Tokyo-3 Arcana


Note, the parenthesis indicate languages other than Japanese, in this case, German.

Please Read and Review. I'd like to know what I'm doing right (to keep doing it), and what I'm I doing wrong (to correct it).


Chapter 11

Get Ready! Fight!


NERV Secondary Base at Matsushiro

Above the Ruins of the Control Bridge, 6:40 P.M.

"By the Kami! We have our job cut out for us, boys." The crew chief of the rescue team surveyed the ruins of what had been NERV´s Secondary base. "Okay, guys and gals, this is when we show up those pencil pushers our paychecks are deserved."

His second brought a set of plans from somewhere. "Boss, it seems most of the damage was at the Eva cages. If my calculations are right, the Central Dogma zone and most of the crew should be banged up, but relatively fine. We might find survivors if we hurry up and get them out before the whole complex goes down like a house of cards."

"Good. We need some good news after that kami-damned blast! Send a squad of probes through the ventilation system, as far as your rolling boys can guide them. I want them to go through the shortest route to Central Dogma. You, Aida! Send a flight of dragonflies down the hole, see of you can find any signs of movement."

"Yes, sir!" A thin man answered, he pushed his eyeglasses up his nose, and tugged nervously at his moustache. "I´m on it!"

A scruffy looking man grabbed a shovel, "What can I do to help?"

"Do you really know ho to use that shovel, Mr. Kaji?"

"I do. I'm hardly an expert, but I worked in construction back in the day."

The chief of the rescue squad stared at him for a long moment. "I have no time to teach you to work in danger zones, but I guess you can help moving debris out from the low-risk zones. Grab a helmet and gloves. You will work with Mr. Higuchi."

Soon, the semi-autonomous machines swarmed the wreckage, looking for any signs of survivors.


Tokyo-3, NERV HQ

Central Dogma, 06:41 P.M.

Commander Gendo Ikari sat at his post at the Perch, surveying the operational displays on the cyclopean holographic screen. Everything proceeded according to the Dead Sea Scrolls projections. The 13th Angel, Bardiel, had hijacked Evangelion Unit-03 as it was foreseen.

Allowing that had been a risky gambit, but Ikari was certain of the end result. By positioning the Evangelions in a line, he could be sure to have the chance to watch how the Angel fought, and be prepared to guide the Third Child into a psychological dead end. His budding independence would be crushed, and would have to accept the path the Commander had traced for him ten years before. As a contingency plan, sure, but it din´t pay to leave things to chance. It would have been infinitely better not to put that contingency plan to use, but circumstances had forced his hand.

Ikari almost shook in anticipation of the battle. Unit-02 was the most expendable, along with its pilot, therefore, it would be the first to fight against Bardiel. Unit-00 and its pilot were expendable too, although the pilot had back-ups and would be replaced if needed. Hopefully, both EVAs would soften the Angel before it fought Unit-01, the only non-expendable Evangelion of the lot.


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

EVA-02´s Designated Position; 6:46 P.M.

Asuka´s hands tightened on the control yoke. ´(Hell and Damnation! I didn´t even had the chance to learn any new spells...)´ She bit her lower lip. ´(I doubt the Angel would be impressed by a little light show. And anyway, I don´t have any fireflies with me at the moment.)´

She tensed for a moment. The waiting was always the worst part of a battle. The feeling of butterflies in her stomach was incredibly intense. For a moment, her mind went back to the strange invasion of butterflies at Misato´s. Could it be actually true? Hikari as a cleric in training? For a goddess from another world? Asuka smiled. ´(That would really make going to church more interesting.)´

Commander Ikari´s unwelcome voice brought her back to the present "Second Child, the 13th Angel is close to your range. Get ready."

"Yes, Sir." At Asuka´s mental order, EVA-02´s enormous hands brought her weapon to bear. From around the mountain, the heavy, regular footsteps of Unit-03 cut through the air, heralding his arrival. A few moments later, the black and blue form of the EVA appeared. Its arms hung loosely at its sides, as if the creature didn´t know what to do with them, and not caring about it. The way the EVA moved reminded Asuka of a puppet. ´(Well... I guess it is a puppet. I don´t know who is pulling the cords, but I know who is gonna cut them!)´

Carefully, she aligned the sights of her EVA-sized bazooka; slowly, Unit-02 squeezed the trigger. The projectile launched itself against Bardiel. Asuka had aimed at the legs, hoping to incapacitate the creature to allow a rescue attempt.


