Chapter 14
Lorelei returns, Asuka finds out
"NOOO!!! GET OUT OF MY MIND!!!"
"Momma Momma!!!! They made me a pilot!!! I'm going to be a pilot!!!!"
"WHAT! NO! Not again, DON'T MAKE ME SEE THIS AGAIN!"
"Momma!! Momma!!"
A creak of a door opening is heard.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
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Misato Kaji sighed and looked at Ritsuko. "Why am I here?"
"For the 20th, 21st, and 22nd times." replied Ritsuko Akagi, "I don't know. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to finish this up."
Misato glanced over at Yui Ikari and Maya Ibuki. Both women were working silently together, checking over the systems of Unit 04. The task had slowed down a bit when Sayoko, Skuld and Urd had been called in to a meeting with Kami-sama. Misato turned and looked back up at the Eva.
"Can this thing even run?" asked Misato, "I mean, they pulled Belldandy and Keiichi out of its core... How is it going to work without them?"
Ritsuko sighed and looked up from her terminal, "Apparently there is a ghost image of the Morisatos left inside the core."
Misato frowned, "Ghost image? You mean they left part of their souls in there? Like Asuka's Mom?"
Ritsuko shook her head, "No..not like that. Think of it like this: When you get your picture taken, a flash bulb goes off. Because of the brightness of the flash, for a bit after you see the image of the bulb as it is temporarily burned into your retina. This is something similar..only it doesn't seem to have faded."
Misato looked back up at the Eva, "So it's like her parents are still in the Eva?"
"Kind of. Their thoughts, memories, dreams, hopes, desires, all up to the time they were pulled out are all in there. Think of it as a giant storage drive. The only thing it lacks is a consciousness."
Misato let that sink in as she continued to stare at the Eva. Several floors above her, another person was confronting the Eva, face to face.
Belldandy stared at the Eva. The Eva blank eyes seem to stare right back at her.
"For much of my daughter's youth..you were my prison." said Belldandy, "Yet you allowed me to help her. Yet this time, I will not be there for her." Belldandy looked away. "I do not wish to lose my daughter." She returned her gaze to the Eva. "You will protect her and bring her back to me."
The Evas eyes flared blue for a second, before darkening again.
Belldandy's face took on a look of satisfaction.
"I'm glad we understand each other."
"Belldandy-sama."
Belldandy turned to see Sigel standing behind her. "Yes?"
"You requested to be alerted. They have returned."
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"Auntie Megumi? When will Poppa and Momma come home?"
"NO! Not this again!! NOT AGAIN!!!"
"I don't know Yoko. Your Auntie Skuld and Urd went to heaven to find out."
"Why did they go there?"
"Because they can't reach your Mother from here."
"Auntie Skuld? Auntie Urd? Where's Poppa and Momma?"
"Yoko...they're....they're gone Yoko."
"Are they gonna come back?"
"No Yoko...they're not coming back..ever."
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
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Arael sat up screaming.
'The dreams.." she thought, "Always those dreams..."
Arael sat quietly on the bed. She had been brought here by Yui. The girl had wanted to show Arael that there were no animosity towards her. Lime and Cherry had helped to reinforce that.
"Arael?! Are you alright?"
Arael turned to see the red haired girl staring at her.
'She is not the Second Child...' thought Arael, 'She is Yui, daughter of the 2nd and 3rd.' "I am fine." She said quietly.
Yui gave Arael a skeptical look. Arael let out a sigh.
"Alright..I'm not alright. I had a bad dream."
"You want to talk about it?" asked Yui.
Arael shook her head. "No."
"It was about Momma and Auntie Sayoko wasn't it."
Arael didn't reply. Yui took that as a yes.
"Lime and Cherry are waiting downstairs." said Yui, "Come on down when your ready."
Yui then left. Arael sat there for a few moments longer before she got up and exited the room. There, hanging across from her on the wall her was a picture, showing the 2nd and 3rd children, their daughter, and the 2 Grandmothers, one of which Yui had been named after. Even their adoptive mother was there. Arael felt guilty as she looked at the picture.
'I do not belong here in their house.' she thought. 'Not after what I have done. How did I get talked into this?' She moved downstairs and felt someone grab her arm. She turned to see Lime firmly attached to her.
"Morning Arael! Did you sleep well?" asked Lime.
"No."
