HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Yeah so imma just get this out of the way and confess that this isn't the Operation Yashima chapter most of you were expecting. The reason for this is I've been shoveling out snow from around my house for this past month and helping my neighbor with their snow and walking their dogs since of them broke their arm. I was left completely drained and had to cut this chapter in half. Hopefully I can make it up with the next one.

Review Time!

StrongGuy159: Thanks!

Darzefader: Thanks you for the kind words.

Jurassic Writer: Much appreciated!

Hercules 8: Enjoy the chapter.

Chimatigon: You won't be disappointed!

G-Matt: Ramiel will definitely be stronger than his canon incarnations.

Guest #1: I guess she's just a different experience for everybody.

dx-1118: I might have to tweak her background up a bit but I do plan on giving Rei a good backstory.

Carlo mazzoli: Soon.

Darklink1011: Glad we agree on the same thing!

Thunder Dragon: I'm happy that you love the changes I made to Misato and Shinji. I personally think it makes them better people overall.

Beastrider9: One beam battle coming right up!

Darkmaster10000000: Give me a break, I'm only human!

RaptorRapist: Ramiel is a boy in this.

Hey It's That Guy: Rei will have it much easier than in canon and yes, you can expect some Kaiju from Godzilla: The Series to appear.

Traitor of all Traitors: WOW! I didn't expect the king of crossovers to comment on my story! I'm truly honored!

THE BOSS: Nergigante will be present and I don't think I will be adding in any communication between Lilith or any Kaiju.

Lemonades sick: No.

Gold1992: They were just street punks I dint put a lot of thought into and you got yourself a beam battle! Your comments are all massively appreciated!

Godzilla and Evangelion belong to their respective owners. I do not own any of them.

Chapter 18

A King's Loss

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Misato and Ritsuko walked up to the main bridge where Maya, Hyuga and Shigeru worked at their stations. Misato wasn't exactly in the happiest mood.

"Can somebody here please explain how an Angel managed to penetrate this deep into our defensive line? Was CCI sleeping on the job?!" She demanded.

"We're not sure ourselves, Captain. The Angel just came out of nowhere right behind our outer defenses and by the time we detected it, it was too late for CCI to intercept." Shigeru debriefed. Misato rolled her eyes. Katagiri must've been cursing up a storm right now.

"Do we have visual on the Angel?" Ritsuko inquired.

"Bringing it up now." Hyuga said as he brought up video footage of the Angel. Everyone in Central Dogma was mesmerized at the sight of a floating, diamond-like object levitating above Lake Aishi as it slowly moved towards the city.

"That's…definitely not what I was expecting." Hyuga remarked.

"It's almost beautiful." Maya added.

"Let's not get distracted, everybody. Don't forget what these things turn into when they're pissed off." Misato reminded them. Gendo and Fuyutsuki arrived via an elevator located in a corner of the main bridge. Everyone stood up and saluted as Gendo looked at the screen. He narrowed his eyes and pushed up his glasses.

"Prepare to send out Unit-01."

NERV-EVA CAGES

Seated in his Entry Plug, Shinji mulled over video feed Hyuga had sent him. The 5th Angel was pretty to look at, no question about it, but he knew that underneath that gleaming exterior lay a horrendous abomination with an insatiable bloodlust for carnage. Shinji hoped that he and the MSC would have an easier time with this one but he couldn't ignore the feeling that this one may be stronger than the last two.

But he had faith in humanity's prehistoric ally and himself that they would pull through. He felt his Eva get moved over to the launch tubes and prepared himself for the upcoming battle. He then noticed something out of the corner of his eye and looked to his left to see Rei standing on one of the gantries. For some reason she appeared to be staring at his Eva but upon closer inspection, it seemed that she was looking through the Eva and staring directly at him…

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Misato kept a vigilant eye on the screen as the Angel stopped a little bit near the edge of the city. She wasn't exactly sure if it was waiting for them to make a move or if it was observing their defenses. Either way, it had her on edge. "Unit-01 is ready for launch, Captain." Hyuga notified. A smaller screen popped up on his console showing Shinji in his plug.

"Ready, Shinji?"

"Ready, Captain. Has the Angel made a move yet?"

"Not yet. It's currently hovering in a fixed position over Lake Aishi. We aren't sure what its offensive capabilities are."

