Chapter 16: Do Lies Give Way to Truth?
Christmas day was not the most important day for many Japanese people, but the reminder that they were still in the center of a mighty conflict was enough to change their perception. It left a lingering sense of disappointment that all the way through this year and seemingly into the new one, there was no promise that there would be an end to it all. One hope they could hold on to was the fact that one organization in spite of its troubled individuals would continue to be the great obstacle to keep the human race its priority.
After enduring one of the most challenging conversations he had in recent memory, facing an Angel was one alternative Shinji had come to rely upon. Still the anxious and uneasy person who hesitated to ever reach out to others, wishing for such a calamity to come was something that made him question what the state of his mind was. He struggled to tell if he should have been more alarmed by what he was thinking or by the foreshadowing he remembered hearing from Kaworu just a day prior.
Shinji remembered the sight of the Angel making its way to the surface while asking himself, "Could he really have known?"
Like every Angel prior, the one identified as Iblis differentiated itself from its brethren in physical appearance. This one resembling a mighty turtle with a shell that peaked as though a mountain was on its back while three columns stuck out. As it moved, its claws stretched out from its shell before dragging its mighty weight across the ground while it stuck its snake-like head to reveal its fangs and stick out its tongue that had an eyeball on its tip.
More alarming than its appearance however was the sight of where Iblis made its rise from the waters. While the creature moved slowly, it was already approaching the edge of Tokyo-3 and prepared to trample everything standing in its path. As of now, there was nothing threatening to stop it, but it was soon to face the same challenge that its brethren had been tasked with facing before.
The main bridge of NERV was left to review what they were witnessing while Misato prepared to take command of her position. She heard Makoto ask, "Can we really confirm this is what attacked the Russian branch?"
Maya ran through a list before answering, "We haven't been able to contact Sakhalin in the past few hours. All other branches have not reported additional Angel sightings."
Satsuki overheard the commotion and bit her lip out of fear for what happened as she immediately recognized the possible tragedy at hand. She kept her fears to herself as she looked at the rampaging Angel and pleaded under her breath, "Please be all right papa..."
Fuyutsuki watched the monstrous creature drag its way out of the sea and observed, "It's just as the Book of Shemaiah foretold."
Gendo agreed, "Now the test of our true resolute begins."
Prepared to take immediate action against the recent threat to humanity, Misato requested an update, "We need to face that thing at the first opportunity we have. Is it in range yet?"
Makoto checked the location of the Angel before reporting, "It's still outside our perimeter sir. Unless we send Unit-01 alone to fight it, we'll still be sitting here waiting for its arrival."
Misato leapt at the suggestion as she contacted the Eva unit's pilot, "Shinji, can I trust you to go out and stop that thing before it gets here?"
Realizing that he would be expected to handle the incoming Angel on his own, Shinji took hold if his handles as he prepared for the inevitable moment he would be launched into the field to face the recent threat to humanity. While there was a great danger involved, he still knew where he was and what was expected of him to achieve his place. It was the only way he could be sure that his life would not be left to face the harsh realities that he was struggling to keep hidden from others.
Shinji breathed before accepting, "I'm ready Miss Misato."
Within the back if his mind, Shinji had hopes that he would not have to be on the frontline facing Angel's by himself if he was remaining in Misato's favor. He knew he would have no such luck so long as he had the only Eva unit that could function without an umbilical cable and she would continue to be the commander she was expected to be when battle came. He learned long ago that voicing his protest against what NERV needed him to do was counterproductive, so he prepared himself for another long and hard battle.
As though Misato could tell what he was thinking, she added, "This one shouldn't be so bad. Its core is attached right on its tail. Just attack that and this thing can be defeated in record time."
The advice gave Shinji a small bit of hope as he learned something so vital was open for an easy attack. After dealing with the previous number of Angels of such complex nature, facing something that sounded like the earlier ones came as a relief to him. Even with such an assurance, he knew prior experiences and initial observations were never enough to prepare for an Angel.
"Launch Eva Unit-01!"
Brought to the surface and looking out to the ocean edge in the distance, Shinji saw just how much closer Iblis was making its way to the surface above Tokyo-3. An advance that he was tasked with stopping himself before Kaworu or Kensuke would have to be sent out to support him. Reaching for his progressive knife and seeing the core on the tail on his target in the distance, Shinji prepared for what he hoped would be as simple of a battle as Misato suggested.
