Rebuild SKL is Kaiser
ESKK: Time for Chapter eight so lets get this story started.
(Start Gendo at NERV HQ)
"The mission to retrieve the Third Child was a failure." A voice spoke out in the darkness. A number and a symbol appeared in blood red, carved into a monolith. The number was four, and the symbol was seven eyes drawn on an inverted triangle, with a snake that formed a circle with its body and ended up looking like an apple.
"Mark.09 was lost, along with the Ayanami Type that piloted it." Now, it was number five who spoke.
"Is there a reason why things turned out this way, Gendo?" The last to speak was number one, with a spotlight illuminating Gendo to these monoliths. Gendo was surprised when THEY had finally decided to speak to him after so long. Then again with the current situation it came as a surprise that they dined such a thing to be necessary.
"The Mark.09 will reconstructed, and its pilot has already been restored." Gendo said omitting the fact that the pilot may be connected to her still alive predecessor. However, it may not prove powerful enough against the face of Kaiser." Gendo said and then images were shown of that the skull mech that everyone there knew well. They didn't take long to notice that the robot had taken out several foes already all of them being allies or their supporters. This was something that made Gendo's insides boil like water in a kettle after everything.
These feelings of frustration were something the man thought he had gotten rid of in the last fourteen years. Kaiser was proving that wrong as the Skull Mech was becoming ever the nuisance to him.
"So, this is the mech that has proven to be a threat to us?" For the first time, the voices the man heard around him showed some sign of doubt. Something unusual for those who spoke their will through the monoliths.
"Exactly, it would seem even without your funding Jun Uzuki managed to finish her creation, however our systems were unable to identify the full extent of her creation." Gendo said as he knew that Kaiser was a threat to them. "It would seem that Kaiser has the ability to bypass the AT-Field our outright destroy it to get to its target." Gendo said showing an image of the Angel Kaiser had faced.
"An Adam still lives?" The same Monolith from earlier spoke.
"Yes, it would appear so and unfortunately Kaiser had terminated it." Gendo said reporting to SEELE after so long of silence from the group. It was a surprise to find a living Adam but even more of a surprise to find that it was a machine not an EVA that had ended its existence. While it was fortunate that it was dead in order to prevent it from becoming a possible problem SEELE would have liked to have kept it alive for a deeper study. Any information they can acquire on the Adams was information they're brotherhood can use.
"So, it has finally happened, the Devil has risen to stand against the ultimate fate of humanity." The first Monolith said showing their view on Kaiser. Kaiser was growing as a threat to them it was only a matter of time before Kaiser starts hunting them.
"And to make things worse, the Devil has allied itself with WILLE and have acquired the Third Children as well." The second Monolith spoke showing that Kaiser was truly a threat to them and the project. "Which means they have the odds in their favor regardless of if they execute your son or not." Number three said, showing his frustration with his tone of voice. "As such, preparations for Unit-13 are useless will be useless if Kaiser continues to oppose us the Human Instrumentality Project." Another said but then Gendo had a counter argument for that.
"I have to disagree." Gendo said, still with that monotone. "Regardless of Kaiser's continued thorn the Third Child, will fulfill your wishes." Gendo said assuring that SEELE had nothing to worry about. "We only need to recover him as soon as possible." Gendo said as he looked to the group.
"And how do you intend to do that?" SEELE 1 asked making it clear he wanted results not empty promises here. After all, Gendo was already under suspicion for recent events as well as the events of the Near Third Impact followed by the True Third Impact over 14 years ago. Of course, somehow Gendo managed to talk his way out of it but in the end, suspicion was on him.
"Development of Iron Kaiser have reached their final stages if you wish to best a Devil then use a Devil of your own." Gendo began before moving to the Third Child his son. "The Third Child however answers to his heart... already we have used it against him to draw him out so in turn we will destroy it until he has no way out." Gendo said with vow to introduce his son to endless heartbreak until he submits to them.
And of the spectators of this conversation, Kozou Fuyutsuki watched it all seeing how far Gendo had fallen. The man was hardly human anymore at this point, but Fuyutsuki should expect nothing less from Gendo. As he had said many times prior of God refuses to grant humanity salvation then it would fall to the Devil to do so instead. Kaiser was the only hope left the world had the Devil must become the Angel he once was for humanity to have a chance to survive Gendo and SEELE's machinations.
(Scene Break Wundur With Shinji)
Shinji was currently mopping the floor in another area of the Wundur. This was starting to become his routine as of late ever since he came onboard. Sakura, Toji's sister was very accommodating to Shinji in getting him out of the room. While he understood the reasons it didn't sit right with Shinji to sit in the room doing nothing to contribute.
It was strange to say the least being stuck here doing something with which he was familiar. A mop in hand and a bucket on the floor he intended to make this place spotless. Shinji supposed it made sense to do something familiar to keep himself from going insane. All he had were conjured books to keep his mind from cracking in 14 years of isolation.
Shinji needed to feel useful he needed to do something with his time instead of sitting around and waiting for Sakura or Ritsuko to show up and do a check on him. It took some doing but he managed to convince them that he wasn't a danger to himself or anyone somewhat. They gave him a task and he was doing it without complaint. Though on the way here Shinji was not blind or oblivious to the glares sent his way from WILLE. But mixed with the glares were looks of curiosity that had questions about the boy.
A guard had been left to watch him no doubt to make sure Shinji didn't try anything extreme. Shinji was not stupid he knew they would not let him remove the threat he posed to their group. That was fine Shinji can accept it for now, but he hoped that when the chips are down, they can do what needs to be done. But with the DSS Chokers no longer an option, thank you Eve, Shinji could only hope that it doesn't come to that. Still doing what he was used to doing when he lived with Misato and Asuka 14 years ago… it felt like he had come home.
"So, this is where you vanished too." Asuka was heard and thus Shinji looked over to her and smiled to her.
"Hey, Asuka." Shinji said as he looked to the girl. Shinji his feelings for her he had long come to terms with them and knew that he would do anything to ensure she lived in the world. Shinji had been disappointed in Misato for her deception of Asuka's origins and while she had her reasons Shinji did not agree with any of them. Thankfully, Eve had been working to beat those reasons out of Misato before she became no better than his own father.
"So, they finally let you out of the room." Asuka said as she saw Shinji was cleaning the hallway.
"Yeah… sorry I was getting stir crazy… the more I laid there the more the memories of that day and the outcomes haunted me." Shinji admitted as Asuka saw Shinji was using this to distract himself and center his own thoughts.
"Yeah, I see." Asuka said as she then leaned against the wall a bit. "You look a lot more alive than in that cell." Asuka said noting Shinji looked a little healthier now.
"Sorry about giving you something unsightly to look at." Shinji said as he continued to work.
"No, its fine just I grateful to see your not suicidal at the moment." Asuka said as Shinji bitterly chuckled to that. "Look whatever you think Shinji about yourself putting us in danger… well when fighting NERV it's an occupational hazard so we're fine with it." Asuka said as she then got no response from Shinji. "NERV won't get you nor Unit-01." Asuka said and thus Shinji sighed to this.
