Hi guys, Calborghete here, how are you all? I hope everyone is doing well.
Don't forget to like the page on Facebook, the direct link can be found on my Fanfiction profile page, or if you prefer search for "Calborghete" and locate an image of Shinji and Asuka. On this page I will post updates and it will also be easier for you to contact me.
So now without further ado, enjoy your reading.
"Dialogues"
- Thoughts -
"Radio Talk"
"Self talk."
Liability Note:
Evangelion, its characters and setting are the property of Hideaki Anno. Any brands, movies and series mentioned in this Fanfic are the property of their creators.
(*)
Chapter 25 - Today is the Day.
Wunder sailed softly over the skies of the oceans, passing delicately through the clouds that decorated the skies with their infinite shapes, showing various images, for many they meant messages from the creator, for others mere coincidence.
Their significance to the Wunder crew varied, most never stopping to appreciate the natural show the clouds were putting on for them, for their attention was on something else, something that for many was traumatic.
To a person, the clouds didn't matter, Misato was standing looking at her command bridge, her eyes could see all the chaos that reigned, Ritsuko was beside her at her console screen giving her updates, many things were happening inside Wunder.
Her eyes travel everywhere but to the clouds outside, she could see the look of fear and confusion her subordinates had, Hyuga was typing frantically, giving commands on his console, ordering Wunder's defenses to save more lives, but his hands were shaking, his eyes showed that Hyuga was fighting hard to keep control of his body, but he was at his limit.
Falling into Shigeru, Misato could see before the man who could very well hold the pressure, how he always kept his posture calm while playing his imaginary guitar, always had a smile on his face, a smile that could reassure everyone around him, now they were serious, she could see him talking frantically over the radio, giving orders to numerous squads fighting the invaders.
Misato traveled her eyes to the other members, Tama was close to collapsing, his eyes were wide open, she could see he was in shock, not believing what his eyes were seeing, it was hard to see the people he worked with for so long being attacked and killed by other people they thought were his allies.
Misato looked at the person next to her, previously the pink haired girl, the person who wanted Shinji's death at all costs, nothing could change that, but by irony of fate this reality caught up with her, how she was forced to forget everything she was taught, it must be hard not knowing who to trust, each place telling you to act differently.
Soon his eyes fell on Koji, the man who knew Kaji, the man who was a kind of father to the younger ones on the bridge, how he always managed to keep order, not letting anything slip from his eyes, a completely fair and honest person, now he was fighting to keep Wunder in the air, fighting not to let the proud vessel of the WILLE plummet from the skies, everyone's lives were always in his hands.
Sumire, the young and mysterious girl who controlled Wunder's gravity and AT field, was glassy-eyed keeping what controls she could, fighting an outside invader trying to take over the ship by attacking remotely.
Misato let out a long sigh, she knew something like this could happen, Kaji had warned her earlier, the JSSDF soldiers always had a strong feud with NERV, never liking to take second place, Misato knew they were just waiting for a little excuse to be able to do what they were doing now.
Turning her head slowly to the side, Misato looked at her former friend, the way she was typing commands to keep them from losing control over NERV's systems.
Ritsuko had always been a person of many secrets, Misato couldn't deny, he still felt a small resentment that she had tried to take her anger out on Shinji instead of going after the real culprit.
Locking her eyes on the display in front of her, Misato could see that things were serious, she knew that her men would give their all against the invaders, she only hoped that they could fight back, knowing that she would have many casualties, but like any commander, she could not let herself be defeated too easily.
Closing her eyes, Misato thought of everything that had happened up to this point, of this her father taking her to watch an incredible discovery, of the second impact, she still didn't know how she had survived, was fate on her side? That she didn't know, but somehow she survived.
A slight smile appeared on her face, the memory of when she first met Shinji, the day the fourth angel attacked, that was the day Shinji came into her life, when he was standing in front of a public telephone waiting for her, but as usual she was late.
Misato caught herself wondering why she took him into her home, was it the selfish feeling of loneliness she had? The desire to be a mother that the second impact denied her? Or the simple reason of having to keep an eye on Shinji? Misato didn't know the answer to that, she only knew the feeling that was born inside her at having taken in a shy and abandoned boy.
Abandoned? Misato wondered as he learned that Shinji had been dropped by his father at his aunt and uncle's doorstep, how he was left behind by the person who should have been by your side protecting you, but Gendo didn't do that.
Misato knew well the feeling of loss, she knew what it was like to have an absent father in her life, a father who never showed affection or attention, Misato still wondered why her father tried to reapproach her in her last days, but she would never get the chance to ask.
Still with her eyes closed, the world to Misato seemed to be in slow motion, she knew she shouldn't be thinking about Shinji at a time like this, Wunder needed her, Asuka and Mari who were outside needed her, but Shinji wouldn't leave her mind, nothing could change that.
Feeling as if her metal cross weighed a ton, Misato soon caught herself thinking about the day Shinji awoke, the day he came back into her life after fourteen years, the way all the feelings she had fought so hard to repress came back with force.
A flash of memory of Shinji's face wanting an answer came into her head, but she sadistically took no notice then, with a wry laugh as she learned what came next, the how she thought she could forget her former protégé, but his arrest only showed otherwise.
Knowing that she had made an unforgivable mistake, how she had let herself be led by the people around her, how Misato had let herself be led by her anger against Gendo who had been blinded to see that the poor boy in front of her that day was just a mere victim like everyone else inside that ship, but she had done nothing, just as she had ordered Shinji to do that day. Nothing.
