Warframe You Can NOT Absolve
ESKK: Time to begin chapter 13 no catchy notes beyond enjoy.
(Start NERV Medical Wing)
For the past few weeks Ritsuko and Asuka were working with Shinji trying to help him get his strength back up after his unknown time in the pod. So far, they had to put him into a wheelchair to help him regain his muscles to be able to do the basic things. Shura saw it and had commented how he used to be in that spot when he awoke from the Second Dream. At least this time Shinji had help from others. Varzia went back to Maroo and had gotten the tongue lashing of ages from the smuggler. Umbra had been vanishing a lot lately not for long just enough to be noted and whenever he returned, he seemed a bit... winded was the closest description.
Camera's spotted Umbra entering and leaving Unit-01's cage which made Shura wonder what his Warframe was doing in there anyway. Misato had teased Shura and Shinji about it saying that Umbra was probably going to be the dad that stepped up knowing his past. Shura found it foolish that Misato assumed as much while Shinji just shied away from it. Speaking of Shinji had hardly if at all went to Unit-01's cage. Probably for the best seeing as Shinji was still recovering and Shura didn't think Shinji was ready to speak to his mother about some of their issues.
Asuka was trying her hardest to help Shinji out in regaining his motor functions and so far, Shura suspected Asuka held herself back from jumping at him. Most of the time Asuka was pushing Shinji's wheelchair about seeing as the Orokin never needed such things the bastards. Neither had spoken of their possible angelic power as Asuka did not want to give Shinji an episode and Asuka was too afraid to learn more. It was another reason why she went with Shinji to his physical therapy so Ritsuko can run tests to see how Angel Asuka was. Shinji wasn't the wiser of these tests as Asuka simply waved it off as EVA related tests. Shinji was not too happy about the Angels coming back but was happy to know at least this time they were on the right side of the battle.
Shinji for his part noticed that Asuka had been somewhat distant, and no one was telling him much of anything. While yes, she seems more open to him, she wasn't exactly being forthcoming of what was bothering her at the moment. So as Shinji was walking between two metal bars for his Physical Therapy, he seemed to be struggling with it. "Easy Shinji one step at a time." Asuka said as she was by his side ready to catch him in case he slips and falls. Shinji then yelped as he fell over, but Asuka managed to catch him before he could hurt himself. "Careful." Asuka scolded him as Shinji nodded.
"Thank you... sorry." Shinji said only to be flicked again.
"Don't apologize just focus on getting better." Asuka said and in turn the pair went back to work.
Nearby Ritsuko monitored the session as well while also working on another subject. After Gendo's revelations she needed to be certain he wasn't talking bullshit. More so she needed to be sure that Asuka and Rei were not one of Gendo's clone soldiers set up as Trojan Horses. With that man they can never be too sure because like Ballas he knows how to blend lies with truth and vice-versa to manipulate people to do his bidding. And while the old crew of NERV had never taken part in the New War all they need are stories to know just how bad it was.
From what Ritsuko could see there was merit to Gendo's accusations. Now the Angels that attack and the Orokin were descendent of Adam while the human race were descendent from Lilith. The Angels from Adam had the S2 Core or the Fruit of Life while the Angels from Lilith had free will. The Kuva was the answer to the Orokin's lack of an S2 Core and by extension the new Third Seed, Eve. Asuka told them what she could remember after Gendo had triggered the memories.
Asuka and Shinji were alone and were broken. Their minds were in tatters over the ordeal they had endured. Yes, Shinji had matured some, but the damage was done, and Asuka wanted to make the pain go away. So, building a small raff they sailed over to Rei's head and found what they were looking for. The forbidden union between Adam and Lilith resulted in the first form of Kuva on Earth. Asuka plucked it and with Shinji they ate it. The transformation was a long process but ended with Rei's form turning into Kuva and melding with the LCL while scattering Adam's seeds across the Origin System save for the one that resulted in the Orokin. Shinji and Asuka became Adam and Eve and ruled the Orokin with one goal to stop any more Impacts or Instrumentality attempts.
Why they did something so insane Asuka was the first to admit that she snapped and lost her mind. Still the data Ritsuko looked over gave her concerns. The Angels were attracted to Adam and Lilith like moths to a flame as Ritsuko suspected that it was because the two Angels gave off a similar signal that drew in the others. From the looks of her notes, it would seem that Asuka also produced that signal to make things clear Asuka was like Adam and Lilith a Seed capable of spawning life.
At least Asuka should be, from her data Ritsuko saw that Asuka's core and power was dormant asleep. This could mean varying reasons was that Asuka may need something to trigger it or to recharge her power. This was a unique situation after all and Asuka was the first human to become an angel, so they had to tread carefully. This also meant that if the Angels got to Asuka, then for all intents and purposes Asuka would be a trigger for Impact. So long as Asuka's core and power remained dormant, she was every bit as human as the rest of them, for now that is.
Ritsuko had a theory that before Asuka's, 'reign as Empress,' came to an end she may have passed on her powers to her own angels. Unfortunately, much of Asuka's memories from that time were still missing and thus they could not confirm it. Despite this they needed some sort of designation for the Angels born from Eve if there are any. "Cain and Abel, yin and yang, killer and victim." Ritsuko mused to herself knowing that all they can do for now was wait it all out.
(Meanwhile Earth Beach)
"You know I said we needed a ship to transport the EVAs across the Origin System." Misato said with a grin on her face as they stood outside the Geofront in the ocean with crews running about doing work. "I said we can't be too picky if the Angels popped up on any of the other inhabited worlds but instead of building one... YOU GUYS BROUGHT US ONE!" Misato yelled as low and behold the vessel the Tenno stole from Gendo was being worked on, upgraded, and cleared out of any nasty surprises. Rei observed the vessel as Shura was with his squad as well to help.
"It wasn't much we just used what we had." Shura said only to yelp when Misato grabbed him and wrapped her arm around him in a hug.
"Not much you guys did more you fucking went above and beyond!" Misato yelled as Asuna giggled at how uncomfortable Shura currently looked. "I could just kiss you for this." Misato said and thus Shura pushed her off.
"Please no." Shura said and in turn went back to his squad.
"Still, this will make combating the Angels, SEELE, and Gendo much more efficient in the long run." Reiko voiced observing the work done on the ship.
"Yeap and once we got her all suited out the Wunder will have her maiden voyage." Misato said naming the vessel on the spot.
"The Wunder?" Asuna asked raising a brow to this.
"Yeah, its German." Misato said only for the Tenno to tilt their heads in confusion causing Misato to facepalm herself forgetting German isn't a thing here. "That's right... I'm in a fucking Tower of Babylon." Misato scolded herself for forgetting the Tenno didn't have the old languages from her era.
"So did puppy boy decide if he's going to pilot the EVA again?" Mari asked curious over what Shinji decided.
