Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion. Also there are other characters (who for the purpose of dramatic tension I cannot name) that I also do not own. They and their owners will be given their proper due in the disclaimer of the next chapter.
Chapter 2: Awakenings
The Tsunami was just another ship belonging to the Pacific fleet. There were very few ships remaining in the Pacific fleet anymore. What was unusual was that this particular ship was completely alone. Normally, ships moved in convoys, each providing mutual protection for the others. However, the Tsunami's captain had his own reasons for keeping his distance from other ships.
The Tsunami was bound for Tokyo 3. It carried a full cargo of munitions and supplies. The most important of which were five N2 mines. Over the course of multiple Angel attacks, NERV had used up a significant portion of its N2 weapons. These five would be the first of several delivered secretly to restock the organization's supplies. Of course, nobody in NERV would be informed of the remote detonator circuitry located in each of the bombs so that they could be triggered from halfway around the planet if necessary. Just in case the commander of NERV got the idea that he did not need his superiors anymore.
Of course, that was assuming that the Tsunami made it into port at all. The day was bright and sunny, the waters calm and smooth. The battleship cut cleanly across the surface of the ocean. There seemed to be nothing that could waylay it.
"Sir!" the shout rang out across the bridge as one of the men addressed his captain. The man in question was currently staring at a radar screen. "The radar is picking up something, something enormous!"
"Where?" inquired the captain, taking an opportunity to scan the horizon. He saw no signs of any other vessels at the moment.
"It's five hundred meters off the starboard bow at a depth of about 75 meters." The sailor looked at the screen again and gasped. "It's over 100 meters in length!"
"Let's try radio contact," instructed the captain, "Hail them."
"No response," called the communications officer after few moments.
"It's started moving sir," called the man minding the radar screen. "It's coming straight at us."
"Fire torpedoes!" ordered the captain. The torpedoes were away before the echoes from his voice stopped rattling across the bridge. Seconds later, twin plumes of water shot upwards off the ship's starboard flank.
"It's still coming!" shouted the sailor.
"Fire again!" shouted the captain, but his orders came too late as the object collided with the starboard bow of the ship with terrific force. The entire ship shuddered and nearly capsized. The captain and several other sailors were thrown off their feet from the force of the collision.
"Damage report!" shouted the captain as he struggled to his feet.
"We're taking on water!" was the panicked response to his order.
"The object is directly beneath us!" came the report from the radar, "Its coming up fast!"
As if this were a cue, the water around and under the ship began to froth and churn wildly, almost seeming to boil. This was punctuated by brief but intense flashes of white light that failed to illuminate the object rising from beneath.
Only a few seconds later, with a thunderous blast, the ship burst into flame, breaking nearly in half as it was slammed from below with terrific force. Slowly, the two pieces of ship slipped into the fiercely churning water. A minute later, the waters calmed and became still. Everything was as if the ship had never existed
***
The tale had gone on for more than an hour. Shinji had left out very few details. Ishiro listened quietly, looking straight ahead. Despite this, Shinji knew that he was listening very carefully. Finally, Shinji's story reached the present.
After concluding his narrative, Shinji sat and awaited Ishiro's response. For a long time, Ishiro said nothing, looking straight ahead. His face was carefully neutral as he turned over the information in his mind. Finally, Ishiro rendered his verdict. "It seems that our most pressing issue at this time is the condition of your friend, Asuka."
Shinji nodded his agreement. Ishiro went on. "However, since she is in a comatose state, it is unlikely that there is anything at the current time that we can do to help." He held up a hand to forestall Shinji forthcoming objection. "However, merely being there and offering our support can often supply the best remedy to the situation." He grinned as he turned to meet Shinji's gaze. "Let's face it, no matter her condition; you won't do Asuka much good if you stay huddled under a stairway all day long."
Ishiro stood up and offered Shinji his right hand to help him up. Shinji took the proffered hand without hesitation. He was stunned to find that the skin on the hand wasn't in fact skin at all. As soon as he was on his feet, Shinji let go of Ishiro's hand quickly, staring at it with surprise. Ishiro looked at Shinji, then at the object of Shinji's surprise and chuckled. "That is a story for another day," said Ishiro.
They began to walk towards the medical wing of the geofront. As they walked, Ishiro directed a grin at the hidden cameral mounted on the wall. Shinji walked on, oblivious to their unseen observer.
