Rebuild SKL is Kaiser
ESKK: Welcome back folks today we have some character development and some more super robot action. So, time to get started.
(Start Akira Dreamscape Location Unknown)
Akira once more found himself walking through that crystal labyrinth of a cave as he had done many dreams prior. It was always the same but since joining WILLE it had changed. Walking through the cave Akira saw phantoms shadows of others of Kiba, of Death Star, and of the Slum King. All of them had been cut down by Kaiser in one way or form directly or indirectly meaning Akira had a role in each of their damnation demises. Akira had often told himself they all had it coming so Akira had no guilt for them or the lives he took. It's always the same do or die them or himself and Akira always chose to do he always chosen them.
He soon came upon another part one that was unfamiliar to him. The reason being was that this time it was not his reflection that appeared on the screen it was a little boy 4-years-old old with a look of trauma in his eyes and tears staining his face. As Akira glared at the child for a moment, he quickly realized who it was… this child was him 10-years-ago trapped in a world of hell that had changed him to who he was today. Akira glared at the image seeing himself so weak so powerless with a roar he punched the image so hard it shattered into pieces.
But as the crystal came down Akira saw there was something else behind it. It was Ryo sitting there on a chair with a straight jacket on. He raised his head glaring at Akira his eyes glowing an ominous aura as Akira stepped back in shock.
"This… is all your FAULT!" Ryo roared and the next thing Akira saw were six maybe seven wings popping out before he was blinded.
"Akira… Akira. AKIRA!" Miki voice cried and the next thing Akira knew the world vanished.
(Waking World Village-3 Area SKL Camp)
"AKIRA!" Kuzo was heard and the next thing Akira knew he was kicked in the side by Kuzo.
"Dammit my ribs." Akira said as he grabbed the spot he was kicked.
"Good your finally awake." Kuzo said while glaring down at Akira who glared back at Kuzo.
"Yeah, that little wakeup call was uncalled for." Akira said as he rolled over and began to get up.
"Well, you did say we needed to be up early." Kuzo countered and thus Akira simply flipped Kuzo off as he got up. "Now come on let's clean up camp and head out." Kuzo said and in turn the duo began to clean their camp as they've always done.
"Yeah, the sooner we go the sooner we can come back." Akira said and thus they got ready to move.
(Scene Break over at NERV)
Gendo glared at the screen where Ryo was seen. He was in some sort of test cockpit as he was being trained to utilize it. Gendo knew Ryo seemed to have an intense hatred for humanity even his own that he had no problems seeing an Impact being triggered.
As Gendo glared at the scene he smirked a bit as he recalled recent events that had taken place. The recent attack on WILLE in Paris had been followed up by a series of other attacks. When WILLE got their defenses back up and ready Gendo had a new unit deployed upgraded from the last one. So far WILLE had been stuck at the Euro NERV Base while retrieving supplies unable to leave with these constant attacks. Each assault had WILLE taking a little longer to repair their defenses.
No doubt they are getting suspicious hence why he took advantage of the interval by deploying these new Chimera units towards varying WILLE installations. Once such installation had something of value for the final product. Each Chimera Unit was an upgrade of the previous one removing any perceived flaws leaving only what gave it an advantage over its foes.
Just then Fuyutsuki walked in with a cane showing Rei-Omega's attack did more damage than had been perceived. "The Chimera has returned with the Wingle Prototype." Fuyutsuki reported as Gendo nodded to this.
"Good have it moved to the labs for reverse engineering." Gendo said as he knew with the Wingle Prototype it should allow for them to make leaps and bounds for what they were doing.
"Despite being on the receiving end of the attacks I suspect Jun is laughing at us." Fuyutsuki announced as Gendo growled at this.
"Its within reason." Gendo said as he knew Jun Fudo well the woman was obsessed with proving her superiority to others, especially Kaiser. She had been so assured and confident her project Kaiser was what would be used to end the Angels and SEELE knew her project did not match up to their scenario more so when she refused to mix it with Project-E.
But now here they were Gendo forced to use Jun's old research to mimic Kaiser's power in these Chimera's of EVA and Mazinger. The irony was not lost to him, and he knew Jun was laughing because of this. Still if all goes well then Kaiser will finally meet his match The Devil must be defeated by God and Ryo would help with that. After all Akira while claiming to be unbreakable is unwilling to end his beloved friends life after going through the effort and struggles of liberating him from the Slum King.
"We've located Kaiser and Wingle as well, and with WILLE preoccupied this may be a chance." Fuyutsuki said offering his knowledge to Gendo.
"I'm well aware of this." Gendo said showing he knew where to attack. "A Chimera unit is already being prepped for deployment." Gendo said making it clear he was thinking ahead for this. "If it manages to best Kaiser then its data will be transferred over to the next unit if not, we gather valuable data to improve upon for the final product." Gendo said showing that the Chimera Units were nothing more then test models being improved via a trial by fire.
Turning to another area Gendo saw the display of what was left of Unit-13 with most of its right side gone mainly where the Entry Plug should have been. Machines were already at work not only repairing the damage but applying the technology of the Mazinger's to the EVA. So close to his goal Kaiser has proven itself to be a threat one that Gendo must not and SHALL NOT allow to stand in his way. If the Devil has chosen to stand before the fate of mankind, then God shall smite him down.
(Meanwhile with WILLE Paris France)
The Wundur hovered over the Euro NERV Branch in Paris as there were clear signs of battle scoring on it. The ship was being repaired once more as the EVA's and Iron Maidens were patrolling the area in case of trouble.
Currently in the strategy room Misato was meeting with Maya, Shigeru, Jun, Makoto, and Ritsuko discussing the current situation here. "Every time we're back to full strength another one of those Kaiser Knock offs show up!" Maya growled as she was clearly upset by this.
"You have to admit the timing is too much of a coincidence to ignore." Ritsuko said as she had to agree with Maya on this.
"Why are they waiting for us to be back to full strength before attacking again?" Makoto asked as that was the big question. "This isn't something as simple as just taking time to build a new model, those things NERV sends are way keep getting stronger adapting between battles." Makoto added as Misato was trying to figure this out.
"Dr. Fudo what did you find out?" Misato asked knowing Jun was cutting open the remains of each defeated enemy unit to figure them out.
"Yeah, their not just adapting between battles their intentionally being upgraded you've noticed that the same method to kill them doesn't work twice." Jun said as she looked to the group. "We kill one a stronger one is activated transferring the combat data from earlier battles back to base and then using that data into the next model." Jun said as she knew this had to be the case.
"But why?" Misato asked as right now they were grounded until they can get their defenses back up and running again.
"Simple because their being directed to a final model." Jun said as this was bad for many reasons. "Our continued fight with them is making them stronger it won't be long before even WE can't handle it." Jun said showing that they were in a pickle.
"So, without Kaiser and Wingle we're royally screwed." Makoto said realizing that without their best ace they can't keep this fight for long.
"Should we just finish repairs and bolt?" Shigeru asked but Misato turned her head.
"No, I suspect they'll follow us and instigate a fight and if not draw us out for a fight." Misato said as she had a theory that these things will keep coming until the final product was ready to be deployed and put an end to WILLE.