Misato heard a small cry of elation from Ritsuko as she finished typing on her console, looking at the scene, Misato could see that she had succeeded in stopping the remote attack, but that didn't seem like something to celebrate, nodding slightly at the new information, Misato closed her eyes again.
"Shinji." Misato whispered still with her eyes closed, knowing that he was now in Wunder's detention sector, from Ritsuko's information, that was the place the invading troops had already passed, knowing that he was most likely dead now.
A loud thud was felt on the bridge, loud enough to knock everyone out of their seats, loud enough to break Misato's train of thought, soon sounds of gunshots echoed through the room, but unlike in other sectors, only shouts were uttered by the invading troops.
"Freeze!" Ordered a JSSDF soldier, followed by more of his troops entering with quickened steps, all heavily armed.
Misato only watched as all her men raised their arms in a sign of defeat, she wanted to order them to fight to the death, but that was not her right, she would not have control over their lives, the least she could do was order them all to obey.
With weapons in hand, the JSSDF soldiers quickly took control of the bridge, running and holding each member of Misato's crew.
Seeing when one of the soldiers approached her with an arrogant smile, Misato only kept her posture cool.
Feeling the barrel of the gun on her head, Misato stared the man in the eyes coldly, she would not give the taste of her executioner seeing her afraid, deep down she was afraid, Misato did not want to die.
The JSSDF soldier smiled as he engaged a bullet in his gun, seeing the wide-eyed looks on everyone's face on the bridge, he was enjoying the moment, he would have the pleasure of killing the Wunder commander in front of his entire crew.
Misato could see that her end was near, at least it wouldn't hurt, her mind traveled to her happiest moments, at least she wanted to have the image of the people she loved in her final moments.
Images of Shinji were in her head, him standing in her kitchen with an apron cooking a nice meal, Asuka sitting at the table waiting while mumbling, on the couch were Rei and Mari, both were chatting while Rei stroked Pen-Pen, everyone was smiling, as was she.
Misato imagined her happiest moments, when her time was calm, being in this apartment was like being in paradise, only the things that made her happy were in it, it was only the children and her beer.
Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Misato could see that her apartment had one more occupant, Kaji was there, the same Kaji she swore to forget, he was there beside her, also with his best smile on his face.
Looking at the face of her former lover, Misato gave her best smile at seeing the man of her life, how presentable he was and with his beard done, in his hands was a small box.
Was that what she wanted from him? Misato would never know the answer, she didn't want to know the answer, she just focused on the feeling she was feeling, once it was fear of death, now it was calm and peaceful, she could feel the anxiety evaporating, being replaced by joy and calm, she was in her safe place, the place that nothing could affect her spirit.
Still staring into the eyes of her killer, Misato only prayed that her safe place would become her reality when she left, for when her eyes closed for the last time, she wanted that when they reopened, she would be in her home, able to enjoy a meal prepared by Shinji and be with everyone she loved.
"Sorry, it's nothing personal." Spoke the soldier with a murderous and sadistic smile, he kept his eyes on Misato the whole time, looking for any sign of fear, but finding nothing.
Everyone on the bridge heard only the sound of a gunshot, everyone's eyes widened at the sight of a gun being fired, the sound echoed through the bridge, all eyes were on one person, and a single sound of a falling body was heard.
(*)
Wunder - A while before.
Hyuga was in the cafeteria, enjoying his food with his oldest friends, next to him were Shigeru and Maya, the old gang reunited again.
"It's nice to eat with you." Maya spoke as she sat down, she was happy, it had been a long time since the last time. "How long has it been since we had lunch together?"
Shigeru was holding the spoon to his mouth, speaking in a muffled voice. "It's been a while, the last time was just before Paris."
Maya and Hyuga nodded, it really seemed like only a short time ago, but this had been going on for months.
Hyuga put down his spoon and looked at Maya who was eating silently, just like old times. "Hey Ibuki ... How's engineering?"
Maya lifted her gaze and spoke as best she could. "It's fine, the S2 engine is working as it should, it's much easier to work with than the Unit 01 that powered Wunder before."
"That unit is a problem." Shigeru spoke as he took a drink of water. "I never liked it."
"No?" Maya asked as she looked at her colleague with a raised eyebrow.
"Never." Shigeru spoke as he adjusted himself in his seat. "When they were in NERV, she looked like she was going to kill everyone at any moment, and when I learned that she protected Shinji alone during the fourth angel's attack, the more I was afraid." Shigeru spoke as he looked at Hyuga and Maya. "I don't know how you managed to work alongside that demon."
Maya gave a shy smile, knowing that even she felt a little afraid to stand next to that unit, but Shinji always treated her with care and nothing happened, but the face of unit 01 always seemed to be watching at all times. "It's not that bad."
"No?" Hyuga spoke with slightly wide eyes. "Don't you feel afraid to stand next to an awakened EVA?"
"It's weird." Maya spoke as she ate, her eyes falling on her food. "EVA 01 never shuts down to tell you the truth, one time I saw Shinji standing there looking at EVA 01's face."
Maya looked at nothing as she remembered when she caught Shinji staring at Unit 01's face, she could see how his eyes were focused on his EVA, how nostalgic he looked at that time, but what scared Maya the most, was to see that EVA 01 was also looking at Shinji, his eyes were glowing in a light white.
"EVA 01 was looking at Shinji." Maya spoke as she shuddered at the recollection, this was like a horror story inside Wunder.
"Jeez." Hyuga spoke as he felt a chill. "Isn't Shinji afraid to go into that thing? Has he forgotten that he was swallowed for fourteen years?"
"I don't know." Shigeru spoke as he ate more. "Shinji has always been kind of weird."
