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Epilogue: [Say Goodbye, Loneliness]
Instrumentality had started to reverse the moment Shin Dragon returned to Earth. One last Getter Beam struck the LCL and started the process of undoing the primordial soup. Slowly, Earth's populations had begun to return and Shin Dragon was the central information hub to keep tabs on any new arrivals.
The world governments were very inactive at the time as small cities were the only things that operated but that would change soon.
/
"Lorenz Keel. Your plan was brilliant. Too bad you underestimated humanity. And now – it's about to bite you in the ass for as long as you remain alive!"
Hayato Jin paused before he spoke again to the older man. Keel stood an a cell, his aging body now visible to whoever monitored the cell. The visor that he wore when communicating with the other SEELE members was removed. The glare underneath them was intense. The man's expression implied he didn't believe he'd be stuck in prison for very long.
"Everyone that returns will know what SEELE did. I don't think the common people will take too kindly to what your group did. We know all about the Marduk Institute. That's the least of your worries."
"You're the last one to lecture me on morality, Jin! You damn terrorist!" Keel seethed and Hayato turned to him.
Hayato sighed and smirked as Keel's last remark warranted a response.
"I don't know what you're talking about. The Getter Team is one of humanity's protectors. Hasn't that been the case for decades?" He asked.
Keel bared his teeth and Hayato continued.
"See how fast you've retreated now that the shoe's on the other foot? And you're the head of a cabal. Now imagine putting all of that pressure on a child – depending on them to snap just so you can retreat into a state of nothing. For that goal you sacrificed everyone – and the entire human population."
Silence. The other man was fuming. Hayato's grin deepened as he wrapped up his thoughts.
"Do you really thing the world is going to keep blaming a bunch of teenagers for what happened? It's all on you and Mr. Ikari – and seeing as he's no longer here, you'll have to answer to all of it. Life imprisonment is certain – unless you tell us the names of all your SEELE friends."
/
"We've got a small town more or less." Misato said, looking over the form of Shin Dragon. It had landed in the sea of LCL and was on low power. They'd managed to untangle NERV's HQ, The Photon Labs, and even the majority of the old Getter Ray Research center from within the massive Getter's innards. Atami had been a good choice for reconstruction as it was a smaller town in the center of their three bases of operation.
The living situations were more complicated now. While NERV did have space in the damaged walls of the base, it was too connected to the earlier trauma the entire staff went though. That paired with operating costs of the base made it a far-off goal for Misato and the rest of the staff to reclaim. They were considering remaking it to be a facility to aid people as they came back but that was also a pipe dream. They didn't have the staff or resources to do that. Go was too busy using Shin Dragon for other things at the moment.
Hence the small town approach. They'd found an area that Lilith's fall had rendered barren and began to occupy it. Resetting the Photon Labs were the first step and following that the group managed to spread. It was a completely different life at first but one they were all getting used to.
Misato sifted through her thoughts as the Alpine changed lanes. She hadn't expected that and she turned to her driver. Kaji was focused on the road and Misato supposed speaking up and striking conversation about her thoughts would help.
"Do you think I'm being cautious enough?"
"Hmm?"
"Kaji?"
"Yes?" Kaji responded as he drove the car, unsure of what Misato was getting at.
"Eventually more will come back. By then I hope we're ready." She said looking to some of the new structures they'd managed to create.
"Getter Rays and a giant Photon Power 3D printer certainly help with reconstruction and retrieval. In terms of defenses, we've got a small army of robots and EVAs to throw at whatever pops out of the ground, ocean, or space." Kaji offered and Misato frowned.
Dr. Yumi had been far too generous. Units 00, 01, and 02 were currently plugged up to the main Photonic Reactor. They were on the coast of the City of Atami, ready in case of danger. It was there Dr. Yumi wanted to start testing Photon Power as a more widespread energy source.
"Ashura's dying warning. A new threat. Yet – nothing appeared." Kaji stated.
"So far, at least. Well – I suppose for now all we can do is plan for the future." Misato affirmed.
"True. Watermelons always need tending to." Kaji said with a shrug.