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

EVA-01´s Designated Position; 6:47 P.M.

Shinji´s fury had cooled down to a simmer. His emotions were tightly controlled. He focused on listening to the feed from Unit-02.

Asuka´s voice was full of surprise and anger. "Was? How did it..? Verdamnt!"

Shinji heard grunting and several hits. "Asuka!" he yelled into the plug.

"This bozo is hard!" She answered. "And damnably fast!" It seemed she was talking to herself, more than at him. He tightened his grip on the control yoke.

´Mother, be ready. I might need your help soon..´

"I am ready, Shinji. I have Unit-01´s control, and will synch it with you as needed."

"Energy levels?"

"Both reserves are full."

"Good."

More noises from the feed. "Hell! No!" A crunching sound filled Shinji with horror. "Central Dogma! Pilot´s status, please!"

Maya Ibuki´s voice answered. "Asuka is unconscious. The Angel broke the bazooka aginst Unit-02´s head. The feedback loop knocked Asuka out, but she will recover. However, Unit-02´s sensor array is out of commission. The plug was ejected. The rescue team is on its way to get her."

Commander Ikari interrupted her. "Rei, avoid close range combat and stop the target. "

"Understood."

"No." Shinji´s voice interrupted him.

"What is the meaning of this, Third Child?"

"It means that this battle-plan is worse than useless, Commander. Rei, I´m moving into your position."

"Hold your position, Third Child." Commander Ikari slammed his fist against the desk. "Hold your position! It´s an order!" A click noise was heard. Lt. Ibuki informed, although everybody had realized what Shinji had done. "Sir? Shinji cut the signal."

"Cut all synchronization between the pilot and Unit-01. Do it now."

Maya turned around, horrified. "Cut it?"

"Correct. Switch the control circuit to the Dummy Plug.

Maya insisted, "But the Dummy Plug still isn't functioning properly. Without Dr. Akagi's aproval..."

"I have given you an order, Lieutenant. A pilot who disobeys orders is worse than useless." The coldness in his voice cowed Maya, who barely mumbled a "Yes... Sir..."

"NOW!"


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

EVA-01´s Designated Position; Same Time

Down in a gully, next to a bridge, Rei Ayanami wanted for the Angel to pass her by. EVA-00's hands held onto the pallet rifle. Once the target walked away from her, she centered the target locks on it. But before EVA-00 could shoot, the Angel stopped, its body jerked convulsively, and was propelled backwards by a burst of its AT Field.

Rei had barely a chance to react before EVA-03 was upon Unit-00. Dimly, she thought it was a jump very similar to the one EVA-01 had made during its first battle. The mechanoid spun head over heels in the air, with more grace than any olympic athlete, and landed right over Unit-00´s back, pinning it to the ground, face down. The Evangelion was completely immobilized.

As the black EVA-s hands held Unit-00 to the ground, a viscous pink liquid oozed from the armor joints. As the noxious liquid touched EVA-00´s left arm, a burning agony spread over Rei´s own arm. Her screams filled both Central Dogma and Unit-01´s cockpit.


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

Between EVA-00 and EVA-01´s Designated Positions; Same Time

Unit-01´s run was stopped dead. All around Shinji, the viewing holograms that showed him the view around Unit-01´s head went dark. Red lights replaced the images of the world around the EVA. Behind him, a previously unremarkable panel now flashed the words 'OPERATION: DUMMY SYSTEM; REI". ´What in the name of the Abyss have you done now, Commander?´ he thought. ´Mother? Answer me.´

´Gnnn... I can barely keep contact with the core, Shinji! I can´t keep your synch! I´m drifting away!´

´Mother!´ His mind screamed. He felt the EVA kneeling on the ground, the weight of the umbilical cable still at its back. His connection still worked on the sense of touch of the monster he piloted. ´So, that´s the way you want it. So. Be. It. Commander

He closed his eyes and collected his mind into itself, drifting into the EVA´s semi-consciousness. A moment later, he found what he was looking for. He whispered a single word. A word he had kept in reserve for a dire emergency. A word he had chosen due to a whimsical, barely remembered memory from his childhood, about a hero who appeared amidst a lightning bolt.

"Shazam!"