Lime's smile dropped, "Oh. I'm sorry." Lime then perked back up. "Guess what?! Lorelei's here!"
Arael turned and looked at Yui, "Is this true?"
Yui nodded, "Momma and Poppa brought her to the Yggdrasil building. I'm going to take Lime and Cherry over there to meet up with her before Momma and Poppa take them back to Terra 2."
Arael immediately tried to search the heavens for her Brother Angel, Tabris, but she failed to find him. She turned and looked at Yui. "Tabris?"
Yui shook her head.
Arael closed her eyes. "What happens to me now?" she said softly.
"You're to come with me to Yggdrasil as well."
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Lorelei stared at the sight before her.
"This is heaven?" she asked in awe.
"Yeah yeah." mumbled Mara, "Lots of green, shiny buildings, and the skies are not cloudy all day."
Asuka smirked at Mara, then took a look around.
"I told them we'd be arriving soon... Where..?
A loud sonic boom interrupted her, followed by a girl's voice.
"LORELEI!!"
Lorelei found herself wrapped up in a hug by a very happy marionette.
"Lime!" shouted Lorelei, wrapping her arms around Lime. Both were soon joined by Cherry. The 3 continued to hold each other and sob. Asuka and Shinji just smiled while Mara made aging noises.
"Seems we are a bit late."
Everyone turned to see Belldandy walking towards them, Sayoko right next to her. Asuka and Shinji nodded to them.
"Ma'am, Sayoko."
Belldandy walked up to Lorelei. "It is a pleasure to finally met you. I am also glad to find you in good health."
"Umm Thanks." said Lorelei, "Who are you?"
"Lorelei," began Sayoko, "This my mother, Belldandy, Goddess Class 0, Type 2 Unlimited. She represents Terra 2 on the Heavenly Council."
Lorelei's eyes widened, "You're in charge of Terra 2."
Belldandy nodded, "I oversee Terra 2. I do not control it." Belldandy looked around, then turned to Lime and Cherry. "Where is Yui and Arael? I believe Sayoko requires their presence."
Lime looked down at the ground, "We got exciting about Lorelei being back, we sort of ran off without them."
Belldandy smiled, "I see."
Yui and Arael arrived at that moment, both looking as if they had tried to keep up with the marionettes.
"Sorry..we're late.Belldandy-sama." said Yui, out of breathe.
"Don't worry." said Belldandy, "We haven't waited long."
"Yui." said Asuka, "I trust you behaved yourself?"
Yui quickly stood up straight, "Yes Ma'am."
"Good." smiled Asuka, "Come here and give us a hug."
Yui immediately smiled and ran to her parents. Arael in the meantime stood quietly off to the side, staring in fear at Asuka. Sayoko quietly moved next to her.
"It's alright." Sayoko whispered, "She won't hurt you."
"But she doesn't know who I am." replied Arael, "When she does. she'll."
"She won't."
Asuka and Shinji released their daughter and then looked at Arael.
"So, you are Arael." said Asuka. She held out her hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
Arael reluctantly took the offered hand and shook it. She then quickly released it and backed away from Asuka. She then turned towards Sayoko, giving her a pleading look. Sayoko let out a sigh.
"Yui, Arael and I are going inside. Contact me when you're done visiting with your parents. I have a job for you."
Sayoko then turned and walked towards the building, Arael following quickly behind her.
Lime immediately stood up and began waving. "Bye Bye Sayoko! Arael!"
Sayoko turned and waved back, while Arael continued to look at Asuka. Both then entered the building.
Belldandy then turned and faced Lorelei and the marionettes. "Come with me. I can take you to a place where you can relax." She began to lead them into the building. "You must have had a horrible time in hell."
"Hell isn't that bad." muttered Mara as she followed Belldandy in.
After they had left Asuka turned to Yui. "What's her problem? Tabris didn't have any problems working with us."
Yui looked down at the ground, "Arael has...issues with her past."
"What kind of issues?" asked Shinji.
Yui continued to stare at the ground. "Well..."
"There you are!"
The 3 turned to see Misato walking towards them.
"I was wondering where you two had gone off to!"
Shinji smiled, "We can't always say where we're going."
"Well, at least you've returned in one piece this time." replied Misato, wrapping them both up in a hug.
"HEY!" shouted Asuka, "It's not our fault the demons found a working N2 Mine. So what's up? You usually can't get in this building."
