Light cloaked the clouds that were below the Wunder, making them appear to glow, while above the ship that same light reflected in the ice crystals floating in the air; producing a myriad of colors, depending on where a person was standing. Shinji was taking in both sights on the Wunder's top deck. There were several other crew members on the deck along with him laying back and enjoying the view.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a familiar voice disrupted his contemplation. He looked up and saw Sakura gazing down at him, a charge of panic coursed through his body at that instant.
"I don't think the Wunder has ever been this high up," she looked up at the sight above her transfixed by the beauty of it. Shinji saw the wind blowing her hair as she held her hat on her head.
"Is that so." Those were the only words he could think to say. Sakura then sat down next to him.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" she then said.
"I-I suppose so," Shinji hoped that she would wrap this conversation up as soon as possible at the same time trying to think of an excuse to tell her that would get him back in the ship.
"Many things have happened since we last spoke," Sakura continued.
"Uh, yeah," Shinji replied. "The last time we talked, you were in the hospital."
"Oh, that's right." Shinji thought he saw a slight blush on her face.
"I'm glad you're doing better though," he then said.
"Thank you," Sakura said. "I pretty fast. Actually…that's what I would like to talk to you about."
"Oh, really?" There's no way out of this I suppose, Shinji thought.
"Yeah," she replied. "I know I was on some pretty powerful painkillers the last time we talked."
"Oh, I more than understand," he then said. "You don't have to explain anything to me."
"That's the thing," Sakura put up her hands to keep Shinji from saying anything more. "I-I meant every word." Shinji stared at her face for countless seconds, taking in the words she said.
"What?" That word came out of him no louder than a whisper.
"To be honest, I was not planning on telling you then," she said, "but those drugs, I don't know, gave me the courage to do it."
"It's just…It's just…," Shinji paused for a few seconds to collect his thoughts. "Why? Why me?" Sakura took a few moments herself to form the correct answer.
"Well, there are several reasons," she answered. "One of them is the way that you have influenced my life."
"Influenced? How could I have done that?" Shinji said.
"Well, remember that I got sent to the hospital as a kid around the time the Angels began attacking?" How could I forget, Shinji thought to himself.
"It must have been hard for you," he said. "It was the first time I piloted and-"
"I don't blame you for that," Sakura interrupted him.
"But how can you say it was a positive thing?" Shinji countered.
"It's quite simple," she then said. "Interacting with all the doctors and nurses when I was in the hospital inspired me to into medicine, even before everything went bad. I wanted to help people who were injured as well."
"Okay, so I've been an influence on what to do with your life," Shinji said, "but how does that lead to 'I love you?'"
"I wasn't finished," Sakura said. "You know I've told you that Toji often told me stories about you." Shinji nodded yes.
"Those stories gave me hope during the time I was in the hospital and even those dark days afterwords. I kind of got this image of you, and as a little kid I sort of fell in love with that image, even as I grew older."
"But when I returned from Unit 01, you saw the real me," Shinji said. "Certainly, you would think differently of me then."
"I'll admit that time aboard the Wunder did give me a bit of a reality check, but at the same time, I did see some of the humanity that is in you, despite what you are," she said, "and that kind of cemented me more to you."
"Well…What about the fact that I'm a pilot?" Shinji then said.
"What about it?" Sakura said.
"I thought you didn't want me to pilot," he then said. "I remember you pleading with me not to pilot an Eva again. I know you forgave me when I should know better."
"That's why I'm not against it," she then said. "Because you do know better now, because you know the dangers, that I feel I can trust you. You've recently proven that you can do it, that you're piloting for the right reasons."
"I see, but…" Shinji struggled to find the words. "How would this work? I mean, you're older than me." Shinji thought that he saw a bit of a sparkle in her eyes.
"Technically, you are six years older than me," Sakura replied. "And when you think about it, you have had a lot more experience that some adults will never have. I think that evens things out in my opinion."
"That's a point I never thought of," Shinji said.
"Now that I answered some of your questions," she then said, "I have a question for you now."
"What is it?" Shinji said.
"Do…Do you feel the same way about me?" That's a good question, he thought to himself. This wasn't something that a person could use logic on, but there are some facts that couldn't be ignored. One was that when he remembered when was first on the Wunder, and even now he still didn't like to remember, she was the only person that was kind to him. Even when he was escaping to Nerv, she treated him with respect as she was pleading with him to not pilot.
The second was what he noticed the times he saw her in the city. The times that they met were few, but he had always noticed her kindness, her humor, even her bravery during their fight with the enemy Ayanami type. But did all that equate to love? There were many people he could think well of, but it didn't mean he was in love with them.
It was still the same question. Do he have any feelings for her? It felt to him as if the question kept repeating in his mind, like it was printed in bold white letters on a black background. He is able to predict when there is an enemy attack in his dreams, why couldn't he know what the right answer was.
He then thought he should be freaking out at this moment, but for some reason, he remained calm. Why was that, he wondered. He then had a new thought. Was it her? Was she the one making him calm? It didn't feel like was just calm. She had made him happy, and he couldn't wait to talk to her under normal circumstances. He felt that he wanted to talk to her all night and the next day, and the day after that, and for as many days as possible. Before he could think or say anything, an announcement came over the Wunder's PA system.
"All hands, we are now at an altitude of 4500 meters. Please return inside the ship. We will seal the doors in five minutes." The other people that were outside began to make their way back to the ship.
"I…guess we need to go back in," Sakura said. She began to get up, but was stopped by something clasping her hand. She looked down and discovered that it was Shinji's hand on hers. She looked up and saw him looking straight at her. She thought that there seemed to be a quiet confidence on his face in the way that he was smiling. Her surprise turned to delight as she realized he had answered her question, and it was yes.
Sakura then leaned in towards Shinji in a slow but steady manner. He moved his head back a slight distance when he realized what she was trying to do, but before she could even register it in her thoughts, he moved it back and then ahead a little. She came closer and both she and Shinji closed their eyes.
