Chapter 12
Arael's Sorrow
The large diamond moved slowly over the city. Several small towers along the outer edge of the city opened up to reveal large guns. Each tracked the diamond and began firing as soon as it was in range. Salvo after salvo was sent hurtling towards the floating fortress, only to be blocked by an orange hexagonal field that appeared along the side of the diamond. Lights flickered along the edge of the diamond coming together at one of the points. From that point a beam of light shot forth. It slammed through several buildings before hitting a small power distribution center. The center exploded in a massive fireball, while the buildings the beam passed through melted down to slag. Several of the guns went silent as power to them was lost. The other intruder, a massive figure with ribbon arms moved forward over the city. Several of the larger building tops opened up to reveal massive arms. These arms began to draw plasma from the skies above. The arms took on a reddish glow as the plasma built up, before it was discharged at the target. Once again, the hexagonal field appeared, blocking the plasma. The figure turned towards the offending towers, its eyes glowing. Suddenly massive cross shape explosions ripped apart the buildings that had held the plasma collectors. Several more cross shaped explosions ripped through other areas of the city as well. The two intruders continued their rain of destruction all over the city. And then they froze.
"Wouldn't that have been a feat had they been able to do that during the attack." said Faust quietly. He, Otaru, the Saber Dolls, and Bloodberry sat in the conference room inside Japoness Castle. They had arrived back at the castle at first word of the attack. Now they watched the video from the attack while they waited for help from the heavens to arrive.
"Yes it would have been." replied Otaru, "How many were lost?"
"A quarter of the population was wiped out." said Faust, "Most of the rest survived because my predecessors and I had built Gartlant to withstand any attack."
"You overbuilt the buildings." said Bloodberry.
Faust nodded, "They were built to withstand any weapon that could be conceived of." He looked back toward the screen. "Unfortunately, we didn't have them in mind."
"Nobody did."
Everyone turned as two people entered the room. One was Guardian Rei, the other Guardian Touji.
"The Angels were supposed to be dead along time ago." said Rei, "We were lucky. Any other city might have been leveled."
"You call the loss of a quarter of the population of Gartlant being 'lucky'?" asked Tiger.
Rei turned her gaze to Tiger, "When you consider the construction methods used in the other countries, yes." Rei turned and looked at Faust, "You have my sympathy, but we must prepare Japoness for an attack."
"Most of the defense towers are now manned." said Luchs, "However, they will be little use against the Angels."
"Anything they can do to slow down the Angels will be helpful." said Rei, "Heaven is going to be sending additional help, but until it arrives it will be only Touji and myself."
"When can we expect it?" asked Otaru.
"As soon as possible." replied Rei, "We want to be ready when the Angels come here."
The others looked at each other confused before looking back at Rei and Touji.
"What makes you think they're coming here?" asked Bloodberry.
"Belldandy." replied Rei, "She has a sixth sense about these things. They will come here, and we will be waiting."
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"Tell me again why we're here?" asked Misato Kaji as she, Ritsuko Akagi, Maya Ibuki, and Yui Ikari were led by Urd through the corridors of the Yggdrasil Building.
"You're here because we require your assistance with something of great importance." replied Urd.
Misato leaned over and whispered to Ritsuko, "What is so important that it requires all four of us?"
Ritsuko shrugged, "I assume it involves something that we each have knowledge of."
Misato thought for a few moments, "What could that be?"
"Through a process of elimination. I can only assume it has something to do with Project E and the Evas."
"But Sempai," said Maya, "the Evas were all destroyed years ago. There are none left."
"That is where you are wrong." said Urd, who had stopped in front of a large door. She waved her hand by the doors, causing them to open. The four woman stared in shock at what was revealed behind the doors.
"But..but..." stuttered Maya, "That was destroyed during the attempted Third Impact! It can't be..."
"Evangelion Unit 04." said Skuld, stepping towards them. Following behind her was a gray haired girl with red eyes. Ritsuko, Maya , and Misato stared at the girl for several seconds, noting that the girl acted similar to what Rei had before Sayoko's arrival in Tokyo-3. They then turned there attention back to Skuld who had continued speaking. "After the battle, only the upper chest, part of the right arm, and the core remained. The core was partially damaged, but was for the most part intact. We retrieved Belldandy and Keiichi from it and then placed it in storage. We forgot about it for the most part. It seems the core still had life in it as the Eva seems to have fully regenerated on its own."
"What do you need us for?" asked Yui.
Skuld glanced at Urd before looking back at the 4 mortals. "You four are the only Eva experts that we trust enough to come in this building. We need to make sure this Eva is combat ready."
"Combat ready?" asked Misato, "What for? The rogue demons can't stand against the Guardians no matter how many of them there are, and the Angels are long gone."
The gray hair girl flinched slightly at the word 'Angel'. Skuld took notice of this before speaking. "Actually, that is not quite true."
"Huh?"
"The rogue demons have brought the Angels back." said Skuld, "The 5th and the 14th Angels attacked the city-state of Gartlant on Terra 2."
The mortals stared stunned at Skuld.
"How could they bring them back?" asked Ritsuko, "It's not possible!"
"Apparently, they recovered genetic material of 13 of the Angels and cloned them."
"So that's why you need the Eva," said Misato, "to eliminate those..Angels." Misato spat out the last word as if it was a curse. "Do Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Touji know?"
"In a way," said Urd, "4 of the Angels have defected to our side, one remains with the demons to spy for us, another is currently working with Asuka and Shinji, and the other is going to Terra 2 to help Rei and Touji."
"What about the fourth?" asked Yui, "You said four Angels defected."
Skuld motioned back to the gray haired girl who stepped forward. "The fourth is helping us here."
Misato glared daggers at the Angel. Maya took a few steps back in fear, while Ritsuko and Yui studied her.
"Does she have a name?" asked Yui.
"She is Arael." replied Skuld.
Ritsuko's eyes widened, "Excuse me.you said her name is Arael?"
Arael nodded, "That is.my name."
"What's the matter Sempai?" asked Maya.
"Arael is one of the Angels named in the Dead Sea Scrolls." replied Ritsuko, "The 15th Angel to attack us."
Arael bowed her head towards the ground. "I was the 15th Messenger."
Within seconds, Arael found herself flung against the wall and held there by a chokehold from Misato. Arael stared at Misato in fear as Misato's eyes glared at her full of hate.
"MISATO!" shouted Skuld, "Let her go!"
"THIS IS AN ANGEL!" shouted Misato, "THIS IS THE ONE THAT HURT ASUKA AND SAYOKO!!"
"We know." said Skuld, "She has been forgiven by Kami-sama and..."
"I don't care!" shouted Misato, "I haven't forgiven it." Misato started to lean into the Angel, causing Arael to gasp for breathe. "Sayoko was in a coma for 2 months, Asuka was in a coma for 3. All because of THIS...thing."
