Warframe You Can NOT Absolve
ESKK: Time to begin the new chapter. Let's begin but remember to review at the chapters end.
(Start Lua)
A Void Storm had rolled in on Lua as Tenno were on the scenes where the storm was at its worst. Void Traces were valuable to the Tenno in uncovering Prime Gear and the likes. The Lotus was able to multi-task and was providing mission support to the active Tenno of the Origin System. Other Tenno were given assistant from other Operators here and there but needless to say all was quiet. With the previous Angel bested things had also been calm for NERV.
But this Void Storm was not the normal kind as it had awoken something hidden away. In the old lab of Ballus hidden away on Lua an awakening began as a savage roar echoed from within the lab. Bashing against a set of sealed doors the roar sounded eerily similar to Valkyr and her War Cry. Following the bashing was the sound of clawing as something was trying to tear its way out of the cavern. It kept going for a time until it eventually came to a stop and with it silenced reigned.
But the silence did not last long as soon the door split open from an axe blade and when the blade pulled back a set of talons tore through and began to tear the door open further. Sticking its head to the torn hole a Warframe was seen as the pitch-black Frame roared out seeing its freedom at hand after untold centuries.
(Scene Break Black Lua)
Gendo stood before Unit-13 after it had returned from its final test. The resemblance it shared with Unit-01 was both intentional and planned. The final test had proven to be a success and thus the EVA was ready for battle be it Angel or other EVAs. But it only had one purpose of note, Gendo's plans for Human Instrumentality. This EVA shall serve as his ark to at long last reunite with Yui but only when he had both spears in his possession.
It had been a long time coming countless acts of manipulations and deception that would have made any lesser men turn away with spite. Gendo was not a lesser man and would soon be reunited with his beloved Yui. Standing on the bridge of the Cage footsteps were heard and thus Mana walked in.
"I assume you detected Bardiel?" Gendo asked as Mana nodded to him.
"Yes, I did." Mana confirmed opting Gendo to smirk to this revelation. "And it's as I suspected he took a Warframe for a body." Mana said and this opted for Gendo to smirk.
"Before the Dummy Plug was used to slay this Angel, I wonder what NERV plans to do against one too small for an EVA to have any chance of hurting." Gendo said as Mana smiled to this.
"The Voids power is limitless only bound by the limited minds of those who utilize it." Mana said and thus she took her leave without any further prompting from Gendo. At least until she stopped to speak to Gendo. "You knew Ballas personally did you not?" Mana asked as she looked over to Gendo.
"I did." Gendo confirmed and in turn Mana nodded to the man.
"So, you know what he did to Umbra and the why?" Mana asked again which Gendo then turned to her.
"I did and he helped me do it again." Gendo said and thus Mana began to wonder who this Warframe use to be.
"I see, thank you." Mana said before taking her leave of the man. As Mana left, she knew that this battle truly would be a test for the Tenno, after all it's not every day one happens upon an Umbra Warframe such as this.
(Scene Break Earth Shinji's bedroom Earth)
Shinji was currently under the sheets naked in his bedroom at the apartment… ok it was more like his and Asuka's bedroom. Asuka had all but moved into his bedroom and considering the number of passionate nights they had it made some sense. He was waking up from another one of his dreams as the sound of his alarm going off could be heard. The room had several boxes scattered about as they were mostly filled with Asuka's things that she had Ordis recreate.
Shinji's belongings were also there but Asuka made sure that Shinji would be having a wider wardrobe selection. She got Shura and Asuna to agree to help and thus the boxes were brought here once they were ready. As Shinji turned off the alarm cloak a familiar bedmate was heard next to him.
"Gutten Morgen, Shinji-kun." Asuka was heard and thus Shinji looked and saw an equally naked Asuka next to him. Asuka smiled at him as she rested her head on her left hand while her legs sung back and forth in the air behind her.
"Gutten Morgen Asuka." Shinji returned the greeting smiling to her. "Did my alarm wake you?" Shinji asked with a bit of concern.
"Nah… It's weird but I never realized how peaceful you can look sleeping at times." Asuka said as she smiled to Shinji happy to see he was up and about.
"I suppose." Shinji said as he then rolled to his back which got Asuka's attention.
"Something the matter?" Asuka asked with concern for Shinji.
"No, it's just…" Shinji trailed off and thus he sighed in defeat. "Sometimes… I still see it you know." Shinji began which got Asuka to listen closely. "Third Impact Instrumentality and the battle right before it the battle that…" Shinji stopped as he couldn't say it.
Asuka sighed knowing that Shinji still was haunted by what had happened. Asuka couldn't blame him for it, they were all haunted by it in one way or form. "It wasn't your fault." Asuka said trying to assure him that what had happened was not Shinji's fault.
"It feels like it is." Shinji said which got Asuka angry until what came next was said. "Asuka… I abandoned you twice when you needed me, I just sat there and did nothing." Shinji said upset over how he had hurt Asuka.
Asuka simply hugged Shinji getting up and then letting him use her lap as a pillow. She knew what happened, but this was their chance to make it right a second chance. She didn't want to waste it on regrets and no matter how long it took… she and Shinji would heal and make each other whole once more.
Asuka vowed that she was not going to abandon Shinji again.
(Later that day in the Geofront NERV)
In the test Chamber Rei and Asuka were seen inside test plugs that had been heavily modified. In a conjoined room two Warframes were seen on their knees as they seemed to have some form of receiver attached to them. The Warfames were Mag and Volt base forms. In the plugs Asuka and Rei had their eyes closed while up in the test lab Misato, Ritsuko, Kaji, Varzia, and Little Duck.
"Initializing Energy Flow. Translating Synchronization Signal to Transference Units. Energizing LCL V3. Activating Entry Plug. Transference Circuits are online. Setting Language codes from Orokin to Japanese and German translating bio script now." The crew was heard as they were running through pre-activation for this test.
"You sure this is such a good idea Rits?" Misato asked her voice deep with concern over the situation.
"We don't have a choice with Cain still out there we lose our combat prowess with Unit-01 and Unit-02." Ritsuko said while monitoring the current test. "If the EVAs and Warframes are alike then they should in theory be able to operate under the same principles of the Entry Plug and Transference Chamber." Ritsuko said with her arms crossed.
"No offense doctor, but the Orokin have tried and failed to get the Warframes to operate before the Tenno came along." Varzia said voicing concerns with this experiment. "What makes you think you can pull it off?" The Dax asked and thus Ritsuko smirked to this.
"Science is all about trial and error your bound to get the wrong answer long before you get the right one." Ritsuko said with a smirk on her face.
"You did ensure all the safety protocols are in place, right?" Misato asked with concern for her wards.
The Faux Blond was about to respond but before she could, Magi cut in. "She tried to bypass some of them, Lotus asked me to make sure she did not." Magi said and thus Misato glared at her friend.
"Traitor..." Ritsuko grumbled but then got down to it. "Beginning contact experiment 13." Ritsuko said and thus the experiment began for the group. Asuka and Rei on their screens were shown to have neural devices on their head connected to the Plugs they were in. "Ok just like the last 12 times like you were piloting an EVA make the Warframes move on your thoughts." Ritsuko ordered and in turn the two nodded.