"If this is true then that new EVA of may not be in full strength after the battle during the near Fourth Impact." Ritsuko said as that was as good a theory as any here.
"Which is good for us but not by much with these new weapons of his." Misato said as she began to suspect something more here. "We can't run from them, and we can't hold our ground for long." Misato said seeing that they were basically trapped in a horrifying loop.
"So, what can we do?" Ritsuko asked and thus for once Misato wasn't sure if there was anything they can do to break this deadlock.
"We need to find Kaiser and Wingle." Jun said as she stepped up on this. "Without them we can't turn the tides on this fight." Jun said and thus everyone knew she had a point.
"Are you absolutely certain Kaiser and Wingle were not vaporized?" Ritsuko asked as she needed confirmation on this outcome.
"Yes, my machines would not have been destroyed in such a way nor would their pilots." Jun said showing that her faith in her creations were second to none, especially EVA.
"Well, we can't continue the search with those things hounding our asses!" Shigeru called out but Misato smirked to this.
"Did you guys forget… we have friends in certain places." Misato said and thus they were reminded of Hachiryukaku, and the three locations they liberated from the three warlords. They set up a WILLE outpost in all of those places to aid the UN forces re-establishing law and civil order.
"I suppose its time we reached out to them." Ritsuko said and thus they had a plan to locate Kaiser and Wingle wherever they were hiding.
"Yes, so make the call." Misato said and thus the meeting was soon adjourned.
(Later that day Misato's Office)
Misato entered her office trying to resist the urge for some Yebisu when Ritsuko entered. "Sorry Captain." Ritsuko said as she entered the office. "This came in during the meeting I think you need to see it." She added and thus passed a file over to Misato.
Taking the file Misato opened it up and was wide eyed at what she saw. "One of our facilities had been hit by those things and it took the Wingle Prototype we stored there." Ritsuko said and thus they were all concerned now.
Why did Gendo take it, what was he truly after? So many questions and not enough answers to put the puzzle together on this mystery. First these new combat units and now a stolen robot. Gendo Ikari was up to something, he was starting to gear up for something big. Whatever Gendo's plan was WILLE will do what they need to do and stop it for the future of humanity.
(Scene Break over in Village-3)
The Skull Pilder arrived at the Village landing near Wingle's Pilder that was parked outside of Kensuke's house. Nearby was the EVA Pilots Trailer as Shinji, Asuka, and Rei-Q were seen departing from it a little after Skull Pilder had landed. The cockpit opened and Akira and Kuzo jumped out as Eve and Kensuke departed from his house. When they all met up it was clear to Akira that a few things were different now.
"What the hell are you wearing Eve?" Akira asked as he looked over at Eve. She was currently dressed in sandals, a tank top, shorts, and a jacket tied around her waist. All in all, Eve looked like a regular girl instead of a pilot.
"Blending in, as we are and our initial arrival we stick out like sore thumbs." Eve said as Akira and Kuzo to look at each other and then shrugged.
"Never bothered me." Akira said and thus Eve had more to add.
"Also, we smelled, and my outfit is to be washed." Eve said and thus Akira then lifted his arm and sniffed himself. He had an odor, but it never bothered him in the past however Shinji and Asuka did not like it one bit.
"Ok be honest have you EVER bathed before?" Asuka asked and in turn Akira shrugged.
"Sure, just took a dip in the river and I'm right as rain." Akira said and thus everyone looked at each other and then at the two Kaiser Pilots. Even Eve sighed to this as she walked up to the two boys knowing what was to happen.
"Akira Kuzo what I'm about to do is to help you not to hurt you." She said but before either of them could asked they were suddenly hit by Eve's famous nerve pinch causing the two to stiff up followed by Asuka jumping Akira to tie up his hands and get his weapons away from him. The same can be said for Kensuke and Kuzo as they got to work.
(Later that morning)
"Let go of me this is fucked up!" Akira called out as he was currently in a wooden basin as Shinji, Asuka, and even Kensuke were working on him. The sound of struggle and splashing can be heard as Akira tried to break free here. Nearby Eve was sitting on Kuzo who was thoroughly tied up as she watched Akira getting a bath.
"Stop struggling!" Asuka yelled as she swore it was like bathing a cat with this kid. "At least Wonder Spawn didn't put up a fight over this." Asuka said but Kensuke shook his head.
"No, the fight was her logic vs my logic." Kensuke said as he helped his friends give their son a bath. Akira's clothing had already been taken added to the pile to be washed with Eve's own outfit. Kuzo would be next as Eve made him watch the chaos of the bath happen.
"You can all go to Hell!" Akira yelled as he tried to get free from the bath.
"He's trying to run!" Shinji called and thus Asuka acted and dragged Akira back in.
"This is… oddly entertaining." Eve said as she watched the scene with Rei-Q nearby also watching this.
(Later after both pilots were bathed)
About a good hour later Akira and Kuzo were free as they were tied down to chairs with Asuka handling Akira's hair and Kensuke doing the same for Kuzo. Shinji was bringing out some clothing for the two boys to wear as they gave Eve and everyone here death stares.
"Jesus when was the last time either of you brushed your hair?" Asuka asked surprised to find that neither skull pilots had a lice infestation.
Akira snarled and would have tried to bite if not for the gag around his mouth. Kuzo was forced to submit and since he didn't try biting, he didn't have a gag like Akira did.
(Later after they were freed)
Akira and Kuzo were now freshly cleaned and looked like a couple of normal teenage boys. Akira was dressed in one of Shinji's old school uniforms but with the buttoned shirt undone revealing a lack of shirt underneath while his dagger was strapped to his back. Meanwhile Kuzo was dressed in one of Toji's old tracksuits with his guns strapped on to him. The two glared at the adults here promising them pain and suffering for their role in this.
"There, your clean and now we're ready to go." Asuka said as Akira then voiced his discontent.
"I will make your deaths slow and painful." Akira voiced through grinding teeth.
"You'll get over it." Eve said walking by as she was ready for the day. She currently had her whip hidden under the jacket she had around her waist for a surprise attack if needed. "Now come on the day awaits us." Eve said taking charge to speed things along.
"First we need to stop by the Suzuhara Clinic." Kensuke said and thus he looked over to Shinji. "We're going to bring Toji and Hikari along." Kensuke said and thus that alerted Asuka to an issue.
"Well in that case." Asuka began before turning to Akira. "Hey Akira button up that shirt or put a shirt on!" Asuka called out and Akira had his retort to the 28-year-old EVA Pilot.
"PISS OFF!" Akira called back still refusing to listen to any authority over him.
"This is going to be a long day." Kuzo said as they now had their outfits and were starting the day.
"That is what you would call an understatement." Eve said as she agreed with Kuzo on this before the group departed towards the local clinic.
(Later at the Suzuhara Clinic)
Toji was dressed for the day as he closed the clinic leaving a note to call him if its an emergency. He and Hikari had decided to take a day off to get Shinji and Asuka acclimated to their new bodies. More then that Hikari wanted Asuka and Akira to bond as mother and son and Shinji and Akira to do the same as Father and son. According to Kensuke, Akira, Kuzo, and Eve grew up in the Red Earth mainly at other Pillar locations where civil collapse had turned them into hell on earth.