"Misato.."
"No." gasped Arael, "Let her...it.might be...better.for...all."
"See!" said Misato, "Even it agrees with me. I only wish I had my gun to do this right." Misato turned and faced Arael, "I always dreamed of the day I would get my hands on an Angel.."
"Misato.." came a new voice from the door, "Let her go."
Misato turned her head to see Sayoko standing in the doorway. "What?"
"You heard me." said Sayoko, "Let her go."
"But this is the 15th! The one that put you and Asuka into comas!"
"I know who she is Misato." Sayoko walked over and placed her hand on Misato's arm. "Let her go. This won't change the past. I have already made my peace with her."
Misato stared at Arael for a few seconds longer before allowing Sayoko to pull her arm away, releasing the Angel. Arael slumped to the floor, coughing as she tried to regain her breathe. Sayoko gave Misato a smile before kneeling next to Arael.
"Will you be alright?" she asked.
Arael nodded, "I.think I'll take a short walk." She then slowly stood up and left the room.
As soon as Arael had left, Misato turned on Sayoko.
"How could you forgive her!? After what she did!"
"That was 500 years ago Misato." said Sayoko, "She and I had a long talk. It wasn't easy for her to talk to me, considering it was my Eva that killed her originally." Sayoko looked back to the doorway. "She regrets what happened, and seeks to make amends."
"Heh." snorted Misato, "That will be the day. The Angels are nothing but vicious killers."
Sayoko crossed her arms and glared at Misato, "She could have used her AT- Field and splattered you across the room, but she didn't. If you had taken the time to look, you would have seen she was afraid of you. She had gone out of her way to avoid me, Asuka, and my mother because she was afraid of our reaction. Does that sound like a vicious killer?"
"She's still an Angel."
"So was Rei." replied Sayoko, "Are you going to choke her too?"
Misato turned and stared at Sayoko for several seconds before storming off to another area of the room. Sayoko sighed and looked up at the face of Unit-04. Skuld walked over next to her.
"Where have you been anyway?"
"Mom found out what we're planning on doing." said Sayoko, "We had a 'discussion'."
Skuld winced, "How did that go?"
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"Badly." replied Belldandy, "I should have handled it better. Instead, I exploded at her."
After arguing with their daughter, Belldandy had come home to talk to the only person who she felt understood her best. Now she sat across from him, munching nervously on a Pocky stick.
"She shouldn't be piloting that..thing anymore. I think it's too risky and could get her killed."
Keiichi leaned back in his chair before answering.
"Bell," said Keiichi, "How well do you think we raised Sayoko?"
Belldandy was quiet for several moments. "We were only there for the first 4 years of her life, K." She said quietly, "We didn't see her again until she was 22. We missed 18 years of her life."
Keiichi held up his hand, "I know. But, Skuld raised her, with a little help from Megumi, Urd, Misato, and even Peorth. We've also had 500 years since then to be with her. She's a grown Goddess now. I trust her to make her own decisions, so should you."
"I know." replied Belldandy, "It's just...I have this weird feeling about this whole situation." She bit into another piece of Pocky.
Keiichi smiled, "You realize we only have so much of that stuff. The way your chowing down on it, it will be gone in a few days."
"I know." said Belldandy, "It just helps me to calm my nerves."
"Heh, I haven't seen you pack that stuff since.."
Belldandy stopped in mid chew and stared at Keiichi. Keiichi's eyes widened as he turned and looked at Belldandy. Then both shook their heads and spoke one word.
"Nahh, couldn't be."
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"You left the city intact?!"
Sachiel looked up at his demon 'master'. "We saw no need to destroy it..yet. All it served was to let the lilim know that we have returned."
Draco glared at Sachiel and the other Angels that were present. Lorelei sat off to the side, listening. Along the walls stood several S2 engined Sabers.
"You should have leveled that city!" repeated Draco, "That is the only place on Terra 2 that resembles Tokyo-3 and that could develop a weapon to destroy us!"
"I recall using the Terra 2 attack as a distraction to the Guardians, a distraction that you agreed with." Sachiel said, "I do not recall you telling us to destroy the city."
"I am ordering it now!" stated Draco, "Go back and destroy Gartlant!"
"No."
Draco stood up and walked right up to Sachiel.
"What did you say?" Draco's voice was low and menacing.
Sachiel remained unfazed, "I said no."
"I restored you. I brought you back from the dead. I am your Master. YOU WILL OBEY ME!" shouted Draco.
Sachiel didn't even blink, "Kami-sama was our original creator, and he is one of the most powerful beings in existence, yet we did not obey him. Why should we listen to a nothing like you?"
Draco's faced paled, "What?"
Sachiel smiled, "Did you really think that we would allow ourselves to be dominated by anyone? Much less a lowly demon such as you?"
Draco took a step back. "SABERS!!" he shouted, " Destroy them!"
The Marionettes remained where they were standing. Sachiel smiled.
"You gave them 'Angel' hearts, the S2 Engines as the lilim call them." Sachiel motioned his hand towards the door. The Sabers turned and began to march out. "They are under our control now."
The sounds of explosions and screams soon reached their ears. Draco looked at the doorway and then back at Sachiel.
"What's happening?"
"We are accomplishing our primary mission," said Sachiel with a smile, "All demons must be eliminated. Our destiny is in our hands now."
Draco's eyes flared red, "You..!!!" He raised his hands, forming a force ball. Before he could aim it, Draco was hurtled across the room, slamming hard against the wall. An orange hexagonal energy field held him in place. Dazed, Draco slowly turned his head to look at Sachiel.
"Foolish demon." said Sachiel, "Thinking you could control those that Kami- sama himself could not even control. You find that it was a mistake to try." He then turned away and whispered, "A fatal one."
A loud squishing noise was heard, followed by the sounds of Lorelei getting sick on the floor.
"Now then," said Sachiel, bringing his gaze upon Lorelei, "What should we do with you?"
Lorelei began to back away. Suddenly she found herself pressed against the wall by the hexagonal field.
"Perhaps I should crush you like the insignificant being you are." said Sachiel, "After all, in the grand scheme of things, one lilim life is nothing."
Lorelei gasped as the pressure on her began to increase, forcing the air from her lungs. It would only be a matter of time before.......
"Perhaps she should remain intact for now."
Lorelei dropped to the floor as the energy field vanished, leaving her gasping on the floor. Sachiel turned to Leliel.
"What?"
Leliel turned to face the other Angels. "I say we spare the life of this lilim for now. She seems to be the only reason the Guardians have not yet attacked us here."
"What makes you say that?" asked Bardiel.
"They know we have her and that she is alive. The traitors have told them that much. We know from the demon that the lilim on Terra 2 value this one's life, and the Guardians fought hard to save her life several times. That is why I believe we should spare this one."
Sachiel nodded, "Very well Brother, the lilim's life is spared, for now. Have the false lilim guard her while we attack her brethren on Terra 2."
