I do not own any of the characters in this fanfiction other than a few OCs, Evangelion belongs to studio Khara and Godzilla belongs to TOHO and Legendary.

Chapter 3: Uncovering Secrets

Tuesday, August 11th, 2015

8:22 PM

Nevada, NERV U.S. branch.

As the man in the fancy suit descended from the stage, Fuyustuki's gaze shifted towards the towering Unit-04. He observed the entry plug being inserted with an EVA pilot inside.

"Unit-04 has reached the internal threshold, beginning S² engine activation sequence." A female voice reverberated across the speakers, declaring that the internal threshold had been reached by Unit-04, and the sequence for activating the S² engine had commenced. Fuyustuki's gaze shifted towards the open chest of the EVAs, revealing the presence of its S² engine core.

"A10 nerve synchronization process beginning, the neural connection between the pilot and Unit-04 has been detected, and all is going as planned." A deeper male voice resonates through the speakers, indicating that the operation is proceeding smoothly. At the same time, Fuyutsuki is intrigued by the appearance of men in suits bearing the MONARCH insignia on their chests.

"Bi-directional circuits are open. Synchronization rate at 44.7%" Uttered by a youthful female voice via the audio system. Consequently, the ocular components of Unit-04 gradually illuminated, emanating a vivid orange hue.

"Set the thought configuration to American. All preliminary contacts established." Another man's voice resonated through the speakers. Fuyutsuki, taken aback by the unexpectedly favorable outcome of the second American EVA, experienced a surge of astonishment, compelling him to swiftly retrieve his phone and initiate a call to Gendo.

"S² engine activation process complete, status: stable." The speakers resonated with a commanding voice. Fuyutsuki was left astounded, as he had doubted the capabilities of the "dumb Americans" to achieve this feat. However, their success was evident as Unit-04 commenced its initial trials, dispelling any lingering skepticism.

Mesmerized by the towering presence of the 90-meter-tall EVA unit, Fuyutsuki's voice quivered as he exclaimed, "I need to report this to him immediately!" His hands trembled uncontrollably as he dialed a number on his phone, impatiently waiting for someone to answer on the other side.

The speakers buzzed with the news that the test was finished, and Unit-04 would soon undergo combat trials.

Gendo picked up the phone and answered.

"Do you have any info regarding the first activation test of Unit-04?" Gendo asked impatiently. Fuyutsuki quickly replied.

"Yes… the Americans fucking did it… The activation test of Unit-04 conducted by the US branch had proven our assumptions wrong - it's S² engine remained stable… " He said with a shocked tone"

"Well, well, this is certainly interesting. I believe it's essential that we arrange a meeting at NERV headquarters to delve into the future of Project E. You must make it back by this Friday, Fuyutsuki, or there will be repercussions." Gendo said calmly. It was evident Fuyutsuki felt intimidated by him.

"Don't worry Gendo… I'll be there as soon as possible.." he said, slightly violated. He grabbed his coat, exited the top-secret facility, and headed for his private jet; to take him back to Tokyo-III airport.

Wednesday, August 12th.

1:22 pm

The Geofront, NERV HQ hospital.

The shrill sound of the monitor pierced the air, drawing Shinji's attention to the severely injured Asuka lying before him. A profound sadness washed over him as he witnessed the struggle of her life support system. Ritsuko entered the room, her footsteps barely audible. Tenderly, she placed her hand on Shinji's shoulder.

"Come on... Tonight, I'll take you to my place. It will offer a reprieve from Misato-san," the blonde offered sympathetically. Consumed by sorrow and concern, Shinji followed Ritsuko as they exited the hospital room.

"This poor child... He was condemned to suffer in a world where his fellow pilot was wounded while battling a colossal radioactive lizard... And his guardian, getting railed by Kaji at a villa overlooking Lake Ashi," she mused silently, perceiving the true nature of the Major's irresponsibility. Ritsuko and the deeply despondent Shinji strolled leisurely towards the parking lot.

Shinji settled himself in the passenger seat of the fair-haired woman's vehicle. Ritsuko sank wearily into the driver's seat and ignited the car. The engine roared vigorously, its sound resonating across the expansive parking lot.

As Ritsuko maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and directed it towards the Tokyo-III car lift, she dialed Gendo's number.

"Gendo, I am assuming custody of Shinji and Asuka; it is imperative for their safety as Misato's... tendencies pose a threat," she conveyed solemnly through the phone.

