A/N: I'm only gonna say this. If you got something negative to say, don't say anything. But if you're too immature to do that, at least leave a signed review so it shows that you're not a coward hiding behind anonymity. Those types are cowards as far as I'm concerned. And for the record, the other flamer who left a signed review did come forward but for other reasons and did apologize. So I ask that he be left alone if anyone still has a beef with him.
A/O/N: And in case anyone is wondering, I did not give out an advertising permit to a certain someone who wants everyone to kiss his/her ass. I don't give out permits to such arrogant people.
A/O/O/N: Remember, the italics mean English speaking.
A/O/O/O/N: Now to the current situation. The 6th Black Angel has been spotted. Time for our heroes to take action. Willing to go into space, and beyond to save the world, and more importantly, their sorry asses.
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It was indeed a wonderful evening for Hikari Horaki. She remembered the advice Elly had given her a while ago, and decided to put it to good use. Swallowing all her pride and everything else that dared to hold her back, she had finally asked if Toji would go with her to this "Shoeless Joe's" restaurant. Asuka had told her that this restaurant had more American style tastes, but she would still like it.
In front of her, she had what was called a Nacho Supreme. It did indeed taste good, but it was not something a girl should be eating on a daily basis. Toji, who was sitting opposite to her, was definitely enjoying the Buffalo styled chicken wings he had ordered.
Hikari seemed to be the only one who could see the true side of Toji that no one else could. From the outer appearance, he seemed to be just big dumb jock like his EVA teammate Zack. Or others like Asuka would see only that he was some idiotic stooge like Kensuke or like Shinji so as Asuka figured not so long ago. Deep down, he was indeed a very nice and very kind person who cared for those he loves, just like Shinji cared for his loved ones.
"Hey Hikari? You there?"
That remark brought her back to reality. She saw the look of concern on his face disappear when he realized he had her attention once more. However, Hikari's dreamy look had turned into complete embarrassment. "U-uh ye-yea I'm h-here," she said.
"Good. Had me worried there for a moment," the Fourth Child responded. And there it was, the genuine kindness that Toji could show. The kindness that Hikari was always trying to show Asuka that he had. The kindness that could make the former class rep blush with infatuation.
After Toji paid for their dinner (yes he did like every guy taking his girl out should), the unlikely pair made their way back towards Hikari's residence. They silently agreed to take their time going back, to drag this wonderful night out as much as possible. So far, according to Hikari as she rested her head on Toji's shoulder and clung to his arm, the evening had gone just fine. But there was just one thing left on her agenda. And that was to finally tell Toji how she felt. But could she do it? She had come close so many other times, but something would always come up and crush her hopes.
Could she do it?
"Toji?"
"Y-yeah? What is it Hikari?" asked the boy.
Their eyes had now locked with each other. This was so much harder in real life then it was in the movies and books she had seen. Some may say it's not so difficult to say those three words, but in Hikari's mind, they were obviously lying out their asses. Also, people liked to maintain the delicate balance they had in their relationships that they could make with others. But those three words can do a tremendous amount to such a bond. It can either make that relationship grow and flourish when both sides know and accept what the other thinks. But if one is not capable or does not wish to accept the other's thoughts, that delicate balance can simply vanish.
"I… what I w-want t-to say… err… t-tell you i-is…"
Toji was confused. Hikari had been stuttering like this all night. Tell him? What did she want to tell him? Could it be what he and some others were suspecting? That the former class rep had feelings for him? He assumed that had to be the case, as she was always nice to him specifically, she brought him lunch every so often; she stood up for him when the redheaded devil Asuka was on one of her rampages. Could it be?
Hikari needed another approach. In her mind, this first plan was not working. So she tried her second plan. It was more direct, but she had to tell him, and in any way, shape, or form.
"Can you close your eyes for a second?" she asked him sweetly, "and not to open them until I tell you?"
Once he obeyed, she put her backup plan in place. It still was nerve wracking, but she had to do this otherwise she'd feel as if she betrayed her feelings. Slowly, she reached out with her arms and placed them around his neck in a hug-like fashion. He jumped, but only for a second.