"I would watch the lilim," said Leliel, "if it is alright with you?"
Sachiel and the other Angels frowned.
"Why?" asked Sachiel.
"I am currently the weakest of our number," replied Leliel, "The light of my soul is not as strong as yours. I would remain here where I can easily eliminate the lilim if it becomes necessary."
"Very well. Take her away from us. We have plans to form."
Leliel nodded. He walked over, grabbed Lorelei's arm and pulled her to her feet.
"Good Luck my brothers." said Leliel. He then marched Lorelei out the door.
They moved silently down the hallway towards the area where Draco had been keeping Lorelei. As they walked, they had to avoid the bodies of several demons that lay on the ground. Many looked as if they had been torn apart. All had agonizing looks frozen on their faces. Lorelei shuddered as they moved past them.
Leliel noticed this, "The sight of these creatures troubles you?"
"All life is precious," replied Lorelei, "Even these demons."
"Yet these demons would not feel the same towards you." replied Leliel, "Would knowing this change your mind?"
"No. It would not."
Leliel seemed to think about that. "Interesting." He then turned down a corridor.
"Umm Wait a second."
Leliel stopped and looked back at Lorelei. "Yes?"
"My cell is this way." said Lorelei, "Where are you going?"
Leliel smiled, "If you wish to go to your cell you may, but I am going to meet the Guardians. They should be coming here shortly to pick you up from me. That is unless of course you wish to stay?"
Lorelei stared in shock at Leliel before walking towards him.
"I think I've seen enough of hell thank you very much." She said. "Let's go."
Leliel led the way down the corridor. As they walked, the Angel opened his mind and sent a message.
* We are on the way Brother. *
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* Understood. *
Tabris opened his eyes and looked at the 2 Guardians who were still looking over the map of hell with Mara.
"Leliel is on the move." Asuka and Shinji turned to face Tabris. Mara looked up at him from the map.
"What did you say?" asked Asuka.
"Leliel is on the move." repeated Tabris, "And Lorelei is with him."
Asuka's eyes went wide, "Well why didn't you say that?! Let's go!"
"How?" asked Shinji.
"Baka Shinji! We teleport of course!"
"Ohhhh.."
Asuka looked at Tabris, "Where is your Angel buddy going to meet us?"
Tabris leaned over the map and indicated an area, "Right there."
"Then that's where we'll teleport." Asuka said. She looked at the others. "Ready?"
The others nodded. Even though it was not required for teleporting, Asuka raised her hand with a flourish and then snapped her fingers, all four of them then vanished from the room. For several seconds, the room remained empty. Then a bright flash and a loud bang echoed throughout the room as the four reappeared, falling to the ground.
"Shiest!" shouted Asuka, "What the hell was that?!"
"An old trick used by my brothers to keep demons in their place." said Tabris as he stood up. "Otherwise when we went to eradicate them, the Demons would disappear, continuing their destructive ways. It also worked to keep demons from teleporting in to assault us when we least expected it." Tabris then sighed. "Apparently Sachiel adapted it for use against you Guardians as well as myself."
"Meaning Leliel won't be able to teleport here with Lorelei." said Shinji, "What do we do now?"
"We still have to get down there." said Asuka. She turned and looked at Mara. "Is there any other way down there?"
"Well, there are two ways." said Mara, "One is the descending passages that connect each level. Problem is that it takes a long time to get down there."
"And the second?"
"Second is faster..But I don't think you'll like it."
"Show me."
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Misato stared at the massive form of Eva 04 from her place on the catwalk. Gods and Goddesses were still going over the giant figure, checking each and every system they could examine. Off to the side and far below, Yui, Ritsuko, Maya, Urd, and Skuld continue to examine the Eva using a terminal linked directly to Yggdrasil. Misato let out a sigh.
'Why am I here?' she thought, 'I don't know anything about the Evas. I'm a tactician, not a scientist.'
Misato looked up towards the entry plug. Sayoko moved about it, checking its controls and connections.
'Why? Why are you befriending that killer? I hope you don't regret your decision to trust that monster.'
Movement on the catwalk caught her attention. She turned to see that the Angel had returned. Misato watched as the Angel stepped to the railing and stared at the face of the Eva. For several long seconds, the two powerful entities stared at each other. Finally, the Angel turned away, visible shivering. When she looked up again, she found herself face to face with Misato.
"What's the matter?" asked Misato, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Is the Angel afraid of the big mean old Eva?"
The Angel stared at Misato, blinking several times.
"Awwww Poor Angel. You just can't stand the fact that we, what did you call us? 'Lilim' beat you."
The Angel looked at Misato for a few seconds longer before turning and walking away.
"What's the matter? Can't you handle the truth! Or are you going to go ruin someone else's life by raping their mind?"
The Angel stopped walking.
"Oooooo Did I hit a nerve?" Misato said. "I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings..Not!"
"Why must you torment me?" asked the Angel, still looking away from Misato.
"Torment you? I haven't tormented you. Once I figure out how to rape your mind then I will torment you."
The Angel turned and looked at Misato, pain filling her eyes. "I have already asked for forgiveness. I know I can do nothing to undo my past actions, but I can try to make amends."
Misato snorted, "You want to make amends do you? You know what you can do to make amends?" Misato walked right up to the Angel and got right in her face. "You..can...go...to...Hell!"
Misato then turned and walked away, leaving Arael alone on the catwalk. Arael slowly sank to the floor.
"I've already been there." She said quietly.
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Shinji leaned over the edge and looked down.
"That's a big hole." He said.
He, Asuka, Mara, and Tabris stood at the edge of a massive hole. Along the walls could be seen 2 of the levels of Hell..the rest farther down in the darkness.
Shinji turned and looked at Mara, "How deep is it?"
"Deep." replied Mara, "This shaft connects through each level straight to the bottom. It's the quickest way to the bottom."
Shinji looked over the edge again. "So how do we get down?"
"Easy." With that Mara stepped forward walked off the edge. She hovered over the hole. "Freefall." She then stopped hovering a dropped, her cape trailing behind her.
Shinji stared down at the disappearing figure before looking at Asuka. "She's crazy!"
Asuka smiled, "What? It's looks like fun!" She stepped out over the hole, also hovering. "Are you coming?"
Shinji stared at her before looking down again. "But it's so far down."
Asuka frowned slightly. "Such a boring little boy..." She then dropped. "See ya at the bottom Baka Shinji-kun!!"
Shinji watched Asuka until she vanished in the darkness. He then looked at Tabris. Tabris shrugged.
"It is the quickest way down." He then stepped off and followed the woman down.
Shinji let out a sigh, "How do I get myself into these things?"
He then stepped off and into the abyss.
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Yui and Cherry sat on a bench one of the Gardens that surrounded the Yggdrasil Building. Every now and then Lime ran by, either chasing or being chase by several small birds.