Shinji's insatiable desires had taken over him completely, and he was now boldly exploring the blonde's body with his hands. His fingers deftly found their way beneath her black pencil skirt, and he began to expertly stimulate her clitoris.

However, their passionate moment was abruptly interrupted by the sudden stop of the car, causing Ritsuko to quickly intercept Shinji's hand. But to her surprise, she soon realized that he was actually unbuttoning her blue blouse. Ritsuko was absolutely livid.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" she screamed at him, slapping him across the face in her anger. But much to her shock, Shinji didn't back down. Instead, he took control once again and resumed pleasuring her, causing the car to jolt and bounce as he succumbed to his desires.

As the car continued to rock back and forth, Ritsuko couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. Shinji's actions had deeply concerned her, and she couldn't help but question him, "Why did you do that, Shinji?!" She knew that something must be wrong because Shinji was never the type to treat anyone like this.

Filled with worry, she asked Shinji, "What made you do that, Shinji?!" She was well aware that he would never intentionally hurt someone, so his actions puzzled her.

In a fearful tone, Shinji confessed, "I'm sorry, Miss Akagi... I'm just so lonely. Please don't report me to HR." Despite what he had done, he sought comfort by hugging Ritsuko, and she didn't hesitate to embrace the traumatized boy.

As they drove through the flaming streets, Ritsuko couldn't help but notice the presence of prostitutes on every corner. The aftermath of the Kaiju attack left no room for doubt that they had found themselves in a neighborhood plagued by crime.

The once vibrant city of Tokyo-III now lay in ruins, with debris and flames engulfing every corner. The once bustling streets had transformed into a nightmarish landscape, resembling nothing short of a hellhole.

In a desperate attempt to salvage any remaining hope, cleanup crews tirelessly scoured every inch of the city, their sole mission being to rescue survivors from the clutches of this inferno.

Ritsuko carefully chose a seemingly safe street to turn down, providing Shinji with a sense of relief. Finally, they arrived at a large apartment complex where Ritsuko parked her car. Holding onto the hand of the traumatized Shinji, she guided him up to her apartment and closed the door behind them.

The area was spotless and well-organized, a far cry from Misato's disheveled and beer-strewn abode. Shinji glanced around, observing the neatly arranged science books on the couch and the abundance of bookshelves stocked with various genres of literature, such as fiction and non-fiction.

Shinji's nerves were on edge as he looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. This place was a world away from Misato-san's chaotic apartment. But amidst his apprehension, a question lingered in his mind, "Where is my room?" He couldn't help but worry that he might end up crashing on the couch, surrounded by Ritsuko's mischievous feline companions. Suddenly, Ritsuko's voice broke the silence,

"Oops! I completely forgot to introduce you to my three adorable pets!" Her excitement was palpable as she pointed towards the couch. "Over there, you'll find Azuki and Kenzo, my two lovely cats. Just a heads up, Kenzo can be a bit feisty, so watch out for his playful bites. On the other hand, Azuki is a laid-back sweetheart who craves attention. Make sure to give her plenty of pets." As Shinji absorbed this new information, Ritsuko's enthusiasm continued to shine through.

"And if you come with me to my spacious room, I'll introduce you to my other extraordinary pet," she exclaimed with joy. This side of the doctor was completely unexpected for Shinji. He had only known her as a serious figure at HQ, but here, in the apartment, she was warm, friendly, and genuinely happy.

As the blonde led Shinji into her room, he looked around the clean and perfectly tidy apartment, when they reached her room, she opened the door to reveal a nile monitor lizard sleeping on her wardrobe, Shinji's eyes widened in pure shock as he saw the massive monitor lizard sleeping under some sort a heat lamp.

"Meet Kotaro, my beloved nile monitor lizard! He loves soaking up the sun and chasing my cats around. Don't worry, he's up-to-date on all his vaccines and is completely safe. Just be careful not to annoy him too much, or he might give you a little nip!" Ritsuko beamed as she stroked Kotaro's long body, but the lizard seemed less than thrilled and hissed loudly as he crawled away.

"Kotaro used to be a test subject for the EVA units, but I couldn't bear the thought of him being harmed, so I took him in as my own. He's incredibly intelligent and can read at a level equivalent to a 20-year-old human! He understands everything we say, so be careful what you talk about around him." she said joyfully

"Kotaro and Misato's penguin, Pen-Pen, are the best of friends. Whenever we have dinner or lunch at each other's apartments, it's usually at mine, and Misato brings Pen-Pen along for the two to play." Ritsuko's eyes sparkled with childlike joy as she spoke, surprising Shinji with her playful side. He couldn't help but wonder how Misato was feeling about all of this. He wondered about how Misato would react after she'd learned she had lost full custody of him and Asuka.