"I suppose that beats thinking about fighting again. Though I can't shake the feeling we're going to have to be on our toes as the worlds' people wake up." Misato admitted.
/
The Photon Power Labs were mostly empty, Boss' team working on re-aligning everything back to the ground as much as they could. Dr. Yumi, on the other hand, was busy meeting with Hayato.
"I reckon you'll sleep a bit better knowing we have Lorenz Keel ready for a court once society is at the right point to read him the law?' Yumi asked and Hayato nodded.
"That I'll admit. SEELE is going to face everything they've done. Mark my words, I'll make them all pay if it's the last thing I do." Hayato said. "I suppose I should be grateful Ryoma left me behind so I could do at least that."
He looked to Yumi and then behind him at a new reactor Yumi was working on.
"And that – is what we discussed?"
He eyed the large machine, one half of it was glowing with golden yellow energy while the other half pulsed with jagged neon green lines.
"Yes. A potential countermeasure to ZERO if it does show up again. I used what I could find of Dr. Kenzo and Juuzo Kabuto's notes. In addition to Professor Saotome's unused concepts for Getters." Professor Yumi explained.
"A hybrid reactor? What are you thinking?" Hayato asked with a grin and a flicker of curiosity in his eye.
"It's going to be the core of a new project. Seeing that Angel Getter hybrid, I was inspired."
Hayato narrowed his eyes and smiled. "How dangerous. That's something one of our late doctors would come up with. Then – I'm pleased we're of the same mind. Using a pure energy source like Getter Rays or Photon Power is dangerous if they both lead to ZERO or that enormous Getter. Something between the two might be a safer bet."|
Hayato stopped and produced some images from his coat pocket, showing Getter Robo Go standing alongside its' almost identical Neo Getter Robo.
"That's why I'm focusing on plasma energy for now. We remade Neo Getter and are working on creating a new Getter Robo Go. I don't want Getter Ray research to lead to another worldwide incident like Shin Dragon."
"That's just a placeholder or a stopgap. It won't be progress."
"It's just a precaution. Given how thin resources are, I don't want to heavily commit to a new project yet. Not when we don't have funding or support. The general public is entirely on our side given our track record helping new arrivals out of the LCL but – it won't mean anything until the world Governments are back on their feet. So for now I'll use Plasma energy to keep the peace. I don't think the Government is going to be too happy learning that Getter Rays were used after they declared them banned."
"Research of them banned." Dr. Yumi offered with a smile. "Ritsuko suggests Shin Dragon's case be that we sieged the enemy weapon and worked with what we had. And to be fair, you didn't research Getter Rays at all once that order was given. Shin Getter's use is suspect but beyond that we followed their protocols."
"Hmph. I'm expecting the politicians to wring us for as much as they can regarding these violations. I suppose it's a needed step in this process – but part of me just wants them all to fall in line and accept what happened was what was needed." Hayato admitted.
"Keep in mind our public relations is the next battle we're fighting as we repair the Earth. Tetsuya's returning from Europe with Great Mazinger. And Kouji is planning having Mazinkaiser go to South America to help over there. The public's global support goes a long way if we want to continue our research." Dr. Yumi added.
Then Hayato kept speaking.
"There's another idea – but I want Dr. Akagi's input first. A Getter that uses a physical structure similar to an Evangelion. I think a project like that might have value – especially once the public learns what the EVA series actually are. It has three purposes. One – to take a step back from Shin Getter's absurd Getter Ray output, being a more streamlined machine. Two – to continue the EVA project's funding without needing the creation of more cores. This time it will be purely mechanical."
"And the third point?"
"To unofficially make a new Getter. This way we can use and research Getter Rays safely without the UN getting in the way."
"Then we have a new visions of machines for our pilots." Yumi said. "A new Getter team – and new machines to match them. And I'm thinking of a new Photonic robot for Sayaka as well."
"We may need all the forces we can spare. Ashura's threat hangs in the air. As does the Dinosaur Empire's sudden return. I doubt Emperor Gore sent his entire race up to face us. A monarch such as him has to have a successor." Hayato finished.
"That said, of course I give you permission to study Getter Rays. You're not as harsh as either of your predecessors." Commander Jin pointed out.