Cherry sighed, "At least someone is enjoying themselves."
"There's not much else we can do but wait." said Yui, "According to hell, Mom and Dad went off with Mara and that Angel have begun their operation. If all goes well, you'll have Lorelei back on Terra 2 by this evening."
"That's good." said Cherry, "It will be nice to have Lorelei back." Cherry then turned her head. "I think the Master misses her." She added softly.
"Jealous?"
Cherry looked back at Yui blushing, "I don't know what your talking about."
Yui looked back towards Lime. "I think you do. You're jealous that Otaru is possible developing feelings for Lorelei, instead of you. Maybe even a little afraid of what may happen to you if he does."
"Maybe I am." Cherry said quietly.
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Lime chased the birds into a small clearing. As she ran through it, a sob reached her ears. Lime slowed down to a stop and listened. Hearing more sobs Lime followed them to their source. Sitting on the ground, looking away from her was the female Angel, Arael. Lime walked up to her quietly and knelt by her.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
Arael jumped and moved several feet away from Lime. "Leave me alone."
"But your unhappy." said Lime, "Why are you unhappy?"
Arael looked up at Lime. Lime looked at her, questioningly. Arael was about to reply when she noticed the seams in Lime's arms.
"You are not a Lilim. Yet you have a soul. How can this be?" asked Arael.
"I'm Lime. I'm a Marionette."
Arael smiled a little, remembering the history she had read. "So...you were one of the ones who rescued the lilim Lorelei."
Lime nodded, "Yep! Cherry, Bloodberry, and me rescued her from Mesopotamia." Lime then looked at Arael questioningly, "What's a Lilim?"
"Lilim is what we..'Angels' call the mortal life that exists on the Earth and Terra 2."
"You're an Angel?" asked Lime surprised. "I thought Angels where those big monsters that attacked Earth a long time ago. You don't look like a monster to me."
Arael's smile fell, "Yes, We did. And yes..I am a monster." Arael begin to sob again, "A.vicious.killer. That's what she called me."
Lime sat down next to Arael, "Do you regret what you did?"
Arael nodded.
"Well, you don't want to hurt anyone now right?"
Arael shook her head.
"Then you can start over." said Lime with a smile, "The Saber Dolls started over. We used to get into fights but now we're good friends."
Arael gave a small but sad smile, "I don't think this situation is the same."
"Sure it is!" said Lime. She then grabbed Arael's arm and pulled her to her feet. "Come on! You can meet Cherry and Yui!"
Before Arael could say anything, she was led away by a very eager Marionette.
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"I wouldn't worry." replied Yui, "From what my parents have said, he cares for you three. He will never stop caring about you, no matter what. Lorelei cares for you as well, after all, you three rescued her."
"Hey Yui! Cherry!" shouted Lime, "I found something!"
Both Cherry and Yui looked up from their discussion to see Lime coming towards them, pulling along a figure in gray robes. Cherry didn't recognize the person at first, but Yui's blood ran cold as she was able to tell who it was right away.
"Who is it Lime?" asked Cherry, ever polite.
"This is Arael!" said Lime, "Arael, this is Cherry.and this is."
"SECOND CHILD?!?!" Arael gasped and began to back away. She couldn't go far because Lime still held on to her.
Lime looked at Arael confused, "Second Child? That's Yui! She's an only child."
"That's not what she means Lime." said Yui quietly. She then walked up the Arael, who was still trying to break free of Lime. "You're an Angel right?"
Arael stopped struggling and nodded, seemingly resigning herself to fate.
"Which means you probably faced my parents, the Second and Third Children, as well as my Aunts, the First and Fifth?"
Arael nodded again.
Yui stared at Arael for several minutes before speaking again.
"I've seen you around Sayoko, so she must have forgiven you for anything you did in the past.."
"I don't deserve to be forgiven" replied Arael, staring at the ground.
"If you didn't deserve to be forgiven, Kami-sama wouldn't allow you here." replied Yui, "Whatever you did, you need to let it go and move on."
"I can't" said Arael, "Not until I speak with the Second."
"Momma won't be back till later." said Yui, "Until then your welcome to stay here with us."
"You wouldn't let me stay if you knew what I have done." said Arael.
"That's in the past." said Yui, "Urd's domain. If Aunt Sayoko trusts you, that's good enough for me."
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"Go now. Destroy Japoness."
Matariel and Ramiel bowed before vanishing. Sachiel then turned to the others.
"Now we wait for news of their success. Then we can.." Sachiel's voice trailed off as he sensed something. From the looks on the faces of the others, they could sense it as well. Sachiel concentrated on that feeling, and then realized what it was.
"Tabris." Sachiel muttered.
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Asuka, Shinji, and Tabris looked around the area that had landed in.
"What is this place?" asked Shinji.
"The most recent addition to hell." replied Mara, "Only 500 years old. It hold the 13 most despised mortals of Heaven and Hell." Mara walked towards an opening in the wall. "This is the quickest way to get to Leliel. Don't touch anything."
Mara led them down a corridor and into a large chamber. The sounds of pain hit them as soon as they entered. Thirteen columns of light filled the chamber. Floating in each was a man, being tormented by who knows what. As he moved past them, Tabris realized who these men were.
"Just try to ignore them." said Mara as she moved to the far wall. She then began to search the wall. ".the release was somewhere along here..."
While Mara looked for the release, Shinji and Asuka looked around. Something about the 13th column of light drew Shinji towards it. Asuka in the meantime wondered towards the side wall, noticing some writing on it. Surprisingly, Asuka noticed that she could actually read the demon script.
" 'In this chamber...are those who once sought..to bring man together.as one.' " read Asuka, " 'May their names forever be lost to mankind.' " Asuka turned and looked at the columns. "Geez, someone wanted these guys forgotten." She turned to where Shinji was. "Who do you think they were Shin.." He voice trailed off as she caught the look on his face. Shinji was staring coldly at the man floating in the 13th column. As Asuka moved to Shinji's side, she could see why. Floating in the column was Gendo Ikari, Shinji's father.
"I always wondered what happened to him." said Shinji quietly, "If he had escaped the JSSDF and was moving freely around the world. Or if he had died during that battle." Asuka put her arms around Shinji and held him to her. "I looked in Yggdrasil for a while, trying to find any sign of him. But I didn't find anything in the things I had access to." Shinji finally looked at Asuka. "Now I know why Mara refused to say anything."
"Are you alright?" asked Asuka.
Shinji looked up at his father again, "At one time I might have forgiven him for how he treated me, and mother. But after learning everything he did, I want nothing more to do with him. He can rot here."
"YES!"
Shinji and Asuka turned to see that Mara had finally opened the hidden door.
"Alright kiddies," said Mara, "Let's go get Lorelei."
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Author's Notes: Yes..I'm still alive. Other things have been occupying my mind, such as finding a job. Next chapter is under way..