"Weird is an understatement." Maya spoke as she gave a small laugh, but she knew Shinji was that way because of his father, Gendo always scared Maya. "But I can understand, having a father like that."
Hyuga and Shigeru only nodded, it was really hard to imagine Shinji being Gendo's son, everyone had already finished eating, they were just chatting away, but an announcement broke everyone's conversation.
"All officers report to their posts ... All officers report to their posts."
"I wonder what happened?" Maya asked as she looked at her long-time colleagues.
"Whenever an announcement is made like this, usually Katsuragi wants to give a message to everyone." Hyuga spoke wiping his face.
Shigeru only nodded, he had seen Misato do this before, the last communication was when they were going to do the retrieval of unit 01 from space. "Come on, we don't want her to get angry." Everyone nodded quickly as they stood up, everyone knew Misato's fury.
Hyuga and Shigeru walked back to the bridge, both were silent, everyone wondering what Misato was going to say, back in their proper places, but the sight of Misato appearing in the background with his personal radio, tuned to talk only to the officers.
Looking at the faces of her bridge crew members, Misato already knew what she was going to do, having a bad feeling about the arrival of the JSSDF troops at Wunder, bringing the device to her mouth, she spoke firmly.
"Today as you all know, a security convoy containing some troops will be boarding the Wunder." Misato stopped when she heard that they were going to pick up Shinji, feeling very distressed at not having found any alternative. "With tensions in the world still high, I don't want to take any chances, you all know that the Wunder is WILLE's most valuable asset, we have to protect it at all costs."
Everyone listening to this transmission looked at each other, not understanding why Misato was speaking so suspiciously, the train was WILLE's own, so for many, there was nothing to be afraid of.
"I know that to many it may sound paranoid, but we can't afford to be left in doubt and be caught off guard." Misato paused as he faced the stares of his men. "That is why I am ordering the entire crew to be armed and to be ready for combat."
Everyone on the bridge started exchanging conversation among themselves, a lot were in the room when WILLE committed the betrayal against Shinji, knowing that WILLE was not as trustworthy as they think she was.
Misato seeing this, judged that it must be happening all over the ship. "I know many must be confused, but I can assure you that it is only a warning, I want you to be prepared for the worst." Stopping to take a breath, Misato was feeling an anxiety growing inside her. "Not guaranteeing that we will be targeted, but after certain attitudes of WILLE itself against members of our crew, we can't take any chances ... Katsuragi out."
Everyone just nodded, having started Misato's order with some leaving for the armory to get weapons, everyone was anxious.
"Misato." Ritsuko asked as she approached, Misato had a somber wetness on her face as she stood with her arms crossed over her chest.
Still not getting the answer she wanted, Ritsuko put her hand on her shoulder and spoke again. "Misato!"
Misato only replied dryly. "What?"
Ritsuko felt it, knowing that she was under a lot of pressure. "Aren't you overdoing it a little?"
Misato only grew stricter. "WILLE already betrayed this crew once, I won't allow them to do it again."
Ritsuko knew that Misato still resented everything that had happened to Shinji, she herself was going to do everything in her power to help him in this case, but this only made her apprehensive, Misato was right, WILLE were not showing themselves to be trustworthy.
(*)
SEELE
Again Keel found himself in the room, this room had nothing special, it wasn't special or well built, it was just a dark room, it had four walls like all the others, Keel wasn't paying attention to this, his focus was on his plan, the moment he had been waiting for so long.
At the sound of wind, all seven SEELE monoliths appeared in front of him, he was in a good mood today, everything he fought for was going to be initiated today, putting his hands over his face, Keel just waited for his colleagues.
Everyone was silent, they were just waiting for the words of their leader, the anxiety could be felt, it was no secret from the secret group about the capture of Gendo Ikari at the hands of WILLE.
His capture itself was nothing special, but what it meant to SEELE, everything was where it should be, Gendo possessed the key that would unify the souls with Lilith and her most precious asset, unit 01 was also in the same place, everything needed for them to be able to leave their physical form was in the same place and that place was the AAA Wunder battleship.
"Gentlemen." Keel spoke with a smile on his face, everything was as he thought it would be, everything to complete the human instrumentalization plan was finally getting back on track for success.
"President." One by one, each member greeted their leader, everyone was happy, the news was flying so that everyone became a god.
Keel smiled behind his hands, closing his eyes as he imagined that the moment he had waited so long for was finally becoming a reality. "You must have learned of fate's gift to us by now."
"Yes, Ikari was captured by WILLE." SEELE 02 spoke in a cheerful voice. "WILLE is with him in Wunder along with the key."
"Excellent." Spoke SEELE 05 excitedly, he was doing nothing to stop himself from showing how happy and joyful he was.
"Let's start the plan." SEELE 07 suggested in a more controlled voice. "The longer we wait, the more time we will give him to escape."
"Calm down 07." Keel spoke in a calm voice. "Nothing can stop the scenario from coming true, nothing can stop the unification, everything is as it should be, the human race will be purified by Lilith's hands."
"So it shall be." SEELE 02 gave strength to their leader's words. "WILLE is organizing a convoy for the capture of the younger Ikari."
"We can't let that happen!" SEELE 04 spoke as he began to feel his calm evaporating from the anxiety that was taking over his body. "We all know how unit 01 reacts to the younger Ikari, if he is taken out like before, we can't risk her shutting down again."
"That won't be a problem." Keel spoke as he lost his smile, really this was the one point in his plan that was more delicate, Shinji was a very attached person to the unit and that feeling was reciprocated, anything that happened to Shinji, the unit would react. "The moment involving the use of unit 01 is safe."