Hikari's heart went out to him truly it did, no child should be forced to live in such a horror. She wasn't dumb she knew Asuka had told her a very censored version of what was out there. Thankfully after Eve, Akira, and Kuzo took out those in charge with WILLE's help UN forces moved in to re-establish civil order and law in those areas.
Anyway, with a whole day planned out and as she prepared her children for a day out their group of guests had made their appearance. "Hey, hope we're not late." Kensuke said as he waved to Toji and his family.
"No, you're right on time." Toji said and thus Shinji nodded.
"That's good we had to give these two a bath and were worried we'd be late." Shinji said pointing to Akira and Kuzo which Akira hissed at Shinji for bringing up that forced bath.
"It's fine I noticed they don't have that hobo smell anymore." Toji said and thus Akira was reaching for his knife only for Eve to push his hand back down. "Come on lets show you around." Toji said and thus their day officially began with the acclimation to the Village.
The group left but Rei-Q was glancing at the Suzuhara's dog as she tilted her head. "Never seen a dog before?" Kensuke asked as he looked to Rei-Q
"A dog?" Rei-Q asked as she tilted her head a bit.
"Man's best friend but I'm pretty sure Miki doesn't like them." Akira said as he could understand why.
"Who's Miki?" Hikari asked but before Akira could tell her to buzz off Eve cut in.
"Akira's oldest friend and possible love interest." Eve stated with a calm tone in her voice.
"He has friends?" Toji quipped and thus Asuka laughed to this.
"Funny enough I said the same thing when I found out." Asuka said as Akira opted to keep quiet about this.
"How come Miki doesn't like doggies?" Shiro asked holding the dogs leash.
"It's complicated." Kuzo said as he better not tell the kid that Slum King had Miki raped by a dog. Eve seeing this came over to Hikari and whispered it into her ear causing Hikari to nearly gasp in horror over this.
"Let's just hurry it up!" Akira snapped as he wanted to go back to Kaiser's Campsite and stay over there away from the villages general populace.
(Later on, the train)
The first place they were stopping at was the Rice Fields apparently there was work to be done. From what Shinji and Asuka heard the place was having a bit of issues with crows. There might be a nest somewhere and the crows have been eating the seeds making it hard for farmers to harvest. On the train Rei-Q was staring at the baby in Hikari's arms with curiosity.
"What is that?" Rei-Q suddenly asked as this got Hikari's attention.
"This is my daughter Tsubame." Hikari said gesturing to the baby in her arms. The baby began to cry for a bit which got Rei-Q curious while Eve sat as far away from her as possible. Rei-Q then offered her hand to the baby who noticed this and grasped at Rei-Q's fingers.
Eve saw this but rolled her eyes before activating her personal terminal and checked for any system updates. She had set her station back up with security camera's around the property and had plans to set up radar points around Village-3 in case of any uninvited guests arriving.
Just then the baby cried again letting go of Rei-Q's finger and in turn Hikari knew what she wanted. "Do you mind?" Hikari asked and thus all the men looked away from her. Shinji blushed as Akira rolled his eyes with a growl to give Hikari time to do what she needed to do. Rei-Q then watched as Hikari used some covering while she exposed her breast before Tsubame began to nurse off of Hikari.
"What is this?" Rei-Q asked as she watched the scene.
"Breastfeeding… when a mother gives birth her breasts start to give milk so she can feed her baby until they can handle regular food on their own." Hikari explained causing Rei-Q to stare for a bit before grasping at her own breasts. "Yeah, I think you're a bit too young for that." Hikari said as Akira didn't give a rats ass or so he seemed.
"Do you remember being that small?" Shinji suddenly asked Akira who heard the former pilot.
"Being that small is a death sentence." Akira said plainly as he knew what it truly was for anyone who grew up in that Hell. "That small your either dead or dying if your lucky to survive your slanted for a life of slavery as a worker or becoming a monster and fighting sometimes even killing your own father or raping your own mother." Akira said as he recalled those days and the things, he had to do in order to survive.
Akira's eyes were darting around for any trouble but finding none was getting him on edge. Asuka saw this as she saw that Akira was expecting an enemy behind every corner and villains behind every smiling face here. Whatever Akira was doing it was clear that the boy was so used to being in danger that being safe for so long was harder then being in danger. No doubt it was because being so used to constantly having your life in danger from birth had made it impossible for him to adjust to being in a safe place.
(Scene Break the Rice Fields)
It was the early afternoon when the group made it to the rice fields. Needless to say, Akira was on edge once more as Kuzo kept his eyes open for any possible snipers. A wide-open field like this was a sure-fire way for them to get shot at.
"Well come on let's see if the farmer needs some help." Toji said as he lead the group towards the fields.
"Or see if he captures us and turns us into living scarecrows." Akira quipped ready for such an event.
"Akira." Asuka snapped as she was getting tired of his remarks that made him seem overly paranoid to others.
As they eventually got to the main workhouse Akira had opted to crouch down while Kuzo leaned against the wall. Eve sat down as she had her personal terminal out checking for any updates while mapping out places to set up her sensor relay around here.
"Hey old timer." Toji said to the farmer greeting him once they had arrived.
"Ah Suzuhara taking the day off?" He asked seeing Toji out here several times before.
"Kind of, have a few new visitors out here." Toji said gesturing over towards Shinji, Asuka, Akira, Rei-Q, Kuzo, and Eve.
"Well, everything here is going well but." He began only for the sound of crows to be heard. "God damn birds." He growled as Hikari saw this.
"Crows are still being an issue around here?" Hikari asked with concern here.
"Yeah, damn things won't stop eating the seeds and if we don't have seeds we can't plan and if we can't plant to harvest." He said as this also meant if they don't harvest enough Village-3 goes hungry.
Kuzo meanwhile was glaring at the sky as he saw the Crows flying around his eyes tracing their flight as he began to reach towards his pistols. Then from out of nowhere everyone cried out in shock as Kuzo drew his guns and opened fire on the crows in the sky. Everyone had ducked and cover when they heard gunshots and were in a panic before Kuzo ended the barrage and with twin gun twirls holstered them.
"What the hell was your problem!?" Asuka asked and thus Kuzo smirked and crossed his arms.
"3… 2… 1." Kuzo counted down and one by one the Crows began to hit the ground as everyone saw this happen and were surprised by this.
"Well, I guess that's one way to deal with them." The Farmer said stunned but thankful for the issue being dealt with.
"I suggest you start gathering their remains." Eve said as she had already figured out where they had landed. "Better do it now or else their corpses will decompose and contaminate the crops." Eve added and as people started going out to gather them the farmers were thankful for Kuzo helping them deal with the issue the crows brought in.
"Care to give us a hand?" The farmer asked and thus Eve displayed her terminal that had a map of the field showing where the crows corpses had landed.
"I can lead you to them." She said and thus everyone began some farm work.
(Later)
Rei-Q had begun to work on the field as a group of old ladies was how showing her. The same can be said for Shinji as they each pulled what they needed and planted in other areas also. Of course, there was a part where Rei had fallen over and in turn the Villagers were most helpful to get her back on her feet making sure that she was ok before they continued. Of course, as Rei laid in the water for a bit, she could not help but look to the sky in shock wondering if this was what work felt like.