Shinji looked down at his seat, appearing to be thinking over something. He looked back up.

"Can I make a suggestion, Captain?"

"Go ahead."

"We have one of those inflatable dummies don't we? I suggest we distract the Angel so that we have an idea on what its attacks are and devise a proper strategy."

Misato cupped her chin in thought. She nodded, thoroughly impressed with Shinji's rational thinking. "Sounds like an excellent tactic, Shinji. We'll put that plan to use immediately, sit tight for further orders." Misato responded with a small smile.

"Roger that." Shinji's screen disappeared.

"Shigeru, prep one of our remote controlled boats with the Balloon Decoy. Let's find out what kind of tricks this Angel has up its sleeve." She ordered.

"Understood." Shigeru replied as he began to activate one of the boats on his console-

"Belay that order." Came the voice of Commander Ikari.

Misato looked up to Gendo in confusion. "S-sir?"

"Time is of the essence and you are the Operations Director, not the Third Child. Have Unit-01 sent to the surface." Gendo commanded, sitting in his contemplative pose.

'You can't even call your own son by his first name?' Misato internally thought before speaking. "Sir, with all due respect, we have no idea what this thing is capable of. A diversion would give us an idea on what the Angel's-"

"The MSC has been sighted!" Maya suddenly announced.

Everyone turned to the main screen as Maya brought up the video. The screen showed helicopter footage of the MSC thundering across the landscape, flattening forests in its wake with a look of rage on its reptilian features as it made a beeline towards Tokyo-3. Misato swallowed a lump in her throat.

"There is your diversion, Captain. Send out Unit-01 immediately." Gendo ordered.

"Yes, Sir." She begrudgingly replied.

NERV-EVA CAGES

Shinji patiently waited in his seat until a screen popped up, showing Misato.

"Change of plans, Shinji. The MSC is on its way right now and you're being sent out. There'll be a Gatling Cannon waiting for you upon your arrival, good luck."

Shinji nodded and his Eva was shot up to the surface. On the way to the top, he felt calmer knowing that the MSC was here to even the odds. He finally arrived at his destination in Tokyo-3 and instantly sprang into action. He bolted from the catapult and grabbed the massive, hand-held minigun from the armament building a few feet away from him. He ducked behind one of the massive, solar energy arrays and slowly peered out from the corner.

The Angel remained unmoving over the edge of Lake Aishi, apparently unresponsive despite that fact that Unit-01 had appeared in its field of vision beforehand. Something about this one unnerved Shinji a little. Was it a machine? Did it even see him at all?

Thoom Thoom Thoom Thoom Thoom THOOM THOOM THOOM THOOM THOOM

Shinji could hear the booming sounds of footsteps and turned to his right just in time to see the MSC stomp over a hillside and slid down into the city, crushing several buildings underfoot as it landed. The MSC rose to its full height and stared at the Angel. It made no roars or growls, just glared at it with unbridled hate.

Ramiel closely studied his opponents. On the leftmost side of the city was a gigantic animal of great strength and most likely the perpetrator of his fallen predecessors. On the rightmost side was a disgusting amalgamation of flesh and metal built to resemble his kind; an abominable mockery. Now Ramiel knew what he was up against and would rightly end their continued interference.

Godzilla lowly hissed at the sight of foe as he stood his ground. Once again, this Dark One was massively different than the ones he fought millions of years before. He was right to take an alternate route to the city; he could feel the raw power that was emanating from this creature. He knew that he had to exercise extreme caution when fighting this one…

Unit-01 continued to hide behind the solar array, keeping a firm grip on the Gatling Cannon. It peeked out again to see the Angel, which had continued to do nothing. 'Come on, you mutated piece of Kay jewelry. Ol' Painless is waiting…' Shinji thought in anticipation.

NERV-CEENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Everyone looked at the screen in dead silence at the face-off they were witnessing. Neither the Angel, nor the MSC had made a move and it was extremely nerve-wracking for them all.

"We're detecting a high energy reaction from the 5th Angel!" Shigeru exclaimed.

"What?!" Misato gasped.

"Oh no…!" Ritsuko fearfully whispered as she looked between Unit-01 and the MSC. Which one was it going to target?!