"Sir with all due respect." SEELE 05 spoke in a cautious voice. "I know that everything you predicted has come true, but we can't always depend on luck."
Keel just stared at the monolith 05 with a frown on his face, he wished he could scold strongly for his colleague's lack of faith, but really this person is right, Keel had to rely a lot on luck for everything to come to this point, but he would have to keep control.
Squeezing his hands tighter, his joints popped with the pressure, giving a sigh to calm himself and think about his words. "05, I understand your concern, you are absolutely right, but at the current moment, nothing is to worry about, I guarantee that for everyone."
A silence reigned in the meeting, everyone just listening to the words of their leader.
Keel knew that everyone was anxious and worried about the situation, a lot could still go wrong, the success of the plan was not yet guaranteed.
"Gentlemen." Keel spoke as he adjusted himself in his chair, a scowl formed on his face as he felt the pain that overwhelmed his back from the movement, he knew his body was giving way, that not even the newest technology could reverse this. "We have all been waiting for this moment, everything we have suffered and fought for will be rewarded, I can only ask that we have a little more patience so we can deal with the situation in front of us."
All the SEELES were just listening attentively, Keel knew that his word was like a kind of bible to the other members, that his authority was something that was not easily questioned.
"Our suffering will be rewarded." Keel repeated, speaking more to himself than to the others; he was too eager to leave his old body. "Our turn has finally come, and nothing will stop that now."
Stopping to look at his colleagues, Keel waited for the comments, only waiting for the questions, but again no one spoke, smiling knowing that again he had controlled his group.
"Now, let's discuss something." Keel visibly changed his posture, his face becoming serious with the thought in his head. "We must discuss Gendo's capture with the embryo and Unit 01, we must secure possession of these items."
"WILLE is about to send the convoy to Shinji Ikari's prison." SEELE 02 spoke as he already knew of WILLE's movements.
"Can we change that?" SEELE 03 asked apprehensively.
"Yes, that would be no problem." SEELE 02 replied confident in his abilities. "What are we going to do about Wunder's crew? They won't accept that we take control of their ship."
"Does it matter?! " SEELE 05 spoke up annoyed. "We're in charge and they have to obey!"
"It's not that simple." SEELE 02 retorted in a calm, controlled voice.
"That I'll leave to you to sort out." Keel spoke with his hands together on his face, but soon an idea popped into his mind.
"You have nothing to worry about." SEELE 02 spoke again in a confident voice, he was smiling at the confidence President Keel was placing in him, no wonder he was 02 in the group.
"May I make a suggestion?" Keel spoke still with a thoughtful look on his face. "Taking care of WILLE is your responsibility after all."
"Of course sir." SEELE 02 spoke almost losing his posture, he was listening to his leader intently.
Keel only smiled, he loved the power he had in people, nodding at the thought his mind created. "We already have confirmation that Colonel Katsuragi and her crew are aware of the events of the third impact and the role of the younger Ikari."
"Correct." SEELE 02 confirmed their leader's suspicions.
"That brat has gotten in the way too much already!" growled SEELE 06 annoyed at the memory of Shinji.
Keel only ignored this last comment, his mind still plotting his plan to get revenge on Shinji, but soon he remembered that he would have to continue with his ideas.
"My suggestion is that, let's finish them off." Keel spoke somberly as he put his hands together over his face. "Wunder's crew may become a problem, and their full cooperation becomes impossible with this, with the younger Ikari becoming a sort of hero to them now."
SEELE 02 only nodded lightly, Keel's plan was too dark and radical for the moment, but he could understand. "But sir ... Isn't that too radical? Won't we draw too much attention?"
"Attention is fine." Keel spoke still maintaining his somber posture. "When everything is on track, at that point nothing can change the fate of humanity."
"So it doesn't matter if it's radical or not." Keel continued his speech. "And it's a way of punishing Wunder for their moments that they meddled too much in the scene."
After a few seconds of silence, SEELE 04 spoke up. "What about the other pilots?"
"Everyone who will not be used on the set must be turned off." Keel replied in a strong, cold voice, daring anyone to go against his word.
"So it shall be." SEELE 02 spoke as he confirmed the order received, he already knew who he would use for this mission, he knew that the former JSSDF members were people who were loyal to the orders received and would not ask questions.
"Good." Keel spoke as he calmed down a bit. "The beginning and the end are equal in everything, and saw that everything was good ... I so wished that this issue would be resolved peacefully, but it looks like it won't, we'll have to use force."
"Wake up our Mark 10!" Keel ordered the group, he knew that his EVA was going to be key to the success of his scenario.
(*)
Wunder
Everyone inside Wunder looked at each other for being armed, everyone didn't know what all the commotion was about, but they followed orders as usual.
"Isn't that too much?" A young Takeda asked as he clipped a set of ammunition for his submachine gun to his belt, but his eyes marveled at the combat equipment.
Jasem was cleaning his pistol, seeing if everything was as it should be at times like this, listening to the words of his fellow worker, soon his thoughts fell on Shinji and with the news of WILLE's treachery circulating through Wunder. "No wonder the colonel is cautious."
"What do you mean?" Takeda asked as he adjusted the sights of his gun.
"WILLE betrayed Lieutenant Ikari in the face of it, in my country that would be punishable by death." Jasem spoke somberly as he loaded his gun, he didn't mind Takeda's gaze on his back. "The Colonel is right to be cautious, if we don't watch our backs we could be caught off guard."
Takeda only nodded, he listened to Jasem's words carefully, he didn't think that things would get to such an extreme level, but really, after what WILLE did to Shinji, caution is never too much.