"I got pulled in on a special project." said Misato, "Your mom, Ritsuko, and Maya are in there right now."
"Working on what?" asked Shinji.
"I can't tell you." replied Misato.
Asuka frowned, "Why not?"
"The project is controlled directly by Kami-sama. Only those that need to know have been told."
"Maybe its something to help us against the Angels." said Shinji, "I hear Rei and Touji just barely stopped the 5th with the help of the 16th."
Misato frowned. "I heard they had help from an Angel, but I didn't release they were helped by the one that nearly blew up Rei."
"At least they're helping us." said Asuka, "The 17th and 12th died helping us to get out of hell with Lorelei."
"No matter what they did to you in the past?" asked Misato.
"Tabris really didn't do much around NERV." said Shinji, "He remained hidden until he headed towards Lilith. The 12th didn't do much either, other then suck me into that sea of dirac. I don't know how Rei feels about the 16th, that female Angel.. I don't know which she is. She seems to be avoiding us."
Misato looked at Yui, "She hasn't avoided everyone."
Asuka looked at her daughter, "Yui, do you know which Angel the female is?"
Yui nodded.
"Which one is she?"
"Mom, she's really sorry about what happened. She knows what she did was wrong and is trying to make it up to us. Sayoko forgave her and she is really nice..."
Asuka's eyes narrowed, "Which Angel is she?"
Yui tried several times to speak. Finally, Misato answered.
"Arael is the 15th Angel Asuka."
Asuka slowly turned to look at Misato, "The 15th?"
Misato nodded.
"The snowflake thing in space?"
Misato nodded again.
"The thing that sent down the shaft of light and fucked over my head?"
Nod.
Asuka went strangely quiet.
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Sayoko and Arael were almost at the Eva bay when thunder exploded outside the building followed by extremely loud German cursing.
"Look like Asuka has just been told who you are." said Sayoko quietly.
Arael said nothing.
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Several hours later.
"You just had to tell her didn't you?"
Misato glanced at Ritsuko, "I saw no need to keep it from her."
Yui (Shinji's Mom) looked up from the console. "You still could have gone about telling her differently." Yui turned and looked at Ritsuko. "We're ready."
Ritsuko looked over at Maya. "Status?"
"The board is green sempai."
Standing behind Ritsuko were Urd and Mara. Mara looked up at the massive Eva.
"So this is what you've been up too." said Mara.
"Yeah," said Urd, "Just don't go blabbing that we have it. Kami-sama was reluctant to let you see it."
"Yeah well." Mara looked at the screen that showed the entry plug, "I'm not here for hell or Hild. I'm here for her."
Ritsuko turned around and looked at Urd. "We seem to be ready."
Urd nodded. "Proceed."
Ritsuko leaned forward and pressed a button on the console in front of her. A screen flashed to life showing Skuld. Behind her, Arael and Yui (Asuka's daughter) could just be seen.
"We are ready down here." stated Ritsuko.
"The plug has been inserted." replied Skuld, she looked back at Arael who nodded. "We're ready up here."
"Begin start up process." ordered Ritsuko.
"Neural Connections have been made." said Yui (Shinji's mom), "No problems."
"S2 Engine beginning to power up," said Maya, "Power levels at 40% and rising."
"Sync rate steady at.." Yui's eyes widened, "Sync rate is fluctuating!"
"S2 Engine output has jumped to 110% and is continuing to rise!" shouted Maya.
"Shut it down!" shouted Ritsuko.
"I can't! The signals are being rejected!"
A bright glow began to fill up the room, followed by a hum that began to grow louder.
"EVERYONE OUT!" shouted Ritsuko.
Everyone immediately got up and scrambled to leave. Everyone but Urd. She remained in place, looking upwards, a resigned look on her face.
"Not again..."
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Outside, the Gods and souls that resided in heaven were moving about their business. Suddenly a loud explosion rocked the city. Everyone turned to see a section of the Yggdrasil building awash in the glow of an explosion. Within seconds the glow vanished. The people of heaven then turned and continued about their business.
In his office, Kami-sama sighed.
"Why must every project that Urd is a part of involve part of this building being blown up?"
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Terra 2.
"Mien Gott en Himmel!" shouted Asuka, "How could they let that creature into heaven!"
Shinji, Touji, and Rei watched Asuka pace back and forth.
