Chapter 17
Finale
High above the remains of Toyko-3, 9 large transports moved into formation for a drop. Underneath, humanoid forms ride in their bellies. Slim red plugs are inserted and hatches are closed. As one, they are released. The 9 Production Evas, pure white and controlled by Dummy Plugs, open their wings and begin to circle above NERV HQ and its lone defender.
Asuka looks up into the sky and watches them circle.
"The Production Series? They've been completed?"
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Central Dogma.
Fuyutsuki stared at the main screen.
"They've deployed all 9 MP Evas with S2 engines? Isn't that a little overkill, unless....." Fuyutsuki eyes widened, "They intend to start it here!"
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"Asuka!" came Misato's voice. "You must destroy all the MP Evas. Shinji will be there soon."
Asuka gave a small smile. "You mean once you figure out where you are?"
"Just do the best you can."
Asuka stared at the radio. "The best I can? I've been in a coma for 3 months!"
* We can do it. *
Asuka turned to see the ghostly form of Belldandy next to her. Belldandy smiled.
Asuka turned back to the MP Evas as they began to land.
"We'll let's do it then!"
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Misato stared at the radio. 'That little...' "Just do the best you can. Hyuga, where am I"
"Your close to emergency elevator 20. That will take you right down to the Eva cage."
"Thanks. Come on Shinji!" Misato took off down a corridor, followed closely by Shinji. Unnoticed by them, a dark figure followed. Misato and Shinji entered a foyer, where many ramps and corridors met. At the far end was a doorway.
"It should be right through there." said Misato, "Let's g.." Gunfire erupted around them.
"MOVE IT SHINJI!!!!" Shinji ran next to Misato as bullets splattered about them. Just as Shinji was moving through the door he heard Misato give a grunt. Shinji turned quickly and slapped the control to shut the door. Just as the door closed, the sound of an impact and explosion came through the wall.
"Just in time." Shinji muttered, he turned to look at Misato. She remained on the floor were she had fallen.
"MISATO!!!" Shinji falls by Misato's side.
Misato gives Shinji a weak smile. "It's not....as bad...as it looks." She moves slowly to her feet and heads towards the elevator. She presses a button, opening the gate.
"There's still power. You can still make it." Misato leans up against the wall.
"Shinji, your on your own now......"
"Misato......"
"....Go help Asuka."
"But Misato! I...." Misato moves in and gives Shinji a kiss. After a few seconds she pulls away.
"Go now, She needs you." Misato pushed Shinji into the elevator and pressed the button. Shinji fell backwards into the elevator. He looked up and had one last view of Misato before the doors closed. He stood up and heard something clank to the floor. He looked down. Laying on the floor of the elevator was Misato's cross. He picked it up and held it tightly in his hands. Tears began to form in his eyes.
"Good bye, Misato."
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Misato slowly fell to the floor.
"I suppose I knew it would end this way. Kaji did I do alright?"
"You did well Misato." came a female voice.
Misato turned to the voice's owner. "What.....Where?"
"Shhh, don't talk. We're going on a little trip."
Misato's view of the world disappeared into darkness.
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"Geez, Don't these things know when to stop?" muttered Asuka. Asuka leaped over one MP Eva, smashing into another. She grabbed the Eva she had just jumped over and twisted its head. A loud crack echoed throughout the Geofront as the Eva's neck broke.
"3 down, another 6 to go." said Asuka. "Come on Shinji! Hurry up!"
The 6 remaining MP Evas pulled out sword-like weapons. Asuka's eyes widened slightly. Belldandy's ghostly form leaned forward for a closer look.
" 'Best Eva Pilot' hmm?" Belldandy said quietly, "I hope your as good as you say."
"So do I." said Asuka. Asuka pushed forward on the controls and charged towards the MP Evas.
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Gendo Ikari and Rei entered Terminal Dogma and approached the giant cross. A figure stepped out from behind it and onto the platform.
"I've been waiting for you Ikari." said Ritsuko, pointing her gun at Ikari. "I knew you'd come here." She turned and looked at Rei. "But I didn't expect you. Why are you here?" Her face was that of one who had been betrayed.
Rei just stared at Ritsuko. She tried to think of something, anything she could say to the Doctor. Ikari did not notice Rei's conflicted face.
"She knows where her place is."
Ritsuko just nodded as she stared at Rei. 'Still a puppet.' She turned back to Ikari. "I altered the MAGI's program earlier." She held out a small remote control.
"A daughter's last wish, to die with her mother."
She pressed the button. The click echoed throughout the chamber, but nothing else occurred.
"What!?" Ritsuko looked at the control. The display signaled the rejection of her signal.
"What! Mother! You'd choose him over me!?"
"Dr. Akagi." Ikari said quietly as he raised his gun. " I truly......"
Ritsuko gave a small smirk. "Liar."
Ikari's gun fired one shot. Ritsuko flew backwards from platform. As she fell she looked up in shock to see someone floating over her. Someone who looked sort of like Sayoko. She landed with a splash into the LCL.
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Shinji finally reached the cage his Eva was being held in. But as his Eva came into view, he fell to his knees.
"No...." He mumbled quietly. His Eva was covered in Bakelite, freezing it into place. He sat down and stared at it. The sounds of the battle could be heard over the speaker.
"Dammit, Shinji where are you?" came Asuka's voice. "There's still 4 left!"
Shinji stared at his Eva.
"Look's pretty hopeless, huh kid?"
Shinji turned to see a woman standing near him, also looking at the Eva. She turned to face him. He recognized her from the Karaoke bar.
"Your that Demon that Sayoko was telling us about." He said in shock.
Mara just smiled, "Yep, Mara, 1st Class Demon at your service."
"Go away."
Mara's smile vanished into a frown. "Well gee, if you don't want my help, I'll just leave." Mara stared to turn.
"Wait!" Mara stopped and faced Shinji again. "What do you want?"
"Believe it or not, I am here to help you, no questions asked."
Shinji looked skeptical. "Really?"
"I'm doing this as a favor to an old friend, alright?" Mara turned and began to concentrate. She moved her hands close together. A ball of energy formed. She sent the ball hurtling towards the bakelite. With a loud explosion, Unit 01 was blown free of the material. Shinji turned and looked at Mara.
"Now, don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Yes ma'am!" Shinji turned and headed for the entry plug of his Eva. He climbed in and began the start up procedures. Mara watched as Unit 01's eyes lit up. The Eva looked right at her before turning towards the launch tube.
"LUANCH UNIT 01!" Shinji shouted.
In Central Dogma, Fuyutsuki gave a small smile. Aoba reached up onto the control panel.
"EVA LAUNCH!" he shouted as his hand pressed the button.
Mara watched as Unit 01 raced towards the surface.
"Give them hell." She said quietly.
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Asuka was fighting the last 3 MP Evas when she heard the order to launch Unit 01.
"About time Shinji!" muttered Asuka. "I didn't think you were coming."
"What? And let you have all the fun? No way!" was Shinji's reply
* ASUKA!!! LOOK OUT!!! *
Asuka turned at Belldandy's cry just in time to see one of the MP Eva's weapons heading towards her. She threw up her AT-Field in front of it. It stopped at the field. It hovered there for a few second, before changing into a lance.
"The Lance of Longinus?" Asuka said in surprise. The lance hovered a few seconds more before piercing through the AT-Field. Its twin points plunged deep into Unit 04's head. The ghostly form of Belldandy gave out a cry of shock before vanishing. Asuka screamed as pain stabbed through her head. The monitor around her began to flicker. Another lance came flying at the Eva, piercing its chest. On its way through the chest area, it cracked the S2 Engine, causing the Eva to lose power. Shinji's Eva burst onto the surface just in time to see Unit 04 fall onto its back.
"ASUKA!!!" Shinji shouted. He started to run towards Asuka's Eva. One of the remaining MP Evas attempted to stop him. Another MP Eva joined the fight against Unit 01.
All around the Geofront, the defeated MP Evas began to reactivate.
In Central Dogma, Maya gasped.
"The MP Evas!! They're...reactivating."
Aoba ran next to Maya to look at her screen.
"What are they doing?"
Inside the darkened plug of Unit 04, Asuka struggled with the grips, trying to get the Eva to restart.
"Come on, move! I know you can! Come on Belldandy!! I need your help! Come on move!!"
The walls of the plug began to shimmer. Outside sparks began to fly out from where the lance had cracked the S2 Engine. Unit 04 started to rise despite 2 lances stuck in it and began to start towards Unit 01, when one of the reactivated Evas used its weapon to cut off its leg. Unit 04 crashed to the ground. Several of the MP Evas went after Unit 04 and began to tear it apart.
Maya gasped as her screen reported the grim demise of Unit 04. She turned away. Hyuga looked at the screen. "My god....That's Unit 04?!"
Shinji fights off the MP Evas and glances at where Unit 04 had been. Pieces of it lay scattered about.
"NO!!!!! ASUKA!!!!" Shinji ran towards the fallen Eva.
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In Terminal Dogma.
"Rei, the time has come." Gendo said quietly. He removed the glove on his right hand, revealing the embryo of Adam, the first Angel. "Adam and I are now one. For this is the only way I will be able to see Yui again. The forbidden joining of Adam and Lilith."
Gendo moves closer to Rei.
"Let's begin, Rei. Release your AT Field, the barrier of your heart. Complement your imperfect heart, leave your useless body... Merge all souls into one. And then, take me to Yui's side."
Gendo placed his right hand on Rei's chest and began to merge with her. Rei gave a gasp as his hand moved towards her stomach.
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Shinji was almost to Unit 04 when he was grabbed by the MP Evas and hauled into the air. Shinji struggled against their grip but failed. He tried to reach out with his hand towards Unit 04.
"NOOOO!! ASUKA!!!!"
A figure watched as Unit 01 was dragged into the sky. She watched for a few seconds more then turned her attention to Unit 04. She walked to where the Eva's core lay exposed. Next to it, the entry plug could just be seen in the remains of the chest. As she got closer to the core, she slipped in the blood that dripped from the Eva. She landed with a splash. She sighed and looked up to the sky.
