Well, it's finally time to start the canonical events of this story. This is when the wild ride will now truly start.
Transformers Evangelion
Chapter 6: Angel Attacks
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers or Neon Genesis Evangelion
"Your attention please. A state of emergency has been declared for the following regions. For your safety, we will be stopping at the next station and allow all passengers to get to emergency shelters. Repeat: a state of emergency has been declared…"
The announcement came over the speakers of a train currently in the Tokai Region, its current destination being Tokyo-3. Many people inside were sitting or standing, waiting for their stops to come. When the lights on the train turned red and the state of emergency was announced, a majority of the passengers were annoyed by the interruption, while others worried what the emergency was about.
"All right everybody!" one of the train conductors yelled out to the passengers. "Gather all of your stuff and prepare to leave the train once we reach the station!" As the passengers collected their belongings, a teenage boy sat in the far back of the train car, wearing a pair of earbuds as he listened to the music in his STAD player. The volume was turned up, blocking out all the sounds around him, including the announcement that was heard across the speakers. His head was bent down so he was looking at the floor, but his eyes were closed. He often found himself like this many times over the years that he had lost count, but it really didn't matter. It was better this way.
The boy soon felt himself lurching to the right, a sign that the train suddenly stopped. Opening his eyes, he looked up to see all of the passengers exiting the train. Confused, the boy pulled out his earbuds and stood up, walking over to a man.
"Excuse me, sir? Why is everybody getting off the train?"
"What, you didn't hear the announcement?" asked the man. "A state of emergency has been declared, so we're getting off in the Tokai region."
"Your attention please," the announcer spoke over the intercom. "We have now arrived at the nearest station. Please disembark immediately and move quickly to the nearest shelters in this area."
'The Tokai Region?' the boy thought as he picked up his duffel bag and backpack. 'That's two stops from my destination. Looks like I'm walking…' As he exited the train, the boy pulled out a piece of paper that was held together with several pieces of tape. Much of the letter was blacked out, but one word and a name were visible.
Come.
Gendo Ikari.
Suppressing a snort, Shinji Ikari left the train and went down the stairs, hoping to find a pay phone. This day was already bad for him, but it wasn't like it could become any worse for him.
"Sirs! The enemy is moving closer to shore, and it appears its course has it heading for Tokyo-3!" Hyuga reported to the three military generals sitting behind him, Aoba, and Maya in Central Dogma.
"What did the naval units say?" General Kirishima asked Admiral Yamagishi. "Were they able to get a look at the enemy?"
"Negative," Admiral Yamagishi answered. "They said the enemy was too close to get a good lock, and they were forced to abandon their pursuit. Prepare squadrons for launch!"
"Have all the tank brigades open fire once the enemy emerges," said General Ayase. "Use high explosive shells, and prepare the missile trucks for the most likely path the enemy will be on."
"Launch VTOL squadrons 1, 3, 4, and 7," order General Kirishima. "Make sure they use explosive rounds, and fire with ordinance."
"Yes sir!" Aoba acknowledged, relaying the orders with Maya and Hyuga. Nearby, Gendo and Fuyutsuki watched the proceedings, the latter looking anxious, and the latter having a bored, near indifferent, expression on his face.
"It appears that SEELE were correct," Fuyutsuki whispered.
"Yes, they are always thorough," Gendo replied. "The day has finally come. The day that the War of the Angels begins."
Down below near the MAGI computer systems, Optimus Prime watched the proceedings with Star Saber, Bumblebee, Jazz, Ironhide, Sideswipe, and Trailbreaker. Most of them had their own looks of nervousness on their faces, while Optimus looked with a determined expression, a look Star Saber had as well.
"Optimus Prime," General Kirishima called down to the Autobot leader. "Is Sky Lynx with the squadrons?"
"Affirmative," Optimus said with a nod. "He will make the drop if it is necessary."
"Optimus, are you sure this will work?" asked Ironhide. "We haven't much time to outfit the military with many upgrades. We'll be lucky if they manage to scratch that thing."
"We haven't much of a choice right now Ironhide," said Optimus. "If all else fails, then it will be on us…and Unit-01."
The streets of Tokyo-3 were empty, all residents heeding the state of emergency broadcast on all communications channels. Nobody was seen in any buildings, and every last car was vacated, some with their doors still hanging open. However two cars could be seen driving down the street at high speeds. But only one of the cars, a flaming red car, had a passenger inside, while the other, a pickup truck, seemed to be driving by itself.
"Damn it!" Misato cursed, looking around the empty area as Hot Rod drove through the streets. "Why did we have to lose him at a time like this? Why now?!"
"Just because he wasn't at the pickup point doesn't mean we lost him," said Kup. "The state of emergency that was put out likely caused his train to stop at another station."
"Well, that's just great," Misato grumbled. "Of course the Angel would show up now of all times."
"Nothing much we can do at this point," said Hot Rod. "All we can do is hope to find the kid before it's too late." The two Autobots increased their speed, they drove past an alleyway, where a black police car was situated in the far end, unseen by anybody. Once it determined the two vehicles were at a safe distance, the police car pulled out of the alleyway and went the opposite direction. If there was anybody in the streets, then they would have taken brief notice of a purple emblem on its hood, and writing on the side that read, To punish and enslave.
"Spinister, it's Barricade," the unmanned vehicle reported. "I spotted the Autobots Hot Rod and Kup near my position. Any in your area?"
"Yes, I spotted Sky Lynx from my current position," a voice answered. "The air force has ordered the deployment of four squadrons. I'm going to blend in and see if I can get a view of this Angel."
"Remember to be covert as possible," Barricade reminded his comrade as he turned down a street corner. "Lord Megatron does not want the Autobots to know about us yet. So I recommend you keep your paint job different for now."
"Yeah, yeah," Spinister sighed. "At least you can already blend in. Green and brown are really not my colors."
"Quit complaining and just get into the air," Barricade said, driving into another alleyway and transforming into robot mode. "Lord Megatron wants to see everything from the Angel, and you're in the best position right now."
"I got it. Spinister out." Once his communications was cut, Barricade pulled out his gun. Loading a grapple hook into the hole, he fired it to the side of the building. Climbing up, the Decepticon scout was able to see all of Tokyo-3, standing on one of the tallest buildings that hadn't retracted below. He did have to credit the humans for creating an impressive fortress city, but it was still laughable compared to what his fellow Decepticons were capable of. Taking a position where he could not be seen, Barricade dropped a visor over his eyes, scanning the city for the coming individual.
Offshore from Japan at New Yokosuka, a line of tanks filled the streets, their cannons pointed forward out at sea. It was quiet all around, the only noise filling the hot and humid air being the song of the cicadas. There was a thick amount of apprehension from the soldiers present as they prepared for what was coming.
"Steady men," the captain spoke to his soldiers. "The naval units have reported that the target is approaching. Once it shows itself, fire all heavy shells and do not let up!"
In the waters below, a massive form glided softly and silently through the ruined and submerged buildings before him. He looked forward as he swam, feeling the force calling to him. It was becoming stronger as he moved closer and closer to shore.
Yes, I hear you. Worry not father, for you shall be free!
The closer the creature came forward to shore, the more clear the soldiers could make out the ripples being made from its rising.
"Get ready…it's almost within range!" the captain ordered. "Wait for it…wait for it…" As soon as the form could be seen under the water. "FIRE NOW! ALL UNITS, UNLEASH HELL!"
As the creature came out of the water, all of the tanks' cannons opened fire. The shells flew upward toward the creature, colliding with its figure in a dazzling explosion, creating a cloud of dark smoke and fire. The creature remained where it stood, the shells hitting him by the dozens. Soon, the tanks ran out of ammunition, and a dark cloud stood in place of the creature. Silence reigned as the smoke lingered and curled in the air. Nobody said a word until a hopeful private spoke up.
"Did we get it?" The answer came in the form of a dark, massive figure leaping out of the cloud and hovering past the tanks. The soldiers stared in slack-jawed disbelief and horror.
"Damn it, it looks like it didn't scratch anything!" the captain cursed. "Contact the air squadrons and city defense lines now! Tell them the enemy is headed their way!"
"We're sorry. Due to the state of special emergency currently in effect, no lines are currently available. This is a recording."
"Then what's the point of an emergency line?" Shinji hung up the payphone in confused annoyance. "This is no good. Not even my cell phone is getting a signal." Picking up his duffel bag, Shinji looked around the area. Noticing that he was the only person within the radius, the boy couldn't help but wonder what was going on. What was this emergency that required what was basically a city-wide evacuation?
"As I thought, I'm two stops from where I'm supposed to meet her," Shinji said as he pulled out a photo of an indigo-haired woman who looked to be double his age. The woman was wearing a red jacket and black shirt underneath, a cross pendant seen on her neck. There was a brief note written on the picture.
To Shinji, I'll be coming to pick you up, so wait for me. Misato Katsuragi.
"So much for meeting up, Miss Misato," Shinji said, pocketing the photo. "I guess I should find a shelter." As he turned to walk, Shinji suddenly stopped when he saw a figure standing in the distance. It was a girl wearing what looked like a school uniform, with short blue hair and red eyes. She simply stood still like a statue, staring blankly at Shinji, who found himself staring back.
"What the…" Before Shinji could finish his thought, a flock of birds took off from a nearby telephone pole, causing him to look up. When he looked back, the girl was nowhere to be seen. It was like she simply vanished into thin air.
"Who was that?" Shinji asked to himself. Deciding to shake it off as a hallucination, Shinji prepared to walk, but as soon as he took a first step, a gust of wind blew across the area. Staggering back from the force of the unexpected gale, Shinji heard the metal shutters of closed businesses shake with a furious rattle. The sounds of helicopter blades and jet engines filled his ears, and Shinji looked up to see a number of VTOLS and helicopters fly overhead. Following their path, Shinji saw them firing at something behind a large hill. The air transports flew backwards as they fired at the advancing enemy, which was revealed moments later when it stepped out from behind the hill. What Shinji saw made his jaw drop in horror.
The beast bore a black body with white pieces resembling bones on his shoulders and thighs. On the chest was a large red orb, surrounded by more bone-like matter resembling ribs. Two sharp bones protruded from the elbows of its long black arms. It had a face that resembled a mask, of a bird skeleton head.
Sachiel, the Angel of Water, had finally arrived in Tokyo-3.
Shinji stared at the Angel in terror as above him, the VTOLs and helicopters fired a volley of missiles, heatseekers, and bullets at him. Sachiel was knocked back slightly by the explosions, but he was hardly phased. The projectiles hit him, but he bore no scratches. The force of the explosions could be felt throughout the area surrounding Sachiel as trees and buildings caught fire, cars and bikes were tossed into the air, and burning rubble fell everywhere.
You're becoming annoying, he thought as he raised up his right arm. A glowing beam shot from his arm and hit a VTOL, going clean through it. With the pilots instantly killed by the attack, the transport spun out of the sky and crashed into the streets near Shinji, who was forced to duck to avoid being hit by debris. Sachiel suddenly glowed bright orange as he flew into the air and landed near Shinji. A large black foot landed on the VTOL, creating an explosion that sent shrapnel flying Shinji's way. Realizing he couldn't escape in time, the boy threw up his arms and closed his eyes, preparing for the end…
Until the sound of screeching tires was heard. Slowly lowering his arms and opening his eyes, Shinji saw a red car with a flame paint job and a blue pickup truck before him. The top of the car opened to reveal a woman wearing a black dress. The woman also wore sunglasses and had indigo hair. She pulled down her sunglasses to reveal her eyes. Shinji's own eyes widened as he recognized the woman before him.
"Sorry about that Shinji!" the woman said with a smile. "Are we real late?"
"Miss Katsuragi?" Shinji asked for confirmation.
"That's me," she nodded. "Get in, we need to get out of here!" Looking up to see the VTOLs and helicopters continue their assault on Sachiel, Shinji decided to obey the woman and climbed into the car.
"All right, let's move!" a voice said from the pickup truck. The two vehicles quickly pulled back to avoid falling debris and metal, managing to avoid a giant foot in time.
"What's going on out there?!" Shinji asked as the vehicle drove away from the battle site at top speed. "What is that thing?!"
"Don't laugh, but we call it an Angel," said Misato. "We at NERV are sworn to protect the world from it, along with our allies."
"Allies?" Shinji asked as he looked to Misato, only to gasp when he saw that her hands weren't on the steering wheel. "Hey! Hands on the wheel!"
"Don't worry, I got this easy!" a voice rang out from everywhere. Shinji looked around, yelling in shock at the unexpected voice.
"What?! Who's there?! Miss Misato, what's going on?!"
"Don't worry Shinji," Misato reassured him. "Hot Rod knows what he's doing."
"Hot Rod?" asked Shinji.
"Yep, that's me!" the voice said. "I can drive myself no problem!"
"Wh-what about the truck?" asked Shinji. "Is anyone in there?"
"No, but I can drive myself easily as well," an old-sounding voice rang through the radio. Shinji suddenly felt his head spinning at what just happened minutes ago. First was seeing a large monster called an 'Angel', and now he was in a car that could drive itself. Was he still hallucinating like with the girl from earlier?
"Is this real? What is this, one of those self-driving cars?"
"Not exactly," said Misato. "You'll find out soon enough, Shinji Ikari."
"Target is still active and heading towards Tokyo-3!" Aoba reported from his console.