"Do I need to keep my eyes closed?"
"J-just a l-little longer."
She was almost there. Using Toji's neck to support herself, she stood on her tiptoes as she moved her face closer to his. She was so close; she could feel his breath on her face. She closed her eyes as she was about to kiss him when…
The city's alarm went off. The sudden shock startled them both that they each took two steps back. Toji had a look of confusion on his face from whatever the hell just happened, and Hikari was blushing an Asuka red from the shock.
Toji however, knew his incoming duty and quickly regained his composure. "Hikari, we can deal with this later. Get to a shelter quickly!"
And with that, he took off towards NERV HQ. As Hikari watched her warrior go off to prepare to do battle, a single tear fell down her cheek.
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Meeting Room
"So it's going to be up to NERV to take action then."
"So it seems. The UN seems to enjoy dumping things on our hands."
Gendo Ikari was at a meeting with his committee. Matters could be dealt with much easier here because they were not nearly as edgy as the committee prior to 3rd Impact. Even better, is that none of them were affiliated with SEELE.
"Regardless, it will still be up to us to deal with this matter, before it becomes evident that the world leaders covered up the fact that the comet, which is now a Black Angel, strikes the planet," said Gendo.
Another member spoke up, "So how exactly are you going to stop this Black Angel?"
"Major Katsuragi, who is also the Director of Operations, will explain," answered Gendo. "Step forward."
Misato did as her commander ordered. Then she began to explain the operation. "Although the United States, nor Russia is willing to send their own men into space, they are willing to assist us with any attempts we wish to make."
"Elaborate," shot up a committee member.
"Like what we did with when we had the nuclear threat in space, we are going to send EVAs into space. Dr Akagi knows the specifics. But in a nutshell, with the assistance of two NASA shuttles plus a few extra rockets, we will send Units 05 and 06 into space. They will land directly on the comet. Once on the comet, they will drill a hole deep into the comet, plant an N2 mine down the hole, and blow the comet up before it impacts the planet."
Another member raised his hand. "Send Unit 06 into space? But the Seventh Child lacks the experience necessary for space combat."
"That is definitely the case," replied Misato. "But the Sixth and Seventh share a rather… close bond. I'm sure they can make this operation work out. And on top of that, it would be best to send as many EVAs as we can into space to beat this Black Angel."
After getting approval from the committee members, Misato returned to Central Dogma to sort out the plans with Ritsuko.
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Virtual Simulation Room
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it."
"Alright, but how many times will I have to throw up before I'm used to it?"
"Three."
"Well I'm at two now, so if I throw up anymore than three times, I'll be a bitching!"
Zack and Elly were both training on the virtual simulator with Units 05 and 06. They were being prepared as much as possible to go into space to fight the Black Angel that was looming towards them. Zack was quickly getting used to all the controls to function the many jet thrusters on Unit 05, while Elly had virtually thrown up twice from all the flips, spins, and sudden movements on Unit 06.
Ritsuko then opened up a com to the two pilots. "Okay you two, take a breather. You are both doing well as far as I'm concerned," she said to the two pilots in the simulator. "Anyways, we need to discuss how we are going to suit you two up for battle. Obviously, you'll both have E-type equipment so you two can fight up there." But then she faced Elly on the screen. "But Elly, we think that it would be best for you to also use the A-type equipment as well."
"A-type? Why do I need heavy armour mate?" asked pinkheaded girl.
"Well if there are any enemies residing on that comet that we don't know about, you'll be better protected since you're not as experienced as Zack in hand to hand or distance combat. And besides, your EVA is the only one that can use all types of equipment we can provide from A through E.
"Ah I see." She grinned at Zack, "I'm better protected than you. I always thought the guys were supposed to wear protection."
"No fair!" joked Zack. But he then turned to Ritsuko with the serious look back. "So now that we know who's got what equipment, what do we have in terms of weapons and bomb equipment?"