"Right/Understood." Asuka grumbled while Rei responded neutrally and thus the test began.
(Test Chamber)
The Two Warframes to rise to their feet before they began to inspect their hands. "Take it nice and slow you two." Ritsuko urged from the communications link as they did as they were told. So far, the test seemed to be going well enough and with careful precise movements the Warframes were moving on command of the EVA Pilots. Putting one foot in front of the other the Warframes were moving and by the looks of it test number thirteen might be a successful one.
At least until it all went wrong, again.
The Volt was the first to go wrong as its hand violently bent before it stumbled backwards in pain. From its free hand a bolt of lightning, shot out hitting the already abused walls. Asuka for her part in this was screaming out from the mental backlash of the incident. For the Mag, the Warframes grabbed its head in pain no doubt the system not working as well as they intended with Rei already feeling the pain as well.
(Test Lab)
"Stop the test! Stop the Test!" Misato ordered and the crew were already on it after seeing the test going wrong. In turn Eudico slammed her fist down on the emergency stop and thus the entire Test Chamber dimmed to a dull light.
(Back in the Test Chamber)
The two Warframes halted their actions and in turn fell to their knees inactive once more. The damage was done though, but thankfully it was not as severe as many would fear.
(Later Meeting Room)
"Another failure." Ritsuko sighed as she sat in her chair with Misato, Kaji, and Varzia with her.
"13 Ritsuko, 13 tests and we still can't figure out how get these Warframes to act like EVAs." Misato said no doubt upset by this turn of events.
"Let's hope test 14 will yield better results." Ritsuko said only for Misato to slam her hand on the table.
"No Ritsuko!" Misato yelled when she slammed her hand on the table. "Right now, we've managed to keep the damage contained to major headaches for the Pilots but what if we're not so lucky next time?" Misato asked as she knew eventually their luck was going to run out.
"Misato, we need more of these Frames on the front lines." Ritsuko said and thus Misato got angry.
"It's that line of thinking that eventually led to Third Impact." Misato said as she knew the signs the stresses that were exploited by Gendo to instigate Third Impact. The room went silent for a moment as the two had a standoff. Misato had been afraid of this for some time, Ritsuko had a nasty habit of seeing the Pilots as tools instead of people and Misato as well as NERV had enabled it which fit right into Gendo's scenario.
The truth was that Misato didn't fully trust Ritsuko and she had good reason for the why. Ritsuko had in the past put more value in the EVAs instead of the ones who piloted them. Misato had spoken to the Lotus about this as well but since Ritsuko knew Gendo the best as part of his inner circle they brought her on. But Ritsuko was under close watch for the mindset she displayed here.
Kaji then stepped in between the pair and pushed them back a bit. "Look ladies let's take five so we can rest." Kaji said trying to calm things down.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Misato said as this would give them time to fix the damages and recharge a bit.
(Meanwhile in Duviri)
The Drifter had just gotten through another bit of tasks on Duviri's surface. He had been working on gathering materials for the Tenno to use and one of them are blueprints to a Warframe. It surprised him that there was a Warframe hidden away in Duviri but if he found it then good on him. Taking out several of Dominus Thrax's troops the Drifter had been hard at work around Duviri making sure to keep one step ahead of Thrax.
Of course, things don't always stay as they should when he heard a commotion from nearby. Curiosity getting the best of him Drifter headed over and saw several of the inhabitants of Duviri gathered around something sounding like a Kaithe. But unlike the creatures that roamed Duviri this one looked out of place mainly because of the fact it had more filling then a regular Kaithe. What was to note was the fact that it was fighting back when the people tried tying ropes around its neck to contain it.
This creature was a fighter by the looks of it and refused to submit to anyone. "Ah noble Drifter thank you for your timely arrival!" Came one of the citizens who saw the Drifter. "Please I beg for your aid, this creature had just appeared out of nowhere and had been most difficult in containing." The Citizen said and thus Drifter called off his own Kaithe and drew Sun and Moon for battle.
"I'll try to get it under control." Drifter said and thus went at the creature.
The unknown Kaithe reared back and freed itself of the rope. Acting fast Drifted grabbed the rope to bring it back under control. "Easy, easy there!" Drifter called but the Kaithe refused to obey. In fact, instead of obeying it reared its body back and brought the Drifter in. Drifter used Sun and Moon to attack but was instead met with a hexagon field that stopped the blade in its tracks. The field cut the rope and thus the creature was free once more.
"Hey wait!" Drifter called out as it began to run off. But then to the shock of many the creature went to the ledge but instead of falling it actually opened a Void Rift and vanished into it before closing the rift behind it. Drifter stood there in shock over what he had seen and was for lack of better terms at a loss for words. "What the hell was that?" Drifter asked when he saw the unknown Kaithe run off.
(Back on Earth NERV medical wing)
The trio, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei were gathered in one of the medical rooms with the lights dimmed so Asuka and Rei would not have to deal with the migraine the failed test had caused them. Asuka was nursing a headache after the failed experiment with the Warframes. Even after retrofitting the Plugs with Transference Technology the results were less than stellar. "Why do we even do this again?" Asuka asked as she had her head under a pillow to prevent light from hitting her.
"We require new resources and the Warframes provide it." Rei said while nursing her own headache. "I suspect Doctor Akagi hopes to apply this method to the EVAs so we may be able to remote command them from afar via a modified Dummy Plug." Rei added as she kept her eyes shielded for added protection.
"How did the Tenno do it? How do they do it?" Asuka asked but then moaned as trying to think about it flared up her headache.
"One of life's great mysteries." Shinji admitted with a small smile clearly making a joke about it. All it got him was a pat on the cheek from Asuka who remained laying down on the bed before the hand went back down. "So do we know which Angel is next?" Shinji asked suddenly and thus Rei tilted her head.
"They appear with inconsistent data and have shown to not follow the patterns we once knew them for." Rei said as Asuka gave a thumbs up to that.
"If that means I don't get burned up in a volcano I can walk away happy." Asuka said while she continued to lay down. "But that does leave us with other issues to face." Asuka said as she'd rather not face Ariel in the coming battle.
"Ariel has the ability to cripple us via a psychological assault on the mind." Rei said as she knew how that Angel in combination of her lack of mental aid had destroyed Asuka. That's not even factoring in Gendo Ikari's role in that incident as well. "Meanwhile Zuriel has proven to be more powerful than any of the Angels prior or any of our resources." Rei said recalling that battle. "Not even an N2 mine possessed the power needed to defeat it." Rei added and thus they knew with their less than stellar resources they had to make everything count.
"And with Shinji losing his stuff we're short an EVA." Asuka said knowing how the last fight with Bardiel and Zuriel right after had turned out. "Do you think we should take the Lance from Deimos?" Asuka asked her voice deep with concern over such a possibility.
"No, I believe for the time being its safer where it is." Rei said making sure that while she had some doubts a plague planet was the safest place for the Lance to be stored.