"So long as either myself or the EVA exists Gendo will have a way to get what he wants." Shinji said with a cold and bitter tone. "The only way to stop this is to stop Gendo or remove his goals from the equation entirely." Shinji said pausing with his task. Asuka unfortunately had no retort to this and had been moved towards silence instead.
Opting to change the subject Asuka began to speak again. "Eve's been asking about you wanting to check on you and all that." Asuka said as she wanted to try and figure something out. It was a feeling that had been bothering Asuka to no end, yes Eve looks a lot like Rei, but Asuka had noted genetic traits of Shinji on the girl. It made Asuka worried that somehow Eve was not only Rei's daughter.
"Oh, it's good to hear that you and her are getting along." Shinji said causing Asuka to silently scowl there.
"Yeah, she reminds me of Wonder Girl but unlike her she was more proactive." Asuka said before going to the next bit. "Except she's still following the requests you and Wonder Girl gave to her." Asuka said as it was like a child dutifully following her parents instructions.
"Sorry you can blame Rei for that one." Shinji said and thus Asuka sighed to this.
"So, she's still in there, Rei I mean." Asuka said and thus Shinji stopped again and sighed a bit before nodding.
"Yeah, she is." Shinji said not seeing what Asuka was trying to imply about Shinji, Eve, and Rei right now.
"I see." Asuka said and thus she got down to it. "Well, if we can pull her out… I won't get in the way." Asuka said and thus Shinji stopped what he was doing.
"What?" Shinji asked confused at what Asuka was saying right now.
"I mean you and her already have a daughter… I suppose it's only natural you were stuck together so moving on was something inevitable." Asuka said and thus Shinji saw what she was saying.
"Asuka… Eve isn't my daughter." Shinji said as Asuka was surprised by this.
"Wait what?" Asuka asked when she heard this.
"Eve isn't my daughter and Rei, and I aren't together at least not like that." Shinji said recalling that discovery. "While I was inside the Gate of Guff, I found out a few things about Rei." Shinji said and thus got down to it. "Asuka, Rei is a clone of my mother and that means Eve is my niece." Shinji said and thus Asuka was surprised by this revelation.
"Wait your niece?!" Asuka asked and in turn she had more. "And Rei is your moms clone, wouldn't that make Eve your half-sister?!" Asuka asked and thus Shinji then looked to Asuka.
"Just because she was cloned from my mother doesn't mean she's her." Shinji said surprising Asuka by those words. "If Eve hadn't revealed what she did about you I would be say the same thing to you as well." Shinji said looking directly at Asuka. "Just because you were cloned from someone doesn't make you any less the Asuka I know because I never met the 'original,' as far as I would see it you were, you are, and you always will be the original." Shinji said and thus Asuka really wanted to slap the boy silly for his blunt honesty with her.
"Look I got some things to take care off, the guy watching you will take you back to your room." Asuka said as she smiled so slightly before she then walked away. "See you around, Third." Asuka said and thus took her leave she clearly wanted to hold Shinji close but now was not the time. Asuka still needed to sort herself out before she tried.
"Asuka wait!" Shinji called out and took her arm before she left. "I… I know about the Curse of EVA." Shinji said as Asuka wasn't too surprised by this. "Rei… she showed me how to cure it." Shinji said and thus Asuka was surprised by this.
"Wait Rei found a cure?!" Asuka asked shocked to hear this.
"Yeah." Shinji said as he looked solemn about it. "But… I won't do it not without your consent." Shinji said as Asuka was confused by this.
"Why do you need my consent?" Asuka asked as she wondered why Shinji didn't introduce this miracle cure to her before now.
"Because… its something intimate." Shinji admitted and thus Asuka did not need words to decipher it.
"So… all you need is my consent, right?" Asuka asked as she raised a brow at Shinji.
"Yeah." Shinji admitted and thus Asuka then sighed.
Asuka wanted it truly she did but… not now, first there were other things she needed to focus on. More so then that… she needed to figure out her own thoughts. NERV had lied to her, Misato and Ritsuko had perpetuated the lie of her origins. Asuka wasn't sure what to think of herself was she still the weapon of war or was she just a girl who had her choice stolen from her. Asuka wasn't sure but she sure as hell planned to figure it out for herself.
"Shinji… I appreciate it but… no." Asuka said as she looked to Shinji. "Right now… I'm a mess and NERV is still a threat." Asuka said and then she put her hand to his cheeks. "I want to be cured but only after I'm able to stand on my feet." Asuka said as she needed time to sort herself out.
Shinji then put his hand on hers which caused Asuka to blush a bit. "I understand… I'll wait." Shinji said as Asuka smiled to this. The two stayed there for a moment basking in the quiet between them no words were needed at the moment. Just then Shinji began to speak as he wanted to bring something up. "He has your eyes." Shinji said with a small smile on his face.
"Who has my eyes?" Asuka asked with confusion in her voice.
"Akira." Shinji said surprising Asuka. "I passed him by a couple times he has your eyes." Shinji said causing Asuka to look away and huff to this.
"Oh, and what makes you think he's mine?" Asuka asked as she tried to play off the fact, she herself had mistaken Eve for Shinji's offspring.
"Well beyond the eyes, he acts a lot like you for starters." Shinji said as Asuka heard this. "He projects a front like you but deep down… I feel he's sad and lonely." Shinji said as he had Asuka to thank for that particular skill.
"Don't get ahead of yourself he's just a blowhard psycho who thinks he's all that when he's not." Asuka scoffed at the idea of her and Akira being in anyway or form related by blood.
"Toji and Kensuke said the same thing about you." Shinji responded and thus Asuka glared at him for that one.
"Well, they were and still are wrong." Asuka countered refusing to acknowledge this.
But then all of a sudden Shinji began to laugh causing Asuka to look at him. "What's so funny?" Asuka asked almost daring Shinji to say something stupid.
"This… it feels like the good old days." Shinji said as Asuka saw what Shinji meant.
"Almost makes you forget that we live in a world you…" Asuka trailed off as she realized what she said by the saddened face Shinji was making. "Oh… sorry I didn't." Asuka began but was then cut off by Shinji.
"No, it's fine." Shinji said assuring Asuka that he was fine. "You're not saying anything that isn't true." Shinji said causing Asuka to glare and flick Shinji in the forehead.
"Just because it's true doesn't mean you need to keep blaming yourself." Asuka said as she glared at Shinji for his words. Yeah, she knew he destroyed the world but making him the sole reason was just stupid. And Asuka was the idiot who bought into it all so Misato can lead WILLE. They all turned Shinji into a scapegoat just so Misato and Ritsuko could avoid prison.
"So, you say." Shinji said but then steeled himself. "But right now… I'm just glad to be here with you." Shinji said and thus Asuka's glared died to a look.