***
Misato leaned back in her seat as she watched the two children walk off. "That kid creeps me out," she declared. She had never seen Shinji open up to anyone in that way, not even her. The only other person he had opened up to was Kaoru. He had turned out to be the 17th Angel.
"You aren't the only one," agreed Maya, "I can't help but wonder how he was able to synchronize so quickly and completely with Unit 14."
"Perhaps it was not the boy," suggested Ritsuko as she joined the only two other occupants of Command center, the others having long since gone home.
"It's good to have you back Dr." said Maya with a smile. She had been Ritsuko's protégé of a sort and looked at Ritsuko like a second mother.
"It's good to be back Maya," replied Ritsuko, "And I am very proud of how well you have performed in my absence." Maya turned away, hiding a blush at the unexpected compliment.
"What do you mean it wasn't the boy?" asked Misato, interrupting the exchange between teacher and student.
"What I mean is that it could have been the Eva," answered Ritsuko, "Despite its resemblance to Unit 01, Unit 14 is very different."
"And why's that?" demanded Misato irritably.
"Unit 14's cells are drawn from the same source as Unit 01. It even uses the same design. There is only one difference." Ritsuko paused, letting the tension build.
"And that difference is…" Misato pressed.
"The cells of Unit 14 were spliced with cells from something else," Ritsuko frowned, "I'm not at liberty to discuss their origins with you. What I can tell you is this. After its first combat test, it is clear that Unit 14's unique abilities stem from the splicing."
"Abilities?" asked Misato, emphasizing the fact that Ritsuko's statement was plural.
"First, it can modify itself to suit the pilot's needs. It can also return itself to its original state. When I ran an analysis of the Eva after the battle, I found no sign of those two rods. It was as if they never existed. Second, its rate of regeneration is over ten times faster than Unit 01. I have also discovered that these grafts give Unit 14 an innate immunity to the effects of radioactivity. It can even function fully in the most hostile irradiated environments. In fact, it seems that radioactivity can actually stimulate its regenerative abilities. I can't tell you anything else without violating confidentiality. I'll probably have to share that stuff with the boy and I have little doubt that he'll eventually tell you. Until then, you learn anything else on a need to know basis." Ritsuko sighed, collapsing into a nearby chair.
"Great," growled Misato, "More secrets."
***
"This was unexpected," remarked Seele 02. In a space that did not really exist, twelve monoliths stood in a circle. Each was marked by a number. Each was designed to hind the identity of the man who waited behind it. This was Seele.
"Indeed," agreed 05.
"It was very cunning of Ikari to hide from us the fact that he had a 14th Evangelion," stated 09.
"It is also unusual that he actually succeeded in keeping it a secret from us," said 01.
"He will pay," growled the voice of 12.
"Not now," said 01, "For other events have been set in motion. These events may well exact our revenge for us."
***
"So this is Asuka," remarked Ishiro as he watched the girl on the bed. She was much the same as before. A nurse had closed her eyes to keep them from drying out. Ishiro sat on a chair against the wall. Shinji sat on a chair much closer to Asuka's bed.
Shinji watched Asuka, much of his sadness and helplessness was returning. What am I thinking? he thought bitterly, I'm not doing her any good no matter what I do.
"All we can do is wait," stated Ishiro behind him, "It will do her a world of good to wake up and find you waiting there."
"If she wakes up," replied Shinji cynically without turning to look at Ishiro.
Oh, she'll wake up, thought Ishiro.
***
Asuka floated in a sea of her own despair. First, she had been bested. Then, she had failed. Then, she had become useless. Then, she had been violated in the most personal way possible. And finally, she had been merely replaced, cast aside like so much useless garbage while NERV found someone else to do what she could not.
No one cares about me. She slipped deeper into depression.
Now that's just not true, replied a new voice in a matter of fact tone. It had not come from any other part of her mind. Asuka realized that she was no longer alone in her own head.
Who are you? she demanded, furious that anyone would intrude on her most personal and private thoughts.
You think that this is really violating your privacy, replied the voice mockingly, Your thoughts are so predictable that someone doesn't need to snoop around in your head to know what they are.
I don't care who you think you are! she practically screamed, Get out of my head and leave me alone!
Alone to do what? Drown in a sea of your own despair?
