Problem Thirty nine: Holding Out for a Hero?
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- Edited by Ghostman
Fuyutsuki gives out a sigh before sitting down staring at the main hub in the NERV Command Center watching, as the nine Evangelions touch down in the snow covered Tokyo Three. As the room goes silent Elisabeth looks to a monitor that shows Evangelion Unit One and the Sixteenth Angel frozen in combat.
"God, please deliver us from this evil…"
The Joker faced Evangelions do not folly to such a fruitless prayer, as they give there sadistic grins. Like a clown from hell these slaves of man care not for what is around them as they begin there rampage of the city. Helpless and powerless NERV can only watch. A swift defeat is all one can hope for as members of NERV take off there head sets. Some even bow there heads other crying knowing that the end is near, Misato, Maya and the rest of the main battle staff stare at the monitors that show that Unit Four and the seventeenth Angel has just landed in Terminal Dogma, and are making there way to Lilith.
"It's only a matter of minutes…" Maya's words are unsettling but true.
The thoughts of her young assistant is also on the end, with death of the human race near Elisabeth has a small thought. 'I never thought I would die a virgin.'
For Misato it is all bitter irony for her, she loses the boy she loved as a son and fittingly she will loss her life not even a day from that point. 'At least you won't be alone Shinji…'
'I wonder if she's a virgin?' Kaji's thoughts are much more open minded with the end of the world coming her begins to look at all the beautiful ladies that fancy his view enjoy his company. 'Maya, that's possible she is bi.'
From above Fuyutsuki has become comfortable with the Idea of death. Before Yui returned in the body of the Zero Child he was preparing for it as well. 'Mom was right… I should have been a fisherman."
Hyuga is less than enthusiastic at the concept then death and sits in his seat hoping for a godsend.
Quick to except death Shigeru can't help but have an epiphany about a song he's been writing. 'Damn… Where's my guitar?'
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Still in his office Gendo Ikari stands looking at the massive hole in the Geo front with a bottle of sake in his hand. For the x-commander of NERV, the day his has been planning for nearly five years has come to past. The End of days is no and Gendo could not have asked for a better Christmas present.
"I won…. That's right, my old friend Fuyutsuki, I've been planning this since Yui's return and not even you could have predicted my predicting you to…." Twisted in his own thought and with some the sake in his blood words are harder to find. "Predict, that I pre… smarted you and stuff! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! "
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For the three Evangelion pilots that live, they enjoy a front row seat for the end of the world. The only one in tears is Rei, and it has nothing to do with the end of man. Rei confided in the trust of another, and that trust was betrayed. Kaworu brought her more then her sight back but uplifted her from the death of Shinji. All of this feeling is still strong for the Rei's who's blindness has returned.
"Kaworu… please talk to me…"
Rei pleas go unanswered Kaworu glances back at the three pilots he has erected in the passion of that of one on a crucifix. He can't help but look at Rei, this pail girl confided in him and some how stole power from him. It's hard to flatter an Angel, and Rei has just done that. The life she should in the hour she had her sight was nothing this heavenly host could of imagined one human can have
'This fragile being, that has touched my heart, what truth do you bring to me."
To the right of Rei is her twin sister Yukari who can't help but sing a song. "You're a mean one, Mister Grinch…"
Most annoyed by this is Mana, with her soldier programming unlocked the sweet and nice Mana has turned into a cold blooded killer. With in Unit Four she readies to swat Yukari out of the air. "Shut up Zero!"
"Hey, dingleberry!" Asuka shouts at her captor that yells at her friend. "Pull the stick out of you ass you Bitch!" Unit Fours eyes glow red and its hand comes up inches from Asuka face. "Let me have my Eva. I can take you!"
"Why…" Reduced to a whisper Rei begins to hear the doors to Heaven gate open. Everyone else looks in wonder at the pool of LCL and Lilith hanging from the wall with the Lance of Longinus piercing its cold heartless body. "Why is this happening…."
For the first time Yukari feels frustration to her sister as she tries to move her arm. "Not my fault! Nope I didn't do a thing this time."
'…..'