It was hard work as nearby Kuzo was firing at the crows every time they showed up for their food. It was startling at first, but the farmers got use to the gunshots realizing Kuzo was making their jobs easier by taking out the crows. This went on for a bit as from the sidelines Toji and Hikari with their kids watched the scene.
Akira had chosen not to lend a hand and stuck to sticking by the wall as a silent observer of them. Eve had wandered off somewhere with Kensuke, so she was a no show. Though watching Asuka and Shinji worked together was for some reason odd. He chose not to think about it as he watched the scene of everyone farming.
Kuzo for his part was just going with the flow. The crows were easy targets for him to deal with point, aim, shoot, and gather. With the number of dead crows, it seemed like hot wings was on the menu. But doing the same thing over and over again was starting to get boring even after he tried a few trick shots to excite things. What was more was the crows numbers were much lower than when he began. This suggested that the crows were getting smart and opting to leave and try again another day when it was safe for them to do so.
This in turn left Kuzo with very little of anything to do and this annoyed him to no end. Since they had to wait in Village-3 for the Wundur to come pick them up they were left to their own devices for the time being. As Kuzo saw that the crows were nowhere to be seen he began to grow both impatient and agitated here. So, with a tired sigh of defeat, he holstered his guns and walked over to the leading farmer out here.
"Hey farmer John." Kuzo said cutting straight to the chase with the farmer before him. "Do you… have a shovel or something I can use to pitch in?" Kuzo asked as he was just bored. The farmer was surprised by this and in turn nodded happy for the extra set of hands for this task. When given a tool Kuzo joined the others in the fields and got to work as well.
At first Kuzo went in expecting to hate the task but as he went on, he noticed something odd. He was actually enjoying himself as he did farm work with the people here. Allowing himself some time to drop his guard Kuzo noted that farm work wasn't that hard for him and that it was even something worthwhile.
Off to the wide Akira stood there almost glared at Kuzo for joining in but let him be. This place made his skin crawl and for this Akira was getting irritated by all of it. Just then he noticed a familiar redhead approaching him which he opted to ignore her.
"So do you plan on staying out here all day?" Asuka asked with a smirk at Akira. Akira simply growled in response to this as he looked away from her. "Come on don't be like that, if you pitch in, we can be done faster." Asuka said but was still being ignored by the boy. Asuka growled to this as she tried to find the right way to approach. His walls were thick, and no doubt Asuka may need a mental drill to break through.
But then Asuka had an idea on how to break through and decided to start small in her new approach. "It's strange, isn't it?" Asuka began as she had an idea. "Spending so long fighting that a moment of peace like this is a foreign concept to you." Asuka said as this seemed to cause Akira to look towards her. "You should try to learn to get use to this, Akira." Asuka said as she wanted him to consider a world where the fighting can finally come to an end.
"Yeah, sure no problem." Akira said and thus Asuka had her method before laughing a bit. "What's so funny what are you laughing at?" Akira asked taking offense to that.
"You." Asuka said as she had enough of Akira's antics. "You can fool others and maybe yourself, but you can't fool me." Asuka said and thus Akira got defensive.
"You don't know a thing about me." Akira defended but Asuka begged to differ.
"I know you always choose violence because it's the only thing you know that your good at." Asuka said as she looked to Akira.
"Shut up." Akira growled as he glared at Asuka ready to lash out with his knife.
"I know you try to play yourself off as the biggest, meanest, and toughest bastard out there but inside you're the most vulnerable of anyone here." Asuka went on as Akira felt Asuka was digging deep into his emotions.
"I'm warning you shut up." Akira growled as now he looked more like a scared child then the fighter he was known to be.
"I know that all the people you've seen die, allowed to die, and even killed personally keep you up at night." Asuka said and thus Akira was at his limit.
"I said shut up!" Akira snapped as he was at his emotional wits end.
"I know that at one point you started off as an innocent little boy who had the short end of being born into a crap world with no one to give a rats ass about you." Asuka went on and thus Akira was at the limit. "I know who you are Akira because that was and still is me!" Asuka finished her rant as she had actually lost control here. She didn't realize she had been digging up her own trauma until the words flowed out of her mouth. Both were trying to control their emotions but clearly, they were having trouble between them both.
"What sort of broken shits are we?" Akira asked suddenly as Asuka then nodded to this.
"Survivors Akira, we're survivors." Asuka finally said and thus the two just stood there unaware that Hikari was listening in on their conversation here. Hikari watched on and smiled at the scene making sure no one else would interfere on the topic so they can finally get their talk. Needless to say, she felt bad for the both of them, Asuka because she was manipulated and Akira because the only people who would have loved and raised him didn't know he had been born.
In turn instead of hugging Akira turned around and walked off leaving Asuka there by herself for a bit. Taking the chance Hikari approached Asuka know progress had been made. "Asuka." Hikari began as this got Asuka's attention on her.
"Hikari… how much of that did you hear?" Asuka asked with concern for herself and also for Akira.
"Enough." Hikari said as Asuka sighed and looked to where Akira ran off so he can be alone. "So, think your mother/son talk made some progress with him?" Hikari asked curious over the strides Asuka had made in her relationship with Akira.
"Hard to tell... seems like I may have taken a few steps backwards." Asuka said as she looked to the distance. "Akira doesn't let many people in close and those he does still need to work to keep it." Asuka said realizing that she was the same way even now.
"Don't worry he'll come around." Hikari said as she knew people who seek a connection will actively search for it. "And by the time he does you'll have figured out how to do it right." Hikari added with a smile towards Asuka before something occurred to you. "You know this does mean we're both mothers in the end, right?" Hikari said only for Asuka to playfully push Hikari with a chuckle.
(Meanwhile over with Akira)
Akira was walking by himself for a bit glancing at the fields giving them close to no mind as he did so. This place was making his skin crawl first with how peaceful it was and now people trying to worm themselves into his heart. It bothered Akira it bothered him greatly as he wanted to just get out of this town as soon as possible and return to what he was used to doing. But as he walked, he noticed a water fountain and thus turned it on before ducking his head into the water drinking it before cooling down his head with it.
Once Akira got his head out a new voice cut in. "Hey Akira." Shinji greeted drawing Akira's attention towards him.
"Great someone else to bother me." Akira said as he glared at Shinji for this.
"Sorry." Shinji apologized and thus Akira rolled his eyes there.
"Even your damn apology is annoying." Akira said as Shinji saw how Akira acted.
'Yeap definitely Asuka's son.' Shinji thought to himself with a semi amused tone. "I just wanted to see how your doing." Shinji said and thus Akira scoffed to this.
"Annoyed, vexed, and if anything, we should be asking you and patches that seeing as you're the ones who aged up 14 years." Akira responded as he made it clear that he was fine even when he wasn't.
"Well, you need to remember we've been trapped in those 14-year-old bodies for 14 years." Shinji explained as Akira heard him. "If anything, this is a move up." Shinji responded causing Akira to scoff and roll his eyes. "You should learn to relax your not a soldier out here." Shinji said causing Akira to glare at him for that.
"Butt out!" Akira snapped as he did not need these people digging into his business. "Don't act like you know what its like I had a choice either die or survive and I chose survival." Akira said and thus Shinji looked sad towards Akira.