"I mean.after all they did to us," continued Asuka, "They come back and ask for forgiveness? Come on!"
Rei sighed, "Look Asuka, I'm not happy the 16th is back, but you don't see me freaking out. Besides, Sayoko was attacked by the Angel as well, and from what you have said the Angel is working by her side."
"I am not Sayoko!" said Asuka.
A knock at the door interrupted them.
"Come in!" shouted Asuka.
The door opened allowing Cherry to enter.
"I was wondering if you needed anything." said Cherry.
"Yeah I need Unit 02 and a Positron gun so I can kick some angel ass!" replied Asuka.
"We're fine Cherry." replied Rei.
"Alright then." Cherry turned around to leave.
"Cherry?" asked Shinji.
"Yes Shinji-sama?" asked Cherry.
"You were up in heaven while we were rescuing Lorelei..Did you ever run into Arael?"
Cherry nodded, "Lime met her in the park and then took her over to Yui-sama and myself." Cherry then looked thoughtfully for a second. "She seemed to be scared of Yui-sama now that I think of it. It was only after Yui talked to her that she seemed to calm down. But she still felt bad about what she did in the past and wanted to speak with the Second Child."
Asuka grunted, "Sure..she'd probably want to see what else was on my mind..."
"What is she like?" asked Rei.
"She's very quiet, and pleasant. But she always seemed sad. She hadn't been able to sleep much because of nightmares."
Asuka smirked, "So there is a God...serves it right."
Shinji looked over at Asuka, "Not all the Angels are that bad. We got along with Tabris fairly well."
A thought ran through Asuka's mind. "Tabris..." Asuka leaned back in the chair.
"What about him?"
"He told me that something from the past would come back to haunt me, and before I acted, to listen to talk to her. At first I didn't understand..." Asuka looked back over to Shinji, "But now I do. Maybe I will talk to her."
Touji stared stunned at Asuka, "Wait a second! After you've been down here cursing and screaming about how that Angel made your life hell..all of a sudden you change your mind and decide to talk to her?!?!" Touji shook his head, "I can't believe you can change your mind that quickly."
"I can.." muttered Shinji.
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A few hours later
Lorelei leaned against the railing and looked out over Japoness.
"Enjoying the view?"
Lorelei turned to see Tiger standing in the doorway.
"After seeing nothing but caves and bedrock, open sky is a blessing." replied Lorelei.
Tiger walked over and stood next to Lorelei. "I suppose it would be. What was it like?"
"Hell?" Lorelei looked back over the city, "It was actually a bit better then being stuck in the computer. But not by much." Lorelei glanced at Tiger. "What happened while I was gone?"
"You know the Angels attacked Gartlant and then Japoness." Tiger pointed to the remains of the 5th Angel that lay just outside the city. "That one caused us the most problems. Faust stayed here with Luchs, Panther, and myself. Otaru and Bloodberry went back to his apartment." Tiger smiled, "We had to force him to go. He kept sitting around here trying to find out anything he could about the attempt to rescue you. I think he like you."
Lorelei blushed slightly, "Most of Terra 2 likes me. I'm the only adult female on the planet."
"I think Otaru sees you differently then the rest of the planet."
Lorelei looked away, "There's nothing I can do about that now.. Besides.he has the girls."
"They are still only Marionettes," said Tiger softly, "Just like me."
Lorelei turned and faced Tiger, "You girls are more then Marionettes. You each have a soul." Lorelei wrapped her arms around Tiger in a hug. "You all have a bit of me in you. In a way, that makes you my daughters."
Tiger returned the hug, "It's good to have you back Lorelei."
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Ponta lumbered about the forest watching over her sleeping cubs. Other then the humans, there really wasn't anything else that would go after her cubs, so feared was she. Of course being a 40 story tall monster, there's really nothing else that could take the full grown Ponta. That was why when the strange creature walked through her forest, Ponta moved to investigate. The creature, which was close to her height seemed to be heading for the river. Ponta moved along side of the creature and growled at it.
'My river!'
The creature stopped and turned to face Ponta. It opened its jaws and roared back at the Ponta with glowing red eyes.
Ponta immediately began to retreat.
'Ok. your river.'
Ponta quickly moved back to where her cubs were. The creature in the meantime continued to head towards the river. Once there, it entered the water and began to walk towards the middle where it was deepest. Soon the waters swirled and cover the creature. Within moments, there was no sign that the creature had been there at all.