TOKYO-3

Ramiel instantly began to shift and change its shape like the world's biggest kaleidoscope! Shinji was instantly on alert as he watched the Angel transform into a swirl of geometric shapes that made his head spin. Godzilla was more angry than bewildered; the Dark Ones certainly hadn't done that before.

The Angel had finished its transformation, resembling an hourglass-like shape with its miniature S2-Engine completely exposed. For the briefest second, the two of them briefly saw a tiny flash of light-

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

A thin purple-colored beam shot out of the core, melting through buildings in its trajectory like they were made of Styrofoam and slammed right into Godzilla! The force of the beam pushed the King of the Monsters through several buildings until he crashed into the nearest hillside where the beam continued to blast him relentlessly.

"SKRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKKKKK!"

The pain that Godzilla was feeling was unbearably horrific. It was like he was being cut apart by a million blades while being burned by the very sun itself. Shinji was shocked at the sudden attack; it was almost completely instantaneous! Unit-01 leapt out of its hiding spot and let it loose with the Gatling Cannon!

VRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTT

A hailstorm of super-sized rounds streaked towards the Angel but its four triangular panels formed a shield that blocked its shots! Shinji continued to depress the trigger, hoping that the shield would break eventually. The Dark One's beam dissipated and Godzilla instantly shot up, roaring in fury as he fired his Atomic Breath at it only for his attack to glance off its force field!

Shinji continued to fire at the shield only for it to suddenly start spinning and zoomed towards the MSC like a boomerang! Godzilla ducked to prevent the razor sharp object from beheading him but as it soared over his head, the Dark One fired a shot at his leg, causing him to fall to one knee. Shinji saw the shield come back around slice across the MSC side, making it roar in agony as it collapsed again. That's when he saw it coming right for him!

Unit-01 tried to run from it but the shield was catching up to the Eva as it cleaved through buildings like a hot knife through butter! Unit-01 dove for the ground and the shield just barely missed him as it flew over him and back to the Angel where the panels separated and floated back into position. Unit-01 got up and retrieved the Gatling Canon laying a few feet beside him as the MSC struggled to get up.

The whole frontal portion of Godzilla's body had been horribly burned while the gash in his side bled profusely. He gritted his teeth and fought through the pain as he set his sights on the Dark One. He couldn't falter here, it had to be destroyed!

"SKRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNKKKKKKKKKKKKK!"

Godzilla fired his Atomic Breath at it again but it wasn't getting through its force field! Two of the Dark One's panels levitated to the top of it and formed into pointed barrels that began to rapidly fire bursts of energy that peppered him all over his body! Unit-01 fired its Gatling Canon again but then the Angel turned its beam weapon on it! The Eva tossed the weapon away and barely managed to doge out of the beam's path as it bored a hole into the ground.

But the beam didn't stop as it began to move towards Unit-01! The Eva weaved through the city while the beam continued to chase after it, decimating entire city blocks in its wake. Godzilla charged through the laser barrage as he began to close the distance but then the Dark One had one of its panels fly over to the purple humanoid it was firing its main weapon at and it got in front of the beam, reflecting it right into Godzilla's face! He clutched his face as he roared in pain only for the Dark One to fire another blast that sent him crashing through city again.

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Misato chewed on her shaking thumb as she watched the one-sided battle with increasing fear. Nothing could so much as lay a scratch on the Angel and its AT-Field was the strongest they've seen so far!

"Command! The Gatling Canon isn't doing squat! We need something with more kick!

"We're sending the M.A.G up to you now!"

TOKYO-3

An armament building popped up beside Unit-01 and the Eva quickly grabbed the weapon inside it. Rushing back to where the Angel was, Shinji saw it fire its beam again at the MSC while its panels flew around him, cutting its hide apart. With its main form of defense currently preoccupied, Shinji took aim at the Angel which was currently still in its hourglass form while silently hoping that it would be enough to puncture it's AT-Field. Looking through the scope, the M.A.G. fully locked on to the exposed core and Unit-01 pulled the trigger.

VWAAAKOOOOOM

The ball of energy hit its mark as it was shot out of the M.A.G and collided right into its S2-Engine!

Or at least it would have.

The instant Unit-01 pulled the trigger, one of the Angel's panels stopped its harassment of the MSC and flew right in front of the projectile, reflecting it right back at the Eva!