Misato's Apartment, Tokyo-III

Misato's world came crashing down as she read the papers that informed her of her losing custody of both Asuka and Shinji. Her heart shattered into a million pieces, and tears started falling from her eyes uncontrollably. She couldn't believe that she had lost the two most important people in her life. The pain was unbearable, and she felt like she was drowning in a sea of sorrow.

As she sat at the table, Misato's emotions got the best of her, and she slammed her fist against the wall, creating a huge hole. The pain in her hand was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. She felt like a failure, a pathetic excuse for a mother who couldn't even keep her children.

"I'm really that pathetic, aren't I, god!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the entire apartment complex. Misato sobbed uncontrollably, her body shaking with each sob. She felt like she had lost everything, and there was nothing left for her in this world.

Pen-Pen, her faithful companion, awakened from his deep slumber in his tiny little compartment and went to comfort his rather alcoholic and drunk owner. Misato continued to break down and cry, her heart heavy with grief and regret.

"I should stop drinking beer and having sex too much... It turns all the people I love away from me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she sobbed. Misato knew that she had made mistakes, but losing her children was the biggest one of all. She wished she could turn back time and do things differently, but it was too late now. All she could do was cry and hope that someday, somehow, she would find a way to make things right.

"Why does everything have to be so hard?" Misato wailed, tears streaming down her face. She had lost everything in the Kaiju attack, and now even her colleagues at NERV despised her for her actions during the crisis. She drowned her sorrows in alcohol, but it only made her feel worse.

She wept and lamented, her heart heavy with sorrow, for she had lost Shinji, Asuka, Rei, Maya, Aoba, and even Ritsuko. The cruel world branded her with vile names - a harlot, a strumpet, and every other derogatory term known to mankind.

Seeking solace, she sought refuge in the embrace of beer and whiskey, hoping to drown her anguish in the depths of alcohol. In her despair, she turned to her faithful companion, Pen-Pen, the penguin. With tear-stained eyes, she questioned, "Am I a monster, Pen-Pen?" Yet, the wise bird, endowed with extraordinary intelligence, remained silent, retreating to the sanctuary of its humble abode.

Overwhelmed by a profound sense of desolation, she uttered with solemnity, "So I truly am alone…" Her thoughts spiraled, her mind shattered, as she succumbed to the depths of her mental breakdown.

Misato's tears came to an abrupt halt as a knock echoed through the apartment. In an instant, she wiped away her sorrow and donned a mask of happiness, pretending to be a carefree 29-year-old woman. With a skip in her step, she hurried towards the door, concealing her true emotions. As she swung it open, a familiar face stood before her...

"Kaji!" she exclaimed with a mix of delight and exasperation, clearly torn between her joy at seeing him and her annoyance at his unexpected presence. However, deep down, she knew she needed someone, and he was the only one who could truly understand and support her in that moment.

"Salutations, Misato. Whispers have reached my ears, revealing your burning desire to unravel the secrets of that colossal monstrosity. However, should you seek to possess it, a collaboration with me is the key. Together, we must embark on a treacherous journey to locate a man of great knowledge, Dr. Ishiro Serizawa, a scholar who has dedicated his life to comprehending the intricacies of these extraordinary creatures." the teasing man says in an over dramatic way, making Misato cringe at his very words.

"Oh great, now you think you're some kind of psychic, huh? Maybe I accidentally spilled the beans during our little rendezvous, but that doesn't mean you have to make such a fuss about it! And who is this mysterious man you're babbling about? I can't believe how annoying you can be, Ryoji!" Misato said annoyedly, she pursed her lips and rolled her eyes.

"Oh, you're talking about Ishiro, right? He's a brilliant scientist who used to be associated with NERV. However, he decided to venture into his own personal research. Fascinatingly, he detected seismic readings in the challenger deep before the second impact. If we want to learn more about him and his remarkable findings, we'll have to embark on a thrilling globetrotting journey!" he says dramatically, his eyes looking Misato up and down teasingly, trying to make her annoyed as possible.

"Okay fine! I'll help you find him on one condition. Can you help me find my mother?" Misato said with a sad and hopeful tone.

"It's a deal then, Katsuragi." He said before hugging her.