(Scene Break Graveyard Earth)
A Black Warframe slammed a massive axe down to the ground as it grabbed its head in perceived agony. As the unknown Warframe continued to suffer it could hear unseen voices from memories not its own plaguing its mind. Shiki, Lang, these terms broken and fragmented plagued this Warframe's mind endlessly. It felt incomplete somehow broken and... and... changed maybe. Who what were these memories to whom did they belong? These memories the pain it caused it all this Warframe could do was scream in agony and rage but when she did her body released a burst of energy.
Just then a figure that it was familiar with began to step forward looking upon it. "It's been a while." Came the voice of Gendo as he appeared from behind a tombstone. "Look at you, what has Ballas done to you?" Gendo rhetorically asked as the Ayanami and Asuka clones soon surrounded him to protect him.
They all had her cornered as a dull azure glow showed from its back area. In response she flexed out her claws and began to slaughter each of the clones with ease. They Clones were nothing more than bloody stains on the ground by the time this Warframe had finished with them. The Frame then went after Gendo, but her claws instead phased right through the man revealing that he was not there at all.
"Worry not you'll find me eventually but not right now." Gendo said and thus he began to vanish. "First you need to make yourself whole once more, Bardiel." Gendo said before vanishing and in turn the azure glow on the frames back responded to this. Being left alone the Frame could only scream out in rage and agony once more. But yes, it was as Gendo said she felt the pull the call of an ancient being of her parent calling her home. Turning to the distance she began to take her leave with the shape of Lua to her back.
(Scene Break Lua)
Lotus looked over the data Mari had sent her on Ballas old Lab. After Shura had discovered Umbra that place had become something of a taboo location. None of the Tenno wanted to go there and for good reason too. The scars that plagued them ran deep and that place was full of them for the Tenno. Yes, the Zariman had shared that position once but with the Holdfast they conquered those traumas. "Looks like something tore its way out of here, Lotus." Mari said while she went over the data.
"The claws are consistent with Valkyr." Lotus mused as she saw the investigation Mari had run through. "But this is violent even for that Warframe." Lotus admitted noting that the data showed a Valkyr whose violent attributes had been pushed to something of a berserker. This was concerning for many reasons. Despite the place being a no-go area for the Tenno on personal reasons Lotus had the place monitored in case Ballas had any surprises left behind. It was how she became aware of the breach originating from the lab. The Warframe in question was not found but there was no telling where it could be at this point.
"How do you want me to proceed?" Mari asked suddenly as Lotus thought it over.
"Try and see if you can pick up its trail." Lotus said wondering if there were other Umbra Types that Ballas had made. "I'll be sending out an alert to all active Tenno to keep their Warframes under lock and key and have their Cephalons monitor the Frames for possible angelic infection." Lotus said which surprised Mari when the Lotus said this.
"Have a hunch?" Mari asked suddenly as she saw where this was going.
"If Warframes and EVA's Operate under the same principle, then I suspect Bardiel may be banking on this." Lotus said and thus with a nod Mari cut the call and continued her search for the unknown Warframe. As the Lotus was left alone for a moment a growing drip of concern could be felt pooling in her stomach. She suspected that Gendo may be playing a role in this somehow, yet she did not know the how or the why.
(Scene Break Shura)
Shura was meditating in the Garden of NERV that was seeing life again thanks to New Loka. As he sat her had his eyes closed focused on the silence and peace of mind. Seemingly unknown to Shura a figure was standing behind him as was the Rei look-a-like as Shura then sighed to this. "I know your there." Shura said but was met with silence. "I don't know who or what you are... but if you are a threat know that I will end you." Shura said and thus he turned around and saw the girl was gone. With a sigh Shura decided to leave it be for the time being.
He had more important things to think about, with these angel wars going on, as he and everyone else know that the angels attack patterns were strange, and no clear sigh of when the next one will attack until it too late, as at most they are prepared to counteract them when they appear, and there are clear sighs of the angels are adapting themselves.
Changing to the environment or the lack of one, evolving ever so as the battle rages on, if they could only try to get a live specimen of sort, maybe they could come up with a counter against them as he knew angels can also infuse themselves with Eva to take control of them or worst use any person who are using them as hostages.
No telling what could happen if an angel would adapt and fuse with a warframe itself, if his fight with Cain is anything to go by, they can be a powerful force to be reckoned with.
There's always a piece of the puzzle he seem to be missing, the reason why angels are attacking random worlds, why they appear as they did, and a bigger thing he is most worry about is… he hasn't seen Manny in a while, as he knew that lich can be anywhere as he wishes but why hasn't he come before him as he usually do?
Before his thoughts could get any deeper, he suddenly get a call that knock him out of his meditation as he answer it seeing it was Reiko as he said to her, "Something you need Reiko?"
"Yes, as I was task in investigating certain area of Lua by The Lotus orders and… there something you may need to see," Reiko said as Shura nodded and said, "Understood, send me the coordinates. I'll be there soon as I can."
"See you soon," Reiko said as she ended the call while sending the coordinates where Shura can meet her at and wonder what is it about?
(Asuna)
With the redhead Tenno was sleeping in her bed as she just back from a very long mission, no doubt with the angel wars, the other factions of the Corpus and Grineer that were not on their side, and the remaining Narmer forces seem to be still keeping strong regardless of Ballas's death.
On top of that, the Tenno were basically putting in overtime just to get more material and credits to have on hand to fix up the EVA and build up new weapons for them, it was very exhausting for her as she figure this would be a good time to rest now.
But her time of peace came to an end as she got a call herself as her Cephalon appear in her room and said, "Operator, you are receiving a message from the Lotus."
Asuna tries to ignore it as normal as she roll to her side keeping her eyes shut as her Cephalon started to speak up again as she said, "Operator, you cannot keep ignore the message by pretending to sleep."
"Shut up! I barely enough rest as it is, can I have a moment of peace!?" Asuna said as she throw her pillow at the hologram of her Cephalon as it suddenly answer the call as Asuna starting to yell as the Lotus started to say, "I am sorry to disturb you Tenno Asuna, but I have an urgent mission for you to do."
Asuna sighed as she stood up and said, "Forgive me Lotus, just haven't gotten a lot of sleep lately, what is it that you need?"
"I have been getting reports of a rogue warframe on the loose and I need you to capture it and tame it, or destroy it if it cannot be done," The lotus explain as Asuna soon said, "Well I'm all for getting a new warframe, but why ask me and not the others?"
"I would have but they are busy with their own current mission they couldn't drop, as well I needed someone who specialize in certain Warframes to fight against it, and I believe this one is your specialty."
Showing the image of said Rogue Warframe which got Asuna attention now as she saw the warframe seeing it was a Valkyr type and not only that but the dark material on it that make it unique in a way as there isn't any design like that for any Warframes of normal or primed as Asuna said, "So this warframe it's a..."
"Umbra class, a living warframe and a very powerful at that, when I first got the report about it, I know you were the one to go to for this type of warframe and considering the Valkyr warframe is powerful as is, there no telling what sort of abilities this one may have," The lotus said as Asuna was now sold on this, as she may like gathering warframe like a collection, even prime types, but this was something else to behold of, if she can tame it feral Warframe, then the Tenno would have another power to use against the enemy and maybe the angels as she said, "Understood Lotus, I'll start tracking the warframe and bring it under control."
