Ritsuko
Gendo was already acting as if everything were going according to plan. All questions or doubts about the swordsmen had stopped. The initial distrust of their perceptiveness had waned. The fear that they would do something damaging or traitorous against Nerv had also disappeared.. They'd been accepted as part of the plan. Gendo, and presumably all the members of SEELE, were as self-assured as ever.
Things may as well have been following the plan. God remained in his Heaven, as their slogan stated, therefore, all was right with the world. They had simply needed to take a minute that the boar-headed boy wasn't proof of God stepping out.
Ritsuko had no such luxury as to take the three's presence for granted. Their three friends meant a lot of new work in her already burdened schedule. There was no guarantee that this diversion from her original task would bear any fruit. Each step forward brought new inquiry. In fact, it was part of her duty to ensure that the three did not detract from the original plan.
Now, as she sat across from Rei Ayanami, that plan seemed distant.
"So, tell me again what happened," Dr. Akagi asked.
Rei was leaning forward, hands together, eyes staring at the ground. The look of nervousness was so unlike her. It was too normal. Rei was the stolid figure. She was stoic and cool to the point of being almost ghostly. Now, the young girl shifted most of her weight onto her hands. She looked like a confused teenager, rather than the pilot of Unit-00. A pang of something flashed through Ritsuko. She pushed it aside before she could analyze it.
Rei said, "I was scared." Her voice was small. "It felt like I was reacting in parts. My body pulled back. My chest ached. Tears formed. I think I gasped. My heartrate increased. The muscles in my legs began to feel weak. I didn't like it."
Ritsuko nodded. Even when describing what most would consider a traumatic experience, she was cool and understated. "How did you feel after the two left?"
"Confused. This isn't something that's supposed to happen. I'm replaceable. It's strange that my body reacted like this."
The scientist looked at the pilot. Whatever else Rei Ayanami was, she was a child. Seeing her confused and scared like this only enforced that idea.
Zenitsu, thankfully, was now gone, off with Misato and Shinji to meet the pilot of Unit-02. That didn't abate her curiosity. Why had Zenitsu, of the three, been the one to become violent? He'd been wary of her since they met. That blond one was, in general, the least trusting. The feeling of distrust seemed to come from a mix of childish dislike and astute observation. It was hard to tell which was dominant.
Whatever the case, news of the incident had not spread far. Tanjiro had effectively punished and reprimanded Zenitsu over the past days, with Shinji and Inosuke adding harsh words to the swordsman.
That reminded her. "Do you feel that Zenitsu was properly punished for his actions?"
Rei said, "That's not my decision. If I had fallen, it wouldn't have meant anything."
The answer wasn't helpful, but it fit Rei Ayanami. "Do you feel you've become closer to Shinji since the event?"
Rei tilted her head. "Closer to Ikari-kun?"
They were still using honorifics. Part of Ritsuko wanted to roll her eyes. The two pilots were perhaps the least acquainted people in Nerv. "I've hear that he's been spending more time with you since the incident."
She nodded. "Yes, he came by to clean up my apartment."
"Oh? How did that go?"
"I was confused. I didn't ask for him to come. He didn't ask for payment. He said that I was too cold, and that he felt bad for me. Then, he began cleaning. He didn't seem to be having a good or bad experience."
"I see." Ritsuko nodded. Personal curiosity wanted to push further, but she already felt too much like Rei's psychiatrist. It would be better to turn to the topic of the three swordsmen.
In a way, Zenitsu's rash confrontation was helpful to her. If he eroded Tanjiro's trust, she might be able to convince him to trust Nerv. The blond swordsman was the main force separating Tanjiro from Nerv. Inosuke was off doing whatever he wanted. He fit his mask, that one. He was perfectly safe as long as he wasn't pushed or pressured. Zenitsu was a lost cause. So, now the remaining hope was to have Tanjiro submit to tests.
There was the chance that another member of their world would arrive, but she was in no mood to take that bet.
Suddenly, Rei lifted her head. "Am I defective?"
No more than a normal person, Ritsuko thought to herself. "I don't think you're defective, Rei. If anything, your emotional outburst is a testament to your humanity."
"Humanity," she repeated.
Ritsuko nodded, becoming more confident as her mind created and edited a script in real time. "Yes. A strange man with a history of emotional volatility attacked you. It'd be more concerning if you hadn't reacted like this."