Ritsuko's Apartment

"Miss Akagi, can we go see Misato?" Shinji, filled with curiosity, approached Miss Akagi and asked if they could go see Misato. Meanwhile, Kotaro was busy exploring the numerous bookshelves in the apartment, while Ritsuko pondered over her thoughts.

"Sure! We'll bring Kotaro along with us!" With a joyful expression, the blonde agreed to Shinji's request. She suggested bringing Kotaro along for the visit as well. Excitedly, she grabbed her keys and put on a coat, signaling that they were ready to go. Together, they made their way down to the parking lot where Ritsuko's car was. They hopped inside, ready for their little adventure.

As Ritsuko navigated her jeep through the ruined and desolate streets of Tokyo-III, the night sky was illuminated by the raging fires that engulfed the city. The destruction was so immense that it seemed like the end of the world had arrived. Suddenly, a towering skyscraper crumbled down right in front of her, sending a cloud of smoke and debris towards her vehicle, blocking her path.

"Damn it!" Ritsuko exclaimed, her heart racing with fear and anxiety. She quickly turned her jeep around and tried to find an alternate route through the chaos that surrounded her. The city was still burning, and the efforts of the cleanup crews seemed to have been in vain. The sounds of sirens and alarms echoed throughout the city, reminding her of the terrifying Kaiju attack that had occurred only around 12 hours ago.

As she drove through the hellish landscape, Ritsuko couldn't help but feel a sense of despair and hopelessness. The once vibrant and bustling city was now reduced to a pile of rubble and ash, and the future seemed bleak and uncertain. Shinji's eyes widened as he had a flashback to the traumatic event.

Flashback

Wednesday August 12th,

1:35AM

Song start: Who will know - Shiro Sagisu

In the midst of chaos, Shinji stood motionless within his EVA unit, his body trembling with fear. He had managed to escape the brutal battleground, where Unit-02 had been torn asunder and the entry plug shattered beyond recognition.

Casting a desperate glance over his shoulder, he was met with the sight of a colossal reptilian kaiju, its roar reverberating through the air with a menacing intensity. Suddenly, the creature's dorsal plates began to pulsate, emanating a majestic blue glow, while its eyes shimmered with a kingly light.

In a horrifying display of power, it unleashed a torrent of concentrated beams of blue radioactive energy, reducing towering skyscrapers to molten ruins and causing buildings to crumble around Shinji, who remained trapped within the confines of Unit-01, a witness to the nightmarish devastation

The echoes of agony reverberated through the air, piercing the eardrums of all who remained in Tokyo-III. The city, oblivious to the impending doom, failed to evacuate in time, leaving its inhabitants at the mercy of the monstrous abomination. The defensive measures, designed to protect the city, were rendered useless by the beast's malevolent radioactive aura.

Yui inside Unit-01, driven by desperation, carried Shinji away from the chaos towards the nearest entrance to the geofront. As he glanced back, the sight of the creature's malevolent gaze sent shivers down his spine. The once towering buildings crumbled in its wake, a testament to its destructive power. A deafening roar shattered every glass surface within a kilometer radius, a symphony of terror.

Shinji bore witness to the beast's merciless rampage, a horrifying spectacle that claimed the lives of countless innocents. It seemed as though the creature reveled itself in its bloodlust, seeking vengeance for past atrocities. With each roar, the faint cries of long-dead soldiers from World War II echoed from its gaping maw, tormenting Shinji's teenage soul. He was left paralyzed by the sheer horror of the unknown entity, unaware of its intentions but painfully aware of the devastation it had wrought upon families and communities.

Before he could witness anything else, Rei in Unit-00 dragged him back down to the geofront, fearing for his and her life, even if she was a clone.

Song end: Who will know - Shiro Sagisu

Present day

Outside Misato's apartment

Shinji and Ritsuko approached the apartment door, their ears catching the distinct sound of Pen-Pen's squawking and the voices of Misato and Kaji discussing someone named Scarlett. Exchanging a quick glance, Shinji and Ritsuko decided to knock on the door once more.

Finally, Misato opened the door, holding Pen-Pen in her arms. As Pen-Pen and Kotaro locked eyes, they excitedly leaped towards each other and headed into Pen-Pen's little room to have an animal comversation, showcasing their high intelligence.

"Hello!" Misato greeted, putting on her cheerful facade once again. She shook Ritsuko's hand and looked down at Shinji with a warm smile. Shinji noticed Kaji in the background, sipping his coffee.