The large diamond moved slowly over the city. Several small towers along the outer edge of the city opened up to reveal large guns. Each tracked the diamond and began firing as soon as it was in range. Salvo after salvo was sent hurtling towards the floating fortress, only to be blocked by an orange hexagonal field that appeared along the side of the diamond. Lights flickered along the edge of the diamond coming together at one of the points. From that point a beam of light shot forth. It slammed through several buildings before hitting a small power distribution center. The center exploded in a massive fireball, while the buildings the beam passed through melted down to slag. Several of the guns went silent as power to them was lost. The other intruder, a massive figure with ribbon arms moved forward over the city. Several of the larger building tops opened up to reveal massive arms. These arms began to draw plasma from the skies above. The arms took on a reddish glow as the plasma built up, before it was discharged at the target. Once again, the hexagonal field appeared, blocking the plasma. The figure turned towards the offending towers, its eyes glowing. Suddenly massive cross shape explosions ripped apart the buildings that had held the plasma collectors. Several more cross shaped explosions ripped through other areas of the city as well. The two intruders continued their rain of destruction all over the city. And then they froze.
"Wouldn't that have been a feat had they been able to do that during the attack." said Faust quietly. He, Otaru, the Saber Dolls, and Bloodberry sat in the conference room inside Japoness Castle. They had arrived back at the castle at first word of the attack. Now they watched the video from the attack while they waited for help from the heavens to arrive.
"Yes it would have been." replied Otaru, "How many were lost?"
"A quarter of the population was wiped out." said Faust, "Most of the rest survived because my predecessors and I had built Gartlant to withstand any attack."
"You overbuilt the buildings." said Bloodberry.
Faust nodded, "They were built to withstand any weapon that could be conceived of." He looked back toward the screen. "Unfortunately, we didn't have them in mind."
"Nobody did."
Everyone turned as two people entered the room. One was Guardian Rei, the other Guardian Touji.
"The Angels were supposed to be dead along time ago." said Rei, "We were lucky. Any other city might have been leveled."
"You call the loss of a quarter of the population of Gartlant being 'lucky'?" asked Tiger.
Rei turned her gaze to Tiger, "When you consider the construction methods used in the other countries, yes." Rei turned and looked at Faust, "You have my sympathy, but we must prepare Japoness for an attack."
"Most of the defense towers are now manned." said Luchs, "However, they will be little use against the Angels."
"Anything they can do to slow down the Angels will be helpful." said Rei, "Heaven is going to be sending additional help, but until it arrives it will be only Touji and myself."
"When can we expect it?" asked Otaru.
"As soon as possible." replied Rei, "We want to be ready when the Angels come here."
The others looked at each other confused before looking back at Rei and Touji.
"What makes you think they're coming here?" asked Bloodberry.
"Belldandy." replied Rei, "She has a sixth sense about these things. They will come here, and we will be waiting."
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"Tell me again why we're here?" asked Misato Kaji as she, Ritsuko Akagi, Maya Ibuki, and Yui Ikari were led by Urd through the corridors of the Yggdrasil Building.
"You're here because we require your assistance with something of great importance." replied Urd.
Misato leaned over and whispered to Ritsuko, "What is so important that it requires all four of us?"
Ritsuko shrugged, "I assume it involves something that we each have knowledge of."
Misato thought for a few moments, "What could that be?"
"Through a process of elimination. I can only assume it has something to do with Project E and the Evas."
"But Sempai," said Maya, "the Evas were all destroyed years ago. There are none left."
"That is where you are wrong." said Urd, who had stopped in front of a large door. She waved her hand by the doors, causing them to open. The four woman stared in shock at what was revealed behind the doors.
"But..but..." stuttered Maya, "That was destroyed during the attempted Third Impact! It can't be..."
"Evangelion Unit 04." said Skuld, stepping towards them. Following behind her was a gray haired girl with red eyes. Ritsuko, Maya , and Misato stared at the girl for several seconds, noting that the girl acted similar to what Rei had before Sayoko's arrival in Tokyo-3. They then turned there attention back to Skuld who had continued speaking. "After the battle, only the upper chest, part of the right arm, and the core remained. The core was partially damaged, but was for the most part intact. We retrieved Belldandy and Keiichi from it and then placed it in storage. We forgot about it for the most part. It seems the core still had life in it as the Eva seems to have fully regenerated on its own."
"What do you need us for?" asked Yui.
Skuld glanced at Urd before looking back at the 4 mortals. "You four are the only Eva experts that we trust enough to come in this building. We need to make sure this Eva is combat ready."
"Combat ready?" asked Misato, "What for? The rogue demons can't stand against the Guardians no matter how many of them there are, and the Angels are long gone."
The gray hair girl flinched slightly at the word 'Angel'. Skuld took notice of this before speaking. "Actually, that is not quite true."
"Huh?"
"The rogue demons have brought the Angels back." said Skuld, "The 5th and the 14th Angels attacked the city-state of Gartlant on Terra 2."
The mortals stared stunned at Skuld.
"How could they bring them back?" asked Ritsuko, "It's not possible!"
"Apparently, they recovered genetic material of 13 of the Angels and cloned them."
"So that's why you need the Eva," said Misato, "to eliminate those..Angels." Misato spat out the last word as if it was a curse. "Do Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Touji know?"
"In a way," said Urd, "4 of the Angels have defected to our side, one remains with the demons to spy for us, another is currently working with Asuka and Shinji, and the other is going to Terra 2 to help Rei and Touji."
"What about the fourth?" asked Yui, "You said four Angels defected."
Skuld motioned back to the gray haired girl who stepped forward. "The fourth is helping us here."
Misato glared daggers at the Angel. Maya took a few steps back in fear, while Ritsuko and Yui studied her.
"Does she have a name?" asked Yui.
"She is Arael." replied Skuld.
Ritsuko's eyes widened, "Excuse me.you said her name is Arael?"
Arael nodded, "That is.my name."
"What's the matter Sempai?" asked Maya.
"Arael is one of the Angels named in the Dead Sea Scrolls." replied Ritsuko, "The 15th Angel to attack us."
Arael bowed her head towards the ground. "I was the 15th Messenger."
Within seconds, Arael found herself flung against the wall and held there by a chokehold from Misato. Arael stared at Misato in fear as Misato's eyes glared at her full of hate.
"MISATO!" shouted Skuld, "Let her go!"
"THIS IS AN ANGEL!" shouted Misato, "THIS IS THE ONE THAT HURT ASUKA AND SAYOKO!!"
"We know." said Skuld, "She has been forgiven by Kami-sama and..."
"I don't care!" shouted Misato, "I haven't forgiven it." Misato started to lean into the Angel, causing Arael to gasp for breathe. "Sayoko was in a coma for 2 months, Asuka was in a coma for 3. All because of THIS...thing."
"Misato.."