Asuka then made a faux sigh of exasperation. "Where did you learn such a cheesy line?" Asuka asked and thus Shinji shrugged a bit to the girl.
"Rei like to read and has a photographic memory so blame her." Shinji admitted as Asuka smiled to this knowing Rei was still alive. "Not like I had much to do while stuck inside the Gate of Guff." Shinji added but Asuka simply chuckled to what Shinji said instead.
"Or maybe I should thank her instead." Asuka said causing Shinji to chuckle before the pair rested their foreheads against each other. "After all you'd never have said anything like that… maybe she got you educated." Asuka joked and in turn they closed their eyes and enjoyed the presence the other brought forth. It was for this one small moment between both Shinji Ikari and Asuka Langley Shikinami all was right in the world.
(Scene Break in Misato's office)
Misato sat in her office as across from her was Ritsuko and Jun both of which were giving reports on their projects. Mainly the new EVA Units, hooking up Unit-01 to the Wundur, Shinji's wellbeing, and the well being of their two lucky survivors. With them were of course Shigeru, Makoto, and of course Maya her command staff and most of all the ones overseeing everything in WILLE.
"Jun you may start." Misato said wanting to get the crazy woman through.
"I'll be blunt, the Iron Maidens are fully repaired and ready for the next confrontation and have handled the machinery going into the EVA." Jun said with a bored tone in her voice here. "As I've said before Kaiser's damaged do not require me to work on them so we can leave them be for now." Jun said as she got confused look on her faces. "They are not anything of danger so we should be fine." Jun added and thus showing she did her part.
"And what of the SKL-RR?" Misato asked wanting to hear about this new combat unit.
"I've done a full check only needed to do minor work on some of the systems." Jun responded giving Misato some good news. "It will be ready before our next deployment." Jun said and thus ended her report.
"Good." Misato said grateful for that much. Kaiser was proving to be a valuable asset and they needed him and his equipment in top shape. "And the Wingle Unit?" Misato asked needing information on Kaiser's support.
"Ready and able." Jun responded and thus Misato nodded before moving on.
"Alright, Maya, Shigeru, Makoto what can you three tell me about the UN and the Warlords old territories?" Misato asked as she looked to the group.
"As it stands the UN forces have established a militia to bring order to these locations." Maya began with a cold tone in her voice. "Though a few loyalists to Kiba and Death Star remained they are small in numbers and many of the victims are cooperating without fail as are those who surrendered." Maya said happy to hear that people actually wanted some law and order to be brought in.
"Word from KREDIT has also come in recently." Shigeru said as he stepped up for his part of the report. "They've noted an utter halt to any raids on their convoys." Shigeru said which was good to hear.
"Finally, those supplies can get to the people who currently need them." Misato said showing that she was happy to hear about things turning around for KREDIT.
"Yes, though the Slum Kings Fortress well." Shigeru said and thus Misato saw the tone he used.
"What happened?" Misato asked with concern right now.
"Honestly, what the Slum King had been doing to those people Kaiser didn't do enough to make him suffer." Shigeru said being blunt about this. Many had their minds shattered and may never make a full recovery, others are showing signs of indoctrination and don't even get me started on those who had to be euthanized as a mercy." Shigeru said as Misato felt sick at hearing this. "I think several of the UN forces had actually vomited after arriving." Shigeru added which made Misato want to resurrect the Slum King just to kill him herself. "Several of the rapes victims were impregnated by the Slum Kings men and some of the other victims were children." Shigeru said as the thought of such a monster was running around was sickening.
"We had also raided the main building the one he kept Ryo and Miki in and… well." Hyuuga trailed off and thus Misato glared. "He had plans for even WILLE and Village-3, particularly your son." Hyuuga said and thus Misato was wide eyed by this as she had already seen some of the reports and to have her son go through that made her furious.
"There better be some good news." Misato said as clearly, she was now an angry mother.
"There is." Shigeru cut in to assure Misato that there was good news. "From what we found out after confirmation of the Slum Kings death had reached many of his followers, we noted that about 90% of them had laid down their arms and surrendered on the spot." Shigeru said as he recalled the incident. "We have reason to believe that a majority of them were forced into this and may need to be offered leniency." Shigeru said as he didn't seem to buy it.
"They might be cowards trying to buy their way out of punishment." Ritsuko mused but they also needed to consider a lot of things.
"Let the UN decide that one." Misato said calmly as she didn't need to dish out punishment like that when her mind is clearly biased.
"Alright." Shigeru said and thus he got to the final bit of his part here. "Anyway, the UN are in talks of converting these areas for other uses one of them being safe zone settlements." Shigeru said which was good news for their species. But why was the way he said it concerning? Focus on the meeting and ask for clarification after everything is done.
"Good at the very least we can put those places to good use." Misato said before moving to the next bit of their current discussion. "Any word on Hachiryokaku?" Misato asked as they had not heard from them in a while.
"UN has made contact with them and at the moment discussions are underway." Maya reported as she sounded upset for some reason about this.
"Is something wrong?" Misato asked noticing Maya's tone of voice.
"Nothing is wrong." Maya said as she was clearly upset but failing to hide it.
"Back when you had us visit those ladies to smooth things over Maya was basically the only Lesbian in the entire place." Shigeru stated as Maya then glared at the man.
"She was basically a man dying of thirst watching another man drowning." Hyuuga said as by the tone of his and Shigeru's voices those two had the best time.
"ANYWAY!" Maya cut in to change the subject of things. "There is word that Hachiryokaku is asking for autonomous rule of their territory and the UN have a few objections about approving the ladies request." Maya said making it clear that talks were still going.
"Leave it to a committee to get nothing done." Ritsuko quipped as she heard what her old protégé tired tone.
"We'll have to wait and hear back from that front." Misato said changing the subject to the next topic of the meeting. "Ritsuko what on your end?" Misato asked needing to know how things were for Ritsuko.
"As Jun states attaching Unit-01 to the Wundur is in process but we're keeping the alternative core as a back up generator." Ritsuko said as it was better to be safe than sorry. "Speaking of I have a few updates on our patient." Ritsuko said moving to the subject of Shinji's presence here. "At the moment, the Specimen." Ritsuko began but a glare from Misato reminded the doctor that Misato was changing. "I mean Shinji no longer appears to be suicidal, so we've lessened his restraints." Ritsuko said as she looked down to her data. "Though at the moment we still have someone watching him just in case." Ritsuko said which was good for Misato to hear.
"Ok and what is your conclusion on the threat level he could pose to others and to himself?" Misato asked wanting some concrete answers from Ritsuko.
"At the moment, he doesn't appear to be a danger to anyone nor himself, but who knows when that will change?" Ritsuko said which cause small sigh of relief to be heard. "Plus, we need to predict NERV's next move, especially after they failed to get him back." Ritsuko said as it was only thanks to Kaiser for that small victory.