With his target in sight, Shinji charged Unit-01 to the advancing Angel. His charge was denied as he felt his Eva unit stopped in place by a sudden collision. The space between Iblis and Unit-01 emitted a mighty orange ripple while the two struggled to advance for different purposes.
Remembering the familiar contact, Shinji determined, "An AT field..."
He did not need to be instructed what to do next as he concentrated in the moment to approach the Angel. In a collision of two fields attempting to overpower one another, the sight of orange ripples flashing through the air became a display of the two giants making their advance. Raising his own AT field as much as he could, Shinji found his progression about to continue as he took another step as the field began to corrode.
Shinji discovered too late what other sort of challenge he was being faced with. Just as soon as he began to make his way through the field, a mighty force pounded his Eva unit in the chest to force him flying back. The blow made Shinji cry out in pain from the attack as his unit flew into a building with a hard crash and made his seat hit the back of his head.
Misato watched Unit-01endure the attack as she asked in astonishment, "What just happened?"
Maya reviewed the recent footage before answering, "We have a reading sir... it's... the same signature as an AT field."
With such a report, Misato found herself shaken at what she was supposed to be facing. She could not tell if she was grasping at straws for what was happening or if she was a little close before asking, "You're serious? This thing has multiple AT fields?"
Ritsuko confirmed her worst fear as she answered, "There is no mistaking it. This Angel can manipulate multiple fields for different purposes."
Misato clenched his fists as she cursed, "Of all the times where we don't have the Lance of Longinus to use..."
As Iblis watched Unit-01 fly back from its attack, it resumed its crawl along the ground with nothing to stop its advance. While its advance was still as slow as before, the mighty steps it made were enough to make visible progress. Nothing stood in the way of Iblis as it kept its focus on the distance where it expected Unit-01 to muster some resistance.
With the destruction on display again, Misato returned her attention to the view in front of her ordering, "Shinji, stay where you are. We'll need all units after all. I'll need you to be ready to cooperate with them."
Thrown off by what sort of obstacle he was thrust into, Shinji shook his head as he realized the danger in front of him, "This one is really that strong?"
Recognizing his need to understand the situation, Misto confirmed, "It has multiple AT fields. You will need the assistance of the others. Just be ready to go on the offensive harder than before."
While he did pick Unit-01 off the ground, Shinji remained in place as he watched Iblis' crawl. The idea of breaking multiple AT fields being enough of a terror to consider, he was left hopeful that him and just two others would be enough to stop the Angel's advance. Such a multilayered barrier could only be faced with the combined might of his fellow pilots so long as they could make the same penetration he was able to achieve.
Desperate to hear one possibility of victory at hand, Shinji asked, "Will they be enough?"
Realizing the danger that forced her next maneuver on mere conjecture, Misato forced herself to remain firm as she answered, "They have to be."
Within the hangar bay depths of NERV, Kaworu and Kensuke prepared themselves for battle having set themselves in their dummy plugs. Once again, three Eva units would take their place on the field of Tokyo-3 with the intention of defeating the recent threat to humanity.
Kaworu opened his eyes as soon as he heard Kensuke contact him, "Tell me, you looking forward to kicking some major Angel ass today Kaworu?"
While not as enthusiastic, Kaworu assured, "I will do everything I can. I understand you anticipate to do the same?"
Disappointed to see Kaworu remain so contained before a battle, Kensuke kept himself prepared as he answered, "I have a first impression to make up for. Gotta remind everybody I was picked for a reason."
Without any further delay, Eva Unit-02 and Ubit-04 launched to the surface of Tokyo-3 where Unit-01 stood waiting for the next order to attack. The two made their advance towards Shinji while Misato ordered, "We're not sure how many AT fields this thing has, but a simultaneous advance is our best choice. Kaworu, take the lead and break past the first one. Shinj, Kensuke, as soon as the field breaks, both of you get in there and stop the Angel from attacking."
Unit-02 advanced towards Iblis while Kaworu accepted, "Advancing now."
Prepared for the sudden collision, Unit-02 met with the AT field to cause the same series of ripples that had been achieved before. Iblis was brought back to a standstill as it prepared for the opportune moment to strike its new opponent back. Unit-01 and Unit-04 charged right behind while Kensuke shouted, "Now!"