Slowly, Rei's face change. It was the most dramatic emotional shift Ritsuko had ever seen in the girl. There was relief in her expression. This child, who was Ritsuko's responsibility in so many ways, had complete faith in her.
The woman and the pilot sat in silence for a moment. Soon, Rei asked, "Have you learned anything from Zenitsu's blood?"
The question made Ritsuko pause. It was far from normal for her. Rei was not a curious girl. At least, she never pried into the matters of those in a higher position than her. "It's ongoing. There's nothing conclusive yet. It looks and acts like regular human blood."
With one difference, she thought. When added to LCL fluid, Zenitsu's blood separated from it like oil from water. The two should have mixed together into a single liquid. Yet, their strange guest's blood separated from it.
"You're free to go now, Rei. Thank you for your continued work."
"Of course," Rei bowed, but didn't leave.
This was yet another aberration in her behaviour. Then, with a look of quiet determination, Rei stood and walked to Dr. Akagi. "I want to try something."
Shinji
The teenagers gaped at the U.N. fleet. Tanjiro was astonished at the technological display. Inosuke was trying to figure out how the different boats and fighter jets were useful in combat. Zenitsu was viciously taking notes in a small book.
Originally, Shinji had heard, two of his classmates were supposed to join this trip. With limited room in the chopper, however, it was decided that these three would accompany him.
"Incredible, incredible," Zenitsu said as his eyes flicked between the sea and his notebook.
Misato smiled and talked about the U.N. to them as they sat stunned. Shinji was amazed, too. Only a few months ago, he'd been 'that kid over there'. He'd gotten so used to simply being in the periphery, pressing himself into the background so as not to be in someone's way. This tour, that so few adults would ever have the clearance to see, was more than he would have once imagined.
"Look at this shit, pilot man!" Inosuke leaned over Zenitsu to smack Shinji on the shoulder. "They've got boats bigger than villages! But you're the one protecting them. You're awesome."
The compliment caught Shinji off-guard. "No, it's not that big a deal."
Misato chuckled. "You need to learn to take a compliment, Shinji. Arguing with someone just because they said something nice won't do you any good."
Shinji rubbed the back of his head. His eyes returned to Zenitsu, who was absorbed in his notetaking. There probably was never going to be a time to bring it up tactfully. "Zenitsu, did you tell Misato that you did something bad to Rei?"
Instantly, the blond swordsman snapped to face him. "Don't make it sound so dirty!" The bulging eyes and shrieking voice almost seemed nostalgic. "I messed up, okay? I was wrong. I've been chewed out by everyone, okay? I don't need to keep hearing it from—"
Inosuke swung an arm around Zenitsu, partially choking him in a one-armed embrace. "My buddy got scared; that's what happened. Guy's been spending too much time in his books and in his head." The boar-headed warrior prodded Zenitsu's skull. "Gotta get out and run more. You're getting stale in the head."
"Like I'll take that from a pig head who headbutted a train."
Tanjiro laughed. "I forgot about that." The scarred warrior leaned forward. His smile was odd. Shinji felt awe every time he saw it. It was the most unquestioning, non-judgmental, and uncomplicated smile he'd ever seen. Even with the scar and the eyes, Tanjiro smiled as if there were nothing wrong in the world.
"Don't worry, Shinji," Tanjiro embraced Zenitsu from his other side. "My friend was just confused. He knows he did something wrong, and he won't do it again. Right?"
With closed eyes, and a tightening grip, Tanjiro faced his friend.
"I get it, okay!" Zenitsu ducked under their arms.
Misato crossed her arms. Her expression was the most serious in the chopper. "You're lucky I decided to let them handle your discipline."
"Yeah…" he muttered.
"And when we get back," Tanjiro said happily. "He will apologize in person, right?"
Zenitsu glared at his friend for several seconds, then sighed. "Yes."
Asuka
She watched the chopper land on deck. From it, four teenagers and a woman with purple hair stepped out. Even from this distance, she could pick out the people from the video.
So, those were the kids everyone was talking about. It was laughable. Standing atop the ship, leaning on the railing of the topmost deck, the pilot of Unit-02 looked down at the boys. Some people accused her of being flamboyant because of her hair. These three looked ridiculous! They'd be laughed off the stage of a third-grade school play.