Tokyo-3, NERV HQ

Central Dogma, a Few Seconds Before.

"Commander, the Dummy Plug is active." Maya´s distaste was evident in her voice, but Commander Ikari only cared for her obedience.

"Good, order it to go to stand-by."

"Yes, sir."

Makoto informed. "There are strange readings in EVA-01's core! Energy is building up, but the EVA is not doing anything!"

"What? Reroute the energy, cut the connection to the core!"

"I´m trying, Sir. The Eva is blocking the signal!"

Maya interrupted. "The Angel is invading Unit-00's left arm! The nerve systems are being corrupted!"

"Cut off the left arm. Immediately!"

Maya argued against that. "But you've got to sever the neural conection first!"

"Cut it off."

"Yes, Sir..." Realizing she couldn't disuade the Commander, Maya´s fingers danced on the keyboard, priming the explosive charges set in the EVA´s left shoulder. At her signal, they detonated, severing the arm right at the shoulder joint.

Rei´s agonic scream echoed all over Central Dogma.


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

Between EVA-00 and EVA-01´s Designated Positions; Same Time

As Shinji´s ffull consciousness came back to his body, he heard Rei´s scream.

A plume of smoke wafted from Unit-01 ´s lower back. A single plate of armor slid out, and a charred plug was ejected from the colossus´ body. The armor slid back into place, a few wisps of smoke still came out, but the damage was minimal, and mostly cosmetic.

Yui Ikari´s voice came back into Shinji´s mind. ´I have control again, Son. Whatever that thing was, it is done for.´

Shinji´s jaw set forth with anger and purpose. ´Good. My synch rate is rising.´

With a mental order, the giant ran again, rising up from the kneeling position it was in with a fluid movement. At the same time, the umbilical cable was ejected from its back, falling heavily over the trees. The pallet rifle lay behind, abandoned where it had fallen.

Unit-01´s battery counter began its race towards zero.


Tokyo-3, NERV HQ

Central Dogma, 06:49 P.M.

For the second time that day, Commander Ikari´s fist slammed against the desk. The Third Child was completely out of his control. He swallowed his anger, and after a few seconds, his cold, callous mask was set again over his face. Fujitsuki's voice almost startled him. "It seems he finally found his courage."

"Unit-01 is arriving to Unit-00´s position." Lt. Aoba informed before Ikari could think of an answer.

With an effort, Commander Ikari sat back on his chair, looking at the holoprojection.


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

EVA-00´s Original Designated Position; Same Time

As it jumped over the last hill, EVA-01 landed with an impressive lack of noise. Unit-03 still held Unit-00 to the ground. Shinji took a single, fleeting moment to assess the situation. He saw the plug sticking out from Unit-03´s back, held fast by a web of gray filaments.

Unit-01´s right hand took the progressive knife out, and weighted it a couple of times. Narrowing its eyes, Unit-01 jumped at its enemy, tackling it away from Unit-00. Shinji whispered a word, "L´zoril!" A brief flash of light shone from the purple EVA´s hands; Unit-03 trembled for a second. Its lighning fast movements now were sluggish, as if it was moving in molasses.

The progressive knife flashed in the twilight sun´s rays, descending once, twice on the possessed EVA´s body. With a kick on its lower back, the black mechanoid was propelled away, crashing face first against the side of the mountain.

Unit-01 knelt, setting its hands on the ground. The purple EVA jumped again, grabbing Unit-03 by the torso, knocking it to the ground, and rolling mountain down.

EVA-03 pushed its enemy away. The purple EVA rolled away, and stood up in a fluid move. The knife spun in its hand, from pointing down the fist, to pointing up. Both EVAs circled around each other. Suddenly, Unit-03 roared, breaking the jaw constrains, and shot its right hand at EVA-01, the arm stretched impossibly, three, four, five body lenghts, until it grabbed the purple giant´s left arm.

Shinji grunted at the contact, a burning sensation burst into his own arm; he pushed it down, focusing on the fight. The progressive knife flashed again, this time, severing the black hand of the Angel. The apendage fell down to the ground, staining the earth with a greyish fluid.


Tokyo-3, NERV HQ

Central Dogma, 06:50 P.M.

Maya´s eyes widened at the deliberate violence EVA-01 was unleashing on the Angel. Her hands covered her mouth. She felt sick at the display. Unit-03´s pilot would be in terrible pain, feeling the wound in his own body.