Shinji could only gasp in shock since the energy ball was too fast to dodge! It slammed into Unit-01's chest, destroying the M.A.G. and most of its frontal chest plating! The force of the impact slammed the Eva into the top of one of the skyscrapers, its chest reduced to bleeding, molten slag while it's Umbilical Cable had snapped off. The pain was so intense that Shinji instantly passed out as Unit-01 fell from the building and into the street below.

THOOOOOOOM

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

"What's Shinji's status?!" Misato frantically asked Hyuga.

"He's unconscious! The feedback overloaded his brain and his pulse is very weak!" Hyuga hastily read off his console.

"Scrap the mission! Commence emergency retrieval of the pilot!"

" Roger! Should I eject the plug?"

"NO! We can't risk the Angel blasting it and him out of the sky!"

TOKYO-3

Wanting to make sure one of his adversaries was truly dead, Ramiel charged up his particle cannon and took aim at the downed construct.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

The beam streaked right towards Unit-01 and would've vaporized the Eva into oblivion when a stream of nuclear energy blasted the beam apart before it could hit the Eva! Ramiel turned his attention back to the creature, angry that it was still alive after everything he threw at it.

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Misato stared at the screen in stunned astonishment as the MSC had once again saved Shinji. Watching the dinosaur surge towards the distracted Angel, she immediately focused on the recovery of Shinji.

"Detonate the explosive bolts for that block, NOW!"

TOKYO-3

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

A series of explosions resounded throughout the city as the bolts locking in one of the city blocks self-destructed, sending a small section of the city sinking back into the Geofront. With his only ally incapacitated, Godzilla wearily focused on the Dark One and surged forward while basting his foe with his Atomic Breath but its panels blocked the shot and the Dark One blasted it again with its beam attack, knocking Godzilla down.

He fought through the pain as frustration boiled up inside him. He couldn't even get close the Dark One and it had already pushed him to the brink of defeat in the span of a few minutes! His mind rushed back to when he fought the Dark One that initiated The Great Cataclysm. No! He would not fail here again!

Roaring in fury, Godzilla tail whipped one of the panels into a building as it flew at him but then two of them began to pepper Godzilla in the back with more energy blasts from atop the Dark One as it fired another beam across his chest ,burning and lacerating him to extreme degree.

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Everyone watched in silence as the MSC continued to fight a losing battle against the Angel. Misato was having a very difficult time watching this fight play out on the screen. Every roar of pain from the MSC was like a blow to her heart. This creature had defended them numerous times and it was a horrible sight to see it go through so much agony.

Looking to her right, she saw how conflicted Ritsuko looked and also noticed that poor Maya had tears welling up in her eyes. No doubt thinking that Shigeru and Hyuga felt the same, Misato lowered her head as she closed her eyes. Another pained roar assaulted her eardrums and it was at this point that Misato could take it no more. She wasn't going to sit idly by and watch this any longer.

"Raise a blast shield in front of the MSC and have our armament buildings open fire on that Angel!" Misato ordered Shigeru.

"Yes, Captain!" He replied, more than eager to help the MSC.

"No. Cancel that." The Commander spoke, everyone turning to him in shock.

"B-b-but S-sir-!" Misato stammered in horror.

"Let. It. Die. Katsuragi." He coldly interrupted her as the Angel blasted the creature yet again. As everyone continued to stare at him in horrified confusion, Fuyutsuki looked down at his feet in shame. The Sub-Commander knew that Gendo was using this opportunity to rid himself of the MSC once and for all and get his Scenario back on track. But Fuyutsuki could see that the MSC was vital to their battles against future Angel incursions and by not aiding it, Nerv was essentially shooting themselves in the foot.

TOKYO-3

Godzilla swatted a panel away from him just as another one cut across his chest like a boomerang. Just the Dark One fired another energy beam at him, he fired his Atomic breath at the beam and it was powerful enough to overtake it and hit the Dark One. But like many time before, its force field was strong enough to withstand it.

Gnashing his teeth, Godzilla knew that he had to use his strongest weapon in order to defeat this demon. He stomped his feet into the ground and began to charge up his Spiral Ray as his spines glowed orange.

