Chapter 14: End of the Nightmare
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Ninetri9: Okay, I just want to clear things up, since I am the only me left, that means that I haven't died even though the original and the other clone died, right?
Asuka: For the last time, yes that's right!
Kaitos: I'm beginning to wonder if something went wrong in the cloning procedure
Hunter: Let's hope that he doesn't start another war
Shinji: Hey, popcorn's ready!
Misato: Are we watching a movie?
Iak: Apparently so
Hikari: What are we watching?
Ninetri9: Oh, it's some action comedy movie about pirates
Kaji: That sounds familiar
Ninetri9: Oh, one other thing, I disclaim the movie
Asuka: Another thing you borrowed?
Ninetri9: Look at the brain on you
Shuri: Oh, the movie's about to start!
Keevan: Wait, we still haven't started the fiction
Misato: Don't worry; Pen-Pen's got it
Pen-Pen: Wark wark, Wark (the author doesn't own NGE, Gainax does). Wark, wark wark wark (He does own all original characters, and if there is any resemblance to real people or to characters of other stories, it is merely coincidental)
Rikku: Amen, now shut up, the movie is starting!
Kaitos: Pass the popcorn
Iak: Hey, turn the lights off
Ninetri9: sighCan we just enjoy the movie?
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Mindscape
Shinji Ikari was standing in front of the wounded Iak and Asuka. Before him was the malevolent spirit, Agric. Both are holding swords before themselves, preparing for the battle for control of the mindscape. Asuka and Iak stayed to the side, away from the action
The red-head looked on in amazement at the boy before her. Gone was the spineless boy that she knew. Now there was a brave young man, standing up to the evil that had plagued her. Knowing how much Shinji cared, Asuka did not even question the motives for the boy.
Iak held his side, attempting to stop his blood from flowing. He actually had a smile on his face as he watched Agric and Shinji face one another. On the one hand, he was frightened that Shinji would be killed, but on the other hand, he was surprised that he had learned to manipulate things in the mindscape. It had taken him a month to learn, which actually took years to learn.
Intent on giving the boy as much help as possible, Iak called out, "She favors her left side and aims for the side"
Shinji just dodged a swing and attempted to attack. Parrying, Agric smiled as she easily dodged the swings from the boy. He was both nervous and afraid, this being the first time that he ever actually fought someone like this.
Swinging from her left, Agric smiled as Shinji just barely blocked the attack. Following it up with a downward cleave, she laughed as the boy rolled awkwardly across the floor.
You surprised me with being able to manipulate in this realm, but it is really no help to you.
She then surprised Shinji by kicking him in the chest. Staggering backwards, the boy swung his sword frantically to block the attacks from Agric. He was breathing heavily as he warily watched the shadow circling him. Shinji knew that he would not be able to hold out for much longer, but he had to try. Feinting an attack on the left, he stepped in close and slashed upwards. Again Agric parried his attack, and again she kicked him.
Breathless, Shinji staggered backwards until he hit the wall. Leaning against it, he held his sword in front of him.
Tired already? Agric asked mockingly, I think that you want to end this, right?
Shinji didn't answer, sliding across the wall to get away from her. Hitting the corner of the room, he braced himself against it, sword held up before him. Agric lunged forward at the apparently trapped boy. The fiend was surprised by Shinji ducking under her swing and slashing her side only slightly. Screaming more in rage than from pain, Agric furiously swung her blade, cutting Shinji across the cheek.
Rolling past her, the brown headed boy stood, wavering slightly. The fatigue from the battle made it hard to hold up the sword in his hand.
Iak and Asuka were watching grimly as Shinji and Agric continued to fight. The fearful look on the German girl's face was a match to the grim look on Iak's face. Standing up painfully, the bird-man lifted his sword up
"Asuka, stay here" he said not looking at her.
The red-head was about to ask what he was going to do when he jumped into the fray. Tackling Agric, Iak was able to give Shinji a breather.
Well bird-boy, you have officially become more than just an annoyance. Agric hissed
She then lunged forward, her sword a flash of silver. Iak parried while grabbing her wrist.
Turning to the boy, Iak shouted, "Now Shinji!"
At first he was confused, and then his eyebrows rose as he got the idea. Picking up his sword, Shinji lunged forward, catching Agric in the side. He pushed the blade all the way through, but stopped when he heard an ear piercing shriek. Turning swiftly towards the source, his eyes widened as he saw Asuka on her knees, holding her side, which had begun to spill blood.