The two units reached out to the extending AT field before it had a chance to make an attack and forced it to both sides. With the power of two units at work, the field came apart in an instant as it left Iblis exposed to its great obstacles again. Misato watched the display with anticipation that the Angel was about to meet its match only to realize another danger coming as another obstacle was laid in front of her.
Determined not to lose another inch of ground to the incoming beast, Misato warned, "Shinji! Break the next one!"
"Another one?!" Shinji allowed himself to ask before making his next move. Unit-01 ducked under Unit-04 to make another step towards Iblis where it collided with the field. The struggle continued to be as mighty as it ever had been, but the three Eva units each held open their own holes of an AT field. A moment of triumph came over the field as hopes of the Angel's vulnerability being found to prepare for the decisive blow. This air if triumph lasted for a few seconds.
Shinji was the first to feel his greatest fear achieved as another AT field appeared in front of him and sent him backwards. While not as strong as the previous ones, the force was still hard enough to trip him backwards and land square into the chest of Unit-04. The breaks to the protection of Iblis were ultimately undone as the combined weight of the two units collided into Unit-02 and forced the two if them to the ground.
The push back from the attack captured Misato's attention as she asked, "Did it just regenerate its AT field?"
Makoto reviewed the earlier footage before confirming, "It seems likely. They've probably all been repaired by now."
Once again triumphant over its aggressors, Iblis resumed its crawl forward across the city. With its challengers laid before it, Iblis was prepared to crush its opponents beneath its weight if they simply lay down and accepted their fate. It would only be another few casualties before Iblis could begin its descent to NERV headquarters where its ultimate target lay dormant.
Misato gritted her teeth as she turned to ask, "Do we have a confirmation on how many fields that thing can control?"
Maya watched the results pop up on her screen as she reported, "We are not picking up any more sir. The fourth one should be its final layer."
Ritsuko agreed with the hypothesis, "Given the proximity the units have achieved, there should not be any further obstacles."
Before she had to decide the next course of action plan, Misato heard Gendo contact her to order, "Major, send an N² bomb to Unit-02."
Taken aback by Gendo's interruption as well as his order, Misato requested clarification, "An N² bomb commander?"
"Our options are limited; this is our best choice. We must ensure that the substitute pilot of Unit-02 is capable of following orders. Proceed."
Realizing there was no use debating the tactic or coming to an alternative, Misato acknowledged "Right away..." She turned to Hyuga to order "Send up an N² bomb." Turning her focus to the beaten but still operational Eva pilots, Misato ordered, "Kaworu, I know this is asking a lot, but I need you to use the bomb to destroy that final field."
"I understand Major. Will we repeat our previous attack?"
Misato was thankful for Kaworu's cooperation but still felt the weight of calling for the attack on her. The current situation left her to think the results would be similar to what happened when Unit-00 used an N² bomb against Zeruel and only lose an arm in the attack. The guilt she felt was minimized further as she considered what Gendo needed to see accomplished, just a modicum of confirmation that Kaworu Nagisa was in fact here to fight the Angels and not live up to Ritsuko's accusation.
With her worries at bay, Misato explained, "Shinji and Kensuke will be the first to breach. Once you breach the third one, use the bomb right away. This may be our best chance, but don't get yourself killed out there."
Kaworu accepted, "I will do my best Major."
From the grounds of a nearby elevator, an N² bomb shot its way to the surface where Kaworu saw the weapon appear near Unit-02's hand. Forcing his Eva unit upright and taking hold of the bomb, Kaworu asked the others, "You have heard the Major's order of attack?"
Kensuke confirmed, "Loud and clear. This is your chance to be a hero."
Shinji was less enthusiastic as he asked, "You aren't seriously going to risk it out there are you?"
Kaworu made Unit-02 step back as he answered, "Stopping the Angel is our mission. We cannot concern ourselves with the cost."
Shinji wanted to protest but realized how powerless he was as Unit-02 reached for the bomb and carried it in his right hand. With only a little familiarity of what happened to Unit-00 before, Shinji held on to the hope that the damage done to it would be the worst to happen to Kaworu and Unit-02. Without a fourth Eva Unit to penetrate the AT field, it was an option that left him nervous about Kaworu's safety but accepted that the decision had already been made.