"Search and rescue teams just reported in," said Maya. "No survivors were found on the shore defense line. We have 12 VTOLs and five helicopters left in the air, and they're slowly running out of fuel and ammunition!"
"Launch reserve squadrons from Atsugi and Iruma at once!" ordered General Kirishima. "Tell them to keep their distance if possible, draw the target away from the city!"
"Have the missile trucks unload on that monster, then tell them to get out of there!" said General Ayase.
"We need visual!" said Admiral Yamagishi. "Lt. Hyuga, is the battle in visual range yet?"
"Hold on just a minute!" said Hyuga. "Visual coming up…now!" The command screen lit up with a sight of the battle, and Sachiel could be seen spearing down more VTOLs while swatting away helicopters. A nearby plane fired a large missile at Sachiel, who simply raised up his arm in defense. The missile was torn to shreds by his sharp fingers before blowing up in an explosion that didn't harm Sachiel in any way.
"Damn it!" General Ayase cursed. "Every single missile is hitting the target, but no damage!"
"It must be an AT-Field," Fuyutsuki spoke up, realizing what this meant. "Analyze it. We need to be sure if this what we think it is."
"We're analyzing the target now," Aoba said as the sensors on screen began analyzing Sachiel. An alert soon popped up. "The response has been confirmed to be a Pattern Blue."
"So that is an Angel," Star Saber said gravely at the sight of the behemoth before him.
"The Third Angel to be exact," Gendo spoke up. "Lieutenants, continue following the Generals' orders. Eventually, they'll realize the futility of this assault and let NERV handle this."
"Hey, would it kill you to show a little respect to those guys up there?!" Sideswipe shouted up to the command center. "They are your bosses!"
"Yes, kindly shut your mouth Ikari," General Kirishima snapped at the NERV Commander. "Put Sky Lynx on standby for immediate launch!"
"Sky Lynx is standing by," said Maya. "He'll hold two minutes outside Tokyo-3 airspace."
"Sky Lynx, do you copy?" Optimus called out to the bird-like Autobot.
"I copy Optimus," Sky Lynx responded. "I am approaching the target as we speak with the last resort. I feel quite uncomfortable about this if I am honest. Not just at the possible destruction this weapon could cause, but if this N2 mine will even work."
"If it doesn't, then we will have to step in," Optimus said before looking up at the command center. "With your permission of course Generals."
"Certainly," General Kirishima said with a nod.
As the two cars sped down the highway, Misato looked out at the battle in the distance. A few fireballs could be seen in the distance until the VTOLs and helicopters pulled away.
"What's going on?" she asked. "Hot Rod, stop here."
"What?" Shinji asked as he felt Hot Rod come to a stop, Kup stopping behind him. "Miss Katsuragi, what's going on?"
"First, call me Misato. 'Miss Katsuragi' makes me feel old," she said as she opened Hot Rod's top and pulled out a pair of binoculars. "Second, I want to check something." Standing up on the driver's seat, Misato looked through the binoculars to see Sachiel continuing his advance. And above him coming in fast was a space shuttle she recognized. "That's Sky Lynx, but what's he…" The underside of the shuttle opened up, revealing a small missile that was heading for Sachiel.
"OH NO!" Misato dropped back to her seat and grabbed Shinji, holding him close for protection. "HOT ROD, CLOSE YOUR TOP NOW! THEY'RE DROPPING AN N2 MINE!"
"SCRAP!" Hot Rod closed his top in time as the missile hit Sachiel, exploding in a bright flash of light. A mushroom cloud consumed Sachiel as the shockwaves from the explosion tore through the area. They approached Hot Rod and Kup, who felt themselves being thrown from the explosion, rolling over.
"WAAAH!" Shinji yelled as he felt himself being tossed around in the car with Misato holding him close. Eventually, the two cars stopped rolling around as the shockwaves dissipated, settling on their left sides. Misato ended up on top of Shinji, with her breasts covering his face.
"Cdmm ymm gtt ffmm mm?" Shinji asked, his voice muffled by the weight on him.
"Sorry," Misato pulled away from Shinji. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine Misato," Shinji groaned. "But I feel my stomach spinning,"
"Well, considering we just went tumbling around like crazy, that's to be expected," Hot Rod said as his top opened. Stepping out, Shinji and Misato saw the billowing cloud in the far distance.
"Is it over?" Shinji asked anxiously. "Did that kill it?"
"No," Misato said grimly. "The Angel has a strong defense that can protect it from the most powerful of conventional weapons. The only damage an N2 mine will have done is clear a lot of plant life." Sure enough, the smoke cleared slowly to reveal Sachiel standing still, not looking to be injured in the slightest.
"Uh, Misato…maybe we should get out of here…" Shinji said in fear.
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea," Misato turned to the two cars still on their sides. "Hey, you two all right?"
"I've been through worse than that in my day," the pickup truck said as it suddenly did something Shinji never expected: it transformed into a robot with an old-looking face. Misato's red car soon followed in the action, turning into a robot that looked much younger. Shinji's jaw dropped to the ground at the sight of the two giant robots standing before him. Just when he thought he had it seen it all today, he was now looking at two cars that became robots. He attempted to speak, but it only came out as stammering.
"Look at him, he's speechless," Hot Rod chuckled before making introductions. "Well Shinji, as I'm sure you're aware by now, my name is Hot Rod, and the old timer is Kup."
"Good to meet you son," Kup said with a warm smile. Shinji still said nothing as he raised his arm and waved back, stunned disbelief still on his face. Suddenly, he realized he was not hallucinating. This was real.
"Sky Lynx, report!" Optimus called out in the Central Dogma. When the N2 was dropped on Sachiel, the explosion and resulting shockwave destroyed the cameras showing the fight to those present, leaving only static on visual. "What is the status of the target?"
"Payload made contact with the target…but I think you'll want to see this." Patching into the visual with his optics, what Sky Lynx saw could be seen in Central Dogma. What they saw made the eyes of many widen in shock and horror, except for Gendo and Fuyutsuki. Sachiel stood in the center of the explosion, is beaked face scarred and cracked. It suddenly moved to the side as a new smaller face grew next to it, covered in blood. His body was covered in several scars, but they were already fading.
"By Primus!" Star Saber gasped. "It's regenerating!"
"That was our best shot, and we made it stronger…" General Ayase whispered in fright.
"Damn it, and the Trident units are still in development!" cursed Admiral Yamagishi. "We've practically exhausted everything by now!"
"Sky Lynx, pull out now to safety," said Optimus. "We will join you when we are able to."
"Well, gentlemen?" Gendo asked as he stepped forward, looking up at the three military leaders. "Convinced now?"
"Sadly, yes," General Ayase said with a glare. "It appears our current military might is unable to slay this monster Commander Ikari. Therefore, we shall transfer command of this operation to you and Optimus Prime. Do not betray our trust."
"Very good gentlemen," Gendo said, straightening his sunglasses with a smug grin. "I am glad to see that you're giving up on this pointless display. That is why NERV exists. We are the last hope of survival, and we will defeat this Angel."
"Generals, I promise you, we will not fail you," Optimus spoke to the military leaders in a kinder tone.
"We'll pray you do not," Admiral Yamagishi spoke as the seats he and his fellow officers were sitting in descended from view.
"The ball's in our court now Optimus," said Sideswipe. "What's the plan?"
"The plan is we activate Unit-01," Gendo suddenly answered, getting looks from everybody.
"Activate it?!" asked Fuyutsuki in shock. "But we have no pilot."
"We will soon enough," said Gendo. "You forget what today was meant to be."
"Ah, yes," Fuyutsuki said, seemingly remembering what was meant to happen. It had already been planned between himself, Gendo, and Ritsuko, but it was best to keep up a façade for the Autobots to see. "We were meant to bring in the Third Child today."
"Wait just a minute," Ironhide said as he looked up at Gendo with a suspicious look. "Something doesn't ring right at all. Doesn't it seem a little too convenient that on the day we get a new pilot, an Angel attacks?" Bumblebee, Star Saber, Optimus and Sideswipe also looked with looks of suspicion towards Gendo, who barely felt intimidated.
"Clearly a coincidence," Gendo spoke as he stepped on a platform that began to slowly descend. "Sub-Commander, you will take over for me. I will see to Unit-01's activation personally."
"The first meeting in three years," Fuyutsuki whispered to himself. He could only wonder how this would go down until an alert sounded.
"Sub-Commander, the Angel appears to be moving again," Aoba reported. The visuals showed Sachiel beginning his trek towards Tokyo-3, but slower than before.
"Looks like it's still healing from Sky Lynx's attack," said Sideswipe. "What do we do Optimus?"
"Hot Rod and Kup have not arrived yet with the Third Child," said Optimus. "Until they arrive, we must do what we can to slow the Angel down. Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki, order all NERV forces to withdraw. We will hold off the Angel."
"Understood. Good luck," Fuyutsuki nodded to Optimus before turning to the bridge technicians. "Lt. Ibuki, use the Angel's path to determine a likely point for Unit-01 to intercept once it's activated."
"Yes sir!" Maya acknowledged as she began her calculations.
"We will attack in two waves," Optimus told the Autobots. "Jazz, Ironhide, Sideswipe. You will be a part of the first wave with myself, Blaster, Sunstreaker, and Grimlock. Star Saber, Trailbreaker and Bumblebee, once Kup and Hot Rod arrive with the Third Child, you will be part of the second wave with Chromia and Wheeljack."
"Optimus, are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Bumblebee, an edge to his voice as he spoke. "This kid hasn't had any training yet as a pilot, and NERV seriously wants him to fight the Angel? What if he ends up like Rei?!"
"I am not pleased with this outcome myself Bumblebee," said Optimus. "But with any luck we may be able to slow the Angel down enough and do enough damage to it so Unit-01 can quickly finish it off."
"How are we going to do that?" asked Sideswipe. "That thing's barrier repelled everything the army threw at it, and it could heal up."
"According to Doctor Akagi's reports, if enough damage to the Core is made, then the Angel will be destroyed," said Bumblebee. "But with the AT-Field covering its front, it'll be a challenge breaking through it."
"I believe I may have a plan," said Optimus. "And we will need Jazz and Blaster to execute it."
"Optimus!" Hyuga called out. "The Angel is nearing the edge of the city!"
"We cannot wait much longer!" Optimus declared. "Autobots, transform and roll out!" The Autobot leader transformed into his vehicle mode and drove out of Central Dogma with Ironhide, Sideswipe, and Jazz following close behind. Bumblebee, Star Saber, and Trailbreaker remained where they were, watching their comrades and friends drive off with worried looks, wondering if any of them would survive after today.
"Yes, we have him. Don't worry, he's safe. His safety is our top priority. Look, can you get a car train ready for us? An express, of course? Well, I did volunteer…"
"We," Hot Rod said to Misato, who was talking on the phone.
"We volunteered to pick him up, so it's only our duty to make sure he gets there. See ya!" Hanging up the phone, Misato looked over to Shinji, who was staring out the window in wide-eyed silence. Misato figured that once Shinji saw Hot Rod and Kup transform he would be swarming them with questions like any kid would at seeing alien robots, but he had been strangely quiet ever since they got back on the road to the Geofront. It worried her slightly, as well as Hot Rod and Kup.
"Hey Shinji," Misato said, deciding to break the silence. "You doing okay?"
"What?" Shinji asked, finally shaking out of his stupor and looking over to Misato. "Oh. Yeah."
"Are you sure?" asked Hot Rod. "A kid your age would likely be asking a million questions by now, excited and afraid by what you just saw."
"No. Sorry."
"Don't apologize, it's nothing to be sorry about," said Misato. "It's just I was expecting some natural response besides what you asked earlier about the Angel."
"I guess you wouldn't tell me more even if I asked," Shinji answered.
"So, you're someone who assumes the worst?" asked Kup. "Seems a little jaded for one so young."
"I'm not jaded," said Shinji. "I'm just doing what my teacher told me."
"Oh," Misato sighed.
"Lad, don't hesitate to ask any questions," said Kup. "It's natural for sentient beings to be curious about new things and wonder what they are."
"If you're wondering about what's going on Shinji, don't worry," Hot Rod assured the boy. "We'll tell you anything you need to know soon."
"If you say so," Shinji said as he looked out the window. Misato huffed slightly at the boy's quiet demeanor.
"You're not very much fun, are you? You're not even as cute as I thought you were. Speaking of looks, did you get my picture?"
"Yeah, that's how I recognized you," Shinji said, pulling out the photo. "You look really different in the photo."
"Well, that's my official photo for my ID," said Misato. "I had another one in mind, but Kup suggested otherwise."
"Because your first picture was of you in casual attire with an arrow pointed at your breast with 'Attention here, please!' written on it," said Kup. "You really need to separate work from play Misato."
"Yeah, yeah," Misato sighed in mild annoyance. "Anyway, here we are." Looking up, Shinji found himself in a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel was a large metal door with NERV written on it. Underneath the name was writing that read, God's in his heaven. All is right with the world.
"NERV?" Shinji asked as the door opened to reveal a car train. Hot Rod was the first to board the train, followed by Kup. Once they were situated, the doors slid shut, allowing the car train to move forward.
"We're a clandestine organization that answers to the United Nations," Misato explained. "Our mission is to fight the Angels."
"And…Kup and Hot Rod…are a part of NERV?" Shinji asked.
"Not exactly," said Kup. "We're Autobots from the planet Cybertron. We came here to stop our enemies the Decepticons, but we also came to help fight the Angels. We're an independent organization that is working in partnership with NERV."