Ramiel sensed an enormous buildup of energy within the creature and began to transform into a cross-like shape. Ramiel let out a noise akin to a scream and-

(Attack on Titan-Armored Titan Appearance)

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM

KRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKKKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Godzilla fired a massive beam of spiraled, orange colored atomic energy while Ramiel unleashed an equally massive yellow energy beam! The beams collided in a massive shockwave that instantly blew away any buildings caught in the epicenter! The entire city was bathed in a blinding light that was bright enough to be seen from space. The continent shook as the beams struggled to overtake one another with neither combatant moving an inch. Godzilla began to trudge towards the Dark One, his Spiral Ray glowing with intensity as he continued to breathe it towards his foe. He could feel his strength beginning to drain from using so much nuclear energy but if he could just get closer and then let loose one last burst energy, it might have enough power to penetrate the Dark One's force field and destroy it.

But what Godzilla didn't know was while he had finite energy…Ramiel had infinite.

Having toyed with the beast long enough, Ramiel tapped into his S2-Engine and had his panels fly into the beam and line them up. The beam was channeled through the panels while at the same time, Ramiel powered up his attack and the size and strength of the beam was increased tenfold!

It overtook Godzilla's Spiral Ray and tore right through it, straight towards the saurian! Godzilla eyes widened in horror as the beam complete engulfed him, and half the city! It blew him straight through the mountains and continued through the Japanese landscape, annihilating forests, hills and vacant towns in its path! The beam finally stopped several kilometers away from Tokyo-3 where it finally detonated into an enormous cross-shaped explosion that reduced a large portion of the woodlands into a charred wasteland littered with the burnt husks of trees.

The smoke cleared to reveal the charred form of Godzilla within the crater.

Broken. Defeated. Unmoving.

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Jaws agape, every soul in Central Dogma shook with fear as they gazed at what had just unfolded before their very eyes. The MSC…possibly the last living dinosaur in existence, one that went toe to toe with two different Angels had been defeated. Nerv had lost their trump card against the Angels.

Gendo on the other hand was smiling broadly. At last, The Scenario would no longer have any more hindrances with the MSC's death. He would have to adjust it slightly due to his son's unwanted courage and the Angels Forced Evolution but it would be a relatively simple task.

"We've recovered Unit-01 and the pilot!" The loudspeakers in Central Dogma blared. Misato ran over to the small platform elevator in a heartbeat but not before telling Ritsuko, "I'm heading down to the cages! Take over for me!"

Ritsuko nodded and went over to Hyuga's station as Misato took the elevator down. "How is he?"

"Bad! His brainwaves are extremely erratic and his cardiac readings are-" Hyuga briefed her before he was interrupted by a chilling noise.

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop

"Oh Jesus, HE'S FLATLINING!" He panicked!

"Increase power to the plugsuit's life support systems! Activate the defibrillator!" She yelled.

Hyuga tapped a button on his console and after a few seconds, Shinji's heart monitor began to steadily beep again. "His vitals are stabilized!"

Ritsuko then turned her attention over to Maya. "Force-eject the Entry Plug and vent the LCL! Have an emergency team waiting on standby!

"Roger!"

TOKYO-3

Ramiel could focus back on his mission now that his foes had been thoroughly dealt with.

Sensing his objective lie beneath him, he hovered over to the center of the city and his bottom portion morphed into a drill like appendage that bored down into an intersection with no resistance whatsoever.

NERV-HOSPITAL WING

SEVERAL MINUTES LATER

Misato hurriedly followed after the doctors and nurses who were wheeling Shinji away on a gurney. After they had gotten him out of the plug, they removed his Plug Suit and moved him as fast as they could to the emergency room. She felt her blood run cold as she looked upon the unconscious form of Shinji as he bled from his mouth and nose.

Nearing the door to the emergency room, another team of doctors rounded the corner with a large, black colored pod. They carefully picked Shinji up and laid him into the pod where they fitted an oxygen mask on him and pressed a button on the side. The pod automatically closed and locked itself; Misato watched the medical staff take it into the emergency room like pallbearers hauling a coffin.

As they disappear behind the doors, a loud buzzing was heard as a red sign above the doorway flashed, URGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT IN PROGRESS.

Her shoulders sagging, Misato stood in silence. She then slumped up against a nearby wall and began to sink down to the floor as tears started to well up in her eyes. Sobbing into her hands, Misato was once again burdened with the horrible knowledge that she was sending children to war.