Their lips first grazed each other, and separated for a half second before locking into each other. It has been said by many people when this happens to them that it can feel like an eternity even though it was mere moments. And in this case, it was true. They separated from each other before kissing again seconds later, and seconds later after that. What stopped them from continuing was a repeat over the PA system the message except that it was now one minute until the doors were sealed.
"This time, we have to go in," Sakura said, looking flustered.
"I guess we do," Shinji replied with the same effect on his face. The two walked to the door holding hands.
"We have to get the medical bay ready for any casualties, so I have to get there," she said.
"Yeah, they want us pilots for a final briefing in about three hours," Shinji replied. "I guess I'll see you after everything's over."
"You bet." She stopped just before the door and gave him one last kiss.
"For good luck," she said before going through the door. He put his hand to his lips for several seconds before he made his way in the opposite direction.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Well Commander, you seem to have everything in good order." Clayton sat in a chair next to Kaji, who was at his desk.
"It's Katsuragi's plan," Kaji replied. "We are just assisting with it." The Command Center was dark with the lights of the individual stations illuminating the chamber. The clock above the main monitor read 06:00. The main monitor showed a map with symbols of the enemy Evas showing their position relative to the city along with a small dot indicating the relative position of the Wunder.
"Be honest with me," Clayton then said. "Do you think you have a chance to win?"
"If we didn't, why would we be be doing this?" Burke said. "There is a decent probability of success."
"I realize that," Clayton replied, "but I'm wondering why didn't you come to me with this plan? Why did you go straight to Kusangi?"
"Katsuragi and I didn't think you would agree to it," Kaji said. Clayton then gave a smirk.
"Seems to me you were trying to forestall certain options from being deployed," Clayton said.
"I don't care to rush into things," Kaji replied. "We have to exhaust all other options first."
"Well, I don't appreciate that you went over my head," Clayton said. "You do realize that if this mission fails,-"
"I do, but you're already assuming that it will fail," Kaji said.
"You only have what, twenty percent of the forces we threw at them two days ago? Forgive me for failing to see the advantage in force we have." Both Kaji and Burke felt the sarcasm stick to them like clothes on a humid day.
"We have four Evas going into the fray General," Kaji said. "Right in the thick of it, not just two of them in a support role like the last engagement."
"Four Evas against all those?" Clayton said.
"The pilots sir, it's the pilots," Burke said. "I think they can do it."
"We'll have to see about that," Clayton took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, but it was not out of relaxation. "It's your show, get to it."
"Yes sir," Kaji replied. "Status?" he then asked his crew.
"Enemy units about 150 kilometers out," Lithgow replied. "ETA to the Blechernae line, one hour and fifteen minutes."
"Trains one and two proceeding on schedule," Matsu said.
"Wunder is at 86,000 meters and rising," Bertain added. "They will be entering the Thermosphere in three minutes.
"Very well," Kaji said. "All we need to do now is wait."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The first rays of dawn broke into the sky revealing Unit 11 in a prone position, the boomstick resting in its arms. Joanna sat in the entry plug, her eyes wincing at the new born sunlight. She changed the illumination in the plug to the daytime setting, and then surveyed the scene around her, seeing several trucks carrying an array of ranged and melee weapons for her Eva around her. She then activated her rear monitor and saw a line of tanks and other military equipment in formation several miles away, the soldiers going to and fro at a hurried pace. Beyond that, the walls of New Constantinople in the distance, a bright light from the energy pillars the most prominent part of the image.
Joanna then looked up and began to magnify small section of the sky, showing the Wunder. She almost had the magnification at maximum, and it still amazed her that the ship looked so tiny. She at last turned her attention to what was in front of her, looking at a large dust cloud in the distance. She magnified again, bringing into view the enemy Evangelions coming right towards her position.
"How are you doing?" Aida's voice came through the communications system.
"I'm-I'm fine," Joanna replied.
"Just want to go over a few things before things got real," Aida said. "As soon as enemy units are within twenty kilometers of your position, you are to open fire."
"Roger," Joanna confirmed.
"Try to fire into different areas of their formation. Remember, we need to keep them focused on maintaining their formation as much as possible, at least until the big surprise."
"Right," Joanna said. There was a pause before he spoke again.
"Are you nervous about this?" he asked.
"Well, a little," Joanna answered. "I-I mean I see what's in front of me, how could I not be nervous actually more like frightened, or terrified or I don't know what word-"
"You're rambling," Aida then said.
"Oh, uh, sorry about that," she replied.
"No problem," he chuckled. "Look, it's okay to be frightened for something like this, and I bet you that everyone else is feeling uneasy about what's coming."
"I do realize that, but it is still frightening.
"I know," he said, "just, keep in mind you're not alone in this situation. You understand?"
"I do," she said.
"Perfect," Aida said. "Keep your head above the mayhem. See you on the other side." With the channel closed. Joanna sighed before looking again at the oncoming Evas. The readings showed they were 52 kilometers out. She knew it wasn't long now.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
It won't be long now, Shinji thought as he sat in Unit 10's entry plug. His Eva was placed in a hanger constructed several weeks prior in addition to the ones for both Unit 02 and Unit 08, so he was alone waiting for any word, and not enjoying any moment of it. On the right side of him, a screen opened, revealing Mari.
"Hey there," she said.
"Oh, hi," he replied.
"Finally get a chance to fight alongside you," Mari then said. "This is going to be so damn fun."
"Uh…thanks," Shinji said.
"Tell me," she then said. "What do you do to get pumped up?"
"Pumped up?" Shinji didn't understand.
"You know, to get yourself ready for the battle," she said.
"Not really anything I suppose," he replied. "Usually, I just think about things. Often they are things I don't like to think about, but I can't help thinking about them."
"That's no fun," Mari said.
"What, you enjoy waiting to fight?" Shinji said.
"Better than worrying about things you can't control," she replied. She then paused for a moment before continuing. "Listen, I'm going to tell you something that I haven't even told the Princess." She still kept a sunny face, but Shinji thought he sensed some seriousness in her voice as well.
"What is it?" he said.
"I actually get nervous before a battle sometimes," Mari said. "I mean, I know the risks we face. It's not like I'm dumb, or that I don't care. The thing is, I try to do something about it."
"What do you do?" Shinji asked.