"Perhaps it's for the best I do this now." Yumi said. "Considering my vision for Atami, Sayaka thinks I should go into some role of governor. We'll need some kind of leadership very soon and Go says no politicians are volunteering to leave Instrumentality at this point.
Hayato snorted at the words and nodded. "That makes sense. Keel resisted quite strongly, Go tells me. He and Rei had to focus together just to pull him out of it. Getting the rest of SEELE in our grasp might take some time. That said, he was the leader, so I'm confident we can retrieve the rest."
Yumi nodded to this. "Then I suppose I'll volunteer for the position once there are enough people in the area. We're still not at the level of large city yet."
Hayato spoke next. "America's just like us. Mary King reached out to Sho the other day. They're without any form of organized government for now. Things are pretty tense. I'm thinking of sending one of our pilots over there to make people calm down but – since when do Americans follow regulations?"
"International policy is a headache I want to save for another day. Though Sho has good relations with our allies over there in the United States." The man said, checking his watch.
"Now – let's focus on the now. When's the Wedding?"
/
Tetsuya and Jun danced as the wedding ceremony concluded. Tetsuya was wearing a military uniform with an assortment of medals while Jun wore a lovely white dress. The pair separated mid dance to join other guests and mingle, dancing all the while.
Misato sighed and finished her glass of wine before grabbing Tetsuya's hand and joining him in a spin.
"How's your living situation, Miss Katsuragi?" Tetsuya asked.
"Still getting used to Shinji and Asuka being an official item. And Rei visiting every other weekend." Misato said, clutching his shoulder as they took a sharp pivot.
"That and we had to get a whole new place. The old one was too integrated in Shin Dragon. Taking an apartment might not have been the best idea when we left."
"That's hindsight for you. What about Kaji?"
"Oh! Yeah, he's living with us now. It's a little odd. I'm taking guardianship of Shinji. And he's going to do the same for Asuka. I could be their mother but they're dating so – that makes things weird. I won't be Asuka's mother officially until Kaji and I tie the knot - we want to live together for at least a year before we think about crossing that bridge together."
"Well I'd imagine things are less stressful now that NERV's still being put on hold?"
"For now." Misato said as she stepped back and could see Sayaka wanted to dance with Tetsuya.
"I'm still shocked I was elected to stay in charge of it though." Misato said with a sigh.
"Well it's going to be your choice. I know Fuyutsuki can't due to his earlier involvement with The Human Instrumen -."
Misato waved her hand and cut him off.
"Yeah yeah. I've heard that word all day. A leadership position we don't have enough people to justify yet. It's yet another problem we didn't consider. Well that's my world right now. That said, congratulations. I'm happy for both of you." Misato said, stepping back to give Sayaka a smile.
"Imagining this with Kouji someday, I imagine?" She asked the girl and Sayaka glared at her for a moment. Whoops. Too much wine gave her loose lips, Misato remembered.
"No. We're going to America to study once he's done helping out around the world. That's what our goal is once things pick up more. He's still so committed to his Grandfather's research. Plus my father's still as overprotective as ever!" Sayaka whispered.
Misato found her reasoning to be solid. "Well – you're still young. You've got time. Sorry I said too much."
"All forgiven Captain – I mean – Commander Katsuragi."
"Here I'm just Misato."
"Misato then. Now, Tetsuya – may I have this dance?" Sayaka asked as Tetsuya smiled and extended a hand.
/
"I am pleased to see you, brother." Rei said as Go returned her hug. He was wearing a sharp tuxedo of black.
"Rei!" Kei announced as Rei turned to give her one as well. Kei wore a suit much like Go's, the black jacket and blue tie making her the only woman there not in a dress of sorts.
"Sister Kei. I am also happy you are here. Though I do not understand the importance of marriage, I see that Jun and Tetsuya are both enjoying themselves."
"They wouldn't care if it was a large wedding or a small once. In this case it's really just an excuse to have a bit of fun. We also needed something like this to liven up everyone." Kei said. "With this we can finally move on from those that have left us."
"If you are referring to Mr. Nagare, I do not think he is gone in the physical sense." Rei stated and Go nodded to her.