"I know… neither of us were ever given a choice." Shinji said as this caused Akira to ease up a bit. It was like one fucked up family the parents and now the son all of whom were stripped of their choices by outside forces. By the manipulations of those in power and by the dire situations they found themselves in. "Akira its not wrong to let others in just because you got hurt for it before doesn't mean there aren't people wanting to reach out." Shinji said trying to get Akira to see that he didn't need to keep fighting.
"Your hardly one to talk you got burned by your old man several times already." Akira responded and this got Shinji to pause for a moment. Akira was right Shinji had reached out to his father and had been betrayed by him. He counted on his father to not try any tricks but in the end, it resulted in the near Fourth Impact and Kaiser going on a suicide run.
"I'm sorry I should have known." Shinji began but Akira scowled to this.
"Enough with those apologies I'm tired of hearing you do it for everything not your fault!" Akira snapped as he began to turn around leaving Shinji there. But then Akira stopped as his fist was clenched almost like he wanted to do something. "Shit happens all the time to good people and to bad people and most time it happens to Good people its because bad people can't stand them being happy." Akira said and in turn he left not saying anything else after that. Shinji was left there to process Akira's words for a bit almost bitter about what had happened.
"I guess I still have a bit of growing to do." Shinji said looking down at his hand almost sadly. He knew who Akira was and Shinji he wanted to be better then those who came before. Difference is that he didn't know who Akira was before learning he existed and now that he did know he existed Shinji didn't know who Akira was now. Akira had to grow up without anyone in his life just himself, his will, and his strength where he had to learn to be merciless. Looking out to the distance Shinji could not help but feel saddened knowing that like Shinji Akira was in a strenuous situation beyond his control.
For Shinji he was summoned by his father to pilot the EVA unit so Shinji could awaken it for him. For Akira he had been founded by, Eve to pilot Kaiser to eliminate NERV and Gendo's insane plans for an Impact. Shinji had to be torn apart by these battles, people getting hurt because of him, being scolded for trying to do right, and what had happened with Unit-03 leading up to the Near Third Impact.
Why? Why is it that Shinji is cursed like this? It had taken Shinji 14 years of isolation with Rei to finally figure it out. The truth was… Shinji was afraid of change; he was afraid of being hurt and hurting others like a hedgehog. Shinji Ikari was always the victim of his story, but he never once tried to open up to other people. His fear of others his fear of himself, and most of all his own inability to decide for himself that he wants to do for himself and no one else.
Because of this he understood why his father is doing what he's doing. But because Shinji understood his father, he had to stop him at all costs so that his father's madness can finally end. Change was natural and so was opening up to others. Shinji wants to do both he wants to live for himself in this world despite how broken it currently was. With a powerful determination in his heart Shinji clenched his fist but then came his darker thoughts.
His father used him, played with his emotions and his sense of right and wrong. Gendo took advantage of how much Shinji cares for others and used that to force Shinji into compliance. This showed to Shinji how far gone his father was and why he needed to be stopped. If worse comes to worse… well Shinji didn't exactly plan to live if it meant his father wins. With a tired sigh Shinji began to move again to return to the rice field. Might as well take as much happy memories as he could before the chaos hits. When it does those peaceful moments would be long gone in the fires of war. Shinji will fight and he knew that so too would Akira and Kuzo with Kaiser.
(Meanwhile with Kensuke and Eve)
Kensuke and Eve were walking down a hiking trail with Eve carrying a large bag on her back and a mobile terminal in her hand. Kensuke was also carrying his own bag that Eve had brought from the house before they left to explore Village-3. "Place the next one right here." Eve said calmly pointing to the spot after looking up from her mobile terminal.
"Alright." Kensuke said as he placed a large metal pole into the ground and watched how it released clamps to secure itself. Eve accessed it from her Terminal and in turn the rod's own console lit up showing it was active.
"On to the next." Eve calmly said as the pair continued their improve hike. Eve had recruited Kensuke to help her set up sensor relay's around the Village that way she can be ready in case NERV makes a move on them. She had already set a few of them up around the area they had parked the robots at which had already been linked up to her console in her room back at Kensuke's house before they left. She needed to set several of these up to cover the entirety of Village-3 due to how close they were to where she suspected NERV has its HQ located.
"Geez how many of these do we need to set up?" Kensuke asked as he followed after Eve.
"The entirety of these bags." Eve responded calmly as she brought enough to cover the entire area.
"That's a lot of work for one little girl." Kensuke said as he found it surprising how focused Eve was.
"It is part of the important mission my mother assigned to me." Eve said as she followed her Personal Terminal to place the next spike.
"Yeah, your mother… Ayanami; right?" Kensuke asked as he and the Suzuhara's had been made aware of Rei-Q noting the animosity Eve carried for her.
"I'm going to assume you mean my mother Rei Ayanami and not that pale imitation of her and if I am correct then yes." Eve said making it clear of her absolute hatred for the Ayanami clones in all forms. "No one is allowed to taint my mothers face like that." Eve added with a cold glare at her terminal.
"Well, you could try to make peace your practically sisters." Kensuke said only for Eve to stop which caught Kensuke off guard.
"That THING is no relation of mine." Eve growled out before she continued on through the hiking trail. "I can't be around that thing which was why the vacancy in your house was suitable." Eve said showing she would not sleep under the same roof as the clone.
"Ok… if Rei is your mother, then whose the father?" Kensuke asked wondering if Shinji was the father of Eve.
"In an odd way, humanity itself." Eve said surprising Kensuke with those words.
"I don't follow." Kensuke said before Eve began to clarify for Kensuke.
"My mother used a randomized amalgamation of X and Y Chromosomes that had resulted to my birth." Eve said as she stopped to glance around for a bit before deciding a path. "Due to the biological nature of the EVA and the special distortions of the Gate of Guff my mother conceived me and birthed me in there." Eve explained while leading their nature hike. "Thanks to these variables I was born and thus here I am." Eve said finishing the brief explanation of how her mother had birthed her.
Kensuke saw this was a touchy subject and decided to change it. "So… what was Ayanami like raising you?" Kensuke asked as he looked to the younger Ayanami.
Eve paused for a bit as she tried to find the right words to describe her mother. "She was… kind." Eve spoke as they kept moving. "She was warm and kind inside the Gate of Guff I had everything and anything I could want but she was… sad." Eve said as they began to approach the next spot to put a spike in. "One day when I had just turned 8, she opened the Gate and told me… go and live your life before pushing me through." Eve said not realizing what she said contradicted an earlier statement. "I have not seen her since." Eve said and thus Kensuke noted the contradiction.
"Wait didn't you say she gave you the important mission to take down NERV?" Kensuke asked as he found this strange.
"Yes." Eve responded not seeing where Kensuke was going with this.
"But you just said the last thing she told you was to live your life." Kensuke said as Eve seemed to freeze up there. "Assigning your 8-year-old to take out a group like NERV doesn't seem to match up to telling her to live her life." Kensuke said and then noticed that Eve had stopped moving. He got concerned when Eve said and did nothing before, she finally spoke.
"The next spike goes here." She said gesturing to the spot as Kensuke saw she had changed the subject.
"Wait Eve what about." Kensuke began but Eve spoke up to cut the man off.