Why shouldn't I? It's obvious that I'm useless. There's no point in me living.
You are only useless if you believe you are. You are only useless if you want to be.
They don't need me. Not when they've got their wonderful Shinji.
Are you feeling so bad because he's better than you at something.
He's better than me at the only thing that matters in my life. He's got a perfect synchronization rate while I can't even activate my Eva anymore.
Has it ever occurred to you that your moping around is what is keeping you from achieving the same sync rate or even a better one than Shinji. You sulk and that keeps you from joining mind and soul with your Eva. You're too busy feeling sorry for yourself to do the thing that is most important to you.
Even if I could do it better, they wouldn't care. No one really cares about me. I'm a tool, a doll, an expendable asset; I don't really matter to anyone.
Damn you're stubborn, even when you're depressed. Once again you are mistaken. You think nobody cares because you only see yourself in terms of your usefulness as a pilot of Evangelion. There are people who care about you because there's more to you than Asuka the Eva pilot.
Like what?
Like Asuka, the girl so driven that she put herself through a university at the age of 14, or like Asuka, the girl whose glare can make any man quiver in fear, or Asuka, the girl who when she isn't beating herself up about things she shouldn't is one of the best friends a person can have. There are dozens of people who care about you. But because you look at yourself through only one facet of your life you shut them out and forget who they are.
And who are these people? Asuka was quickly getting tired of this conversation.
I don't need to tell you. You know who they are. But if you need proof…all you have to do is OPEN YOUR EYES!
Obeying a force not of her own volition, Asuka's eyes snapped open, her consciousness returned. She found herself staring at a blank white ceiling with a single fluorescent light glowing softly at its center. Asuka heard a sharp intake of breath next to her.
"You're awake!" Shinji grabbed her hand tightly. In his eyes, Asuka saw the beginnings of tears, tears of joy. "I'm so sorry," he sobbed as he held her hand in a death grip, "It's all my fault."
"Shinji," she said, blushing slightly. She was stunned that he cared so much about her. She realized that perhaps the voice had been right.
"Is there anything I can get you?" demanded Shinji quickly, "Food, water, clothes, anything?"
"Calm down Ikari," came a mild voice from behind Shinji. Looking over his shoulder, Asuka saw the third occupant of the room. The new boy, looking strangely amused, smiled when he saw that she was watching him.
"Welcome back to the world of the living Asuka Langley Soryu," he said cheerfully.
How did he know my name? wondered Asuka.
Shinji was too busy worrying over her to notice the peculiarity of the boy standing behind him.
"That's enough Shinji," said the boy decisively. Shinji quieted down but didn't let go of Asuka's hand. He had long since given up the battle to hold back his tears. They now streamed down his face. One or two of them fell on Asuka's hand, but for some reason she didn't mind.
The boy looked more closely at Asuka, "Food will be fine, then a change of clothes and probably a few other things. Somebody will have to notify command that you're finally awake."
He looked at Shinji, "Why don't you take care of that?" he inquired.
"Yes, right away," replied Shinji hastily. He let go of Asuka's hand and rushed out the door.
The boy chuckled as he watched Shinji to go. "And you thought nobody cared about you," he remarked.
"How did you know about that?" gasped Asuka.
The boy moved and took Shinji's seat next to Asuka. "Shinji has shared with me quite a bit about your history, especially the recent events which have been the cause of your former condition."
"You must think I'm a weakling," muttered Asuka.
"I never did believe in first impressions really," replied the boy cheerily, "Particularly since they're the ones other people believe are most important, so they set up a façade to gain the approval of others. From what Shinji has told me, you're one of the strongest individuals he knows. You just need to have more faith in yourself."
"Who are you?" asked Asuka.
The boy beamed, "I thought you would never ask. My name is Ishiro Saegusa. I am the 6th child."
"You're what!?" Asuka snapped.
"Don't worry. I haven't replaced you. While you were out, another Angel attacked Tokyo 3. Neither you nor Shinji could pilot. Shinji was too concerned about you to leave you're side so he refused to get in his Eva. They used me to pilot their newest Eva, Unit 14." Ishiro shrugged. He decided it would be better not to mention the incident under the stairs.
"Unit 14?" Asuka's voice was on autopilot now. She was filled with wonder that Shinji had cared so much about her.