"Since Elly has the A-type equipment, it will be harder for her to move in close range combat. So she will be equipped with a positron rifle for distanced combat, and a progressive sword. Zack, you will get a pellet pistol and a progressive sword for in close combat." After looking at more of her papers, she continued, "Elly will have the drilling equipment, and you will carry the warhead with the N2 mine incased inside. You two get all that?"
"Roger!" replied the two pilots.
"Good, now get back to your training. We leave for America in four hours. Later, I will brief you both as to how you will land on the comet once in space."
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Supersonic Jet
Since Zack was one of her five charges, she had to go with him to the NASA Space Center in Florida. Ritsuko told her she may likely be there for a day or two, so she would ask one of the bridge bunnies, likely Maya to look after Asuka, Shinji, and Ivana. Hopefully Maya would be able to deal with the three. She remembered the conversation she had with the three before she left.
Flashback to two hours ago at NERV HQ
"Okay you three listen up!" ordered Misato. "I'm leaving the country for the United States. Since Casanova is under my charge, I must go with him. Once we defeat this Black Angel, it will likely be a few days before we get back. In that time, you will be under the supervision of Lt. Maya Ibuki."
"So we won't be without a slob for a few days!" retorted Asuka. "Why the sharp attitude then?"
Misato did not feel like arguing with Asuka at the moment so she ignored her and got straight to the point. "The point is, I want you three, especially you Asuka, on your best behaviour while I'm gone. If Maya reports one infraction from any of you, you will all feel my wrath when I get back."
"What? More yelling than usual?" shot back Asuka.
"If you wish to test that theory, then give Maya a hard time then Asuka," answered Misato. "And then you will see what happens. Then you will wish it was Gendo Ikari being your guardian instead." Once Misato noticed that Asuka remained silent, she continued with a grin on her face, "And two more things. Shinji and Asuka, you two will not be having sex while I'm gone." Once she got the blushing result from the two from her order/tease, she continued. "And if you do, I will find out. And by no means whatsoever, do you three go into my stash of beer. I know exactly how many cans are in there, and I have my ways of finding out if you girls and guy went into my beer. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am," the three in unison replied.
"Good," said Misato with a smile and a wink. "Have fun."
Flash forward
Perhaps it was for the better that Zack would be out of the apartment for some time, even for a week at least. However, this Black Angel would put a temporary halt on the plan to bring Rei home by the end of the week. She had vastly improved over the last week since she had awoken from her coma. She still could not stand on her own, but she was now able to sit up by herself although with great effort. And she still could not move her forearms or forelegs. But the good news was that Rei's mind had now completely registered with her new body, and that standing on her own, let alone walking was only a matter of time.
Misato eased herself back into the chair with her can of Yebisu in hand. She looked around the plane. Ritsuko was looking over some information that Misato had no clue about. Misato figured that it was probably something to do with the drilling scheme to defeat the Black Angel. Zack was reading a manual on space flight and how to use the E-Type equipment. Elly on the other hand, had dozed off while reading her manual on how to fight with the A-Type equipment. She was currently resting her head on Zack's shoulder. He didn't seem to mind though.
According to Ritsuko, this was pretty much a one shot plan. But the best one they could think of. Conventional weapons would not be able to penetrate the Black Angel's AT Field, so landing the EVAs on the comet was the only task. Once on the comet, they would send a drill deep into the comet's surface, arm the N2 mine and get off that comet when it blows. Ritsuko said they could use the AT Fields to defend themselves from the explosion and the debris. And if that failed, the planet would likely be doomed. Unless a miracle happened and Shinji and/or Asuka were able to bring out their EVA's wings like they had before. But that in itself was a long shot.
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Little to anyone's knowledge was that an interloper was on the NASA premises. The interloper was about average height. But the thing about him that stood out the most was that he was wearing a hood. He watched as NASA workers prepared for the arrivals of EVA Units 05 and 06 to be equipped with the necessary equipment.
"Ah, it truly is fascinating to see how hard these humans work together to protect their existence when it is threatened," he said aloud.