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"NOOO!!! GET OUT OF MY MIND!!!"
"Momma Momma!!!! They made me a pilot!!! I'm going to be a pilot!!!!"
"WHAT! NO! Not again, DON'T MAKE ME SEE THIS AGAIN!"
"Momma!! Momma!!"
A creak of a door opening is heard.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
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Misato Kaji sighed and looked at Ritsuko. "Why am I here?"
"For the 20th, 21st, and 22nd times." replied Ritsuko Akagi, "I don't know. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to finish this up."
Misato glanced over at Yui Ikari and Maya Ibuki. Both women were working silently together, checking over the systems of Unit 04. The task had slowed down a bit when Sayoko, Skuld and Urd had been called in to a meeting with Kami-sama. Misato turned and looked back up at the Eva.
"Can this thing even run?" asked Misato, "I mean, they pulled Belldandy and Keiichi out of its core... How is it going to work without them?"
Ritsuko sighed and looked up from her terminal, "Apparently there is a ghost image of the Morisatos left inside the core."
Misato frowned, "Ghost image? You mean they left part of their souls in there? Like Asuka's Mom?"
Ritsuko shook her head, "No..not like that. Think of it like this: When you get your picture taken, a flash bulb goes off. Because of the brightness of the flash, for a bit after you see the image of the bulb as it is temporarily burned into your retina. This is something similar..only it doesn't seem to have faded."
Misato looked back up at the Eva, "So it's like her parents are still in the Eva?"
"Kind of. Their thoughts, memories, dreams, hopes, desires, all up to the time they were pulled out are all in there. Think of it as a giant storage drive. The only thing it lacks is a consciousness."
Misato let that sink in as she continued to stare at the Eva. Several floors above her, another person was confronting the Eva, face to face.
Belldandy stared at the Eva. The Eva blank eyes seem to stare right back at her.
"For much of my daughter's youth..you were my prison." said Belldandy, "Yet you allowed me to help her. Yet this time, I will not be there for her." Belldandy looked away. "I do not wish to lose my daughter." She returned her gaze to the Eva. "You will protect her and bring her back to me."
The Evas eyes flared blue for a second, before darkening again.
Belldandy's face took on a look of satisfaction.
"I'm glad we understand each other."
"Belldandy-sama."
Belldandy turned to see Sigel standing behind her. "Yes?"
"You requested to be alerted. They have returned."
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"Auntie Megumi? When will Poppa and Momma come home?"
"NO! Not this again!! NOT AGAIN!!!"
"I don't know Yoko. Your Auntie Skuld and Urd went to heaven to find out."
"Why did they go there?"
"Because they can't reach your Mother from here."
"Auntie Skuld? Auntie Urd? Where's Poppa and Momma?"
"Yoko...they're....they're gone Yoko."
"Are they gonna come back?"
"No Yoko...they're not coming back..ever."
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
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Arael sat up screaming.
'The dreams.." she thought, "Always those dreams..."
Arael sat quietly on the bed. She had been brought here by Yui. The girl had wanted to show Arael that there were no animosity towards her. Lime and Cherry had helped to reinforce that.
"Arael?! Are you alright?"
Arael turned to see the red haired girl staring at her.
'She is not the Second Child...' thought Arael, 'She is Yui, daughter of the 2nd and 3rd.' "I am fine." She said quietly.
Yui gave Arael a skeptical look. Arael let out a sigh.
"Alright..I'm not alright. I had a bad dream."
"You want to talk about it?" asked Yui.
Arael shook her head. "No."
"It was about Momma and Auntie Sayoko wasn't it."
Arael didn't reply. Yui took that as a yes.
"Lime and Cherry are waiting downstairs." said Yui, "Come on down when your ready."
Yui then left. Arael sat there for a few moments longer before she got up and exited the room. There, hanging across from her on the wall her was a picture, showing the 2nd and 3rd children, their daughter, and the 2 Grandmothers, one of which Yui had been named after. Even their adoptive mother was there. Arael felt guilty as she looked at the picture.
'I do not belong here in their house.' she thought. 'Not after what I have done. How did I get talked into this?' She moved downstairs and felt someone grab her arm. She turned to see Lime firmly attached to her.
"Morning Arael! Did you sleep well?" asked Lime.
"No."