"Sing," she answered. "I usually sing some old song, and it takes my mind off what's coming up."
"I see," Shinji said.
"Now, you don't have to do what I do in these situations. I don't know, maybe thoughts about your girlfriend."
"Really, you think- wait a minute, how did-"
"Knew it!" She raised her fist in the air in triumph. "I knew there was something between you two this morning."
"Shit," he muttered to himself. He and Sakura decided when they managed to meet earlier in the morning for a few minutes that they would keep things quiet. How did she figure out what was going on? It wasn't as if they slept together or anything like that. Was that even a thing, like in movies or TV shows?
"Don't worry, I'll keep this to myself," Mari added. Before he could get another word in, another screen popped up on his left revealing Asuka.
"Okay you two, we're almost at the target point," she said. "Are you guys ready?"
"As we'll ever be," Mari replied.
"Good," Asuka said. "Shinji, are you going to be all right?"
"Uh, yeah Asuka," he said. "What about you?"
"Of course, I'll be all right," she replied. "What do you think?"
"I was just wondering-"
"Well, you don't have to," Asuka snapped. She then paused for a second. "Thanks anyway though."
"Uh…sure," Shinji said.
"I see now, Shinji," Mari said. "You do have a way with women, huh?"
"Look you," Asuka began as another voice came over the com channel.
"We have reached the target area. All Eva pilots, prepare to begin operation," Misato's voice said.
"Roger," Asuka replied. "You guys ready?" she then asked the other two.
"Yup," Mari said.
"I'm ready," Shinji said.
"Okay then," Asuka said. "Here we go."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The view of the Eva army from 95,000 meters appeared on the Wunder's monitors as a piece of hair or even a worm squirming on the ground. The bridge crew watched the sight with a mix of awe and a little disgust.
"It comes down to this," Ritsuko said. "They should be launching the operation soon."
"Status," Misato then said.
"All stations ready," Hyuga said. "Awaiting your orders."
"Personnel have been moved into the interior parts of the ship," Aoba added.
"Very well," Misato said.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The readings now showed twenty kilometers. Joanna had Unit 11 bring the boomstick at the ready. She took aim at one of the enemy Evas and pulled the trigger. A multitude of those Evas were destroyed in a straight line, dozens of ranks deep. Joanna reloaded and fired again.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Unit 11 is engaging the enemy," Matsu said.
"Okay then," Aida said. "And the trains?"
"Proceeding on schedule," Lithgow answered. "They will hit within ten seconds of each other."
"Good," Aida said. The main monitor showed the two trains rolling down the track at a rapid pace. Everyone in the Command Center watched as the trains barreled towards the Eva horde. They saw them crash into the Evas followed seconds later by massive explosions from the N2 bombs placed within them.
"Now it's up to the Wunder," Aida said.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"There's our signal," Ritsuko said. The bridge crew saw the two explosions on their monitor.
"And the enemy units?" Misato then asked.
"No change," Aoba replied. "They are reforming their ranks."
"As we expected them to do," Misato muttered, though it was loud enough for Ritsuko to hear as well. She glanced over, and saw a smile forming on her Commander's face.
"Now it's our turn," Misato said. She sat in her chair and locked herself in. She then pushed the button which activated the ship-wide intercom.
"All hands, brace for turbulence," she said before turning the intercom off. She paused for several seconds as she looked at the bridge crew under her. They were at their stations, either staring straight ahead or concentrating on their instruments. A good crew, she thought. Misato then took a breath.
"Begin," she then said.
"Disengaging float system," Kohji said. "Retracting wings." The Wunder's wings retracted towards the main body as the ship began to fall to the surface. Within seconds, the ship began to glow with the high speeds she was reaching.
"Status of the Wunder?" Aida asked.
"90,000 and dropping like a stone," Lithgow answered. "Wunder's drift less than one percent off target." The main monitor showed a fireball tearing through the atmosphere towards the ground.
"Come on," Aida mumbled to himself.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Joanna took a couple of seconds to see the fireball above her. She almost became entranced by the glowing flames as they got bigger and brighter before she remembered where she was and resumed firing into the Eva army.
The entire hanger bay shook around Unit 10, though Shinji could not feel any vibrations from the descent, and he assumed it was the same with the other two pilots.
"I wonder if we'll be okay?" Shinji said.
"I'm not a hundred percent sure about the ship," Asuka said, "but I know we will be."
"Have you done something like this before?" he then asked.
"…kind of," Asuka replied. Shinji then heard Mari over the com, but she wasn't saying anything to either himself or Asuka. Instead, she began to sing in Japanese.
Kujikechau was dame na watoshi.
Kizu darake no Haato Kakushita namida ga hiri-hiri.
Dare mo minna hajime wa sou
Akirametara dame yo tsuite kinasai shikkari.
"Great, she's singing again," Asuka said with equal parts annoyance and resignation. "She does this all the time. I always wondered why. She doesn't say. Shinji remembered the conversation he and Mari had.
"I…honestly can't say," he replied.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Altitude, 75,000 meters," Aoba said. Estimated time of impact, four minutes, thirty seconds."
"Structural integrity decreasing rapidly on the port wing," Hyuga said. "It's only a matter of time before it goes."
"Open Eva bay doors," Misato then said. "Launch them at 45,000 meters."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Shinji saw the bay door open, revealing the surface of the planet racing towards him, the flames of reentry lapping at the edges of the hanger doors. He could also see the enemy Evas snaking along as well as explosions from where Joanna was hitting them.
"Launching in ten seconds," he heard Maya's voice over him com. "…3, 2, 1. All Eva units Launch!" Shinji released the restraints, and Unit 10 began to fall out of the hanger, Units 02 and 08 falling out of their hangers as well. When the three Evas were clear of the ship, thrusters attached to their backs activated, and they gained altitude as the flaming mass of the Wunder shot past them, continuing its mad descent.
"All Eva Units clear," Hyuga said.
"Altitude 30,000 meters," Aoba said. "Two minutes to Impact."
"Standby to reengage float system," Misato said. "We have to get optimal velocity." The bridge crew could see the surface looming on the monitor, individual Eva units could now be seen with the naked eye, even though they looked like ants.