"Doubt it not with the history he has with it." Misato said knowing that Shinji was not overly fond of the Evangelion after all the scars it left in his mind and soul.
"Can't say I blame him." Shura said as he felt for the former EVA pilot, truly he did. It was the same with the Orokin and the Old War. Shura of course came to accept it after a while but didn't mean the scars left behind weren't still painful. "So how long before we can get this thing running?" Shura asked as he looked to Misato.
"Not sure exactly just hoping if an Angel attacks its within walking distance." Misato said as the work continued.
"Here's hoping." Shura said in agreement with Misato before and in turn they simply left the subject be.
(Meanwhile with Asuka and Shinji)
"You know you don't have to push me around everywhere." Shinji said as Asuka pushed him to the newly grown garden with the Hospital. IT was mainly Lotus idea to make the facility more welcoming than it was in the Era of the Old Earth. More so with work being done on Terminal Dogma to protect the Lance of Longinus it was surprising that the Tenno Coordinator had the time to draw up such plans.
"I know but I want to." Asuka said while pushing around Shinji's wheelchair.
"Thanks for bringing me to this place." Shinji said as Asuka talked him into coming, here.
"You're welcome." Asuka said as she looked to the Garden. "A lot nicer than a sterile white room." Asuka said with a smile on her face. Shinji returned the smile but before anything else could be said they soon heard humming a song that Asuka was familiar with.
"Do you hear that, Asuka?" Shinji asked and in turn Asuka listened for a moment.
"Der Freischutz." Asuka said when she recognized the Germen Opera music being hummed. Looking to the source they saw a young woman in a Zariman suit standing atop a stone wall humming the song. Her Warframe was nowhere to be seen at the moment but for Asuka she was surprised this Tenno knew the song. "Der Freishcutz Act 3." Asuka said and thus the girl looked to Asuka with a single eye opened.
"You know it?" The girl asked with a bit of a playful smile.
"Know it, it's from my home." Asuka said as the Tenno then hopped down to meet with the pair.
"Well then color me impressed." The girl said as she walked over to the pair. As she approached Asuka felt this strange pounding inside her it was both uncomfortable and comforting. "Mana... Mana Kirishima." Mana introduced to the pair.
"Shinji Ikari." Shinji introduced as Asuka nodded.
"Asuka Langley Soryu." Asuka said as she noted something. "Not many Tenno introduce themselves with a surname." Asuka said and in turn Mana simply smiled in response.
"They should, its proof of their existence that there are others like them who share that name, their families." Mana said before looking back to the Garden around them. "Pardon I had some time on my hands and felt like relaxing before I'm summoned for another mission." Mana said as she was seemingly on her break for lack of better terms.
Shinji for his part was reminded of someone else from this girl. It was by how she presented herself that made Shinji remember Kaworu. This stray thought of the past elected a sad smile from Shinji before he focused on the present.
"I suppose so." Shinji said as after everything his family was... messed up no point in sugarcoating this fact.
"Would you care to walk with me, it will help pass the time." Mana offered but then stopped for a moment. "Unless I am interrupting something." Mana added but Asuka looked before shrugging.
"I don't see why not." Asuka said and in turn Shinji nodded not like he could go much of anywhere bound to a wheelchair.
"Thank you." Mana said and in turn the pair turned trio began to walk. But as they left the garden, they failed to notice a set of destroyed security camera's left on the ground nearby sparking ever so often from its destruction.
(Meanwhile with Kaworu)
Kaworu sat upon his EVA that was being applies with the final touches before the inevitable battles to come. But something had shifted in this loop for him, particularly the birth of a third seed, one born of a Lilin and with it her first angel. With the existence of Three of equal power Kaworu knew that Shinji's intended world was in danger. He must stop this new seed at all costs and while he is patient, he could feel that one of hers had already arrived. It won't be long before she starts to ruin everything just as she always does. He knew what was best for Shinji, yet she is so stubborn blaming him for his suffering because he won't take his opinion on the matter.
With the Tenno now in possession of Shinji it was only a matter of time before he has to act. But how can he act if SEELE is watching his every move? For now, Kaworu had to wait and hope for the best possible outcome of this situation.
(Meanwhile back with Shinji, Asuka, and Mana)
Mana and Asuka were walking side by side as Asuka pushed Shinji in his wheelchair. "I can take over if you desire." Mana offered as she smiled to Asuka.
"No, it's fine I'm good." Asuka said assuring Mana that she had Shinji covered.
"Very well." Mana said as she continued to walk next to the pair.
"So where did you hear that song from?" Asuka asked as she found it curious that a Tenno knew that tone.
"My mother taught it to me before she fell." Mana revealed not at all bothered by their shocked looks. "She taught me many songs that she claims originated from a world long gone." She added causing the pair to look curious to her. "One of the few things she actually taught me." Mana added her tone changing to a cold one for a moment.
"One of the few things?" Asuka asked finding that concerning.
"She hardly tried to interact with me focused more on other matters and my sibling." Mana said as she took a small item from a nearby cart and looked it over. From what Shinji could tell Mana sounded like she was neglected by her mother. "My father showered me with love and praise, but I wanted love and praise from my mother but no she only restricted that for my father and sibling." Mana said looking at the item. "All that love and not enough for me the unwanted unlamented child." She trailed off and for a moment her grip increased on the item with rage forming inside her.
"She sounds like a neglectful bitch." Asuka voiced causing Mana to come back to reality before she chuckled in response.
"Yes, I suppose she was." Mana said before walking once more. "It came as no surprise that karma struck." Mana said but the tone she used Shinji noted that it was not one he liked very much. For a moment Shinji swore that Mana may have done something to her mother and this unnamed sibling.
"Did something happen?" Shinji asked with a foreboding tone in his voice.
"It was... a long time ago." Mana confessed as she tried not to focus on it.
"Sorry." Shinji apologized feeling guilty for asking.
"Don't be... I've gotten over it." She said her tone dipping again to a cold one for a moment.
"Doubt it." Asuka mumbled a bit, but they kept up the conversation just for the sake of it. Mana then stopped walking as they entered a crossway. "At least your mom wasn't." Asuka began but then Shura showed up.
"Oh, hey guys who you talking to?" Shura asked as he looked to the pair.
"No one just..." Asuka began only to look and find Mana was gone. "Someone?" Asuka asked more then said as she found this surprising.
"It was a Tenno." Shinji said causing Shura to raise a brow to this. He'll look into it later but for now there was a reason he was here.
"Well, you guys are needed at the Test chamber Lotus needs data on Shinji with me and Unit 1 and you and Rei have a Synch Test." Shura said which Asuka sighed to this.
"But I thought." Shinji began but Shura cut him off.