As a reminder for what he was about to do, he heard Kensuke encourage, "You heard him Shinji, let's have the way for him."
Unit-01 and Unit-04 charged towards Iblis to be met again with the defenses of the AT field but was easily torn through this time. The two units held their sections of the field open as Unit-02 slipped underneath their arms before making contact with its own field. The ripples of the third shield became visible again while Unit-02 was forced to tear through with only it's free hand.
As soon as the field began to open, Kensuke saw the last AT field preparing for an attack as he warned, "Kaworu! Hurry!"
Kaworu heard the warning as he made his unit raise the N² bomb and thrust it towards the remaining field. The bomb collided with the field as Unit-02 made a long and drawn penetration before its tip broke the final field. Iblis lifted its head as it noticed this intrusion and in desperation shot its snakelike head up to the bomb where it tried to knock it out of the grip of Unit-02.
The penetration continued to be a struggle to behold as the bridge members of NERV watched with bated breath for what was their last hope for defeating the Angel. As if to remind her of the severity, Gendo ordered, "Detonate the bomb now Major."
Snapping to attention and realizing she had no time to debate, Misato accepted, "Right away!"
The order was given and the bomb in Unit-02's hand detonated. A mighty explosion dominated the view of what few people still watched the ongoing battle. The most uplifting thing for everyone facing Iblis was the moment where Unit-01 and Unit-04 no longer needed to uphold the tears they managed to make into the series of AT fields.
While the eruption of the bomb remained dominant on the field, Misato asked, "Do we have a reading of the damage?"
Shigeru kept himself focused on the battle at hand before reporting, "We're trying to find it Major; it's subsiding now."
The bright light of the N² bomb's eruption subsided to reveal the damage that had been done to Iblis as it jerked its head to the sky in a wail of defeat at what it endured. The three mounds on the back of its shell had their tips broken while the rest of its body endured scorch marks from the damage of the bomb. While Iblis still remained alive, it was visibly weaker than before.
Misato kept herself leveled as she asked, "Do we have word on the damage?"
Maya looked at the damage that was done as she answered, "It appears those mounds were the generators for the AT fields. We should be able to engage it now."
Misato leapt at the opportunity, "Shinji! Kensuke! Take it down now!"
Registering the order they were given, Kensuke agreed, "Let's help Kaworu!"
Following alongside him, Shinji ran alongside Kensuke as Unit-01 and Unit-04 charged past Unit-02 and towards the target. Without any AT fields to impede their progress, the Eva Units prepared for the chance to deal the final blow that would eliminate the recent threat to humanity. Iblis raised it head as it saw the two Eva units making their way towards its location and prepared to make its last attempt to defend itself.
As Shinji made his charge, he saw the head of Iblis lunge out to him with its teeth widening to accommodate the size of its attacker. The most it managed to achieve was reaching out to the hands before stopping Unit-01 in its tracks. The hold between the two became a struggle for marching towards one another as Iblis did everything it could to widen its mouth around Unit-01 but was undone by the resistance gripping the top and bottom of its mouth.
Before Shinji could determine what he could do, he heard Kensuke announce, "Hang on! I got him!"
Unit-01 continued to hold the mouth of Iblis at bay while Unit-04 ran past and made for the tail that swung and slammed in opposing directions. Shinji realized what Kensuke intended to achieve as he saw Unit-04 make its way for the tail only to see it flying out of the area. The tail prepared to make another slam but this time was prepared to hit exactly where Unit-04 was standing.
Shinji did not see the plan as he called, "Kensuke!"
The tail came falling to the ground but Unit-04 had its progressive knife prepared before taking hold of it in both hands. With a thrust upwards, Unit-04 brought the pointed end of the knife to the core of Iblis as it stuck itself into its enemy. The red core's penetration caused Iblis to jerk its head away from Unit-01 as it registered the fact it was being attacked.
Shinji watched Iblis struggle to turn around while it tried to swing its tail to force Unit-04's knife off its core. Realizing the opportunity about to be lost, Shinji mad Unit-01 rush towards the tail and thrust its hands to the ground to pin it down. The pin was effective for a short while but left Shinji to fear what he would lose as he felt Iblis build its strength to force him off.