"25,000 meters," Aoba said. One of the three satellite dishes that were on the topmost part of the ship broke off and flew past the monitor.
"10,000," Aoba said.
"When will this end?" Kitakami muttered to herself.
"It ends when it ends," Kohji managed to hear her. For the people on that ship, seconds and minutes could have been hours, days or even lifetimes. The tension building up with every jolt those people felt.
"5,000." Aoba then said.
"Reengage float on my mark," Misato said.
"2,000 meters," Aoba said.
"Now," Misato yelled. "Expand all AT Fields downward!" Using AT Fields and thrusters, the Wunder braked in the air for several seconds until it stopped 700 meters from the ground, but its AT Field continued downward at the same speed hitting the ground.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The shock wave it produced sent multitudes of enemy Evas in the air. Some of the enemy in a desperate move, deployed or tried to deploy AT Fields to block the wave, but to no avail. The wave expanded in a circular pattern, consuming and proceeding past the enemy, and racing towards the city.
Joanna saw the wave towering over her and braced Unit 11 as it hit her, she and her support units, that were braced to the ground struggling to hold on to where they were.
By the time the shock wave reached New Constantinople, it had weakened, but when the wave hit the city's shields, it was still strong enough to be felt in the Command Center that at the moment of impact, a young Lieutenant carrying a pot of coffee to General Clayton, Kaji and Burke, got knocked off his balance and spilled the drink on the floor.
Shinji saw the wave and its effects as he descended to the ground, using AT Fields to buffer himself from reentry. He had no words for the sight that was unveiled to him.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Report," Misato said.
"Structural damage to several sections of the ship," Hyuga replied. "Most of the damage appears to be microscopic cracks in the hull. It shouldn't get worse in the immediate future if we don't push it."
"Can't promise that," Misato said.
"Enemy units are starting to stand up," Kitakami said. The monitor showed many, but not all the Evas standing up. Misato knew that some of them would survive, but she thought that the blast would have taken out more of them. No matter, she thought. We haven't even used the full extant of our capabilities.
"Helm, descend to forty meters," she then said. "Ready the main guns."
"Forty meters, aye," Nagara said as she maneuvered the ship.
"All weapons systems ready," Hyuga said. The ship was about eye level to the upright Evas, who were now attempting to return to their original formations.
"Fire," Misato yelled as a barrage hot the Evas in front of them, tearing through the AT Fields, and leaving nothing but shuttered bodies when the firing stopped.
"180 degree turn," Misato said. "Ready main guns." The Wunder spun around facing another group of enemy Evas, who were marching in formation towards the ship. The Evas raised their weapons and opened fire, their bullets striking the AT Fields.
"Fire!" The Wunder's guns opened up again, destroying the Evas in front of them. For every rank destroyed another appeared.
"Extend forward AT Fields," Misato said. "Ahead full."
"Ahead, aye," Nagara said as the Wunder plowed through the enemy ranks, firing its main guns every few seconds leveling every enemy Eva in front of them as the ship sped along the ground.
"Joanna, get back up!" Aida saw on the monitor that Unit 11 was still crouched down. "You need to keep firing!"
"R-Right." Unit 11 retrieved the boomstick and resumed firing.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"What's our status?"Clayton asked.
"Estimates are showing that twenty-five percent of enemy forces have been eliminated," Matsu replied.
"Eva Units 02, 08, and 10 will be landing on the battlefield in one minute," Bertain added.
"Seems to be going well, don't you think?" Kaji said to Clayton.
"I'll admit we're getting better results than the first time," Clayton said, "but this is only he beginning of the battle. Most plans don't survive long after contact with the enemy."
"We haven't brought everything to bear against them yet," Burke said. "The rest of our Evas are moments away from the battlefield, and when they get range of-" Clayton put his hand up.
"I realize that," he said, "but things can still go belly up."
"That's why all Evas have been deployed," Kaji said. "For that moment."
All three pilots noticed that the enemy Evas began to deploy AT Fields above them.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Shit, it looks like they learned their lesson from the Wunder," Asuka said. "Four eyes, can you use your gun to take out the Evas producing them?"
"No can do Princess," Mari replied. "There's several layers of AT Field, each layer being generated by different Evas. Even if we take out one or two of them, there will still be enough around to keep it going."
"So what do we do?" Shinji asked.
"You're too far away from us now," Asuka replied. She then took a long breath before she spoke once more. "Four eyes, we'll have to do it again."
"Yay!" Mari said. "I always love it when we do this."
"I don't," Asuka replied as both of their Evas held each other as if they were about to dance in a ballroom, but instead of placing their feet as dancers do, Asuka and Mari had their Evas set together so that both sets of feet faced each other.
"This is exactly why some people call us the "Dyke Squad,'" Asuka added. Mari didn't answer her complaint, but instead began to sing again.
Totemo dekinai wa jishin o motsu no.
Dokidoki shite kuru tayotte muda yo
Hitomi tojite inoru you ni.
Fire.
Fire.
Fire.
Ima inochi o moyasu no!
Asuka could only sigh again as both Evas' thruster packs ignited, pushing the two faster towards the ground while AT Fields protruded from their feet. Shinji watched the two slam in the enemy's AT Field. He saw the AT Field bend a little for a quick second before it shattered. The pair smashed several of the enemy Evas, creating a sequence of large of explosions. There was no need for him to worry as he heard Mari's voice singing the whole time.
Ai o tomenaide hashiri tsuzukeru no.
Mune ni dakishimeta hikari tomosu made.
Ride on.
Ride on.
Ride on.
Shinji then saw he was approaching the ground, so he turned his attention to that situation. Unit 10 landed on the enemy AT Fields. The Eva drew the Magorox sword from its back, and began to pierce through the field, managing to push the blade a third of the way through.
Shinji then saw several enemy Evas set themselves on the field as well, encircling him. His Eva drew the sword back out as they opened fire. He blocked one side of the fire with an AT Field as he charged the other side and brought doom down on the nearest enemy. Unit 10 then maneuvered around the remaining enemy, cutting them down one by one, using the enemy's AT Field to skate around them.