Asuka's eyes drop to look down at the pool of LCL below them. "Where are you…"
"Assuming that Shinji with boobs went to heaven… He's probably kick'n back with his mom. My only problem behind this little world ending thing there is one thing I like to know." Asuka looks up to Yukari thinking something useful will be said. "Why did God not allow me to love?"
Rolling her eyes Asuka pouts and lowers her head. "Because you touch yourself at night."
"I don't see how that would be a fact." Yukari analytical mind didn't catch the joke. "Everyone touches themselves."
Bowing her head in frustration even Mana speaks on the matter so to end the joke. "She meant only one for of touching."
Out of touch with the world Rei stares of blindly into the direction Kaworu floats as tears role down her cheeks. Looking back in her life Rei heart has been broken by all the men she has confided in, be that it is only two it is disheartening for the young clone. "Where have all the good men gone…."
Nodding her head at Rei's statement Asuka looks up into the heavens. "Where are all the gods…"
A warm feeling begins to come over Yukari as she looks to her captor to see even he notices that something's a miss. "Where are the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising wants….
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With a new command given by there master, the Evangelion MPM converge on the statue like tomb of Unit One. This doesn't go unnoticed and the staff of NERV watch helplessly as the pure white devils ready to ravage there prey. Misato can stand to watch as the tomb of Shinji will be destroyed.
'Isn't there a white night upon a fiery steed…'
The Mass production models shed no worry to what others think with there task set they bring there Lances to bear on the helpless Unit One. But for all who can here even poor Elisabeth a voice resonates across the plain of space bring warmth.
"Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need!"
From below Kaworu is nearly paralyzed of the sound as it echoes throw is mind burning into his memory like a scare. "Impossible!"
From the surface with the final blow about to drop onto Unit One time seems to slow as the purple and black Eva shakes with energy… shakes with life. Just as Unit 7 swings his lance down Unit One Bursts of life destroying the body of the angel that was rapped around it and knocking back all of the MPM but Unit Seven. Even if this is so Unit one ducks the attack and rolls engaging its Progressive knife from its Right shoulder hard point slicing off the Eva's arm.
The sight from NERV head quarters is that of absolute joy as Shigeru announces the impossible. "Holly shit Unit One has activated pilots life signs are…"
Even for the three captive pilots they now that a Hero has arrived and that hero is Shinji.
Or for that matter… As inside Unit One confident in his power and life Shinji stands Unit One to the ready. Parting her long hair Shinji enjoys his girlish looks as he looks back to Leiko who sits behind the thrown of souls. "I don't expect them to come one at a time."
Looking up just in time to see Three MPM charging Shinji gives a smile in his female body, before quickly dodging the first Eva's lance by merely stepping to the side. With a quick spin Unit One leaps over the next to kicking off one pushing it into the streets. A fourth MPM swings at him from the front which he dodges by jumping back and then ducking an attack from behind. Not even looking Unit One swings backwards with his Prog. Knife and drills it into the back of the MPM that swung and missed. His aim is true and the Entry Plug is penetrated ending its life, a lesson Shinji learned from watching EOE and something he knew Asuka failed to do.
With one down and his weapons depleted Shinji goes for one of his souvenirs. Slapping Unit's One hands together a blue flame ignites around them and as he opens his hands up the Eva sword appears. Covered in blue flame the blade is stained with blood. Once fully appeared Unit one grasps the sword by its hilt readying for combat. Not aware of the danger The closest MPM goes to strike however it is ended as quickly as it started as With her in hand flaming Sword Unit One swipes cutting the opposing Eva's fake Lance in half and ending midway through it's wielder. Shinji pauses for a moment before wiping out his blade taking out a second MPM.
Only one can identify the weapon Shinji carries and that is Kaworu stunned in disbelief her stares up as if he can see the battle unfold from the catacombs of Terminal Dogma. "My God… From the Holy General himself that creature wields the sword that struck down the first born of Egypt! The Sword of swords, how is that possible only one could have gave him it!"
From above Shinji watches as two MPM charge at full speed, dodge the fist attack Shinji gives one sweep of his sword to lob off the arm of his opponent. Desperate to hold up an AT Field the second braces for an attack. Unit One is unaffected as it jump kicks the Eva bursting through it's AT Field slamming the Eva into a building. Just as Unit One lands it catches the arm that it recently cut off and uses it like a club smashing the Eva that he took it from upside the head. With a smile Shinji sticks his tongue out at his enemy.