"But when their existence is threatened, they couldn't care less whether the man or woman next to them is dead," said a female's voice coming from apparently nowhere. "This pathetic trend of switching between caring and not caring must be stopped. Hopefully Nebuchadnezzar can deliver on his word to cleanse this planet of its sin. In a sense, we offer them salvation from the wrath of God when he plans to punish them."
The hooded man looked to his right. Another hooded person faded into view, only this person was much smaller than he was, unlike the one who was much larger than he was. Now he spoke to this smaller person. "And if Nebuchadnezzar fails, then our impatient friend will have someone else to take his frustration out on. By the way, has he cooled down yet?"
"He has finally," replied the smaller hooded person speaking with the female voice. "And the last thing I want is him throwing another tantrum," she said. "So this had better work."
The man attempted to speak, but the hooded woman continued. "Also, does SEELE know that there is more than just you and him to answer to? Do they know about me and the other two? I cannot help but have this feeling that Keel is going to try and go over you. He has 9 EVAs at his disposal."
"He will not dare. If I sense he may, I will introduce you and the other two. When he knows that he has five of us to answer to, he will fall back in line or else… he'll live again. And I know he will not want that after existing for thousands of years."
The woman allowed herself a smile. "And the young one also has a report that his special project is currently on schedule."
"Good Glad to know that Project V is also on schedule too. Now if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. All I ask is that you let the humans do as they will. We must give them a fair chance to fight back, as to make this moment as good as possible." And with that he faded from view.
So now the woman was by herself watching the preparations in front of her. Suddenly, another hooded person appeared. This one was only as small as a child though. "Did you tell him about Project V?" asked the small one, with the voice of a seven-year-old boy.
The hooded woman lowered herself to his level. "Of course he did sweet-cheeks," she replied with the tone of a mother. "He was most pleased indeed. I'm sure though that when the subject of Project V is finished, he can't wait to have another crack at them. A certain one especially he can't wait to have another crack at."
"So when's Nebbie gonna crash into the planet?"
"Soon my dear, said the woman. "Soon."
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Seven hours later
Just like the last time Misato was in America, there was a flurry of activity around her as people were making preparations on Units 05 and 06. The equipment on Unit 05 was like she remembered it was. Jet thrusters on the shoulders, backs of the knees, and one on the elbow of each arm. Also, Unit 05 had more armour protecting the head and upper chest. Unit 06 however, was vastly different. Its jet thrusters were in the same places as Unit 05's. But the difference was that Unit 06's thrusters were much larger than Unit 05's and the pink EVA also had much more armour on it than before, making it look bigger and thicker.
The supersonic jet had finally landed in Florida at the NASA HQ there after a long nine hour flight. There was not much time to relax once they had landed. Misato and Ritsuko had gone to the computer room in NASA HQ where many technicians would monitor the space shuttle whenever they would be in orbit and satellites too. Misato watched as Ritsuko helped the technicians format the computers to be able to understand everything they needed to know about the EVAs and whatnot.
Ritsuko took a break for a moment and joined Misato. "Tough isn't it?"
"What is?" asked Misato.
"Not really being able to understand what's going on because of a simple language barrier huh?"
"Well I have somewhat of an idea what's going on. You guys are fixing up the computers so they have the necessary knowledge of the EVA and whatever else they need to know. And as far as I know, English is supposed to be one of the hardest languages in the known world."
Ritsuko smiled. "Well at least you're not totally clued out. Why don't you ask Zack to teach you English? I'm sure he wouldn't mind teaching you."
Misato returned a crazed woman look. "You think I would ask for the assistance of somebody who is just as perverted as Kaji if not more?"
"Why not? Rei is learning English from Elly. And she is getting better at it too."
"Maybe," said Misato. A thought then came to her. "Speaking of Zack and Elly, where are those two anyway?"