"Don't worry we just need to see if you can still pilot Unit-01 doesn't mean we're going to make you pilot the EVA." Shura said detailing how this was strictly for data gathering nothing more.
"Oh... alright." Shinji said as he let out a small breath of relief.
"Come on." Shura said and in turn he began to lead them to the Test Chamber.
"Hey, Super Boy let me I know this place better then you do." Asuka said as she pushed Shinji on his Wheelchair.
"You got lost last week taking Shinji down to Physical Therapy." Shura said as he looked to Asuka with a bored look. "Magi had to ring you up to give you directions." Shura said and in turn Asuka glared at him.
"He's not wrong." Shinji said causing Shura to smirk a bit.
"Whose side are you on?!" Asuka demanded while glaring at Shinji for that one.
"Mines by the looks of it." Shura added and in turn Asuka grinded her teeth.
"Shut up!" She yelled and thus they were off to the Test Chamber.
(Later Synch Test Lab)
The group arrived at the lab and were preparing for the Synchronization tests for the EVAs. Rei and Reiko were exempted from it due to the fact that this new Unit-00 had no dominant soul within and thus could not be Synchronized. She would join the pilots in the second test to help Tenno and Pilot work as one unit while in the EVA. So, Rei and Reiko were seen in the lab with Rei wearing her Plug Suit while Asuka and Shura were helping Shinji into the Test Plug.
"Alright Asuka you and Shinji know the drill sit in there, work on your Synchronization, and we'll let you know how the progress is." Misato said and thus they understood the order.
"Right." Asuka and Shinji responded to this.
"Good luck you guys and remember Shinji, this is just a test, anything after this is up to you of how much you want to be involved with the Eva," shura said as Shinji nodded to this as he understand and by the look on his face still seem nerves, as soon enough the plug close up and were inserted into the Eva units.
With Shura on stand-by with umbra to watch over things in case of something were to happen, with the Eva units were unlikely but more or less in case of an angel were to appear.
(Ritsuko and Misato)
Ritsuko soon started up the sync test with both Shinji and Asuka both looking to be in a meditation state no doubt they were going over the normal steps for the Sync test with Misato looking over to her friend and ask her with Shinji or Asuka could not hear her as she said, "So Rits, give it to me straight, how is Asuka and Shinji… are they what Gendo said is true about them?"
"Well for Asuka, we took some X-ray and did an MRA on her and we did find out she does have a core within her which is confirm that she is an angel, but the only strange part about this is the core isn't active," Ritsuko said as Misato did seem surprised to hear this as she said, "Isn't active, as in its dead or something?"
"More like its dormant, we can tell it is alive with blood type Blue, but there hardly any activity from it, no energy reading of any sort to show that is awake, you can say it's similar to how Lilith was in Terminal Dogma and Adam was in a lesser form to say," Ritsuko as Misato said, "Well that's a relief to hear."
"But that doesn't mean it won't awaken one day on its own or an event could trigger it to awaken but is it best to keep a close eye on it," Ritsuko said as Misato soon ask, "And there nothing to say that she had created angels herself already or something."
"If she had we wouldn't know, with her given memory lost, that could be cause by a Personality Dissonance Disorder or at least a pseudo form of it, we will have no idea if ASuka did lay angel eggs or not as her biology show no such thing, or maybe she could have broken down and reform back from LCL to a normal state with the only evident to show she's an angel herself is the core within her," Ritsuko said as that what she could theories, as she got an idea of she and all the other was able to reform from the Kuva given the hit of she and Misato were founded in red waters, who's the say that Asuka went through the same thing, with Misato soon ask the biggest question for her is, "And what about for Shinji?"
"We… haven't able to confirm yet, with Shinji still recovering, we do not want to put him into any sort of unnecessary stress, if he does have one himself and could be similar to ASuka's own core it could be in a dormant state as well, we do not want him to panic or else could trigger it to awaken," Ritsuko said as the Lotus had basically order her not to put Shinji into any serious test until he feels more comfortable, with the Sync test kind of pushing it, she'll take it easy on him and Asuka during this time.
"Got it, it would make sense I suppose, we don't want to put everything on Shinji shoulder just yet sense he can't walk just right now," Misato said as it is bad enough for Shinji not able to walk on his own no thanks to Gendo, but if they tell him the truth of him and Asuka being the new angels that could wipe out all life in the system, that would be too much for Shinji to handle… heck even Asuka wanted to kill herself after hearing what Gendo said before.
If it wasn't for Lotus, Asuka may still want to kill herself, with that Misato was thankful for The Lotus and she can clearly see why the Tenno love her so as it clear her soul is pure, and she has a mother's heart to do anything for her children, even those who aren't as well.
"Well I'll check back in a little bit, but if anything comes up, give a call out," Misato said as Ritsuko nodded to her friend before leaving her alone with Magi who was helping observing with the Sync test, as she look over to Asuka's readings, and saw the sync rate was pretty high above the average the normal sync levels as it was before being, which is no surprise for Rits as she had done this before with Asuka after they recover unit 02 from Alad-V.
With Ritsuko getting all the info recorded and saved including the pilot's health scans it was a matter of how much can they keep it up, then suddenly Magi suddenly said, "Hu, this is strange."
"What is it Magi?" Ritsuko question her Cephalon as she bring up the data for Shinji as she started to say, "Well with all the reading appears to be normal but look at the sync rate for Mr. Ikari."
Ritsuko looked at it and surprise to see the rate was at 0, this was a first for her to see, as she would see some child candidate before to have at least a single digit or so knowing there was a small amount of Syncing but not enough to move an Eva unit, but completely 0, this was surprising as it was but cannot figure out why it was at Zero.
The only theories she could come up with is maybe after the 3rd impact Shinji could have remove his ability to sync with an EVA, maybe his mother Yui is somehow blocking Shinji from syncing with the Eva itself, but with no scientific way to prove these theories at the moment, she'll just have to give the bad news or maybe good news.
(Later)
"It was at Zero?" Shinji said as he was shocked to hear this as was everyone else present as Ritsuko was telling the group of both child and Tenno, including Misato who was in charge of operations, and the Lotus who is the commander now, the results of the Sync test as Ritsuko said, "As far as I can tell Shinji, it is. With this you won't be able to Pilot an Eva."
"Do you have any theories of how this could be?" The lotus ask in worry for Shinji, as they all basically know that he is the new Adam and wonder if that have something to do with it as Ritsuko said, "I have a few ideas but nothing concrete at the moment, as right now Shinji is unable to pilot Unit 01."
"Well at least with this, whatever plans Gendo or SEELE may have with Shinji is basically gone now," Shura said as he saw that was their advantage over them, with Shinji could not help but look a bit relief at this as well to this news, with Asuka soon ask, "But what about me?"