"Why do I always get the 'fun' jobs?" she asked quietly.
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The Moon.
All is quiet. And then, a swirl of activity brings the eye to a recently made crater. Bursting forth from the crater, the true Lance of Longinus flew away from the moon, heading towards Tokyo-3.
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The JSSDF Commander had stood by and watched as the MP Evas had destroyed Unit 04. He now watched as they pulled Unit 01 into the sky.
"What the hell are they doing?"
"Sir!" cried his Aide. "We have an object approaching at high speed from the moon!"
"WHAT!?!"
He looks back to the Evas in time to see an object stop just short of Unit 01's throat.
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SEELE 01: At long last our hopes are to be realized.
SEELE 04: The original Lance of Longinus has returned as well.
Together: Return the Eva series to its rightful form. Evangelize humankind and restore us to our true form. With indiscriminate death and prayers, we return to our original state.
SEELE 01: And let all souls find peace. Now, let the ceremony begin!
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The MP Evas moved into a formation around Unit 01. A pattern filled the sky between them.
"Unit 01 has been captured!!" shouted Hyuga.
Fuyutsuki turned and watched as Unit 01 continued to be pulled upward.
"Do they plan to use Unit 01 as the well of souls?"
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Elsewhere.
Misato opened her eyes.
"I'm...alive?"
Misato sat up. The last thing she remembered was laying in a hallway, dying. Then Sayoko appeared above her. Now she was on a bed with white sheets. The room was also a pure white. Light streamed in through large windows. Misato got up and noticed she had no injury, the only evidence being the hole in her dress.
"What? How?"
Misato walked to the windows and looked out. She saw buildings, seemingly floating on nothing, a beautiful landscape of green beyond them. It was a breath taking sight.
"Ah, So your awake." came a familiar voice.
Misato turned around and looked with shock. "K..k...Kaji?"
Kaji gave her a smile. "Last time I looked."
Misato flew at Kaji and wrapped him up in a giant hug. Tears filled her eyes.
"I thought you were dead."
Kaji smiled. "Well I'm not. And before you ask, no, your not either."
"Then where are we?"
Kaji took her hand, "Come on. I'll show you."
Kaji lead her through a doorway. As they exited, Misato noticed two heavily armored women. The armor they wore belonged to a deferent time and place, but it shined as if it was new. The women immediately stepped away and followed Kaji and Misato in formation on either side of them. Kaji saw Misato staring at their escort.
"They are Valkyries. They guard this facility."
Misato's eyes widened. "Valkyries! But that means...."
Kaji just smiled, "Yep."
"How did you get here?"
"Sayoko's Aunt Skuld."
Misato looked around. "Is Sayoko here?"
"No, she went back to the surface, there's....a lot of things happening."
"Why are you here?"
Kaji smiled, " Well, they knew quite a bit about NERV and the Angels, but there was a few things that they did not know, such as that Adam still existed, and Ikari had plans over then SEELE's on his mind. I filled them in on all that."
"Why am I here?"
Kaji put his arm around her. "Because, the big guy is not as insensitive as he seems. He knows how Shinji and Asuka feel for you, and he wanted to be sure there was someone there for them when this has ended. If everything turns out alright."
Misato stared at Kaji. "What do you mean?"
"They have been trying to prevent 3rd Impact as much as we have. That is why Sayoko was allowed to become a pilot. Should 3rd Impact occur, Armageddon would follow. The forces of Heaven would battle the forces of Hell in a final battle. Regardless how the battle ends, humanity would not survive. At least, that is what they have been telling me."
He headed towards a set of ornate doors. More Valkyries stood at either side of the door. As they approached, the door swung open, revealing an enormous chamber. In the center, 3 twisted poles moved slowly, making it look like they were drilling into something far below. Kaji led Misato over to a floating chair in which a woman sat.
Kaji stopped just in front of her. "Misato, I'd like you to meet Peorth, Goddess 1st Class Type 2 Unlimited, SysOp for the world computer Yggdrasil."
Misato stared in shock. "Umm, hello."
Peorth nodded, "Nice to finally meet you."
Kaji turned and looked towards the main display. "What's been happening?"
Peorth looked away from Kaji and back to the display. "Unit 04 has been destroyed."
Misato gasp. "Asuka?"
Peorth was about to answer when alarms began to sound all over the chamber.
"What's happening?" shouted Peorth, Kaji and Misato quickly forgotten.
"They have started the ceremony!!" replied Chronos. "Yggdrasil is starting to fail!"
"Quick!! Shut down all unnecessary programs!!" ordered Peorth. "We must keep the main system online!!" Peorth turned and looked at the main screen.
'Come on, don't let us down.'
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Together: To restore the Tree of Life!
SEELE 01: Our servants, the Eva series... Their existence has all been for this moment. Soon, our dream will be reality.
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"The Evas!! Their S2 systems are opening!" shouted Hyuga.
"AT-Field values are inverting. They are going negative!" added Aoba.
Fuyutsuki stared at the screen.
"An Anti-AT-Field."
"The data is similar to 15 years ago!" gasped Maya. "My god, Third Impact has begun!"
A massive explosion takes place in the area that Tokyo-3 once occupied, revealing the circular form of the Geofront. The entire Central Dogma began to shake.
"Direct hit!!" shouted Aoba. "Surface layers are melting away!!"
"JSSDF force on the surface has been annihilated!!" shouted Hyuga.
"We can take it! Set shock absorbers to maximum!" ordered Fuyutsuki.
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SEELE 09: With purification of the Red Earth ceremony, which speaks of eternal time....
SEELE 01: Return the Geofront, to its true form.... The Egg of Lilith.
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Ikari looked about as the room gave a shudder.
"It has begun. Rei, take me to Yui."
"No." Rei replied. She tried to pull away from Gendo, but he grabbed her, keeping his hand inside of her.
"Do not resist me, take me to Yui....NOW!!"
A ball of energy flew between them. Rei fell back away in surprise, as did Gendo. His hand was pulled out of Rei, leaving the embryo behind. Gendo turned to see Skuld standing on the platform in full goddess robes.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"I am Skuld, Goddess 1st Class." Her eyes narrowed. " And I am here to stop you."
Gendo gave her his smirk. "Goddess? There is no such thing." He pointed his gun at her. "Even if you are what you say you are..... We have defeated the messengers of god, we can defeat you too."
Skuld just crossed her arms. "And how do you intend to do that?"
"Rei..." Gendo turned to where Rei had fallen, only to find she was no longer there.
"Looking for someone?" came a taunting voice.
Gendo turned to see Sayoko, also in goddess robes, standing just in front of Rei. Gendo turned his gun on her, "Stay where you are. Rei come here."
"No."
"What?"
"I am not your doll." Rei said quietly.
Gendo glared at Sayoko. "It's your fault she no longer obeys me!"
Gendo opened fire on Sayoko, only to have his shots deflected by a bright blue shield. Gendo continued to fire until his clip had emptied. A hand clamped down on his shoulder and spun him about to face a very angry Skuld.
"You shot at my niece you basterd!!" Skuld pulled her fist back and then punched Gendo across the platform and into the LCL with a giant splash. Skuld winced and held her hand in pain.
"OW, that hurt!"
Sayoko just smiled. "You should have used your hammer."
Rei grabbed Sayoko. "Dr. Akagi. He shot her, she's....."
"Where!?" Sayoko asked.
Rei turned and pointed to an area of LCL. Sayoko floated over and looked down into the LCL.
"Auntie, a little help here." She and Skuld disappeared into the LCL. They reappeared a few seconds later with Ritsuko, who began to cough up LCL. They set her down gently. Then Skuld healed her wound. Ritsuko stared at the two in shock.
"Wh...what are you?"
"Questions later." said Skuld. She turned to Rei. "Don't you have someplace to be?"
Rei nodded and moved towards the Angel. She floated off the ground and approached the chest of the Angel.
"NO WAIT!! DON'T!!!" shouted Ritsuko.
"We know what we're doing." said Skuld. "At least, I hope we do."
Sayoko stared at her Aunt in shock. "WHAT?! What do you mean!?"
Skuld turned and looked at Sayoko. "Well, nothing like this has ever been done before."
Sayoko and Ritsuko just stared at Skuld. Rei approached the Angels chest and vanished into it. The Angel's legs reformed and it pulled itself from the cross. It landed with a splash in to the LCL. It then leaned forward, the mask covering its face fell away. The angel began to shift, taking the form of Rei. Rei looked down at the 2 goddesses and 1 mortal. She gave a small smile then began to rise towards the surface.
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"Unidentified Energy source has been detected in Terminal Dogma!" shouted Hyuga.
"AT-Field detected. Pattern is blue!" shouted Aoba.
Maya looked up stunned. "Another Angel?!"
The form of giant Rei appeared in front of the Command Center. The few remaining JSSDF soldiers tried shooting at it. It continued on its way towards the surface. All the bridge crew stared in shock. Their shock increased when an abandoned cup of coffee began to shake and glow. Skuld burst forth from the mug, pulling behind her a very surprised Ritsuko. Fuyutsuki was the first to recover.
"Who are you?"
Skuld ignored him and pulled out a small mirror. Soon Sayoko was standing next to her.
The bridge crew let out another gasp of surprise.
"Sayoko?" Maya said quietly.
Several shots flew past Skuld and Sayoko. A few that might have hit them were blocked by blue shields. Skuld turned quietly and created a force bolt.
"Pattern...Purple detected." Aoba said.
Skuld let the bolt fly. It slammed into the floor directly in front of the JSSDF soldiers. They were blown backwards several feet. Seeing Skuld readying a second bolt the soldiers decided to leave, quickly. The Bridge crew stared at the 2 goddesses.
Fuyutsuki glared at them. "5th Child! What is the meaning of this?"