"They're in the training facility last I checked," replied Ritsuko. "I think Zack is teaching Elly how to fight with those bamboo sticks they brought." As she sipped her coffee, another question came to her mind. By the way, who's going to be watching Shinji, Asuka and Ivana? We will not be able to get back right away once this Black Angel is defeated."
Misato raised a finger with a grin on her face. "Well, out of the top three candidates that I myself had handpicked, I decided to ask Lt. Maya Ibuki to watch the kids."
"Maya you say," said Ritsuko as she sipped her coffee again. "Who were the other two?"
"Commanders Fuyutski and Ikari."
"Good choice."
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NASA Training Facility
The training facility was where the trainee and veteran astronauts would be trained for making the trip into outer space, being able to move in space, and handling the many other conditions that the final frontier had to offer.
However, the two occupants currently inside the facility at the moment were not using the training equipment. One of the occupants was a girl who had shoulder length pink hair, a pink bodysuit with pink hair clips. The other one was a boy had short brown hair, and a green bodysuit with green hair clips. They both held bokkens, which were wooden sticks shaped like swords. The girl was trying as hard as she could to hit the boy with her stick, but he was able to block her every attack.
The girl attacked and attacked again. But he blocked her every attack with little effort. She would attack him like she was swinging an ax. Like him, she was right handed. So when she swung to her left, he swiftly got around her right shoulder and quickly tripped her up.
"Elly, you need to be able to let one attack smoothly flow into another. Making a bunch of chops is not going to help you make any process in battle," said the boy helping the girl to her feet.
"Hey!" shot back Elly stomping her foot. "I'm not as skilled as you are Zack!"
"Hey calm down," replied Zack. "You need to be calm when attacking your foe. If you were to attack in a blind rage, then even the weakest of foes can beat you." He put an arm around her. "Take a deep breath, relax your mind, and we'll continue. And remember to let your moves flow into each other so you don't get caught making a sloppy move."
Elly took a few deep breaths, each one slower than the last. When she was sure she was completely calmed and relaxed, she raised her bokken at Zack again.
She attacked at his left shoulder on a 45 degree angle, making him raise his bokken to his left to block her assault. Quickly thinking, she brought her stick over to his right shoulder on a 60 degree angle. Once more, he blocked her attack. But she had an idea up her sleeve. She turned her weapon inward and forced Zack's bokken outside and she could advance inside.
Zack was surprised at her maneuver. Using his superior strength, he pushed her bokken back outside and backpedaled. "Much better," he said with a smile on her face. When he saw the smile of encouragement on his girlfriend's face, he continued. "Although that was much better, I sort of let you have that one. I'm going to be more defensive now though."
"Aww," Elly began to pout. "Then I'll never be able to hit you."
"As we spar, if you force me to make an unorthodox move or make me move around sharply, then you're on the right track. Again."
Elly attacked once more. This time, it was an overhead cleave. Zack placed his weapon on a 90 degree angle in comparison to Elly's weapon and blocked her attack. She then V-stepped to her left and delivered a 360 degree spin cut.
After Zack blocked this one, he spoke again. "Be careful when administering those unorthodox moves. The slightest flaw in such a move can leave you wide open for a counter attack. That move was well delivered, but be cautious, understand?"
"Yeah, I get it," replied the pinkhead. "But it's hard to hit you with simple attacks."
Zack tried to comfort her. "It's not your fault Elly. I just have had more experience than you in this sort of combat. You are not doing badly for a beginner. Mastering the sword is not a short and easy path."
Elly had a question. "What if I were to use two swords instead of one?"
Zack had a grim look on his face as he answered her question. "That is an excellent ability that comes with a very high risk. Using two swords deviates far away from the sword's original purpose. Much more flow and concentration is required in this case, because it's very easy to mess up and look very sloppy. So I would just stick with one right now."
"Wow. My knight knows a lot about swords," said Elly. "I guess that makes me a warrior princess then."
"It sure does," replied Zack with a big grin on his face. "Tell ya what. If my princess can hit me even once, even a nick, she gets to kiss me."
"Yay!" Elly jumped for joy. She then raised her bokken once more. "You'd better be ready. I want my kiss!"