"Isn't it a strangely pleasant night tonight, Misato?" Ritsuko exclaimed happily. She entered the room with a serious demeanor, and Shinji followed suit, taking a seat next to Kaji. Kaji turned his attention towards the young teenager and offered him a cigarette.

"Kaji! Seriously, you need to stop this," Misato exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. She approached him, her anger evident as she delivered a firm slap across his face, hoping to prevent him from offering Shinji a cigarette.

"Oh come on, don't act all innocent. I've seen you checking out hot guys too, but now you're taken," he playfully taunted, flashing her a mischievous smile as he nudged her shoulder. Misato's face turned crimson, embarrassed by his remark.

"So, are we having coffee or tea? I'm trying to cut back on beer," Misato said, her voice tinged with envy. As Kaji's hand discreetly made its way to her backside, resting there, she blushed even deeper, feeling the heat rise within her.

Shinji's curiosity piqued as he glanced at Misato, raising an eyebrow. "So, who exactly is Scarlett?"

Misato's face lit up with excitement as she replied, "Ah, Scarlett is the fifth child! She's going to be the next EVA pilot, although not in Unit-04. I'll be picking her up from the airport tomorrow. Interestingly, she comes from a wealthy family and has lived in Florida since birth until the age of 7. After that, she moved to Australia."

Shinji couldn't help but smirk, his voice laced with amusement. "Sounds like she might be a bit of a spoiled brat, doesn't she?"

Misato chuckled, trying to diffuse any potential tension. "Well, she might have a bit of a temper, but we need to be nice to her. She's known to explode on anyone who annoys her."

As they continued their conversation, both Shinji, Ritsuko, Misato, and Kaji couldn't help but wonder how this new addition to their team would change things.

Wednesday, August 12th

5:44 PM

Pacific Ocean, U.S Airspace.

53,760 feet

Four F-22 Raptors from the United States Air Force soared through the sky, surpassing the speed of Mach-2. The turbulent waves below were affected by the LCL, crashing against the cargo vessels positioned beneath. Suddenly, a blip appeared on the Radar screen.

"Pilot of Raptor-12, I have detected a significant object moving ahead of us. It has the radar cross-section of an EVA unit and carries heavy cargo. I suggest an immediate interception," conveyed the pilot of the leading aircraft, signaling with his hand as the formation quickly dispersed.

"T Minus two minutes until we reach the unidentified object. Switching to missiles. Raptor-281," another F-22 pilot stated. He gradually decelerated the fighter jet and signaled once again. It was time.

As the quartet of fighter jets soared into the vicinity, they intercepted an illicit EVA transport harboring a conspicuously sizable cargo, unmistakably crafted by NERV. The transport behemoth, boasting a colossal frame, was propelled by a remarkable octet of engines, enabling it to effortlessly traverse the heavens.

Accompanying its journey were a pair of F-16's and a quartet of F-22's, all proudly bearing the American insignia. As the squadron of four fighter jets inched closer, the AWACS relayed a crucial message: this covert mission was shrouded in utmost secrecy, and no soul was to be privy to its existence.

"Acknowledged, returning to the primary patrol path, Raptor-12." The commanding aviator declared, then swiftly vanished into the mist, producing a thunderous blast from the four planes. Its vivid orange cockpit hue gleaming in the obscurity. The LCL waves pounded and demolished the vessels below.

The Cockpit of the NERV transport aircraft

Five high-ranking NERV personnel occupied the cockpit of the colossal transport aircraft. Their unwavering focus was fixed upon the surveillance cameras monitoring the cargo bay, as the stability of their precious cargo was of utmost importance.

"Captain, I require immediate data on the core. The preservation of this cargo is non-negotiable," asserted one of the individuals, diligently assessing the cargo bay's temperature and radioactivity levels.

"Sir, everything is under control. T minus twelve minutes until touchdown at NERV airfield," responded the captain, meticulously scrutinizing the radar and gesturing to the co-pilot to activate the cargo bay's cooling system. With a swift flick of switches, the aircraft trembled momentarily.

An arctic haze permeated the cargo bay, chilling the colossal cargo. Whiffs of frosty mist stealthily infiltrated beneath the cockpit threshold and infiltrated its inner sanctum. The first officer promptly activated the cockpit's heating system, thwarting the encroaching freeze.

A distinguished NERV member swiftly transmitted a radio message back to NERV HQ.