Sayoko stared back at the Vice-Commander, her face very serious. "Sir, I am Sayoko, Goddess 2nd Class, Limited, this is my Aunt Skuld, Goddess 1st Class Type 2 Unlimited." The bridge crew looked at her with surprise. That surprise turned into fear at the look that Skuld gave them.
"We're here to oversee your trial."
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Shinji struggled to regain control of his Eva, but the MPs continued to hold him in place. He then saw movement in front of him. A massive form began to rise from the surface. As the face came into view, Shinji let out a gasp of surprise.
"Rei!?"
The MP Evas moved to assume another formation. The massive Rei began to move towards them.
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Tokyo-2
Hikari and Kensuke were walking down the street next to Megumi.
"Thanks Miss Morisato." said Hikari.
"No problem, I'm glad I could take you two to see Touji."
"I can't wait until he gets out." said Kensuke. "Then it will start to be like old times."
Megumi just smiled. They continued down the street further when a bright flash lit up the sky. The sky began to glow red.
"What the hell is that!?" shouted Kensuke.
"I don't know." replied Hikari. She turned and looked at Megumi. Megumi's face had turned completely white.
"Miss Morisato? What's wrong? What is it?"
"The... last time I saw that....was...15 years ago."
Hikari's eye's widened. "2nd Impact? But... Sayoko wouldn't let that happen! Neither would her Aunt's!"
Megumi started running towards her Apartment with Kensuke and Hikari in pursuit. "I know! I think I still have a phone number or two. Maybe I can reach them."
"What the hell is going on?" asked Kensuke.
"Kensuke," started Hikari. "Your not going to believe this but....."
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"Our trial?" asked Fuyutsuki, quietly. "What are we on trial for?"
Skuld glared at the Vice-Commander. "You know the truth of what happened 15 years ago?"
"I do."
"Then you have your answer."
Fuyutsuki stared at Skuld in shock before sitting down. He placed his head in his hands. Ritsuko and the bridge crew looked at each other and then at Skuld and Sayoko.
"But we don't know!" said Ritsuko. "What happened?"
"A scientific team was sent to Antarctica, there they found Adam, the first 'Angel'."
"I know this." said Ritsuko. "The Angel awoke during tests and set off the 2nd Impact."
"Do you know what those tests involved?" asked Skuld.
Ritsuko took a step back. "Not exactly."
"They inserted the Lance of Longinus into its core to test its reaction. They planned to only insert it so far, but someone changed the computer program. It was inserted beyond the point that they intended, and they woke up Adam. 2nd Impact was caused by actions of one man, by the orders of a group of men."
Fuyutsuki lifted his head. "Ikari! He knew what was going to happen! Him and SEELE!"
The bridge crew and Ritsuko stared at Fuyutsuki, before another rumble brought their attention back to their monitors.
"The Eva's AT-Fields are resonating!" said Hyuga.
Maya looked at Sayoko, "What's happening?"
Sayoko just watched the monitor.
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The lance approached Unit 01's core it penetrated and merged with Unit 01, transforming it into a large cross like object. The giant Rei began to cup Unit 01 in its hands. Unit one then disappeared into Rei.
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Alarms continued to sound inside Yggdrasil Control. Peorth continued to shout orders trying to prevent the main program from crashing. Misato clung to Kaji, having no idea what was happening. It was then that Urd arrived. Peorth turned to her.
"Where the hell have you been?!"
Urd shrugged. "Hey, you had the easy part. You know how hard it was to get that thing up here!"
Peorth turned back to the main monitor. Urd looked at the monitor and gasped.
"Its already transformed into the Tree of Life?! What is she waiting for?!"
Peorth looked at her. "We just have to hold on for a little while longer...Any help you can provide would be appreciated."
Urd walked over to a control panel and began to type rapidly.
Misato turned to Kaji. "Do you know what is going on?"
"From what I've been told, should 3rd Impact occur, this entire system will crash, the first step towards Armageddon." Kaji turned and watched the Goddesses fly about the control area. "They just barely saved it during the 2nd Impact."
Misato turned back and watched the flurry of activity, thinking about what had been said.
"What's the Tree of Life anyway?"
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"It's what?" asked Maya.
Fuyutsuki continued to stare at the giant screen. "The Tree of Life, Unit 01 has become like god. It could save us from 3rd Impact or could damn us. Our fate is in the hands of young Ikari."
Ritsuko turned and looked at Skuld. "In Shinji's hands!?"
"Yes, He is your Judge and Jury."
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Somewhere
Shinji floated in darkness. Images went through his mind. He saw events from the past, events that he had never witnessed, people he did not know, all flashed before him. It seemed to go on forever.
"What is going on? What is happening?"
"You are seeing into the minds of all people, their thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, and desires." came Rei's voice.
"Why are you showing me all of this?" asked Shinji.
"Because you must make a choice."
"What choice?"
"Based on what you see, what you know."
"What?"
"You must make a choice."
"A choice for what!?"
"A choice of Life, or Death."
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Sayoko watched the screen quietly. 'Come on Shinji, I know you will do the right thing.'
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"What do you mean life or death?" asked Shinji. "I don't understand Rei!"
"You must try to, for only you can decide their fate."
Shinji whirled about in the darkness. "Wait, do you mean...the fate of everyone..... I'm in control of their fate?"
"Yes."
"But....I can't do that! Sayoko's the goddess, She and her Aunt's are the fates!"
"But you have been chosen. You must make the decision."
Shinji bowed his head. His thoughts drifted to Asuka and Misato, and the last time he saw them before they.....
"No, I can't."
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Aoba stared at his screen. "The Eva's and the Geofront are still rising."
Hyuga stared in shock at his screen. "The Angel is sending out an Anti-AT-Field, it's expanding!"
The Giant Rei began to cup the Geofront in her hands. A white glow began to appear on the ground below.
"Anti-AT Field critical limit exceeded!" shouted Hyuga.
"No...!" shouted Aoba, "If this continues, individual life-forms will be unable to maintain their separate entities!"
Wings appeared behind the Giant Rei and they began to encircle the earth.
Sayoko turned to her Aunt. "What's happening?"
"We have failed."
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"Yggdrasil is failing!" shouted Chronos. "Estimated time to total failure is 5 mins!"
"Dammit!" shouted Peorth, "X, Erie, Try to stabilize the program. Shut down any last remaining secondary programs."
"Yes Ma'am."
Urd turned to a Valkyrie. "If Yggdrasil fails completely......"
"We have are orders Ma'am. The attack will begin instantaneously."
Urd nodded, then turned back to her display.
Peorth continued to issue orders to those around her. Misato watched but did not understand what was being said. It was then that Kaji took her in his arms.
"This may be a very bad time to say this but, I don't know how much time is left...." Kaji smiled, "I have to tell you something...."
Misato looked at Kaji questioningly. "Kaji?"
"I didn't forget...." Kaji took her hands in to his. Misato's eyes widened as she realized what he was about to say.
"Misato, I ....."
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"Why can't you?" asked Rei.
"Because....I just can't." shouted Shinji. Asuka and Misato continued to haunt him.
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Down in Central Dogma, Sayoko sensed Shinji's sorrow of the loss of his Guardian, and his Girlfriend, the only people he truly cared for. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Skuld turned and looked at her, but said nothing.
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Shinji continued to think on Asuka and Misato, when a new voice was heard.
"Shinji."
Shinji looked about, but still saw nothing. "Who's there?"
"It's Sayoko."
"What do you want?"
"You need to decide Shinji."
"But I can't. You're the goddess, you decide. I'm a nobody."
Sayoko replied angrily, "Dammit Shinji, You are a someone! You are Asuka's love. Misato looks on you like a son! You have a sister who cares for you! You are my friend! How can you say you're a nobody!?"
"But they're gone....Misato...then Asuka...they're both gone."
"Did you love them?"
"What?"
"Did you love them?"
"Yes."
"Then you should honor their sacrifice. Make your choice, or everything they did for you was wasted."
Shinji stared off into the darkness.
"Life or Death Shinji?" came Rei's voice.
Shinji made his choice.
"Life."
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"AT-Field strength is increasing." shouted Aoba.
Fuyutsuki looked on quietly. "It's only a matter of time now."
"SOMETHING'S HAPPENING!!" shouted Hyuga.
Everyone turned and looked at the monitor. The Giant Rei began to fall backwards onto the earth, the Geofront began to fall. The Earth shook as Rei impacted with the ground. Bursting forth from her came Unit 01. It rose from the body of the Angel. The giant Rei began to fall apart, flooding the surrounding areas with LCL. Unit 01 continued to rise towards the heavens.
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"1 Minute to total failure." shouted Chronos.
"Peorth, we're not going to make it!" shouted Urd.
Peorth tried to think up something that hadn't been tried yet, but was coming up empty. Kaji and Misato watched the monitors. Nobody saw Kami-sama enter the room. He moved quietly towards Peorth. When he was about halfway there.....
"YGGDRASIL IS COMING BACK UP!!" shouted Erie.
Everyone turned and looked at her. Chronos looked at her display.
"Confirmed! Main Program has stabilized!"
Peorth and Urd looked at each other. "What did you do?" they asked each other at once.
"Perhaps I could answer that." said Kami-sama. Peorth and Urd turned and looked at the newcomer. Both of their eyes went wide as they saw who it was.
"KAMI-SAMA!" Peorth and Urd immediately bowed, as did all the other Gods and Goddesses. Misato could only stare. Kaji smiled.
"I believe that my Granddaughter's young friend has finally made his choice." said Kami-sama, nodding toward the monitors. On the screen, Unit 01 continued to float upwards, the MP Evas began to fall lifelessly to the ground.
Kami-sama then turned to Peorth. "Status."
"Yggdrasil is coming back up to full strength. It seems to be running better then it has since 2nd Impact."