Behind his tinted eyeglasses, Commander Ikari´s eyes shone with satisfaction. ´He's fighting as if his life depended on killing the Angel. Good. Once he realizes he´s killing the pilot, his spirit will be crushed.´ He spared a glance at the energy counter for Unit-01, it was running down to zero. ´He better hurry up and deliver a killing blow.' He didn´t care that a killing blow on the Angel would likely killl the pilot too.


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

EVA-00´s Original Designated Position; Same Time

Unit-03 roared in pain. It retracted its elongated arms. Its flesh bubbled and twisted, and a new hand appeared. It raised it up on front of its face, and closed it into a fist. Somehow, the bare knuckles bubbled up again, and bone spikes grew out from them.

Shinjiá eyes narrowed. ´Stretchable arms with bone spurs?´He thought. ´Well... That´s something you don´t see everyday. At least on Earth.'

He directed Unit-01 to circle around the enemy, alert for the attack. It didn´t take long, the arms strectched again, Shinji grabbed both with EVA's left hand, and with a sharp elbow strike, broke them both with a sickening noise. A feeling of approval burst from the Evangelion´s core.

Without releasing the broken arms, , Shinji whispered "L´Zoril" again. The black EVA swayed on its feet, moment that Shinji took advantage of. He pulled the arms so fast the enemy was lifted off its feet.

As the body came close, Unit-01 stabbed Unit-03 in the stomach with an upwards movement, burying the progressive knife deep into the black EVA. Shinji twisted the blade, and opened the wound even more. Unit-03 screamed in pain.


Tokyo-3, NERV HQ

Central Dogma, 06:51 P.M.

Maya´s mouth hung open, unable to believe her eyes. Her fellow bridge bunnies watched the images with similar expressions on their faces. How could Shinji, one of the most gentle kids they had ever met, be capable of such violence?

Even Commander Ikari was surprised.

Maya´s stomach rebelled at what she was seeing. She turned her face away from the images, but the sounds of the battle were all around her.


In Route to Tokyo-3, Mount Nobe

EVA-00´s Original Designated Position; Same Time

Unit-03 stumbled on its feet, like a boxer about to fall down. Shinji didn´t wait for that, EVA-01´s left hand knifed into the wound, losing itself into the 13th Angel. A river of grayish fluid fell from the wound. With a sudden jerk, Unit-01 pulled its hand, holding a bright red sphere between its fingers.

It lifted it up towards the purple giant´s face, and squeezed with all its might.

Unit-03´s tainted core, Bardiel´s core, broke into a million fragments.

The black EVA finally fell down. The long arms retracted back into their original lenght

Unit-01´s counter clicked its last ten seconds warning.

Shinji whispered "Shazam." And darkness enveloped him. With the last seconds of energy ticking down, he opened channels.


Tokyo-3, NERV HQ

Central Dogma, 06:51:48 P.M.

Maya struggled to contain the bile that threatened to rise up and escape her stomach.

Shinji´s calm voice broke the terrified silence. "I need you to send three rescue crews."

Makoto answered with some hesitation. "Shinji, we... we are not receiving any life signals from Unit-03... I fear the pilot is... dead."


Author Notes:

A couple of references I want to explain. The word "Shazam!" is Billy Batson´s magic word, to transform from a normal kid, into the superpowerful Captain Marvel. I chose it for several reasons, it is easy to remember, and it helds a symbolic quality Shinji would probably like. Now, what did that do? Remember about the passenger in the EVA-s battery (mentioned in Chapter 2)? That was the signal for it to awake. Normally, the creature was to provide energy for the EVA, beyond the five minutes of the battery; this time, it was used to fry the Dummy Plug.


About L´Zoril. It also belongs to DC. L´Zoril is the name the green martians had for their god of dreams but it actually is Dream, of the Endless. It doesn´t has anything to do with D&D, but I thought the sound of the word was about right for a Sleep spell.


So, Shinji did cast a spell in battle, through the Evangelion. Now, I know the spell has VSM components, but Shinji is using the EVA´s magic to power his spells to EVA´s proportions, AND to schew the somatic and material components. It didn´t work exactly as the Sleep spell, as the Angels are made from some strange matter. So it worked more like Power Word: Stun, with a Range of Contact. Still, it worked to Shinji´s advantage.