Lime's smile dropped, "Oh. I'm sorry." Lime then perked back up. "Guess what?! Lorelei's here!"
Arael turned and looked at Yui, "Is this true?"
Yui nodded, "Momma and Poppa brought her to the Yggdrasil building. I'm going to take Lime and Cherry over there to meet up with her before Momma and Poppa take them back to Terra 2."
Arael immediately tried to search the heavens for her Brother Angel, Tabris, but she failed to find him. She turned and looked at Yui. "Tabris?"
Yui shook her head.
Arael closed her eyes. "What happens to me now?" she said softly.
"You're to come with me to Yggdrasil as well."
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Lorelei stared at the sight before her.
"This is heaven?" she asked in awe.
"Yeah yeah." mumbled Mara, "Lots of green, shiny buildings, and the skies are not cloudy all day."
Asuka smirked at Mara, then took a look around.
"I told them we'd be arriving soon... Where..?
A loud sonic boom interrupted her, followed by a girl's voice.
"LORELEI!!"
Lorelei found herself wrapped up in a hug by a very happy marionette.
"Lime!" shouted Lorelei, wrapping her arms around Lime. Both were soon joined by Cherry. The 3 continued to hold each other and sob. Asuka and Shinji just smiled while Mara made aging noises.
"Seems we are a bit late."
Everyone turned to see Belldandy walking towards them, Sayoko right next to her. Asuka and Shinji nodded to them.
"Ma'am, Sayoko."
Belldandy walked up to Lorelei. "It is a pleasure to finally met you. I am also glad to find you in good health."
"Umm Thanks." said Lorelei, "Who are you?"
"Lorelei," began Sayoko, "This my mother, Belldandy, Goddess Class 0, Type 2 Unlimited. She represents Terra 2 on the Heavenly Council."
Lorelei's eyes widened, "You're in charge of Terra 2."
Belldandy nodded, "I oversee Terra 2. I do not control it." Belldandy looked around, then turned to Lime and Cherry. "Where is Yui and Arael? I believe Sayoko requires their presence."
Lime looked down at the ground, "We got exciting about Lorelei being back, we sort of ran off without them."
Belldandy smiled, "I see."
Yui and Arael arrived at that moment, both looking as if they had tried to keep up with the marionettes.
"Sorry..we're late.Belldandy-sama." said Yui, out of breathe.
"Don't worry." said Belldandy, "We haven't waited long."
"Yui." said Asuka, "I trust you behaved yourself?"
Yui quickly stood up straight, "Yes Ma'am."
"Good." smiled Asuka, "Come here and give us a hug."
Yui immediately smiled and ran to her parents. Arael in the meantime stood quietly off to the side, staring in fear at Asuka. Sayoko quietly moved next to her.
"It's alright." Sayoko whispered, "She won't hurt you."
"But she doesn't know who I am." replied Arael, "When she does. she'll."
"She won't."
Asuka and Shinji released their daughter and then looked at Arael.
"So, you are Arael." said Asuka. She held out her hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
Arael reluctantly took the offered hand and shook it. She then quickly released it and backed away from Asuka. She then turned towards Sayoko, giving her a pleading look. Sayoko let out a sigh.
"Yui, Arael and I are going inside. Contact me when you're done visiting with your parents. I have a job for you."
Sayoko then turned and walked towards the building, Arael following quickly behind her.
Lime immediately stood up and began waving. "Bye Bye Sayoko! Arael!"
Sayoko turned and waved back, while Arael continued to look at Asuka. Both then entered the building.
Belldandy then turned and faced Lorelei and the marionettes. "Come with me. I can take you to a place where you can relax." She began to lead them into the building. "You must have had a horrible time in hell."
"Hell isn't that bad." muttered Mara as she followed Belldandy in.
After they had left Asuka turned to Yui. "What's her problem? Tabris didn't have any problems working with us."
Yui looked down at the ground, "Arael has...issues with her past."
"What kind of issues?" asked Shinji.
Yui continued to stare at the ground. "Well..."
"There you are!"
The 3 turned to see Misato walking towards them.
"I was wondering where you two had gone off to!"
Shinji smiled, "We can't always say where we're going."
"Well, at least you've returned in one piece this time." replied Misato, wrapping them both up in a hug.
"HEY!" shouted Asuka, "It's not our fault the demons found a working N2 Mine. So what's up? You usually can't get in this building."