"Very well. Commander," A Valkyrie stepped forward. " Stand down your troops, Armageddon has been.....put off." The Valkyrie bowed and stepped back. " Peorth, return these 2 to the surface. Then I have another project for you and Urd." Kami-sama started to walk away. "Oh Urd. You forgot about someone when you brought back the...object.
Urd's eyes widened. "Opps. I forgot she was in it."
"Don't worry, I'll handle it. And tell Mara she can have him now."
"Where will you be sir?"
"Fulfilling a promise."
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Gendo climbed back onto the platform. He looked about, noting the Angel was no longer there. He immediately began planning his next step.
'I can still be with Yui. This is just a minor set back. 3rd Impact hasn't occurred, I can come up with.....'
"Oh no you won't." said a female voice, rather nastily.
Gendo turned to see a blond woman in leather standing nearby on the platform. She had red slash marks upon her forehead.
"And just who are you and what are you doing here?" Gendo asked.
"Mara 1st Class Demon, and I'm here for you."
Gendo smirked and looked at Mara, giving her the glare. "I don't think so." He started to turn and walk away.
"I beg to differ, You're coming with me." Mara waved her hands. Gendo disappeared into fireball. Mara smiled.
"I'm going to enjoy making him suffer." She vanished with a cackle.
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Kami-sama stood waiting in the darkness. Finally, a figure appeared before him.
"Hello Lilith," Kami-sama said quietly, "It's been awhile."
"Yes, It has. But I am no longer Lilith, I am Rei."
Kami-sama smiled, "Of course. But you still remember the promise I made all those years ago?"
Rei nodded. "I do."
"I still stand by it. If you wish, I can return you to them."
Rei was quiet for a second, "I wish it."
"I thought you would. I have made....arrangements."
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Shinji awoke on a beach. All around him, the MP Evas were crashing into the ground or into the sea. The Angel itself continued to break up. Shinji sat up and looked about. The landscape was flattened from repeated explosions. It was then he noticed he was not alone. Laying on the ground next to him was Asuka.
"ASUKA!!" Shinji picked her up into his arms. Her eyes fluttered open. When she realized who was holding her, she wrapped her arms around him. Noticing that she was awake, Shinji pulled her closer to himself.
"I thought you were dead." He cried softly.
"You can't get rid of me that easily." Asuka replied. "Now, if I remember, we still have something to finish."
Shinji smiled, he leaned forward and gave Asuka a long passionate kiss. Misato and Kaji quietly walked up from behind a sand dune. Seeing the 2 pilots before him, Kaji smiled. 'Atta boy Shinji.'
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SEELE 05: We were so close! What went wrong?!
SEELE 07: The data can be reviewed, perhaps we still might achieve Instrumentality
SEELE 01: Ikari failed us. He will suffer for this, as will his son.
"I seriously doubt that."
A figure appeared amongst the monoliths.
SEELE 01: Who dares to impose themselves in our affairs!
The figure looked up to reveal the face of Mara.
"Oh don't worry about little old me. You'll be seeing a lot of me for a long time."
SEELE 03: Not likely. Those who interfere in our affairs soon find themselves dead.
Mara smiled and pointed towards 03. A scream echoed throughout the chamber, and then the monolith disappeared.
"1 down, 11 to go."
SEELE 01: Who are you?
"The name is Mara. Remember it, cause I guarantee, you will be screaming it later, in pain."
Her cackle filled the room as monolith after monolith disappeared, until there were none left.
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Several Hour later. Katsuragi Apartment.
The Apartment, while it was away from the battle and the resulting explosions, looked as if had seen better days. Misato, Shinji, Kaji, and Asuka sat down at the table, lit with candlelight, to celebrate everyone's survival and return. They had been talking about the past months leading up to the day's events.
"But," asked Shinji. "What happened to Sayoko?"
Misato shrugged, "According to Ritsuko, Sayoko and her Aunt vanished shortly after 3rd Impact failed. They haven't been seen since."
"So what happens now?" asked Asuka. "What happens to the Evas and NERV?"
"Well, from what Ritsuko said, the MP Evas are not functional. We don't know if they will never work again."
"What about Unit 01?" asked Shinji.
"Disappeared. It just vanished. As it is, NERV will probably be absorbed by the UN."
A knock at the door interrupted them. Shinji went to get it. The door opened to reveal Sayoko and a girl who looked familiar.
"Hello Shinji." Sayoko said with a smile.
"Hey, come in and join the party."
"Alright but only for a short visit." Sayoko said, "I've got somewhere to be. I'm just dropping off someone." Sayoko nodded to the girl. Shinji looked at her. She was about his height with brown hair and blue eyes.
The girl gave him a small but very familiar smile. "Hello Ikari."
Shinji's eyes went wide. "REI!?!"
Sayoko laughed at Shinji's reaction. "Yep. Only it's no longer Ayanami. She is officially Rei Ikari, your sister." Sayoko gave Shinji another smile. " She is also 100% human."
"What!?"
Sayoko shrugged. "Kami-sama always keeps his promises."
Shinji returned the smile to Sayoko. "Come on in. I can't wait to see Asuka's reaction."
Sayoko and Rei looked at each other and smiled. "Neither can we." Sayoko replied. Sayoko and Rei followed Shinji into the apartment. Across the street, Skuld, Urd, Peorth sat watching in a tree.
"Well, what do you think she'll do?" asked Urd.
"She's a complete bitch." said Peorth. "She'll probably be screaming about this for the next month."
Skuld rolled her eyes, "People change Peorth..." A loud female yell coming from the apartment diverted their attention.
"SHE'S YOUR WHAT!?!?!?!"
Peorth smiled. "I rest my case."
Skuld gave Peorth a glare, then looked toward the Apartment.
'Yoko?'
'Yes Auntie'
'Everything alright?'
'Asuka was just surprised. She actually seems a lot happier.'
'Alright, don't take too long. Kami-sama still wishes to see you.'
'Yes Auntie.'
Skuld turned and looked at Peorth and smiled.
"Alright, people change!" shouted Peorth, throwing up her hands in defeat, "What does Kami-sama want Sayoko for?"
"I don't know."
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Two weeks later. Toyko-2
Shinji, Asuka, Rei sat across the table from Hikari and Kensuke. The 5 had been trading stories back and forth since the last time they'd seen each other. It hadn't take long for Hikari and Kensuke to accept Rei as Shinji's sister, after all, they had accepted that Gods and Goddesses existed.
"I still can't believe you didn't tell me." muttered Kensuke.
"And have it broadcasted all over school?" replied Asuka. "Get real Kensuke."
"So, are the rumors true?"
"What rumors?" asked Shinji.
"About NERV."
The 3 pilots looked at each other. Then they turned back to Kensuke.
"You have been hacking again, haven't you?" asked Rei.
Kensuke just nodded. Shinji gave a sigh.
"Yes, it's true."
Hikari looked at them confused. "What's true?"
"NERV was officially dissolved. All remaining NERV assets are now part of the UN. Since the Evas don't seem to be able to work, We have been 'retired'. Misato was transferred here as liaison to the government of Japan. Rei, Asuka and I still live with her as she is still our guardian. Everyone else has been transferred to the UN."
"Where's Sayoko?"
"We haven't seen her for the last 2 weeks, not since she brought Rei back to us." said Asuka. "But we did get a call from Megumi. Which is why we said to meet us here."
"Did she say why?" asked Hikari.
"No. But I assume she had a good reason."
"She did." came a new voice.
Everyone turned to see Sayoko and Skuld standing nearby.
"SAYOKO!!" Sayoko was soon swarmed by her friends. After a few minutes of greetings everyone sat down.
"So why didn't Megumi tell us you'd be here?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko smiled. "I wanted it to be a surprise. But I also have some good news."
"Tell us!" said Hikari.
"Well first of all, I am no longer a 2nd Class Goddess."
"WHAT?!" Everyone stared at her in shock.
"Nope, I will officially be a 1st Class Goddess next week at a ceremony. Even though it's unprecedented, You all are invited to go, as is Misato and Kaji." Sayoko then gave them a small smile, "That is if you want to."
The children all talked to each other quietly. They then sat back. Rei gave Sayoko a smile and spoke.
"Sayoko, we would be honored to attend."
Sayoko gave them a smile. "You guys are the best."
A look came over Rei's face. "Does this mean, that will be the last time we see you?"
Everyone looked at Sayoko with concern.
"No, I will be staying on the surface for now. Kami-sama is going to follow my parents wishes and allow me to finish school here."
The other children all gave a sigh of relief.
"That is wonderful Sayoko." said Rei.
"Yeah, it'll be nice to have a goddess in class." said Kensuke. "I could always use a little divine help during tests."
Everyone at the table glared at Kensuke.
"STOOGE!" shouted Asuka. Kensuke got up and ran for his life, with Asuka, and Hikari in hot pursuit. Skuld watched them do a lap of the restaurant before heading outside. She then turned back to face Sayoko, Rei and Shinji.
"I guess some things don't change." she said.
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The Heavens
Kami-sama stood quietly in a large chamber looking at the objects that had delivered, while Peorth and Urd stood behind him. Kami-sama continued to stare at the objects as he spoke.
"How long will it take?"
"Sir," said Peorth, "from the material we have read, it could take a month, it could take years. We just don't know."
Kami-sama nodded before walking over to one of the objects. He placed his hand on the smooth glass like surface.
"I want our best people on this. I want this handled quickly. We owe him much. Mortals only live for so long."
"Yes sir."
"Dismissed."
Peorth and Urd bowed and left the room quickly. Kami-sama remained among the objects.
"Soon," he said quietly, "Soon, you will finally be free of your prison. All of you."
He turned and headed towards the doorway. The doors opened revealing 30 armed Valkyries. Kami-sama turned to them.
"No one is to enter unless they have my approval. Is that understood?"
"YES SIR!"
Kami-sama turned and watched as the doors closed.
'Until I see you again,...my Belldandy.'
Inside the now darkened room, the core area from Unit 04 flickered softly, the light it gave off revealed a massive purple form, with softly glowing eyes.