TOKYO-1

Makoto, Togusa and Ishikawa watched the monitors in his apartment. They were joined by two other members of their team: Saito Okawa, their team sniper who wore a black eyepatch over his prosthetic left eye and Pazu Onozuka, another member of the team and former Yakuza with steely-looking features and brown, slicked back spiky hair.

They were watching a news report of the Godzilla's loss against the Dark One with news chopper footage of the smoldering form of the King of the Monsters, his once green hide now blackened and burnt. Everyone in the room was as pale as a ghost.

"Holy shit…" Ishikawa breathed in horror.

"Command better get those goddamn Jaegers ready or all of our heads will roll." Pazu groused, angry at the unfairness of the situation.

Makoto narrowed her eyes at the screen while balling up her fists. She went over to her coat which was draped over and chair and put it on as she headed for the door.

"Major? Where are you going?" Togusa asked.

"To Mayumi's." Was her only answer as she walked out the door and shut it behind her. The men looked at each other in concern over her decision. Rubbing his peach-fuzz haircut, Saito quickly followed after Makoto and caught up to her just as she was about to turn the corner of the hallway.

"Major, wait!" He called after her. She stopped and turned to face him. "Major, I know things are looking bad but do you really want to put more weight on that girl's shoulders-"

"She's out of excuses."

UNKOWN LOCATION

Taro Shikishima grimly looked at the screen as did Serizawa, Pentecost, Aramaki and two others in the room with him. Shikishima inhaled deeply as he thought very hard about his next decision. Exhaling, Taro made up his mind and turned to the two men standing near him.

The first was Tendo Choi, a Chinese-Peruvian American in his early 30's wearing a grey, button-down shirt and suspenders. He had smooth black hair and a tiny bowtie.

The other was Herc Hansen, a burly Australian in his early 40's. He had short, tan hair and wore baggy paints along with a large bomber jacket.

"How soon can we prepare the Jaegers?" Shikishima asked them.

"They're fully online but launching them is an entirely different matter. There's pre-launch safety checks we have to go through, there's the activation process and then we still have to find a viable escape route should the operation be successful." Tendo pointed out.

"Not only that, but we only have Batou and Borma on hand, plus I doubt Cherno Alpha and Horizon Brave could put a dent in that thing's AT-Field. It's the strongest anyone's seen this far." Herc added. The Jaegers were powerful but against an immensely stronger Dark One that hadn't even transformed yet? He didn't want to imagine the results afterwards.

"We don't have a choice…it's time we intervened."

NERV-CENTRAL DOGMA COMMAND CENTER

Ritsuko carefully studied the Angel on the main screen as the inflatable balloon dummy was ferried out by a remote controlled boat out in Lake Aishi. As the boat moved ever so closer in proximity to the Angel, it and the balloon was instantly vaporized via the Angel's beam weapon.

Ritsuko rubbed her temples in frustration. If Gendo had allowed them to use the decoy like Shinji previously suggested, it could've saved them a whole lot of trouble. But Gendo's ego and god complex jeopardized the whole operation and she couldn't call him out on that since he was the Commander.

Next, she had an armament building equipped with an SAM turret open fire upon the Angel. Just as she predicted, the four triangular panels formed into a shield which reflected the missiles back at the building, destroying it. But Ritsuko was only using that armament building as a distraction. On a hillside located outside the city was a railway tunnel complete with tracks installed into the hill. An automated railcar exited the tunnel to reveal a Type-12 Mortar Cannon.

The cannon took aim at the Angel and when it reflected the missiles it fired its payload at it with a deafening, POOOOOOOOOOOOM. The shell soared towards its target only to harmlessly bounce off the Angel's AT-Field like a pebble; the field reflecting from the impact in a hexagonal shape. Predictably, the angel fired its weapon at the Mortar Cannon; the resulting explosion decimated the hillside.

Ritsuko tapped her chin as she mulled over the Angel's capabilities. At least Nerv had a good grasp on what it was capable of.

NERV-SITUATION ROOM

1 HOUR LATER

After recovering from her emotional breakdown, Misato received a report of Ritsuko regarding the Angel and the Operations Director ordered a staff meeting with their top analysts. They were all packed into a slightly cramped room with documents plastered all over the walls and a table in the middle. Misato sat near the table along with Ritsuko, Maya and Shigeru while Hyuga and several other members of the bridge crew stood around the table.