"Commander Ikari, the initial components of Project K are en route to your location. The subsequent delivery will entail an S² engine salvaged from the remnants of Sachiel. This S² engine has been infused with the life essence extracted from a vast array of bones, which served as the genesis of Project K's production," conveyed the highest-ranking member, savoring a sip of coffee as the aircraft's landing gear extended and the colossal NERV airfield materialized before them.

Gendo's response resonated with a mixture of relief and calculated manipulation.

"Excellent... that reptilian menace poses a substantial threat to our plans. However, once Project K reaches fruition and the fifth child arrives, we shall possess the means to confront it head-on. Admirable work, Yamasaki," he uttered with a sly grin, his fingers rhythmically tapping the desk at NERV HQ.

NERV HQ Hospital

Misato's heart sank as she gazed down at Asuka, her eyes brimming with sorrowful tears. Desperation consumed her as she tightly embraced the motionless girl, desperately yearning for her to awaken from the depths of her coma.

Yet, despite her fervent efforts, Misato's strength waned, and she reluctantly released her grip. With a heavy heart, she left a heartfelt note for Asuka, a testament of her unwavering love and hope, to be discovered upon her eventual awakening.

As the first rays of morning light cascaded through the windows, illuminating the room, a glimmer of optimism flickered within Misato's weary soul. It was as if the gentle touch of sunlight whispered to her, reassuring her that perhaps, just perhaps, Asuka would be alright.

As the major exited the room, her senses heightened, and she caught a glimpse of a towering silhouette in the corner of her vision. Intrigued, she swiftly turned around, only to find emptiness staring back at her.

However, her attention was soon drawn to a peculiar file that lay before her, adorned with the words "Project: K" etched onto its surface. The folder, although labeled as highly classified, bore Misato's last name, adding an air of mystery to its contents.

Without hesitation, the 29-year-old major eagerly opened the folder, her eyes widening in sheer astonishment as she beheld a series of photographs depicting gruesome scenes of flesh and entrails. These macabre images were remnants of experiments conducted by Gehirn seven years prior.

Amongst the disturbing visuals, she stumbled upon the skeletal structure of an immense creature, measuring a staggering 100 meters in size. It appeared as though this colossal being was being equipped with advanced technology, leaving her mind swirling with questions and intrigue.

She then turned the page, her heart pounding with anticipation, only to be met with a chilling sight. There, sprawled across the page, was a lifeless angel, its once majestic form now torn apart and lifeless. The image sent shivers down her spine as she took in the gruesome details - claw marks etched across its mangled remains, its S² engine brutally ripped out. The angel's lifeless body lay submerged in the haunting depths near the Marshall Islands, a silent testament to the horrors that lurked beneath the surface.

But what caught her attention was the stark contrast between this angel's S² engine and that of Unit-04. While Unit-04 possessed an artificial S² engine, this one was natural, radiating a pure red and orange hue. It was a perplexing discovery, one that left her mind swirling with questions and theories.

Misato's confusion grew exponentially as she turned another page, hoping to find some answers amidst the enigmatic pages. To her surprise, she stumbled upon a small USB drive, its sleek black exterior contrasting against the pale pages of the book. Intrigued, she carefully picked it up, noticing the words "highly classified" imprinted on its surface.

Without hesitation, she connected the USB drive to her computer, her curiosity getting the better of her. As the screen flickered to life, she braced herself for what awaited her on the other side. The anticipation was palpable as she prepared to uncover the secrets hidden within...

The Past…

1967, November 8th

The Pacific ocean, near the Marshall Islands

The waters surged and churned as the monstrous reptilian emerged from the depths of the seas. The waves crashed against its colossal dorsal spines, sharp and resembling the majestic maple leaves. The azure waves surged with power as the colossal titan advanced towards the nearest island. Suddenly, a relentless barrage of missiles struck the creature, causing it to unleash a thunderous roar of agony as it faced its newfound adversary.

As the creature surveyed its surroundings, it beheld a squadron of F-4 Phantoms hurtling towards it, their guns ablaze. Another onslaught of missiles bombarded the lumbering titan, eliciting howls and bellows of excruciating pain.

In retaliation, the colossal reptile swatted the jets from the sky with ease, treating them as mere pests. The waves crashed against the titan's knees as it valiantly fought back. Unexpectedly, four naval warships materialized out of thin air, unleashing a relentless barrage of firepower upon the titan. Roaring in anguish, the beast shed blood, revealing burnt and withered scales.