"And this is what my father does for work?"
"Well yeah," Misato said jokingly. "You do know what he does, don't you? Don't you know he runs NERV as the commander?"
"Well…no," said Shinji. "My teacher just said what he does is important for the future of mankind." As Misato and Shinji continued talking, Hot Rod and Kup both thought back to a week ago when they heard about the boy currently with them.
FLASHBACK
"Shinji Ikari, fourteen years old. Father is Gendo Ikari, Commander of NERV. Currently lives in Tokyo-2 under supervision. Recently selected as the Third Child, meant to pilot Evangelion Unit-01," Wheeljack read off the information provided to him by the Marduk Institute. The scientist stood on the bridge of the Ark with Optimus, Hot Rod, Kup, Ironhide, Ratchet, Star Saber and Bumblebee.
"Supervision?" asked Ironhide. "You mean his mother?"
"No," Wheeljack answered. "According to the information, Shinji's mother, Yui Ikari, is listed as deceased. He's been living with a guardian for several years now. He's expected to arrive here in one week." As Wheeljack put away the information he was given, the Autobots all had looks ranging from confusion, to intrigue, to bewilderment, and even sympathy.
"So let me see if I got this straight." Hot Rod was the first to speak. "Gendo Ikari was married at one point and had a son. His wife is dead, and his son is living with a guardian. While at the same time, he went and adopted Rei and became her guardian."
"That does sound slightly off," Star Saber said with suspicion. "Are you sure the information is accurate, Wheeljack?"
"Yes, I double-checked before I came here," said Wheeljack. "This information is true." The Autobots were now very confused by what was laid before them. There was something amiss in everything they heard about.
"Wheeljack, do the files say when Yui Ikari died?" asked Ratchet.
"The files say Yui Ikari died in 2004," said Wheeljack. "Meaning Shinji and Rei would have been around 3 years old when this happened."
"Do Rei's files say when Commander Ikari took her in?" asked Ironhide.
"There's no clear date," said Wheeljack, looking at Rei's own file. "All it says is her possible birth date and relation with Commander Ikari."
"Meaning that fire she was in really did wipe out everything about her," Ratchet said grimly, though his face was line with suspicion as well. Star Saber was right, something sounded off about all of this.
"Do you think Shinji and Rei know each other?" asked Bumblebee. "Because I don't think I've heard Rei mention someone called Shinji during the few times we managed to talk."
"I don't think even Commander Ikari mentioned he had a son," Hot Rod grumbled in anger. "Considering what we've seen so far of his treatment with Rei, I can't even begin to imagine how Shinji's been able to handle him…if he ever likely sees him."
"Yeah, seeing how Shinji's been living with a guardian for several years, it sounds like Gendo up and left Shinji when his wife died!" Ironhide guessed, anger appearing on his face. "Makes me wonder how someone like him even managed to get married."
"What do you think about all of this, Optimus?" Kup asked his leader. Optimus said nothing as he took in all the information before him. As a result, many questions began forming in his head, and he could barely understand much of it. But what he did know was clear: Shinji Ikari had likely suffered in the past like Rei, which could likely be a handicap to his eventual piloting of Unit-01. And if Shinji truly did have problems with his father, then having them both together in the same working environment could likely lead to many problems. And that was just without bringing Rei into all of this.
"It is clear that there are many questions and mysteries surrounding Gendo, Shinji, and Rei," the Autobot leader spoke. "I do not even know myself where to begin."
"One thing is for certain," said Star Saber. "If there are problems between Shinji and his father, then we shouldn't force him to become an Evangelion pilot. If the Marduk Institute can find other candidates – and considering what we've seen so far of the Institute, that's a big if – then we should give Shinji a choice in the matter. If he turns it down, then that will be it. But if he accepts it, then we should help him as best we can with his training and in battles."
"And maybe get him his own place while we're at it," said Bumblebee. "Since Gendo is supposed to be Shinji's father, I wouldn't trust him with finding a place for him." He scowled as he remembered Rei's previous apartment. "He'd probably put him in another dump like he did Rei."
"If he did, then I would not allow it," Optimus said with narrowed eyes. "Right now, all we can do is prepare for Shinji Ikari's arrival. When is he expected to arrive next week?"
"Five days from now," answered Wheeljack. "He'll be arriving by train. Doctor Akagi said that Commander Ikari plans to have Misato pick him up from the station, so Hot Rod, Kup, you'll have to be there."
"Hmp!" Kup grunted. "Won't even pick up his own son? Unbelievable…"
"Kup, Hot Rod," Optimus told the two Autobots. "Be on guard when you retrieve Shinji. The Decepticons will likely make him a target if they find out about this."
"No problem, Optimus," Hot Rod said with a small salute. "No Cons are going to get that kid while we're around."
END FLASHBACK
'Given what Kup and I have seen today, I think I would have preferred a Decepticon attack,' Hot Rod thought as the train car continued descending to the Geofront. It gave him the time to further think about Shinji as well as his possible relationship with his father Gendo. From what he had seen so far, Shinji appeared to be withdrawn slightly, but not as much as Rei. Primus only knows what this kid went through with Gendo as a father…if he even acted like a father.
"Misato, are we going to see my father?" asked Shinji. "And will he be waiting for us?"
"Well, of course we are," Misato assured Shinji. Turning to look at him, Misato took notice of the nervous and anxious expression that adorned Shinji's face.
Shinji could only grimace at the thought of seeing his father again. The mere thought of him made the young boy remember one of the worst days in his life. He could still see himself as a three-year-old boy stranded at a train station, left by his own father with a stranger after his mother died, the only possessions with him being an STAD player, and a duffel bag with all his clothes. It tore at his heart of how coldly he was left at a young age with virtually no parents. He couldn't even remember how his mother died, let alone her own face. He had seen it before, but as a toddler his early years and memories were too fuzzy, as with many other people. Being abandoned had not only left Shinji with sadness, but it also caused a burning anger inside of him, an anger towards his father for what he did to him.
'Father…'
"You all right, lad?" Kup's question pulled Shinji out of his thoughts. "You haven't spoke for a while."
"Sorry, I was…just thinking," Shinji answered as the train car descended further.
"Oh, I just remembered!" Misato gasped. "Shinji, when your father sent you that note and my picture, did he also send you an ID card? You'll need it to get inside."
"Yeah, hang on." Opening his backpack, Shinji pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and handed it to Misato. Unfolding it, Misato's eyes widened slightly as the sight of the taped up letter…if she could even call it a letter since it was all blacked out with only one word and Commander Ikari's signature. Frowning sadly at the paper, Misato noticed a small plastic card clipped to the edge of the note. Pulling it off, she noticed that it was indeed Shinji's identification card, a more recent photo on it.
"All right then," she nodded and opened Hot Rod's glove compartment. Pulling out a rectangular object, she passed it over to Shinji. "Here, read this." Taking the object, Shinji noticed that it was a book with 'WELCOME TO NERV' printed on the front.
"NERV?" Shinji asked, becoming nervous again. "Am I going to be working for my father?"
"I'm not sure myself," Misato said as she looked off to the side with an apprehensive look. Considering that there was an Angel currently rampaging above, and Rei was still in the hospital, then it became clear to her that Shinji was going to be put into Unit-01 to fight it. It worried her greatly as she remembered why Rei was in the hospital, and she couldn't help but fear that the same thing would likely happen to Shinji as well. The bad feelings began rising in her again, and she was tempted to drink a beer if she had one. It was easy to drink the bad feelings away.
"That depends on your choice lad," Kup answered. "Right now, we do need your help with something important, but after we've taken care of it, we can take you back home if you choose to."
"I thought so," Shinji huffed as he opened the manual and began reading it. "My father wouldn't have asked me to come here unless he needed me for something." Hearing this made Hot Rod and Kup feel upset for Shinji. It was clear from the sound of it that Shinji was likely mistreated by Gendo as much as Rei.
"Sounds like you and your dad don't get along well, huh?" Misato asked with a hint of sadness, remembering her own problems with her late father. Given what she had seen so far with the Commander's treatment of Rei, she couldn't even begin to imagine how Shinji himself was treated. "I guess we have that in common."
"Huh?" Shinji was prepared to ask Misato what he meant when he felt himself being blasted in the face by sunlight. Confused by how this was possible since he was likely deep underground by this point, Shinji looked up to see an unbelievable sight of dozens of buildings hanging from high above like stalactites. And below, he could see a pyramid surrounded by several smaller buildings, and a lake nearby. His eyes widened in awe and disbelief at the sight before him.
"I…I don't believe it!" Shinji exclaimed with a smile on his face. "Is this actually…a real Geofront?! I read about those in school, but I didn't think it was possible!"
"Oh, it's possible," Misato answered, happy that Shinji was had finally smiled today. "This is where NERV headquarters is located. The buildings you see above us are the central buildings of Tokyo-3. We pulled them underground to keep them from being destroyed by the Angel. It's humanity's last hope for survival against the Angels. And that is where we're going."
Finally, those pests are gone. Good. They finally realized that they cannot slay me so easily with their pitiful weapons.
Sachiel continued his slow trek to the city, where he could feel the force now becoming stronger. This was it. This was where he would find who was calling him.
Fear not father, for you shall soon be free, and we will annihilate all of the Lilim before us, he thought as he came closer. It wouldn't be long now. As Sachiel walked, his gaze was fixated on what was before him, feeling the new power coursing through him. The final weapon he was hit with caused him great pain, but it was easy to regenerate with his Core intact, even though growing a new face to concentrate his new power was not painless. But it would all be worth it in the end. Continuing his trek, he ignored the vehicles below him, crushing many of them underfoot. Unbeknownst to him, several of the vehicles were speeding across the area, catching sight of him.
"Look at the size of that thing!" gasped Sunstreaker. "It really is as big as an Evangelion!"
"Won't be the first time we've taken on something huge," said Sideswipe.
"Jazz, Blaster, are you in position with the equipment?" Optimus contacted through his radio.
"We're right where you want us Optimus, but it's going to be a minute before we have everything set up," said Blaster.
"Have your Mini-Cons help you there," Optimus said before signing off. "Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, get into position. Ironhide, you're with me. Sky Lynx, how far out are you?"
"Twenty meters from the Angel's current position. I just need the signal."
"Can we just get started already?! I'm getting tired from all of this waiting! Now's the time for action!" Grimlock shouted over the communications.
"We are ready to begin Grimlock," Optimus said as he transformed into his robot mode with Ironhide, looking up at the advancing Sachiel. "Get ready."
"I always am," Grimlock said as he signed off.
In the skies above, a lone helicopter flew in the skies above, staying at a safe distance from Sachiel. Bearing the colors of a helicopter belonging to the Japanese military, it was a part of the earlier assault on the Angel but did not receive the order to retreat. Rather, it remained where it was, observing everything. If one was able to take a good look, then they would notice nobody sitting in the pilot's seat. The helicopter flew by itself as it recorded the Angel, transmitting the footage to another location.
"Lord Megatron, this is Spinister," the helicopter spoke into his radio. "The Angel has already advanced near Tokyo-3. The JSSDF attempted to terminate it with an N2 Mine, but it was able to regenerate and gain new power."
"So, it seems our theory was correct," said Shockwave, watching the footage from the Decepticons' base with Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream, and Deathsaurus. "The S2 engine provides not only regeneration, but also adaption abilities."
"But the question is, does the same apply for all the Angels, or only this one in particular?" Deathsaurus asked curiously.
"Spinister, have there been any further attacks on Sachiel by the humans?" asked Megatron.
"Negative, my liege," Spinister answered. "Between multiple casualties and the failed usage of the N2 Mine, the JSSDF called off their assault."
"As I thought," Starscream sneered. "These foolish insects believe themselves to be powerful with their pitiful weapons and strategies, unable to comprehend what true power is."
"Power that will be shown to us soon," Shockwave replied. "The current situation will undoubtedly lead to the Autobots and NERV engaging the enemy in combat."
"Lord Megatron," Barricade said through the screen. "I spotted the Autobots Jazz and Blaster near my current position. They appear to be setting up peculiar equipment." The image on the screen switched from Sachiel to two buildings that stood across from each other. On one building was Jazz, Rewind and Steeljaw, while Blaster was located on the other one with Ramhorn and Eject. The two trios could be seen tinkering with what appeared to be giant megaphones and amplifiers.
"What are those two doing?" Starscream asked in confusion.
"Optimus, this is Jazz. We're all set and ready to go!"
"Excellent work Jazz," said Optimus. "Then it is time to initiate the operation!"
It won't be long now, Sachiel thought as he continued his trek into the city. I can feel it…
BWOOM! Suddenly, Sachiel felt multiple projectiles hit him from below. Grunting in surprise from the sudden force of the small yet powerful attacks, the Angel looked down in annoyance at what he believed was the fools from before attempting to futilely attacking him again, only to see two small red robots shooting him from below on the streets with laser guns. Despite the small stature, they were shooting blast after blast at Sachiel, refusing to let up.
Agh! Stop that, that's annoying! Concentrating on the new annoyance, Sachiel threw up his AT-Field to protect himself from the attacks.
"Damn it, his Field's up now!" Ironhide cursed.
"That was Phase 1," said Optimus. "Now for Phase 2!" Both Autobots transformed into their vehicle modes and went into reverse, driving backwards while continuing to fire at Sachiel.