"Well, what I saw with you Asuka, your basically normal, no signs of any abnormal reading and your Sync level is basically high in the 60s," Ritsuko said as she show Asuka results of the Sync test which Asuka felt a bit happy for this but also a little worry herself too as there no telling if this could be dangerous for everyone if she is able to pilot an Eva unit, SEELE or Gendo could somehow take advantage of this somehow.
"Well that all I have for now, you can dismiss," Ritsuko said as the Tenno nodded with Reiko and Mari walk away for the time being, ASuna and Shura stuck around with Shinji and Asuka, with Asuka the one to push Shinji in his wheelchair, Shura said, "Hey hold up a second."
"Something wrong shura?" Shinji asked as shura came up to him while reaching into his pocket and pull out a familiar device for Shinji as to his shock it was his SDAT player, but it was somewhat different, as Shura said, "We found this at Black Lua where we found you at, and I felt it should be back to its original owner, so I had fix up and modified it to work, with that tape that was in there was a bit ruin, and the strip in there was falling apart, but thanks to Sudo we were able to recover and restore the songs on it and downloaded them into the device with some added songs as well. I hope you will enjoy them."
"T-thank you… this means… this means a whole lot to me," Shinji said very happily as he took his SDAT player back and put in the headphone in his ear and hit play on the device as it started to play the songs on it as after a moment… he smile as it seem the songs were coming through well on it as Asuka smile to this seeing Shinji happy as he look up to Shura and said to him, "Thank… for doing that for him."
"It was not a problem," Shura said with Asuna came up to him as she wrap her arms around his and lay her head on his shoulder while saying, "You're such a nice guy Shura, but… why haven't you given me a gift?"
"Because the gifts you want are either Prime related weapons or Warframe which I cannot afford," Shura said as he all the credit and platinum he would save up would get used up just as quickly as he gotten them, and can't get himself another prime Warframe related variant after he toss away his first one, and he wasn't counting Umbra as he is unique in his own way being one of a kind of a Warframe, and the circumstances of how he gotten him is something else as well, in a way he prefer Umbra above any Prime Warframes.
"Your no fun." Asuna pouted as Shura then sighed and looked to Misato before walking off. Asuna followed after him knowing they had finished up for now. Unknown to them Lotus, Misato, and Ritsuko had other things to discuss.
(Later)
With the former Commanders Office repurposed the trio were discussing the current dilemma. "So, for Unit-01 we can only rely on Shura with his Transference." Misato said as she sat against a chair contemplating what they learned.
"It would appear to be the case and with Unit-01, the Lance of Longinus, Shinji, and Asuka we hold all the cards against SEELE and Gendo." Lotus said with a calm tone in her voice.
"But this is SEELE and Gendo we're talking about they must have an ace up their sleeves somehow." Ritsuko said knowing that underestimating them was a bad idea.
"What about Black Lua?" Misato asked knowing it served as Gendo's base of operations. "So long as Commander crap dad controls it, we can't make any major moves against him." Misato added knowing that Gendo also had a few cards to play.
"We took his vessel so that takes away one resource of his, but he still has agents and tools to exploit." Lotus said referring to the clones Gendo had made in the forms of Rei and Asuka. "But... he must have suspected Shinji couldn't synchronize with the EVA anymore so why keep him?" Lotus asked as that was what bothered her.
"The data doesn't lie, Lotus." Ritsuko said but Lotus begged to differ.
"No but perhaps we're missing a bigger picture." Lotus said using all three aspects of herself to figure out the best course of action. "We may need to organize scouting missions to Black Lua in order to learn more of Gendo's Plans." Lotus said meaning they were going to have to figure out Gendo's workings and how to navigate Black Lua.
"I'm assuming you have some ideas." Ritsuko said as the Lotus smirked a bit.
"Let's just say I have a reasonable deduction." Lotus said and thus they began to talk shop for the entirety of the meeting. At least until Misato voiced something of note.
"Well at least the kids are getting along." Misato said as she sighed a bit.
(Scene Break Apartment later that day)
Back at the apartment the residents of the household were once more entertaining the Tenno minus Mari. Misato was in casual wear as she chugged down another bit of Cetus brand wine. With Shinji currently indisposed via the wheelchair Asuka took over the cooking... it was either that or let Misato cook because Rei still did not like meat. The Tenno were grateful for that because Misato's cooking should be considered a class 10 biological weapon the sort that not even the Infestation wants to tangle with.
When Mari voiced it, Misato did not take kindly to it after seeing what the Infestation looked like. The Entrati Family also confirmed that Misato was a horrible cook. So, Asuka handled the cooking while Shinji was made to relax for the time being. Shura remembered what it was like to be unable to walk on one's own power so he did his best to help Shinji out when he could.
Once Misato downed her drink, she cheered a bit as she slammed down the cup. "Yeah, that's the ticket!" Misato called out with a grin on her face. "Some things never change." Asuka said while wearing an apron and passing out the food.
"It can't be that bad though." Shinji said as the introvert sat there. "Other than her cooking." Shinji added causing Asuka to roll her eyes while she took off the apron to join them at the table.
"Yeah, bar her bad cooking it's just like old times." Asuka said as Reiko kept a close eye on Misato trying to decipher how someone can poison a Tenno.
"If we feed her cooking to the Grineer and Corpus it might solve a lot of our problems." Reiko said as Misato glared at them.
"Hey, my cooking is not the topic of discussion!" Misato cried out as she glared at the group.
"It's a wonder you haven't poisoned Penpen when you had him. Hell, you poisoned ghost kids here!" Asuka called out gesturing to Reiko but then noted that the other two were missing.
"So, Shinji your free of the EVA what do you plan to do now." Misato asked as Asuka looked around for the missing Tenno.
"I honestly haven't thought about it." Shinji admitted as he grabbed his head a bit. "I don't think I ever thought about it in all honesty." Shinji added while trying to think of what to do with his life now.
"Well Pilot Ikari-Kun we are in a new world so it might be prudent to start over." Rei offered as she was glad Shinji would no longer have to endure the pain of piloting the EVA.
"Shura... what do you?" Shinji asked and then noticed that Shura was missing as was Asuna.
"Wait where did they go?" Misato asked until Asuka was heard from the back.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME WHY MY ROOM!?" Asuka yelled and thus they all looked and saw Asuka's things being thrown as Shura and Asuna ran for it. Shura had a tired look on his face while Asuna had a mischievous grin on hers. It did not take a genius to figure out what had happened. Especially since Shura and Asuna's cloths were a bit ruffled while Shura had a few lipstick marks on his face. Asuka followed suit as she had a few items in her hand hoping to hit the Tenno with them.
"Get back here!" Asuka yelled and in turn Reiko sighed to this.
"Worth it!" Asuna called out showing she was the mastermind behind this.