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Finale
High above the remains of Toyko-3, 9 large transports moved into formation for a drop. Underneath, humanoid forms ride in their bellies. Slim red plugs are inserted and hatches are closed. As one, they are released. The 9 Production Evas, pure white and controlled by Dummy Plugs, open their wings and begin to circle above NERV HQ and its lone defender.
Asuka looks up into the sky and watches them circle.
"The Production Series? They've been completed?"
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Central Dogma.
Fuyutsuki stared at the main screen.
"They've deployed all 9 MP Evas with S2 engines? Isn't that a little overkill, unless....." Fuyutsuki eyes widened, "They intend to start it here!"
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"Asuka!" came Misato's voice. "You must destroy all the MP Evas. Shinji will be there soon."
Asuka gave a small smile. "You mean once you figure out where you are?"
"Just do the best you can."
Asuka stared at the radio. "The best I can? I've been in a coma for 3 months!"
* We can do it. *
Asuka turned to see the ghostly form of Belldandy next to her. Belldandy smiled.
Asuka turned back to the MP Evas as they began to land.
"We'll let's do it then!"
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Misato stared at the radio. 'That little...' "Just do the best you can. Hyuga, where am I"
"Your close to emergency elevator 20. That will take you right down to the Eva cage."
"Thanks. Come on Shinji!" Misato took off down a corridor, followed closely by Shinji. Unnoticed by them, a dark figure followed. Misato and Shinji entered a foyer, where many ramps and corridors met. At the far end was a doorway.
"It should be right through there." said Misato, "Let's g.." Gunfire erupted around them.
"MOVE IT SHINJI!!!!" Shinji ran next to Misato as bullets splattered about them. Just as Shinji was moving through the door he heard Misato give a grunt. Shinji turned quickly and slapped the control to shut the door. Just as the door closed, the sound of an impact and explosion came through the wall.
"Just in time." Shinji muttered, he turned to look at Misato. She remained on the floor were she had fallen.
"MISATO!!!" Shinji falls by Misato's side.
Misato gives Shinji a weak smile. "It's not....as bad...as it looks." She moves slowly to her feet and heads towards the elevator. She presses a button, opening the gate.
"There's still power. You can still make it." Misato leans up against the wall.
"Shinji, your on your own now......"
"Misato......"
"....Go help Asuka."
"But Misato! I...." Misato moves in and gives Shinji a kiss. After a few seconds she pulls away.
"Go now, She needs you." Misato pushed Shinji into the elevator and pressed the button. Shinji fell backwards into the elevator. He looked up and had one last view of Misato before the doors closed. He stood up and heard something clank to the floor. He looked down. Laying on the floor of the elevator was Misato's cross. He picked it up and held it tightly in his hands. Tears began to form in his eyes.
"Good bye, Misato."
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Misato slowly fell to the floor.
"I suppose I knew it would end this way. Kaji did I do alright?"
"You did well Misato." came a female voice.
Misato turned to the voice's owner. "What.....Where?"
"Shhh, don't talk. We're going on a little trip."
Misato's view of the world disappeared into darkness.
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"Geez, Don't these things know when to stop?" muttered Asuka. Asuka leaped over one MP Eva, smashing into another. She grabbed the Eva she had just jumped over and twisted its head. A loud crack echoed throughout the Geofront as the Eva's neck broke.
"3 down, another 6 to go." said Asuka. "Come on Shinji! Hurry up!"
The 6 remaining MP Evas pulled out sword-like weapons. Asuka's eyes widened slightly. Belldandy's ghostly form leaned forward for a closer look.
" 'Best Eva Pilot' hmm?" Belldandy said quietly, "I hope your as good as you say."
"So do I." said Asuka. Asuka pushed forward on the controls and charged towards the MP Evas.
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Gendo Ikari and Rei entered Terminal Dogma and approached the giant cross. A figure stepped out from behind it and onto the platform.
"I've been waiting for you Ikari." said Ritsuko, pointing her gun at Ikari. "I knew you'd come here." She turned and looked at Rei. "But I didn't expect you. Why are you here?" Her face was that of one who had been betrayed.
Rei just stared at Ritsuko. She tried to think of something, anything she could say to the Doctor. Ikari did not notice Rei's conflicted face.
"She knows where her place is."
Ritsuko just nodded as she stared at Rei. 'Still a puppet.' She turned back to Ikari. "I altered the MAGI's program earlier." She held out a small remote control.
"A daughter's last wish, to die with her mother."
She pressed the button. The click echoed throughout the chamber, but nothing else occurred.
"What!?" Ritsuko looked at the control. The display signaled the rejection of her signal.
"What! Mother! You'd choose him over me!?"
"Dr. Akagi." Ikari said quietly as he raised his gun. " I truly......"
Ritsuko gave a small smirk. "Liar."
Ikari's gun fired one shot. Ritsuko flew backwards from platform. As she fell she looked up in shock to see someone floating over her. Someone who looked sort of like Sayoko. She landed with a splash into the LCL.
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Shinji finally reached the cage his Eva was being held in. But as his Eva came into view, he fell to his knees.
"No...." He mumbled quietly. His Eva was covered in Bakelite, freezing it into place. He sat down and stared at it. The sounds of the battle could be heard over the speaker.
"Dammit, Shinji where are you?" came Asuka's voice. "There's still 4 left!"
Shinji stared at his Eva.
"Look's pretty hopeless, huh kid?"
Shinji turned to see a woman standing near him, also looking at the Eva. She turned to face him. He recognized her from the Karaoke bar.
"Your that Demon that Sayoko was telling us about." He said in shock.
Mara just smiled, "Yep, Mara, 1st Class Demon at your service."
"Go away."
Mara's smile vanished into a frown. "Well gee, if you don't want my help, I'll just leave." Mara stared to turn.
"Wait!" Mara stopped and faced Shinji again. "What do you want?"
"Believe it or not, I am here to help you, no questions asked."
Shinji looked skeptical. "Really?"
"I'm doing this as a favor to an old friend, alright?" Mara turned and began to concentrate. She moved her hands close together. A ball of energy formed. She sent the ball hurtling towards the bakelite. With a loud explosion, Unit 01 was blown free of the material. Shinji turned and looked at Mara.
"Now, don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Yes ma'am!" Shinji turned and headed for the entry plug of his Eva. He climbed in and began the start up procedures. Mara watched as Unit 01's eyes lit up. The Eva looked right at her before turning towards the launch tube.
"LUANCH UNIT 01!" Shinji shouted.
In Central Dogma, Fuyutsuki gave a small smile. Aoba reached up onto the control panel.
"EVA LAUNCH!" he shouted as his hand pressed the button.
Mara watched as Unit 01 raced towards the surface.
"Give them hell." She said quietly.
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Asuka was fighting the last 3 MP Evas when she heard the order to launch Unit 01.
"About time Shinji!" muttered Asuka. "I didn't think you were coming."
"What? And let you have all the fun? No way!" was Shinji's reply
* ASUKA!!! LOOK OUT!!! *
Asuka turned at Belldandy's cry just in time to see one of the MP Eva's weapons heading towards her. She threw up her AT-Field in front of it. It stopped at the field. It hovered there for a few second, before changing into a lance.
"The Lance of Longinus?" Asuka said in surprise. The lance hovered a few seconds more before piercing through the AT-Field. Its twin points plunged deep into Unit 04's head. The ghostly form of Belldandy gave out a cry of shock before vanishing. Asuka screamed as pain stabbed through her head. The monitor around her began to flicker. Another lance came flying at the Eva, piercing its chest. On its way through the chest area, it cracked the S2 Engine, causing the Eva to lose power. Shinji's Eva burst onto the surface just in time to see Unit 04 fall onto its back.
"ASUKA!!!" Shinji shouted. He started to run towards Asuka's Eva. One of the remaining MP Evas attempted to stop him. Another MP Eva joined the fight against Unit 01.
All around the Geofront, the defeated MP Evas began to reactivate.
In Central Dogma, Maya gasped.
"The MP Evas!! They're...reactivating."
Aoba ran next to Maya to look at her screen.
"What are they doing?"
Inside the darkened plug of Unit 04, Asuka struggled with the grips, trying to get the Eva to restart.
"Come on, move! I know you can! Come on Belldandy!! I need your help! Come on move!!"
The walls of the plug began to shimmer. Outside sparks began to fly out from where the lance had cracked the S2 Engine. Unit 04 started to rise despite 2 lances stuck in it and began to start towards Unit 01, when one of the reactivated Evas used its weapon to cut off its leg. Unit 04 crashed to the ground. Several of the MP Evas went after Unit 04 and began to tear it apart.
Maya gasped as her screen reported the grim demise of Unit 04. She turned away. Hyuga looked at the screen. "My god....That's Unit 04?!"
Shinji fights off the MP Evas and glances at where Unit 04 had been. Pieces of it lay scattered about.
"NO!!!!! ASUKA!!!!" Shinji ran towards the fallen Eva.
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In Terminal Dogma.
"Rei, the time has come." Gendo said quietly. He removed the glove on his right hand, revealing the embryo of Adam, the first Angel. "Adam and I are now one. For this is the only way I will be able to see Yui again. The forbidden joining of Adam and Lilith."
Gendo moves closer to Rei.
"Let's begin, Rei. Release your AT Field, the barrier of your heart. Complement your imperfect heart, leave your useless body... Merge all souls into one. And then, take me to Yui's side."
Gendo placed his right hand on Rei's chest and began to merge with her. Rei gave a gasp as his hand moved towards her stomach.
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Shinji was almost to Unit 04 when he was grabbed by the MP Evas and hauled into the air. Shinji struggled against their grip but failed. He tried to reach out with his hand towards Unit 04.
"NOOOO!! ASUKA!!!!"
A figure watched as Unit 01 was dragged into the sky. She watched for a few seconds more then turned her attention to Unit 04. She walked to where the Eva's core lay exposed. Next to it, the entry plug could just be seen in the remains of the chest. As she got closer to the core, she slipped in the blood that dripped from the Eva. She landed with a splash. She sighed and looked up to the sky.