Deciding to head towards Unit 11 as was the original plan, but he instead kept running into more of the enemy. Shinji then projected an AT Field horizontally and jumped on it. Unit 10 launched itself from it only to find several enemy Units pursuing him in the same manner. Shinji created another AT Field, and launched himself even higher. When he reached his apex and began to fall again, he created and Field and launched himself at the nearest enemy Eva. He took the Eva out and created another enemy.
He took out two more in this manner created another Field when he discovered several enemy Units in the air above him. He tried to decide which of them to take out knowing once he chose one enemy, the nearest Units would swarm him. At that moment, several of the enemy suffered explosions with one of them being destroyed several fighter craft then flew over Unit 10.
"We got your back kid," Shinji heard a pilot over the com. "Keep doing what you're doing."
"Uh, right. Thank you," Shinji said. With the fighters acting as cover, Unit 10 took out the remaining enemy Evas that were after him.
Unit 10 then landed on another enemy AT Field. A few seconds later, the Fields below him disappeared, dropping the Eva to the ground. Shinji saw above him that the Fields reformed along with the battery timer beginning its countdown. He looked around and saw a multitude of enemy Evas marching towards him, aiming their pallet rifles. Shinji had Unit 10 deploy its AT Field just as they opened fire. He had one eye on the enemy in front of him and one eye on the timer with his Eva stepping back as the enemy continued to march forward. He wondered what will give out first, their ammo or his power.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Shinji!" Joanna yelled as she saw through the entry plug monitor Unit 10 fall through.
"Calm down," Aida told her. "We can still track him. How many shots do you have left in the boomstick?"
"Only one," Joanna replied.
"Aim it five degrees from center on your right." She saw on the monitor a flashing light where she was supposed to aim. She then took the boomstick, aimed it where she was told, and fired destroying countless units.
"What now?" She had Unit 11 cast aside the boomstick and picked up a sniper rifle off a support truck, which drove away to safety as soon as the weapon was lifted. "They're only five kilometers away."
"In three kilometers they'll be in range of our positron cannons," Aida said. "Do what you can in the meantime."
"Roger," Joanna said as she took aim with her sniper rifle and fired.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Shinji saw that he was down to five minutes of battery power, and the enemy were relentless in their attacks. An explosion then tore through the enemy on his right, leaving a hole in their ranks. Realizing what was going on, he then had Unit 10 run towards the gap, blocking fire with his AT Field and slipping through just before it closed. He saw on his monitors that power was restored as well as seeing the city walls in the distance. Unit 10 then started to run towards the city. The enemy Evas in the front ranks began to open fire on it, but within seconds, fire from the city's positron cannons teared into the front ranks, allowing Shinji to make it Joanna.
"I'm here now," he said to her. "Thank you."
"Glad you're safe," Joanna said, maintaining fire with sniper rifle.
"We're glad you're all right too," Aida added through the com. "You two engage the enemy there. We'll try to cover you as best we can.
"Roger," both of them replied. Shinji had Unit 10 stick its sword into the ground and take up a bazooka off another truck, joining the wave of fire against the enemy.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Forty-five percent of enemy forces have been eliminated," Bertain said. "ETA to the city wall has been extended by fifteen minutes." On the main monitor, they could see that the main formation was smaller, and while it did maintain its honeycomb formation, everyone could see that the hexagons in the rear of the formation had become misshapen, some appearing squat and others appearing smaller than the standard size they were in the front. They could see various explosions in the center as a result of both the Wunder and Evas 02 and 08, as well a from scattered N2 attacks.
"Send our standby forces to hit the enemy's rear," Aida said. "We're doing well, but I'm still worried though," he then muttered.
"Status of all Eva Units?" Kaji asked.
"Units 02 and 08 are engaging the enemy around them," Matsu answered. "Units 10 and 11 are on the forward line engaging from a distance."
"Shouldn't the pilot of Unit 10 be doing more?" Clayton then asked everyone in the Command Center.
"What do you mean?" Burke said. "Shinji's involvement is going to plan for the most part."
"I'm talking about his capability to fight," Clayton said. "Can't he fight like when like when those drones attacked the city?"
"That's because all the anti-awakening systems are functioning," Hood replied. "We would have to disengage all systems in order for it to be possible, and that would be very dangerous." He paused for a second before speaking again. "If I remember right, you were originally concerned when that happened."
"Regardless of that fact, if we need to activate Arbiter, we'll need to awaken Unit 10, as we cannot have access to Unit 01 at this moment," Clayton said.
"If there are orders from above, I will consider it," Kaji said. "Dr. Hood, is it possible to increase Shinji's sync rate to say, ninety-eight percent? Could that help him in any way?"
"I suppose it would," Hood replied. "Unit 10 is designed to use AT Fields offensively, and he should be able to achieve that at that sync rate, even with the restrictions placed on him."
"Proceed and keep an eye on his progress," Kaji said. As Hood went to do that, Lithgow spoke up.
"Enemy forces have nearly reached Unit 10 and 11's position," he said.
"Have them fall back to the main line," Aida said before turning to his superiors. "I recommend that the Wunder and their Eva Units make their way to the front where they can support us," he then told them. Clayton turned to Kaji and nodded his assent.
"Do it," Kaji said.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"We're receiving a message from NewCon," Aoba said. "We are to proceed forward and assist with the defense of the city."
"Acknowledged," Misato replied. "Inform Units 02 and 08 of the situation. Helm, turn and head towards the city."
"Roger," Nagara replied. The Wunder turned, firing several volleys as it did so before going to the city, using its AT Field to ram any of them they could hit. The ship was approaching another rank of the enemy when multiple Evas, in a split second, laid down and let the Wunder fly over them. Several of those Evas expanded their AT Fields disrupting their ability to fly while the rest opened fire on the ship's underbelly, tearing into the ship, causing the Wunder to slam into the ground.
"Bastards are smarter than I thought," Misato's muttered to herself. "Damage report," she then yelled.
"Major damage to the superstructure," Hyuga replied as he held the side that he had rammed into his control panel. "Several computer systems, as well as the engines are offline. Multiple decks have also been seriously damaged. We are getting casualty reports."