(*)
JSSDF
Somewhere over the seas, two WILLE heavy lift ships were approaching, they could see Wunder in the background, an officer in charge of the troops spoke somberly.
"Bastards." Spoke the lieutenant as he looked at the imposing ship. "How can they still use our symbols?"
"We have to keep an eye on everything these days." The captain replied as he loaded his machine gun. "NERV scum, I knew they were a bunch of traitors all along."
The lieutenant only looked on as the captain stood up and took if radio, he was going to talk to his troops on both transports. "All right listen up everybody!"
Gaining the attention he wanted, the captain only glanced at the radio when he learned that it was most likely being listened to by all his troops.
"Today we will take Wunder, we have received information that those traitors intend to continue what they started fourteen years ago!" The captain only saw his men nod their heads, he could see the anger in their eyes. "We can't let those freaks do that!"
With a shout of elation, all the soldiers raised their weapons high in the air.
The captain seeing this only smiled. "Today we will save the world, we will all be heroes at the end of the day!"
All the soldiers greeted him with shouts and gestures, sounds coming from the radio confirmed that everyone in the other convoy was doing the same. "How long?" The captain asked as he went to the pilots.
"Less than five minutes." Answered the pilot as he started approaching Wunder.
"Excellent." Spoke Captain Takashi smiling as he imagined the scene in his mind, showing all his mischief in thinking that Wunder was plotting to make a new impact, but the reality was that the captain just wanted to be able to shoot his gun.
Turning again, they could see that they were close, Captain Takashi turned again to his troop, looking proudly at the hundreds of men who were under his command. "All right listen up!"
All the men stopped what they were doing and stared at their captain.
Takashi saw this and smiled, again with his radio in hand to talk to everyone. "We have received an order to contain the world threat, take Wunder and kill the EVA pilots, execution of non-combatants is authorized."
All the soldiers only gave a military-style shout of affirmation, Captain Takashi only tightened his helmet as he prepared himself, placing his gun firmly on his shoulder.
Everyone felt the movements of the heavy transport ship, with a soft thud it landed, Takashi only smiled.
(*)
Inside the Wunder hangar, Misato's men were looking at the convoy of two ships, seeing the immense size of the transports, two men just looked at each other, both were carrying their weapons, but nothing said they should worry, it was WILLE itself after all.
Seeing that nothing was happening, one of the men approached the now-landed bird, exchanging a look with his colleague he only suspected that something was wrong.
With a sound of metal moving, both guards only had time to widen their eyes, for the last thing they saw was the glint of gunfire in their direction.
Hundreds of soldiers passed by with their bodies heading towards the Wunder, all with only one thought in mind, kill them all.
(*)
Wunder Bridge.
"The JSSDF men have opened fire!" Shouted Hyuga as he saw the images on his console.
Misato clenched her hands as she saw that again WILLE was trying something, but she wasn't going down without a fight. "Sound the general alarm, everyone at maximum defense level!"
Hyuga only nodded, squeezing his controls tightly doing the order he had received.
(*)
Asuka was in her bed, Mari was beside her giving as much comfort as she could.
"He doesn't think so Asuka, he's just depressed." Mari spoke with a smile on her face as she raised a glass of tea to Asuka.
Stretching out her hand and taking the glass, Asuka was feeling too depressed to think about anything else, her head only had images of Shinji asking her to forget him.
Smiling like a cat, Mari spoke as she saw the folder containing the new plug suits that were prepared for them. "Hey, shall we try the new plug suits?"
Asuka only huffed, she didn't want to talk, but seeing how Mari was trying hard to do something, she soon gave in and went towards the folder, but her eyes showed her displeasure when she saw the color of the new clothes.
"What the fuck is that!?" Asuka asked annoyed as she saw her white suit plug.
"I liked it." Mari spoke with a smile as she stretched her suit plug to get a better look, seeing how different all the colors were. "It looks like a gamer thing."
Mari only lowered her eyes at Asuka's lack of response, it broke her heart to see her like this, but before she could speak any more words of comfort, they both looked up as the alarms started.
"All personnel, prepare for internal combat, enemy forces inside Wunder."
"Mari! Asuka!" Misato spoke over the radio.
Mari ran to the communicator and spoke quickly. "What's going on?"
"JSSDF forces are attacking Wunder, go to your EVAS now!" Misato ordered in a strong voice.
"But what about Shinji?" Asuka retorted apprehensively and worriedly.
"I'll send a unit after him and send him to his EVA, but go now!" Misato ordered with more haste, not wanting to waste any time.
Asuka and Mari only exchanged a worried look, the recorded message kept repeating itself, they quickly ran to their EVAS, that was the procedure at this time and by the orders they had received.
But Asuka's mind stopped working, she just wanted to know if Shinji was okay. "Shinji."
Mari heard this, stopping her path by the heavily armed Wunder crewmen preparing to fight the enemies. "What?"
Mari nodded, she could begin to hear the sound of gunfire echoing through the halls, she knew that combat wasn't too far away, she could only do one thing at a time like this. "Asuka, he'll be fine, Misato will take care of it, now let's go! "
(*)
Heavy fighting was going on in several sectors, the JSSDF teams were advancing slowly through the long corridors, they did not expect the strong resistance the Wunder crew was providing, Captain Takashi was suffering unexpected losses.
"Sir!" Called his lieutenant with wide eyes.
Firing his rifle at a group of Wunder soldiers, Takashi was glassy-eyed at not seeing the glorious battle he had been waiting for.
"Sir!" Shouted the lieutenant again.
"What?!" Rebutted strongly irritated Captain Takashi, signaling for his men to move forward.