"Which means we won't be able to stop anywhere." Misato said as their current landing was leaving them vulnerable. "We will have to fly to keep him out of reach." She added and thus Ritsuko knew why that was a bad idea.
"Something we cannot do if we want to recover the world taken from us." Ritsuko said knowing how Misato was at the moment. "So, our only options are to leave Shinji in an isolated location where he cannot escape and stay safe or take the battle to NERV." Ritsuko said which Misato found to be of note.
"Do you suggest a full-force attack?" Misato asked as she had concerns about that particular decision.
"It's not ideal, but we're certainly at an advantage." Ritsuko said as she got down to what they had going for them. "We have two operational units going on three, the AAA Wunder is powered with Unit-01 and the alternative core Shinji had originally provided as a backup power, Kaiser, Wingle, and the Iron Maidens, and we have Shinji in our custody." Ritsuko said and everyone here knew she was right. The way things were, there was almost no real risk. They could go to NERV headquarters and end everything.
But what if that's what Gendo wanted? Or was he hoping for Shinji to be put somewhere and then break in and kidnap him? Shinji had correctly predicted that Gendo would have tried to come for him without realizing that he wasn't even there.
"Of course, there is also the third option." Ritsuko said as she knew it was the one that Misato didn't want to hear. "We can execute Third Child, and then NERV's goals will go down the drain." Ritsuko said and thus she let out an annoyed sigh. "But I know that's an option you're not willing to consider, Captain Katsuragi." Ritsuko said and in turn Misato said nothing, just looked at the ground, thoughtful.
She would never execute Shinji, but she didn't want him to get more involved in this fight between WILLE and NERV either. Right now, she could finally be one step ahead of Gendo in this war, but that would depend on a lot of patience and how Shinji would evolve. There was also Akira to consider… would he serve Gendo as a possible stand in for Shinji. They needed Kaiser and Akira was the only one can handle piloting that skull devil.
"If you ask me, Shinji is connected to this world in ways we don't understand." Misato said as it was true Shinji had spent 14 years in the Sea of Guff only appearing when the situation was dire. "Therefore, I believe that execution could result in some adverse reaction from Unit-01, or even that it could cause another impact after his death." Misato said making it clear that Shinji would live. "Our priority is to keep him in custody and at the same time, we try to achieve our goals." Misato said making her decision on this clear to hear.
Despite presenting all these points and faithfully believing her words, in the end, the woman just didn't want to kill the boy, much less now that he had finally returned. More so he had given up so much just for this ungrateful world endured isolation and hatred all so he could keep Unit-01 away from Gendo's reach. Misato betrayed the boy and after Eve threw the facts in her face Misato was forced to realized how close she was to being Gendo.
"We've come this far by trusting your judgment, Misato and I will go to hell with you if you order me to." Ritsuko began as despite her previous arguments with Misato she had yet to lead them astray. "I just don't want you to risk everything out of sentimentality." Ritsuko sand and even if she understood her reasons, there was much more at stake than Misato, Shinji, and her. This was a war to decide the fate of the world, which made the fact that this child could be the key to changing it for better or worse even more terrifying. Even for someone who has seen it all, like Ritsuko Akagi.
"Trust me that is not the case." Misato said calmly before she saw the time. "And what of Miki and Ryo?" Misato asked wanting to hear how those two are doing.
"Ryo is showing some concerning red flags at the moment." Ritsuko said as she looked to Misato. "Nothing like Akira but almost like everything around him is an afront to him." Ritsuko said before getting down to it. "He's showing signs of nihilistic and misanthropic attributes which compound with what he endured may make him a danger to be around others." Ritsuko said explaining things to her commanding officer.
"Have you made any moves to try and contain it?" Misato asked as she had every right to be concerned.
"Yes, he's currently being watched by medical staff and security personnel if he tries something we'll be on him before he does." Ritsuko said and thus Misato nodded grateful for Ritsuko's forward thinking. "We've had both of them equipped with cybernetic prosthetics to replace their lost limbs and began physical therapy to repair the atrophy of their bodies while also having them undergoing psychological therapy." Ritsuko said which made her pause for a moment. "We made sure Miki's handled by female medics at all time, she seems to have aversion to any males bar Akira." Ritsuko said but then Maya cut in.
"Can't say I blame her after what she went through." Maya said as she had read the reports. Apparently Slum King had a dog rape her which made her suffering all the worse.
"At the moment we're currently waiting before attempting anything involving the EVA With her." Ritsuko spoke up reminding them that as Miki is now, she shouldn't be piloting an EVA.
"Good I'd rather we have two stable pilots with EVA's plus a spare EVA instead of two stable pilots and one unstable one." Misato said as she had no intention of putting the DSS Choker on Miki. The poot girl has been through enough already. It was then that Misato noted the time and new it was time to end the meeting, after all she had to deal with a certain pink haired WILLE Operative. "The meeting will be adjourned for now… I have another matter to attend to." Misato said and in turn everyone nodded and started to leave.
Once Misato was alone, she was faced with the single chair in front of her as she waited for Midori to show up. Earlier Misato had sent for her and for good reason too. Midori had been adamantly against Shinji and pushing for punishment against him every chance she got. At first it was only snide comments and Misato had hoped the attempt on Akira was a one-time thing. But after last mission and a few new discoveries by Eve… well Misato was going to put a stop to this once and for all. If Midori can't put aside her own grudges for the greater good, then she can't be trusted on the command deck.
Misato already had Ritsuko meeting with Midori's replacement to get the new communications officer aware of their new responsibilities. However, as WILLE is she could not afford to discharge Midori especially since WILLE needed every able body they can get. But that did not mean that Midori would be allowed the same freedoms she took advantage to get away from the outcome of her actions. Misato did not need to wait for long however when a sound resonated from her door.
"Come in." Misato said and in turn the door slid open allowing Midori inside.
"You wanted to see me ma'am?" Midori asked as she stood before Misato.
"Have a seat." Misato said gesturing to the chair in front of her. Midori took the seat and noted the tension radiating in the air. Something was up and somehow Midori felt it was directed at her.
"Was… there something you wished to speak about, Captain?" Midori asked silently getting a bit nervous over what was happening.
Misato glared at Midori knowing she was responsible for what had happened in the previous mission that almost costed WILLE both Shinji and Unit-01. "Do you think I'm stupid?" Misato asked getting to the point.
"Excuse me?" Midori asked surprised by this.
"Do you think I'm stupid? Did you think no one would figure out your deception or even let you get away with it?" Misato asked accusingly at Midori almost daring her to try and lie to the woman.
"Ma'am I don't know what your talking about." Midori said trying to feign ignorance, but this would not take.
Misato then displayed the investigation data as well as the security feed of Midori's actions. As well as a few added bonus bits of information from the Skull Pilots and the Extraction Team about being unable to make communications which Midori had been in charge of.