The crew evidently thought the same thing. They were all staring with various expressions of confusion and wariness. How many of them had seen that video? Not many, surely. After all, she was special. She was the pilot of Unit-02, the first real – the first proper Evangelion. The time for prototypes and test subjects was over. The real deal, the most advanced, the most stylish, and the most effective Evangelion was about to make its debut. With this wonder of science and strength came a pilot with the style, intelligence, and strength to match.
The video was interesting, sure. She wondered if the scarred one's sword was made of the same material as the Prog knife. That didn't sit right with her. It redirected the Angel's energy, while the Prog knife was meant to cut through such things. Also, Prog knives didn't create images like dancing dragons.
It didn't matter. They'd done nobly to protect Japan from the first few Angels. Now, it was time for Asuka to protect the world. It wouldn't be long before she'd have her chance to impress the people who now depended on her. Not only the world, but Mr. Kaji, too.
They'd all see her.
Finally, she would be noticed. She'd be worth it. She'd earn the attention – the adoration – she wanted – no! The attention and love she deserved.
With her head high and her hands on her hips, Asuka marched down to the main deck to greet them.
As she walked, she realized that something important had slipped her mind. Behind the three colourful mascots had been a student her age. That unassuming brat must have been the pilot of Unit-01. So, that was the kid who defeated two Angels without training. She made a mental note to escort him to Unit-02 to show how superior it was to his own Eva in every way.
As she stepped onto the deck, the three colourful heads faced her immediately. The one with the pig mask was a little unnerving, since those beady eyes just gazed at the rough area where she stood. The shirtless gym addict must have been an airhead and a perv. Why else would he be dressed like an exhibitionist? The baggy slacks and sandals didn't do well to remedy the image.
The blond one didn't seem like much. If anything, he seemed a bit stiff and annoyed.
As she got a closer look at the other one, the guy who'd dealt the killing blow to the last Angel, her steps faltered. With effort, she struck a wide stance and posed with hands on hips. Yeah. The two definitely wouldn't notice her hesitation. She'd intended to stop. She hadn't hesitated because the red-haired one's eye creeped her out.
She hadn't noticed that eye in the video. It was creepy. Not only was the colour unnatural, but… there was a kanji in it! That was wrong on so many levels! It hadn't scared Asuka, of course. She reminded herself that she was brave and above such things.
"So," Asuka said, "these are the famous Angel Slayers."
The three looked to each other. Their confusion was childish. The blond one said, "We're still being called slayers?"
"Sounds good!" the pig-headed one said. "It's nice that one thing hasn't changed."
The one with the weird arm and eye rubbed the back of his head. "Wow, you must be an impressive person. I can sense a lot of bravery from you."
The scary-looking one had complimented her. That wasn't expected.
As she tried to think of a quippy response, a gust of wind blew up her dress. The one with the weird eye respectfully covered his eyes. The blond kid and the other pilot one blushed and stared. The guy with the pig mask seemed distracted by something.
Damn wind!
Asuka lashed out, smacking the blond, the normal one, and the weird-eyed one. As she swung her hand at the guy in the pig mask, a calloused hand grabbed her wrist. She froze as the guy casually threw her arm to the side. "Why the attack?" he asked with the coarsest voice she'd ever heard.
"Consider it the viewing fee. Pretty cheap, I think."
"Viewing what?" he tilted his head in what appeared to be genuine confusion.
"Inosuke…" the scarred one chuckled awkwardly. He turned to Asuka, smiling as if he hadn't been hit. "Sorry for that. We're not used to the way people dress here. It was kind of a surprise to see your dress."
The blond stepped forward. "You didn't need to hit us! And you, Inosuke, why didn't you get hit?"
The guy in the mask replied, "I still don't get what it is we were supposed to see."
Asuka was as annoyed as she was embarrassed by the conversation. Luckily, Captain Katsuragi stepped forward. To her credit, she was ignoring the immature brats well. "So, you must the pilot of Unit-02. Your record is impressive."
Instantly, Asuka was back in her element. "Of course! What else would you expect? Now, this one must be the Third Child."
She stepped forward to the boy. She'd heard his name before, but it had slipped. Japanese names were still a little difficult for her. Kaji was simple, of course. But… what was this boy's name?
He was still rubbing his cheek where she'd slapped him. "Yes, I'm Shinji."