"Stop hitting yourself!"
With more Eva's on there way Shinji ditches the arm and has Unit One grasped its fiery sword and leaps to his foe. No in the middle Unit One spins on its back to crate room and allowing him to kick up to stand. Now sounded by MPM he slashes the closest in the face, it spins grasping its wound as it does Shinji has his Eva stab it in the back. With the Eva still hanging off of his blade he swings it into another taking them both down. Losing initiative Shinji is forced to dodge a couple of attacks only to parry them. With a round of combat from his Jester faced counter parts Unit One charges one slicing through its lance straight through its neck. Headless it is easy for Shinji to stab it in its Entry plug killing the Eva. From the corner of his Shinji sees a lance heading for him however he's not falling for the trick as he uses his AT Field to deflect it into another MPM impaling it onto a building.
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With his forces depleted Kaworu gives the order to have the Evangelions treat to his position. He then looks to own patsy Unit Four and then to the Lance knowing that's the only weapon that can stop what Shinji wields. "Servant of man, take the Lance and await the arrival of Ikari's son."
"Kaworu!" Rei calls out at the sound of his voice. "It doesn't have to end like this! You can still stop this!"
Bowing his head Kaworu looks away to the massive creature in front of him. "Lilith…. So man was after the end of all things not just man…. I don't understand anymore."
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The Four remaining Mass Production models spread there wings and take flight diving into the hole created by Unit Four. Not willing to be up stage Shinji uses his AT Field and folds it into wings as he goes after his enemy jumping down the hole and ejecting his external power. Leiko looks to Shinji as the Five minute timer activates with a smile Leiko bursts into light disappearing from the Plug. Just as she does the timer returns to Nominal power.
With the power of a S2 engine powering him Shinji catches up to on of the winged Eva's landing on it back and impaling it. As he makes his way into the Geo Front Shinji has his Evangelion give a wave to Gendo's office.
From the office Gendo jaw drops as he sees a smiling and waving Unit One come riding into the Geo-Front on the back of a dead Evangelion Mass Production Model. "Fuck?"
With his flaming sword Shinji has Unit One leap off the dead Eva and passed the remaining three. As he does he tosses his sword into there path, slicing two of them in half and destroying there Entry plugs. Catching its sword on the return, Unit One uses its invisible wings to slow down to be side by side of the last MPM giving a smile.
From the Command Center they loss contact with Unit One as it passes into Kaworu's AT Field. Everyone looks to each other confident Shinji will prevail.
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As Unit Four Matches off with the Lance Kaworu stares at Lilith as her legs regenerate and crash into the ground. From behind Yukari and Asuka give them an evil stare as they sing together.
"I can feel is approach like a fire in my blood… Like a fire in my blood… like a fire in my blood!"
Just out side of Heaven's gate Unit One awaits as from the hole coming down from Central Dogma Blood begins to rain, soon followed by Unit One landing shaking Unit Four to the core. With his head down and his Sword in on hand pointing to the ceiling the bodies of the Four MPM come from the sky soaking Unit One in there blood. With only her order guiding her Mana has her Eva charge Unit One with the Lance. Unit One dodges by jumping over the swing landing behind Unit Four. As she turns to face him Shinji has his Eva turn to so to keep each others back to each other. This only last for a full turn as they both push off and face each other with there weapons at the ready.
"Mana, you don't have to fight me!"
"You don't have to lie to me!" Mana uses her weapons size advantage to strike Shinji. Unit One parries it with its sword. Locked in a duel the two stare each other down. "You never loved me… but you never had the balls to say it!"
Pulling away Mana tries to strike again but Unit One rolls forward in a attempt to foot sweep Unit Four. It fails and she forward flips out of it. Rolling to a stand Unit One turns in time to block a strike coming from a airborne Unit Four. "Alright! You're right Mana, but that's only after you betrayed me! I did love you once!"
"Then why toy with me!" This time Unit Four must parry attacks as she does she leaps back and flips off the wall to strike Unit One, however it misses as she rams the prongs of the Lance into the ground.