"Why do I always get the 'fun' jobs?" she asked quietly.
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The Moon.
All is quiet. And then, a swirl of activity brings the eye to a recently made crater. Bursting forth from the crater, the true Lance of Longinus flew away from the moon, heading towards Tokyo-3.
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The JSSDF Commander had stood by and watched as the MP Evas had destroyed Unit 04. He now watched as they pulled Unit 01 into the sky.
"What the hell are they doing?"
"Sir!" cried his Aide. "We have an object approaching at high speed from the moon!"
"WHAT!?!"
He looks back to the Evas in time to see an object stop just short of Unit 01's throat.
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SEELE 01: At long last our hopes are to be realized.
SEELE 04: The original Lance of Longinus has returned as well.
Together: Return the Eva series to its rightful form. Evangelize humankind and restore us to our true form. With indiscriminate death and prayers, we return to our original state.
SEELE 01: And let all souls find peace. Now, let the ceremony begin!
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The MP Evas moved into a formation around Unit 01. A pattern filled the sky between them.
"Unit 01 has been captured!!" shouted Hyuga.
Fuyutsuki turned and watched as Unit 01 continued to be pulled upward.
"Do they plan to use Unit 01 as the well of souls?"
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Elsewhere.
Misato opened her eyes.
"I'm...alive?"
Misato sat up. The last thing she remembered was laying in a hallway, dying. Then Sayoko appeared above her. Now she was on a bed with white sheets. The room was also a pure white. Light streamed in through large windows. Misato got up and noticed she had no injury, the only evidence being the hole in her dress.
"What? How?"
Misato walked to the windows and looked out. She saw buildings, seemingly floating on nothing, a beautiful landscape of green beyond them. It was a breath taking sight.
"Ah, So your awake." came a familiar voice.
Misato turned around and looked with shock. "K..k...Kaji?"
Kaji gave her a smile. "Last time I looked."
Misato flew at Kaji and wrapped him up in a giant hug. Tears filled her eyes.
"I thought you were dead."
Kaji smiled. "Well I'm not. And before you ask, no, your not either."
"Then where are we?"
Kaji took her hand, "Come on. I'll show you."
Kaji lead her through a doorway. As they exited, Misato noticed two heavily armored women. The armor they wore belonged to a deferent time and place, but it shined as if it was new. The women immediately stepped away and followed Kaji and Misato in formation on either side of them. Kaji saw Misato staring at their escort.
"They are Valkyries. They guard this facility."
Misato's eyes widened. "Valkyries! But that means...."
Kaji just smiled, "Yep."
"How did you get here?"
"Sayoko's Aunt Skuld."
Misato looked around. "Is Sayoko here?"
"No, she went back to the surface, there's....a lot of things happening."
"Why are you here?"
Kaji smiled, " Well, they knew quite a bit about NERV and the Angels, but there was a few things that they did not know, such as that Adam still existed, and Ikari had plans over then SEELE's on his mind. I filled them in on all that."
"Why am I here?"
Kaji put his arm around her. "Because, the big guy is not as insensitive as he seems. He knows how Shinji and Asuka feel for you, and he wanted to be sure there was someone there for them when this has ended. If everything turns out alright."
Misato stared at Kaji. "What do you mean?"
"They have been trying to prevent 3rd Impact as much as we have. That is why Sayoko was allowed to become a pilot. Should 3rd Impact occur, Armageddon would follow. The forces of Heaven would battle the forces of Hell in a final battle. Regardless how the battle ends, humanity would not survive. At least, that is what they have been telling me."
He headed towards a set of ornate doors. More Valkyries stood at either side of the door. As they approached, the door swung open, revealing an enormous chamber. In the center, 3 twisted poles moved slowly, making it look like they were drilling into something far below. Kaji led Misato over to a floating chair in which a woman sat.
Kaji stopped just in front of her. "Misato, I'd like you to meet Peorth, Goddess 1st Class Type 2 Unlimited, SysOp for the world computer Yggdrasil."
Misato stared in shock. "Umm, hello."
Peorth nodded, "Nice to finally meet you."
Kaji turned and looked towards the main display. "What's been happening?"
Peorth looked away from Kaji and back to the display. "Unit 04 has been destroyed."
Misato gasp. "Asuka?"
Peorth was about to answer when alarms began to sound all over the chamber.
"What's happening?" shouted Peorth, Kaji and Misato quickly forgotten.
"They have started the ceremony!!" replied Chronos. "Yggdrasil is starting to fail!"
"Quick!! Shut down all unnecessary programs!!" ordered Peorth. "We must keep the main system online!!" Peorth turned and looked at the main screen.
'Come on, don't let us down.'
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Together: To restore the Tree of Life!
SEELE 01: Our servants, the Eva series... Their existence has all been for this moment. Soon, our dream will be reality.
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"The Evas!! Their S2 systems are opening!" shouted Hyuga.
"AT-Field values are inverting. They are going negative!" added Aoba.
Fuyutsuki stared at the screen.
"An Anti-AT-Field."
"The data is similar to 15 years ago!" gasped Maya. "My god, Third Impact has begun!"
A massive explosion takes place in the area that Tokyo-3 once occupied, revealing the circular form of the Geofront. The entire Central Dogma began to shake.
"Direct hit!!" shouted Aoba. "Surface layers are melting away!!"
"JSSDF force on the surface has been annihilated!!" shouted Hyuga.
"We can take it! Set shock absorbers to maximum!" ordered Fuyutsuki.
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SEELE 09: With purification of the Red Earth ceremony, which speaks of eternal time....
SEELE 01: Return the Geofront, to its true form.... The Egg of Lilith.
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Ikari looked about as the room gave a shudder.
"It has begun. Rei, take me to Yui."
"No." Rei replied. She tried to pull away from Gendo, but he grabbed her, keeping his hand inside of her.
"Do not resist me, take me to Yui....NOW!!"
A ball of energy flew between them. Rei fell back away in surprise, as did Gendo. His hand was pulled out of Rei, leaving the embryo behind. Gendo turned to see Skuld standing on the platform in full goddess robes.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"I am Skuld, Goddess 1st Class." Her eyes narrowed. " And I am here to stop you."
Gendo gave her his smirk. "Goddess? There is no such thing." He pointed his gun at her. "Even if you are what you say you are..... We have defeated the messengers of god, we can defeat you too."
Skuld just crossed her arms. "And how do you intend to do that?"
"Rei..." Gendo turned to where Rei had fallen, only to find she was no longer there.
"Looking for someone?" came a taunting voice.
Gendo turned to see Sayoko, also in goddess robes, standing just in front of Rei. Gendo turned his gun on her, "Stay where you are. Rei come here."
"No."
"What?"
"I am not your doll." Rei said quietly.
Gendo glared at Sayoko. "It's your fault she no longer obeys me!"
Gendo opened fire on Sayoko, only to have his shots deflected by a bright blue shield. Gendo continued to fire until his clip had emptied. A hand clamped down on his shoulder and spun him about to face a very angry Skuld.
"You shot at my niece you basterd!!" Skuld pulled her fist back and then punched Gendo across the platform and into the LCL with a giant splash. Skuld winced and held her hand in pain.
"OW, that hurt!"
Sayoko just smiled. "You should have used your hammer."
Rei grabbed Sayoko. "Dr. Akagi. He shot her, she's....."
"Where!?" Sayoko asked.
Rei turned and pointed to an area of LCL. Sayoko floated over and looked down into the LCL.
"Auntie, a little help here." She and Skuld disappeared into the LCL. They reappeared a few seconds later with Ritsuko, who began to cough up LCL. They set her down gently. Then Skuld healed her wound. Ritsuko stared at the two in shock.
"Wh...what are you?"
"Questions later." said Skuld. She turned to Rei. "Don't you have someplace to be?"
Rei nodded and moved towards the Angel. She floated off the ground and approached the chest of the Angel.
"NO WAIT!! DON'T!!!" shouted Ritsuko.
"We know what we're doing." said Skuld. "At least, I hope we do."
Sayoko stared at her Aunt in shock. "WHAT?! What do you mean!?"
Skuld turned and looked at Sayoko. "Well, nothing like this has ever been done before."
Sayoko and Ritsuko just stared at Skuld. Rei approached the Angels chest and vanished into it. The Angel's legs reformed and it pulled itself from the cross. It landed with a splash in to the LCL. It then leaned forward, the mask covering its face fell away. The angel began to shift, taking the form of Rei. Rei looked down at the 2 goddesses and 1 mortal. She gave a small smile then began to rise towards the surface.
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"Unidentified Energy source has been detected in Terminal Dogma!" shouted Hyuga.
"AT-Field detected. Pattern is blue!" shouted Aoba.
Maya looked up stunned. "Another Angel?!"
The form of giant Rei appeared in front of the Command Center. The few remaining JSSDF soldiers tried shooting at it. It continued on its way towards the surface. All the bridge crew stared in shock. Their shock increased when an abandoned cup of coffee began to shake and glow. Skuld burst forth from the mug, pulling behind her a very surprised Ritsuko. Fuyutsuki was the first to recover.
"Who are you?"
Skuld ignored him and pulled out a small mirror. Soon Sayoko was standing next to her.
The bridge crew let out another gasp of surprise.
"Sayoko?" Maya said quietly.
Several shots flew past Skuld and Sayoko. A few that might have hit them were blocked by blue shields. Skuld turned quietly and created a force bolt.
"Pattern...Purple detected." Aoba said.
Skuld let the bolt fly. It slammed into the floor directly in front of the JSSDF soldiers. They were blown backwards several feet. Seeing Skuld readying a second bolt the soldiers decided to leave, quickly. The Bridge crew stared at the 2 goddesses.
Fuyutsuki glared at them. "5th Child! What is the meaning of this?"