"The sensory spikes need to be planted so in case NERV does make a big move on the Village you all can be prepared." Eve said sternly as she made it clear that this task was not open for debate. But despite this Kensuke knew Eve had some issues that had gone unsorted within her. After dealing with Asuka for so long he knew to recognize such issues within others.
If his hunch was right Eve may actively be repressing the truth and those contradictions may be the key to learning the truth of things. As Kensuke put the spike in, he tried to think of how to approach this… he could try what he did with Asuka, but Eve is cold not easily angered. Perhaps he should probe if Eve's stay becomes a long stay, or he could ask Shinji about it. He most likely knows more about Eve because if he asked Akira or Kuzo, they'd probably tell him something rude before they storm off to isolate themselves.
Still, it was worth looking into if for any other reason then to give someone a shoulder to cry on. After all, should that child realize that they're parent had abandoned them it would be heartbreaking for anyone experiencing it. Even Kensuke shuddered to think of Rei being something so cruel to her own daughter.
(Scene Break later that day the station)
Everyone was hard at work save for Akira and Asuka as Asuka had joined Hikari on the side lines to talk. Akira of course had found a roof and sat on it as he waited for everyone to finish up. As Asuka and Hikari were talking Asuka made a few glances to Shinji, Akira, and Rei-Q concerned for the first two while skeptical about the last. Eve and Kensuke had returned of course so they were now relaxing a bit. During the day Rei-Q had laid down during break time which was when Eve had returned with Kensuke and had gone elsewhere.
Eve was not staying idle as she was going through her Personal Terminal making sure the sensor spikes were fully operational. Once that was done, she recorded their codes and sent them over to her console back at Kensuke's house to synch them up later. The day was a productive one with Rei-Q helping the old woman with their daily chores from feeding chickens, gathering the crops, napping for a small break, chopping wood, doing the laundry as they washed it in the river, and inspecting the rice.
But there was one small issue with the laundry when Eve had taken her own clothing from Rei-Q not wanting her touching any of her belongings. She passed it along to someone else or attempted to before doing it herself. All the while she kept her eyes away from Rei-Q not wanting to be reminded of her mother who she wasn't able to see properly.
The day came to an end for everyone and thus they were all on the trip back to their homes. Or in the case of Shinji and Asuka their trailer. Yeah, Asuka had plans to replace that thing eventually not wanting to be called trailer park trash anytime soon. But as they rode away Asuka could hear a few of the elderly people gossiping and she did not like what she was hearing.
"Did you see that duel haired boy at the fields?" One of the gossipers asked as Asuka did her best to ignore them. Asuka was sitting next to Shinji as Asuka's mind was still trying to piece her feelings together.
"How could I not, a delinquent a common hoodlum that one." They said talking crap about her… about the boy. Asuka had to stop that thought less it opened the floodgates inside her once more.
"I swear his parents need to instill some discipline on him." Another said as Asuka's heard and mind were at odds. Her heart was telling her to defend Akira even when he was within ear shot right now but her mind was telling her to let it be for now.
"That woman the one with the eye patch seems to be his mother and that new lad seems to be his father." Another said making Asuka grip her hand into a fist for a bit.
"Seem awfully young though and for a respectable looking lad such as the father." The gossiper said as Hikari began to notice Asuka's discomfort as did Shinji while sitting on either side of the redhead.
"Well at least we know where he gets it from disrespect of others and himself bust run in the family." The gossiper said as Asuka had just about enough of their talk. But just as she was about to stand up and address this the train dinged alerting the passengers that they had arrived at their intended destination. Asuka heard this and thus sighed almost ready to lose her cool.
(Later on, the way home)
The group was walking down the street as Akira, Kuzo, and Eve carried the bags that held their clothing while Eve was going through her personal terminal. The towns folks were nice enough to give them some spare clothing to wear as they roamed about.
As they were walking through Shinji recalled what those gossipers said earlier. "Asuka are you ok?" Shinji asked concerned for Asuka and her own wellbeing.
"Yeah, I'll be fine… just shit happens is all." Asuka said trying to pass it off as a minor annoyance.
"Asuka… if this is about Akira." Shinji began as he stayed close to Asuka. "I know what you're feeling." Shinji said as Asuka chose silence for what Shinji was saying. "I want to help him… truly I do." Shinji admitted as Asuka heard him. "And I know you want to do the same." Shinji added as Asuka smiled almost bitterly.
"He's like me… he's like both of us." Asuka said as she wasn't talking the boys appearance or his personality alone but also Akira's origins. "I've been around you for so long… I'm starting to go soft." Asuka joked but her look said otherwise.
"It's ok." Shinji said as he comforted Asuka a bit. "It… it might take time, but we can put each other back together." Shinji said as Asuka heard what Shinji was saying. "And at the same time, we can help put Akira back together too." Shinji added and thus Asuka turned away a bit.
"It seems broken people mesh well." Asuka said as it was like fixing a broken shield with random metals one would find. Toji and Hikari saw this as did Kensuke and they all saw that these two were finally making improvements to themselves after over 14 years.
However, before they could begin to enjoy the moment an alert blared from Eve's portable terminal opting her to investigate. It was noted by Shinji that the sound it made reminded him of Misato's phone. "What is it?" Shinji asked with concern on his face as Eve glared at the screen.
"Trouble, big trouble." Eve said and thus the group knew they had to move.
(Later Kensuke's house, Eve's room)
Eve was typing away on her computer as she pulled up a map of Village-3 displaying something coming down from above. Hikari was holding Shiro's hand while holding Tsubame in her free arm as she watched the scene play out.
"Enemy contact has entered Village-3 airspace estimate time of arrival 1 hour." Eve said after running the numbers.
"Enemy contact… NERV is coming here!?" Toji asked shocked when he heard this revelation from the girl.
"Are you sure it isn't the Wundur or WILLE?" Kensuke asked but Eve disagreed.
"To small to be the Wundur but too large to be a VTOL and also its moving too fast." Eve said listing off why this could not be WILLE. "It has to be NERV." Eve added knowing it was the only logical conclusion from this.
"Shit and we don't have our EVA Units." Asuka cursed realizing the Village was doomed without something to fight with.
"Kaiser and Wingle will suffice." Eve said as she then took out a headset and passed it over to Asuka.
"What the heck do you want me to do with this?" Asuka asked looking at the headset in her hands.
"Simple you're the only one here other then the clone with active combat experience do the math." Eve said plainly as they had no time to change clothing for battle.
"Kensuke come we need to warn everyone." Toji said as he knew they had to act fast before the threat hits the village destroying the last haven against the Red Earth caused by Third Impact.
"Yes, been waiting for this." Akira cheered as he had been itching for a fight for, sometime now and now he was being given a fight.
"No time to change lets go!" Eve called and thus Asuka took the chair and put the headset on. At the same time Kensuke and Toji ran off to get word out for everyone to find shelter from the attack. Shinji and Rei-Q stayed behind as to assist with Asuka who would oversee this mission. Hikari planned to stay behind as well as she figured this may be the safest place for her children now.
(Later Outside with the Pilders)
Skull Pilder and Wingle's Pilder's boosters ignited as they flew over to where they had left Kaiser and the Wingle. All thew while Akira was cheering as he and Kuzo flew through the sky. "This is what I needed!" Akira called out as he was waiting for something to kill. Both Akira and Kuzo had little time to change so they went out with what they were wearing instead of changing into their pilot uniforms.