"What about the power core?" Ritsuko asked. "Is it all right?"
"No damage as far as we can tell," Hyuga answered.
"Can we get back in the air?" Misato asked.
"For the moment, no," Hyuga replied. "We're stuck here."
"What about are weapons?" Ritsuko said.
"Turrets 1 and 3 are buried in the ground," Aoba answered. "2 and 4 can only be aimed at the enemy heading away from us."
"And the ones coming towards us?" Ritsuko then asked.
"The first wave will be hitting us in thirty seconds," Aoba replied.
"Recall Asuka and Mari," Misato then said. "Get repair teams down there right away. Try to set up what AT Fields we have and get our secondary weapons up and running. Contact NewCon and inform them of our situation." She paused before she spoke. "We're pretty much out of the fight."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Message from Wunder," Matsu said. "They've taken serious damage and have crashed. They no longer can actively assist with the fight." The main monitor showed the Wunder lying in place firing at the enemy Evas heading towards them.
"What about Eva Units 02 and 08?" Aida asked.
"They're heading towards the Wunder, but it appears to be slow going," Matsu said.
"Move as many of our aerial forces over them as possible," Kaji said. "We have to get them as much cover as possible." He glanced over to Clayton, finding that he was staring at the screen in silence.
"Enemy forces are now approaching the main line," Bertain said. Eva Units 10 and 11, along with ground forces are engaging."
"Do we have them fall back?" Lithgow asked.
"To where?" Aida replied. "All that's left is the Blechernae line and the wall. Tell all forces to hold out as long as they can."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Well, this is a fine mess we're in," Mari said as she had Unit 08 shoot an enemy Eva in the torso.
"We've been in worse," Asuka said as Unit 02 took down three of them that were gaining up on her.
"I don't know about that," Mari replied. "This looks pretty bad."
"How often have we had this conversation?" Unit 02 jumped over the Wunder's hull to deal with the enemy on the other side. "I mean, it seems like that it happens every time we get in these situations."
"They're conversations worth having," Mari replied as Unit 08 kicked away an enemy Eva who had knocked it to the ground. "How are you guys doing?" She then asked the Wunder.
"We got a rough patch over parts of the superstructure. As for the other systems, repair crews were working on it," Misato replied through the com. "You need to hold out as much as possible."
"Will do," Asuka replied. "See, things aren't so bad. I can't see how it could get any worse."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"We're surrounded," Joanna yelled as her Eva struck and several Evas with her sonic halberd. Unit 10, also, was using its sword to take down as many enemies as his blade could find. All projectile weapons that they had on hand had been spent.
"Just hold out," Shinji couldn't think of anything better to say, and he felt a little ashamed about it. He glanced at the timer on the entry plug monitor, which had once again began to count down how much power remained in the battery. Should they fall back to the city or make their way to the Wunder? He wasn't sure what to do.
Unit 10 continued to swing his sword at the enemy when one of the Evas launched a kick at the weapon's hilt, shattering the blade. Shinji has his Eva drop the hilt, and began to use the claws to tear at the enemy. He had six minutes left and they needed to do something. There was a lull in the waves of attackers and Shinji saw his opportunity.
"Get to the Wunder," Shinji yelled.
"How?" Joanna asked as Unit 10 projected an AT Field.
"Jump on. I'll launch you," he said.
"A fastball special?" Joanna said. "What about you?"
"I'll follow you on foot," he replied. "Go!" Unit 11 jumped on the field, and Unit 10 flung it up to the sky sending Joanna on her way, the power stream reconnecting with Unit 11 and recharging. As he saw her fly in the air, Shinji noticed the next wave of the enemy raising their rifles at him. He deployed Unit 10's AT Field as they fired, blocking their fire, and wondering what he should do next.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Enemy Units passing through the Blechernae line. Entering both Xylokertos and Charisus defense zones," Bertain said. Approaching the Theodosian walls." The main monitor showed the horde of Evas stampeding through the defense line, countless explosions draping the ground where the Evas trampled. The enemy soon reached the walls. Despite a ferocious attack from the positron cannons and other weapons blasting away at them, the enemy kept massing, the city becoming more surrounded by the second. The front ranks opened fire on the shields, which deflected the bullets.
"Status?" Aida asked.
"Shields holding," Lithgow replied. "We'll be completely surrounded within one minute."
"The Wunder and Eva Units 02 and 08 are holding out," Matsu added. "Units 10 and 11 appear to be attempting to join them. It…appears that Unit 11 is now launching in the air towards them. The Eva is now recharging."
"Sixty-two percent of the enemy had been destroyed." Bertain said.
"Starting to get rather tight," Aida muttered. "Wait, Unit 10 is alone?" he then asked.
"Yes sir," Matsu answered. "It is attempting to reach the Wunder and-" He never got the chance to finish as the Command Center began to shake.
"What's going on?" Kaji said.
"Enemy units have began to open fire on the city walls," Lithgow replied. The main monitor had switched to an image of explosions at the city walls.
"The walls won't last much longer," Bertain said.
"Change the firing pattern of the positron cannons," Aida said. "Switch to wide beam dispersal." Kaji glanced over to where Clayton was, seeing him staring at the event on screen. The explosions on the wall continued for about at minute as weapons fire from the defenders increased. Then, several large explosions consumed parts of the wall at several points along its circumference. The smoke soon cleared, revealing multiple holes in the walls.
"The walls have been breached!" Matsu yelled. "Shields failing." The monitor showed the shield vanishing from the sky. Everyone then saw enemy Evas march through the breached and climbing over the walls.
"Bring internal defenses to bear," Aida said. "Give them everything we got!" a sheet of fire scorched the front ranks from both fixed positions and mobile units, though the positron cannons were having the most effect on them. The enemy Evas in turn were opening fire on the city as they marched, destroying every building they came upon. Several of them opened up on the Tower of Belisarius, destroying the top third of the building, its pieces raining down on the complex below.
"Parts of the tower have been destroyed," Bertain said.
"Several gun batteries are taken out," Lithgow added. "Positron cannon four has been destroyed."