And she came at him again, with more determination than before.
Misato now entered the room. She had gotten bored of watching the technicians make the preparations on the EVAs, and she wanted to speak to the two EVA pilots before they took off into space. She saw Elly attacking Zack with a wooden stick that appeared be shaped like a sword with all her might. She thought for a moment that they were fighting, but as she heard Zack's coaching in what she figured was English over their clashing, she calmed down and watched.
"Elly, you're not making any progress," said Zack as he blocked her last attack. "If you can control my central line, you control the battle."
Elly tried to obey her boyfriend's advice. She was indeed getting better as they fought. Once he blocked another overhead cleave, she did two things. She forced his bokken to his right, and stepped to his left, thus if he were to face her, his weapon would be behind him and she would have a clear shot at his side. As a result he quickly backed off and out of her reach.
"Excellent," was Zack's response to Elly's last move. "You forced me to move. If I couldn't back up, I would have been in serious trouble. Again."
The Australian attacked the Canadian. Zack noticed her attacks were getting slower as she was trying to focus more on the flow of her moves. "Faster Elly. Faster. Destroy my focus."
This training was by no means easy. Elly thought to herself that she was by no means cut out for this. All this over taking a tank for a joyride. Now she could have sworn for sure that her drink at that restaurant was spiked before she went to the military base. And just like that, she had become an EVA pilot under the threat of going to a juvenile prison. Now he was telling her to go faster. But he wouldn't be giving her bad advice though. She gripped her weapon tighter and intensified her ferocity.
Zack noticed Elly indeed tried to take her attacks up a notch. However, her attacks did not flow as well as they used to. "You're holding your weapon too tightly." Suddenly, he managed to knock her weapon out of her hand and it fell to the ground. "Now too lightly. But I must say you have improved a lot."
"Hey! Don't you know to go easy on a girl? You jerk!" Elly was indeed frustrated.
Zack was silent a moment before speaking. "That hurt Elly. That hurt indeed," he said with a frown on his face. But then his face lightened up. "But a promise is a promise. If you could hurt me, you get your kiss."
Elly didn't hesitate a moment longer before capturing the boy in a long, bur tender kiss. As she kissed him, she felt one of his hands around her waist, and the other one caressing her hair.
Misato unfortunately had to watch the two make out in the room. She wanted to interrupt them, but at the same time, they may not get another moment like this because of the looming Black Angel.
Misato then realized that this person kissing the pink haired girl was indeed the real Zack Harper. Sure the guy could be the smartest idiot the world had ever seen, but at the same time, he could be one of the nicest and most loyal people you could have on your side. He indeed was a knight in jester's clothing. Once they finished their minute or so long kiss, she decided to speak to them.
Zack noticed her first. "Hey Misato. What's up?" he asked switching back to Japanese.
"Just came to talk to you guys," his guardian replied. She then motioned to Elly. "Elly, could you just go wait over there. I have something I wish to tell Casanova before you two go into space. Once I'm done talking to him, I want to talk to you after."
"All right mate," said Elly. "I'll be right over here."
Once Elly walked out of earshot, Zack was curious as to why Misato asked her to go out of earshot. "So, what's up Misato?"
"Zack, you know there is a very high potential that this plan may not work right?"
"Obviously," replied Zack. "Planting a bomb on a comet to stop it from impacting the planet is an extremely high risk. I've seen all the movies about it. What is your real concern?" he asked, seeing past Misato's question.
Misato glanced at Elly for a moment before returning to face Zack. "I'm worried about Elly. She does a good job of hiding it, but I can tell she is scared of going into space."
Zack was surprised. "Are you sure?"
Misato put her hands on his shoulders. "She is absolutely terrified. Knowing what a noble person you really are when you're not pissing off Asuka, I ask that you stand by her throughout this ordeal. And since we do not know what is on that comet, do not expect her to be able to fight as efficiently as she usually can. Are you ready for that?"