Well, isn't this an interesting predicament. It appears my bond to the girl has become so strong that whatever I feel, she feels.
She then kicked both of them in the chest, sending both staggering away. Sneering, Agric casually pulled the sword out of her side, taking care to cause pain to both her and Asuka. Though she winced in pain, she smiled as Asuka whimpered and clutched her side harder.
Shinji could only watch in horror as more blood spilled from her side. Rushing over, he helped Asuka up. Pulling up her shirt slightly, he was mortified to see that there was a deep cut in her side that blood was spilling out of. Tearing strips from his shirt, Shinji used them to make bandages to wrap around her side to staunch the bleeding
Iak stood by and processed this new revelation. With the bond becoming this powerful, a new strategy would be needed. As well as the need to go to the one place mind walkers, like himself, were forbidden to go in another's mind. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
He closed his eyes in concentration, and focused on the task at hand. Agric noticed and made to attack when a thick fog spread all over. Waving a hand and dispelling the fog, she was angry to see that the trio had disappeared.
No matter, they can run, but sooner or later I will find them.
She then disappeared, and soon afterwards the room disappeared.
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Real World
Kaji was trying out one of various Aerolan dishes, and was enjoying them.
"Hey missy, keep it coming" he called out with his mouth partially full
Rikku was watching with an amused smile on her face. Placing more food in front of him, she noticed Keevan running to and from his room.
"Hey kid, what's going on?" she called out
He yelled back, "Nothing!"
Hearing the tone in his voice, Rikku got up and followed him into his room. Inside, she saw that the glow from the circle was fluctuating from deep purple to a lighter purple.
"What's going on?" Rikku asked
The boy mage shuffled around nervously, not looking her in the eye. Putting her hands on her hips, Rikku assumed a pose like Asuka's.
"Keevan"
Biting his lip, the boy looked from the motionless forms in and around the circle to the stern looking woman before him.
He's not going to say anything, guess its time to change tactics
She then kneeled down so that she was eye to eye with the jittery boy.
With a calming voice, Rikku asked, "Come on, I'm not going to hurt you. Tell me what's going on, please?"
Seeing the calming expression on her face, Keevan took a deep breathe and said, "There may be problems with Iak, Shinji, and Asuka"
Confused, the female Aerolan asked, "What kind of problems?"
He pointed towards Iak, and Rikku followed to see that his side had a bandage wrapped around it, of which blood stained it. Gasping, she would have run over to the sitting Iak when Keevan grabbed her hand.
"It's not as bad as it looks, since he was injured in the mindscape his real world wounds are only a fraction the size. What really worries me is…" he began before looking towards the circle.
Following his gaze, Rikku gasped. Lying in a pool of her own blood was Asuka. The blood came from a wound in her side and appeared to be stopping.
"What happened?" came a voice behind them
The two turned to see a slightly drowsy Misato standing in the doorway. Panicking, Keevan looked towards Rikku for guidance. Walking up to Misato, the blonde woman took her gently by the arm and led her out of the room. Deciding to follow and see how his senior does, Keevan followed them out of his room.
"Katsuragi-san" she began, "why don't I get you something to eat. You must be very hungry after all that happened"
Picking up a beer, she handed it to her while picking up a couple of plates filled with food. Kaji was still there and was watching in amusement as Misato gave her beer cry.
"Yeah, that hit the spot!"
She then turned to see that Kaji was at the same table as she was. Frowning, she asked, "I forgot to ask last time, but why were you brought here?"
Smiling, the rough-faced man gave a brief summary of the events from the previous day. Feeling relieved, Rikku continued to cook for the other occupants of the building. Keevan was also relieved and decided to get something to eat. They were able to keep Misato from finding about the condition of her charges, and all was well. That is, until the others came into the kitchen. Sai was carrying one of his many laptops and was working on it when he sat down without looking. Fortunately, the ninja twins placed a chair for him to sit in at the right time.
Taking seats for themselves, Shuri pulled up a plate of green rice and passed it to Shara, who didn't even look up as she started to eat. Looking around, the twins held questioning looks on their faces.
"Hey, where are the lovebirds and bird-man?" Shara asked
Wincing, both Rikku and Keevan made silent gestures to silence the twins, but it was too late, they had gotten the attention of the two people they did not want directed towards the teens.
Looking up, Misato recalled the events prior to her sleep. She then got up and started out of the kitchen.
"I'm going to check up on them now"
Keevan panicked slightly, "U-um, don't y-you want to f-f-finish your breakfast first?"