"No." gasped Arael, "Let her...it.might be...better.for...all."
"See!" said Misato, "Even it agrees with me. I only wish I had my gun to do this right." Misato turned and faced Arael, "I always dreamed of the day I would get my hands on an Angel.."
"Misato.." came a new voice from the door, "Let her go."
Misato turned her head to see Sayoko standing in the doorway. "What?"
"You heard me." said Sayoko, "Let her go."
"But this is the 15th! The one that put you and Asuka into comas!"
"I know who she is Misato." Sayoko walked over and placed her hand on Misato's arm. "Let her go. This won't change the past. I have already made my peace with her."
Misato stared at Arael for a few seconds longer before allowing Sayoko to pull her arm away, releasing the Angel. Arael slumped to the floor, coughing as she tried to regain her breathe. Sayoko gave Misato a smile before kneeling next to Arael.
"Will you be alright?" she asked.
Arael nodded, "I.think I'll take a short walk." She then slowly stood up and left the room.
As soon as Arael had left, Misato turned on Sayoko.
"How could you forgive her!? After what she did!"
"That was 500 years ago Misato." said Sayoko, "She and I had a long talk. It wasn't easy for her to talk to me, considering it was my Eva that killed her originally." Sayoko looked back to the doorway. "She regrets what happened, and seeks to make amends."
"Heh." snorted Misato, "That will be the day. The Angels are nothing but vicious killers."
Sayoko crossed her arms and glared at Misato, "She could have used her AT- Field and splattered you across the room, but she didn't. If you had taken the time to look, you would have seen she was afraid of you. She had gone out of her way to avoid me, Asuka, and my mother because she was afraid of our reaction. Does that sound like a vicious killer?"
"She's still an Angel."
"So was Rei." replied Sayoko, "Are you going to choke her too?"
Misato turned and stared at Sayoko for several seconds before storming off to another area of the room. Sayoko sighed and looked up at the face of Unit-04. Skuld walked over next to her.
"Where have you been anyway?"
"Mom found out what we're planning on doing." said Sayoko, "We had a 'discussion'."
Skuld winced, "How did that go?"
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"Badly." replied Belldandy, "I should have handled it better. Instead, I exploded at her."
After arguing with their daughter, Belldandy had come home to talk to the only person who she felt understood her best. Now she sat across from him, munching nervously on a Pocky stick.
"She shouldn't be piloting that..thing anymore. I think it's too risky and could get her killed."
Keiichi leaned back in his chair before answering.
"Bell," said Keiichi, "How well do you think we raised Sayoko?"
Belldandy was quiet for several moments. "We were only there for the first 4 years of her life, K." She said quietly, "We didn't see her again until she was 22. We missed 18 years of her life."
Keiichi held up his hand, "I know. But, Skuld raised her, with a little help from Megumi, Urd, Misato, and even Peorth. We've also had 500 years since then to be with her. She's a grown Goddess now. I trust her to make her own decisions, so should you."
"I know." replied Belldandy, "It's just...I have this weird feeling about this whole situation." She bit into another piece of Pocky.
Keiichi smiled, "You realize we only have so much of that stuff. The way your chowing down on it, it will be gone in a few days."
"I know." said Belldandy, "It just helps me to calm my nerves."
"Heh, I haven't seen you pack that stuff since.."
Belldandy stopped in mid chew and stared at Keiichi. Keiichi's eyes widened as he turned and looked at Belldandy. Then both shook their heads and spoke one word.
"Nahh, couldn't be."
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"You left the city intact?!"
Sachiel looked up at his demon 'master'. "We saw no need to destroy it..yet. All it served was to let the lilim know that we have returned."
Draco glared at Sachiel and the other Angels that were present. Lorelei sat off to the side, listening. Along the walls stood several S2 engined Sabers.
"You should have leveled that city!" repeated Draco, "That is the only place on Terra 2 that resembles Tokyo-3 and that could develop a weapon to destroy us!"
"I recall using the Terra 2 attack as a distraction to the Guardians, a distraction that you agreed with." Sachiel said, "I do not recall you telling us to destroy the city."
"I am ordering it now!" stated Draco, "Go back and destroy Gartlant!"
"No."
Draco stood up and walked right up to Sachiel.
"What did you say?" Draco's voice was low and menacing.
Sachiel remained unfazed, "I said no."
"I restored you. I brought you back from the dead. I am your Master. YOU WILL OBEY ME!" shouted Draco.
Sachiel didn't even blink, "Kami-sama was our original creator, and he is one of the most powerful beings in existence, yet we did not obey him. Why should we listen to a nothing like you?"
Draco's faced paled, "What?"
Sachiel smiled, "Did you really think that we would allow ourselves to be dominated by anyone? Much less a lowly demon such as you?"
Draco took a step back. "SABERS!!" he shouted, " Destroy them!"
The Marionettes remained where they were standing. Sachiel smiled.
"You gave them 'Angel' hearts, the S2 Engines as the lilim call them." Sachiel motioned his hand towards the door. The Sabers turned and began to march out. "They are under our control now."
The sounds of explosions and screams soon reached their ears. Draco looked at the doorway and then back at Sachiel.
"What's happening?"
"We are accomplishing our primary mission," said Sachiel with a smile, "All demons must be eliminated. Our destiny is in our hands now."
Draco's eyes flared red, "You..!!!" He raised his hands, forming a force ball. Before he could aim it, Draco was hurtled across the room, slamming hard against the wall. An orange hexagonal energy field held him in place. Dazed, Draco slowly turned his head to look at Sachiel.
"Foolish demon." said Sachiel, "Thinking you could control those that Kami- sama himself could not even control. You find that it was a mistake to try." He then turned away and whispered, "A fatal one."
A loud squishing noise was heard, followed by the sounds of Lorelei getting sick on the floor.
"Now then," said Sachiel, bringing his gaze upon Lorelei, "What should we do with you?"
Lorelei began to back away. Suddenly she found herself pressed against the wall by the hexagonal field.
"Perhaps I should crush you like the insignificant being you are." said Sachiel, "After all, in the grand scheme of things, one lilim life is nothing."
Lorelei gasped as the pressure on her began to increase, forcing the air from her lungs. It would only be a matter of time before.......
"Perhaps she should remain intact for now."
Lorelei dropped to the floor as the energy field vanished, leaving her gasping on the floor. Sachiel turned to Leliel.
"What?"
Leliel turned to face the other Angels. "I say we spare the life of this lilim for now. She seems to be the only reason the Guardians have not yet attacked us here."
"What makes you say that?" asked Bardiel.
"They know we have her and that she is alive. The traitors have told them that much. We know from the demon that the lilim on Terra 2 value this one's life, and the Guardians fought hard to save her life several times. That is why I believe we should spare this one."
Sachiel nodded, "Very well Brother, the lilim's life is spared, for now. Have the false lilim guard her while we attack her brethren on Terra 2."