What fears Shinji had were only momentary as he saw the other remaining unit make its way towards him. Despite having lost an arm, Unit-02's remaining one provided just enough strength to keep the tail from making its successful swing. Even more promising was the sight of Unit-04 maintaining its knife being buried in the core despite losing a small amount of depth.
Shinji used all his strength to keep the tail from moving as he asked, "Can you really do it Kaworu?"
Without any strain, Kaworu answered, "As long as Kensuke needs."
The ability for Kaworu to not feel as though he was in a mighty struggle was one mystery that ran many questions through Shinji's mind. He could not bring himself to ask any of them however as after a few seconds, the resistance from Iblis was no more. With a mighty crash to the ground that shook the feet of the Eva units, life was exhausted from Iblis and its advance was brought to a halt. A silence lingered over Tokyo-3 as the remains of Iblis remained flat on the ground with Unit-04 still holding the tip of its tail with the knife lodged in the core.
To signify the accomplishment, Shinji heard Kensuke proclaim, "Aw man! Will you look at that?! I did it! I killed an Angel!"
Unit-02 released its hold of the tail to bring itself back up as Kaworu congratulated, "You have done well Kensuke."
Taking a breath after the confirmation of the defeat of Iblis, Shinji was thankful the end of the battle was finally achieved. While Iblis was a return to more familiar types of Angels he fought before, the multiple AT fields alone proved to make the recent threat to humanity more of a challenge than he anticipated. He could not say that he achieved the results himself but the simple elimination of the threat was enough to ensure that he and many others would still be allowed to live.
It was that preparation to return to a normal life that Shinji found himself reluctant to accept. What still constituted for normal was an increasingly ill-defined idea for him every day even if facing more Angel's was supposed to be a more terrifying idea for him. He could already tell that he would not be meeting with the same Kensuke as before either now that he had fulfilled for the first time his chance to take on an Angel and claim victory. There were challenges, there were worries, and they would all weigh on his mind for the rest of the day at least.
As soon as he entered the Eva cage area where he was able to walk again, Shinji had confirmation of what sort of enthusiasm Kensuke would have for his recent victory. He ran his way up to Misato as he proclaimed, "Did you see me out there Major?! Aw man it was awesome! I actually got to hold up my knife like I was freaking GoLion and stuck it right into that Angel's core!"
Misato praised, "You did good Kensuke. At least enough to make everybody forget how the last one went."
Kensuke grinned as he asked, "I thought so. I think saving the world is enough for me to put in a serious request. Any chance you could schedule a date between me and Maya Major?"
Although she was happy to see him enthusiastic at what he achieved, Misato warned, "I'm afraid that's outside my field. You'll have to ask her yourself and bear the risks as well."
Undeterred thanks to the moment of bliss he was feeling of victory, Kensuke accepted, "Sounds like I will then."
Shinji made his way to Kaworu asking, "You feel okay?"
Kaworu answered, "I'm fine Shinji. I only regret that I could not return Unit-02 in one piece."
Misato dismissed the concern she thought Kaworu was feeling, "That was my order and you couldn't have done much else. We got one down without any casualties and that's what's important.
Shinji followed behind Misato and Kaworu as he heard him thank, "I am pleased to hear you see things in such an optimistic way Major."
Intent to make sure she would not lose an opportunity to understand what seemed to be an odd phenomenon made Misato ask, "Do you mind telling me everything that happened when you were on the field just now though?"
Kaworu accepted the request, "I can report what I know Major."
Getting directly to the point, Misato asked, "So how did you suddenly get the guts to get a synch ratio high enough to breach those AT fields when we've never had you on record being able to pull that off?"
Misato was not sure she could have expected a clear answer but at least heard him reveal his motivation, "It was for the good of my friends Major. I wanted Shinji and Kensuke to be safe even if it cost me my life."
Misato turned to Shinji as she asked, "It's barely been a day and you feel okay being called friends with him?"
Although he was unsure about being fully on board with the idea, Shinji shrugged as he agreed, "He's alright. He just needs to do what he did earlier and he can help us right?"
It was a simple assumption, but Misato agreed, "That's one way to look at it. I'm not trying to sound ungrateful for what you risked out there, but we might have you back on the bench pretty soon."
He did not want to make Kaworu feel bad about his performance but Shinji could not help but release some of his excitement when he asked, "You mean Asuka is going to be okay?"