Kaji got up as well, "Yeah, I think I'll go check on them as well"
Rikku looked at the boy mage with a look of resignation before going up to the pair leaving the room, "There is something you guys should know"
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Mindscape
Going through various hallways, Shinji and Iak ran while carrying Asuka between them. Although the wounds on Asuka and Iak seemed to be fading, they still leaked blood and caused them pain, so their going was slow. Every once in a while, the black winged Aerolan would lead them through a doorway and into a different hallway.
When asked where they were going, Iak would reply in bird-tongue. After a long run, Shinji collapsed, causing Asuka to fall on top of him and Iak to trip. Finding herself face to face with Shinji, Asuka flushed before the pain got back to her. Pulling himself and the red-head up, Shinji looked up to see that Iak was waiting in an open doorway. Motioning them to come, he silently went inside.
Following him, the two found themselves in a large white dome. In the very center was a large reddish crystal. Actually, it seemed to be amorphous, constantly changing its surface texture, but retaining its general shape. It seemed chaotic, and yet made a perfect harmonious feel. The only thing that broke the harmony was a small web of black on one side of it.
Finding Iak standing to one side of the crystal, Shinji went up to him while half carrying Asuka.
Looking towards the crystal, Asuka asked, "What is that?"
Making a gesture, he replied, "This is what my people would call, Asraq mon Hadat, the Heart of the Spirit. This is what is often referred to as the soul of a person"
Shinji then asked, "Is this Asuka's?"
Nodding, Iak then pointed to the web of black on it, "Yes, and this is Agric's"
Asuka then yelled, "How the hell did that get there!"
Rubbing his chin, Iak looked at the web without answering. The red-head was about to explode on the man when Shinji placed a hand on her shoulder. Giving it a gentle squeeze, he was able to get the fiery girl to calm down, slightly.
"Don't worry Asuka, we'll get her out, I promise" the boy said in a soothing voice.
Feeling butterflies in her stomach, Asuka didn't respond. She looked back towards the crystal, where Iak was prodding the dark patch on it. Seeing it wriggle made her feel slightly queasy, as though watching some slimy worm thing crawl around.
Iak then scratched at the dark patch slightly, also accidentally scratching against the red. When he did so, Asuka giggled slightly as she felt some thing tickle her. Looking quizzically at her, Iak lightly stroked the red crystal again, and again she giggled.
Shinji looked between the two and asked, "What are you doing?"
"It appears that I have been tickling her, which I apologize for" Iak said briefly before resuming whatever he was doing
He then frowned and squinted as he looked closer at the black patch he was attempting to remove. Again he prodded first that then the red around it, causing Asuka to laugh.
"Stop that!" she shouted
He seemed to not have heard as he continued to prod both sections, causing Asuka to roll around clutching her injured side laughing.
Shinji realized that she was put under too much stress and said, "Stop it, you're going to open her wounds again"
It was then that he peeled off the black web quickly. It felt to Asuka as though someone had placed a sticky patch on her arm and ripped it immediately off. Yelping, she was about to shout at him when she saw that he had pulled off all of Agric's spirit off of her spirit.
"Sorry about that, it was the best option I had for removing it. Now that it's gone, Agric's hold should be weak enough for a regular exorcism"
With incredulous looks, both Shinji and Asuka shouted in unison, "If it was so easy, then why did the other one fail?"
Shrugging, Iak placed the black web into a materialized globe, "There are many solutions to problems, and the challenge is finding the right one. To this problem, the most obvious was exorcism, but apparently actually going to the source and removing the taint was the correct solution"
Both Shinji and Asuka were staring at the man with the same expression of disbelief on their faces.
Smart, but unfortunately it will be of little use to you
Appearing on the far end of the dome was a deep and dark hole. Stepping through it was the malevolent spirit that plagued them.
This game has gone on far too long. Now it is time to end this
She then pulled out her sword again as she stalked closer
"Actually, you're right, it is time to end this foolishness" Iak said in a level tone
Both Asuka and Shinji were shocked beyond comprehension at the casual tone Iak spoke in. Again they were shocked as he lunged forward at blinding speed, grabbing the two in the process
Struggling, Asuka demanded, "What's going on?"
Not looking down, Iak's black wings spread to full length as he kicked Agric. He then took off straight up towards the top of the dome.
"We are going to back to the real world, and hopefully Agric will follow us most of the way"
Shinji turned around to see that the shadow was indeed following them. He then began to notice that everything was becoming blurry. Looking towards the others, he was surprised to see that they too were becoming blurry as well as seeming to be further away.