"Had to admit things were getting boring around here." Kuzo added as he sat on his spot in Skull Pilder. "This is going to be fun." Kuzo added with a savage smirk of his own.
"Just try and keep control of yourselves." Eve said as she focused on flying. "We don't know what sort of enemy unit Gendo has sent especially if its just the one." Eve said finding concern that Gendo was only sending one enemy unit instead of a squadron of them. Meanwhile her mind wandered over what NERV and Gendo was planning. Why would Gendo only send one combatant instead of several like he normally does. Something didn't add up he was up to something and with that in mind she had reason to believe this enemy was not what it seems. The two Pilders flew off intent on retrieving their robots for that battle to come.
They eventually arrived to where their robots were and thus began to docking protocols. "Let's go! Pilder!" Akira began as Skull Pilder converted into a full skull for docking.
"ON!" Kuzo finished as the pilder attached to Kaiser's crown causing his azure blue eye and his scarred red eye to flash to life in activation.
"Wingle! Pilder On!" Eve added as she docked her own Pilder into the Wingle's head and activated her robot with topaz eyes flashing to life.
The two robots stood up as Kaiser raised his arms like he was roaring while Wingle struck a pose after taking flight. The two were then off as Kaiser ran towards the village with Wingle flying close to her partner.
(Back over at the Village)
People were made aware of the danger coming and thankfully had strategies in place to avoid it. Moving towards the shelters Toji and Kensuke helped guide people to safe locations to wait out the danger. The village was all but emptied out when chaos struck. Kaiser and Wingle arrived just in time to see a massive form crashing into the ground creating a smokescreen to cover the crash site.
Glaring at the new arrival the two robots were ready for battle when the smoke began to clear itself. Rising from the ground was the oddest EVA unit they had ever seen as its wings began to retract into its back. From the looks of it Akira and Kuzo noticed something concerning about this new foe.
"Is it just me or does this thing look like Kaiser?" Akira asked as the new arrival did in fact look like Kaiser with very EVA looking parts around it.
"Scanning." Eve said as she scanned the robot trying to find a match from NERV's files only to find none. "I don't have anything about it, this is something new." Eve said her voice showing concern that she had no data on this new robot.
"Hey, can you guys hear me?" Asuka was heard via the communication link Eve made.
"We hear you." Eve said as Akira rolled his eyes. "Did you get all that?" Eve asked and thus Asuka responded.
"Yeah, be careful how you approach this thing." Asuka said knowing that if Eve doesn't have data on this thing, then it might have surprises they don't know about. The new arrival then raised its head showing its eyes flashing to life and thus going on the attack. It drew its sword and charged at Kaiser and Wingle ready for the kill. Kaiser drew the Ganzanto and blocked the attack before pushing back and the two mechs started swinging their blades at each other.
A few clashes from the weapons went off before Kaiser jumped back but when he landed the enemy units sword turned into a bladed whip which was then used to attack Kaiser. Kaiser blocked the initial attacks but was unable to block the next as it was hit back and then wrapped around it. The enemy unit pulled and swung Kaiser across the sky and landed in the forest closes to some of the houses. Kaiser did not hesitate as he got back up and kicked the enemy unit in the faceplate. The foe stumbled as Kaiser got back up and held the Ganzanto at the ready.
The enemy mech glared before it went for the attack again only to suddenly be attack by bladed boomerangs. Wingle flew in the sky as she caught one of her boomerangs on her arm but caught the other one on her heel before bringing it down on the foe. The foe jumped away and sheathed the sword before taking out a pair of high-powered guns and opened fire. Wingle flew back to avoid the attack causing Kaiser to react. Throwing the Ganzanto at the enemy mech the foe saw this and backflipped away to avoid itself being skewered.
"Kuzo your up!" Akira called out knowing Kuzo was best suited for ranged battles.
"Right." Kuzo said and thus switched over with Akira for this. Kaiser drew the Breast Triggers before striking a pose ready to fight off this foe. The two fighters began a cycle of gunplay as they fired off their guns at each other deflecting and countering each other as they fought. Kuzo had to admit this thing was good to be able to keep up with him which was very concerning. They soon circled around each other firing their guns off, but the movement was met blow to blow between them.
The enemy mech began firing directing at Kaiser who in response spun around the shots to get close to his foe. Kuzo then switched the grip of one of the weapons and got ready to chop but the enemy mech with Kaiser. But his foe saw this and summoned a blade of his own to parry the shot. He then pointed his other gun at Skull Pilder forcing Kaiser to jump back to avoid the gun shot the enemy released.
Once Kaiser landed, he reloaded and opened fire again running to the side as he did so. The enemy mech did the same and soon Kaiser jumped into cover behind the hills as the enemy kept its barrage on him. Once the barrage came to an end Kaiser had holstered the Breast Trigger showing Akira was in control once more. Following this up Akira unleashed Kaiser's Tornado Crusher that drilled through the hills and went straight for the enemy mech. It managed to block the first fist and deflect it but was surprised by the second one that knocked it down into the village. Kaiser's fists managed to return but after one of them managed to retrieve the Ganzanto as Kaiser roared and came down with the weapon. The enemy mech rolled out of the way and moved causing Kaiser to hit the village instead.
The two then met and began a clash of blades once more the sound of metal on metal echoed across the area. Both machines trying to overpower the other one as this went on. All the while Wingle flew about looking for an opening on the enemy she can exploit.
(Back at Kensuke's place, Asuka)
"Shit, we have civilians in the crossfire." Asuka cursed as the screens showed what was happening in the battle.
"This is bad." Hikari said as she tried to calm the crying Tsubame down as the shaking was getting dangerously closer.
"Dammit." Asuka cursed and then spoke into the mic. "Akira Kuzo take the battle away from the Village!" Asuka ordered as she tried to get Akira to listen to her.
"Screw you!" Akira responded on the comms as he got back to fighting his opponent.
(Back over to the Battle)
"You think I'm just gonna hold back because a few people are in the way?" Akira asked as he grinned at his foe. "Fighting is my life!" Akira yelled as he charged in with the Ganzanto as the two continued their fight.
"Akira don't be an idiot and draw the fight away, that's an order!" Asuka yelled pulling rank on Akira for this one.
"No WILLE no command structure!" Akira yelled and in turn the two were locked in a struggle of blades their fight getting closer to the village.
"Akira listen to her, she has more combat experience then either of us." Eve said trying to convince Akira to listen to their commanding officer.
"SHUT UP!" Akira yelled as he pushed back his foe and then they clashed again.
(Back over at Kensuke's House)
Asuka growled to this as Shinji saw Mt. Shikinami was about to erupt causing him to be ready to step in and calm her down. Grabbing the mic, she all but roared into it having enough of Akira's arrogant attitude.
"AKIRA LANGLEY IKARI DO AS YOUR TOLD YOUNG MAN OR SO HELP ME GOD I WILL GRAB THE NEAREST SWITCH PERSONALLY CLIMB UP KAISER FORCE OPEN THE PILDER AND BEAT YOUR ASS SENSELSS WHILE KUZO WATCHES!" Asuka yelled into the mic much to everyone's shock, especially Shinji.