Kei nodded but held out a hand to give a counterpoint.
"Yes, but it means that there's going to be changes. Not just bad ones either. Humanity is going to walk off Third Impact. We've already managed to get a town of sorts going. Give it enough time for farms. Infrastructure. We're going to have different lives for a while."
/
"Okay, but you're going to still treat her right?" Asuka asked, holding Kouji's back in vice grip as their 'dance' was less of that and more of her jerking Kouji around in circles as his legs staggered to keep up.
"Yes! I'm just – busy! We still see each other for dates twice a week at the least! I just – need to see HOW ZERO exists so I can give any Mazinger we have a fail-safe and - ! Will you stop that?!" Kouji whispered as he pulled away from her latest yank on his arm..
"Fine. I just want Sayaka to be happy with you and your research. She's done a lot for you, you know?"
"Right. Of course I know that. She saved me from a black hole!" Kouji responded. There was silence and he figured that was enough of an answer. Time to ask a question of his own then.
"Anyway you and Shinji seem to be happy, so - how's Rei?"
"Fine. Still doesn't know what to do with her life now that we're here but I can relate. What about your little brother?"
"Shiro's - not back yet." Kouji said, looking away. Asuka stopped the dance and backed off.
"I didn't think of that. No wonder you're not able to give Sayaka your full attention. I can't imagine being close to any family other than Mama. . . of course Shinji and Rei now, and I guess Kaji and Misato too – but – that's rough."
"Yeah. Thank you for – reminding me to keep Sayaka happy." Kouji said as he scratched the back of his head, hoping to recover some of the conversation.
"If I let go of you, will you dance with her right now?" Asuka questioned, raising an eyebrow and smirking.
"I will – but why are you so invested in it?"
"Well – I know you two are keen on each other."
"Yeah. Then I'll give it a shot. One one condition. You get Shinji and try to out-dance Sayaka and I!" Kouji said, stepping back and shouting across the venue.
"Sayaka! Are you done letting Tetsuya swing you around? I want a dance!" Kouji asked.
Asuka sighed and found herself tired – yet still ready to jump at the challenge. She had no idea where her boyfriend had gone. Boss wanted to dance with Rei and Asuka wasn't having that, using her own tiredness as an excuse. She grabbed Rei's hand and walked with her to the seats, sitting down as Rei did the same.
Asuka had let Rei borrow the yellow dress she'd worn on the Over The Rainbow, the blue-haired girl saying she wanted to match Unit 00's new color-scheme somewhat.
"Geez. To think I've become – attached – to all these people. What the hell?" She asked and Rei gave her a slight smile.
"It's strange, isn't it? Feeling affection for people. As humans we try to be solitary but in some cases this can occur." Rei stated, her eyes going over the entire area.
Earlier Tetsuya had spared no expense being flashy, arriving in the Brain Condor to accompanying music titled "I am Great Mazinger." If one could squint, they would see the machine's sunlit body far in the distance. It would be the vehicle the newlyweds used to leave the event.
The main venue was an open garden plaza, with rows of benches for eating at, and the garden itself for dancing.
"I have never been to an event like this before. I am glad that Jun and Tetsuya consider me so close." Rei said and Asuka closed her eyes.
"This year's been a lot of firsts for you, Rei. I keep forgetting that."
"Do not feel sorry for me. Conversely I cannot imagine you feel the same amount of excitement as this is not the first wedding you've been to."
"Well that's true too. Means you got to experience everything from classic movies to cat videos with fresh eyes."
There was a moment of silence as Asuka scanned the area before she found her target.
"Ah! There he is!" Asuka said, pointing across the venue at Shinji.
The two looked at the venue in content quiet after a while, looking to see Shinji finish up a dance with Sayaka before walking to the two of them.
"How's the party going?" He asked. He wore a black suit with a purple under jacket. Misato insisted he have a neon green hanker-chef to complete the color-scheme of Unit 01. It fit his lanky frame well and Asuka had to distract herself from the mental image of removing the outer jacket and rolling up his sleeves.
"Well – now I've danced my feet off so – I kinda want to go home." Asuka whispered.