"I got pulled in on a special project." said Misato, "Your mom, Ritsuko, and Maya are in there right now."
"Working on what?" asked Shinji.
"I can't tell you." replied Misato.
Asuka frowned, "Why not?"
"The project is controlled directly by Kami-sama. Only those that need to know have been told."
"Maybe its something to help us against the Angels." said Shinji, "I hear Rei and Touji just barely stopped the 5th with the help of the 16th."
Misato frowned. "I heard they had help from an Angel, but I didn't release they were helped by the one that nearly blew up Rei."
"At least they're helping us." said Asuka, "The 17th and 12th died helping us to get out of hell with Lorelei."
"No matter what they did to you in the past?" asked Misato.
"Tabris really didn't do much around NERV." said Shinji, "He remained hidden until he headed towards Lilith. The 12th didn't do much either, other then suck me into that sea of dirac. I don't know how Rei feels about the 16th, that female Angel.. I don't know which she is. She seems to be avoiding us."
Misato looked at Yui, "She hasn't avoided everyone."
Asuka looked at her daughter, "Yui, do you know which Angel the female is?"
Yui nodded.
"Which one is she?"
"Mom, she's really sorry about what happened. She knows what she did was wrong and is trying to make it up to us. Sayoko forgave her and she is really nice..."
Asuka's eyes narrowed, "Which Angel is she?"
Yui tried several times to speak. Finally, Misato answered.
"Arael is the 15th Angel Asuka."
Asuka slowly turned to look at Misato, "The 15th?"
Misato nodded.
"The snowflake thing in space?"
Misato nodded again.
"The thing that sent down the shaft of light and fucked over my head?"
Nod.
Asuka went strangely quiet.
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Sayoko and Arael were almost at the Eva bay when thunder exploded outside the building followed by extremely loud German cursing.
"Look like Asuka has just been told who you are." said Sayoko quietly.
Arael said nothing.
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Several hours later.
"You just had to tell her didn't you?"
Misato glanced at Ritsuko, "I saw no need to keep it from her."
Yui (Shinji's Mom) looked up from the console. "You still could have gone about telling her differently." Yui turned and looked at Ritsuko. "We're ready."
Ritsuko looked over at Maya. "Status?"
"The board is green sempai."
Standing behind Ritsuko were Urd and Mara. Mara looked up at the massive Eva.
"So this is what you've been up too." said Mara.
"Yeah," said Urd, "Just don't go blabbing that we have it. Kami-sama was reluctant to let you see it."
"Yeah well." Mara looked at the screen that showed the entry plug, "I'm not here for hell or Hild. I'm here for her."
Ritsuko turned around and looked at Urd. "We seem to be ready."
Urd nodded. "Proceed."
Ritsuko leaned forward and pressed a button on the console in front of her. A screen flashed to life showing Skuld. Behind her, Arael and Yui (Asuka's daughter) could just be seen.
"We are ready down here." stated Ritsuko.
"The plug has been inserted." replied Skuld, she looked back at Arael who nodded. "We're ready up here."
"Begin start up process." ordered Ritsuko.
"Neural Connections have been made." said Yui (Shinji's mom), "No problems."
"S2 Engine beginning to power up," said Maya, "Power levels at 40% and rising."
"Sync rate steady at.." Yui's eyes widened, "Sync rate is fluctuating!"
"S2 Engine output has jumped to 110% and is continuing to rise!" shouted Maya.
"Shut it down!" shouted Ritsuko.
"I can't! The signals are being rejected!"
A bright glow began to fill up the room, followed by a hum that began to grow louder.
"EVERYONE OUT!" shouted Ritsuko.
Everyone immediately got up and scrambled to leave. Everyone but Urd. She remained in place, looking upwards, a resigned look on her face.
"Not again..."
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Outside, the Gods and souls that resided in heaven were moving about their business. Suddenly a loud explosion rocked the city. Everyone turned to see a section of the Yggdrasil building awash in the glow of an explosion. Within seconds the glow vanished. The people of heaven then turned and continued about their business.
In his office, Kami-sama sighed.
"Why must every project that Urd is a part of involve part of this building being blown up?"
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Terra 2.
"Mien Gott en Himmel!" shouted Asuka, "How could they let that creature into heaven!"
Shinji, Touji, and Rei watched Asuka pace back and forth.
"I mean.after all they did to us," continued Asuka, "They come back and ask for forgiveness? Come on!"