Seeing that since he is trapped inside of Kaworu AT Field he will never be able to hit Unit Four Shinji falls back parry strikes from Mana and doing his best make some attacks of his own. "I'm sorry all right!"
When they lock weapons once more Mana allows herself time to speak. "I was ignorant then, but know my soldier's intellect is back, all that you say is meaningless, my orders are to kill you!"
Braking away Shinji looks to see Heavens Gate and his fellow pilots being held captive. Before he can react Shinji must have Unit One dodge and parry a hail of attacks from Unit Four.
First to see Shinji's dilemma is Asuka who looks to see Unit One is unable to land a blow on Unit Four. She turns to Yukari hoping she can help. "Damn as long as Shinji is in Angel boys AT Field he can't win!"
Yukari tries to look behind her to see but can. "I want to see!"
Shinji narrowly misses a blow from the lance, knowing full well that the Lance and the sword Unit One wields kills anything it touches. Swinging wildly Shinji forces his opponent back. Not relenting from his attack Unit One flips forward to bring its blade down, but as predicted Unit Four pulls out a last minute parry with the lance.
"Kaworu!"
Rei cries out as she makes a fist with her hands. With all of her heart Rei pulls her self to the point of braking, just as she about to feel her bones brake; she shatters the invisible bonds around her. With only love as her sight she flies right in to the arms of Kaworu, who turns just in time to catch her. As he does she grabs onto his arms and passionately kisses him on the lips holding nothing back. Unable and unwilling to stop her Kaworu lets Rei kiss her with his mouth open wide.
The sight is a little too much for Yukari and Asuka's who jaw's drop. Even Shinji and Mana stop fighting for a second at the sight. As Rei finishes her kiss she stares into Kaworu's red eyes cementers from his face.
"I see you."
With Kaworu's power taken he, Rei, Asuka, and Yukari, fall from the sky into the pool of LCL. Seeing her objective fail Mana jump kicks Unit One and goes for the final blow. However with no AT Field limiting his abilities Shinji rolls around the land and pierce Unit Four right in the back.
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In the Command and Control Center, Misato is just given word of the reestablishment of contact with Unit One. Also from her right Elisabeth goes over her data to see that the battle is over and all targets have gone silent.
"Ma'am… All Evangelion's except for Unit One are destroyed…."
Turning to her, Maya gives a worried look. "Unit Four and her pilot!"
"No life signs detected…."
Bowing her head and breathing a sigh of relief Misato begins to feel bitter. "He killed her… Shinji…. I'm sorry…."
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Exiting the large pool of LCL which lies in front of Lilith Yukari Ayanami helps Asuka out who was shaken and hurt in the fall. Both look to see Unit One in the distance at the side of Unit Four that is lays lifeless. Taking hold of the Lance of Longinus, Unit one points it into the sky and all watch as it slowly fades to nothingness. When they hear Rei exiting the water both turn to see Rei with Kaworu at his side coughing up LCL.
Once on land Rei holds Kaworu staring up at Lilith. "I told you… you didn't have to do this…"
"How…" Kaworu stares at Rei with awe. "How did you take my power's… I have nothing… I'm…."
"A human…" Asuka stands next to Yukari with her arms crossed soaked in LCL. "What Rei did was very human…"
Looking to Asuka, Rei goes over to her giving her a hug. "You were right… He did come…" Yukari gives a smile as her sister comes to her and does the same. "I said you never brought me happiness… That is not true, my sister."
Standing Kaworu watches as Rei turns to him. "Please join us..."
Once more Kaworu is given the pleasure of Rei's smile, a warm and sweet smile that gives her face a glow no Angel would dare treed. "Rei…."
The two meet half way and share a hug that only love can bring. It is ended when the sound of another approaches. Yukari and Asuka are first to look to see Shinji Ikari walking to them with the Body of Mana Kirishima in his arms. Blood seeps from a wound on her back and forces the two to look away. Rei turns to the sight and is breathless as Shinji stops merely feet from her.
"Shinji…"
Bowing his head Shinji looks down to Mana wishing she was not dead. "Rei… I see you can see."