"Probably NERV's best kept secret," replied Ishiro. He grinned as he recognized the distant look on her face. "You probably never realized that Shinji or anyone else cared so much about you."
Asuka nodded. Ishiro turned his head to look at the door. "I think I hear Shinji and somebody else coming back. Why don't I help you sit up since they're probably bringing food?"
"I can help myself up," replied Asuka as she pushed herself up with her elbows. It was hard work, so she didn't complain when Ishiro arranged her pillow so that she could rest her back against it.
A few seconds later the door opened to reveal Shinji, a doctor and a nurse bearing a tray of food. Asuka's stomach growled at the sight of the food. Being fed intravenously isn't really all that filling after all. However, the doctor insisted on giving Asuka a full physical examination before allowing her to eat.
After the examination, the doctor left, allowing the nurse to place the tray of food in front of Asuka. Asuka ate frantically.
"Careful or you might choke," said Ishiro, on the verge of amused laughter, "Though I'm glad to see that you still have a healthy appetite."
Asuka didn't bother to respond. She continued to eat. After being in a comatose state for so long, even Misato's cooking much less hospital fare would have been welcome. It wasn't long before she had cleared her plate.
"I guess you can go back to your home now," remarked Ishiro, "Are you up to walking?"
"Of course I am," replied Asuka, her cocky attitude back. After Ishiro removed the tray, Asuka lifted the blanket and swung her legs out until they hung off the bed. Finally, she carefully lowered herself to the floor.
Pens and needles shot up her legs instantly. She growled away the pain and forced more of her weight on the weak muscles. Finally, leaning only slightly on the bed, Asuka had rested her entire weight on her legs. Very slowly and carefully, she took her first step.
The weary limbs gave out almost instantly. Asuka was about to pitch face first onto the floor when somebody grabbed her arm, restoring her balance. Looking up, Asuka saw Shinji's concerned face. Without a reply, he gently draped her arm around his shoulders and took some of the weight off of her feet. For some reason, Asuka didn't feel like arguing.
"I'll call Major Katsuragi and let her know that you're ready to leave," announced Ishiro.
***
"What?" shouted Misato into the phone, "Asuka's awake?" A thousand different looks crossed Misato's face. Many of them reflected her concern for the child who had become in many ways like a daughter to her. "Is she alright?" After hearing the reply, Misato nodded, saying, "I'll pick her up right away."
"Well?" inquired Rtisuko.
"Asuka just woke up." Misato smiled. "She's perfectly fine; she just wants to go home."
"I'm sure Shinji must be elated," remarked Ritsuko.
"He was there when she woke up," replied Misato. "Ishiro is the one who called me."
"There is definitely something strange about that boy," stated Maya firmly.
***
"You will be housed here," stated Ishiro's guide. He indicated the apartment. The apartment quite roomy. Looking around, Ishiro saw that it already had all of the necessary furniture and equipment. The apartment consisted of a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom, perfect for a person living alone.
"I think I'm going to like it here," declared Ishiro.
***
"Ah," said Asuka, flopping down onto her own bed, "It's so good to be back."
"It's so good to have you back," said Misato, who watched Asuka from her door.
Misato went into the living room. Asuka just lay on her back in her bed, listening to the familiar sounds of her home. A few minutes later, she heard the sounds and smells of Shinji making their dinner. She smiled, she didn't want to tell him, but she was fond of Shinji's cooking. She heard the sounds of the TV droning on in the background as Misato flipped through the different channels. She even heard the pleased squawking of Pen Pen as he went around the apartment doing something or other.
Asuka sighed. It was indeed good to be home.
***
Later that night, Asuka lounged on the living room couch. The TV was on, but she wasn't really paying attention to it. Her thoughts were elsewhere, on Unit 02, on her future, on what the voice had said, on Shinji. She barely noticed as someone sat down next to her on the couch.
Asuka yelped in surprise as Shinji rested his hand on hers. Looking over and realizing who it was she smiled. "Oh, it's you," she said, slightly embarrassed that she had allowed him to sneak up on her like that.
"Are you feeling alright?" asked Shinji, his eyes betraying his concern for her.
"I'm fine," replied Asuka, "I can already walk again. Pretty soon I'll be back in Unit 02."
"That's good," said Shinji. Asuka heard a hint of relief in his tone. She was touched by how much he cared about her.