"I would watch the lilim," said Leliel, "if it is alright with you?"
Sachiel and the other Angels frowned.
"Why?" asked Sachiel.
"I am currently the weakest of our number," replied Leliel, "The light of my soul is not as strong as yours. I would remain here where I can easily eliminate the lilim if it becomes necessary."
"Very well. Take her away from us. We have plans to form."
Leliel nodded. He walked over, grabbed Lorelei's arm and pulled her to her feet.
"Good Luck my brothers." said Leliel. He then marched Lorelei out the door.
They moved silently down the hallway towards the area where Draco had been keeping Lorelei. As they walked, they had to avoid the bodies of several demons that lay on the ground. Many looked as if they had been torn apart. All had agonizing looks frozen on their faces. Lorelei shuddered as they moved past them.
Leliel noticed this, "The sight of these creatures troubles you?"
"All life is precious," replied Lorelei, "Even these demons."
"Yet these demons would not feel the same towards you." replied Leliel, "Would knowing this change your mind?"
"No. It would not."
Leliel seemed to think about that. "Interesting." He then turned down a corridor.
"Umm Wait a second."
Leliel stopped and looked back at Lorelei. "Yes?"
"My cell is this way." said Lorelei, "Where are you going?"
Leliel smiled, "If you wish to go to your cell you may, but I am going to meet the Guardians. They should be coming here shortly to pick you up from me. That is unless of course you wish to stay?"
Lorelei stared in shock at Leliel before walking towards him.
"I think I've seen enough of hell thank you very much." She said. "Let's go."
Leliel led the way down the corridor. As they walked, the Angel opened his mind and sent a message.
* We are on the way Brother. *
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* Understood. *
Tabris opened his eyes and looked at the 2 Guardians who were still looking over the map of hell with Mara.
"Leliel is on the move." Asuka and Shinji turned to face Tabris. Mara looked up at him from the map.
"What did you say?" asked Asuka.
"Leliel is on the move." repeated Tabris, "And Lorelei is with him."
Asuka's eyes went wide, "Well why didn't you say that?! Let's go!"
"How?" asked Shinji.
"Baka Shinji! We teleport of course!"
"Ohhhh.."
Asuka looked at Tabris, "Where is your Angel buddy going to meet us?"
Tabris leaned over the map and indicated an area, "Right there."
"Then that's where we'll teleport." Asuka said. She looked at the others. "Ready?"
The others nodded. Even though it was not required for teleporting, Asuka raised her hand with a flourish and then snapped her fingers, all four of them then vanished from the room. For several seconds, the room remained empty. Then a bright flash and a loud bang echoed throughout the room as the four reappeared, falling to the ground.
"Shiest!" shouted Asuka, "What the hell was that?!"
"An old trick used by my brothers to keep demons in their place." said Tabris as he stood up. "Otherwise when we went to eradicate them, the Demons would disappear, continuing their destructive ways. It also worked to keep demons from teleporting in to assault us when we least expected it." Tabris then sighed. "Apparently Sachiel adapted it for use against you Guardians as well as myself."
"Meaning Leliel won't be able to teleport here with Lorelei." said Shinji, "What do we do now?"
"We still have to get down there." said Asuka. She turned and looked at Mara. "Is there any other way down there?"
"Well, there are two ways." said Mara, "One is the descending passages that connect each level. Problem is that it takes a long time to get down there."
"And the second?"
"Second is faster..But I don't think you'll like it."
"Show me."
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Misato stared at the massive form of Eva 04 from her place on the catwalk. Gods and Goddesses were still going over the giant figure, checking each and every system they could examine. Off to the side and far below, Yui, Ritsuko, Maya, Urd, and Skuld continue to examine the Eva using a terminal linked directly to Yggdrasil. Misato let out a sigh.
'Why am I here?' she thought, 'I don't know anything about the Evas. I'm a tactician, not a scientist.'
Misato looked up towards the entry plug. Sayoko moved about it, checking its controls and connections.
'Why? Why are you befriending that killer? I hope you don't regret your decision to trust that monster.'
Movement on the catwalk caught her attention. She turned to see that the Angel had returned. Misato watched as the Angel stepped to the railing and stared at the face of the Eva. For several long seconds, the two powerful entities stared at each other. Finally, the Angel turned away, visible shivering. When she looked up again, she found herself face to face with Misato.
"What's the matter?" asked Misato, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Is the Angel afraid of the big mean old Eva?"
The Angel stared at Misato, blinking several times.
"Awwww Poor Angel. You just can't stand the fact that we, what did you call us? 'Lilim' beat you."
The Angel looked at Misato for a few seconds longer before turning and walking away.
"What's the matter? Can't you handle the truth! Or are you going to go ruin someone else's life by raping their mind?"
The Angel stopped walking.
"Oooooo Did I hit a nerve?" Misato said. "I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings..Not!"
"Why must you torment me?" asked the Angel, still looking away from Misato.
"Torment you? I haven't tormented you. Once I figure out how to rape your mind then I will torment you."
The Angel turned and looked at Misato, pain filling her eyes. "I have already asked for forgiveness. I know I can do nothing to undo my past actions, but I can try to make amends."
Misato snorted, "You want to make amends do you? You know what you can do to make amends?" Misato walked right up to the Angel and got right in her face. "You..can...go...to...Hell!"
Misato then turned and walked away, leaving Arael alone on the catwalk. Arael slowly sank to the floor.
"I've already been there." She said quietly.
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Shinji leaned over the edge and looked down.
"That's a big hole." He said.
He, Asuka, Mara, and Tabris stood at the edge of a massive hole. Along the walls could be seen 2 of the levels of Hell..the rest farther down in the darkness.
Shinji turned and looked at Mara, "How deep is it?"
"Deep." replied Mara, "This shaft connects through each level straight to the bottom. It's the quickest way to the bottom."
Shinji looked over the edge again. "So how do we get down?"
"Easy." With that Mara stepped forward walked off the edge. She hovered over the hole. "Freefall." She then stopped hovering a dropped, her cape trailing behind her.
Shinji stared down at the disappearing figure before looking at Asuka. "She's crazy!"
Asuka smiled, "What? It's looks like fun!" She stepped out over the hole, also hovering. "Are you coming?"
Shinji stared at her before looking down again. "But it's so far down."
Asuka frowned slightly. "Such a boring little boy..." She then dropped. "See ya at the bottom Baka Shinji-kun!!"
Shinji watched Asuka until she vanished in the darkness. He then looked at Tabris. Tabris shrugged.
"It is the quickest way down." He then stepped off and followed the woman down.
Shinji let out a sigh, "How do I get myself into these things?"
He then stepped off and into the abyss.
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Yui and Cherry sat on a bench one of the Gardens that surrounded the Yggdrasil Building. Every now and then Lime ran by, either chasing or being chase by several small birds.