What? Enemies that can become modes of transportation on this planet? They're sentient, but they're not of this world or ours. They…are abominations! Sachiel roared at the sight before him. Whatever these things were, they were clearly not like himself or his Angel siblings. And as far as he was concerned, anything that was not like them had to be annihilated. They, the spawn of Adam, were meant to be the superior species, the most powerful! He would destroy them first before resuming his search. Stomping forward, he chased after the two vehicle while his AT-Field was up to protect them from the blasts. He didn't need to use his Field, but it was best to show the futility of their actions.
"Nothing's working!" Ironhide grunted, continuing his backwards driving as he rammed past several vehicles in his wake. Not that it deterred him. Cybertronian metal was more durable than any material on Earth, so he barely registered the collisions, the same with Optimus. "That field may be tougher than Trailbreaker's force field!"
"Just hang on!" Optimus said, passing another tall building, and then one more…
"Jazz, Blaster! We're in position! Hit it!"
"You got it!" Jazz exclaimed, transforming into his vehicle mode. His rear spoiler lifted and allowed two speakers to emerge from the back. Rewind plugged a cable into the speakers, linking them to the rest of the amplifier. "All set on this end, Blaster! Get ready!"
"And now a nice and nifty musical selection for easy listening!" Blaster announced and transformed into his boom box mode, allowing Eject and Ramhorn to hook him up to his equipment. "Hold on to your dancing shoes and go, man, go!"
Now I have you! Sachiel angrily stared at Optimus and Ironhide, who stopped between two buildings and transformed back into their robot modes. You shall be the next to fall before my might! His eyes began charging up with energy, but before he could fire, the sound of loud rock music blasted from the buildings on either side, assaulting his ears with an undecipherable sound that reverberated through his entire body.
AAAGGGHHH! Sachiel roared in pain from the loud music assaulting his ears. At the current volume, the music could be heard throughout all of Tokyo-3 and even on the outskirts. What is this horrible noise?! Writhing in pain from the headache the sound was giving him, Sachiel was unable to concentrate clearly, and his AT-Field began flickering.
"His field is lowering!" said Optimus. "Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, move in!"
"We're on it!" Sideswipe drove out from an alleyway behind Sachiel while Sunstreaker zoomed past Optimus and Ironhide. The twin Autobots both headed for Sachiel's legs in opposite directions, and once they were in position, they each fired a cable of thick metal and wiring from their sides. As soon as they were sure the cables went into Sachiel's legs, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker began driving around Sachiel's legs in circles, wrapping them up with the cables. Staggering back while holding his head, the Angel could feel a force holding his legs together. Looking down, he could see the cables binding his legs together. Snarling in rage, he began concentrating as best he could through the pain, charging his eyes to shoot the cables and free his legs…
"Ram him now, Sky Lynx!" Sideswipe yelled out, releasing his cable with Sunstreaker and driving away.
"Ready for Round Two?!" Sky Lynx yelled as he rounded the corner and flew straight for Sachiel, ramming into his massive body right below his Core.
"Sky Lynx, knock the Angel down on his back!" Optimus called out. "We need a clear shot at his Core!"
"I'm giving it all I've got!" Sky Lynx grunted, pouring more power into his engines as he pushed forward. Despite his legs being bound and his head pounding from the continuing music, Sachiel refused to fall easily, pushing back against Sky Lynx.
Foul miscreants! You think you can easily best me?! I will not fall to the likes of you!
"TAKE THIS!" Grimlock roared out, leaping from a building next to the one Jazz was situated on. Pulling out a large sword, the Dinobot leader drove it into the eye of the Angel. Holding his sword in one hand, Grimlock threw his other hand forward in a fist, driving it into the other eye.
YEEEAAAAARRRRHHHH! Sachiel roared out from the sudden pain and threw his head back. The force and pain from the unexpected attack caused him to stumble backwards, slowly falling like a great oak tree. The Angel dropped, the ground beneath him shaking from the impact.
"Hell yeah!" Sideswipe cheered. "Not so tough now, are ya?!"
"No way!" Hyuga gasped, staring at the screen in wide-eyed disbelief. "The Angel is down! Repeat: The Angel is down!"
"I don't…believe it!" Fuyutuski gasped, equally stunned as the rest of his subordinates. He knew the Autobots were a powerful force, and likely highly organized group as well. But to be able to knock down an Angel on his back was an unbelievable feat he thought could only be done with an Evangelion unit. A hope soon began filling up in him, a hope that perhaps the Autobots could kill the Angel before Unit-01 was launched.
"I can't believe it either!" Maya said in amazement. "The Autobots are actually succeeding!"
"Yeah, if you count knocking the Angel on his back as a major victory," said Aoba. "Killing it is still the problem here."
"So that was their plan," Shockwave said the Decepticons in the base continued watching the battle. "Using the speakers to amplify Jazz and Blaster's sound systems, they used the vibrations to disorient Sachiel, preventing him from concentrating enough to erect his AT-Field…"
"…and in turn, allowing Sky Lynx and Grimlock to slam into him with enough force to send him falling," Deathsaurus continued, watching the battle with a smirk. "Ingenious."
"Hmph!" Starscream grunted. "That was just lucky. Soundwave, how high are the Autobots' current chances of killing the Angel? Please tell me they're low."
"Negative," Soundwave responded. "If the Autobots unleash a continuous assault on Sachiel's core, there is currently a 95.77% chance of Sachiel's demise."
"A shame really," Deathsaurus sighed nonchalantly. "I was interested in seeing NERV's Evangelion units myself in action."
"Perhaps we will get the chance," Megatron said, grinning evilly. "Spinister, Barricade. Perhaps the Angel could do with a little…divine intervention."
"We're on it, Lord Megatron," Barricade responded.
"Yes, my liege!" Spinister answered.
"Okay, what were the directions again? Take the western exit at the station. Go right at the north gate, which leads us to 8," Misato said to herself as she stood on a moving walkway with Shinji, who continued reading the manual. They were now suspended over a deep shaft that went down hundreds of meters. Hot Rod and Kup were currently not with them due to their massive sizes leaving them unable to fit in the narrow tunnels and hallways. Looking up from the map with the directions listed, Misato let out an annoyed huff at the sight before her.
"Oh, this isn't where we're meant to be. Seriously, are they trying to make it more complicated on purpose?"
"I'm pretty sure we're lost," Shinji said, looking up from the manual to see a sign reading 'R-105 Sublevel 120'. "We passed through here twice already."
"Sorry, I still haven't figured out every single path in this place," Misato admitted with a sigh. She never did like being reminded of her poor sense of direction, but with the current crisis at hand, now wasn't the time to snap. "I'm telling you right now, NERV Headquarters is a literal labyrinth." The duo soon stopped near an elevator, much to Misato's relief.
"Okay, here we are!" Misato walked over to the elevator, entering it with Shinji close by. Once the doors were close, Misato pulled out a cell phone. "All right, looks like I'm going to have to make a call."
"Okay, a few more tweaks here and there…" Wheeljack muttered, running a blowtorch over a part of Unit-01's head. Once he was satisfied with what he saw, the Autobot scientist turned off his blowtorch and lowered his platform to a walkway, where he saw Ritsuko emerge from the LCL pool Unit-01 was in, wearing a wetsuit and diving gear. "I'm all set on this end, Doctor Akagi. What about you?"
"Chest armor is secure," Ritsuko answered once she removed her snorkel. "Unit-01 is ready. Now all we need is…"
"Attention! Doctor Ritsuko Akagi of Project E at Section 1 of Technical Department. Please contact with Captain Misato Katsuragi at Section 1 of Operations Department immediately," a female voice sounded over an intercom.
"Unbelievable," Ritsuko sighed as she stripped off her wetsuit, leaving her in a one-piece swimsuit. "She's lost right now of all times."
"Lost?" asked Wheeljack.
"Misato usually has a poor sense of direction," Ritsuko explained, throwing on her lab coat and shoes. She didn't have the time to change into her uniform. "Unless she's with me or another senior officer, she can get lost easily in this place."
"I'm pretty sure anyone can in a place this big," Bumblebee said, appearing on a platform with Star Saber, Chromia and Trailbreaker.
"I'll be right back," Ritsuko dismissed herself and left the testing chamber.
"Now Autobots! Give it your all! Don't hold back!" Optimus ordered, leading the charge against the fallen Sachiel.
"I never do!" Grimlock began hacking and slashing around Sachiel's face, bits of bone, flesh, and blood flying through the air. Sky Lynx split into his two forms to attack the arms, the bird half biting at the right arm, and the lynx half slashing at the left arm. With the Angel practically immobilized, Optimus and Sunstreaker began firing at the red Core on his chest with their blasters turned up to maximum power. Sideswipe and Ironhide leapt on Sachiel's body, choosing to pound away on the Core with their bare hands. The attack continued, moments passing as the sounds of snarling, screaming, and explosions filled the air.
"This Core is harder than I thought!" Sideswipe grunted as he continued punching at the Core. "I'm not sure how much longer I can go on!"
"I can do this all day!" Grimlock yelled, stabbing into Sachiel's head for what he felt was probably the thousandth time, yanking out more flesh.
"Keep it up!" Optimus encouraged his soldiers. "Everything has its breaking point!"
"Come on!" Ironhide slammed his fist into Sachiel's Core again. Removing his fists, the old Autobot gasped when he saw a small crack on the Core. "Optimus, it's breaking! I got a crack on it!"
"Then that's where we'll concentrate our fire now!" Maneuvering around so they could see the crack, Optimus and Sunstreaker began firing at the crack, continuous fire making it bigger.
"We got this!" Sideswipe excitedly said as the Core began cracking more, adding his own firepower into the mix. "WE GOT THIS!"
AAGHHH! NOOOO! Sachiel roared loudly from the pain he was feeling. His face was being torn to shreds continuously and he could feel his arms break and heal over, and over again. But the worst pain was coming from his chest. He could feel the cracks forming in his Core, and if this continued, then they would be able to destroy his S2 Engine, the organ that kept him alive and allowed him to heal. If they succeeded, then he would fail. No! He would not fail his father and siblings! Sachiel attempted to reach out and grab the Autobots, throw up his AT-Field, or even blast them with his eyes, but the headache he was receiving from the loud noise coming from his sides made it difficult for him to concentrate on anything at all.
This cannot be where I fall! Not when I'm so close! Father…anyone! Help me!
Above the Autobots and Sachiel, Spinister flew closer to the building Blaster was on with Ramhorn and Eject. Dropping his disguise to reveal his normal blue and purple paint job, the Decepticon helicopter focused on the speakers with his targeting system. On the other side, Barricade readied a rocket launcher, his sight on Jazz's system.
"Ready…FIRE!" Both Decepticons launched their missiles at the same time, the projectiles soaring in the air.
"We're gonna shake and roll with a touch of soul!" Blaster said as the music continued playing through the speakers. Eject shook his head with a chuckle, looking off to the side. When he did, he noticed the missiles soaring towards him, Ramhorn, and Blaster.
"SCRAP!" he yelled out. "Look out!" On the other building, Jazz, Rewind and Steeljaw noticed the missiles heading for their friends, with Rewind looking to the side to see the same thing heading for them.
"We need to move now!" Jazz and Blaster quickly transformed into their robot modes and leapt off the buildings with the Mini-Cons, just in time as the missiles hit their sound systems, engulfing them in fiery explosions.
BWWWOOOOOMMM!
"What the?!" Ironhide yelled, being the first Autobot to notice the explosions on top of the buildings. "What just happened?!"
"We don't know!" Jazz said, landing on the ground with Blaster and letting Rewind and Steeljaw down. "We just saw the missiles heading for us!"
"What in the world just happened?!" Hyuga asked, confused like everybody in Central Dogma at the explosions. "Did they just blow themselves up?"
"Negative," Aoba answered. "Rewind and Eject said that missiles were fired at their positions."
"Who exactly fired them?" Fuyutsuki asked immediately.
"Trying to get a visual," said Hyuga, looking on the screen. "I'm not seeing anything yet." After a few seconds of searching, he contacted the Autobots in the city. "This Lt. Hyuga. Do you see where the missiles came from?"
"They came from that direction," Eject said, pointing up to the smoke trail left by the missile, and followed them to a nearby building, where what the Autobots saw made most of them gasp in shock. Standing on top of the building was a blue and purple Cybertronian, a purple emblem emblazoned on his right shoulder.
"What the heck? Is that another Autobot?" Maya asked in bewilderment, seeing the Cybertronian on the screen with Aoba, Hyuga, and Fuyutsuki.
"No," Optimus responded. "That is Spinister…one of the Decepticons."
"You mean…your enemies?" Fuyutsuki asked, eyes widening at what he heard.
"Yeah, and he's not the only one!" said Sideswipe. "I see Barricade on the other side!" The screen switched from Spinister to another Decepticon, this one bearing a paint job of black and blue. Both Barricade and Spinister lingered in view before leaping off the buildings they were on, Spinister transforming into his helicopter mode and flying away from Tokyo-3, and Barricade landing on the ground, driving off as a police car.
"What the hell are those two doing here?!" Sunstreaker yelled out.
"I don't know, but someone needs to get after them!" said Sideswipe.