"Communications to our extraction team was down, communications to Kaiser was done, and finally two shots made directly on the EVA." Misato trailed off as she glared at Midori. "Not to mentioned video footage you intentionally causing a crash in your own station to hide your tracks." Misato listed off and thus Midori knew she was caught red handed now. "Care to explain yourself Midori?" Misato asked while glaring at Midori wanting to see what yarn she'll spin from this.
Midori however saw the jig was up she was caught and there was no way she could lie her way out of this situation. So, Midori was left with only one option the brutal truth. "What do you want from me an apology?" Midori asked showing she was not going to lie out of this. "I made a call when you gave a bad order!" Midori snapped as she glared at Misato for her decisions.
"You were ordered to help clear the path back into the rift for Unit-01!" Misato retorted only for Midori to slam her hands onto the table causing it to shake.
"Exactly you wanted us to protect that genocidal idiot!" Midori snapped as she glared at Misato. "You want us to protect him after everything he's done everything he's caused!" Midori yelled as she was clearly upset with the woman here. "YOU now want us to harbor HIM like everything HE did before didn't matter!" Midori yelled as she glared at Misato. "He deserved every cruelty every punishment coming to him!" Midori yelled as she was clearly upset and by the look of things wasn't listening.
"Our enemy isn't him its NERV." Misato began but Midori would not listen to her.
"He's NERV too!" Midori countered and thus Misato saw where this was going.
"So was I once." Misato began as this caught Midori in her contradictions. "So was Ritsuko, Maya, Shigeru, Makoto, Asuka, and even Mari." Misato said which got Midori to silent her words.
"That's different you didn't cause Third Impact!" Midori countered only for Misato to sigh and change gears.
"We did." Misato said causing Midori to stop. "I gave Shinji the order and then denied it to create WILLE." Misato said as Midori sat there in shock over what she was hearing, Akira was telling the truth. "If you want to keep pushing that anyone involved with Third Impact is guilty then you should punish me for giving Shinji the go ahead, punish Ritsuko for creating the EVA that caused this, punish Mari for not trying to stop Shinji when she had the chance, and punish Maya, Shigeru, and Makoto all for once being a part of NERV." Misato said and thus Midori gritted her teeth.
They were betraying her Misato she was betraying her, and all Midori had was rage. Misato however was not done as she got down to it. "Your fortunate we need soldiers otherwise I'd have you court marshalled but seeing as we need allies, I'm transferring you out of the Command Deck." Misato said causing Midori to go wide eyed.
"No… that's not fair you can't do that!" Midori yelled standing from her seat as she was clearly upset about this decision.
"If you can't be trusted to follow orders instead of pursuing revenge then you can't be trusted in the command deck anymore." Misato said while she stood up and looked away from Midori. Just as Midori was about to argue Misato already had a means to argue Midori's next argument. "And before you comment we've already found someone who will replace you if your worried about leaving the station unmanned." Misato said calmly to the woman promising her a worse punishment if she tries to argue. "Report to the maintenance crew for your new assignment." Misato said calmly to the pink haired girl before turning her head to her. "Do NOT make me go for the alternative." Misato said which was to have Midori arrested and tried for high treason.
Midori saw there was no way for her to argue this and thus she growled and took it for what it was. "Yes, Ma'am." Midori said before leaving the room but clearly, she was beyond angry right now. Misato sighed as the door slid shut behind Midori leaving Misato by herself.
(Meanwhile over with Midori)
Midori was making her way to the maintenance level as she was just one punishment away from being discharged completely. They had turned on her, Asuka and now Misato had turned on Midori and it was all because of that god damned robot. If it weren't for Kaiser Shinji would either be dead or facing his long overdue comeuppance. If it weren't for Eve and Wingle Misato would never have done this to her. But thanks to the fact that they had to waste time saving those weak worthless civilians her comrades from WILLE were starting to turn against her. If it weren't for Akira, Asuka would have taken her side in this discussion.
Now here she was on her way to her new position in WILLE in Maintenance the janitor for lack of better terms. She was on her way to be surrounded by everyone whose hatred was not strong enough to truly be a part of WILLE like she had been the problem. Damn them, damn them all to Hell. They will get their comeuppance one way or another and she will be there when Shinji finally faces justice for all his actions. For now, all she could do was wait and bide her time, it was all she can do at this junction.
As Midori walked however, she could hear the whispers from the crew she passed by. "Heard that Ikari kid was let out of his room again saw him mopping a hall." A crewmember spoke as Midori got angry at this.
"Again? Just the other day I heard from my buddy in the canteen he was cooking everyone's meals." Another agent said as he looked on. "For an alleged genocidal maniac, he had the perfect chance to poison the crew." He added which angered Midori who passed her by.
"Hell, just yesterday he was cleaning out the crew quarters." Another agent of WILLE said making Midori angrier with those words.
"And no bombs or traps set up?" He asked as a joke. "Then again the kid doesn't look like he'd hurt a fly." He added with a more serious tone.
'Stop buying into this crap he's deceiving you all!' Midori mentally yelled as she gritted her teeth with rage building up.
"Maybe we had him pegged wrong." Another crew member said causing Midori to nearly lose it.
'No stop, you didn't you had him pegged right he's a genocidal brat!' Midori's mind yelled as she tried to ignore the crew members she passed by.
"I'm not sure." He began as he was seen rubbing his head a bit in thought. "I mean that kid seems desperate to help around the ship." Another responded as the conversation was going through several groups that Midori was passing by.
'Traitors every single one of them are traitors.' Midori thought to herself as she got closer to her new workplace.
"What if he is innocent?" Another asked which Midori wanted to challenge and tell them off.
'He is NOT innocent he is guilty!' Midori's mind yelled as her teeth may as well be powder at this point.
"If he is… then we been going after the wrong guy for well over 14 years." The last one said and thus Midori couldn't take it anymore.
Midori was fast she ran to the restroom and stopped in front of the sink. She was seething her rage was a fire equal to Hell itself. Hate, hate; hate all she felt was hatred for Shinji Ikari. Hatred for Kaiser who's arrival was destroying any chance she had at revenge. Hatred for WILLE who was betraying her piece by piece to humiliate her!
With no other outlet Midori roared in fury before punching the mirror with enough force to shatter it. Shards of reflected glass fell as her hand was now bleeding from glass cuts. "I'll make them see… they'll all see that I'm right." Midori said as she glared at the now mirrorless wall. "If they won't take their revenge then I'll do it only my hatred my vengeance is powerful enough to do what needs to be done." Midori growled as she grabbed her hurting fist.
"Mom… dad for you both I'll send Shinji Ikari to Hell." Midori said as for a brief moment she began to laugh as tears streamed from her eyes. She was alone everyone was against her; Kaiser had turned them to Shinji's side. Only Midori was sane everyone was insane Shinji Ikari must die. Shinji Ikari must die. For Midori to have her revenge Shinji Ikari must die.