Cherry sighed, "At least someone is enjoying themselves."
"There's not much else we can do but wait." said Yui, "According to hell, Mom and Dad went off with Mara and that Angel have begun their operation. If all goes well, you'll have Lorelei back on Terra 2 by this evening."
"That's good." said Cherry, "It will be nice to have Lorelei back." Cherry then turned her head. "I think the Master misses her." She added softly.
"Jealous?"
Cherry looked back at Yui blushing, "I don't know what your talking about."
Yui looked back towards Lime. "I think you do. You're jealous that Otaru is possible developing feelings for Lorelei, instead of you. Maybe even a little afraid of what may happen to you if he does."
"Maybe I am." Cherry said quietly.
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Lime chased the birds into a small clearing. As she ran through it, a sob reached her ears. Lime slowed down to a stop and listened. Hearing more sobs Lime followed them to their source. Sitting on the ground, looking away from her was the female Angel, Arael. Lime walked up to her quietly and knelt by her.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
Arael jumped and moved several feet away from Lime. "Leave me alone."
"But your unhappy." said Lime, "Why are you unhappy?"
Arael looked up at Lime. Lime looked at her, questioningly. Arael was about to reply when she noticed the seams in Lime's arms.
"You are not a Lilim. Yet you have a soul. How can this be?" asked Arael.
"I'm Lime. I'm a Marionette."
Arael smiled a little, remembering the history she had read. "So...you were one of the ones who rescued the lilim Lorelei."
Lime nodded, "Yep! Cherry, Bloodberry, and me rescued her from Mesopotamia." Lime then looked at Arael questioningly, "What's a Lilim?"
"Lilim is what we..'Angels' call the mortal life that exists on the Earth and Terra 2."
"You're an Angel?" asked Lime surprised. "I thought Angels where those big monsters that attacked Earth a long time ago. You don't look like a monster to me."
Arael's smile fell, "Yes, We did. And yes..I am a monster." Arael begin to sob again, "A.vicious.killer. That's what she called me."
Lime sat down next to Arael, "Do you regret what you did?"
Arael nodded.
"Well, you don't want to hurt anyone now right?"
Arael shook her head.
"Then you can start over." said Lime with a smile, "The Saber Dolls started over. We used to get into fights but now we're good friends."
Arael gave a small but sad smile, "I don't think this situation is the same."
"Sure it is!" said Lime. She then grabbed Arael's arm and pulled her to her feet. "Come on! You can meet Cherry and Yui!"
Before Arael could say anything, she was led away by a very eager Marionette.
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"I wouldn't worry." replied Yui, "From what my parents have said, he cares for you three. He will never stop caring about you, no matter what. Lorelei cares for you as well, after all, you three rescued her."
"Hey Yui! Cherry!" shouted Lime, "I found something!"
Both Cherry and Yui looked up from their discussion to see Lime coming towards them, pulling along a figure in gray robes. Cherry didn't recognize the person at first, but Yui's blood ran cold as she was able to tell who it was right away.
"Who is it Lime?" asked Cherry, ever polite.
"This is Arael!" said Lime, "Arael, this is Cherry.and this is."
"SECOND CHILD?!?!" Arael gasped and began to back away. She couldn't go far because Lime still held on to her.
Lime looked at Arael confused, "Second Child? That's Yui! She's an only child."
"That's not what she means Lime." said Yui quietly. She then walked up the Arael, who was still trying to break free of Lime. "You're an Angel right?"
Arael stopped struggling and nodded, seemingly resigning herself to fate.
"Which means you probably faced my parents, the Second and Third Children, as well as my Aunts, the First and Fifth?"
Arael nodded again.
Yui stared at Arael for several minutes before speaking again.
"I've seen you around Sayoko, so she must have forgiven you for anything you did in the past.."
"I don't deserve to be forgiven" replied Arael, staring at the ground.
"If you didn't deserve to be forgiven, Kami-sama wouldn't allow you here." replied Yui, "Whatever you did, you need to let it go and move on."
"I can't" said Arael, "Not until I speak with the Second."
"Momma won't be back till later." said Yui, "Until then your welcome to stay here with us."
"You wouldn't let me stay if you knew what I have done." said Arael.
"That's in the past." said Yui, "Urd's domain. If Aunt Sayoko trusts you, that's good enough for me."
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"Go now. Destroy Japoness."
Matariel and Ramiel bowed before vanishing. Sachiel then turned to the others.
"Now we wait for news of their success. Then we can.." Sachiel's voice trailed off as he sensed something. From the looks on the faces of the others, they could sense it as well. Sachiel concentrated on that feeling, and then realized what it was.
"Tabris." Sachiel muttered.
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Asuka, Shinji, and Tabris looked around the area that had landed in.
"What is this place?" asked Shinji.
"The most recent addition to hell." replied Mara, "Only 500 years old. It hold the 13 most despised mortals of Heaven and Hell." Mara walked towards an opening in the wall. "This is the quickest way to get to Leliel. Don't touch anything."
Mara led them down a corridor and into a large chamber. The sounds of pain hit them as soon as they entered. Thirteen columns of light filled the chamber. Floating in each was a man, being tormented by who knows what. As he moved past them, Tabris realized who these men were.
"Just try to ignore them." said Mara as she moved to the far wall. She then began to search the wall. ".the release was somewhere along here..."
While Mara looked for the release, Shinji and Asuka looked around. Something about the 13th column of light drew Shinji towards it. Asuka in the meantime wondered towards the side wall, noticing some writing on it. Surprisingly, Asuka noticed that she could actually read the demon script.
" 'In this chamber...are those who once sought..to bring man together.as one.' " read Asuka, " 'May their names forever be lost to mankind.' " Asuka turned and looked at the columns. "Geez, someone wanted these guys forgotten." She turned to where Shinji was. "Who do you think they were Shin.." He voice trailed off as she caught the look on his face. Shinji was staring coldly at the man floating in the 13th column. As Asuka moved to Shinji's side, she could see why. Floating in the column was Gendo Ikari, Shinji's father.
"I always wondered what happened to him." said Shinji quietly, "If he had escaped the JSSDF and was moving freely around the world. Or if he had died during that battle." Asuka put her arms around Shinji and held him to her. "I looked in Yggdrasil for a while, trying to find any sign of him. But I didn't find anything in the things I had access to." Shinji finally looked at Asuka. "Now I know why Mara refused to say anything."
"Are you alright?" asked Asuka.
Shinji looked up at his father again, "At one time I might have forgiven him for how he treated me, and mother. But after learning everything he did, I want nothing more to do with him. He can rot here."
"YES!"
Shinji and Asuka turned to see that Mara had finally opened the hidden door.
"Alright kiddies," said Mara, "Let's go get Lorelei."
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Author's Notes: Yes..I'm still alive. Other things have been occupying my mind, such as finding a job. Next chapter is under way..