"No!" said Optimus. "We need to finish off the Angel first before he recollects himself and…" A loud roaring sound suddenly cut off the Autobot leader as Sachiel began thrashing around, throwing Sky Lynx's two halves off his arms. Releasing a surge of energy from his body, the massive beast blasted himself in the air, throwing the Autobots around the streets in all directions. Hovering for a moment he landed on the ground, tearing off the cables binding his legs together in the process. Grimlock was the only Autobot that remained on him, stabbing him in the face. Growing more angry at the actions, Sachiel grabbed the Dinobot leader and threw him into one of the buildings where the burning wreckage of the sound system lay. Seething with anger, the Third Angel was sorely tempted to blast every last Autobot to oblivion, but he winced as he felt the pain in his chest. His Core was cracked, and even with the AT-Field for protection, he couldn't afford to waste more time or fall into another trap. He had to find who he was looking for.
Hang on father. I'm coming. Sachiel began his trudge into the city, but by this point he was limping, being mindful of his cracked Core.
"Optimus, do you read me?" Fuyutsuki contacted the Autobot leader, who had pulled himself out of the wreckage and offering aid to Jazz. "The Angel is continuing into the city, but it seems to be injured greatly with the damage you inflicted on the Core."
"I copy, Sub-Commander," Optimus contacted. "We will continue with our assault."
"At this point now, we'll need Unit-01 and Star Saber's team to finish the job," Sky Lynx said as his two halves joined together again. "The sound system we set up is completely demolished."
"Yeah, because of those two deadbolts," Sideswipe angrily said. "Figures the Decepticons would work with the Angels!"
"I do not think that is the case Sideswipe," said Optimus. "In all likelihood, Spinister and Barricade likely destroyed the sound systems to allow the Angel to regain his senses and continue the assault…"
"…so Megatron and the Cons can swoop in and pick up the scraps for themselves once he's done," Ironhide finished with a glare. "That sounds like them."
"But…is Megatron here?" Rewind asked in slight fear. Optimus looked down at the ground in worry before answering.
"If he was, then we would have seen him by now. But right now, the Decepticons are not our current crisis. We must continue our assault on the Angel until backup arrives."
"Then let's cut this beast down to size!" Grimlock yelled, leaping off the building he was on and chasing after Sachiel, transforming into his T-Rex mode. The other Autobots followed closely on foot, shooting Sachiel in the back, attempting to catch his attention.
The elevator Misato and Shinji were in continued is descent until stopping on Level 8-31. When the doors opened, Misato took a step back in surprise, greeted with the sight of an annoyed Ritsuko, wearing nothing but a swimsuit underneath her lab coat.
"Oh…hey, Ritsu!"
"That's all you have to say right now, Captain?" Ritsuko asked irritably, entering the elevator and selecting the correct level. "We're short on time and manpower, and you're running late as usual!"
"Sorry," Misato said with a nervous giggle, holding out the map. "I still haven't figured out all of the ways yet." Looking at the map herself, Ritsuko sighed in continued annoyance, "Well, maybe you should try not holding it upside down."
"Oh," Misato said in embarrassment upon having her mistake pointed out. Ritsuko let out another sigh before turning to the other occupant in the elevator, still reading the manual.
"So, this is the boy."
"Yes, the Third Child."
'Third Child?' Shinji thought as he looked up from his manual to see the other woman standing in front of Misato, a confused look on his face from what he heard. 'What does that mean? I'm an only child."
"Shinji, this is Doctor Ritsuko Akagi, our head scientist," Misato introduced her college friend to Shinji.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Ritsuko said with a small smile, taking note of how much Shinji looked like a younger Gendo. He actually looked kind of cute. Though it was pity he was too young for her.
"Huh?" Shinji looked up again from his reading again, having gone back to it until Ritsuko greeted him. "Oh. Sure."
"He seems to be a little gruff and unfriendly," Misato said. "Kind of…like his father." The elevator soon stopped on the correct level and the trio headed for a lift, taking them up to a dock. Climbing into a speedboat the three moved to another dock on the far end of the orange liquid pool they were on. Throughout the trip, Shinji had yet to look up again from his reading of the manual. Walking up the stairs with Misato and Ritsuko, Shinji walked through the door, finally looking up from the manual when the door snapped close behind him, plunging him in darkness.
"HEY! Why is it so dark in here?!"
"Sorry about that!" a male voice sounded in the area. "But Doctor Akagi said she wanted you to be surprised."
"Surprised? By what?" Shinji's question was suddenly answered when the lights came on, and he found himself face-to-face with a giant green and purple head that looked like it was staring straight at him. "GYAAH!" Shinji stumbled back in fright, coming near the edge of the pool.
"Woah there, easy kid!" The boy felt a big hand grab him from behind to keep him from falling into the pool. Turning around, Shinji yelled in shock again when saw not only Hot Rod and Kup floating before him on hovering platforms, but also four other robots of varying colors, sizes and appearances. The one that kept him from falling was a black Autobot with a cannon for a left hand.
"Y-you're all robots!" Shinji gasped, moving back to the center of the walkway, taking in the sight before him. "Are you all like…Hot Rod and Kup?"
"Yes, we are," said a light blue Autobot.
"Who…who are you all?"
"I'm not sure what Kup, Misato, and Hot Rod have told you yet Shinji, but we'll keep it quick since we're short on time," said the tallest of the robots. "My name is Star Saber, and the ones you see with myself, Kup, and Hot Rod are Bumblebee, Chromia, Trailbreaker, and Wheeljack. We're Autobots from the planet Cybertron, and we have come to help save your planet."
"Save my…" Shinji trailed off as he took in all of the Autobots before him. They all looked intimidating just from their huge size alone, but they all seemed to be friendly towards him, more than anybody he had met so far in his life. Not sure what to make of it, Shinji looked back towards the giant head. "So, is this giant robot one of you as well?"
"No," Ritsuko answered. "What you see before you is Evangelion Unit-01. Built here in secret, it is mankind's ultimate creation, built to defend this world from the Angels. It is humanity's last hope of survival."
Shinji looked at Unit-01 with narrowed eyes. He didn't say it out loud, but he couldn't help but feel something…familiar about the robot before him, like he had seen it before. And it filled him with great dread and fear. "So, this is what my father's been working on?"
"That's correct." Gasping at the response, which came from a very familiar voice, Shinji looked up to see an observation room overlooking the room he was in with Misato, Ritsuko, and the Autobots. There, standing behind the glass and looking down at him with cold, hard eyes was his father, Gendo Ikari. "It's been quite a while."
"F-Father…" Shinji stammered, looking away from his father in sadness and anger. The Autobots noticed this reaction, and couldn't help but look at Shinji with sympathy. It was clear that whatever the relationship was between Gendo and Shinji, there was little to no love. Especially with how they noticed Gendo looking at Shinji like he was a complete stranger, and not his own son.
"We're moving out now," Gendo then spoke again.
"Moving out?" Misato asked nervously. "You mean we're actually going to do this?"
"Do you see a better alternative?" Ritsuko asked her before looking down at the boy, who was still staring at the floor. "Shinji, listen to me. You are to pilot Unit-01 and aid the Autobots in fighting the Angel."
"Hold on a minute, you can't be serious here!" Hot Rod yelled out. "The kid just got here, and you want to put him into a fight with no training, no previous synch tests?!"
"He just has to sit in the seat," Ritsuko replied. "We don't expect anything else."
"Well, according to you, there's more to it than just sitting in the seat!" said Wheeljack. "Are you seriously contradicting your own research, Doctor Akagi?!"
"I'm not!" Ritsuko yelled out. "But we're short on time, and Unit-00 is still suspended with Rei still healing. Defeating the Angel is our top priority right now. We have to take a risk if Shinji has a chance with synchronizing with Unit-01."
"That risk being that Shinji could end up seriously injured or dead!" Chromia shouted, looking up at Gendo with clear anger in her eyes. "You seriously plan on doing this? To your own son?!"
"I have no time to play favorites," Gendo simply answered. "We have a job to do."
"But why me?!" Shinji yelled out angrily. "I don't understand!"
"You don't need to understand."
"I thought you didn't want me!" Shinji screamed at his father, eyes beginning to wet slightly. "Ten years you barely saw me, wanted anything to do with me! Now you call me back here! Why?!"
"Because," Gendo said with little emotion, "I now have a use for you. It would be impossible for anyone else to do this task."
"A use for him?!" Bumblebee yelled out. "You cold-hearted snake!" Gendo Ikari had already been angering him for the past month from how he saw Rei's treatment, but seeing him treat Shinji, his own son, like he was simply a tool to be used, caused the man to be sent high up with Megatron on his list of least favorite people. The other Autobots looked on with a mixture of anger and sadness.
"No! I…I can't do this!" Shinji cried. "I've never even seen something like this before! There's no way I can do this!"
"You will be instructed," Gendo sternly replied. "If you don't, then the human race will cease to exist."
"But there's no way!" Shinji repeated. "I can't pilot that thing!"
"If you're going to do it, do it now," said Gendo. "If not…then leave!"
Shinji could only continue shaking in fear and sadness, his cries echoing throughout the Eva cage. Along with the Autobots, the technicians in the cage stopped their work and looked on with concern and sympathy for the boy as well. Having known how cold-hearted Commander Ikari could be, it was sad to see even his family be treated harshly.
'It's even worse than he made it out to be," Misato thought sadly. 'At least in the end my father showed he cared for me, but the Commander…he doesn't seem to care about him or Rei in the slightest.'
"All right, that's enough!" Star Saber exclaimed, lowering his platform and landing on the walkway. The thick metal and width of the walkway allowed him to freely move without fear of falling off, or the walkway collapsing under his weight. "You need to step back now. I'm now taking over for Unit-01's activation."
"You don't have the authority," said Gendo. "Besides myself, only Optimus Prime…"
"I am the second-in-command of the Autobots," Star Saber cut him off. "Whenever Optimus is absent, then leadership is transferred to me. Right now, I am your equal, and I am ordering you to step back!" Kneeling down before Shinji, Star Saber took off his helmet to see the boy looking down at the floor again. "Shinji…"
"This is all wrong!" Shinji exclaimed. "I came all this way, and to find he wanted this…Agh, why did I come?!"
"That is a good question," said Misato. "Why did you come here, if not for this?" Shinji said nothing, looking away from the older woman.
"Shinji," Star Saber said softly. "I understand. You're scared. It's a natural part of being human, of being a sentient being in general. But I know you have the ability to overcome your fear."
"He's right," said Misato. "You mustn't run away. Not from your father, and not from this."
"I just can't," said Shinji. "Not from this. It's impossible."
"Nothing is impossible," said Star Saber. "Shinji, I know we're asking much from you, but I promise, we will not let anything bad happen to you in the Evangelion. And you won't have to fight the Angel alone. Me and the other Autobots, we came here to help fight the Angels, and that's what we're going to do. We will help you Shinji. I promise." Shinji looked up at the Autobot, almost moved by the compassionate way he was speaking to him, almost completely different from his father.
"Nobody's forcing you to do this Shinji," Hot Rod lowered his platform so he could speak with the boy closer. "If you feel that you can't pilot Unit-01, then we'll be able to find another way to stop the Angel."
"And how would that be possible without a functional Eva?" Ritsuko asked with a skeptical look.
"Optimus contacted us a few moments ago," Wheeljack said, lowering a communications device. "His team was able to crack the Angel's Core, but it's still going forward. Fortunately, a strong enough attack should be enough."
"If any of your attacks can get through the field," Ritsuko noted, though she looked impressed that the Autobots managed to get this far.
"What choice do I have?" Shinji asked despondently. "My father said he needs me…after all this time…" A loud muffled explosion was suddenly heard from above, and the cage, along with NERV HQ, began shaking.
"Dammit," Gendo cursed. "It's closing in on our location." Another loud rumble caused the walkway to shake and tilt, throwing Star Saber into the pool. Above Shinji, several heavy lights snapped off the ceiling, falling towards the young boy.
"SHINJI, LOOK OUT!" Misato yelled in fright. Hot Rod quickly leaped off his platform and ran towards Shinji, arms raised and ready to fire his guns, when suddenly Unit-01's right arm shot out of the pool, moving itself to cover Shinji with its massive hand. The lights bounced off the giant limb, one of them crashing into the window of the observation room, where Gendo watched with a smirk.
'Excellent,' he thought. 'So you can be in control Yui. I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to him.'
"What in Cybertron's name?!" Star Saber yelled out, climbing out of the pool and looking at the sight before him in stunned disbelief.
"The Eva just moved itself!" gasped Trailbreaker. "It ripped off the right arm restraints!"
"That's impossible!" Ritsuko exclaimed. "We don't even have an Entry Plug inside it yet!" Though she knew the origins of the Eva and how it was powered, she didn't think something like this would be remotely possible.
"Well, Unit-00 was able to rampage for a brief time without the Entry Plug in it itself," said Wheeljack.
"But even then, it had an interface with Rei beforehand," Misato said, picking herself up off the floor. "But Unit-01 has had no interface yet."
"But it still moved," Hot Rod said, taking note of where the limb was positioned, and who was under it. "And it looked like it was protecting Shinji!"
"The Eva Units are said to operate through a mental link with the pilot," Wheeljack said, theories already running through his head at what he just saw. "Could it be that Unit-01 has already formed a link with Shinji before he even stepped into it? And how is something like that possible?"
"Whatever the reason is," Ritsuko said, deciding to steer the conversation away from any possible ideas of the Eva truly worked, "if Unit-01 protected you Shinji, then it's chosen you."
"Chosen…me?" asked Shinji, looking at the robot in stunned silence.