Rei sighed, "Look Asuka, I'm not happy the 16th is back, but you don't see me freaking out. Besides, Sayoko was attacked by the Angel as well, and from what you have said the Angel is working by her side."
"I am not Sayoko!" said Asuka.
A knock at the door interrupted them.
"Come in!" shouted Asuka.
The door opened allowing Cherry to enter.
"I was wondering if you needed anything." said Cherry.
"Yeah I need Unit 02 and a Positron gun so I can kick some angel ass!" replied Asuka.
"We're fine Cherry." replied Rei.
"Alright then." Cherry turned around to leave.
"Cherry?" asked Shinji.
"Yes Shinji-sama?" asked Cherry.
"You were up in heaven while we were rescuing Lorelei..Did you ever run into Arael?"
Cherry nodded, "Lime met her in the park and then took her over to Yui-sama and myself." Cherry then looked thoughtfully for a second. "She seemed to be scared of Yui-sama now that I think of it. It was only after Yui talked to her that she seemed to calm down. But she still felt bad about what she did in the past and wanted to speak with the Second Child."
Asuka grunted, "Sure..she'd probably want to see what else was on my mind..."
"What is she like?" asked Rei.
"She's very quiet, and pleasant. But she always seemed sad. She hadn't been able to sleep much because of nightmares."
Asuka smirked, "So there is a God...serves it right."
Shinji looked over at Asuka, "Not all the Angels are that bad. We got along with Tabris fairly well."
A thought ran through Asuka's mind. "Tabris..." Asuka leaned back in the chair.
"What about him?"
"He told me that something from the past would come back to haunt me, and before I acted, to listen to talk to her. At first I didn't understand..." Asuka looked back over to Shinji, "But now I do. Maybe I will talk to her."
Touji stared stunned at Asuka, "Wait a second! After you've been down here cursing and screaming about how that Angel made your life hell..all of a sudden you change your mind and decide to talk to her?!?!" Touji shook his head, "I can't believe you can change your mind that quickly."
"I can.." muttered Shinji.
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A few hours later
Lorelei leaned against the railing and looked out over Japoness.
"Enjoying the view?"
Lorelei turned to see Tiger standing in the doorway.
"After seeing nothing but caves and bedrock, open sky is a blessing." replied Lorelei.
Tiger walked over and stood next to Lorelei. "I suppose it would be. What was it like?"
"Hell?" Lorelei looked back over the city, "It was actually a bit better then being stuck in the computer. But not by much." Lorelei glanced at Tiger. "What happened while I was gone?"
"You know the Angels attacked Gartlant and then Japoness." Tiger pointed to the remains of the 5th Angel that lay just outside the city. "That one caused us the most problems. Faust stayed here with Luchs, Panther, and myself. Otaru and Bloodberry went back to his apartment." Tiger smiled, "We had to force him to go. He kept sitting around here trying to find out anything he could about the attempt to rescue you. I think he like you."
Lorelei blushed slightly, "Most of Terra 2 likes me. I'm the only adult female on the planet."
"I think Otaru sees you differently then the rest of the planet."
Lorelei looked away, "There's nothing I can do about that now.. Besides.he has the girls."
"They are still only Marionettes," said Tiger softly, "Just like me."
Lorelei turned and faced Tiger, "You girls are more then Marionettes. You each have a soul." Lorelei wrapped her arms around Tiger in a hug. "You all have a bit of me in you. In a way, that makes you my daughters."
Tiger returned the hug, "It's good to have you back Lorelei."
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Ponta lumbered about the forest watching over her sleeping cubs. Other then the humans, there really wasn't anything else that would go after her cubs, so feared was she. Of course being a 40 story tall monster, there's really nothing else that could take the full grown Ponta. That was why when the strange creature walked through her forest, Ponta moved to investigate. The creature, which was close to her height seemed to be heading for the river. Ponta moved along side of the creature and growled at it.
'My river!'
The creature stopped and turned to face Ponta. It opened its jaws and roared back at the Ponta with glowing red eyes.
Ponta immediately began to retreat.
'Ok. your river.'
Ponta quickly moved back to where her cubs were. The creature in the meantime continued to head towards the river. Once there, it entered the water and began to walk towards the middle where it was deepest. Soon the waters swirled and cover the creature. Within moments, there was no sign that the creature had been there at all.
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