"Hey hold it!" Misato called finding herself cutting in to break up the argument. Shinji just smiled as oddly enough despite the chaos he was at peace.
(Later)
After the chaos and food was served everyone was getting ready to head out. The Tenno never stay over for one reason or another. They each had their reasons for it but Shura in all honesty was not overly fond of large groups not after the Orokin. But they still had enough time for a few things as Shinji was sitting in the room alone with his mind wondering over the conversation with Mana prior to the test. The Tenno never seemed to speak of their Birth Parents and from what he understood their parents all went crazy from the Void. Yet the way Mana spoke suggested more as she couldn't shake her mind from it. So as Harry sat on the sofa, he failed to noticed Shura approaching the now former EVA Pilot.
"Hey, Shinji something on your mind?" Shura asked as he got Shinji's attention.
"Oh, Shura... not it's just..." Shinji trailed off as he tried to find the right words.
"Something happen?" Shura asked and thus Shinji simply sighed a bit.
"I met a Tenno with Asuka earlier she seemed off." Shinji said and thus Shura raised a brow.
"Off?" Shura asked as he raised a brow. Many of the Tenno had their quarks so Shinji had to be more, specific.
"Yeah, that weird girl at the base." Asuka suddenly spoke as she came in with some cups of drinks in her hands. She gave Shura a glare no doubt still upset about Shura and Asuna getting some hanky-panky in her room.
"She wasn't that weird I mean what she talked about was strange, but I wouldn't say she was weird." Shinji said and he tried to defend the oddity they met back at the base.
"Did she have a name?" Shura asked as Asuka thought about.
"Said her name was Mana Kirishima why?" Asuka asked curious as to what Shura was asking.
"Mana who?" Shura asked showing he had never heard this name before.
"Mana Kirishima she's a Tenno, right?" Shinji asked as he began to grow a bit concerned.
"Not one I've ever heard of." Shura said and in turn he began to get worried. "I need to go check something out." Shura said and thus that was the signal for him and his teammates to leave.
"Wait where are you going!?" Asuka asked trying to figure out what Shura was doing.
"Not sure." Asuna responded instead as she and Reiko went after Shura.
(Later with Shura)
Shura had used Transference to summon Umbra while Asuna and Reiko did the same for Valkyr Prime and Wisp Prime. "Ordis, I need you to do a search for Tenno identification Mana Kirishima." Shura ordered into his communicator and thus Ordis got to work.
"Searching." Ordis began and in turn his search ended. "No match found." Ordis confirmed and thus Asuna saw what Shura was thinking.
"For once being Paranoid paid off." Asuna said feeling that they were in deep trouble.
"I'll contact the base have them lock the place down and be on the lookout for the intruder." Reiko said knowing that whoever this fake Tenno was she was an intruder.
(Meanwhile with Mana Unit-02's Cage)
Mana stood in Unit-02's cage as she smiled to the EVA. "Well, it would seem that I've played for long enough, grandmother." Mana said as she looked to Unit-02. "It is time, grandmother let us go and claim the stolen Lance of Longinus." Mana said her smile never leaving her face. She then stepped off the ledge of the cage and in turn her eyes glowed with Void Power before Unit-02 activated.
From there chaos hit.
(Central Dogma)
"ALERT UNIT-02 HAS ACTIVATED!" Magi cried out as Ritsuko, and several tech crews heard this while Lotus connected.
"How is that possible I thought the defensive programming prevented such things." Lotus spoke as Ritsuko tried to figure it out.
"The signal is I can't make heads or tails of it, it's like both Transference and Synchronization!" Magi warned bringing this fact to the Lotus.
"Deploy the Tenno it seems either Gendo Ikari or SEELE are making their move!" Lotus ordered and thus everyone entered battle stations.
"Already on it, Reiko and I will try to stop the Unit 02 with the other units, while Asuna is going to head off to the intruder hopefully stop them before they can do anything else," Shura answer as it seem they were already on the job as The Lotus said, "Please hurry Tenno."
(Eva units cages)
Reiko and Shura headed towards unit 00 and 01, with the crew working as fast as they can to get the units ready for action, as soon enough both Reiko and Shura reach their respected Eva and quickly leave their Warframe while transference into the Eva units right away as shura call out, "Release lock restraints!"
Soon enough the restraints were release off the Eva units, after that they were lower down to follow Unit 02, to hopefully get to it before anything else happens as Shura said, "I got a lock onto Unit 02 location."
"Same here, we need to catch up," Reiko said as Shura said to her, "No need to tell me twice." With that both Eva units headed off after unit 02 with Shura hoping that Asuna could find this, 'Mana' quickly.
(Mana)
With Mana walk down the halls to get to the elevator that reach to the Terminal Dogma as she knew the other Tenno would be busy trying to restrain unit 02 giving her plenty of cover to get to the first spear to take it.
Suddenly as Mana was about to turn down the next hallway, a shot came down from the hallway she was about to go down on, with a bullet narrowly missing her as it hit the wall near her, Mana look to see the Valkyr Prime standing between her and the elevator as she said, "I'm impressed, you Tenno was able to catch onto my quickly, what gave it away?"
"The fact not many Tenno keep their last names, or the fact to tell your name to Shinji and miss loudmouth, and given my boyfriend has paranoia side to him he always check thing out which made us be aware of you early. I mean did you think no one would have said a thing about a weird Tenno walking about?" Asuna said as Mana could not help but laugh a bit as she said, "Well I suppose I should have expected that, but it's doesn't hinder my plans."
"Oh yeah, and what are you going to do then, because the way I see it I already have you out match, I mean does SEELE or Gendo think we weren't expecting a humanoid angel to try and sneak in and try something like this?" Asuna said as Mana could not help but laugh again as ASuna said, "What's so funny?"
"Well, the fact your only half right, I am an angel… but I am not one of the 18 the Dead Sea scroll had talked about, but the fact is I'm not just an angel," Mana said as Asuna raise her gun up at her and said, "Oh yeah, what else are you, an Orokin follower or something?"
"No, I am more or less like you," Mana said as Asuna was confused, with Mana's entire being suddenly glows brightly for a moment like a Tenno would do summon forth their Warframes, as Asuna was shocked to see what was before her as it was Excalibur Prime as mana said from within it, "I am also a Tenno."
Mana raise the Skana Prime sword in her hand as she face Asuna as she said to her, "And I will not be denied a world that I desire."
At that moment as Asuna was about to fire until Mana activated Excalibur ability known as Slash Dash as she was upon Asuna within a second as she slash down at the Valkyr prime.
(Bridge)
Misato rush into the room as she heard the alerts and got word of EVA unit 02 was acting on its own without a pilot inside of it as she said, "I heard the situation, what is happening?"