Sayoko stared back at the Vice-Commander, her face very serious. "Sir, I am Sayoko, Goddess 2nd Class, Limited, this is my Aunt Skuld, Goddess 1st Class Type 2 Unlimited." The bridge crew looked at her with surprise. That surprise turned into fear at the look that Skuld gave them.
"We're here to oversee your trial."
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Shinji struggled to regain control of his Eva, but the MPs continued to hold him in place. He then saw movement in front of him. A massive form began to rise from the surface. As the face came into view, Shinji let out a gasp of surprise.
"Rei!?"
The MP Evas moved to assume another formation. The massive Rei began to move towards them.
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Tokyo-2
Hikari and Kensuke were walking down the street next to Megumi.
"Thanks Miss Morisato." said Hikari.
"No problem, I'm glad I could take you two to see Touji."
"I can't wait until he gets out." said Kensuke. "Then it will start to be like old times."
Megumi just smiled. They continued down the street further when a bright flash lit up the sky. The sky began to glow red.
"What the hell is that!?" shouted Kensuke.
"I don't know." replied Hikari. She turned and looked at Megumi. Megumi's face had turned completely white.
"Miss Morisato? What's wrong? What is it?"
"The... last time I saw that....was...15 years ago."
Hikari's eye's widened. "2nd Impact? But... Sayoko wouldn't let that happen! Neither would her Aunt's!"
Megumi started running towards her Apartment with Kensuke and Hikari in pursuit. "I know! I think I still have a phone number or two. Maybe I can reach them."
"What the hell is going on?" asked Kensuke.
"Kensuke," started Hikari. "Your not going to believe this but....."
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"Our trial?" asked Fuyutsuki, quietly. "What are we on trial for?"
Skuld glared at the Vice-Commander. "You know the truth of what happened 15 years ago?"
"I do."
"Then you have your answer."
Fuyutsuki stared at Skuld in shock before sitting down. He placed his head in his hands. Ritsuko and the bridge crew looked at each other and then at Skuld and Sayoko.
"But we don't know!" said Ritsuko. "What happened?"
"A scientific team was sent to Antarctica, there they found Adam, the first 'Angel'."
"I know this." said Ritsuko. "The Angel awoke during tests and set off the 2nd Impact."
"Do you know what those tests involved?" asked Skuld.
Ritsuko took a step back. "Not exactly."
"They inserted the Lance of Longinus into its core to test its reaction. They planned to only insert it so far, but someone changed the computer program. It was inserted beyond the point that they intended, and they woke up Adam. 2nd Impact was caused by actions of one man, by the orders of a group of men."
Fuyutsuki lifted his head. "Ikari! He knew what was going to happen! Him and SEELE!"
The bridge crew and Ritsuko stared at Fuyutsuki, before another rumble brought their attention back to their monitors.
"The Eva's AT-Fields are resonating!" said Hyuga.
Maya looked at Sayoko, "What's happening?"
Sayoko just watched the monitor.
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The lance approached Unit 01's core it penetrated and merged with Unit 01, transforming it into a large cross like object. The giant Rei began to cup Unit 01 in its hands. Unit one then disappeared into Rei.
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Alarms continued to sound inside Yggdrasil Control. Peorth continued to shout orders trying to prevent the main program from crashing. Misato clung to Kaji, having no idea what was happening. It was then that Urd arrived. Peorth turned to her.
"Where the hell have you been?!"
Urd shrugged. "Hey, you had the easy part. You know how hard it was to get that thing up here!"
Peorth turned back to the main monitor. Urd looked at the monitor and gasped.
"Its already transformed into the Tree of Life?! What is she waiting for?!"
Peorth looked at her. "We just have to hold on for a little while longer...Any help you can provide would be appreciated."
Urd walked over to a control panel and began to type rapidly.
Misato turned to Kaji. "Do you know what is going on?"
"From what I've been told, should 3rd Impact occur, this entire system will crash, the first step towards Armageddon." Kaji turned and watched the Goddesses fly about the control area. "They just barely saved it during the 2nd Impact."
Misato turned back and watched the flurry of activity, thinking about what had been said.
"What's the Tree of Life anyway?"
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"It's what?" asked Maya.
Fuyutsuki continued to stare at the giant screen. "The Tree of Life, Unit 01 has become like god. It could save us from 3rd Impact or could damn us. Our fate is in the hands of young Ikari."
Ritsuko turned and looked at Skuld. "In Shinji's hands!?"
"Yes, He is your Judge and Jury."
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Somewhere
Shinji floated in darkness. Images went through his mind. He saw events from the past, events that he had never witnessed, people he did not know, all flashed before him. It seemed to go on forever.
"What is going on? What is happening?"
"You are seeing into the minds of all people, their thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, and desires." came Rei's voice.
"Why are you showing me all of this?" asked Shinji.
"Because you must make a choice."
"What choice?"
"Based on what you see, what you know."
"What?"
"You must make a choice."
"A choice for what!?"
"A choice of Life, or Death."
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Sayoko watched the screen quietly. 'Come on Shinji, I know you will do the right thing.'
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"What do you mean life or death?" asked Shinji. "I don't understand Rei!"
"You must try to, for only you can decide their fate."
Shinji whirled about in the darkness. "Wait, do you mean...the fate of everyone..... I'm in control of their fate?"
"Yes."
"But....I can't do that! Sayoko's the goddess, She and her Aunt's are the fates!"
"But you have been chosen. You must make the decision."
Shinji bowed his head. His thoughts drifted to Asuka and Misato, and the last time he saw them before they.....
"No, I can't."
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Aoba stared at his screen. "The Eva's and the Geofront are still rising."
Hyuga stared in shock at his screen. "The Angel is sending out an Anti-AT-Field, it's expanding!"
The Giant Rei began to cup the Geofront in her hands. A white glow began to appear on the ground below.
"Anti-AT Field critical limit exceeded!" shouted Hyuga.
"No...!" shouted Aoba, "If this continues, individual life-forms will be unable to maintain their separate entities!"
Wings appeared behind the Giant Rei and they began to encircle the earth.
Sayoko turned to her Aunt. "What's happening?"
"We have failed."
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"Yggdrasil is failing!" shouted Chronos. "Estimated time to total failure is 5 mins!"
"Dammit!" shouted Peorth, "X, Erie, Try to stabilize the program. Shut down any last remaining secondary programs."
"Yes Ma'am."
Urd turned to a Valkyrie. "If Yggdrasil fails completely......"
"We have are orders Ma'am. The attack will begin instantaneously."
Urd nodded, then turned back to her display.
Peorth continued to issue orders to those around her. Misato watched but did not understand what was being said. It was then that Kaji took her in his arms.
"This may be a very bad time to say this but, I don't know how much time is left...." Kaji smiled, "I have to tell you something...."
Misato looked at Kaji questioningly. "Kaji?"
"I didn't forget...." Kaji took her hands in to his. Misato's eyes widened as she realized what he was about to say.
"Misato, I ....."
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"Why can't you?" asked Rei.
"Because....I just can't." shouted Shinji. Asuka and Misato continued to haunt him.
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Down in Central Dogma, Sayoko sensed Shinji's sorrow of the loss of his Guardian, and his Girlfriend, the only people he truly cared for. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Skuld turned and looked at her, but said nothing.
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Shinji continued to think on Asuka and Misato, when a new voice was heard.
"Shinji."
Shinji looked about, but still saw nothing. "Who's there?"
"It's Sayoko."
"What do you want?"
"You need to decide Shinji."
"But I can't. You're the goddess, you decide. I'm a nobody."
Sayoko replied angrily, "Dammit Shinji, You are a someone! You are Asuka's love. Misato looks on you like a son! You have a sister who cares for you! You are my friend! How can you say you're a nobody!?"
"But they're gone....Misato...then Asuka...they're both gone."
"Did you love them?"
"What?"
"Did you love them?"
"Yes."
"Then you should honor their sacrifice. Make your choice, or everything they did for you was wasted."
Shinji stared off into the darkness.
"Life or Death Shinji?" came Rei's voice.
Shinji made his choice.
"Life."
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"AT-Field strength is increasing." shouted Aoba.
Fuyutsuki looked on quietly. "It's only a matter of time now."
"SOMETHING'S HAPPENING!!" shouted Hyuga.
Everyone turned and looked at the monitor. The Giant Rei began to fall backwards onto the earth, the Geofront began to fall. The Earth shook as Rei impacted with the ground. Bursting forth from her came Unit 01. It rose from the body of the Angel. The giant Rei began to fall apart, flooding the surrounding areas with LCL. Unit 01 continued to rise towards the heavens.
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"1 Minute to total failure." shouted Chronos.
"Peorth, we're not going to make it!" shouted Urd.
Peorth tried to think up something that hadn't been tried yet, but was coming up empty. Kaji and Misato watched the monitors. Nobody saw Kami-sama enter the room. He moved quietly towards Peorth. When he was about halfway there.....
"YGGDRASIL IS COMING BACK UP!!" shouted Erie.
Everyone turned and looked at her. Chronos looked at her display.
"Confirmed! Main Program has stabilized!"
Peorth and Urd looked at each other. "What did you do?" they asked each other at once.
"Perhaps I could answer that." said Kami-sama. Peorth and Urd turned and looked at the newcomer. Both of their eyes went wide as they saw who it was.
"KAMI-SAMA!" Peorth and Urd immediately bowed, as did all the other Gods and Goddesses. Misato could only stare. Kaji smiled.
"I believe that my Granddaughter's young friend has finally made his choice." said Kami-sama, nodding toward the monitors. On the screen, Unit 01 continued to float upwards, the MP Evas began to fall lifelessly to the ground.
Kami-sama then turned to Peorth. "Status."
"Yggdrasil is coming back up to full strength. It seems to be running better then it has since 2nd Impact."
"Very well. Commander," A Valkyrie stepped forward. " Stand down your troops, Armageddon has been.....put off." The Valkyrie bowed and stepped back. " Peorth, return these 2 to the surface. Then I have another project for you and Urd." Kami-sama started to walk away. "Oh Urd. You forgot about someone when you brought back the...object.