"Okay, people. Analysis reports: give me something." She started, her tone no-nonsense.

"Based on earlier target data, we theorize the Angel utilizes an Accelerated Particle Beam Cannon as its primary weapon. We can also guess that it utilizes its S2-Engine as a Tokamak Reactor, giving it unlimited energy for its weapon." One analyst began.

"The same also goes for its panels." Ritsuko added. "Not only can they be used for both defense and offensive purposes, they also function as a type of focusing lens for its beam that increases its power output."

"From the data we've collected, we surmise that it automatically attacks anything hostile that comes within a certain range. There's a 100% chance that anything will be targeted once it enters the Angel's designated radius." Hyuga said as the holographic projector installed into the table showed a map of Tokyo-3. It revealed that the Angel's range covered all of Tokyo-3, Lake Aishi and the surrounding mountains in a circular shape.

"So close quarters combat is out of the question." Misato deduced. "What about it's AT-Field?"

"It's up and running." Maya informed. "It's strong enough that the spatial changes in phase are visible to the naked eye. On top of that, its phase pattern is constantly shifting. That's why it changes shape; it'll be extremely difficult to neutralize."

"According to the MAGI's calculations, it is theoretically possible to penetrate the Angel's AT-Field with an aerial delivery of N2-Bombs. However, a blast of the magnitude required would destroy headquarters as well and given its ability to target anything within its radius and the capability to reflect anything that hits the panels, we would end up doing more damage to ourselves than the Angel." Hyuga explained.

"A veritable flying fortress…at least we won't have to worry about blowing ourselves up." Misato sighed. "What's the Angel currently doing at this moment?"

"It's positioned itself right above us. It's transformed its bottom portion into a drill with a diameter of 17.5 meters penetrating the Tokyo-3 Null Zone with no signs of slowing down. It's drilling right down towards headquarters and it's already bored through the first armor plate." Shigeru said as the projector showed a 3D video of the Angel's drill burrowing down through the city.

"So this one's trying to hit us on our own doorstep…" Misato grumbled, her eye twitching in annoyance. "What's its ETA?"

"There are 30 reinforced armor plates between us and the surface." Shigeru began. "At the present rate of the drill, penetration of all remaining levels is expected to occur tomorrow morning in 6 minutes, 54 seconds past midnight. Less than 10 hours, 15 minutes away."

"Talk about a high-pressure situation." Misato said dryly. "What's the Status of Unit-01?"

"Its defensive armor was destroyed down to the 3rd layer. We never considered the possibility of our own weaponry being turned against us but the Eva's AT-Field was at max power, it mitigated most of the damage. Had it been any lower, the M.A.G.'s payload would've blown straight through Unit-01 and kill Shinji." Ritsuko explained, taking note of the pained look on Misato's face. "It'll take 3 hours to replace the parts."

"And Unit-00?" Misato inquired.

"The reactivation of the Eva shouldn't be a problem but there's still a feedback error remaining meaning that it won't survive combat." Maya informed.

"What's Shinji's condition?" Misato gulped.

"No physical damage." Hyuga debriefed. "However, his nerve pulses are up by 0.8, that's still within the acceptable limits."

Misato rubbed the back of her head. "'Kay, so things aren't looking too good at the moment."

"We could try raising a white flag and hope the Angel understands us." Ritsuko suggested sarcastically.

"Well now there's a thought." Misato joked. "But there is one more thing I'd like to try."

"And that is…?" Hyuga inquired.

"I'll fill you all in on the details soon enough." Misato announced to everyone as she stood up. "For now, let's use our time productively and analyze whatever else we can gather on the Angel." But Misato noticed that everyone was staring at her like they were expecting something else. Misato was confused until she realized what was up. She sat back down. "Alright…I'll address the elephant in the room. What's the status of the MSC?"

"We aren't sure." One of the analysts said. The projector showed footage of Nerv crews gathering around its body and blocking off the area. "It hasn't moved at all and its breathing is nonexistent."

"We know that the MSC's capable of regenerating any physical trauma inflicted upon it but when critically injured, its healing factor does slow down considerably." Ritsuko pointed out.