"Tenno Shura and Reiko are in pursuit of unit 02 in unit 00 and 0, while Asuna had just made, contact with the intruder which we believe is one of the angels as we got blue blood readings," Magi said as then suddenly she went, "Ah-oh."
"What? What's wrong?" Misato said as Magi soon said that would surprise everyone, "It seem we're just not dealing with an Angel, but a Tenno as well. We got a strong Transference signal coming from said angel suddenly and what's worst she has a powerful Warframe."
"An angel with a Warframe?" She asked surprised that the Angel could even use the Warframe. "Which one?" The lotus question as Magi brought up on screen to show what is going on as Valkyr Prime was fighting against Excalibur Prime as Ritsuko said, "Wait, that looks similar to Umbra Excalibur."
"Excalibur Prime, but how did they get it?" The lotus said as she knew that Warframe well as Misato said, "What's so different with this Warframe?"
"It was Shura first Warframe that he used in the first war, the Prime variant of a Warframe are the strongest among them with very few blueprints every made with each one, all expect this one.
"This Warframe is known as the first true Warframe the only one of a kind," The Lotus said as which shocks Misato and Ritsuko as Misato said, "But if that thing is supposed to be one of a kind, where the hell did, they get this one then?"
"They must have found Excalibur Prime's location but how?" Lotus asked herself but Ritsuko had another question.
"Better question if Shura had this Warframe why didn't he use it sooner?" Ritsuko asked as she found it vexing that Shura had not bothered to inform anyone of this particular Warframe.
"Shura wish to be rid of this particular Warframe do to a… checkered history he has with it." Lotus said making it clear that it was Shura's choice in the end. "It reminded him too much of what he had done in the Old War, but he could not destroy it, so he did the next thing and hide it in a location that only a select few knew of its location in case the Tenno needed a powerful Warframe," The lotus said as Ritsuko said, "I'm surprise he didn't utilize this Warframe sooner, why not keep it with him?"
"Because it became unneeded when Umbra came forth proven to be as powerful as its Prime counterpart, maybe even stronger being one of Ballas most powerful yet immoral creations." Lotus said as she tried to block out the memories of what lead to Shura acquiring Excalibur Umbra and the events that followed. "Shura made a strong connection with Umbra becoming our ally and one of our best defenses against the Sentient during the New War," The lotus said and in turn Ritsuko understood it now. After all, if Umbra is as powerful as its prime counterpart, then why bother with it. But they didn't take into the account of someone else could find it and acquire it themselves.
"With how its moves, I can see that," Misato said as she watch as how Excalibur Prime and Valkyr prime fought against each other, she sees how its move as fast and just as good as Umbra when Shura was using it, there no telling what its power could be used for.
(EVA units)
Evangelion Unit-01 and Evangelion Unit-00 descended down the shaft that Unit-02 had taken to Terminal Dogma. "Reiko go on ahead and flank it I'll keep it busy!" Shura called out through Unit-01 and in turn Reiko nodded.
"Understood." Reiko responded and in turn detached the hook so she can descend faster. The weight from her EVA and the speed she built from the fall allowed for Reiko to zoom passed Unit-02 towards the bottom. The EVA saw the Unit-00 pass by but just as it did Unit-01 came down on it with the prog knife drawn. With the space as narrow as it is larger weapons were a no go in this fight. Prog Knives clashed as the two EVA's made attempt after attempt to overpower the other.
Meanwhile Shura tried to figure out how the Angel could control the EVA from such a far distance. Clearly it went on ahead to clear a path while Unit-02 was left to deal with the pursuers. But why would the Angel do something like this and why now. 'The data clearly is not up to date, a human sized Angel and one with Tenno powers... this is going to be tough.' Shura thought to himself while he tried to think of the best way to approach this.
EVA Unit-02 then transformed its machine arm into its gun form and during the deadlock fired at Unit-01 at point blank range. The bullets riddled Unit-01's midsection as the EVA was forced to back off from that attack. Unit-02 then stabbed down with its Prog Knife only to be blocked by Unit-01 using its own Prog Knife. They continued to descent as they went about their struggle trying to get the edge over the other. Just then beam shots came from below revealing it to be Reiko who was firing at Unit-02 trying to take it down without causing it to much damage.
Clearly it was not the Bardiel situation, but it was clearly not Tabris either knowing what they know. The shot separated the two titans and thus allowed for Shura to get a bit of breathing room. Then with a roar they clashed again with Shura stabbing the knife into Unit-02's head and the opposing EVA stabbing the violet-colored EVA's shoulder. The struggle continued as they descended further down to Terminal Dogma.
(Back at Central Dogma)
Asuka and Rei ran in when the alert came in from Ordis. "Where is the Angel?" Asuka asked as she had left Shinji in one of the shelters of the base to wait out the storm.
"On its way down towards Terminal Dogma." Misato explained and in turn she had more.
"It's using your EVA; Asuka and it has Void Power it's a Tenno." Magi said surprising Rei and Asuka.
"We need to get down there and help them." Asuka said making it clear that they had to move.
"No this is well beyond what you were trained for, Asuka." Lotus cut in stopping Asuka with her voice alone. "Right now, this is a battle between Tenno." Lotus said as she also had more to think on it. While they needed to capture the Tenno alive, they could not risk it getting the Lance of Longinus either.
(Asuna vs Mana)
Asuna and Mana were still at it as she sent tether at Excalibur Prime who to Asuna's shock caught it with her arm. She then yanked Asuna towards her only for Asuna to let loose a volley of bullets from her Braton Prime. But just as she did Mana produced her AT-Field stopping the bullets in their tracks. "Your weapons are modded, but you should have been aware that conventional weapons are no use to the Angels." Mana said as she looked to Asuna through Excalibur Prime.
"I. Don't. Care!" Asuna yelled as she then tore off of Excalibur Prime and switched used Transference before firing a void Beam at Mana.
In response Mana fired her own Void Beam the two beams meeting each other before they cancelled each other out. The blast created smoke for a moment as Asuna got ready to fight again by using Transference to become one with Valkyr Prime again. But then a flash of light went about blinding her and in turn Asuna realized what it was. "Radial Blind." Asuna gasped and in turn she was hit by several Slash Dashes curtesy of Excalibur Prime giving her no room to attack.
Valkyr Prime was knocked to the ground as her vision returned. She only saw Excalibur Prime preparing to skewer her on the spot. Acting fast Asuna spun on the ground and knocked Excalibur Prime off its feet before rolled out of the way. Excalibur Prime was back on his feet as Asuna slammed her fist to the ground clearly enraged. With a mighty roar Valkyr Prime's claws came out and in turn Valkyr Prime was in her Hysteria state.
She then went after Excalibur and began to push the powerful Warframe into a corner snarling and roaring out as she did so. Mana was being pushed back as she tried to find a path out of this. She then blocked Asuna's next assault before kicking off from her torso and getting some distance. With a furious roar Asuna went straight for Mana who faced away from her.