(Later Miki's Medical Room)
Akira sat near Miki's bed as the medic was easing Miki to her new limbs. She had been fully equipped with them and needless to say she would need to come in for regular checkups to both make sure they were operating correctly and to adjust based on here own growth. She was 14 years old, so Miki would still have room to grow taller.
"Ok grip." The medic said and thus with her prosthetic right-hand Miki gripped the ball that was in said hand. The ball was a stress ball and with it the medic noted this for references. "Good." The medic said as Miki had been making excellent progress with her physical therapy. "Now lift the arm and stretch it." The medic said and thus Miki did as she was told. There was some small struggle but nothing that would be of concern. "I noticed you struggled there, is there any discomfort?" The medic asked as she wanted to be sure that her patient was doing her best.
"Sorry just… its still." Miki tried to get out, but the medic was calm as she was patient.
"Its understandable so long without them it's a strange sensation to have them back." The Medic said as she was understanding of Miki's current situation. Ryo was already making more progress then Miki was though the medics on the Wundur suspected it was not as noble for Ryo as it was for Miki. "Now then if your up to it perhaps we can start a few walking exercises." The Medic said gesturing to the two bars for Miki to try walking on.
"Sure." Miki said with a nod to the medic.
"Alright Akira if you mind…" The Medic trailed off as she saw Akira was passed out on the chair snoring away. Miki glared at Akira for a moment and with the ball in her hand she proceeded to throw it at Akira hitting him head on.
In turn Akira stumbled awake and began to clap. "Did we win?" Akira asked causing the Medic to sigh and Miki to huff.
"I swear some things never change with you." Miki said and thus Akira chuckled to his friend. "The medic is about to have me on the bars." Miki said pointing to the bars currently in the room.
"Alright I get it need me to help you there." Akira said as he then walked over to help Miki. Being gentle with her Akira avoided her neck as he noted the scaring around it from the collar Slum King had forced upon the girl. The group had been lucky to find that Miki had not been impregnated by that monstrous bastard who tortured her. Though it did not put a pleasant picture in his head for to the reasons. Regardless Akira proceeded to do his part and help Miki over to the bars to begin her physical therapy to help relearn how to walk.
The process was a long one because after Akira had helped Miki to the bars she got to work on walking. All the while she was trying to focus on the task and not on… what was done to her. She recalled those days so many years ago that had led her to her suffering.
Akira however still remembered that da like aa endless nightmare. The day that he truly stopped being a child and was forced to change into the person he was today. All Akira had to do was look at Miki's lost limbs and the scars left on Miki to be reminded of his greatest of failures.
(Flashback 6 years ago Akira)
Miki was dressed in what accounted for rags as the then 8-year-old was running through the forest. With her was her two friends Ryo and Akira dressed similarly to her as they ran through the woods. The Pillars around these parts had made it so life can preserve out here despite everything. They had been forced to leave their settlement when things got to a breaking point because of outside invaders.
Regardless they were preserving what innocence they had left laughing and enjoying life as they could. Well Akira and Miki were Ryo was just along for the ride here. Miki was ahead of them as Akira and Ryo were trying to chase her down.
They soon arrived at a lake and smiled at how clear it looked curtesy of the pillars surrounding this place. "Akira Miki look water!" Miki called out while waving to them and pointing to the water in question.
The two boys managed to catch up to her as they soon saw the water in question. "Finally, a clean water source." Ryo said grateful they had found it when they did.
"Told you there was water out this way." Akira said causing Ryo to roll his eyes and checked the area. It seemed safe and by the looks of things good enough to set up camp. The spot was ideal and thus they opted to set up for the night as the sun began to set in the horizon turning the sky orange.
(Later that night)
Night had fallen food had been eaten as Akira, Miki, and Ryo were sleeping around the campsite. The fire would burn for the night and after Ryo had been the last one to feed it before going to sleep himself. But that was their mistake this night and would be one to haunt them for years to come. The rustling of bushes the ominous darkness they came for the children late at night.
Akira remembered it all he was grabbed he screamed enough to wake the others, but it was too late. Ryo tried to fight Miki was powerless and Akira bit down hard. But in the end, they were powerless children in this world. Akira recalled him screaming to let them go crying out to his friends before being knocked out. The next time Akira had woken up was in a cage being taken to Death Stars Prison. Two years later he'd meet Reiko and begin to pilot Kaiser with the glimmer of hope in finding Miki and Ryo alive and well.
(End Flashback)
"Akira?" Miki asked as Akira was drawn out of his memories by Miki. "Are you ok?" She asked with concern for her old friend.
"Yeah… yeah, I'm fine." Akira lied as he did not need to put anymore unneeded stress on Miki while she recovered.
Miki however did not seem convinced but knowing Akira like she does she knew it was pointless to try and push the issue with him so for the time being she opted to let it be and focus on her recovery. However, Miki did plan to approach Akira about the issue later because knew Akira when something is bothering him, he tries and fails to hide this fact from others.
(Elsewhere on the Wundur Jun)
In Jun's lab the woman was hard at work performing several of her own projects while mildly working on the EVA with Ritsuko. The mad scientist was currently going over the power output from the EVA while focusing most of her attention on Kaiser, Wingle, and the three Iron Maidens.
"So how is the power output?" Ritsuko asked as she was overseeing some major parts of the new EVA.
"Stable." Jun responded with a bored tone in her voice. Her part was mainly the armor and machinery being equipped to the EVA.
"Good." Ritsuko said as she then snuffed out a smoke, she had causing Jun to roll her eyes.
Jun had never needed such addictive methods to keep her emotions in check. This was why she was often the saner of the original GEHIRN organization before it became NERV. Yui was already insane in Jun's books, Naoko was a jealous twat, Maria was an annoyance, and Kyoko… the less said the more respect to the dead here. Jun already knew what happened to each of them but was not revealing what she knew about Maria AKA Mari. Jun was no fool without proof she can't just accuse Mari less she makes herself look insane.
Just then Ritsuko rolled over and saw what Jun was doing or tried to. "What the heck is that?" Ritsuko asked as she saw Jun's work.
"Flight capabilities for the new EVA unit." Jun calmly said as she continued to type away on her computer. Ritsuko was of course shocked to hear this as she didn't think Jun would do something like this.
"I thought you disliked the EVA Units stating they were, inferior creations in comparison to your Kaiser." Ritsuko said quoting Jun when she had commented on why her robot was better than the EVA Units.
"I don't, but unfortunately I am obligated to work on it as ordered by your boss." Jun said not even bothering to look over to Ritsuko.
The woman knew why Jun was very spiteful towards the EVA units not only was her projected rejected (do to reasons other then budget costs) but she had been proven right about the EVA Units. Ritsuko had taken time to check out Jun Uzuki's background and needless to say she was a fossil by WILLE's standards. She was amongst the members of GEHIRN before it had become NERV. She no doubt had valuable information that WILLE could use against NERV but there were some debate on her being forthcoming with the information.