"All non essential personnel, proceed to emergency shelters immediately," Aida said into the com before turning to his subordinates. "What options do we have?"
"We can use the energy pillars to focus a highly charged beam of energy at the enemy," Matsu said, "but that much power flowing through it will burn it out."
"So we only have so many shots," Aida said. "Do it, but set aside two pillars for 10 and 11. General Clayton then stood up, the suddenness of it catching both Kaji and Burke off guard.
"Send a priority message to Headquarters," Clayton said. "Request that General Order A-801 be issued!" He then turned to Kaji. "Standby to disengage the DSS System on Unit 10's pilot."
"What?" Burke said as both he and Kaji stood up as well.
"The battle has turned against us," Clayton said. "If we're destroyed, there will be nothing left to stop them. We're about to be overrun, the Wunder is out of action, and the Eva Units are barely holding their own. It is the only option we have left."
"We haven't lost yet," Kaji countered.
"What the hell are you still counting on?" Clayton asked.
"I think Shinji will pull through," Burke said.
"Only if Arbiter is initiated," Clayton said to him before turning to the bridge crew. "Do it, before we lose communications!"
"Yes sir," Bertain replied.
"Also send a message informing them of my opposition, Kaji said as he took out his key and placed it in its slot, motioning for Hood and Aida to do the same. "Of course, after you send the General's request." He could feel Clayton's eyes boring into him as he then turned towards Hood as he came up with his key.
"Increase his sync rate to 100 percent," he said. "That's the best we can do."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Four minutes left. That was all Shinji had to do…something. Everything seemed to be going to hell right in front of him, and he could not move or do anything else as he was pinned down, using his AT Field to block incoming fire from the advancing enemy.
"Shinji come in," he heard Aida say.
"I'm fine," Shinji said. "What about you guys?"
"No time for updates," Aida replied. "Listen, we have increased your sync rate to 100 percent. You should be able to use your AT Fields offensively."
"Do you think I can?" Shinji asked.
"Believe me, it won't hurt to try," Aida said. "We know you were to use them to launch Unit 11 and even yourself earlier. It should be as easy as that."
"But it wasn't as if I was trying to do that," Shinji said. "I just did it."
"Maybe that's the key," Aida replied. "Don't overthink it. I mean, do I have to quote Yoda to you right now? Do what you can."
"If you say so," Shinji said. Looking through the monitor at the advancing Evas, he focused his attention on the AT Field his Eva was generating, imagining in his mind the final as a tangible object. The hand on Unit 10 drew back a little before snapping back to where it was. That action caused the Field to launch away from the Eva and at the enemy, knocking the attackers to the ground and producing another AT Field, shot it towards the city. The weaponized Field traveled to the city walls, destroying every enemy Eva it touched, the resulting hole in the ranks allowing the energy beam to reestablish its link to Unit 10.
Where should he go, he then wondered to himself. Should he try to go to the Wunder like he was planning or should he go back and try to defend the city? As he was considering his options, his eyes darted all around seeing what was the situation.
He then saw something in the distance. It was far away, but he could still see it as if it was in the entry plug with him. It was Rei, clad in her school uniform, floating in the air. In his mind, Shinji could tell by instinct that where she was, was also the direction the Wunder lay. He knew where he had to go.
Unit 10 began to run in the direction of the apparition. Shinji approached a rank of enemy Evas, who raised their rifles to fire, but he formed and launched another AT Field before they could, destroying them as he moved on.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"All systems back on line," Hyuga shouted.
"What, how?" Ritsuko said.
"I don't know. It's just now working." Hyuga shrugged his shoulders in confusion.
"We'll take it," Misato said. "Inform all Eva Units, and get us airborne. Ready all weapons."
"Change in enemy movement," Aoba then said.
"What are they doing now?" Ritsuko asked.
"Nothing," Aoba replied. "Every single enemy Unit just stopped moving."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"What do you mean stopped moving?" Aida asked as he peered over Bertain's shoulder.
"They just stopped, I can't explain it," she said.
"Magnify one of the nearby enemy Units," Burke said. When it was done, they saw the Unit standing motionless, though the visor on the face had a constant stream of red light move across it. This continued for several seconds before the streams stopped. The Evas then jerked back into motion, though instead of continuing their destruction of the city, they began to run away from the city in a rather disorganized fashion.
"What the hell are they doing?" Aida said.
"Uncertain," Matsu replied, "but the attack on the city has stopped."
"Where are they going?" Clayton asked. "Are they attacking the Wunder?"
"No," Matsu said. "There doesn't appear to be a general direction they are heading in. We're still analyzing the data."
"Then why?" Aida said. "They had us. It makes no damn sense."
"The direction has been determined," Bertain said. "Their target is Unit 10!"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
They've stopped moving, Shinji thought as he used Unit 10's AT Field to knock over another rank as he continued to move, the apparition of Rei acting as a beacon. Within seconds, Shinji saw the enemy Evas begin to run en masse towards him. He also saw in his rear monitor that the enemy behind him had turned around and were running towards him as well.
"What the hell?" he asked no one, but got an answer from Aida over the com.
"They're going after you," he said. "Get to the Wunder as soon as you can."
"Roger," Shinji replied. Unit 10 launched another AT Field at the enemy in front of him, but instead revealing another honeycomb to pass through, there were more of Nerv's Evas rushing at him in their rabid state. He got off another AT Field attack before he was point point blank range with the swarm. He used his Eva's claws to tear at the enemy, but they weren't giving much room to maneuver.
Unit 10 got knocked to the ground with the enemy above him about to give the final blow. Unit 10 raised its claw and launched another AT Field, knocking its attackers in the air and away form it. Shinji moved the Eva back up, and soon faced more coming towards him. Instead of deploying another AT Field, Shinji got the idea to concentrate the Field into a compact area, no bigger than the claw itself. Unit 10 released it, taking down one enemy Eva.