"Good luck my child, as there no telling what this warframe may hold," The lotus said as she hangs up while Asuna soon said, "Alright, let go find us an umbra warframe."
(Lua)
Shura arrived on Lua and meet up with Reiko as she lead him down the halls with weapons in hands as no telling what sort of enemies could appear out of nowhere even those shapeshifting Sentients as they still roam Lua as far the Tenno knew.
What Shura saw there could be describe as a graveyard as all around him he saw nothing but death as the bodies of Grineer and Corpus litter the ground as if they were after something and they got killed for it as Shura soon ask, "Tell me Reiko, what is this all about?"
"There was an active signal coming from there, as reports says that something attack the Grineer and Corpus group along with some Sentient signatures was picked up in this area, but we have no idea what cause it to happen," Reiko said as Shura had only one guess as he said, "IT seem like something must have awoken recently."
Going through the place they had lights on so they can see what they were doing. Shura was using Rhino Prime this time around with Boltor Prime for his primary rifle, one of his Kitguns for a sidearm, and the Ankryos Prime for his melee weapon.
"What do you think it is?" Shura asked voiced dripping with concern over what may have awoken.
"It may have been an Angel, but the signal data suggested a Warframe." Reiko said as she had her rifle ready for anything that might come their way. "We're here to investigate where it came from and why it has awoken now." Reiko said and thus they continued to move through the location.
Reiko for her part had the Warframe Nova Prime equipped for this battle with the Soma Prime rifle equipped and her side arm being the Vasto Prime. Her melee Weapon was the Broken Scepter that she had acquired from the Grineer Queens a while back.
Rhino Prime and Nova Primes' abilities complimented each other and prove to be a valuable pair in battle. Simply put Nova makes a portal and Rhino goes in and falls from a great height. Once Rhino hits the ground a shockwave blasts away the surrounding foes. Focusing on the task at hand they headed towards the source of the signal.
Just then they came across another area and in turn Shura pointed it out. "Well, that's a familiar sight." Shura said pointing out a sealed door with an access panel. With this in sight the two Tenno walked over to the access panel so they can hack into it and open the door. But upon jacking in they found something unusual about it.
"Strange." Ordis said as he played his role here. "The Cipher does not follow the average security coding." Ordis said and thus Shura needed answers.
"Ordis explain." Shura said and thus Ordis got down to it.
"It seems that the security key is split into 19 parts it will take me time to decipher it." Ordis said as he and Reiko's Cephalon were already working on it. "Ok this might be it." Ordis began but the system flashed red and from the walls powerful turrets came out and fired on them.
"DOWN!" Shura called and used his Warframe's armor ability to block it with Reiko hiding behind him. Once the shots eventually came to an end he glanced down over to Reiko.
"Hmm it would seem that there is a security counter measure if we get any of the 18 codes wrong increased defensive measures are to follow." Ordis theorized and thus it was clear that they had to be careful.
Reiko hummed to this as she tried to deduce what the code was. Looking around she let her eyes wonder to the ceiling and saw the Tree of Yggdrasil on it. Following it she saw another Void Tree down the hall from where they were. Putting the pieces together Reiko had an idea a long shot, but it was worth a try.
"The first code try... Adam." Reiko suggested and thus her Cephalon did so with Reiko jacked into the console.
It gave a greenlight and moved on to the second code. Shura was surprised that it worked as he then looked to Reiko wanting answers. "How did you know that would work?" Shura asked wanting to see how Reiko figured it out.
"I have a hunch as to who hid this place." Reiko said and thus she got to the second code.
"So, if the first code is Adam, then chances are code number two will be." Shura trailed off and Reiko finished it for him.
"Lilith." Reiko said and thus inserting the code they got another green light. With a nod Reiko began to put the codes in. "Sachiel, Samshael, Ramiel, Gagiel, Seven, Israfel, Sandalphon, Matriel, Sahaquiel, Ireul, Leliel, Bardiel, Zuriel, Arael, Armisael, Tabris, and Lilin." Reiko inputted the codes which were the names of each Angels to attack mankind.
"That's 18 in all we still need code number 19." Reiko said and thus Shura smirked to her. If the first eighteen codes were the names of each of the Angels from the First Angel War, then it stands to reason the 19th code was the name of the 19th Angel Eve.
"Have you forgotten Lilith may have been Adam wife but when she rejected him God made Adam a new wife from his own ribs." Shura said and in turn Reiko smiled and put the final code in. Eve." With that code the sealed doors opened and allowed the pair of Tenno entry into the secret chamber within.
As they entered the place, they made sure to keep their guard up for any unsavory surprises in store for them. It was old and out of place for the Orokin Capital yet at the same time it reminded Shura of Ballas lab when he was hunting for Umbra. "A containment room just like the one Umbra was trapped in before pulling Lua from the Void." Reiko said seeing the room for what it was.
"I can tell, look." Shura said gesturing to another room showing a wall hold had been cleaved open by something. "Let's look around there might be some clues left behind." Shura said as he looked around a table for anything that can give them information on their new mysterious Warframe.
"Understood." Reiko responded and in turn they began their search through the facility. The pair left no stone unturned as they looked for the data. Shura did not bring Umbra on this mission because he was worried about possibly triggering a PTSD attack from the Warframe. Shura suffering from that himself understood that it was best to keep Umbra from visiting Lua if it could be helped.
Searching through one of the tables Shura noticed something buried under a few old papers. Moving it aside Shura began to look it over and finding it familiar. "Is that what I think it is?" Reiko asked as Shura looked the item over.
"Looks like it." Shura said and in turn he activated it. Once he did, he heard a familiar voice resonating from the item.
'It is with great risk that I commit this to record an act of good will between allies, Ballas. Your Frames of War and my manmade Gods truly a work of divine providence.' The Voice of Gendo echoed from the item and thus Reiko looked to it.
"A Vintruvian and by the looks of it one owned by Gendo Ikari." Ordis voiced as he saw the item via his Operator.
"To think Ballas and Gendo knew each other." Reiko's Cephalon spoke as Shura glared at the Vintruvian in question.
Reiko then took the item and in doing so stored it away to be studied later. "We best take our leave even with the New War over there can still be Sentient roaming Lua." Reiko said knowing how sensitive Shura got about Ballas.
"Right." Shura said and thus he and Reiko began to make their way towards extraction.
(Meanwhile with Asuna)
On the Planet Earth a Grineer location was being torn apart by something with claws and an axe to grind. Asuna had infiltrated the location with her Landing Craft without much problem. You would think the Grineer, and Corpus would invest in research to nullify the Tenno's cloaking technology after it had caused them all sorts of trouble in the past but to no avail. Corpus probably excused it as to expensive and the Grineer were too crude to even consider such a thing.
Asuna arrived at the location where the Umbra Class Warframe was said to be located. She was currently equipped with Gara Prime with her Kavat, Lunda, running about ready to maul through her enemies. Her main arm weapon was the Astila Prime shotgun which in her hands should prove to help slow down her enemy with the added bonus of the Mods it had. For her side arm she had the Lex Prime sidearm while yes was basic amongst the Primes was still useful with the right Mods. Another weapon she was using was the Vitrica Greatsword that she got the blueprints after hunting down the Orokin Glassmaker. That one was a nightmare and a half trying to find the guy after he had glassed so many people, total nutjob.