But then something happened, Asuna's attack was stopped as she was seemingly standing over Excalibur Prime poised to attack. Her claws vanished as she made Valkyr Prime look its torso to see that Excalibur Prime had taken the chance to draw its Exalted Blade and run Valkyr Prime through. Asuna within Valkyr Prime stumbled back as the Warframe fell to its knees before Asuna fell out from the back. Holding her stomach in the same area Valkyr Prime was stabbed Mana in Excalibur Prime approached.
"You share her face... regardless I have a task to attend to." Mana said as she held the Exalted Blade at Asuna's face with the tip a few inches from her one good eye. "This will not be pleasant I'm sorry." Mana said but just as she was about to end it the three EVA's fell through the open path above in Terminal Dogma.
"Get away from her!" Shura roared out and in turn grabbed Excalibur Prime in his EVA's hands. "Got you now." He growled ready to crush her.
"Yes, you do, and since I am the enemy, you must terminate me." Mana said and in turn Shura was about to or at least he tried to. His EVA would not budge its hand and even Yui was finding herself unable to do so.
"Ms. Ikari what's wrong?!" Shura asked as he tried to force the EVA to move its hand.
"I... can't move its the Angel, she won't let me." Yui spoke and thus Shura looked to Mana.
"Why do you think I took Unit-02 that has a Dominant Soul instead of Unit-00 that lacks one?" Mana asked looking to the EVA. "My abilities are not like that of Tabris who can control any EVA as long as a Dominant Soul is absent, but my power is the opposite I can only control EVAs Units whose Souls I share a unique connection with thus this makes both Unit-01 and Unit-02 mine to command." Mana revealed much to everyone's shock.
Then to demonstrate she made Unit-01 release her and thus allowed her to hover down to the ground. "Now I must retrieve the Lance of Longinus please do not interfere." Mana said and thus she went into the final door.
"STOP!" Shura called only for Unit-02 to grab Unit-01's leg to stop him.
"Shura go on ahead! I'll keep Kyoko at bay." Yui spoke and thus Shura nodded.
"Right." Shura said and thus he then got moving. Out from Unit-01's chest Shura flew out and in turn he summoned Umbra before busting out his K-Drive and chased after Mana.
(Central Dogma)
Asuka stood there for a moment as she felt strange. A pulsing could be felt from within her as her vision began to turn blurry. Her mind was being assaulted by something as she thought of Mana and the situation. They heard what she said, a unique connection allowed her to command her Evangelion and Shinji's former Evangelion. But how was that possible what was the connection? The more Asuka thought about it the stronger the pulse grew within her. Her eyes went dull for a moment before shifting to a glowing blue as she felt some sort of shift within.
"Mana... Cain." Asuka whispered and thus she got moving.
Time went on as Rei looked ready to act. She was starting to leave when Misato stopped her. "What are you doing Rei?" Misato asked with concern for the girl.
"I once neutralized an Angels AT-Field I intend to do so again." Rei said but Misato stopped her.
"No Rei we still don't know if you can even do it again." Misato said as Rei begged to differ.
"I intend to try." Rei said but then Misato grabbed Rei to make sure she stayed put.
"Asuka help me." Misato began but then saw Asuka was gone as did Rei. "Where did Asuka go?" Misato asked noticing that Asuka was missing.
(Back to the Battle)
Mana managed to open the final door with her Warframes Parazon and entered the final room. Within the Lance of Longinus awaited her as she smiled at the weapon longingly. "It began with you and so shall end with you." Mana said while approaching the Lance. "Soon mother we'll be together soon, please just wait a little bit longer for me to come home." Mana said only for her AT-Field to block several beam shots from Ambassador. Turning towards the shots source she saw Shura with Umbra charging into the fight intent on stopping her.
"So, you took Unit-02 from me and left Unit-01 behind to fight me as a Tenno." Mana said looking to Shura who then charged in with the Skaijiti and sliced it against Mana's AT-Field. Alas the Field stood strong and thus Shura was forced to back off. He then switched to the Twin Grakhata's and emptied their clips at Mana.
"Didn't you already learn?" She asked while directing her attention to Shura. "Mods or not conventional weapons are useless against an AT-Field." Mana said as she looked to Shura.
"Most of the Origin System should know that I'm one of the most stubborn Tenno you'll ever meet." Shura responded as Mana with Excalibur Prime returned to the ground.
"Perhaps but if you wish to end me, you will have to take Excalibur Prime away from me." Asuna said as she took a battle stance.
"That's the plan!" Shura called out and thus the battle began. The Skiajiti went against the Skana Prime as the blades clashed against each other. The two proved themselves to be capable swordsman but no matter how good Shura is in this fight Mana's AT-Field tipped the scales in her favor. Mana zoomed around Shura with Slash Dash intent to take him down only for Shura to respond with Radial Javelin forcing Mana to back off. But Mana once she got back used the Radial Blind to blind Shura and Excalibur Umbra. Prime was upon Umbra as he grabbed the black Warframe by its horn and slammed him to the ground before dragging him across. She then ended it with sending Shura and Umbra flying back with a throw forcing the two to roll on the ground. Getting back up Shura glared at his foe who went at him with the intent to kill.
Shura clashed with her again, but he then pushed back and was about to send a punch when Mana once more used her AT-Field to defend herself. "Brute force will not aid you against me." Mana said with a calm tone in her voice, but Shura was not going to surrender.
Just then the air grew heavy around them causing Shura to look surprised. "What?" Shura asked as he then looked to Mana and Excalibur Prime only to see that her AT-Field was starting to flux.
(Central Dogma)
"I'm detecting a second AT-Field." Magi cried out already zeroing in on the source.
"Is it another Angel?" Misato asked which the Magi was already checking.
"I can't tell its..." She began but then Lotus cut in.
"Open video surveillance now focus the feed on where the general source is." Lotus said and thus Magi did so.
"On it." She said and in turn they saw Terminal Dogma's upper walls on the screen.
"Zoom in now!" Ritsuko said and in turn Magi did so. Once she did, they were all shocked to find who was on the screen right now.
"Asuka?" Misato asked as on the screen was Asuka with a bow active S2 Core at the center of her chest.
"No... that's Eve." Rei confirmed realizing that Asuka's S2 core had been triggered.
(Terminal Dogma)
Mana looked to the source and saw Asuka there causing Mana to gain a sad look on her face. "Mother that who I came from that who lead me to be what I am... even now you still favor others over me?" Mana asked knowing full well that her AT-Field was gone. "Abel is gone why do you still favor him over... wait." Mana said before directing her attention towards Shura who then roared out and attacked again. Without her AT-Field Mana was unable to stop Shura's attack when it hit her. Forced to back off Mana looked to Shura and began to put together a sort of morbid piece.