(Meanwhile with Kaiser)
Akira was wide eyed by this as even Kuzo was caught off guard just then. "Wow." Kuzo said surprised over that particular threat being made.
(Over with Eve in Wingle)
"Huh that was… creative." Eve admitted as even she was surprised by what Asuka did.
(Back over at Kensuke's house)
Asuka was catching her breath as she was shocked and empowered over what she did. "I knew you had maternal instincts." Hikari suddenly said with a smirk as Asuka didn't have the focus to glare at Hikari for that quip.
(Back over at the battle)
Just then Kaiser was pushed back and the enemy mech grabbed Kaiser by the head before swinging him about and sending him flying from it. Akira and Kuzo cried out as they felt their mech going for a ride before it crashed into another part of the village. Kaiser's head managed to land on a building where people were taking shelter which began a panic. As Kaiser laid there its head was faced towards the people as they ran as the pilots began to regain their senses after the crash. But when they did, they saw a sight that seemed to trigger something inside them. Akira saw a woman with her infant child as the child was crying in the mothers arms as the cries seemed to echo towards something inside Akira.
At the same time, the enemy mech made its way towards Kaiser only to suddenly be blindsided from behind by Eve and Wingle. Wingle wrapped her arms around the enemy mechs neck and forced it back. This then caused the Mech to respond and toss Wingle aside only for her to used her wings to regain her flight.
Akira saw the crying infant heard the cries as images flashed before his eyes. The crying infant, his traumatized self, 10 years ago, Miki's suffering, and Ryo's madness all played before looping back to the crying infant and repeating it. During this Kaiser's empty eye socket began to give off an ominous red glow as Akira's eyes began to glow red and the crimson streaks of his hair did the same. This was then followed up by Kuzo as his eyes began to turn blue from the event.
The images kept looping for Akira as he saw them again, and again, and again. Soon enough something snapped as Akira had enough of this. "Fine… you win." Akira said to Asuka who was shocked by the boys words.
Then what followed was Akira and Kuzo roaring out as Kaiser got back up ready to fight. The red glow in Kaiser's eye now bright as the enemy mech looked and saw Kaiser standing there. It got ready to fight but Kaiser instead charged at the foe ready to fight.
(Back over at Kensuke's House)
Kaiser charged in and as Shinji saw this, he was reminded of the video footage of Unit-01 doing the same back at his first battle. It was almost haunting how similar the movement was here that it triggered this memory.
(Back over at the battle)
Kaiser managed to avoid the enemy mechs attacks before crashing into it. He wasn't done though as he began pushing the enemy mech out of the populated area. Once they were out Kaiser stopped and proceeded to throw the foe out into the forest area.
When the enemy NERV mech landed Kaiser drew the Ganzanto just as the NERV Mech drew its guns and opened fire on Kaiser. Using the Ganzanto's flat side Kaiser blocked the bullets before moving in towards its enemy. Once Kaiser was close, he sliced the mechs arms off disarming it of its guns. Wingle then flew in and stabbed her melee weapon into the monsters beck giving Kaiser the opening it needed to end this.
With a roar of fury from Akira, Kaiser stabbed the EVA with the Ganzanto before tearing out its innards with the swords teeth. The scene was messy but when Kaiser did this the core was exposed and in turn it began to flash to life before exploding on the spot. The blast was a full on cross like an Angel as Wingle quickly flew out to avoid the blast. Kaiser also jumped out and glared at the scene as the EVA had self-destructed before Kaiser.
As Akira glared at the EVA's crater, he had a few thoughts going through his head. "What the Hell was that?" Akira asked as his and Kuzo's forms returned to normal outside their view.
"The EVA or us?" Kuzo asked as he felt a sudden push of power back there.
"Both." Akira said as he sat there for a moment.
(Scene Break later that afternoon)
The Sun was starting to set and when Kaiser and Wingle were sure the danger had past the two mechs returned to their hiding spots. The Pilders had landed as Shinji, Asuka, Rei-Q, and Kensuke approached with Toji and his family. The cockpits opened up as Akira rolled his shoulders a bit while Eve hopped out of her own Pilder.
"Hey you kids, ok?" Toji asked as he looked to the trio.
"We are unharmed." Eve said as she got out of the ship.
"We'll live." Kuzo said calmly as Akira leaned against Skull Pilder. Yet he glanced over and saw Asuka looking over to him with Shinji. Both sides seemed to want to reach out, but neither were willing to make the first move. Hikari saw this and sighed before she pushed the two to reach out with a shove. The pair saw this and saw Hikari was insistent on this before they sighed.
Walking over to Akira Asuka was the first to do the talking. "Look… about what I said." Asuka began but Akira sighed to this.
"Forget it, as much as it kills me to say this… you had a point." Akira said as this surprised the duo.
"I know but I was so focused that I forgot that your used to fighting a different way." Asuka responded as she looked a bit bashful when discussing this.
"Yeah, civilians aren't really my focus most times." Akira said as he knew his enemies would have exploited that when in the middle of a fight. "But I don't think that thing was the last of it." Akira said as Asuka and Shinji both agreed to this.
"Which means we're both going to have to adapt." Asuka said and thus she offered her hand to Akira. "So how about we learn to adapt together." Asuka offered and thus Akira looked at her hand for a moment.
"Alright." Akira said and thus took his mother… took Asuka's hand and shook it.
"It's getting late." Shinji said as he noticed the sun was setting. "How about you two stay the night." Shinji said offering them a place to rest for the night.
"Sure… that way Akira can stay with his mommy." Kuzo taunted as he walked towards the trailer passing the trio.
"Shut up!" Akira snapped as he glared at Kuzo ready to knock him out. This got a chuckle from the group as they saw the scene play out.
"You know…" Asuka suddenly said as she and Shinji watched over Akira with Kuzo and Eve. "I think… we'll get the hang of this." Asuka said as she smiled to the scene.
"I thought you didn't want kids." Shinji joked which caused Asuka to chuckle.
"I didn't but fate has a funny way of working in that regard." Asuka said as she knew found families were a thing for many people.
"He'll come around and we'll be there when he does." Shinji said assuring Asuka on this as she smiled to him.
"Thanks." Asuka said before she and Shinji went to join the others in celebration.
That night was spent with meals as Shinji cooked for everyone using Toji's kitchen to do it. Laughter, joy, and peace was prevalent in this scene as for a moment it looked more like a family get together. Akira was trying to eat his food while Shiro was climbing over the swordsman, Kuzo was sticking to himself, and Eve was on her personal terminal doing work. Unaware to any of them however NERV was still in action.
(Scene Break NERV HQ Gendo)
Gendo saw the destruction of the Chimera and saw that Kaiser once more attained victory. But watching how the battle shifted Gendo found something interesting. Kaiser had suddenly gained a boost in power and for Gendo this warrants further investigation if only to find a way to subvert Kaiser in his plans for Final Impact.
"What are you hiding, Kaiser?" Gendo asked as he wanted to know… he needed to know all so he can reunite with his Yui.
(TBC)
ESKK: Happy Father's day everyone now that this chapter is finished, I'm going to spend the day with my dad. Now you all know the drill leave a review before leaving and as always, ja-ne.