"We're not sure if it's in a coma or if its…dead." Another analyst concluded, fear evident in his voice. Looking around the room, Misato could see the despairing mood of everyone present. They were all scared of what to do now that the MSC was possibly dead, even more frightened at the notion of the Angel forcibly evolving and having no surefire way to defeat it if it did. It hadn't occurred to her that the MSC had left this big of an impact on everybody at Nerv as a whole. The dinosaur had made an impression on her as well and shared their sympathies.

"I know many of you here have put their faith in the MSC, as do I. And we all knew that one day it would be outmatched but it wouldn't want us to give up now. It's fought hard for us this long; we aren't going to let its sacrifice be in vain." Misato encouraged them. Her words proved to have a positive effect on the group as they exited the room with looks of silent determination.

Soon everyone left, leaving Misato as the sole occupant left in the situation room. Misato wasn't sure if her plan was going to work at all. But something had to be done or all would be lost: The Angels would destroy Nerv HQ and the Evangelions. Then there would be nothing to stop the other Angels from targeting other Nerv branches as well the rest of the world. There would be nothing left; the end of mankind.

That's why they could NOT fail here. But what would happen if the Angel went through a Forced Evolution? They didn't have anything in their current arsenal that could kill it when it did. That's why they needed the MSC. It was the only creature in existence that could go toe to toe with a transformed Angel and now it was either dead or dying.

In the months since its battles against the 3rd and 4th Angels, Misato had looked up to and even respected the MSC. She remembered her mother reading her storybooks before bed about heroes fighting against evil. In her eyes, the MSC had become that hero. Shinji too. But now those heroes were out of action, temporarily or permanently.

She slammed her fist on the table; thinking about the Commander. Why? Why did he just send out Unit-01 without analyzing the situation first? Not to mention how he just callously refused to aid the MSC. What the hell was wrong with him?! Looking up at the video projection, she felt ashamed that they didn't help the MSC as it continued to lie motionless in the crater. If she was the one in charge she would've used every opportunity to help that thing.

"We need you, big guy…we need a miracle."

GENDO'S OFFICE-HALF AN HOUR LATER

"You want to use a sniper rifle to shoot the target from outside its firing zone?" Fuyutsuki reiterated as he stood next to Gendo who was seated at his desk.

"Yes, Sir." Misato explained, standing a few feet away from Gendo's desk. "Instead of trying to neutralize its AT-Field, I believe a pinpoint shot with a focused, high-energy beam is the only way to destroy it."

"What did the MAGI supercomputers have to say about it?"

"Two affirmatives and one conditional affirmative."

"Our probability of success?"

"8.7%. It's the highest value we could get."

Fuyutsuki wasn't sure what to think. It sounded like a good plan but the low probability of success made him worried. He was just about to voice his concerns when Gendo spoke.

"Do you have a contingency if the Angel evolves?" He questioned.

"Not at the moment but we're certain that this plan will kill it in one shot before it has a chance to achieve a Forced Evolution." Misato assured him.

"…Then i see no reason to reject your proposal. You may proceed, Captain Katsuragi." Gendo said.

"Yes, sir." She replied. But there was no confident smile, just stoic professionalism. Fuyutsuki immediately noticed this and deduced what it was. He waited until Misato left the room and spoke to Gendo.

"It seems that she bears some ire towards you regarding your actions during the operation." He pointed out.

"I could care less about what she thinks." Gendo rebuked.

Fuyutsuki shook his head. "Your son had a perfectly sound strategy for finding out the Angel's offensive capabilities and had we taken his advice, it would've prevented Unit-01 from suffering near-critical damage-"

"Everything must go according to the Dead Sea Scrolls. We cannot afford any more deviations."

NERV-EVANGELION ARMORY

"You do know how crazy this whole operation is, do you?" Ritsuko chided.

"Don't be rude!" Misato replied haughtily. "It's not crazy; it can be done within 9 hours and has the highest chance of success."

After explaining the details of her strategy to Ritsuko, the two of them headed for the Armory and walked past the numerous maintenance bays that held the many different weaponry for the Evangelions. They finally arrived at the bay for their Positron Rifle, a sleek blue and white rifle with an almost otherworldly design.

"It would be impossible for our Positron Rifle to handle such a high output. What are you going to do about that?" She rhetorically asked her. Misato simple turned to her friend with a beaming smile on her face.

"Who ever said we were gonna use this one?"

To be continued…

The NEXT chapter will be Operation Yashima, I PROMISE.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everybody!

Don't forget to review but please don't flame.