Misato
This wasn't supposed to be a babysitting trip. Yet, that's how it turned out. Perhaps it was a strange compliment to her. Sure, Nerv trusted Misato enough to escort their main pilot, and the three greatest assets they had, alone. While she was imagining things like this nonexistent honour, she might as well snap her fingers and fix the understaffing issues.
Technically, she was there to ensure that Unit-02 was delivered to Nerv. Showing more of the military to Shinji and co. was a bonus. On paper, at least. Instead, the captain of the U.N. fleet had not only insulted her for being a member of Nerv, but also for being 'some woman hauling around a bunch of brats'.
They would sign, of course, but the process of getting there was always a chore.
She wished that she could retreat into her imaginings. Sure, she would snap her fingers. The three boys would team with Shinji and Asuka. All the Angels would be defeated within a weak without any damage to cities or people. Hell, if she was going all out on these imaginings, she might as well imagine a world where she was having sex again.
"Yo," a voice called from a doorway. "Long time no see."
She turned to the voice. Instantly, she recoiled. The stubbled, cocky grin was the same as it had been in their college days. Kaji, the man, the myth, the insufferably asshole, stood there.
All hope for the day vanished.
Inosuke
Inosuke distrusted the guy as soon as he saw him. For one, that stupid smile he had was one that Inosuke had seen many times. Guys who smiled like that were usually ones to say something like, "Oh, I guess I can show you my full power," after they'd been fighting for several rounds. Inosuke also didn't like the way he looked at Misato.
More than that, though, the atmosphere changed when he entered the room. Misato seemed to shrink, the Asuka girl's energy suddenly revolved around him, and a smug aura filled the room.
Something Inosuke didn't understand was happening, something between Kaji and the two women. He felt that he understood the important thing, though: this guy was a prick and he'd only make things more difficult.
As he considered this, Inosuke noticed something tapping his ankle. He turned around to see Tanjiro, looking oddly serious. Both Zenitsu and Inosuke leaned toward him. "He smells like you did when you came back from the red room."
Before any of them could process the information, the new guy stepped toward the three. "So, these are the famous Angel slayers. I saw that video." His eyes focused on Tanjiro's sword. "How did you redirect that Angel's attack?"
To the surprise of most in the room, Zenitsu stepped between the new figure and Tanjiro. "Sir," he said, "I'm grateful that you're the first person who's met Tanjiro and hasn't focused on his arm or eye. That's nice of you."
"Only common courtesy," the man said. "You must be the lightning warrior."
Zenitsu looked up at him with an unreadable expression. That serious look was all wrong. Inosuke didn't like it. Zenitsu had gotten way too serious since they'd come to this other Japan. He didn't yell as much. He was spending too much time in books. He wasn't training with Tanjiro and Inosuke as often. He seemed to be bitter, too.
At first, Inosuke had been willing to let it go. The main thing Zenitsu seemed to want was to protect his friends. He hadn't planned to get in the way of that protective instinct. Hell, protecting others was part of the job of the Demon Slayer Corps.
But Zenitsu had attacked Rei. Something was wrong.
"Um… excuse me," the timid voice of Shinji spoke up. All eyes turned to the boy who had saved the world twice. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled. "How rude of me. Call me Kaji."
Tanjiro
Tanjiro knew he wasn't the most socially aware person. He'd accepted that a while ago. Still, he could feel the awkward tension all the way from the ship's deck to the mess hall. Misato and Kaji clearly had a history. Whatever had fallen out between the two, it clearly wasn't mutual. Meanwhile, Asuka was loud enough to make up for Shinji's silent moments.
The swordsman decided to focus on the ship around him. When the group finally sat down, he tried to chat with Zenitsu about the notes he'd been taking, and how the book was going. As this happened, Inosuke talked to Shinji. Asuka interjected once in a while, bragging about her skill in the Eva. She threw out phrases like "Synchronization rate" a lot. He caught the word 'scores' several times.
After a while, Kaji leaned onto the table and addressed Shinji. "I heard you're living with Misato now. Is that right?"
"Yeah," Shinji said.
"Tell me, does she still toss and turn in bed?"
Misato became as red as her jacket. Both she and Asuka recoiled in shock and embarrassed horror.
Zenitsu sighed, put his elbow on the table, and rested his forehead on his hand. "And I thought Inosuke had no tact."