Be that as it may, Jun had already proven useful by pointing them to facilities that even Gendo didn't know about to gain supplies. Yes, some of it and the equipment were dated but it was certainly more then what the UN and KREDIT was giving them. Still Ritsuko had some issues with the older scientists mainly with how she carried herself. More than that Ritsuko's issues with Jun all originated from Kaiser and the dangers the mech posed to any potential pilot. While Akira and Kuzo were formidable with Kaiser, they were also prone to violence.
"You do realize that we don't have the resources or funding for such a thing, right?" Ritsuko asked as she looked to Jun. "Why do you think we need the Wundur to begin with?" She added before Jun scoffed to what the doctor had said.
"You say that yet NERV doesn't have such resources either and yet they pulled it off." Jun responded as she typed away on her computer. "If they can do it so, can we only we'll do it better." Jun responded not even bothering to care for the Budget. "Besides if I succeed, we take away NERV's air superiority." Jun added while she paused to look over to Ritsuko.
"Well, you're not wrong." Ritsuko said recalling that some of NERV's EVA units were able to fly. If Jun could take that advantage away from NERV then all the better for WILLE.
Jun then smirked and turned back around to her computer and got back to work. She was trying to keep this EVA balanced between the other two that WILLE had at their disposal while trying to grant it flight capabilities. With Wingle and Kaiser with Wing Gross or the SKL-RR as their only flight capable units Jun had been working on adding to their numbers. She never liked working on the EVA units a waste of her talents and superior creations, but WILLE has basically given her a get out of jail free card for when the war ends with the defeat of NERV and Gendo Ikari.
Ritsuko however had one other question she wanted to ask particularly involving Kuzo and Kaiser. "Dr. Uzuki if I may trouble you for a moment." Ritsuko began as this caused Jun to perk up a bit, but she did not take her eyes off from what she was doing. "I have a question about Kaiser and the pilots." Ritsuko said and thus Jun chuckled to this seeing where this line of thought was now going.
"You want to know how Akira and Kuzo are compatible with Kaiser?" Jun said as a statement more then she had asked of the blond. When Ritsuko nodded Jun smiled and put her work on auto before she went and gave Ritsuko her undivided attention. "Kaiser is unique for lack of better words dangerous to just about anyone who can't handle the system." Jun began as she spun the tale of Kaiser to Ritsuko. "So, to be able to both physically and mentally handle his operating system you need to equally or just as dangerous as the system your using." Jun said as Ritsuko saw the implications of what Jun was saying to her.
"So that explains why Akira can handle it." Ritsuko said as the boy survived outside of the human settlements living under the rule of Kiba, Death Star, and Slum King and lived to tell the tale.
"Exactly which brings me to my next point." Jun said as she got to Kuzo. "Kuzo is different he was made with Kaiser in mind." Jun revealed as Ritsuko was shocked about what she heard.
"He's a clone?" Ritsuko asked shocked at what she heard.
"Yes, one I personally made for the sole purpose of operating Kaiser against the Angels and now against NERV itself." Jun revealed as Ritsuko found this to be most interesting. "Of course, when creating the perfect pilot genetics was just one part of the equation the rest… is experiences." Jun said giving Ritsuko Akagi a glimpse of her own madness.
"Experiences?" Ritsuko asked while making mental note of this for later.
"Kuzo is not entirely fond of his origins in fact he's of a mindset that, he is the only one." Jun said quoting the last part on Kuzo's mindset. "With this in mind Kuzo or one of his many clones had to be the sole survivor someone who can pilot Kaiser for all its worth." Jun said as Ritsuko paid rapt attention to her fellow scientist on this subject.
"You had them gladiatorially fight each other to the death." Ritsuko said summarizing what Jun had done.
"Well, that was my intent, but Kuzo beat me to it." Jun said as she smiled at the memory. "He broke out of his tank and then proceeded to slaughter his clones until only he was left alive." Jun said recalling what had happened all those years ago. "I had managed to put him back under before I was captured and locked away to be tortured for nearly 3 decades." Jun said retelling her tale to the blond.
"If he was put under again, then how did Kuzo escape?" Ritsuko asked and thus Jun gave Ritsuko a bored look.
"I suspect that Eve had something to do with it." Jun said as that girl seemed to be smarter than the average person here. She was almost like the daughter Jun never had which made her envious of Rei. "So now that you know this what do, you plan to do with this?" Jun asked as she looked to Ritsuko wanting to see what she might try to do.
"Considering you broke several laws with your little cloning idea." Ritsuko said but Jun smirked to this.
"As did you and then some with Shikinami." Jun responded causing Ritsuko to shut her mouth to this knowing Jun had a point. "So how about we agree that if either of us blabs it will be mutually assured destruction." Jun said but even she knew if Ritsuko did snitch she would suffer more from the resulting crimes. Ritsuko for her part just glared at Jun but let it be for the time being. They had a much bigger enemy to worry about and that enemy was NERV.
"Just one more question maybe two depending on how you answer." Ritsuko said as she glared at Jun. "If Kuzo is a clone… who is the original?" Ritsuko asked as she looked to Jun wanting a direct answer.
Jun in turn just smirked as she spun her chair towards Ritsuko. "Your looking at her." Jun said as she spread her arms to Ritsuko. "Even back then genetic engineering was truly a wonder of the modern world." Jun said showing how she made Kuzo the way that he was. All Ritsuko could do was just give Jun a concerned look worried if this woman were ever sane to begin with. The way she acted the way she did things, but most of all the fact she built Kaiser… it scared Ritsuko to see what sort of damage Jun could have done if their roles had been reversed in NERV.
(Meanwhile over in Ryo's room)
Ryo sat in his bed of the WILLE medical ward as he looked to his new prosthetic hand. Ever since he had undergone the surgery for the new limbs Ryo had been able to regain his range of movements that had been lost to him. IT was odd to say the least now that he had his limbs back, he still felt like they were not there. Of course, they were not though, these were just mechanical replacements meant to substitute what he had lost.
He can, not feel with them even as he clenched his fists. Ryo could not train with them for there was no muscles to improve upon in them. Still, they may serve a greater purpose then they were intended. Humanity was the problem WILLE was the threat and NERV with their intended Final Impact was the solution. Time to wipe the slate clean first he needed a proper distraction and then he planned to finally let humanities sins crash down upon them into eternal damnation.
It was almost a shame… he did care for Akira and Miki, but the greater threat would always be humanity. Miki had held on to hope that Akira would show up hope that humanity could be redeemed. But Ryo saw through it all humanity could not be redeemed and needed to be exterminated so that something new could finally take over as the dominant species.
"Akira… you have power…" Ryo said as he sat on the bed dressed in only the hospital gown WILLE provided. "Why will you not use it to exterminate the remaining humans scurrying about like the vermin they are?" Ryo asked to no one in particular. He was alone in this room yet still his hatred for humanity seemed to only grow even when his traumatic experiences had finally ended. The fires seemed to only grow being fanned by the power Kaiser was in possession of.