"Ok let's see where you're hiding." Asuna said and thus she began to move through the area to find the wild and feral Warframe. Entering the area Asuna already found a trail of death and gore in her way. Grineer remains were seen torn apart by the actions of this rogue Warframe. Smirking a bit Asuna proceeded forward without an ounce of fear in her.
Moving through the Grineer controlled node Asuna was careful in case any strays may still be active. The Alarms were not going off suggesting either this Warframe kept them from activating it or the system shut off on its own. Regardless she kept moving following the signal it left for her to follow.
"Exercise caution, Tenno we do not know what this Warframe is capable of." Lotus spoke as mission control for Asuna.
"Yeah; I know, I know." Asuna waved off confident she can handle whatever the System decided to throw at her.
"Operator I have detected the targets signal, it is close." Her Cephalon spoke as Asuna smirked in response to this.
"Thanks, Ruda." Asuna said and then smirked towards the sound of savage brutality. "It's, go time, bitch." Asuna said and thus she approached the location of this savage and feral Warframe.
Moving to the area Asuna recognized this place as where she, Shura, and Reiko did battle against Hek when he became a major issue in the System. In fact, this Warframe had just gotten through tearing through another Grineer with her Axe a spilling the contents of its guts all over the floor. As it finished its latest victim its head perked up when it sensed Asuna behind it. Getting up it glared at her and in turn Asuna aimed her rifle at the foe.
"Ok Valkyr Umbra we're going to do this nice and easy just lower the weapon and, SHIT!" Asuna yelled out as she dodged an attack from the feral Warframe using its Tether on her. It then yanked itself towards Asuna and attempted to slam down its axe on her who blocked the attack with her Great Sword before pushing back the foe.
Once Asuna put some distance, she glared at her foe for a moment ready to fight. "Well, the hard way it is." Asuna said before roaring in challenge against the rogue Valkyr. They clashed weapons against each other for a bit swinging wildly but giving no room to counter each other as they duked it out. Asuna backflipped away and fired her Astilla Prime at the Warframe showering it with glass shards that doubled as ice damage against it. This caused the Frame to slow down due to the frost build up upon its form. With this happening it gave Asuna time to break down its shields so she can perform Transference on it.
Bit by bit Asuna took out her enemies shields as she grinned to this. "You know fighting Grineer, Corpus, Sentient, Infested, and Narmer is one thing." Asuna began just as she got his hard and sent flying to a pipe that got dented by the impact her Warframe made. "Fighting the Angels is another thing." Asuna continued before dodging the axe attack from her foe. "But there's just something about fighting other Warframes that really gets the blood pumping!" Asuna called out and in turn went for a full-frontal assault with the two fighters trading blows against each other. The feral Valkyr Warframe. Blades clashed as sparks flew between the weapons with each clash with Asuna grinning from within her Warframe.
Avoiding the attacks, she could and deflecting the ones she was able Asuna was getting closer to victory as she monitored her enemies shield levels. Once they broke the Warframe will be wide open for Transference and hopefully Asuna will be able to tame it on the spot. Using a Glass Lash Asuna was able to take out the last of the Warframes shields and in turn she grinned.
"Ready or not here I come!" Asuna called out and thus performed Transference directly into the Valkyr Umbra Warframe,
(Transference)
Asuna managed to get inside the Warframe after traversing a tunnel of sorts similar to what Shura had described with his own Umbra. But when Asuna got inside the scene, she came upon was not what she had expected it to be. First it looked as if she was in the Transference Chamber of her Orbiter, but something was off about it. It soon became clear as she heard the chamber begin to crack and grind and looking upon it, she saw that it looked more like reality was cracking instead. It spread out until Asuna was on her ass and soon, she heard laughter with these blue traces coming at her.
Looking at it, Asuna saw a blue cross coming at her as she began to fall towards it as well. Her back gave off what looked to be energy wings and with it she put the pieces together while a glow came from within her covered eye. "Oh SHIT!" Asuna cursed realizing what this was.
(Back in the Real World)
Valkyr Umbra reactivated and in turn roared out in fury as she used her AT-Field to stop the Kavats surprise attack. Force the creature back it hit the wall and tried to stand only to fall back down. Valkyr Umbra roared once ore as she now had what she needed and with it she had her next target the reunion with her parent. Unaware to it though its signal was picked up by NERV and by the Lotus allowing them time to prepare.
(Scene Break Black Lua)
Gendo was monitoring Valkyr Umbra or Bardiels progress and smirked over what he saw. The Tenno took the bait and with it stage one was complete. With this battle the Tenno will be broken from the incident, while he was not a man of faith, he knew the Great Indifference did not like to be cheated. Gendo was banking on it, he knew that if Shura were in sufficient enough danger, he would in turn step in to protect his investment. It should prove sufficient enough in place of a Dummy Plug and when Shura is unable to step in against Zuriel it will fall to Shinji to take the controls of Unit-01.
With Shinji in Unit-01 his plans will reach the tipping point in his favor. Most of all it will move him one step closer to his end goal the Completion of the Sol System. "Now Tenno, let us see just how ruthless or weak you truly are." Gendo said as he observed and waited for the grand show to commence leading to the final chapters of the Origin System. Once he and Yui are reunited, perhaps Gendo will give Tau a try see exactly what Lilith's intended world had to offer.
(Scene Break Shura)
Shura was meditating in his room once more as he had his eyes closed and focused on the Void. Reiko had taken their find from Lua and had begun to analyze the item intently. Hopefully, she will be able to find some clues about this mysterious Warframe and maybe a glimpse of what Gendo was planning. With his eyes closed Shura took calming breaths as he centered himself and mentally prepared for whatever new mission may pop up.
But as Shura continued his meditation a voice echoed through him. "Tenno." The Voice whispered and thus Shura's eyes opened to this.
"W-what?" Shura asked but then Ordis cut in getting Shura's attention.
"Operator I have a message from the Lotus." Ordis said and thus Shura nodded in acknowledgement. Reiko was currently studying their find from Lua leaving Shura by his lonesome. As he got up, he walked over to the Landing Craft navigation and went to the communication port. Once there he received the call from the Lotus.
"Tenno, we have a situation." Lotus began as Shura nodded in understanding.
"What seems to be the problem, Lotus?" Shura asked his voice neutral yet held a certain edge in it. Shura was not entirely sure, but he felt that he was not going to like what he was about to hear.
"Asuna is missing." Lotus spoke which caused Shura's eyes to widen in shock.
"What?" Shura asked as he could not fathom it. Lotus spoke with a certainty but also a pained tone which showed she did not like this. For the Lotus, her children vanishing was a strike against her as she had vowed not to lose any of her Tenno to any enemy within the Origin System.
"What happened to her?" Shura asked wanting answers and facts.
"She was sent on a mission to retrieve that feral Warframe last that was heard from her she had attempted Transference with it." Lotus said which was not a good thing. "We need confirmation of her wellbeing, deploy to her last coordinates see what you can dig up." Lotus said and thus Shura nodded to this.