"I see now... Abel will always find me." Mana said as she chuckled to this and stood tall. "Yes, my Abel my beloved Abel you return to me again to challenge me." Mana said with a grin as she stood before Shura who was confused.
"Abel?" Shura asked finding the name confusing.
"Yes, Abel at the dawn of the Golden Lords you stood against me, at the awakening of the Void you stood against me, and now at the rebirth of the Angel Wars you stand before me again." Mana said as the Angelic Tenno looked to Shura like a most cherished lost lover and a most hated enemy meld into one.
"Again, I can prove to mother who is deserving of her love we can return to mother, together Abel." Mana said and thus she charged at Shura who in turn avoided the attack before they clashed blades again. The two weapons grinded against each other as both variants of Excalibur glared at each other before parting again. Once they were separated two foes looked to each other circling the other making it clear that they were not going to make a bad move if they could help it.
"It's only a matter of time before Unit-00 arrives." Shura said glaring at Mana ready for whatever move she might make.
"Perhaps and as things are now without Unit-01 or Unit-02 I would be unable to retrieve the Lance as I intended." Mana said as she began to drop her stance. "It seems I've been beaten this time, right mother." Mana said looking towards Asuka who still held that look on her face.
"And how do you plan to escape?" Shura asked and in turn Mana smiled to this.
"The same way Lilith's host could come and go without being detected." Mana said and the next thing Shura knew she used Radial Flash to blind him. Once that was done, she bullet jumped passed Shura and tore open a hidden path. Once she was there Shura regained his sight but was too late to stop her when she sealed the path.
"Everyone top side now!" Shura ordered and thus he summoned his Archwing and flew upward hoping to stop Mana before she escaped.
Asuka stood there for a moment until her S2 Core melded back into her body her skin returning to its normal state before passing out. "No!" Shura called out and thus he used his Archwing to catch Asuka bridal style. Returning to the ground Shura was met with Asuna who looked the girl over.
"I'll stay with her just go." Asuna said and thus Shura nodded and flew off after the escaping foe.
(Later on, the Surface)
By the time they managed to catch up it was too late as exiting from its cloaked state was a landing craft similar to the ones the Tenno used. But this one was vastly different as it flew off to space to rendezvous with its associated Orbiter. Shura was firing at the vessel but its armor and shielding made it impossible to breach with his guns as it flew away. Cursing his luck Shura saw that the Angel had escaped but the good news was that she failed to get her prize this time.
"Damn." Shura cursed but knew they could not always win the battles this was too close for comfort.
(Scene Break Later Hospital Room)
Asuka was getting another MRI after the episode she endured. They had heard everything Mana said as they now knew Mana had unknowingly triggered Asuka's S2 Core. Her core had gone dormant again which meant that the closer Mana is to Asuka or Eve in this case the more active it becomes.
"We nearly lost the Lance to Mana." Lotus said as he looked at the scans on Asuka. "If Asuka had not triggered when she did..." Lotus trailed off but Misato cut in.
"Which as me worried." Misato said and thus they looked to Asuka. "The Angels were attracted by Adam and Lilith but now that Eve exists, they'll be gunning for Asuka." Misato said but Shura begged to differ.
"You don't know that Mana... Cain whatever she calls herself seemed to be her only Angel other than this angel called Abel." Shura said as he scratched his head a bit.
"Who or what is Abel anyway?" Asuna asked and thus Ritsuko cut in.
"The story of Cain and Abel is the story of the first murder of human history." Ritsuko said saying her piece. "Cain and Abel were brothers, children to the first man and woman Adam and Eve." Ritsuko said as she detailed who they were. "They were farmers but there was a sort of rift between them which came to fore when Cain murdered his brother Abel when Abel's offerings to God, or Yahweh as he was called in that era, was favored over Cains." Ritsuko said and thus grabbed an empty mug. "So, Cain took a stone and bashed his brothers head in taking his life and being cursed as the one who invented the concept of Murder." Ritsuko said telling a brief summary of Cain and Abel.
For his part Shinji sat in his wheelchair trying to make sense of it all. His memories were fragmented big time, and no one was telling him much of anything. Though since he can't pilot an EVA Unit anymore, he was stuck on recovering his ability to move. When Shinji was about to ask more Asuka was heard as she entered the room. "Her name may have been Mana but as an Angel her name is Cain." Asuka spoke as her scan was done and surprisingly, she was awake.
"Wait Asuka." Shinji began but was cut off by Shura.
"How do you know this?" Shura asked wanting answers.
"I'm not sure... when my core woke up, Mana I mean Cain was near." Asuka said pointing to her chest where the core came out from. But her tone was a sad one clearly upset about something she could not recall.
"Then where is Abel?" Misato asked and in turn Asuka began to clam up, but Shinji could see it... tears Asuka was starting to cry.
"I... I don't know... wait why am I?" Asuka began as she took note of the tears.
"Memories can be tampered but the feelings you had from them remain." Lotus said and thus it was clear what happened.
"Cain and Abel the remake." Misato said as while she was happy this meant one less Angel to worry about, she saw the pain it caused Asuka. 'Even then that Angel was still her kid.' Misato thought and thus Shura spoke up.
"As it stands, we need to keep our advantage going." Shura said and in turn Reiko nodded.
"Which means we need to take out both SEELE and Gendo before they get any advantages over us." Reiko said and they were all in agreement.
"We have the Lance of Longinus but keeping it here is no longer an option after that scare." Asuna said meaning one thing alone.
"We'll have to move the Lance to a place Gendo, and SEELE can't easily get to." Lotus said and thus she had a few ideas on where they can hide the Lance.
"I know just the place." Shura said and thus all eyes went on him. "It's a place the Tenno hid out during the New War when I..." Shura paused trialing off as memories came but he quickly stamped them out and refocused. "Anyway, not even the Sentient will go there, and I doubt even the Angels would go there, it's considered a no-fly zone unless of course you have taken the proper precautions." Shura said and in turn he looked to the group.
"You don't mean?" Reiko asked not liking where this was going.
"That's right, pack your gear everyone we're taking a trip to Deimos." Shura said and thus they all knew that Deimos was the best place to hide the Lance. They could only hope SEELE and Gendo were not desperate enough to even attempt trying to take the Lance of Longinus from there. More so it would give them ample time to try and hunt down the second Lance from the Void knowing the first was safely secured guarded by the most dangerous techno plague the Origin System had ever suffered from.
"What's wrong with Deimos?" Shinji asked and thus Reiko sighed knowing Shinji should be ready for whatever was awaiting them.
"Long story short be sure you've had all your shots." Reiko said making it clear that whatever was on Deimos was contagious.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, another day another chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it and will leave a review for us. Until we next meet, I will once more say here, ja-ne.