"Oi, don't mock my attacks."
"What— you're pretending to be dumb on purpose."
"I'm not dumb."
While the two had their exchange, Misato attempted to compose herself. "What are you saying, you idiot! You're so thoughtless!"
Tanjiro turned to Shinji, hoping for some answer amongst this confusing social situation. Shinji gestured that he had no idea what was happening either.
Whatever the case, Zenitsu and Inosuke's argument got louder. Misato, gratefully, turned to them and began half-heartedly asking them to calm down. The little non-argument redirected the conversation. As it moved, Tanjiro looked to Kaji. His eyes continuously returned to Misato.
It was difficult. Tanjiro was sure the man wasn't a danger to her, but there was something untrustworthy about him.
As time passed, they were allowed some freedom to go where they pleased. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke quickly went their own way, claiming they wanted to get a closer look at the things called 'fighter jets'. Misato seemed busy with Kaji, and Asuka was dragging Shinji off to see her Evangelion. It was easy for the three to find some privacy at the edge of the large ship, partially hidden behind one of the jets.
Once they were alone, Tanjiro sighed. Before he could say anything, though, Zenitsu smacked Inosuke upside the head. "What was that introduction to Asuka?"
"Don't hit me, lightning boy. What are you going on about?"
"Guys," Tanjiro stepped between them. "That doesn't matter. Tell me. What do you think of this Kaji guy?"
"He's hiding something," they said in unison.
Inosuke added, "It feels like he doesn't care about anything."
Zenitsu said, "He's quiet. Not like Shinji at times quiet. More like, he's comfortable with it. Also, the way he makes Misato feel doesn't sit right."
"Okay, we're in agreement," he said.
Suddenly, all three of them stiffened. The air seemed to become still. Every muscle in Tanjiro's body reacted as if a cold breeze had blown through him.
The three turned toward the same direction. "Angel," Tanjiro said.
"Biggest one yet," Inosuke added.
Zenitsu looked around. "These people have got a full army of weapons here, and Asuka's got her Eva. We might not all need to fight."
Tanjiro nodded. Off in the distance, a massive column of water shot up into the air with a deafening crack "Okay. Zenitsu, follow Kaji. I have a bad feeling he'll try to do something shady. Inosuke and I will find Misato and try to figure out how we can help without getting in the way of the military."
His friends nodded, and they started running.
Zenitsu
Zenitsu wondered would what happen if he did a First Form near or in water. Would it electrocute people? Was that the reason Tanjiro asked him to keep watch on Kaji rather than fight? Perhaps.
Another wave shook the ship, but Zenitsu was unbothered as he rushed through the cramped halls. After the twisting, writhing halls of Muzan's palace, the straightforward paths of the boat were simple.
It was easy to find Kaji. He simply sprinted around the ship until he heard the man's voice. Before long, he was able to find Kaji's room. The lightning warrior threw open the door to see Kaji reaching for the handle on his side. There was a large metal case in his hand.
"Oh…" Kaji's smile was gone. Instead, there was a look of confused surprise. "What brings you here?"
Zenitsu stepped inside and shut the door behind him. Kaji's smile returned. "I'm afraid I don't have time to chat. I need to get going."
"No," Zenitsu stated.
The time had finally come for answers. "You remind me of Gendo," he said. "What's in the case and who's it going to?"
Kaji shrugged. "Can't be helped, I guess. I'm Asuka's handler. From the sound of things, Unit-02 is about to be activated."
"Then, you should be up on deck cheering her on."
Kaji chuckled. That smile. For the first time, Zenitsu wanted to attack someone he knew was human. It might have been the general frustration. Zenitsu was mad at everything. He could barely think straight. It didn't help that Tanjiro and Inosuke refused to think about all the potential things that might happen because of Nerv.
If things went well, they would be the heroes who saved two Japans. If things went badly…
Who said Nerv was their ally? What if Gendo decided that the way to deal with Angels was to send them to Zenitsu's Japan? What if, after the Angels were defeated, the people in this Japan decided they wanted more? Could the Demon Slayer Corps stand a chance against an army with guns like these? They could fight an Evangelion, maybe multiple. But how many people would die?