"Understood." Shura said and thus he proceeded to deploy and begin his search for Asuna.
(Meanwhile with Reiko)
Reiko was looking over the Vetruvian as she searched it for any surprises it may possess. As she was digging through the data, she tried to find what else Gendo hid in the device. It was still shocking to learn that Ballas and Gendo knew each other though how and why, was a mystery, at the moment. That was what Reiko planned to solve and thus she began to open up the next data log on it.
"Operator, I would recommend exercising caution, Ballas had proven to be a master manipulator with a silver tongue and Gendo Ikari is viewed as a close rival." The ship Cephalon, Yoko, said as she was concerned for Reiko.
"I know but if we want to learn Gendo's end game or even a glimpse of it we need to dive in." Reiko said and thus she smirked as her work paid off. "And I've thankfully awoken then next log." Reiko said and in turn she proceeded to activate it.
Soon enough Gendo's voice began to play for them to hear. "SEELE have controlled the System from the shadows for centuries, an underground council that had existed long before Albrecht Entrati had discovered the Void. I know you were their ally even a close confidant, but I also know you true goal to reunite with your beloved." Gendo's voice spoke as he clearly had a message for Ballas. "I have something you can use but at the same time you have something I need a trade for our goals to be reached." Gendo spoke the message continued. "A new union will bring to us the ones we desire, for you your beloved Margulis and for me my dear sweet Yui." Gendo added and thus it was clear Gendo was approaching Ballas as a kindred spirit. "When you have Margulis in your arms again Tau shall be yours to rule while I and my Yui will remain here in blissful silence, but only when the Union of Eve comes to pass." Gendo said and in turn he got to the final bit of the message. "Evangelion shall be the way but for it to work we must unify Warframe with EVA." Gendo finished and thus the message or log ended.
Reiko was wide eyed and thus she got worried. "Is Gendo targeting Asuka!?" Reiko asked shocked when she had heard those words Gendo spoke.
"It would make sense; Rei was designed to contain Lilith's soul and be the controller for the Instrumentality if Eve is to be the successor of Lilith, then Gendo would no doubt need a vessel to contain her soul." Yoko said and thus Reiko thought it over. "Operator there is an Emergency at NERV we need to depart posthaste." Yoko said and thus Reiko sighed and in turn confirmed. Yoko in response input the coordinates and had the Orbiter fly off to meet with NERV on the ground.
(Scene Break Earth Shura)
Arriving at the trashed Grineer sight Shura deployed with Excalibur Umbra to begin his search for Asuna. With his warframe Excalibur Umbra on the front Shura made his way through the facility noting the rotting flesh of dead Grineer. Looking over the remains Shura noted how they were left like they had been mauled by a wild animal. Alarms were off suggesting someone had turned them off.
His journey proved to be a short one as he made his way into the same chamber that Asuna had faced Valkyr Umbra. The signs of a battle were as clear as day but one thing to note was what stood in the middle of it all was Gara Prime standing still awaiting Transference from her Tenno.
"Operator did you find anything? Ordis asked with concern in his voice.
"I found Asuna's Gara Prime." Shura said as he inspected the Warframe. "But why would she leave it here." Shura said and thus he then heard movement. Acting fast Shura had his rifle, Ambassador ready but instead he saw Asuna's Kavat injured.
"Shit." Shura cursed and thus went to check on the feline. "Ordis I'm sending Gara Prime and Asuna's Kavat up for analysis maybe we can learn something from there." Shura said and thus with his Parazon captured both to have Ordis look through them.
"As you wish, Operator." Ordis said but once the two vanished Ordis detected something else. "Operator, wait I'm detecting a Void Surge... I ... you need..." Ordis was cut off as Shura heard this.
"Ordis, Ordis what is it?" Shura asked until he saw a glow of Void Energy from nearby. Looking to the source Shura was wide eyed when he saw a Void Portal had appeared. Then charging out of it was a Keith that nearly rammed into Shura who moved out of the way. The creature reared back showing that it was very much wild while it carried the color scheme of Evangelion Unit-01.
"Ordis... I might be late." Shura said as he contacted Ordis hoping he can hear him. The Keithe glared at Shura before charging him again forcing Shura to bullet away. Acting fast Shura got on the creatures back hoping to calm it down. It reared back and began running off with Shura hanging on for dear life.
(Later elsewhere in the Grineer base)
Two Grineer soldiers were helping with clean up, nothing major just the general clean-up for every Tenno slaughter fest their faction suffers. As they were mopping up bloodstains on the steel part of the base, they opened the door for the next section only to be tramped upon by Shura and the Keithe he was trying to contain.
He didn't know where it came from, but chances are it had something to do with Duviri. Using Umbra's scarf Shura tried to make it into a makeshift reign to get the creature under control. But alas it would not submit as Shura tried his damn hardest to get the Keithe like creature to calm down.
The Keithe refused to submit as it tried bucking Shura off its back. Jumping up and down Shura found himself unable to hold on to the creature for much longer. Soon enough the Keithe bashed into the wall causing Shura to lose his grip for a second. That second was all that the Keithe needed as it soon reared back and slammed down again. It eventually got Shura to fly off and roll on the ground a bit. The Keithe glared at Shura and was ready to charge which Shura was ready for.
The Keithe then charge but just as it was going to hit Shura the Keithe vanished through a Void Tear which then closed after it was inside. Shura just stood there shocked over what had just happened trying to make sure his eyes were not deceiving him. "Ok." Was all Shura could say after that episode.
"Tenno... Tenno?!" Lotus was heard and thus Shura went back to what he was doing.
"I read you Lotus." Shura responded with his Warframes right index and middle fingers held to the side of their helm.
"Ordis had reported to have lost communication with you and my instruments had lost your signal. What happened?" Lotus asked wanting to know what had just happened.
"It's complicated." Shura said as he was having trouble believing it.
"I expect a report later, but right now we have new information." Lotus said her voice carrying the tone of urgency in it. "NERV has detected an Angel moving towards their location we need you and Reiko to mobilize immediately in your Warframes and intercept it." Lotus said and thus Shura was confused.
"Warframes? Why not the EVA Units?" Shura asked finding this information to be concerning.
"That's the thing we managed to ID the Angel and at the moment it's taken control of a Warframe... and I fear that it may be worse than that." Lotus said and in turn Shura began to grow worried. "I believe that the Angel has a captured Tenno inside it and there is only one Tenno who could possibly be the hostage." Lotus reported and thus Shura was horrified to learn this. "Move to extraction we must do what we must to stop the Angel." Lotus said making it clear that defeating the Angel took priority right now.
Shura hesitated at first as he didn't know if he can do this... if he could risk hurting Asuna. Growling he focused on the mission like Asuna would the mission comes first. Thus, with his shaken resolve Shura moved to extraction to retrieve Asuna.
(Scene Break Central Dogma Earth)
"Target spotted and is moving to our location." A bridge Tech called out as they could tell that they were in trouble.
"Getting a deep scan on the bastard... yeap it's an Angel!" Magi called out as she saw what was going on.
"Shura is already enroute as is Reiko!" Lotus called as her hologram was shown which mean she contacted them from Lua.