Then why do I keep pushing him away from me? she wondered. Asuka decided right there and then that she couldn't keep her distance from other people anymore. She leaned over and rested her head on Shinji's shoulder. At first, Shinji stiffened but relaxed after a moment, resting his head against hers. Slowly, she twisted her hand so that her finger's intertwined with Shinji's.
As the night wore on, Asuka's eyelids began to droop slightly. As they closed, she heard Shinji's last words. "Welcome home Asuka." Then she knew no more.
***
"It needed a little work, but it's perfect now," declared Ishiro proudly, looking around. He had moved in his personal belongings and set them up according to his needs and wishes. On one table he had laid out what looked like a set of tools for a miniature machine shop. However, all the tools were on a very small scale.
After arranging his belongings to his satisfaction, Ishiro got to work on his most pressing concern. It was time for a little maintenance. He seated himself in front of the table. Laid out on the table were various implements for a variety of jobs.
Slowly, he peeled back the artificial skin of his right hand, revealing the mass of metal and circuitry underneath. Slowly, Ishiro reached for some oil.
***
Asuka awoke on the couch. Someone had given her a blanket. As her eyes opened, the smells of breakfast reached her nose. Looking into the kitchen, she saw Shinji cooking. Whatever it was he was fixing it already smelled very good. Asuka slipped into her room to grab her clothes, then into the bathroom to take a shower. When she emerged, clean and dressed for school, Asuka was certain that she couldn't have felt better.
"Good morning Shinji," she said cheerfully, taking her seat at the table.
"Good morning," replied Shinji, not looking away from his cooking. Only his tone told her that he was happy to have her up and about.
"Good morning," said Misato, coming into the room. She looked at Asuka. "Are you ready to go back to school?"
"Of course," answered Asuka.
***
In the darkness of the sea, something moved. The thing was enormous. Despite its size, it moved through the water with sinuous ease. Its tail lazily lashed back and forth, propelling it slowly forward. As it moved forward, its mouth opened, revealing rows of razor sharp teeth. As it continued on its way, it was clear that the thing had a specific destination in mind. It was returning to a place it knew very well.
Ishiro awoke to the buzzing of the alarm on his clock. He turned off the alarm and sat up. There was no grogginess in his eyes, no sign that he had ever been asleep at all. There was only terrified awareness. "Mother," he said to the air around him, "Does this mean He is still alive?"
***
Shinji watched Asuka as she chatted away with Hikari. He couldn't help but feel a little concerned. She had regained her health so quickly. It seemed miraculous, too miraculous.
The damage from the battle the previous night had turned out to be surprisingly small. Further more, there had been no injuries among the civilian populace at all. Therefore, school resumed without pause. Turning his head, Shinji saw Rei Ayanami in her usual seat by the window. His mind flashed back to previous events. The destruction of Unit 00, finding out about Rei, about the dummy plug system. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Shinji looked away from her.
Ishiro entered through the door. Immediately, all conversation halted and all eyes turned on the newcomer as he took his seat. Something about Ishiro made Shinji feel slightly uncomfortable. He seemed to know more than he should about things. Shinji was grateful to him for his help the previous evening however.
"Hey Shinji!" yelled a boy with glasses as he entered the room. The boy was Kensuke, one of Shinji's closest friends. Kensuke was a military aficionado, a lover of all things to do with combat. One of the boy's deepest desires was to pilot the Evangelion. The boy who accompanied Kensuke said nothing as he entered. Touji had been chosen as the designated pilot of Unit 03. However, when his Eva had been taken over by the 13th Angel, Unit 01 had been forced to stop it. When Commander Ikari had engaged the Dummy Plug system, Unit 01 had literally ripped its opponent apart. In the process, Touji had lost an arm and a leg. They had been replaced by prosthetics, though Touji still felt the occasional twitch of a limb that was no longer there.
Kensuke almost instantly noticed Ishiro. He nudged Shinji's shoulder. "Who's the new kid?" he asked in a whisper.
"That's Ishiro," said Shinji.
"You know him? Is he an Eva pilot?"
"Yes," replied Shinji.
"He's the one who fought in the last battle isn't he?" inquired Touji. Shinji nodded.