"Don't worry," came the Aerolan's voice, sounding distant, "this is normal, when you wake up, you'll be in your own bodies"
Shinji decided to trust him and let himself continue upwards. There was a flash of light, and then he lost consciousness.
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Real World
"WHAT IS GOING ON!"
Everyone else was wincing from the shrill shriek that came from Misato. She had been told everything and was now leaning against the glowing purple wall of light as she looked at Asuka lying in a pool of her own blood.
"D-d-don't worry M-Misato, the blood f-flow has s-s-stopped, s-so there s-should be n-no harm to her" Keevan said nervously
He was currently hiding behind Sai, who was hiding behind Rikku. Standing at the sidelines was a worried Kaji. He went up and held Misato in a light embrace
"Don't worry, the kids will be fine, they promised"
Whatever Misato was about to say was interrupted by Iak jumping back to his feet. The pair jumped in surprise, and while the others were less jumpy, they were still surprised.
"Keevan, finish the spell now!" he shouted as he grabbed the containment module.
Jumping, the boy ran towards his original spot on the circle and pulled out his wand. At the same time the purple glow vanished, to be replaced with its original glow.
Again he chanted,
"Phasmatis, caput capitis meus dico,
solvo thy habitum,
vel vos vadum cado,
licentia macies populus"
Over and over he canted, and out of Asuka's limp body was a black vapor. The more Keevan canted, the faster the vapor came out. Soon, a feminine figure formed from the vapor.
Looking around frantically, Agric began to yell, "No, this isn't supposed to happen!"
She turned to see that Iak had a three foot long glass tube that had mechanical parts on either end of it.
Opening one end of it, he said, "All good things must come to an end"
Iak then pressed a button that created an energy vortex that began to suck in the shrieking spirit. Her shrill voice was causing everyone except Keevan and Iak to wince in pain. They continued to cover their ears until Agric was completely encased in the tube, at which point all sound from her was muted.
Slumping to the ground, Iak and Keevan both sighed in relief. Misato and Kaji were still in shock as the others came forward to congratulate the two.
The two finally pulled themselves out of their stupor and rushed to the pilots' side, who were both still unconscious.
"Let them sleep" Rikku said, who was cradling a half-asleep Iak in her arms.
Misato nodded and picked up Asuka while Kaji carried Shinji. Answering their questioning looks, Shuri led them to the pilots' room.
"These kids sure look worn out" Kaji commented
Bringing a med pack, the ninja said, "A trip through the mindscape can wear anyone out. I better treat Asuka's wounds before they get infected"
Misato lifted up her shirt enough to expose the wound in her side. Looking hard at it, Shuri pulled out a jar and some bandages. Although the wound was crusted over and no blood spilled out, he was still careful in his application of the salve. Finishing with gauze and bandages, Shuri stood back up while dusting his hands.
"That should hold. Now we let them sleep and in no time they should be back to normal"
Sighing in relief, Misato said, "I'm glad that's over"
Kaji grabbed her hand and led her out of the room, "We better let them rest"
Nodding, she followed Kaji and Shuri out of the room, leaving two peacefully sleeping teens in a darkened room.
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Hunter: That was quite a movie, funny and exciting
Kaitos: I liked the part where the pirates were fighting as zombies
Shara: Why do you insist on focusing on the most disgusting parts?
Ninetri9: He's overly morbid
Asuka: No, really?
Misato: Now, now, no need to get testy because someone didn't put the moves on you
Asuka: What!
Kaji: Yeah, I kind of noticed that you were looking towards Shinji a lot
Asuka: blushIt's not like that!
Hikari: Hey, I'm going to the store to pick up some stuff, you guys want anything?
Ninetri9: No beer
Misato: What!
Pen-Pen: Wark!
Hunter: That my be a good idea, the last time Misato got drunk was not a pretty sight
Rikku: Oh yeah, she gave new definition to crazy
Misato: I wasn't that drunk!
Kensuke: I beg to differholds up group of photos
Everyone looks through the pictures with varying looks of disgust, shock, and embarrassment
Misato: How the hell did you get these pictures?
Shuri: How can you bend like that?
Kaitos: Yikes!
Shinji: Faints
Asuka: Mein gott, you are so disgusting Misato
Kaji: Oh boy, I can't believe you took a picture of that
Iak: I'm leaving
Touji: Hey, check this picture out! Money shot!
Ninetri9: In order to maintain my rating, I will end this now. Thanks for reading. Please give your input, but be nice. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.