"Yes," Misato answered, deciding to accept what she saw. "It means it wants you to be the pilot." Looking at the robot again, and then to the Autobots, Shinji felt conflicted about what was happening. His father was making him pilot the robot like he had no choice, but the Autobots were clearly giving him a choice. And then there was Unit-01, which, from what he heard, formed a mental link with him and protected him, as if it wanted him to pilot.
But the one thing that rang in his head was what Star Saber and Misato said to him. He was afraid, but he had the ability to overcome what he was afraid of, and he mustn't run away. Soon, the response came to him.
"All right…I'll do it. I'll be the pilot."
"Begin the stages for Unit-01's activation!" Ritsuko called out. "Shinji, come with me. I'll give you a quick overview of Unit-01's operating system." As Shinji followed Ritsuko out of the cage, Hot Rod and Bumblebee looked up to the observation room to see Gendo looking down with a smug grin, a grin that angered both of them.
"Someday…you'll get yours," Hot Rod said simply. Gendo said nothing, choosing to leave the observation room.
Minutes later, the LCL in the chamber was being drained, the technicians preparing to move Unit-01 in position for launch. Hanging over the back of the unit's neck was an Entry Plug. Shinji sat in the Plug, wearing a set of connectors in his hair. He felt relieved slightly that he wasn't claustrophobic, otherwise the small space in the plug would give him a panic attack. The controls he stared at seem very simplistic, just two handles to pull. However no other controls were in sight, and Shinji was left wondering how to control it. Second thoughts were going through his head about doing this, but he made his choice, and it was far too late to do anything about it. He could only pray that the Autobots were true to their word and help him fight this Angel.
"Now removing Signal Termination Plug," Maya reported from Central Dogma, Misato and Ritsuko standing behind her. Gendo had returned as well, sitting high above the crew with Fuyutsuki standing next to him.
"Roger that," said Hyuga. "Inserting Entry Plug now." The back of Unit-01's neck and the mechanisms holding the Entry Plug lowered, inserting the Plug into the robot. "Entry Plug is now in place."
"Initiating level one connection," Aoba said. Inside the plug, multiple lights flash different colors around Shinji, who blinked to adjust to the sudden brightness. Before he could say anything, he felt his shoes becoming wet. Looking down, he gasped as he saw an orange liquid much like what he saw in the pool beginning to fill up the plug, with him inside it.
"GAH! What is this stuff?! Are you trying to drown me?!" Before the liquid reached his neck, Shinji took a deep breath and closed his mouth, trying his best not to inhale the liquid.
"Shinji, relax!" Ritsuko said over the radio. "The LCL is an oxygenated liquid. You can breath it."
"But it'll probably taste bad, since it's blood," Hot Rod commented.
"BLOOD?!" Shinji yelled, opening his mouth in shock, horror, and disgust. Instantly, the liquid filled his mouth and went down his throat. Gagging and coughing, he realized that Ritsuko was telling the truth and he could breathe it in. But it still didn't taste good at all.
"I think I'm going to be sick…"
"Oh, stop complaining!" Misato scolded him. "You're a boy, aren't you?"
"Oh, so you're saying you'd handle being in a pod full of blood?" Trailbreaker said. Misato didn't reply.
"Connecting main power!" Wheeljack reported. The massive power cable was plugged into the back of Unit-01, providing it with the energy to move once it was released.
"Now establishing secondary contact," Maya said. Shinji closed his eyes shut when the plug began flashing colors and bright lights again. Once the lights died down, Shinji opened his eyes to see that he was looking at the entire cage before him through a viewing screen.
"Woah…" He couldn't help himself in breathing in slight awe.
"A10 nerve connections nominal…LCL charge and pressure are normal," Maya said from the control room.
"Configure the language logic interface for Japanese," Ritsuko ordered.
"Done," Maya said. "Preliminary contacts have now been established. Performance is nominal, we are now opening bi-directional circuits. Communication is now open. Brain wave pattern and harmonics are normal. Life signs are optimal."
"What about the synchronization ratio?" Wheeljack asked in concern.
"Hold on a minute…" Maya looked at the data on the screen, and what she saw was shocking. "I don't believe it. His synch ratio is already 41.3 percent!"
"He managed to get just past the threshold on his first time?!" exclaimed a surprised Wheeljack. The other Autobots shared his shock as well.
"And he's not even wearing a plugsuit right now," Ritsuko noted in slight awe. "He's only wearing the A10 headset."
"But how is that even possible?!" asked Bumblebee. "This is his first time in an Evangelion, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Ritsuko answered. "I don't know myself, but we shouldn't ponder on this right now." Though she had a feeling how this was possible, it was best Ritsuko not say anything that could make the Autobots suspicious, especially with Commander Ikari currently present.
"There seems to be so sign of a disturbance," Maya noted.
"Good," Ritsuko said with a pleased nod. She then turned to Misato. "All right, we're clear. Captain Katsuragi, you're up now."
"Initiate the launch sequence!" Misato ordered.
"Launch sequence initiated Captain," Hyuga reported. "Primary lock bolts are released. Umbilical bridge retracted. Secondary lock bolts are now removed. Secondary restraints are moved. Unlocking Safety Locks 1 through 15."
"Internal battery is fully charged," said Aoba.
"Roger that," said Maya. "Now transferring Eva Unit-01 to launchpad."
In the cage, Unit-01 began moving under the launch doors. Looking up, Shinji could see several other launchpads lined up between him. Once Unit-01 was in place, doors above Unit-01 began opening rapidly.
"Launch pad is clear," Maya reported over the radio. "All systems green."
"Not just yet," Star Saber said, positioned on Unit-01's left shoulder, Bumblebee and Hot Rod on the right shoulder. "We're going to split into groups. Kup, Wheeljack, I want you on that pad over there." He pointed to the pad on Unit-01's right side. "Chromia and Trailbreaker, take that one there." He gestured to the pad on Unit-02's left. "I want you to distract the Angel so we can get in close and finish it off. Kup, you and Wheeljack will attack at close range. Chromia, get to a good position with your sniper rifle, and Trailbreaker, use your force field to protect her in case the Angel fires at you."
"Roger that!" Trailbreaker said.
"Y-you guys seem to know what you're doing, huh?" Shinji asked nervously, looking over to Hot Rod and Bumblebee.
"This isn't our first battle," said Bumblebee. "We've been fighting a war for thousands of years. Though to be honest, giant monsters is definitely a first."
"Shinji." The boy looked over to see Star Saber looking towards him. "Don't worry. Like I said before, we're here to help you fight the Angel. You're not going to be alone. We're a team in all of this."
"I-I don't know if I want to be in 'all of this' yet," Shinji said. "I don't even know how to work this thing."
"Just relax and try what you can," Star Saber said. "The Eva unit is an extension of your body, so just think your movements."
"Think my movements?" Shinji didn't have much time to ask anything else has an alarm began blaring, indicating the final stages of launching. All he could do was hope that the Autobots would help him like they promised, and that he would survive.
"Captain Katsuragi, Evangelion Unit-01 and Star Saber's team are ready for launch."
"Understood," Misato acknowledged Maya's report before turning to Gendo and Fuyutsuki. "Commander Ikari, do we proceed with the launch?"
"Do it," Gendo said with his hands folded in front of him. "We must stop that Angel here and now. Otherwise, humanity and the Earth will be destroyed. Operational command is now yours, Captain."
"Ikari…" Fuyutsuki whispered as Misato turned back to the bridge crew. "Are you absolutely certain of this?" Gendo said nothing in response, only smirking underneath his hands.
"LAUNCH!" Misato ordered.
In the launching bay, the locks on the bases of the three pads were released with explosive force, and the pads shot upwards with great speed. The duos of Kup and Wheeljack, and Chromia and Trailbreaker braced themselves as they felt themselves forced down by the sudden burst of being launched fast. In Unit-01's pad, Star Saber, Bumblebee and Hot Rod held on tightly to Unit-01's shoulder armor, while Shinji screamed inside the Entry Plug, pressed hard in the seat from the acceleration.
Back above ground, Sachiel continued limping through the city, ignoring the Autobots' constant firing on his back. He simply focused on his task at hand, blasting the ground above him different places, sending debris flying in all directions. Not only would this allow him to reach who was calling him, but it also served to throw off the Autobots' aim. He was so close now, he could feel it.
Hang on, Father. Hang on!
As he rounded a corner, Sachiel suddenly stopped when he felt a familiar presence. It was like Adam, but it was different. It was…
Lilith?! Turning to the source, Sachiel saw the ground open up, and a figure as big as him ascended from below, stopping in front of him. The Third Angel roared in anger at what he saw. It was shaped like Adam, but it had the scent of Lilith all over it. This was the Lilim's work, he knew it!
You…disgusting abomination! Sachiel voiced his displeasure in his thoughts. I'll destroy you first!
"That's Unit-01!" Ironhide said, rounding the corner with the other Autobots, taking notice of the purple and green mech before them. "It's actually working?!"
"Star Saber, do you copy?" Optimus contacted his second-in-command.
"I copy," said Star Saber. "Bumblebee and Hot Rod are with me, and we're on Unit-01 with Shinji."
"What about the rest of your team?" asked Jazz.
"Kup and Wheeljack are nearby, and I have Chromia and Trailbreaker forming a sniper position."
A few meters from where Unit-01 emerged, Trailbreaker and Chromia were driving off the launchpad they were on and to a nearby building where they would set up a position for Chromia to shoot with a sniper rifle.
"Okay, this looks like a good spot," Chromia said, transforming with Trailbreaker. "I'll climb up to the top of the building. Trailbreaker, stay close by and cover me. And switch to infrared vision for better sight in darkness."
"I'm on it," Trailbreaker said, switching his optics to scan for heat signatures. Looking forward to the inevitable fight he could make out the shapes of Sachiel and Unit-01, both giving off massive heat signs. Turning back to Chromia, he began climbing after her when he suddenly saw something nearby.
"Hold on a minute. I'm picking up two heat signatures right below us, and they seem to be shaped like humans!"
"Human?!" Chromia asked in surprise. "But I thought all of the civilians were evacuated to shelters! What are they doing out here?"
"They may have not been able to get to safety in time," Trailbreaker said, scaling down the wall of the building. "Keep on climbing Chromia, I'll be right back."
"You're not seriously bringing them up here, are you?" Chromia asked with a frown.
"We don't have much of a choice!" Trailbreaker answered, running to where he was sure the signatures were coming from. "There's no time to get them to a shelter. Don't worry, my force fields will keep them safe with us!" Running towards the entrance of the building, he noticed that the two humans were inside. Kneeling down Trailbreaker looked into the building.
"Hey! Whoever's in there, it's all right to come out, you're safe!" he called out to the figures. A few seconds passed before the two emerged from the shadows. Turning on his lights for a better look, he looked surprised when he noticed that they were children, a boy and a girl. But what truly surprised him was the children were people he recognized.
"No way!" Sakura Suzuhara gasped at the sight of Trailbreaker, looking to her brother in amazement. "Toji, it's one of the Autobots!"
"Yeah, I can see that…well, barely!" Toji said, holding up his face to keep himself from being blinded by the light. "You're that black one, right? Trail…Blazer?"
"Trailbreaker, actually," he corrected the boy, watching the two exit the building and walk towards him. "You kids are from the Ark last month, right? What are you doing out here?"
"We got separated from our father when the alarms sounded, and then we got lost finding him," said Sakura. "Can you help us find him?"
"Sorry kid, but I can't. We have a mission to do right now." Trailbreaker gestured to the sight in the distance of Unit-01, Sachiel, and the Autobots.
"What is that thing?!" Toji yelled, looking at the Angel.
"That's one of the monsters that want to destroy the world," said Trailbreaker. "And that big robot is an Evangelion unit, controlled by a pilot of NERV to fight it."
"That's what you're fighting?!" Sakura gasped in horror, clinging to Toji.
"Yeah, but don't worry, we'll keep you kids safe and stop that thing!" Trailbreaker assured the siblings, standing in front of them protectively. "Just stay close to me!"
"We better do what he says Sakura," Toji kept his sister close by Trailbreaker's leg, staring at the Angel and Eva Unit apprehensively.
"Shinji, are you all right?" Misato asked Unit-01's pilot through the radio.
"Y-yes," Shinji said, trembling at the sight of the angry Sachiel before him as he thought to himself. 'This isn't good, I'm gonna die!'
"Release final safety locks!" Misato ordered. "Evangelion Unit-01, LAUNCH!" The final locks on Unit-01 were released, and Unit-01 slumped forward, hunched slightly but still standing.
"Shinji, listen to me," said Ritsuko. "Try concentrating on walking right now. Concentrate and think on walking, and the Eva unit will respond to your thought."
"Respond to my…?" Shinji asked in bewilderment, looking up to see Star Saber leap off Unit-01's shoulder and transform into a jet, flying towards Sachiel and blasting him. Hot Rod and Bumblebee were following close by, sliding down the Eva's leg and shooting their own blasters. Close to the Angel's leg Kup and Wheeljack fired their own weapons, Kup with a blaster, and Wheeljack with a rocket launcher.
"Don't worry Shinji, we can hold off this Angel as long as we have to," said Wheeljack. "Just think."
"Think? Okay…okay…walk." Shinji said to himself, thinking about walking as hard as he could. Moments later, Unit-01 lifted its right foot and stepped on the ground, causing a tremor to shake.
"Yes, he's doing it!" Ritsuko exclaimed.
"You got this Shinji," Misato encouraged. "Just be careful!"