With a small blush Rei touches her face. "Yes…." Looking at Mana, Rei still feels the power she took from Kaworu and she can't help but hold on to it. "Shinji…"
"It's okay Rei…" Shinji rests Mana down in front of Kaworu and Rei stepping back. "Her blood is on my hands now…"
"Ikari…" Kaworu utters with gilt, he can't help but feel responsible for Mana's death. "I…"
Shaking his had trying not to cry Shinji looks back on his experience he would have had with Kaworu. "Kaworu… it's good to see you in one piece."
From the side Yukari comes to Shinji side taking his arm. "Isn't there something we can do for her?"
Both Shinji and Kaworu bow there head, with only Kaworu being able to speak. She was struck down by the Sword of Swords… carried by the Archangel Michael himself."
Unable to bare the sight of Mana's dead body Rei Ayanami goes to her side taking her cold hand. "There is one thing I can do."
Everyone looks to Rei in shock not believing what she just suggested. First to protest such an act is the one blamed for her blindness, Yukari. "But Rei you would!"
"Be blind…" Rei looks to her sister with a smile. "I know…"
The sweet whispers of Rei drill daggers into Kaworu's ear. "But why, you wanted your sight so…"
Putting her index finger to her lips Rei shushes Kaworu. "My sight should never come at the death of another."
"Rei…" Shinji stares at her with open eyes, never seeing such compassion in his sister.
Also sharing that feeling is Asuka, since the death of the original the clone has endured hardship and friendship from Rei, knowing that she replaced a girl Rei loved. For the first time Asuka can understand why her original loved her as well. "Rei…"
Looking at all of her friends for the last time Rei Ayanami slowly begins to cry as she rest her hands on Mana's heart. "See you all soon…"
Everyone can't help but look as Rei eyes form into the full orbs of red. As they do Mana screams out with life. As if breathing for the first time, Mana coughs and gags on the air in her lungs. With her sight gone and the feeling of Mana's heart beat pulsating Rei stands slowly allowing Kaworu to take her arm. Asuka watches as Shinji takes Mana's hand.
The Once dead girl looks around with no memory of a life in her mind. "Where am I… Who are you…"
With a warm smile Shinji relieves Mana's worries with simple words. "You're among Friend…" Entering Heaven gate, are dozens of Marines and NERV Quarantine personnel all heading for the pilots. Kaworu knowing he will have to be taken away pats Rei hand and hands her off to her sister.
"I will be back."
Just as he says that Marine Come up on him with there assault rifles at the ready. Kaworu complies to all of there requests and is taken into custody. Shinji is forced out of the way as Mana is taken by members of NERV.
Coming to the side of Asuka, Shinji looks her in the eyes. "This might sound stupid… but does this suck?"
With a simple laugh Asuka takes Shinji's hand. "What are you stupid…"
Yukari looks behind her to Lilith then to her sister. "Can I sing a song…"
Smiling Rei keeps her eyes closed still savoring everything her vision gave her. "I said you make me happy that doesn't mean you're not annoying."
Everyone shares in the laugh as the pilots stand together. "We all love yea Yukari…" Shinji says with a smile. "Even God, I know. I know I have a reliable source."
Happy to see Shinji in good spirits Yukari decides to Joke. "Other then a big flaming sword what else did you get from Heaven."
"Ha…" Shinji points to his Eva. "I got a t-shirt."
Asuka looks to Unit One with an odd stare. "That would be the last thing I would expect to come from heaven."
"Oh…" Shinji continues to look to Yukari as he speaks. "Leiko wishes you well and she got you a T-shirt as well. And… that she will always be your Angel."
"Aww…." Yukari is reminded of her Angel. "That was sweet of her."
As the four pilots begin to walk together they see Misato running to them with tears in her eyes. Shinji knows what's about to happen and looks to Asuka. "Before I get tackled… I would like to point out that the worst hasn't come, Pandemonium."
"Pandemonium…" Yukari states as Shinji is tackled into the arms of Misato who calls out his name. "The armies of hell are on there way…"
When Misato calms Shinji gives a blushing smile as he remembers what he saw up in heaven. "Let's just go home…"
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The Final Problem…. Ockham's Razor / Pandemonium rhapsody Part One