Urd's eyes widened. "Opps. I forgot she was in it."
"Don't worry, I'll handle it. And tell Mara she can have him now."
"Where will you be sir?"
"Fulfilling a promise."
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Gendo climbed back onto the platform. He looked about, noting the Angel was no longer there. He immediately began planning his next step.
'I can still be with Yui. This is just a minor set back. 3rd Impact hasn't occurred, I can come up with.....'
"Oh no you won't." said a female voice, rather nastily.
Gendo turned to see a blond woman in leather standing nearby on the platform. She had red slash marks upon her forehead.
"And just who are you and what are you doing here?" Gendo asked.
"Mara 1st Class Demon, and I'm here for you."
Gendo smirked and looked at Mara, giving her the glare. "I don't think so." He started to turn and walk away.
"I beg to differ, You're coming with me." Mara waved her hands. Gendo disappeared into fireball. Mara smiled.
"I'm going to enjoy making him suffer." She vanished with a cackle.
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Kami-sama stood waiting in the darkness. Finally, a figure appeared before him.
"Hello Lilith," Kami-sama said quietly, "It's been awhile."
"Yes, It has. But I am no longer Lilith, I am Rei."
Kami-sama smiled, "Of course. But you still remember the promise I made all those years ago?"
Rei nodded. "I do."
"I still stand by it. If you wish, I can return you to them."
Rei was quiet for a second, "I wish it."
"I thought you would. I have made....arrangements."
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Shinji awoke on a beach. All around him, the MP Evas were crashing into the ground or into the sea. The Angel itself continued to break up. Shinji sat up and looked about. The landscape was flattened from repeated explosions. It was then he noticed he was not alone. Laying on the ground next to him was Asuka.
"ASUKA!!" Shinji picked her up into his arms. Her eyes fluttered open. When she realized who was holding her, she wrapped her arms around him. Noticing that she was awake, Shinji pulled her closer to himself.
"I thought you were dead." He cried softly.
"You can't get rid of me that easily." Asuka replied. "Now, if I remember, we still have something to finish."
Shinji smiled, he leaned forward and gave Asuka a long passionate kiss. Misato and Kaji quietly walked up from behind a sand dune. Seeing the 2 pilots before him, Kaji smiled. 'Atta boy Shinji.'
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SEELE 05: We were so close! What went wrong?!
SEELE 07: The data can be reviewed, perhaps we still might achieve Instrumentality
SEELE 01: Ikari failed us. He will suffer for this, as will his son.
"I seriously doubt that."
A figure appeared amongst the monoliths.
SEELE 01: Who dares to impose themselves in our affairs!
The figure looked up to reveal the face of Mara.
"Oh don't worry about little old me. You'll be seeing a lot of me for a long time."
SEELE 03: Not likely. Those who interfere in our affairs soon find themselves dead.
Mara smiled and pointed towards 03. A scream echoed throughout the chamber, and then the monolith disappeared.
"1 down, 11 to go."
SEELE 01: Who are you?
"The name is Mara. Remember it, cause I guarantee, you will be screaming it later, in pain."
Her cackle filled the room as monolith after monolith disappeared, until there were none left.
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Several Hour later. Katsuragi Apartment.
The Apartment, while it was away from the battle and the resulting explosions, looked as if had seen better days. Misato, Shinji, Kaji, and Asuka sat down at the table, lit with candlelight, to celebrate everyone's survival and return. They had been talking about the past months leading up to the day's events.
"But," asked Shinji. "What happened to Sayoko?"
Misato shrugged, "According to Ritsuko, Sayoko and her Aunt vanished shortly after 3rd Impact failed. They haven't been seen since."
"So what happens now?" asked Asuka. "What happens to the Evas and NERV?"
"Well, from what Ritsuko said, the MP Evas are not functional. We don't know if they will never work again."
"What about Unit 01?" asked Shinji.
"Disappeared. It just vanished. As it is, NERV will probably be absorbed by the UN."
A knock at the door interrupted them. Shinji went to get it. The door opened to reveal Sayoko and a girl who looked familiar.
"Hello Shinji." Sayoko said with a smile.
"Hey, come in and join the party."
"Alright but only for a short visit." Sayoko said, "I've got somewhere to be. I'm just dropping off someone." Sayoko nodded to the girl. Shinji looked at her. She was about his height with brown hair and blue eyes.
The girl gave him a small but very familiar smile. "Hello Ikari."
Shinji's eyes went wide. "REI!?!"
Sayoko laughed at Shinji's reaction. "Yep. Only it's no longer Ayanami. She is officially Rei Ikari, your sister." Sayoko gave Shinji another smile. " She is also 100% human."
"What!?"
Sayoko shrugged. "Kami-sama always keeps his promises."
Shinji returned the smile to Sayoko. "Come on in. I can't wait to see Asuka's reaction."
Sayoko and Rei looked at each other and smiled. "Neither can we." Sayoko replied. Sayoko and Rei followed Shinji into the apartment. Across the street, Skuld, Urd, Peorth sat watching in a tree.
"Well, what do you think she'll do?" asked Urd.
"She's a complete bitch." said Peorth. "She'll probably be screaming about this for the next month."
Skuld rolled her eyes, "People change Peorth..." A loud female yell coming from the apartment diverted their attention.
"SHE'S YOUR WHAT!?!?!?!"
Peorth smiled. "I rest my case."
Skuld gave Peorth a glare, then looked toward the Apartment.
'Yoko?'
'Yes Auntie'
'Everything alright?'
'Asuka was just surprised. She actually seems a lot happier.'
'Alright, don't take too long. Kami-sama still wishes to see you.'
'Yes Auntie.'
Skuld turned and looked at Peorth and smiled.
"Alright, people change!" shouted Peorth, throwing up her hands in defeat, "What does Kami-sama want Sayoko for?"
"I don't know."
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Two weeks later. Toyko-2
Shinji, Asuka, Rei sat across the table from Hikari and Kensuke. The 5 had been trading stories back and forth since the last time they'd seen each other. It hadn't take long for Hikari and Kensuke to accept Rei as Shinji's sister, after all, they had accepted that Gods and Goddesses existed.
"I still can't believe you didn't tell me." muttered Kensuke.
"And have it broadcasted all over school?" replied Asuka. "Get real Kensuke."
"So, are the rumors true?"
"What rumors?" asked Shinji.
"About NERV."
The 3 pilots looked at each other. Then they turned back to Kensuke.
"You have been hacking again, haven't you?" asked Rei.
Kensuke just nodded. Shinji gave a sigh.
"Yes, it's true."
Hikari looked at them confused. "What's true?"
"NERV was officially dissolved. All remaining NERV assets are now part of the UN. Since the Evas don't seem to be able to work, We have been 'retired'. Misato was transferred here as liaison to the government of Japan. Rei, Asuka and I still live with her as she is still our guardian. Everyone else has been transferred to the UN."
"Where's Sayoko?"
"We haven't seen her for the last 2 weeks, not since she brought Rei back to us." said Asuka. "But we did get a call from Megumi. Which is why we said to meet us here."
"Did she say why?" asked Hikari.
"No. But I assume she had a good reason."
"She did." came a new voice.
Everyone turned to see Sayoko and Skuld standing nearby.
"SAYOKO!!" Sayoko was soon swarmed by her friends. After a few minutes of greetings everyone sat down.
"So why didn't Megumi tell us you'd be here?" asked Asuka.
Sayoko smiled. "I wanted it to be a surprise. But I also have some good news."
"Tell us!" said Hikari.
"Well first of all, I am no longer a 2nd Class Goddess."
"WHAT?!" Everyone stared at her in shock.
"Nope, I will officially be a 1st Class Goddess next week at a ceremony. Even though it's unprecedented, You all are invited to go, as is Misato and Kaji." Sayoko then gave them a small smile, "That is if you want to."
The children all talked to each other quietly. They then sat back. Rei gave Sayoko a smile and spoke.
"Sayoko, we would be honored to attend."
Sayoko gave them a smile. "You guys are the best."
A look came over Rei's face. "Does this mean, that will be the last time we see you?"
Everyone looked at Sayoko with concern.
"No, I will be staying on the surface for now. Kami-sama is going to follow my parents wishes and allow me to finish school here."
The other children all gave a sigh of relief.
"That is wonderful Sayoko." said Rei.
"Yeah, it'll be nice to have a goddess in class." said Kensuke. "I could always use a little divine help during tests."
Everyone at the table glared at Kensuke.
"STOOGE!" shouted Asuka. Kensuke got up and ran for his life, with Asuka, and Hikari in hot pursuit. Skuld watched them do a lap of the restaurant before heading outside. She then turned back to face Sayoko, Rei and Shinji.
"I guess some things don't change." she said.
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The Heavens
Kami-sama stood quietly in a large chamber looking at the objects that had delivered, while Peorth and Urd stood behind him. Kami-sama continued to stare at the objects as he spoke.
"How long will it take?"
"Sir," said Peorth, "from the material we have read, it could take a month, it could take years. We just don't know."
Kami-sama nodded before walking over to one of the objects. He placed his hand on the smooth glass like surface.
"I want our best people on this. I want this handled quickly. We owe him much. Mortals only live for so long."
"Yes sir."
"Dismissed."
Peorth and Urd bowed and left the room quickly. Kami-sama remained among the objects.
"Soon," he said quietly, "Soon, you will finally be free of your prison. All of you."
He turned and headed towards the doorway. The doors opened revealing 30 armed Valkyries. Kami-sama turned to them.
"No one is to enter unless they have my approval. Is that understood?"
"YES SIR!"
Kami-sama turned and watched as the doors closed.
'Until I see you again,...my Belldandy.'
Inside the now darkened room, the core area from Unit 04 flickered softly, the light it gave off revealed a massive purple form, with softly glowing eyes.
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