"Okay…walk, walk…walk!" Shinji repeated to himself. Suddenly, Unit-01 shook slightly on uneven legs and fell forward like a tree, landing on the street.
"Shinji, get up!" Misato yelled. Gritting his teeth, Shinji concentrated on standing back up. "Come on, get up!" He pulled the handles back, and to his surprise, Unit-01 began standing back up. Breathing heavily, Shinji continued thinking about walking, and to his surprise, the mech began walking slowly towards Sachiel, its top half swaying side to side.
"I think I'm doing it…I think I'm doing it!" he exclaimed, a shaky smile forming on his face. "I think I got this!"
"SHINJI, LOOK OUT!" Looking up upon hearing Hot Rod's warning, Shinji gasped at seeing Sachiel's eyes beginning to glow brightly. "He's going to attack, you need to throw the AT-Field up!"
"Wait, what's that?!" Before Shinji could get an answer, a powerful laser blast flew from Sachiel's eyes and hit Unit-01 square in the chest, creating a cross-shaped explosion that sent Unit-01 skidding down the street, and towards the apartment building Trailbreaker and Chromia were at with the Suzuhara siblings.
"Crap, it's heading right for us!" Toji yelled as he began pulling Sakura away from the incoming Eva. "We have to move!"
"No, wait! My force fields can keep us-!" Trailbreaker was suddenly cut off when Unit-01 slammed into the building, knocking Trailbreaker to the side. Debris broke off the building and fell everywhere, and Chromia was thrown back from the force of the crash.
"Shinji, are you all right?!"
"Yeah, I'm fine, Bumblebee." As he tried to move again, Shinji looked at the building that were wrecked by his crash. Noticing his sensors picking up two heat signatures, Shinji looked down where he was seeing them, and gasped at the sight of a boy who was likely his age kneeling over a young girl, who's leg was trapped in rubble.
"Misato, someone's trapped there! We need help for them!"
"Shinji, don't worry about the girl right now!" said Misato. "NERV protocol says that civilians are on their own in this crisis. Defeating the Angel is what matters right now!"
"Perhaps Captain Katsuragi, but that is a protocol I must disagree with strongly. I will not allow innocents to be caught in the crossfire of this battle," Shinji heard a deep booming voice coming through the radio now. Hearing it, he couldn't help but feel some sort of comfort in hearing it. Whoever was talking, he seemed to care about keeping people safe. "I am overriding NERV protocol effective immediately. Trailbreaker, take the children out of here, and get the girl to Ratchet. He should be at the NERV hospital."
"Optimus, it's against the rules to let civilians into NERV headquarters without proper clearance!" Ritsuko said.
"Oh, shut up already!" Sideswipe's voice came through Shinji's radio. "Those kids need help right now!"
"Hang on kids!" Trailbreaker said, running over to the siblings. Toji was looking frantic as he tended to his sister. Sakura was rapidly breathing heavy breaths, a chunk of concrete on her right leg. "Sakura, can you move your legs?"
"I-I-I-I can't move my right leg!" Sakura cried, eyes watering from the pain. "I think it's broken!"
"Sakura, just hang on!" Toji ran to the chunk on Sakura's legs and tried to lift it, but it was too heavy.
"Here, let me!" Trailbreaker grabbed the chunk with his one hand and gently lifted it up. Once the weight was off Sakura's legs, Toji grabbed his sister and picked her up in his arms. Looking at her leg, he could clearly see her right leg covered in blood.
"Get in the back!" Trailbreaker transformed into his vehicle mode, the back opening up once his transformation was complete. Moving as best he could while be mindful of Sakura's leg, Toji climbed into the black van, which drove away from the battle site. As Trailbreaker headed for the lift to go back down to NERV HQ, Toji took one last look at Unit-01 with a dark glare. Whoever that pilot was, it was his fault Sakura was hurt, stumbling around like a complete idiot. If he ever met that guy face-to-face, then he was going to make him regret it.
'Is she going to be okay?' Shinji thought in fear as he saw Trailbreaker descend on the platform. 'This is because of me piloting. Why did I agree to this again?!'
"Shinji, move!" Misato's yell caused Shinji to look up and see Sachiel standing over him menacingly, an arm outstretched for the head of Unit-01. Shinji yelled in fright, realizing he couldn't dodge in time. Sachiel grabbed Unit-01's head and was prepared to lift it up, but Chromia acted fast, aiming her sniper rifle upwards and shooting Sachiel in the eyes with rapid-fire shots.
AGH! Sachiel roared as he stumbled back, releasing his hold on Unit-01 as he clutched his eyes in agony.
"Now Shinji, while he's blinded!" said Misato. "Get back up and punch him in his Core!"
"His…his what?!"
"The red sphere on his chest," Ritsuko explained quickly. "It's what's allowing the Angel to heal from any attack. If you break it completely with a strong enough punch, it will kill him."
"Okay, let's see…" Shinji thought hard on moving again. "Come on, move!" Slowly Unit-01 stood up again, stomping towards Sachiel as the Third Angel was bombarded by the Autobots. Realizing he was vulnerable while his eyes healed, Sachiel placed an arm around his Core for protection. Sky Lynx and Star Saber attacked from the skies, dropping small bombs that exploded on his head. The more pain Sachiel felt, the more angry he became. His vision slowly returning, the first thing that greeted him was the purple and green monstrosity standing in front of him.
"Come on, punch! PUNCH!" Shinji yelled as he jerked the controls back and forth. Before he knew it, Unit-01 raised up its left arm, the hand clenching into a fist. The arm soon shot forward as it responded to Shinji's frantic thoughts, the fist colliding with the Core.
"That's it Shinji, you've got it!" Chromia encouraged the boy from her sniping position. Breathing deeply, Shinji concentrated solely on punching right now, the right arm hitting the Core again. As the left arm prepared to punch again, Sachiel's arms suddenly shot forward at Unit-01 with a fast speed, the left hand clutching the head and the right arm grabbing Unit-01's outstretched left arm.
That's it! I'm through playing around! Gripping the head and arm tightly, Sachiel pulled them in opposite directions, while twisting the left arm around like a bike handle.
"AAAAGGHHHH!" Shinji screamed in the Plug as he gripped his left arm, feeling a vice-like grip coming from it, like the Angel itself was squeezing it. "What's happening to me?!"
"Shinji, calm down!" said Ritsuko. "That's not really your arm! It's just nerve feedback from your connection to Unit-01!"
"I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!" Shinji screamed.
"Not good!" Wheeljack said worriedly. "He won't be able to project an AT Field if he's in that much pain!"
CRACK!
"GYYYYAAAAAAAAA!" Shinji let out another pained scream as Unit-01's left arm was broken by Sachiel's grip, making it feel like his own arm snapped.
"We need to free Shinji now!" said Optimus. "Autobots, focus all fire on the Angel's arm!" Optimus' team fired all of their weapons at the designated limbs, the lasers tearing through the large limbs and leaving holes that were slowly healing up the moment they formed. Sachiel growled as he felt Star Saber stab into his left arm with his sword, but he couldn't focus on these annoyances yet, not until this…thing…was finished!
"Left arm is damaged!" Maya yelled, seeing the current status of Unit-01 on her screen. "We're disconnecting the current nerve connections and rerouting them." Looking up at the viewing screen again, Maya and the crew could see Sachiel now holding Unit-01 by its head while protecting his Core with his right arm to prevent more damage from being done. An energy lance grew from the left elbow and began slamming into Unit-01's head, each hit making cracks from in the helmet. After several hits, the lance blasted through the head of Unit-01, sending it skidding across the ground and past Chromia's position, slamming into another building. The unit slumped forward as blood spouted from the hole in its head.
"Damn it all!" Chromia cursed, looking at the Angel through her scope. "With his arm over the Core, and his AT-Field up, I don't know if I have the firepower to but through that!"
"Chromia, try using the armor-piercing rounds!" Wheeljack instructed. Acting fast, Chroma replaced her ammo and began firing round after round at Sachiel, with the Core has her main target. As the rounds came relentlessly, Sachiel noticed a small crack forming on his field.
No! This can't be! All around him, he could feel the Autobots' lasers and heavy firepower eating away at his field. He could only curse himself. He had foolishly underestimated these beings, thinking they were weak in power like the Lilim, but they had managed to greatly crack his Core, and they could very well break through his most powerful defense. He couldn't let that happen! Not until Father was free!
ENOUGH OF THIS! Flexing his arms out, the Third Angel released a wave of energy that blew across the entire area, sending all of the Autobots flying off their feet and scattering across the area. Sky Lynx and Star Saber were thrown of the sky and Chromia fell off her perch on the building. When the dust cleared, the Autobots were still alive, but motionless. Once he was sure his multiple enemies were incapacitated, he turned his attention to the unmoving Unit-01, a sadistic gleam in his eyes. Now that those annoyances are finally out of my way…
"I need a status report on Unit-01, now!" Misato yelled to the crew.
"It's bad!" Hyuga yelled. "Right eye is blown out and there is damage in the head unit!"
"The synch rate is inverting!" said Maya. "Pulse reversing!"
"Maya, break the circuits! Try to stop it!" said Ritsuko.
"No good, the signal is being rejected!" Maya frantically replied. "We're locked out!"
"What about Shinji?!" Misato asked worriedly.
"We lost contact with him when the lance went through the head," said Aoba. "He could be dead for all we know!"
'Dead?!' Misato thought in complete fear and shock, looking at the sight of the slumped over Unit-01. The memories of seeing Rei badly broken after Unit-00's failed test flashed through her mind, and she suddenly felt the pit of dread becoming deeper. 'Shinji, don't be dead, please!'
"Misato, what do we do now?!" asked Ritsuko. She realized Unit-01 was in no condition to fight anymore and needed to be pulled out, but Misato had the final word.
Gritting her teeth in frustration and worry, Misato realized that there was little to no choice now. "Abort the mission, pilot safety is our top priority now! Eject the plug!"
"The plug's not responding at all!" Maya answered. "Contact with Unit-01 has been lost! We can't eject Shinji!"
"Get in touch with Optimus now!" Misato then ordered. "Tell the Autobots that they need to distract the Angel so Shinji can get out of there!"
"No response from Optimus Prime," said Aoba. "That shockwave from the Angel knocked out all of the Autobots!"
"No…" Misato said weakly, her hand slowly touching the pendant around her neck. Was this how it was going to end?
Inside the Entry Plug, Shinji took in sharp, fast breaths as he held his head. The last attack from the Angel made it feel like someone stabbed him in the eye with a hot knife, and it was excruciating. Adding to that was his limp left arm. Even though he could tell none of the bones were really broken, he still couldn't move the limb at all. All Shinji could do now was cry out in pain, fear, and sadness as the harsh reality began setting in that this was it for him. 'Is this how it ends? I don't want to die like this! I DON'T WANT TO! PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!'
"And you won't", a soft female voice suddenly filled his ears. Looking up, Shinji looked around the inside of the Plug in bewilderment, wondering who was talking to him.
"What? Who's there? Misato? Doctor Akagi?!"
"It's all right Shinji," the voice said in a soothing manner, and Shinji could have sworn he felt someone giving him a warm, comforting embrace from behind, but when he looked back, there was no one in the Plug with him. "I'll take over for now. Don't worry, I'll protect you. And I know the Autobots will protect you as well…"
Shinji had no idea what was going on, who was speaking to him, or if he was even still alive by this point. But whatever was going on, he suddenly felt relaxed from this invisible embrace, now at ease.
"Please…help…" he muttered before a loud growling noise caused his eyes to shoot open.
Sachiel stopped suddenly when he saw the abomination before him jerk its head up, its remaining eye flashing brightly. Standing up to full height, Unit-01's mouth split open with a metallic screech, unleashing a deep, booming roar that echoed across all of Tokyo-3.
"I don't believe it, Unit-01's reactivated!" Maya gasped at what she was seeing. "But that shouldn't be possible! We're not getting any response from Shinji!"
"Then what's causing it?!" Hyuga asked. Misato and Ritsuko stared at the lumbering Unit in fear, a sudden realization coming to them.
"It's going berserk…like with Rei and Unit-00!" Misato was the first to exclaim.
"Yes…that's the only possible explanation," Ritsuko said in a grave tone.
Kneeling down, Unit-01 broke into a short run before leaping into the air, slamming its feet into Sachiel's chest and knocking him down.
Ugh! What…what is this?! Acting fast, Sachiel blasted his eye beams at Unit-01, knocking it off of him and sending it flying in the air. But Unit-01 landed on its feet and spun around, charging for Sachiel who stood up himself. The Third Angel instinctively brought up his AT-Field, stopping Unit-01 in its tracks. I must end this quickly!Sachiel thought, realizing that if this perversion continued attacking him, he would surely perish. Charging up his eye beams again at full power, Sachiel was prepared to fire again from the safety of his Field, but was taken aback when he saw Unit-01's left arm straighten itself out with a sickening crack.
"The left arm has been restored!" Aoba exclaimed in surprise on the bridge.
"If it's acting like this," Fuyutsuki whispered to Gendo, "then that must mean…"
"Yes, she is in there, and she can control it when possible," Gendo answered quietly. "She protected him from rubble back in the cage, and she will do it now." As Gendo watched on, his smirk never left his face. If this was possible, then he knew the Scenario would work once the right pieces were in place.