Ishiro was idly tapping away at his laptop. He had inserted a disk not too long ago and was looking through some data on the screen. There was an intrigued look on his face, as if he had found something that had caught his interest. After the class began, Ishiro's eyes remained glued to the information he was reading throughout the lesson.
***
"We've almost arrived," stated announced the navigator. "We should be at the site in approximately thirty minutes."
"Good," said the captain, "Keep us posted."
The submarine slid silently through the depths of the ocean. It was attempting to find the remains of the wrecked Tsunami, in particular the N mines it was supposed to be carrying. It had been two days since the ship had vanished without a trace. The submarine was carefully tracing the ships course from its last known location.
For obvious reasons (namely the possibility that an Angel was responsible) Commander Ikari had ordered that the Submarine remain in contact with NERV at all times. The possibility of an Angel was making the crew very nervous. The submarine was not equipped to deal with Angels and would most likely not survive an encounter with one.
After half an hour, "We've arrived at the Tsunami's last recorded location," announced the navigator. Mere minutes before it had gone under, GPS and surveillance satellites had recorded the ship's last position.
"Descend to our maximum depth," ordered the captain. The ocean floor was many miles below them at this point and it would be impossible for the submarine to reach it and the remains of the battleship. However, the submarine was not unequipped for such actions. It carried with it a small submersible that was capable of reaching the bottoms of the deepest ocean trenches. Reaching the sea floor here would present no challenge to sturdy little craft. However, to save time and air, the submarine would launch the submersible from its maximum depth.
"The submersible is manned and ready for departure," announced a crew member.
"Launch," ordered the captain.
The submersible was away and descending towards the bottom. During this time, the men of the sub kept a nervous watch on the radar and sonar, watching for any sign of movement except for that of the tiny submersible. As it got closer to the bottom, it turned on its lights to penetrate the deepening gloom.
Finally, "I have a visual on the Tsunami," reported the operator of the submersible. His voice was tinged with relief. The massive shape of the battleship loomed ahead of the submersible. It was nestled next to a huge rock up thrust in ocean floor. The massive shape was curved, but it was topped by a ridge of irregular projections that almost looked like the spines of some prehistoric monster.
"Checking for N2 mines." The submarine engaged a number of instruments. N2 mines were tactical thermonuclear explosives. As such, the relied on a fusion reaction for the majority of the power behind their blast. However, to generate the immense heat needed to trigger the fusion reaction, they needed a smaller fission explosion. This was provided by the plutonium stored in the warhead. Simple radiation detection instruments could find such warheads. The submersible also employed a signal receiver designed to lock onto the transponder signal sent by the N2 mines.
"I'm picking up a signal," announced the operator. He guided the submersible around until he had a view of a massive hole in the ship's hull. "My God," he whispered. Already he could tell that no weapon made by man had made that hole. Carefully, he steered the craft into the hole, its lights roaming around, looking for the mines.
The lights slowly came to rest on the five N2 mines. "The mines are inert," reported the operator, "No signs of radioactivity."
"So they're useless," remarked the captain, "Very well, return to the ship. Let's get out of here."
"Yes sir," replied the operator. The submersible slowly backed out of the hole in the ship's hull and ascended to the submarine far above. The crew's tension had gradually bled away during the time the submersible was out. Now they were fairly sure that they would get back to Tokyo 3 without much trouble.
"The submersible has docked," reported a technician.
"Take us out of here," ordered the captain, "Set a course for Tokyo 3."
"What the!?" yelled the technician looking at the radar, "There's something on our tail. It's enormous!"
"It's the Angel!" yelled a crew member, panicking entirely.
"Arm the rear torpedo tubes!" barked the captain.
"The tubes are armed," announced the weapons officer.
"Fire!" The torpedo's sped away from the rear of the sub towards the incoming object.
"We will have impact in five…four…three…two…one…Impact!" The radar screen went blank with static for a moment as the shockwave disrupted all the readings. The sonar did the same.
Gradually the screens cleared. "It's still coming!" shouted the technician.
"Fire again!" yelled the captain. To the helmsman he shouted, "Full speed ahead! Take us out of here!"
"We're already at full throttle sir!" the helmsman shouted back, "I can't get her to go any faster!"
"Fire!" shouted the captain as the weapons officer announced that the torpedo tubes were ready. Again, they impacted and again the screens were blanked out by the shockwave. When they cleared again, the object was still coming.