"It's small and fast which means our EVAs won't be able to hit it without some sever collateral damage." Ritsuko said and while she was thankful for the Angel coming from the forest this also meant that it had more places to hide and make them waist ammo. Shinji was there watching from the side lines as he knew the sort of Angel that was about to be fought.
"Ritsuko... I want you to try and get the Warframes to be remote operated from Entry Plugs." Lotus said making it clear that they had to get the new Warframe system to work sooner rather than later.
"But I still haven't reached a Transference Synchronization stable point." Ritsuko said seeing the problem with this. "If we attempt to use the Warframes modifications during live combat it could cause the Pilots a mental break." Ritsuko said as she knew that their Rei had no more clones for a safety net and Asuka was their only Pilot other than Rei.
"Then insert the Modified Plugs into the EVA's and send the signal to the Warframes from there." Lotus said and thus Ritsuko was wide eyed. "I've been studying the data and while you're on the right track I think the problem lies with the system being used." Lotus said and thus Ritsuko actually began to think about it.
"Like the Dummy Plug." Ritsuko said which got Misato and Shinji's attention. "But instead of controlling the EVA from here... we can control the Warframe from the EVA." Ritsuko said and thus Lotus nodded.
"How long will it take to make those mods?" Misato asked as she looked to Ritsuko.
"Not long, an hour at the bare minimum." Ritsuko said and thus Misato nodded to her.
"Start working on it." Misato said and thus they got ready to begin the operation.
"Heads up Tenno inbound!" Magi called out and thus all eyes went to the screen.
(Battle)
Valkyr Umbra charged through the fields towards NERV for the draw of its creator was strongest there. There were several foes who stood in the way, but Valkyr Umbra was able to make quick work of them using her AT-Field to stop them. Just then from the sky to Landing Crafts were seen which Valkyr was forced to stop. It was proper as from the two landing Crafts Excalibur Umbra and Wisp Prime operated by Shura and Reiko launched into battle.
Valkyr Umbra used the shaft of her axe to block Excalibur's attack from his Skiajiti. He then jumped over her and allowed for Reiko to open fire on the spot. The Tenno were quick on the uptake as they attempted to take out the Angel. Sliding across the ground Shura opened fire with Ambassador. But Valkyr Umbra was able to use her axe to deflect the bullets with ease. Wisp Prime moved in to attack as did Excalibur and when they were about to clash Valkyr avoided the attack and used her Tether to pull Wisp Prime to the sky with her. Slamming her axe at Wisp the spectral Warframe was forced to block the attack with her war fans in the closed position. She then kicked Valkyr away and landed on a tree.
Excalibur then ran up the tree in an attempt to get to Valkyr. Valkyr saw this and avoided the Warframes attack on it. Nikana faced off against axe as the two Warframes fought for supremacy against the other. Jumping between trees they were every bit the ninja's that many had viewed them to be.
Shura growled as he went for the attack but was forced to block an Axe strike from Valkyr Umbra. The Angel possessed Warframe growled much like Valkyr would before pulling back and used the tether to pull Shura's weapon away sending it flying. But when both Warframes hit the ground Reiko then came from behind to attack and cover Shura only for Valkyr to spin and slam the blade into Wisp's midsection. Reiko was barely able to stop the attack as her shield gave out on her. Valkyr then spun and threw Wisp against the tree injured forcing the systems to focus power on repairs.
"Dammit." Reiko cursed but then went wide eyed as she saw Valkyr about to attack again. But then Excalibur came from behind and put Valkyr in a choke hold. Valkyr attempted to get free, but Excalibur refused to let go.
"You're not going anywhere!" Shura called out as he held the rogue Warframe in his vice grip. Just then Valkyr let out a savage War Cry which forced Shura to let go of his foe and thus she grabbed her axe to cleave Shura in two. Shura managed to stop the attack using the gold curves of Excalibur Umbra's arms. He then moved his body with the momentum and proceeded to disarm Valkyr of her axe. Umbra then grabbed the cloths of Valkyr Umbra's form and using that same momentum threw Valkyr back. Valkyr for her part went top side and thus Excalibur chased her down.
(Meanwhile with Asuka)
Asuka saw in the Entry Plug wearing her Plug Suit. Sitting there she tried to focus on the battle to come as she saw that everything was in place. "Evangelion Pilots this is a trial by fire moment." Lotus said as she was doing the final bit of data. "Shura and Rieko will need back up and right now you're the only ones who can provide." Lotus said which Asuka fully understood.
"If this works then you will be deployed but follow instructions." Lotus added which Asuka and Rei both understood.
"Understood!" Asuka and Rei both called out but then Shinji cut in.
"Asuka..." Shinji spoke up and got her attention. "Be careful... please." Shinji said and thus Asuka smiled at his concern.
"Hey, don't worry about me Shinji." Asuka said with a thumbs up to Shinji. "We're all coming home this time." Asuka said meaning she had no intentions of letting history repeat itself.
(Back in Central Dogma)
"Beginning activation sequence!" Ritsuko called out and with that they got to work.
Thus, it began once more like it did but with a few minor changes. "Initializing Energy Flow. Translating Synchronization Signal to Transference Units. Energizing LCL V3. Activating Entry Plug. Transference Circuits are online. Setting Language codes from Orokin to Japanese and German translating bio script now." The crew was heard as they were running through pre-activation for this just like last time.
"Signal received from EVA transferring signal codes to Warframe Volt and Warframe Mag!" Another tech called out and thus the signal was being sent. "Activating NOW!" They called out and thus got to the next part.
(Over with Volt and Mag)
The Warframes began to move just like last time as they rose to their feet. But something was different this time around while they stood up. They moved steady at first but once they got to their feet and carefully moved their arms, they were surprised nothing happened. "First Children?" Asuka was heard from the Volt as she looked to the Mag.
"Pilot Soryu I can hear you." Rei responded through the Mag Warframe.
"Fuck it worked." Asuka said surprised to see that it finally worked for them.
(Meanwhile back at Central Dogma)
"All signals are coming back strong no errors detected." Ritsuko said as she went over the data with Magi. "It works." Ritsuko said and thus she and Misato began to smile.
"YES!" Misato cheered happy that they can finally get these Warframes to be used by the EVA Pilots.
"Don't celebrate you girls! WE still got an Angel to take down!" Magi said and thus they all got back to subject.
"She's right we can celebrate AFTER we take down the Angel." Misato said and in turn it was time to move. "Asuka, Rei head to the elevator and join the battle!" Misato called out and in turn the pair nodded.
"Right!" The two pilots responded and thus Misato went back to observing the battle up top.
(Meanwhile back at the battle)
Excalibur and Valkyr stood atop a pair of trees one on each tree while glaring at each other. Valkyr summoned her talons when she flexed her hands and roared in fury at her foe. Excalibur, under the command of Shura, drew his Exalted Blade knowing that Asuna was trapped inside the Angel. Shura had a plan to get Asuna out but to do that he needed to get Valkyr Umbra to hold still long enough to execute the plan.