Hot Rod groaned as he regained consciousness, finding himself near Optimus, Ironhide, and Grimlock. The other Autobots were scattered around him, picking themselves off the ground, looking dented and dirty but still alive.
"Chromia, are you there?" Ironhide asked through the communicator. "Are you alive?"
"I'm fine Ironhide, just winded," Chromia answered. "What's happening now?"
"Unit-01 is back online and engaging the Angel," Wheeljack answered, looking up at the sight of Unit-01 driving its fingers into what seemed to be an invisible barrier between itself and Sachiel, moving its hands to the sides like it was tearing the barrier in two. "And it's neutralizing the AT-Field!"
"That means it's likely putting up its own field to neutralize it," Star Saber thought out loud.
"Optimus, Star Saber! Is anyone there?!" Ritsuko yelled through the communications, sounding panicked.
"Doctor Akagi, what's wrong?" asked Optimus.
"Listen to me! You have to stay clear of Unit-01! It's gone berserk!"
"BERSERK?!" Bumblebee yelled, a look of horror adorning his face. "Oh no, not again!"
"SHINJI!" Hot Rod and Star Saber yelled up to Unit-01, but received no answer. The other Autobots looked at the fight in horror themselves. Even Grimlock, who had been thrown around by the berserk Unit-00, backed away in fear.
NO! This isn't possible! Sachiel thought as Unit-01 finished tearing through his field. Realizing he needed to act now, Sachiel fired his beams point-blank at Unit-01. The resulting explosion tore through the streets behind Unit-01, leaving destruction in its wake. But to the shock of the Third Angel, Unit-01 remained where it stood, smoke curling off its body.
With another rattling roar, Unit-01 quickly grabbed Sachiel's arms and yanked hard. In a shower of blood, flesh, and skin, both of Sachiel's arms were torn off. The Third Angel didn't even have time to scream before Unit-01 kicked him in the Core, sending him flying off the ground and crashing into a building.
"By the Allspark!" Optimus gasped, watching Unit-01 charge forward and slam into Sachiel, forcing him back further.
"Well…at least it's not attacking us?" Sunstreaker said meekly, trying to provide some levity for the situation. None of the Autobots said anything, simply staring wide-eyed at the sight before them.
Continuing to roar loudly, Unit-01 slammed Sachiel to the ground, now having a sight on his Core. Grabbing his ribs and tearing them off his body, the Evangelion began thrusting two of them into his Core, cracking it further and further.
No…no! I was so close to my goal! So close! Sachiel screeched as the beatdown continued. He had never truly known pain until today. The alien robots were the first to truly hurt him, but this monstrosity was hurting him even more. He attempted to regenerate his arms, but the damage to his Core was becoming too much for him to focus on regenerating. This was it, he knew it. He would perish here and fail his mission. But that didn't mean he was going out like this.
If I can't win, then neither will you! Bringing up his mangled arms, Sachiel wrapped them around Unit-01's own arms. Throwing himself on the monster, Sachiel morphed his body into a black ball of flesh, covering the top half of Unit-01.
"What's it doing now?" asked Jazz.
"The Angel's Core is overloading! It's about to self-destruct itself!" Ritsuko yelled in terror. "Get down!"
"TAKE COVER!" Jazz screamed, and the Autobots took cover behind a nearby alleyway, Chromia putting herself behind a wrecked building as Sky Lynx and Star Saber quickly took flight in the sky.
Farewell Father, Sachiel gave his final thoughts as his S2 engine began glowing a bright white, ready to blow up. I did my best, but it's now to one of my siblings…
A loud explosion could be heard not only across Tokyo-3, but underneath it as well. The command center shook as the crew stared at the screen before them, fearing the worst. A cross-shaped explosion could be seen on the cameras, indicating the Angel's demise.
"Where's the Eva?" Misato asked, hoping beyond hope that Shinji was not dead. Her answer came moments later when Unit-01 was seen stomping out of the smoke, looking imposing as blood poured from its right eye.
"The Angel is dead," Hyuga simply said, still reeling from what he and the rest of the crew just saw.
"What about Shinji?" asked Ritsuko.
"Still no response," said Aoba. "We'll need to wait until the Autobots get him out of the Plug."
Above them, Gendo and Fuyutsuki continued watching silently, the former still smirking at what he just witnessed. Despite the setbacks he had been dealing with ever since the Autobots' arrival, perhaps this is what he needed to assure that things would go to plan.
'Very good Yui…Shinji.'
In the Entry Plug, Shinji slumped in his seat, looking exhausted. The sudden rampage by Unit-01 caught him off-guard so much, he was unable to comprehend what just happened. He knew the Angel was dead, but he was still confused by what just happened. Was that really him, or was it the voice? What was real, and what wasn't? Whatever the answer was, Shinji began feeling weak and suddenly collapsed in his seat, finally losing consciousness. As he began sleeping, he could have sworn he heard two faint voices, one being his father, and the other the female voice he heard from before.
"So. Have you picked out a name yet?"
"Yes. If it's a boy, then we'll call him Shinji. If it's a girl…Rei."
"Shinji…Rei…'
"Shinji, hang on!" Hot Rod called out, having climbed up Unit-01 with Bumblebee, Jazz, Optimus, Wheeljack and Grimlock. Once they were sure Unit-01 stopped moving, the Autobots moved to the Evangelion so they could extract the pilot. Star Saber and Sky Lynx hovered close by as the other Autobots waited on the ground.
"Come on, hurry!" Bumblebee urged Wheeljack. The Autobot scientist pried open the covering for the Plug with Jazz and Grimlock, allowing the long white object to screw out.
"Okay, grab it and be careful!" Jazz called to Star Saber and Sky Lynx. The two airborne Autobots dropped cables from below, allowing them to grab the Entry Plug and lower it to the ground. Once they were on the ground, Grimlock tore off the top of the Entry Plug to reveal an unconscious Shinji. To everybody's relief, he did not seem injured at all.
"Optimus, this is Misato. Did you get the Entry Plug out? Is Shinji okay?!"
"Shinji is alive and well Misato," Optimus answered, looking on as Chromia took the sleeping boy in her arms carefully. "However, he is unconscious, most likely from the rampage."
"Thank God…" Misato sighed in relief. "I was so worried…"
"Optimus, we're sending out a recovery team for Unit-01," said Ritsuko. "Get Shinji to the NERV hospital, it wouldn't hurt to have Ratchet look over him just to be safe. We'll take care of the rest."
"Given what we saw, I don't think there should be an argument there," said Star Saber.
"Understood," Optimus said before signing off, looking down at the slumbering Shinji with sympathy. This poor child had just been put through an awful ordeal, and would likely face more in the future. But if Optimus and the Autobots could help him in any way they could, then that is what they would do. They would not let him suffer like Rei did.
"I can take the kid," Ironhide offered, transforming into his van mode and opening his back. Bending down, Chromia gently placed the sleeping boy into Ironhide, who closed his back once Shinji was secure inside and drove off for the NERV hospital.
"Well, the good news is the Angel's dead," said Blaster. "And we all made it out alive."
"Yeah, but where do we start with the bad news?" asked Kup. "Do we start with an injured civilian, another runaway Eva unit, tons of property damage, or a lot of military casualties?"
"How about we start with the fact that the Decepti-chumps showed up and kept us from killing that giant bastard?" Sideswipe spoke. "What were those two doing, and where did they go?"
"Knowing Megatron, he's likely trying to soften us up for his big push," said Jazz. "The only question now is when he's going to make that push."
"Whatever the Decepticons' reasons were for being here, one thing is certain," said Optimus. "We must now be alert at all times. We have no idea when the other Angels will arrive."
"Hopefully it will be one at a time," said Chromia. "Just facing one put us on the ropes after the Cons blew up our edge."
"Perhaps," said Optimus. "But if there one thing I'm sure we know by now concerning the Decepticons, it is that they are far from predictable."
"Oh, Optimus. You have no idea just how unpredictable we've become since our last meeting," Megatron said, watching the footage from headquarters with his small inner circle.
"So that was the power of an Evangelion unit," Deathsaurus noted with a grin on his face. "Such amazing, raw power!"
"And more unpredictable than Optimus thinks us to be," Starscream commented, looking at the footage of Unit-01 tearing into Sachiel with a wary expression. "Just look at this…this monster! It was even more berserk than an angry Grimlock! Who is piloting that thing?!"
"I do not think it is the pilot that did this," said Shockwave. "When Unit-01 first moved against Sachiel, it was stumbling and unable to walk properly, even falling to the ground face-first. It wasn't until after the right eye was destroyed that it began its rampage."
"All signs indicate that the Evangelion unit took control of itself for a brief period of time," Soundwave said.
"Considering what we have been able to learn of the units, it is likely that what is inside it took control," Shockwave noted.
"If that is the case, then how will we be able to battle something like this?!" asked Starscream. "We have yet to choose the right components for your little 'project.'"
"Perhaps it was likely a one-time thing," said Deathsaurus. "The Autobots and NERV would not want another incident like this to happen a third time, so they will attempt to control the Evangelion units through the pilots to their best."
"An endeavor that will prove futile in the end," Megatron stated. "Gendo Ikari and SEELE think their plans will succeed, but those fools have only spent a small amount of their insignificant lives trying to comprehend the power before them. But we have been able to spend our time in hiding to fully understand the power presented before us, power that those men want to use for their own foolish and childish desires! And Optimus has yet to know what they're planning. It's a pity since I figured he would have by now."
"Perhaps he's losing his touch after all these years," Deathsaurus suggested, chuckling with his master and leader.
"I am growing impatient with all of this, Lord Megatron!" Starscream exclaimed, looking irritated. "We should attack now when the moment is right! The time for talking and hiding is over!"
"Not yet!" Megatron yelled. "I want to see what Unit-01 is capable of once the pilot in question has been properly trained. We shall observe when Shamshel comes to Earth to search for Adam. Soundwave, what is the estimated time of Shamshel's arrival?"
"Estimated time of Shamshel's arrival: Seventeen days."
"By then, Unit-01's pilot should have enough training to combat Shamshel with the Autobots," Shockwave noted.
"In the meantime Lord Megatron, perhaps we should send the Autobots a little prelude of what is to come from us?" Deathsaurus said, smirking evilly. "After all, the Autobots are expecting us to take some advantage over Sachiel's recent attack. And who are we to disappoint them?" Megatron said nothing as he folded his hands in front of his face, the small pyramid hiding his mouth from the rest of the Decepticons. He contemplated Deathsaurus' idea, wondering if it was the right course of action. Tempted though he was to say no, Megatron knew Deathsaurus had never failed to give him a good idea that worked in the past. And this certainly sounded like one now.
"Very well," the Decepticon leader said, smirking underneath his hands. "Spinister, Barricade."
"Yes, Lord Megatron?" both Decepticons asked, their faces appearing on screen.
"Stay where you are for now, and remain in disguise," Megatron ordered. "I am sending a third Decepticon to you. Once he has arrived, get acquainted with the Autobots."
"No problem," Spinister chuckled.
"Yes, my liege," Barricade responded before signing off with Spinister.
"Soundwave!"
"Yes, Lord Megatron?" said the communications chief, standing at attention for his lord.
"Get me Sixshot."
Back in Tokyo-3, Optimus and the rest of the Autobots transformed into their vehicle modes and drove away from Unit-01, following Ironhide and the sleeping Shinji as a NERV crew arrived to move Unit-01 back to its cage. As they went about their business, nobody took notice of a figure standing on a tall skyscraper that managed to remain intact throughout the entire battle with Sachiel, the only damage being windows shattered from the shockwaves of the Third Angel's suicide. The figure, a young boy with silver hair and blood-red eyes, and dressed in a simple white button-up shirt over an orange t-shirt with black pants, overlooked everything with a small smile on his face.
"This is it. The time has arrived again," he said to himself, looking down to see the Autobots, specifically Ironhide's vehicle mode.
"Shinji Ikari…I give you my solemn word…this time, I'll make you and your friends happy."
"Misato finally here. As Shinji awakens from his sleep, he meets Optimus Prime for the very first time, and learns what we're dealing with. But something eviler may be on the horizon. Or is it just more fanservice?"
Next time: Unfamiliar Ceilings
Well the time has finally come. Shinji Ikari has finally arrived, got into the Eva, and fought Sachiel.
And as we saw, the Autobots are just as capable of fighting the Angels as NERV is, and they came very close to taking out Sachiel before Shinji could pilot, but of course Spinister and Barricade put a stop to that, since Megatron wanted to see some Eva action himself.
As for Rei not being used by Gendo, given the high tension lately between Gendo and the Autobots, using Rei as blackmail against Shinji would have been the final straw for Bumblebee and the others. And Star Saber took over and was able to convince Shinji he had a choice, but being protected by Unit-01/Yui and being told he formed a 'mental connection' with the unit made Shinji feel like he didn't have much of a choice. Yeah, between Shinji and Rei, the Autobots are going to have their work cut out a bit helping these kids, especially once Asuka joins up in Japan.
We also saw Sakura be injured like in canon, and Toji being pissed about it. There's going to be a confrontation about that very soon before Shinji comes to school.
And the finale has the Decepticons making their first move now with one of their most dangerous and powerful members: The one-robot army, Sixshot. In case you're wondering if I'll have Gendo and Megatron meet face-to-face, that will happen after Shamshel is out of the way, and the Decepticons attack in full force.
Next time, Shinji meets Optimus Prime, and the Decepticons make their presence known in Tokyo-3. Need I say more?