Its dorsal spines pulsated with a deep glow, while its eyes emanated an ethereal blue light. Wisps of blue nuclear flames escaped from the titan's mouth as it inhaled, preparing for what was to come. And then, it unleashed a cataclysmic-

KRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

A beam of pure radioactive energy, tinted in a mesmerizing blue hue, erupted from the monstrosity's mouth. It effortlessly melted through the warships, causing them to explode within seconds. The concentrated nuclear blast of the colossal titan brought down every single F-4 Phantom, leaving none unscathed.

Flames, now tinged with the same ethereal blue, erupted from the remnants of the warships. And then, the titan let out a bone-chilling-

SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

The survivors, miles away, were subjected to the deafening roar, which carried the anguished screams of World War II Japanese and U.S soldiers, piercing their very souls. A powerful shockwave emanated from the beast's mouth after it released that regal roar.

The trees, once towering and proud, were effortlessly uprooted and cast aside by the sheer force of the wind. Soldiers and debris were hurled through the air, their bodies mere playthings for the titan's wrath. Yet, amidst the chaos, a peculiar sight caught the creature's attention. It lumbered towards the beach, its gaze fixated on a massive mound of fish and whale entrails.

But before the titan could savor its gruesome feast, a cataclysmic explosion shook the very foundations of the earth. A hydrogen bomb, dropped from above by a relentless bomber, unleashed a torrent of flames that devoured everything in its path. The area became a hellish inferno, its flames licking at the sky with insatiable hunger.

In the aftermath, as the smoke cleared and the flames subsided, the survivors and pilots looked on in awe and horror. The titan, though battered and scarred, still stood defiantly amidst the desolation. Its scales and flesh were charred, radiating a sickly glow of nuclear contamination. Blood oozed from its chest and mouth, a testament to its indomitable will. A pained screech pierced the air, echoing its suffering and anguish.

And then, like a phantom, the creature vanished into the depths of the boundless sea, leaving behind only a haunting silence.

The captain of the bomber turned to his first officer, his eyes filled with a mixture of awe and dread. With an air of mystery, he spoke of the truth behind the legend.

"What we witnessed, my dear, was none other than the legendary creature known as 'Gojira' in Japanese folklore. Born from the souls of fallen Japanese and U.S. soldiers during the dark days of World War II, this colossal titan was awakened by the nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll, as the tales foretold."

He paused before continuing.

"Some revere it as a deity, while others fear it as a malevolent demon. Its true nature remains shrouded in enigma." The first officer, initially skeptical, now understood the gravity of the situation. She refocused her attention on the task at hand, navigating the skies and monitoring the radar for any signs of danger.

Present day

NERV HQ, Misato's office

"So this is what they've been hiding from us. They knew about that creature before any of us, Gendo didn't bother telling us about it and he knew it was going to make landfall. And now Tokyo-III is in ruins." she said with an extremely angry and annoyed tone, she threw her coffee mug at the wall, it shattered in an instant.

"GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!" she screamed in a deep rage. She was fuming and she was still smashing the room to bits, she was enraged because they hid this info from them.

"And then I have to pick up the fifth pilot from the airport. Why do I still work for this fucking organization.." the purple haired woman said with an annoyed tone.

She checked the clock and trudged through her now destroyed office, holding the folder containing the secrets about Project K, that creature, and the figure that appeared in the back of her eye.
She suddenly froze, having a flashback to when she was with her mother and father in the pacific.

Flashback

1992, December 28th

2:21PM

Off the east coast of Australia, aboard the USS George Washington

The 6 year old Misato stumbled clumsily on the grand ship's bridge, while Dr. Katsuragi kept a watchful eye on her, ensuring her safety. As her father, he couldn't bear the thought of her falling or tripping.

Clutching her beloved teddy bear tightly, the young girl approached her mother, Etsuko Katsuragi, and tugged at her leg to gain her attention.

With a joyful tone, Etsuko responded, "Yes, my sweet baby girl?" She always wore a cheerful mask around Misato, never wanting her to witness her moments of despair. Bending down, her long, flowing purple hair cascading around her, she lifted her little daughter into her arms.

Excitedly, Misato exclaimed, "Mommy, Mommy! Look what I found!" She proudly presented a picture to Etsuko, depicting Dr. Katsuragi, Etsuko, and herself. The photo was dated December 8th, 1986, the day Misato came into the world. Etsuko could be seen in a hospital bed, cradling the newborn Misato, while her husband, Kyoshi Katsuragi, also known as Dr. Katsuragi stood by her side.