The horde kept attacking, and Shinji wished he had a melee weapon. As soon as he thought that, he got an idea and had his Eva form another concentrated AT Field, but instead of releasing it in a single burst, he made the Field elongated and flattened it so that, if it could be seen, it would be the shape of a blade. Shinji used the blade to strike an enemy Eva, taking it down for good. Unit 10 then had his blade in one claw, and a large AT Field in the other, Using the blade to strike his attackers while using the AT Field as a shield to block attacks, and from time to time, launching it at them.
In the middle of these attacks, Shinji saw the apparition of Rei disappear, followed seconds later by a large explosion. When the dust cleared, he saw the Wunder flying to meet him, with Eva Units 02, 08, and 10 around it.
"Shinji you're all right!" Joanna popped up on a holographic screen.
"Uh, yeah," was all he could say in reply.
"Came all this way to see us? You shouldn't have." Mari's screen then popped up followed seconds later by one belonging to Asuka.
"We have no time for this four eyes," she said to Mari. "They're still coming at us."
"Why are they doing this?" Shinji asked. "Why are they coming after me?"
"We think it might be a fail safe of some sort," Ritsuko replied over the com. "When you began using AT Fields as weapons, it could have triggered some automatic program that made you a primary target."
"What will we do?" Shinji then asked.
"Fight it out," Misato replied
"It's our only option," Aida added. We'll provide as much cover fire as we can before they are out of range. The rest will be up to you guys." Shinji sighed, but before he could say another word, Asuka interrupted him.
"You still want this" she asked.
"Huh, what are you talking about?" Shinji said.
"Being a pilot," Asuka replied as she kicked away an enemy Eva. "The life we live, the dangers we face. All that."
"Well, not forever." Unit 10, in a matter of seconds, launched several AT Field blades, impaling multiple enemies. "I want to help end this. It's not like I can quit right now."
"I-I see," Asuka said in an abrupt manner.
"Jeez Princess, have a little more faith in him," Mari chided.
"I…I don't know what everyone's talking about," Joanna then said.
"Neither do I sometimes," Shinji said.
"All right, let's get into position," Misato said. "Shinji, I want you in the center, where you can act as a lure to bring them while all of us can give you as much cover as we can. The rest of you will be assigned points around the ship to defend. I want each of you to take turns up on the top deck every seven minutes to recharge your systems. Got it?"
"Roger," all four pilots replied.
"There are around one thousand Units left," Misato continued. "Take them down."
Four hours. That was the amount of time it took to destroy every remaining enemy Eva. During those hours, hope and despair came upon them in repeated waves, ebbing and flowing as they endured near constant attack, their only relief was when they jumped up on the Wunder to refresh their power supply, whether it was through batteries or receiving power from the city. When the last enemy Eva fell, all four of their Evas slumped to the ground, as exhausted as if they fought with their own bodies.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
A lone helicopter flew over the wreckage of the battle, the mangled carcasses of the enemy Evas strewn about for miles in every direction. As he looked down at the sight, Burke remembered reading in a book somewhere that from the rear, the results of a battle won looks the same as a battle lost. Looking at the carnage from above, he saw now that statement was true.
He looked back towards the city, seeing the smoke rise from the ruined buildings and the holes peppering the city walls. It seemed to confirm for him the initial damage reports. Was it a Pyrrhic victory in the end, he wondered. Burke sat back down on the seat and turned to Kaji who was reading something on his tablet.
"The Wunder is in dry dock and getting repairs," Kaji said to him.
"Can our facilities handle the ship now?" Burke asked. "I didn't think they'd survive the battle."
"The place is not as bad off as we first thought," Kaji replied. "Besides, the damage wasn't too bad, so we can still make repairs."
"We can't say the same for the city," Burke said.
"Let's wait on that matter until we get the full report," Kaji continued to thumb through his tablet. "As far as the pilots are concerned, they're fine. Exhausted, but fine."
"I say let all of them rest, no one on standby," Burke said. "Let them be unless there's another attack or we know our next moves."
"Agreed," Kaji replied. "Especially after what Shinji did out there."
"The thing is, what is our next move?" Burke continued. "Even though we won, the losses are so great that the brass could demand Arbiter be initiated."
"They're happy that we've won," Kaji said. "They might start thinking that in a couple of days, but we should have something before that happens."
"What makes you so sure?" Burke asked.
"Let me transfer over to you data. It was compiled just before the battle began." Kaji pushed a few buttons on his tablet. Confused, Burke pulled out his own tablet, and looked at what was sent to him. After a minute and a half of reading, he broke into a smile.
"Katsuragi is going to love this," he said.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
There was a possibility that the operation was going to fail, and Gendo had plans for that should it happen. The problem was in the way that it did fail. Things were starting to become unpredictable for him with his son, for lack of a better word, becoming the most unpredictable factor among them. He hated things being unpredictable.
These thoughts were going through his head as he made his way down a corridor carrying a case with Fuyutsuki behind him, the two entering a room, carrying a case. This room had a metal chair in the center with a metal arm above it extending to the ceiling.
Gendo went over to the arm's control panel and set the case on an adjoining table. He opened the case and gazed upon the Key of Nebuchadnezzar, remembering all the times he had looked upon it for the last fifteen years. The time when it would serve its purpose had now come. He took the key out of the case, and walked to the metal arm, where he attached the key to it.
"So, it come down to this?" Fuyutsuki said.
"It has always been meant to happen, as well as being the only path remaining to us," Gendo replied. "They will be coming soon. We must complete our preparations before they do." He took off his coat as well as unbutton and remove his shirt. He handed both items to Fuyutsuki before sitting down on the chair, his bare back reacting to the cold emanating from the metal. Fuyutsuki then attached restraints to his arms and legs. When he was done, Fuyutsuki went over to the control panel.
"Are you ready?" he said.
"I am" Gendo replied. Fuyutsuki pushed the buttons, and the metal arm began to move. It brought the key to where the back of Gendo's head met his neck, inserting the key into him at that point. When it was done, Gendo sat there for several seconds. His body then began to to twitch and shake in with great intensity, the restraints keeping him from falling to the floor. After a minute of this violent shaking, Gendo then let out a blood curdling scream, which echoed throughout the entire room. Throughout all of this, Fuyutsuki stood silent and watched at the spectacle wore on.