Letting out a tired sigh Ryo looked out the porthole of his room and glared at the scenery above. The UN as already cleaning up the Slum Kings old fortress. For all intents and purposes, it should be closure for the victims who survived there but not for Ryo. It was just humans hiding their true selves in the lie known as society. Humanity deludes itself into thinking that they had evolved past their primal urges from centuries past. But the truth of the matter was that humanity was only lying to itself denying the true nature of being human.
Millennia upon millennia of human society was proof of the human races desire for violence. The Slum King, Death Star, and Kiba were not the only ones to embrace their true natures every serial killer in history had done it. Humankinds desire for violence will never vanish just find a new method to express itself with humans making false justifications for themselves on the matter.
Wars were chief of what it means to be human because in war violence is needed to achieve victory and allows humans to justify it. But again, humans lie to themselves, and Ryo was done lying to himself about this. He just needed to wait for the opening to bring this tub down and for NERV to finally end it.
(Meanwhile over with Kuzo)
Kuzo stood atop the Wundur's deck as he sat the area, they were currently in. After the battle, the Wundur had set up shop here to finish loading the equipment, attach Unit-01 to the ships engines, and finally help any civilians inside Slum Kings fortress until the UN could send their forces here to clean up. So far things have been progressing in WILLE's favor. But after the near loss Kaiser had suffered Kuzo and by extension Akira needed to be careful with any future fights.
No doubt NERV would exploit any perceived weakness from them and after the trouble the pair had caused for NERV with Kaiser it was inevitable. But Kuzo had no intentions of making it easy for NERV to win this war. Glaring at the sky Kuzo knew Gendo was planning something and whatever it was Kaiser would stand tall again NERV and Gendo at every turn.
Still, something had been troubling the psychotic gunslinger. From what he learned Gendo always had an ace up his sleeve the man was crafty. While Kaiser was a nuisance before WILLE their draw back was transportation. Kaiser was stuck near Hachiryokaku unable to chase after Gendo or attack NERV directly. IT was why Eve had gone undercover when she did, they needed some sort of peace offering to give to WILLE to work with them. Now thanks to that offering they were able to make strides against NERV and Gendo.
With more territory claimed from NERV and cut off from his suppliers Gendo was basically cornered. But why did it not fill Kuzo with excitement? Gendo must have an ace up his sleeve one he will use if the chips are down. Kuzo needed to be ready and the only way to do that was to get stronger. Akira would no doubt be thinking similar thoughts as Kuzo though not as in-depth as the gunslinger.
(Scene Break back at NERV)
His fingers gently pressed the keys, filling the otherwise forlorn place with joyous melody for no one in particular. Being a victim of habit, he never got tired of repeating the same old melodies over and over. He felt like his methods were perfected, immaculate even.
He found piano as a perfect expressive method; one of the best things Lilin culture had to offer. Day after day, investing just a little bit of effort in it made the passing time cathartic and fulfilling. It was art. For some maybe life.
But even perfected as it was, it was still lacking. It was not the same, not when he discovered the beauty of sharing, making another feel the joy of his creation – a resonance of even purer form. A dynamic between the creator and the audience. That, he could never accomplish alone.
His visitor was not here Shinji had not arrived here.
Their reconciliation was fated, he knew. Even if it took longer than he expected, it would happen. And he could wait for just this long. Not because he wasn't patient – far from that – but because he could sense his barriers shattered, lying so idly and alone, like a perfect raw material. And then all of a sudden, another factor appeared. One that could create an even bigger disaster and that factor was Kaiser. Kaiser had appeared like the devil and Kaworu felt a new emotion for this machine… hatred. It stood against what he was trying to accomplish and Shinji… he would not listen.
Kaworu needed Shinji the most, and Shinji needed Kaworu as well even if he does not realize it yet. If he waited any longer, his design would fail but Kaiser stood against this as an impenetrable wall and Shinji… the one he desired was rejecting him at every turn.
Kaworu hated Kaiser, Tabris hated the Devil, and most of all Kawaru Nagisa hated those who caused Shinji unhappiness. Regardless of their intentions Kaworu must not allow Shinji to feel such despair. But then something happened as he played the piano he stopped, interrupted by an outside force here.
A scenery of pursuer drones shaded everything below them as they ascended from the NERV's base. Nemesis series. There were so many, and this was only the beginning of them. It was time, he knew this, and he was curious how it would unfold this time.
A smile was all over his face as he got up and walked away from the piano, in the direction of another peculiar creation.
He walked through the hallways, bypassing all ruined pats without destination or use, deeper and deeper into the base. NERV was monumental in every form, even in its state of ruination. It was once a pinnacle of Lilin's creation and struggle, now reduced to ruins and loneliness. Fitting, perhaps. Big rewards usually came with big risks, but nothing came without effort and sacrifices. None knew that better than him, creation that lives on a frail hope through countless courses of trial and error for the same reason all of Lilin do. Well, maybe.
He could see her now. She was climbing into her unit and preparing for the departure. His presence didn't disturb her even the slightest. He could never tell if she was that way on purpose or is it just something that was carved in stones.
Well, she sure was a strange creation. Very similar to him, yet completely different. Her heart was chained to one man, her duty was to everyone, and no matter when or where, that bond would always put her in the same place. And then there was he, the only truly free creature in the universe, also bound to this same, repetitive scenario, for no one but himself… or rather… someone, and everyone.
Funny enough, after all this time, he still had no idea why he did what he did. That debate constantly followed his existence, but no matter, he would know once his plans succeed.
He waved and caught her attention. Her red orbs observed in confusion.
"Good luck," He told her as he knew where she was going. Gendo was starting to pull out the big guns against WILLE. He was getting nervous and Kaworu was interested to see how this event would play out.
She waited, processed, failed, then continued with her preparations. And he was content with just that. It was amusing in its own way. How bonds made in a place unknown dictated the course of events, brought people together, and yet denied everyone else to come just a tad closer. He knew it all too well. It's not like he never tried to approach others.
In any case, it was not something that concerned him. He needed only one. Yes. After all those failures, he only need him. If they succeed, they could change everything.
The newly revived Mark 09 started to ascend as Kaworu smiled upon the EVA Unit and her armada. "Bring him to me and gut the devil who holds him prisoner." Kaworu said and thus he watched as Rei and her EVA departed from NERV.
(Meanwhile several miles from NERV)
The stolen WILLE VTOL crashed into the ground a while ago and stumbling out was the burned Rei clone as she spotted her target. She was still a few miles off, but she was close enough to make the trip. "Almost there… almost there." Rei said with sadistic laughter as she continued on her way to NERV. "When I get there Skully you will die!" She added and thus went on with one target in mind the only thing capable of harming Kaiser and this powerful war machine was known only as Iron Kaiser.
(TBC)
ESKK: A brand new chapter completed and published. Hoped you all enjoyed it and will join us next time for chapter 10. Anyway you know the drill leave a review before leaving and as always I will say here, ja-ne.