Zack grinned. "Of course I will. I love her Misato. If we are still together sometime down that road, I'd marry her one of these days."
"Good," said Misato. "One more thing. And you didn't hear this from me. I ask, no I wish for you to put her safety before the planet's safety. Even if means you have to defy Commander Ikari or Fuyutski. If you two are to die on this mission, she wouldn't want to die alone. You may not be able to have the same powers that Shinji and Asuka have, but your love for her is just as big as Shinji's love for Asuka." She paused for a moment. "Can I have your word that you will do everything you can to keep her safe?"
Zack had his usual grin of confidence. "Count on it."
Misato then wrapped the self-proclaimed Casanova into a tight hug and kissed him on the cheek. "You may not know this, but regardless of blood, you are like my son," she said with tears streaming down her face. "Regardless of all your stupid antics, I have never hated you once. I love you like I love Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Ivana."
"Thanks Misato," replied the Canadian trying not to cry himself. "You're like the mother I never had too."
Misato finally broke the embrace. "Good. Now wait here while I go speak with Elly."
Elly noticed that Misato was coming towards her. She had sat down on a bench and was pondering her thoughts while Misato was talking to Zack. The fact that she was coming over meant that she was finished talking with Zack. She wondered what the Director of Operations would say to her.
Misato sat down next to her. "Hey Elly. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing okay," said Elly who had her head bowed down.
Misato put an arm around her. "If something's bothering you Elly, there's no shame in saying what's bothering you."
Elly was quiet for a moment. Misato could see the tears dripping onto her pink plugsuit. "I… I… I'm s-scared of going up there." As she finished her sentence, she broke down crying. "I want to help. But I know I'll only get in his way," she sobbed into Misato's shoulder who had pulled her into an embrace.
Misato tried to console the poor girl. "Elly. As far as I'm concerned, you're doing a very noble and honourable thing by piloting the EVA into space. Not many people could do what you're going to do." She then pulled the crying girl out of the embrace to stare into her tear soaked eyes. "And on top of that, I think Zack really likes the fact that the one he loves is going up there with him."
"Really?" asked Elly.
"I'm serious," answered Misato with a smile. "And I can bet that your support alone is stronger than any weapon he can take into battle. I'm sure he thinks he can do anything on your support alone. So dry your tears, and stand side by side with him when you go up there."
"Thank you mate," said Elly. "I'll do my best. I won't let you down."
"Good. Now go spend your remaining time with him. You will be departing soon for battle."
As Misato left the training facility, Zack and Elly were alone again. Zack noticed her face was a little puffy. "Hey are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm okay mate," the pink haired girl replied. "Just a little scared that's all."
Zack pulled her into a hug. "Hey don't worry. I'm here for you. I love you. We're in this together. However this goes, we'll be together until the end."
"Thank you, my knight in shining armour, or in your case, my love in a green plugsuit." She wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him into a kiss.
Zack wasted no time in returning her affections. Gripping her hips, he hoisted her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist and kiss him even deeper.
After a minute or so, she broke off the kiss and rested her head on his shoulder, like a baby would rest on its parent's shoulder.
"Hey Zack," Elly whispered in his ear. "How much time do we have left before it's time to go?"
"We have about 85 minutes. Why do you ask?"
She whispered into his ear again. "Can we go to your room? I have something I want to show you." She kissed him quickly. "And only you," she finished with a seductive tone.
And with that, they went off towards his temporarily assigned room.
A/N: And so next time, Zack and Elly will travel into space and beyond to tackle the biggest threat yet! What threats await on that evil rock as it approaches the planet? Does the English speaking duo have what it takes to destroy something that is the size of France? Will I pass my exam tomorrow? Find out next time!
A/O/N: Since my prereader is AWL (Absent with leave), this chapter is not preread. I had another prereader in the works, but my patience with him was dispersed by my Anti-Matter Cannon 3000.
A/O/O/N: I kinda got the Zack/Elly training idea from Star Wars: The Clone Wars chapter 2. Except Zack and Elly are less skilled than Jedi unfortunately.