"I do not wish to be rude, but I agree. This has taken longer than expected. The sky has started to darken."
"Yeah – well I guess we'll have to wait for Misato and Kaji then."
"Till then – Shinji! Let's dance." Asuka said, exaggerating a grunt as she stood up and stretched.
"Hmm? Now? I thought you were tired."
"Yeah but – we have to dance together. It's like an unwritten rule."
"I don't see Misato dancing with Kaji."
"That's because she's drunk off her ass! Since neither of us are like that, let's go! Kabuto challenged me, so I bet we can show up Sayaka and Kouji for sure!"
Shinji held out a hand that Asuka clasped, stepping towards him as he held her waist with his other hand.
"Let's see if that sync training's still got it."
"If I'm not intruding – may I join as well?"
"Rei – oh. Yeah, that's fine with me. Asuka?"
"Yeah, that's fine, Rei! Just let us show up Kouji and Sayaka first!"
Rei watched with interest as Asuka ended up leading Shinji to the dance area, the two of them starting their dance. It was very humorous to her seeing Asuka's competitiveness transfer to her bond with Shinji when it concerned other parties. More humorous still was her insistence the EVA Team was closer than the Getter Team.
Earlier at the party this got chuckles out of Benkei and Hayato, though they said nothing to challenge this. Rei assumed they let their years of teamwork speak for themselves. Kei – on the other hand – was very argumentative about it, which was also entertaining as Asuka only got more competitive.
/
"That's a wrap!" Jun yelled to the scattered group, the various parties gathering as Tetsuya called the Brain Condor over.
"Everyone, thank you for attending! I'm glad we could celebrate our return to Earth with this wedding!" The man said.
In the background, Kaji walked a sloshed Misato to her charges, Shinji and Asuka sharing a glance before looking to Misato, each one supporting her.
"Kaji's driving." Both of them said at once and Misato clutched her temple. "Every – time." Was all she replied with.
/
It had been only hours since the wedding and Sayaka found him still up, staring at the Photonic reactor.
It was Mazinger Z's very own power unit, recovered from the Super Robot's remains.
"I think I've found it! This addition should stop ZERO from being able to corrupt a Mazinger!" The boy said, looking to Sayaka with the promise of victory in his eyes.
"Meaning you can finally get some rest?" Sayaka asked, hoping Asuka and Misato weren't going to back up Jun on her hunch Kouji was too focused researching to spend time with her.
"For now. Then we need to draw up plans to repair Z. I want a backup just in case something's too much for Kaiser.."
"I think the world would love to see a hero like Mazinger Z rise again!" Sayaka said with a smile. "Now – you still haven't changed out of that suit! Go do that and get some sleep! You can think more about your research after we have breakfast together!"
Kouji grinned. It would be dumb to argue with her. Even if he'd like to just to see her reactions. Still – she was right. The hour was late. He'd have all the time he needed to repair Z – as long as he kept working at it.
/
Another dimension – another space. The two that fight one another have evolved past being called mere machines. They both are on the level of Gods now – and as such neither will fall.
"HEY ZERO! HOW'S YOUR PREDICTION MODEL LOOKING!?" Ryoma Nagare yells as Getter Emperor is his very arms. His legs. The purest form of Getter Rays knocks ZERO through the gap in space as Ryoma charges.
ZERO readies the Iron Cutters and Ryoma is prepared for them.
The wicked God responds to his question now, pulling back an arm to steady the Iron Cutter in a fierce punch.
"Unnecessary to face a human such as yourself, Ryoma Nagare."
"Emperor and I beg to differ!"The man is quick to counter as Getter Emperor's palm opens, fingers extended as Getter Rays are channeled into its palm.
"EMPEROR! - TOMAHAWK!"
He cries out as Emperor's own Getter Tomahawk is formed, the faces of three Getters inscribed on it.
ZERO realizes that it will always be a stalemate if the battle continues. If Mazinger ZERO is the ultimate shield, this Getter Emperor is the ultimate sword. Neither will be able to destroy the other with physical strength alone.
The two resume battle as the axe blades clash together. It is impossible to tell how long their battle will last. Perhaps for mere moments - perhaps for infinity.