Misato saw how pleased Shinji was to hear that another person he knew was going to be fine as she confirmed, "Nice job catching on. At least Satsuki told me that she should be ready later today."
Kaworu turned to Shinji congratulating, "That will be wonderful news for you, I am sure."
She knew she could not allow anyone to know about her affair with Shinji but Misato had to think before saying anything she would regret. No longer overseeing a battle to take her mind off things, she was forced to remember there was a world that demanded to see her act the way she had been ever since taking her position. Being forced to concern herself with what someone Shinji's age however was a reminder that things in NERV were progressing in a way she did not have a full grasp on.
Misato finally acknowledged Kaworu's observation by agreeing, "He does care about others a lot. Even if it means it could get him hurt somehow. You aren't thinking about slacking off your duties just because you're on reserve though I hope."
Kaworu simply smiled as he assured, "Not at all Major. I will simply have to wait for my opportunity. Until the last of the Angels have challenged us."
She could not help but find herself unsure about a character as enigmatic as Kaworu but Misato decided to accept his answer despite his all too proper nature, "Nice of you to take this so well..."
Before another day could end at NERV, there was indeed one major achievement about to be finished by three of its members. Within the depths of the base, the basement where Asuka had been taken for her assistance continued without incident or interruption. It served to their benefit as they were now able to store the equipment and see what they were able to achieve.
Aoi looked up from her computer to announce, "Subject's mind has been broken down. Conditioning is complete."
Kaede made her way up to Asuka as she removed the ball gag from her mouth and began to undo the straps around her body. Asuka's face gave a look of total indifference to her surroundings as she kept her eyes open despite the heaviness of her eyelids, her neck leaning forward after being unrestrained, and her mouth hanging open. As soon as Kaede undid the final strap around Asuka's feet however, she watched her shakily step down from the dolly before wobbling to keep herself upright.
Kaede brought her hands to Asuka's shoulders as she asked, "Now there there. How do you feel Asuka?"
Asuka lifted her head up to the question but hesitated to answer. She finally answered, "I feel... fine?"
Aoi asked, "Do you remember what brought you down here?"
The question made Asuka turn her head a little before she allowed herself to slacken again before answering, "I... don't?"
Intent to make sure she was not hiding anything, Aoi added, "What is the earliest memory you have?"
Another few seconds passed before Asuka managed, "Running out... on Shinji..."
Aoi turned to Satsuki, "Memory is where it should be. Confidentiality is assured."
Satsuki agreed, "That is great to hear. Ideally, she will not have another breakdown now."
Aoi maintained her focus on Asuka asking, "Do you believe that you can pilot Unit-02 again? Do you believe your synch ratio will be restored?"
The question made Asuka pause as she tilted to her right a little before answering, "I'm focused... on my... synch ratio..."
Although she was committed to what originally made her such a significant part of NERV, Kaede tried to make sure Asuka was in the best condition she could be in by asking, "Do you truly believe she'll be accepted into the world like this? Her behavior will certainly demand attention."
Aoi dismissed scenario by reminding, "Only if she is seen like this before she is on the field again. Assuming the Baptism Program served the functionality it was meant to."
Satsuki confirmed what the process was made to achieve, "Her conditioning will see to it that she maintains focus on her happiness at every opportunity. It is the overall demand the Commander requested. How she plans to approach it now, that is left to her."
Despite being able to call her assignment a success, Aoi lamented, "It is unfortunate that he did not provide more specific instructions. He cannot possibly be confident that she can achieve anything without direction."
Kaede affirmed her earlier hesitation as she pointed out, "For someone like her, even in this state, that cannot be the best way for her to live. She needs to have more than an open mind if she is ever going to follow the instructions of focusing on her happiness."
Satsuki denied, "She is a young girl with a life ahead of her, she has much to look forward to and will not have to suffer so much. At least as long as she is maintained this way."
Aoi and Kaede stepped away from Asuka as she realigned her posture as best she could. She was finally free after so long but could not even tell why she wanted to be released from her straps in the first place anymore. Her will was her own but she was left in a state of wonder trying to understand where she was going and what she was supposed to think. Without such a sense of direction she could not even guess what was supposed to be what made her an individual.
Asuka felt herself being escorted out of the room as she wondered to herself, "Is this… what I am?"