Glaring each other down they got ready to attack. Then the wind blew and with that the signal to attack. They jumped off the trees and began their duel against each other. With their Void weapon clashed they created an aura of conflict around themselves with each clash that vanished when they parted. They kept going like this as they attempted to overpower the other in this fight. Jumping through the tree tops the two Warframes continued their duel until they got to a mountain area and stopped. Valkyr then sent a tether at Excalibur and dragged him towards her.
But when Excalibur was brought in close enough, he let out a Radial Howl that blinded the savage Warframe. Valkyr was forced to let go and tried to regain her sight, but this left her wide open for attack. Excalibur sliced at her with his Exalted Blade tearing down at her shields with each attack. Eventually Valkyr regained her sight and thus blocked Excalibur's next attack with her talons. Valkyr growled at Excalibur as Shura growled back at the possessed Warframe.
"Give back Asuna!" Shura roared as he then kicked Valkyr back and spun in with his sword. Valkyr avoided the attack only for Shura to jump over it and sliced down at the foe taking the last bit of its shields. With a few more strikes Valkyr was on her knees wide open for Transference. But before he could attack Valkyr Umbra's back began to expand before a second pair of arms shot out and grabbed Excalibur by the neck holding him in place. His Exalted Blade vanished as Shura reached for his Warframes restrained neck and tried to force the infected Warframe to release him.
But then Shura went wide eyed as he could feel something growing on the neck where his Warframe was grabbed. "Operator the Angel its attempting to infect your Warframe!" Ordis cried out as he sounded panicked.
"SHIT!" Shura cursed as he tried to get the Angel to let go. Valkyr Umbra stood back up as Excalibur Umbra was hoisted to the hair by her two extra arms. "Come on. Come on!" Shura struggled as he tried to get free from this grip. When it all seemed hopeless a sudden change took place as from out of nowhere a Chakram came spinning by and sliced the spare arms off of Valkyr Umbra freeing Excalibur Umbra. Landing on the ground Shura looked to the source and saw bullets coming in from rifles wielded by a Mag and Volt Warframe.
"The Cavalry has arrived!" Asuka called out from the Volt before firing off a lighting blast from her hand and hitting Valkyr Umbra.
"Commander we've been sent to reinforce." Rei confirmed as she came in using Mag to help Shura up.
"What but how!?" Shura asked showing that he was shocked to see this.
"We're not actually here, we're currently inside our EVA's piloting the Warframes from a distance." Rei explained as Asuka then joined in with the group. Valkyr Umbra roared out as she glared at the trio only for Wisp Prime to fly in and rejoin the fight catching Valkyr Umbra by surprised by this.
"Its five on one now." Shura said as he counted his Umbra as their fifth.
"Alright what's the plan?" Asuka asked and thus Shura looked to them.
"Reiko draw its attention, Asuka and Rei you two grab one of its arms, I'm going to use Transference to pull Asuna out of there." Shura said as he glared at the Angel infected Warframe.
"Can it work?" Reiko asked with concern for both Shura and Asuna.
"Only one way to find out GO!" Shura ordered and thus they got moving. Rei and Asuka fired their rifles at it while moving around it but before the Angel could move to attack Reiko fired off what could only be solar fire at it forcing it back and into the stone behind it creating a crater of molten ore. Just as the Warframe got back on its feet it was soon grabbed by Asuka and Rei who brought the Angel forward.
Shura moved in and jumped over the Angel and as he turned around, he used Transference to zoom out of Excalibur Umbra and into the Angel. For a brief second everyone waited with bated breaths for what would come next but right after Shure flew out of Valkyr Umbra's front side with Asuna in his arms. The landed and slid across the ground before they were caught by Reiko in her Wisp Prime. The Angel grew angry as it let loose a ferocious roar and forced both Asuka and Rei to let go. It then got ready to attack only for Excalibur Umbra to come in from behind with his Exalted Sword drawn slicing through the Angel core and all.
Valkyr Umbra fell over sliced in two and destroyed as Shura looked to Asuna in his arms. "What took you?" Asuna asked as she looked to Shura showing she had some bits from the Angel on her.
(Central Dogma)
Shinji saw this and sighed in relief happy to see it worked out. He was afraid that history would repeat itself but Shura... he found a way. Shura had something Shinji didn't have so long ago... the Void. It almost made Shinji envious of the Tenno but also grateful for him. IT made him sad at the same time because there may have been another way to save Toji.
Misato seeing Shinji walked over to him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Rubbing her thumb to it a bit she smiled to him understanding what Shinji was thinking. In turn Shinji just hugged Misato who stood there in shock for a moment. But then her shock turned into a soft smile before returning the hug.
(Scene Break NERV Meeting Room)
The post battle briefing was taking place as Ritsuko, Misato, and Lotus gathered. "Shura and Asuna were isolated to ensure that there had been no Angelic Contamination." Ritsuko said as they were gathered. Varzia and Kaji were also there as they continued the meeting. It's been a few hours since the battle and so far, all was peaceful for the time being. "Though unneeded we need to make sure the Angel didn't leave any surprises on Asuna." Ritsuko said and thus Lotus continued.
"Ordis has also quarantined Excalibur Umbra just to make sure it's clear of any angelic contamination from the Angel." Lotus said from her end of the post battle meeting.
"Of course, the Tenno should be ready to return to duty within a day." Ritsuko said but had more to say. "Asuka and Rei are going through examinations to make sure that there were no aftereffects left behind by the field test of our new Warframe Evangelion Synchronization Hybrid system. or the W.E.S.H System for short." Ritsuko said as Misato looked to this.
"Wish?" Misato asked as she looked to the doctor.
"Not my fault it just came out like that." Ritsuko said and thus Misato chuckled a bit. "Thankfully, the Angel didn't make it far enough to reach but we now know that the Warframes are not immune to Angelic control." Ritsuko said and thus the Lotus nodded but there was one more problem on the way.
"We still have another Angel and according to the data... its Zuriel." Lotus said knowing what this meant for them.
"We need to get our defenses at their peak before he shows up." Misato said knowing full well what happened last time Zuriel had attacked.
"My thoughts exactly." Lotus said in full agreement with Misato.
(Scene Break Black Lua)
Gendo stood in the shrine of Yui that he had erected long ago. Looking to it he vowed that he would reunite with her by any means necessary. But as he stood there for a bit, Mana then approached the man from behind. "Grandfather." Mana began as Gendo simply glanced to her. "I am prepared for the rescue operation to retrieve Ballas's construct." Mana said which Gendo knew was coming.
"Very well I shall make the necessary arrangements before approving your departure." Gendo said and in turn Mana nodded.
Mana began to take her leave but then stopped suddenly. "How much longer must I wait to be reunited with mother?" Mana asked while facing away from Gendo.
"Soon, just be patient and wait." Gendo said and thus Mana nodded and left. Gendo knew the call was affecting her and soon she won't be able to resist Eve's call to come home. Gendo needed Rei and for his plans to come to fruition but to make it happen... he needed to hire some... help. Thus, as he took his leave, he took out a communicator and on its screen the symbol of the Stalker appeared. Gendo only smirked as he knew that the Stalker would retrieve his prize without fail.
(TBC)
ESKK: Another chapter done, sorry for taking so long with this. I hope you all enjoyed it and will leave a review before leaving. Now I bid you all adieu and again I say, ja-ne.