An image filled Zenitsu's mind. The previous Angel floating above the Swordsmith village. A single blast would destroy most of it. The entire Demon Slayer Corps headquarters could be destroyed in seconds. Lines from the history books he'd read came to him. This world had bombs. What if they dropped bombs on his home villages? The Demon Slayers might be able to run in time, but what about normal people?
Nerv might be their greatest threat. That's what Zenitsu saw. Every night when he shut his eyes, he had nightmares of Evas and Angels in his homeland. Ever since the LCL incident, the nightmares had gotten worse.
He would not let that happen. Zenitsu, master of Thunder Breath Technique, would not allow this world to sully his own. He would not let it hinder Tanjiro's smile. That smile had survived Muzan; it would survive this. No, Zenitsu would protect it. He'd protect it with grim determination.
He'd protect Nezuko, too. He'd protect all his loved ones.
With this storm of fear and confusion inside him, Zenitsu pushed Kaji back with one hand and grabbed the case with the other. It came from Kaji's grip with ease. As expected, he was much weaker than Zenitsu. "We're alone here." Zenitsu said. "Tell me what I want to know."
"Hey, now," the man fixed a small ruffle in his shirt. "You sound threatening. Not very becoming of a samurai."
Zenitsu gritted his teeth. "I'm a threat? Are you stupid?" Another shockwave hit the ship. "You guys are the ones with Evas and bombs. You can't even trust each other when you're facing extinction, but I'm supposed to trust you not to kill my friends when you all stare at us like we're monsters?"
Suddenly, Kaji softened. The smirk drifted away, and his eyebrows raised. Zenitsu listened and heard the man's heartrate slow down. He was calm. "Huh," Kaji said. "You're not as immature as I thought. Put the case down, I'll show you what's inside."
Slowly, Zenitsu placed the case on the bed. He moved his hands to the locks. As he did so, he realized that he didn't know how the case worked. "Open it," he said.
"Okay," Kaji took a step forward.
Suddenly, the ship lurched. The floor tilted up as they were thrown back. In the moment, Kaji grabbed the case. Zenitsu was so focused on getting the case that he didn't notice Kaji's other hand. The adult had pulled a small metal contraption from his back pocket. Before he could think to dodge it, orange liquid sprayed into Zenitsu's eyes and covered his face.
Instantly, he fell to the ground writhing. His body bounced to the wall like everything else in the room as the ship returned to its normal, flat position.
Through a dark haze, Zenitsu saw Kaji run off with the case.
"No!" he gasped.
His voice was a harsh croak. Fumes filled his throat. He tried to force air into his lungs, but the substance burned. His face felt raw where it'd struck him. His eyes seemed to be aflame. Heat rose from them like steam from boiling water.
As the boy twisted in agony, choking on his own gasps, he recognized the pain. It was the same horrible sensation he relived in his nightmares: LCL fluid.
Amidst the pain, Zenitsu grabbed at his cloak and rubbed his eyes, trying to wipe away the foul substance. The awful stench of blood only made it more hellish. He felt like he was being cooked in a stew of blood.
Something struck the ship, and his body was pushed back against the wall.
Misato
The Angel was almost as large as the ship. Unit-02, piloted by Asuka and Shinji simultaneously, was holding part of the beast and stabbing into it with the Prog knife.
The futility of the army's efforts had shocked Tanjiro and Inosuke, but they didn't waste a second. "Help the pilots!" she ordered them. Instantly, they sprinted out of the room.
Realization struck her. She had the chance to see them fight in person. She demanded a pair of binoculars, then leaned toward the mic to speak to Unit-02. "Asuka. Keep that thing on the deck."
"I've got it!" she replied.
Soon, she saw the two rush out toward the main deck. In full view of several members of the ship's personnel, Tanjiro and Inosuke leapt several meters into the air toward the Angel.
Misato focused on Inosuke and Tanjiro, trying to keep up with them as they moved. It felt bizarre to see Tanjiro move with one arm limply flailing at his side, but he didn't seem bothered.
Misato didn't notice how far forward she was leaning. This was not because she of her position. She wanted to see how this would play out. She'd seen that video countless times, but now, she had the chance to see them in person. She would learn today whether that dragon had been a trick of the footage.
Suddenly, it began.
The light of the day seemed to dim. No, it was as if Tanjiro's blade was absorbing the daylight. His sword erupted into a bright red tongue of flame as he jumped. He raised the sword high, folded himself downward, and flipped in a circle, slashing a person-sized gash in the Angel. Simultaneously, Inosuke jumped onto the Angel and charged over its body. Soon, he was at the mask-like face of the beast. His serrated blades seemed to flash a brilliant blue as he cut an 'X' across the face of the Angel.