"We have information that the pilots were seen heading toward the EVAS cages!" He relayed the information he was receiving from his group.
"Have them intercept!" Shouted Takashi as he approached his subordinate. "Don't let them get to their EVAS!"
"Yes sir." Spoke the lieutenant as he relayed the order, shots were passing within inches of their heads at this hour, indeed Wunder's crew was very hard to take on.
"Let's go!" Takashi ordered as he saw that the way was cleared, running past the Wunder soldiers agonizing on the ground with a look of disdain. "Kill them all!"
Takashi only heard the sound of gunfire ending the lives of the wounded who lay on the ground, looking angrily forward, Captain Takashi only spoke. "Come on, the bridge is not far!"
(*)
"External attack!" Shouted Tama as he saw that Wunder was being hacked, the systems were being attacked remotely, someone was trying to knock Wunder out of the air.
"Set up a barrier!" Ritsuko ordered as she joined Hyuga and Shigeru, all three were frantically typing on their consoles, they couldn't lose control.
Misato was with her personal radio, receiving reports from her troops, she knew she was suffering heavy losses against the JSSDF troops. "Status of the pilots?!"
"Mari and Asuka were seen near the cage!" Sumire shouted as she looked at every possible instrument.
"How's the team for pilot Ikari?!" Misato asked with genuine concern in his voice.
"They're trapped on D deck! " Sumire spoke as she looked at Misato. "They are facing a lot of resistance from the invaders!"
"Sickbay to bridge!" Sakura spoke over the radio, her voice bringing fear.
"This is the bridge!" Misato retorted as she heard the call, her voice was in commander mode, she knew Rei was there helping with what she could assist in the infirmary was Ayanami's second job.
"We are in need of help! We are with many wounded!" Sakura shouted in fear.
Misato knew things were ugly, she only spoke what came into her head. "I'll see what I can do! Hold on as best you can!"
(*)
Shots echoed through everything, Shinji was in his cell, he heard the message repeated through the corridors, he got up and approached the bars.
"Hey ... What's that?" Shinji asked in a weak, despondent voice, he could see the look of panic in the guard's eyes, sounds of gunshots getting louder and louder.
Seeing how the WILLE soldier was getting more and more anxious, Shinji frowned as he saw the sound of footsteps approaching, but it seemed to be the sound of bouncing metal, Shinji only widened his eyes as he saw a small grenade coming in.
"Shit!" Shinji shouted jumping to the bottom, a loud thud was felt as the small bomb exploded.
Hearing a small whistle in his ears, Shinji slowly heard the sound of gunshots echoing, soon his eyes saw that the bars of his cell were open, but that was not what he noticed, but the three men he entered.
Looking at the body of the guard in front of him, one of the JSSDF soldiers peered his eyes at Shinji, recognizing him, with an animalistic grin he spoke. "Look what we have here! The assassin."
Pointing his gun at Shinji, the soldier was ready to take revenge, but a hand stopped him, looking at his companion with confused eyes, he only listened.
"No shooting." The second soldier spoke with a smile as he pulled out his knife, seeing approving looks from his comrades, he soon entered the cell. "I'm going to rip your head off and use your body as a toilet."
Shinji smiled as he heard this cheap answer, giggling as he saw the men's gaze on him. "Seriously, you're going to use a generic phrase now." Shinji spoke as he stood up, laughing openly as he showed that he was not afraid.
"Hey, brat!" Shouted the soldier armed with the knife as he stepped forward, raising the knife to strike Shinji's chest.
With a delicate and precise movement, Shinji jumped to the side, watching as the knife passed away from its target and caught firmly on the bed below, he then landed a powerful punch to his attacker's face.
Seeing that their friend was in trouble, the soldiers quickly tried to raise their weapons and finish the threat.
Looking at the knife on the bed, Shinji with a growl pulled it out, running toward his enemies. "Ahhh!" Shinji growled as he launched himself at his enemies.
Seeing how he managed to knock his opponents down, Shinji quickly used his elbows to hit the face of one of them, seeing how his blow had the desired success, Shinji quickly used the knife to deliver lethal blows to his first target.
"Die!" Shinji spoke as he looked the JSSDF soldier in the eye as he sank his knife into his chest, seeing that his first prey was dead, Shinji quickly heard the first attacker getting up with a pistol in his hand.
"Freak!" Shouted the man as he raised his gun and pointed it at Shinji, his face was bloodied from the punch he took earlier, his face showed all his hatred.
Looking at the knife in the now dead man's chest, Shinji quickly picked it up, rolling to the side as he heard the sound of the trigger being pressed, Shinji quickly stood up and waited, knowing that the wounded soldier would not think straight.
"Coward!" Shouted the soldier as he went outside the cell, feeling the confidence of having a gun in his hand, but before he was fully out, he only felt a sharp pain in his chest.
Looking down, his eyes locked on his custom knife, raising his gaze he saw only Shinji's eyes, not once wavering, feeling death approaching, slowly his body fell back.
Shinji only saw the soldier's body fall backwards, looking at the only one left, but a sound made him distracted, seeing his cell guard getting up coughing through the smoke, Shinji noticed his murderous look as he approached, but the look was not at him, but at the only survivor of the invaders.
"Bastard!" Spoke the guard as he pointed his pistol at the unconscious man.
"No." Shinji spoke as he held the gun, feeling the look on his face, he soon spoke in a calm and controlled voice. "Don't stain your hands, save your anger to help your brothers in arms."
Assenting but maintaining a look of disgust, the guard soon picked up one of the assault rifles from the ground. "What are we going to do with it?"