"Send out an SOS!" the captain shouted to the communications officer.
"Already done," replied the officer.
There was nothing more to be done. The submarine fired several more times, however, each shot proved to be futile. The gigantic object came on, unfazed by torpedoes and quickly gaining on the sub. The chase went on for twenty-eight minutes as the pursuer refused to give up. It was almost on top of the submarine. Finally, it caught up to its quarry. The submarine soon joined the Tsunami at the bottom of the sea.
***
Ishiro sat quietly in the test plug as the synchronization test commenced. The test plugs were different from the actual Evangelion entry plugs. Ishiro was certain that this was the cause of the results of his current tests.
"I don't understand!" exclaimed Maya, "His synchronization ratio is 10.03%."
"That is strange," agreed Ritsuko, looking over her protégé's shoulder, "How could he get over a hundred his first time in the Eva and then not even be able to activate it the next day?" She sighed. "Well, let's call it a day. Pilot Saegusa, you may get out now."
"Thank you," said Ishiro quietly. He had had a lot on his mind recently. The dreams had come with increasing intensity. He was beginning to see that vast shape moving through the shadows every time he closed his eyes. How did mother ever get any sleep when these things happened? he wondered.
"All command staff and Eva pilots please report to the briefing room immediately," boomed the speakers.
"What timing," grumbled Ishiro as he made his way to the briefing room.
***
Commander Ikari stood in front of an enormous screen. In front of him were seated the various members of the NERV command staff. Ishiro, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei were all seated in the front row. Rei was the only pilot not currently in a plug suit (Unit 00 was still undergoing reconstruction). Ishiro was still wet with residue LCL.
"At approximately 13:23 hours," began Ikari, "One of our submarines was investigating the sinking of a ship belonging to the Pacific Fleet. The said ship was carrying five N2 mines to Tokyo 3. However, it disappeared before it could arrive. When our submarine went to investigate the sinking, they found what was left of the ship. However, as the submarine was returning to Tokyo 3, it was pursued by an object of unknown origin and destroyed."
"Are we under the presumption that this unknown object is an Angel?" inquired Ishiro.
Commander Ikari held back the low growl that was rising in his throat. The boy was proving to be extremely infuriating. "That is correct Pilot Saegusa," he replied after a moment.
Ishiro rested his chin on his hand and sank deep into thought. Gendo continued. "Our satellites are now tracking this object. It is currently heading straight for Tokyo 3. It will arrive in approximately three hours. Eva Units 01, 02, and 14 will intercept the thing and destroy it."
"If we can," muttered Ishiro. He was becoming more than certain that this thing, whatever it was, was not an Angel. Maybe it's Him, he thought grimly, If that's the case, then even the Evas will be no match for Him.
"That is all," concluded Ikari.
***
"Ishiro?" Shinji tapped his shoulder timidly, "Is something the matter?" They had left the briefing room quite a while ago. Ishiro had gone off on his own. After searching around for a couple of hours, Shinji had finally found him sitting on a bench in a random hallway.
"An excellent question," replied Ishiro softly as he turned around to face Shinji, "I am not certain, but something about this whole operation doesn't feel right."
"What do you mean?" asked Shinji.
"I mean that I don't think that this thing is actually an Angel," answered Ishiro.
"What else could it be?" demanded Asuka tartly as she came up behind them.
Ishiro turned to continue walking Asuka and Shinji fell in step next to him. "There are many things you don't know about the creatures that live or lived on this world Soryu. This 'thing' might very well be one of them."
"What are you talking about?" asked Asuka, obviously confused.
"Do you know what kaijuology is?" inquired Ishiro.
Shinji shook his head, but Asuka replied, "Yeah, kaijuology is the study of giant monsters. It's a complete joke."
Ishiro shook his head, smiling sadly. "Don't be so sure of that Asuka. My mother was a kaijuologist. She was employed by the Japanese government to study the potential threat of kaiju to Japan."
"What happened to her?" asked Shinji, eager to learn more about this new boy.
"Second Impact happened, that's what. After Second Impact, the overwhelming majority of scientific minds in the world believed that all the kaiju had been wiped out. They were certain that the conditions immediately after Second Impact were far too hostile for anything as large as kaiju." A tear rolled down Ishiro's cheek. "My mother refused to believe that. She was certain that at least some of them were alive. Using what money was left available to her, she went out on several expeditions looking for them. One time, she went out on one of these expeditions and never came back."