She could not even remember how she ended up where she was as she stood in the hangar bay. Unit-02 was right in front of her undergoing repairs from someone using it in battle but she struggled to even consider what she was supposed to feel after the three women changed what seemed to change everything about her in such a short amount of time. What Asuka did not expect was that she would have her life changed as soon as she would meet Kaworu for the first time.
He made his way up to her as he greeted, "Second child. You are here."
Asuka looked at him as she tried to keep herself stable before asking, "Do I know you?"
Kaworu confirmed her suspicion, "We have not met before. But the others have told me about you."
The elusive boy in front of her left a sense of unease in Asuka. She had no idea how NERV could consider him to be an optimal choice for a pilot but knew she did not have any grounds to judge when she could not see his performance in the recent battle. This should have been more than enough for her to call him out but felt herself cut short as she kept this realization to herself. She kept her mind from wandering as she tried to muster a counter that would allow her to retake command of the conversation as she swore she was capable of doing.
Such an inconsistency immediately caught her attention when she asked herself how she could be fine with this. She knew she should have been preparing a snarky comment about how she was better, how she was the true full force of NERV. Even knowing this was not enough to make her force the words she wanted to say out of her mouth.
Managing to muster her wits she asked, "Okay... What do the others say about me?"
Kaworu let the question linger before commanding Asuka's attention by answering, "I was told of your prowess in battle. Your pride for your achievements. Most importantly I imagine, your adoration for the third child."
Asuka felt a jolt through her mind as her mind tried to comprehend how to answer Kaworu's observation. Any other situation before would have made her suspicious at minimum but more likely furious that such a rumor was being spread. Yet she could not bring herself to react either way and questioned if she even wanted to.
The most Asuka could manage as her mind tried to prepare a response was, "Third... child?"
Kaworu nodded as he confirmed, "You call him Shinji. He says himself that he cares for you deeply. And it shows."
The confirmation ran its way through Asuka's mind as she tried to accept what she was hearing. From a boy who reminded her of Rei Ayanami but a little more talkative, everything that should have been in question was instead simply accepted as a fact. She wanted to stomp her feet and proclaim the falsehood of everything she was hearing and dismiss Kaworu altogether.
The accumulation of the past few days and the recovery she had to endure simply did not add up to this being the case. Yet it was all there deep down. She wanted to hear about someone reaching out to her for so long and the situation was right in front of her. Whatever consciousness of herself she had she could not help but surrender all of it to the idea that adoration was how within her reach.
A/N: And there we go folks, in time for the happy holidays and for a preview of what is to come in the near future. You have the first new Angel for this story, you get to see the pilots acknowledge where they are, and you get to see some of what is making NERV tick underneath it all while we're at it. It's definitely your job as the reader to expect and demand more so I'm hopeful I can continue to deliver on every front I can manage.
So if you're caught up with extracanonical lore you might be familiar with Iblis but for those who aren't, this is the first of several Angels that appear in the card role-playing game Neon Genesis Evangelion RPG: The NERV White Paper which is pretty easy to Google Image search if you want to know what it looks like. I did my best to follow the general idea of what this Angel's arrival was like depicted in the events though I forgot it originally came from Siberia while writing and honestly I thought Sakhalin made more sense anyway. I also might have fudged its power a bit although I hope it's more in the case of overpowering it a little just because of my lack of research at the time and it's basically why you got to see both solutions to killing it described in the game rather than just one.
That's the Angel out of the way, so what about the part that Evangelion is really about? The character drama. I've basically had Asuka on the bench for a little bit but starting in the future she will be a more relevant character. Some of you might have an idea of where this might be going but I also want to pitch this much: This is Eva we're talking about and it's my goal to make this story as Eva as possible. While it might be the set up for an otherwise overly familiar plot device, I'd recommend considering it as an opportunity. One that I hope you will get to see realized in later chapters.
This might be the last chapter of the year or if I get the next 50 interval, so I won't say for sure just yet. Still going to press on and do my best to fulfill the story I've always wanted to see realized, it's just going to be a real journey that only started with this year, I just hope it doesn't end up taking that many more. No matter how demanding it is, I am determined to make sure I achieve my goal whenever the time comes and it can only be achieved with individual steps that will be shown as progress in the next chapter. I hope to see you all then.