Shinji only looked at the guard in front of him, looking at one of the weapons he picked up, stealing all the equipment he had straight. "Lock him in one of those cells."
(*)
Mari and Asuka were arriving at the cages, they passed dozens of bodies on the way, they could all hear the sound of gunfire, they just prayed that everything was okay, being armed with the weapons of the fallen.
Making a sign with her hand for silence, Asuka peeked into one of the rooms, she could see some invading troops, but her eyes could see Maya with a handful of soldier protecting the EVAS control room.
"Let's go." Asuka ordered to Mari who promptly followed her.
"Don't let them get through!" Maya shouted to her group, they were fighting bravely for control of the cages, but their eyes saw movement coming from behind, turning quickly.
Recognizing Asuka and Mari, Maya breathed a sigh of relief to see that both were able to arrive safely, having already received Misato's orders for the pilots to be placed in their EVAS.
"How are things?" Asuka asked as she ducked down, she could hear the sound of heavy gunfire going on.
"Heavy!" Mari spoke annoyed as she saw that they were failing to advance, soon her eyes widened as she saw one of the soldiers with a rocket launcher. "Watch out!"
Mari and Asuka only closed their eyes when they heard the sound of an explosion, but it was not in their room, everyone looked on as EVA 01 raised her hand and blocked the explosion, protecting the control room.
All the JSSDF soldiers just stared as the purple beast only stared at them with its red eyes, opening its mouth and taking heavy breaths, the soldiers were close enough to see the demon up close.
EVA 01 just stared at the men, her red eyes glowed brightly, her breathing was strong, soon her mouth opened and a loud growl echoed throughout Wunder.
All the soldiers only closed their eyes as EVA 01 crushed them with her hand, they had no chance against the purple beast in front of them.
Maya only felt a strong shiver run through her body when the huge head of EVA 01 turned toward the control room, everyone swallowed dryly as the EVA stared at them intensely.
Asuka stared into the beast's eyes, with a slow movement, she stood up and started walking outside, everyone in the room didn't understand this, Mari tried to hold her back. "What are you doing?"
"She... She not going to hurt me." Asuka spoke as she began to walk down the metal walkway, EVA 01's eyes locked on her the entire time.
Mari seeing her sister walking, with a slight shake of her head, she spoke smiling, "You know, she is cute." Getting up and joining her sister.
Both EVA pilots passed in front of EVA 01, the purple giant's eyes locked heavily on them, Asuka was afraid, being near the purple beast was disturbing.
"Shit." Asuka whispered as she saw the path to her EVA was destroyed, there was no way they could get there, Mari turned pale at the sight of it.
A sound of moving muscles brought them out of their trance, EVE's hand was in front of them, inviting them both to come up, at all times EVE didn't take his eyes off them.
"I think she knows you." Mari spoke as she saw the huge hand in front of her.
(*)
Misato was on the bridge, she was watching everyone struggling to keep the invaders off the bridge, if they lost this place, all would be lost.
"Here!" Ritsuko shouted as she saw that her program was able to stop the advance of the cyber attack, soon the systems were coming back up.
"We have control!" Hyuga spoke as he saw his systems returning, but his face went white as he saw the latest information.
"EVAS in position in outer areas of the ship!" Shigeru shouted to show that Asuka and Mari had made it to their EVAS.
Misato quickly scrolled through the cameras in search of the detention area, her eyes went wide and she felt a tightness in her chest, all she saw was destruction and bodies, clenching her hands tightly, she only whispered. "Shinji."
With his eyes burning, Misato spoke in a broken voice. "Send the team that would pick up Shinji ... Go to the infirmary."
(*)
Walking through the corridors, Shinji and the guard of his cell picked up everything they could carry from the bodies on the floor. "What's the fastest way to the bridge?"
"Just follow that corridor, you'll come out in the cafeteria, then it's easy." The guard carrying several assault rifles spoke in a tired voice, but the silence was broken by the sound of gunfire.
Adjusting himself to the wall for cover, Shinji spied, seeing that the JSSDF troops were on their backs, turning his attention to his partner. "They're on their backs."
"What are you going to do?" Asked the soldier as he loaded his weapon.
"I'm going to roll." Shinji spoke with a serious face as he raised his rifle, turning and aiming, he took advantage of the surprise effect, quickly taking out the soldiers.
(*)
Jasem was holding his pistol, his face showed all the seriousness he was at the moment, he was wounded in the shoulder, but nothing that couldn't help.
"Easy guys, make every shot count!" Jasem shouted to keep order, he was surrounded by young people, many had never held a gun before.
"Takeda!" Jasem shouted as he showed the grenade that fell near his pupil.
Takeda seeing the grenade, quickly picked it up and threw it back, the sound of an explosion echoed through the place, but soon the firing stopped.
Jasem peeked out, he saw the soldiers falling as they were shot in the back, smiling as he saw that he would have some reinforcement, he tried to raise his gun and help in the slaughter.
(*)
Shinji quickly returned to cover, seeing that all the shooting had stopped, feeling that he may have been successful, he peeked around the corner, but soon shots echoed, some passing close to his head.
"WILLE, this is WILLE idiot!" Shinji shouted as he showed his hand.
"Come slowly!" Jasem ordered in a cold voice.
Shinji smiled as he identified the voice, he was happy to see that the cook was alive, quickly coming out of cover and showing that he was not a threat.
Jasem approached Shinji and spoke in a tired voice. "Well, things were getting black."
"How are you guys doing?" Shinji asked as he saw the WILLE men picking up weapons and ammunition from the dead.
"A piece of shit." Jasem spoke as he showed his arm. "But better now."