The ship trembled.
As the battle continued, Misato noticed movement on the side of the ship. One of the moving take-off platforms rose into view. She turned her view to the fighter jet, and the pilot therein. "Kaji!" Misato called, assuming that he was about to join the fray from the pilot's seat.
"I've gotta run," his voice said through the speakers in the room. There was a tinge of panic to his voice. He wasn't his usual collected self, she thought. Looking down, he seemed to be rushing through the steps for takeoff. "You know how things are. Business calls."
With that, he took off. Misato gaped as he flew off.
She was not allowed to focus on her ex, however. The Angel roared, forcing her to turn back to the monster. Its massive, beak-like mouth flung open, shrieking loud enough to shake the glass of the deck. The inside of the mouth seemed as large as an airport runway, lined with long, razor-sharp teeth. Misato and the captain could only stare down the maw of the beast as it tried to push itself, and Unit-02, back into the water.
There, in the depths of the open jaws, as if Hell itself had come to swallow Misato, she saw a red sphere.
Misato dove for the mic. "Its core is in its mouth!"
Several things happened at once. The Angel twisted onto Unit-02 and began closing its teeth around it. Inosuke sprinted across the Angel's back, slashing wildly and causing splashes of blood with each swing. Unit-02 tried to push against the Angel. Asuka yelled, "I can't hold it back!" The top part of the beak rose over the Eva so teeth encroached from both sides. Tanjiro, sword still aflame, leaped into the Angel's mouth, where he sprinted across the tongue.
The jaws shut around the top half of Unit-02. The Eva and the Angel fell into the ocean. The Eva's umbilical cable followed behind, quickly unspooling into the water. Inosuke, meanwhile, leapt from the Angel and landed clumsily on the deck of the ship. He quickly sprinted to the edge of the ship and began flailing his swords in the air as he looked down to the water.
"Tanjiro!" Shinji screamed over the mic.
Misato kept her grip on the mic. Shinji and Asuka were in danger, but Tanjiro was about to drown. Why had he dove into the Angel's mouth like that? There was no way this could end well.
"Tell me what's happening," Misato ordered.
Asuka's voice responded. "He's still moving toward the core. Is his sword glowing? What's he do—"
There was a loud crash. "He destroyed the core!" both voices shouted.
Misato stared out through the glass in disbelief. A one-armed, half-blind teenager had just killed an Angel, for the second time. It didn't seem real. Something she had long ago considered immature came to mind: hope. She'd accepted long ago that those who went out of view were often as good as dead. There was no use waiting for people to come home.
But, part of her hoped, and believed, that Tanjiro had survived.
"We've got him!" Asuka called out. "Pull us up!"
Misato ordered the members of the ship without thinking. They complied. For a moment, they seemed as stunned as she'd been when Inosuke had first held her car.
Unit-02's umbilical cable began returning. After several tense seconds, Unit-02's hand burst through the water. The Eva's head barely broke the surface before the hand lay on the desk and opened, revealing a still Tanjiro in the palm. Inosuke jumped onto the palm and checked Tanjiro.
Then, against all logic, as usual, Inosuke stood and formed a large 'O' with his arms.
"No way…" Asuka's voice came through the speakers. Her disbelief was obvious.
"Yeah," Shinji's voice responded. "You'd better get used to it. These guys will impress you a lot."
Misato took several steps back and covered her mouth. She wanted to whoop in joy and twirl in place, but there were still things to do. She turned to the ship's captain. "Send medics down there ASAP!"
"Of course!" the captain replied.
It was a victory. There'd even been less damage than with the previous Angel. Unit-02 climbed from the ocean. No buildings in Tokyo-3 had been harmed. No Eva was damaged. There were no casualties from the pilots or from the three. She did not wish to devalue those who perished in the ships which had fallen, but she was too overjoyed at how quickly and painlessly the battle had occurred. They even had a great sample of an Angel to collect here.
She looked to the two again. Inosuke was still standing over Tanjiro, who seemed to be waking up by himself.
"That kid," she muttered to herself with a smile.
Finally, she noticed that Zenitsu wasn't with them.