"Wow, my darling, this photo is absolutely stunning! Where did you find it?" Etsuko exclaimed while running her fingers through her daughter's luscious purple locks. Misato eagerly pulled out an old camera from her mother's purse and exclaimed,

"I found it on there, mommy!" As she ran towards her father, Kyoshi, she stumbled and began to cry. Etsuko's maternal instincts kicked in and she rushed to comfort her baby girl, swaying her hips side to side as she held her close.

"Shhh... Momma's here, Misato. Let's get some fresh air," she cooed in a soothing tone. Kyoshi approached them and planted a kiss on Etsuko's lips, but she couldn't bear to let go of her daughter. Misato was her precious offspring and she would do anything to protect her.

"Kyoshi…. stop…" she mumbled through his lips. But he persisted, his eyes filled with lust as he lifted his wife and carried her out of the aircraft carrier's bridge, with Etsuko holding Misato close behind.

"Daddy, when can we go home?" Misato asked, her voice trembling with fear and boredom.

"Soon, my little girl," Kyoshi replied with joy, as they stepped out onto the deck of the aircraft carrier. The sun shone brightly and the deep blue waves lapped gently against the ship. The crew was in high spirits as fighter jets took off and landed, filling the sky with a sense of excitement and adventure.

Suddenly, the waters convulsed and writhed, as if possessed by an unholy force. From the depths emerged colossal dorsal spines, resembling twisted and jagged maple leaves, casting an eerie shadow over the trembling ship. Kyoshi's eyes widened in terror, realizing the gravity of the situation. He knew he had to reach out to Ishiro Serizawa, the only hope in the face of this impending doom. But before he could utter a word, the waves crashed against the vessel, causing it to shudder and quake under the immense power.

An F-14 fighter jet swooped down, desperately attempting to provoke whatever monstrous entity lurked beneath the surface. Yet, in a swift and devastating motion, a colossal tail rose from the depths, striking the aircraft with such force that it erupted into a fiery inferno. Etsuko watched in horror, clutching onto Kyoshi, while holding Misato close, their hearts gripped by fear.

And then, the creature emerged, a nightmarish embodiment of Japanese folklore, Gojira. It let loose a bone-chilling howl, unleashing a torrent of concentrated nuclear blasts from its gaping maw, obliterating multiple warships in a blinding display of white-hot flames and anguished cries of the doomed crew.

In a desperate bid for survival, Kyoshi ushered Misato and Etsuko into a C-2 Greyhound aircraft, their only sanctuary amidst the chaos. With a sense of urgency, he closed the cargo door and hastily took his seat, urging the pilot to take off without delay. The engines roared to life as the plane accelerated, ascending into the sky with a sense of urgency.

In that moment, the warships retaliated, unleashing a barrage of cannon fire and missiles upon the colossal creature. Flesh and scales were torn asunder, revealing the creature's raw vulnerability. Yet, to everyone's astonishment, strange wisps of white energy began to seep from its maw, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly radiance, and its dorsal plates pulsating with an ominous white light.

A peculiar white aura enveloped the creature, causing it to pause momentarily. Blood dripped from its monstrous maw, mingling with the deep wounds on its right arm. And then, with a deafening roar that echoed through the souls of all who heard it, the creature unleashed its fury.

SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOONKKKKKKKKKKKK!

Amidst this abominable howl, the echoes of agonizing shrieks and anguished moans reverberated, piercing the very souls of countless sailors and pilots. The pallid radiance expanded, as ethereal tendrils of this spectral energy oozed forth from its maw. Its elongated tail undulated in the atmosphere, while its talons clutched a vessel in its grasp.

The mariners were consumed by an overwhelming sensation, as if they stood in the presence of an archaic deity or a malevolent specter, forged from the tormented spirits of the deceased, driven by an insatiable thirst for retribution against mankind's transgressions.

Inside the C-2 Hawkeye, Etsuko covered the young Misato's eyes and clinged onto Kyoshi as the plane got as far away as possible, heading to a nearby airfield on an island somewhere.

Present day.

NERV HQ

"God I miss those days… I wish I could find my mother…" said Misato in a sad and low tone as she walked to her car to pick up the new pilot….

TO BE CONTINUED in Chapter 4: The Fifth to be chosen

Thanks for supporting me in this fanfic so far, I've enjoyed writing this chapter a lot. I poured a lot of effort into this one, and once again, leave your feedback in reviews, it would be greatly appreciated.