Shinji nodded, he still had to get to the bridge. "Well, get those weapons and ammunition, I heard that the infirmary needs help."
Jasem and his men picked up the supplies, but soon their eyes fell on Shinji. "What about you?"
"I'm going to the bridge." Shinji spoke as he looked Jasem in the eye, nothing more needed to be said.
"Ikari!" Takeda spoke as he approached. "I heard that EVAS were implemented."
Shinji closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief, knowing that the EVAS are working, that meant that Asuka and Mari were okay, for now. "What about Rei and Sakura?"
"As far as I have heard they are in the infirmary." Takeda spoke as he put the radio to his ear. "But it looks like reinforcements have arrived and are with them."
"Thank God." Shinji spoke as he closed his eyes, but soon his calm stopped.
"I'm going to the bridge." Shinji spoke as he started walking, Jasem wanted to go along, but Shinji stopped him, claiming to stay, protect the place and search for wounded.
"But at least take them." Jasem signaled for two of his men to go together. "That way it's safer."
Shinji only nodded, turning quickly toward the corridor, his thoughts were on Misato, he wondered if she was safe.
(*)
Running as fast as he could, Shinji was gasping from the effort, he just wanted to get to the bridge. "Come on! Let's go!" Shinji roared to himself giving him the strength to keep going.
His eyes widened as a loud explosion echoed through the halls, he could feel it was from the bridge. "Quick!"
Shinji doesn't know how he managed to run, he saw the door to the bridge broken by the explosion, seeing how all eyes were focused on one place and judging by the position, he already knew where it was.
Sneaking in undetected to signal that he would enter alone and that his men should only enter when he gave the signal, Shinji watched as an officer had a gun pointed at Misato's head.
He wouldn't have time, quickly ignoring the soldiers who saw him, his gun heavily pointed at the soldier who was about to kill Misato, his mind had not been able to get over losing another mother.
"Sorry, it's nothing personal." Spoken Captain Takashi with a murderous and sadistic smile, he kept his eyes on Misato the whole time, looking for any sign of fear, but finding nothing.
Shinji had no time, he quickly fired a shot, hoping it wasn't too late, his eyes only saw Takashi falling backwards, his vision quickly fell on his other targets
With the world moving not even half as fast, Shinji only turned around, looking at each target and aiming his gun with precision, his movements were smooth and delicate, fine and precise. Five shots were heard, and with that, five people died.
Shinji was gasping heavily, he could see the eyes of the others on him, but he quickly pulled himself together, running to the top of the bridge, he could see Misato standing, but at his feet was Captain Takashi struggling to breathe.
Looking at the man on the ground in disgust and anger, Shinji held him back, completely ignoring the stares that were at his back, bringing his gun down to the captain's chin, Shinji spoke sadistically.
"Sorry, it's nothing personal ... buddy." Speaking slowly and menacingly, Shinji pulled the trigger and looked blissfully at the captain's brains splattering on the floor.
Shinji slowly stood up, still gasping, losing Misato would be disastrous for him, his eyes quickly focused on her who was staring at him, but her eyes didn't show anger or disgust, but relief.
The same was true of Shinji, completely ignoring the world around him, he quickly pulled Misato into a tight hug. Misato felt the hug, she wanted to cry with happiness that Shinji was still alive, that was the moment Misato ignored, hugging Shinji back with a strong hug.
Knowing that the battle had not yet been won, Shinji quickly let go of Misato, their eyes met and he asked in an agitated and concerned manner. "How is everyone?"
Misato pulled herself together and replied. "Asuka and Mari are fine, I don't know about Rei."
Ritsuko was on her radio listening to everything, she soon gave a sigh as she listened for news. "Maya and her team are fine, the support team arrived at the infirmary and got the situation under control, Sakura and Rei are also fine."
"Thank God." Misato spoke looking up, running her hand across the metal cross, but soon she noticed the now dead captain's radio, quickly picking it up.
"This is Colonel Katsuragi." Misato promptly spoke to the remaining JSSDF men inside Wunder. "Your captain has fallen, your mission has failed, drop your weapons and surrender, I guarantee you will get a fair trial for your actions, do not test me."
Setting the radio down on her desk, Misato closed her eyes still feeling the adrenaline rush of having seen certain death, she took a deep breath to calm himself.
Shinji did the same, letting the oxygen recharge his tired body, but soon everyone's calm was broken, loud alarms flashed on Wunder's main screen.
"What's that?!" Misato ordered professionally as she approached.
"Evangelion activation." Hyuga spoke as he widened his eyes, not understanding the readings in front of him. "I ... I don't know what's going on."
Misato only widened her eyes when she saw the main screen, on the screen showing only a message in bright red.
"Evangelion activation detected, number of Units: 01"
"Evangelion activation detected, number of Units: 52"
"Evangelion activation detected, number of Units: 153"
"Evangelion activation detected, number of Units: 358"
"Evangelion activation detected, number of Units: 852"
Turning and facing Shinji with a look of fear, the alarms kept going off and the numbers kept going up.
"Oh my God." Misato spoke as she faced the new fight that was about to take place, bringing her hand to the metal cross on her chest, she could only pray.
Author's Notes: Hello Calborghete folks here, how are you? Did you like it? I hope so. As always be sure to follow and save it to your favorites so you don't miss any future updates.
Please review, your critiques (Good or bad) are very important to me, you know that I take a lot into consideration what is said and it also gives me strength to continue this translation project.
Don't forget to also like the Facebook page, search for "Calborghete" and locate an image of Shinji and Asuka, on this page I will post updates and it will also be easier for you to contact me.