"I'm sorry," was all that Shinji could say.
"So there really were kaiju at one time," remarked Asuka.
Ishiro seemed to cheer up slightly. "Indeed there were. In fact, the design for Tokyo 3, specifically the ability to lower important structures into the geofront, was originally designed for old Tokyo to protect key structures from kaiju attacks by lowering them into underground bunkers." Ishiro looked down at the clock display on the wrist of his plug suit. "We don't have much time left. We'd better get to our Evas."
***
The appointed time was swiftly approaching. Units 01, 02, and 14 waited on the outskirts of Tokyo 3. Shinji had armed his Eva with a spear weapon while Asuka had chosen a rifle. Ishiro had not taken any weapons. Misato was sure that this was because he intended to use his Eva's more unique abilities.
"His sync ratio is back up," announced Ritsuko.
"Maybe he can only maintain his synchronization ratio when he is in direct contact with his Eva," theorized Maya.
"That shouldn't be an issue," muttered Ritsuko, "However; it appears to be the only answer."
Misato was more concerned with the coming battle. She had noticed a growing look of apprehension on Ishiro's face. "Is something wrong Ishiro?" she asked.
"I am almost absolutely certain that this thing is not an Angel," he replied.
"Are you afraid of having no idea of what it might be?" Misato was worried now.
A humorless smile appeared on Ishiro's face. "Quite the contrary Major; I'm afraid that that I might know exactly what this thing might be."
The countdown had reached zero. The enemy, whatever it might be had arrived. Misato issued brisk orders. "Alright, Ishiro and Shinji are going to take the lead. Asuka, I know you're not going to like this, but you're backup."
Asuka looked disappointed. "Is it because of my sync ratio?" she asked. Her sync ratio was at 52.7%. While it wasn't terrible, it wasn't anywhere close to matching Shinji's much less Ishiro's.
"There is more to it than that," observed Ishiro flatly, "both Units 01 and 14 are equipped with S2 engines while unit 02 must rely on an external power source. Having you provide backup will allow you to perform to the best of your abilities without having to worry about protecting your umbilical cable."
This explanation actually seemed to satisfy Asuka. Ishiro turned his attention back to the hills separating the main portion of the city from the ocean. Overhead, several military aircraft flew past, heading for the object which was undoubtedly surfacing. Already, the sound of artillery fire could be heard in that direction from the tanks and weapons emplacements posted along the roads and among the hills.
Suddenly, there was a chain of explosions and plumes of smoke rose over its hills. "The tank battalions have been wiped out!" shouted Misato, "We didn't even get a chance to get a visual."
Some of the VTOL aircraft flew straight up, giving the Evas a good view of them as they fired frantically at something below them. Suddenly, a brilliant beam of blue-white energy shot up from below to strike one of the craft. The aircraft disappeared in an explosion that sent pieces of shrapnel everywhere.
"My God," gasped Ishiro, feeling sick to his stomach, "I was right."
A second beam struck another of the aircraft. This one did not explode but managed to retreat to a point over Tokyo 3 before its engines gave out, sending it spiraling to the unyielding ground below.
"What do you mean you're right?" demanded Misato. Asuka and Shinji gave him looks that told him that they would like to know the answer to that question as well.
"That's no Angel," said Ishiro. His announcement seemed to be confirmed by an eerily powerful roar that couldn't have belonged to an Angel and yet didn't seem to belong to any known creature on Earth.
Ishiro turned to look at the images of Shinji and Asuka that floated on his right. "Remember what I told you about my mother studying kaiju?" They nodded. "Well, I didn't tell the entire story. My mother studied one kaiju in particular. This creature was responsible on a number of occasions for nearly leveling Old Tokyo. This kaiju was proving to be such a great problem that the Japanese government created a completely separate branch of the military solely for the purpose of countering the threat this creature posed. My mother worked for that organization."
He turned to look out the forward window again. "This creature is far more dangerous than any Angel." An enormous black shape crested the hills outside the city. "Asuka…Shinji…This is Godzilla."
End disclaimer: Godzilla is the property of Toho
Author's note: I've gotten a couple of reviews, and I'm sorry if the last chapter (chapter 1 I mean) seemed pretty generic for an Eva fanfic.