off contact.
Ikari turned to the bridge crew. "Block all access to the surface. Prevent Unit 01 from reaching the surface. Where's Rei?"
"Sir, Unit 00 is beginning its ascent." said Hyuga.
"Unit 01 has broken through, its making its way to the surface!"
Fuyutsuki leaned in towards the Commander. "You don't think she's made contact with him?"
"That Professor is a distinct possibility that if true, would interfere directly with the scenario.
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Sayoko was on her knees crying as bad memory followed bad memory.
"It's all your fault my brother's dead! Yours and Kami-sama's! You took my brother away! I'll never forgive you!" said a very angry Megumi.
"No...." cried Sayoko. "I've forgiven her..."
* Have you? Have you really? *
Sayoko looked up to see the form of a man.
"Who are you?"
* I am Areal, and you are a Goddess 2nd Class. *
Sayoko's eyes widened, "You're the 'Angel'"
* Yes, That is what the lilim call me and my brothers. And I will enjoy destroying you. *
"But I have done nothing to you."
* It is not you directly I will hurt, but Kami-sama. His betrayal of us so long ago has left the bitter taste of defeat on our lips. We will achieve what we were denied so long ago. *
"I don't know what happened, But I will fight you with my last breath."
* Little one, your power is not great. What can you do against me? I hold you and the lilim female in my power. *
"She may not have the power to defeat you," came a new voice, "But I do."
Sayoko and the angel turned to the newcomer. It was a woman in her late twenties. She had bright blue eyes, and long brown hair that went down to her knees. But the two most noticeable things were that she wore the blue and white robes of a goddess, and had the exact same markings as Sayoko upon her face. Sayoko stared in shock.
"Momma?"
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