Rebuild SKL is Kaiser
ESKK: Almost there almost finished so let's get this chapter started.
(Start The Ruined City 2021)
In a deserted and ruined city that had long since been ransacked for everything of value a 7-year-old Akira was carrying a young 7-year-old Miki on his back. Accompanying him was Ryo as the blond 7-year-old was leading their group through the broken world.
"How much longer?" Akira asked as Miki was sleeping on his back.
"There should be canned food around here." Ryo said as he lead his friends. They were currently in what used to be a grocery store but like everything else it was empty of the items that they needed. Ryo was carrying a large bag on his back and another in his hands as Akira had to carry Miki and her bag.
"Well, if there is any food here than either someone got to it first or it was destroyed." Akira said as they walked by another empty store.
"We need to keep looking we won't survive unless we have something to eat." Ryo said as he was clearly the leader of their trio. "We also need to find medicine and other supplies." Ryo added as their desperate search was starting to look fruitless.
"I know, I know." Akira said as he was hungry himself, he gave some of his rations over to Miki earlier wanting for her to have a full stomach instead. But then Akira noticed something that got his attention. "Hey look." Akira said and thus Ryo looked to what Akira found. Ryo then saw what appeared to be a music store and saw Akira was approaching it.
"Akira no." Ryo said as he kept walking. "There won't be anything useful there." Ryo said but Akira smiled clearly not seeing to follow instructions from his friend.
"Hey its worth a look." Akira said and thus Ryo rolled his eyes and went after him.
"If you get hurt, I'm leaving you behind." Ryo threatened but he clearly did not mean the threat. Once they were inside the boys were in awe at what they found so many instruments a cello, a violin, and even a piano. Most of it was worn and beyond repair but it was certainly a sight to behold.
Ryo found a strange device with a leaver and a pointed stick attached to it. He saw what seemed to be a slot for something and noticed something near it. Pulling it out Ryo blew the dust off from it and read what it said.
"Adeste Fideles." Ryo read aloud and in turn pulled out a large black disk that matched the device.
"What you got there?" Akira asked as he looked to Ryo with curiosity.
"I don't know." Ryo admitted and thus he moved the disk to the device before he put the needle on it. He then began to turn the winch and in doing to the device began to move after heaven knows how long of inactivity.
-Insert O Come all ye faithful-
As the music began to play the boys heard it and grew curious and drawn to it. "What's happening?" Miki asked as she began to wake up.
"Oh, Miki sorry I." Akira began but then Ryo shushed them.
"Let's take a break for a bit." Ryo said as he wanted to hear this song understanding the lyrics how it spoke of the miraculous Birth of the Son of God the messiah of mankind.
(Later)
The trio were sitting around the device as they listened to the music it played as they managed to get a fire going but kept it controlled to prevent the place from burning down. As they saw Miki was laying on her front listening to the music drawn into it as Akira fed the firepit.
"Hey, Ryo." Akira began as he got his friends attention. "Do you think it exists?" Akira suddenly asked as he looked to Ryo. "The Village." Akira clarified as he heard the tales from several people.
"A safe haven where we don't have to suffer, where we never have to go hungry, where people are not cruel and are kind to each other, a Village called Eden." Ryo said as he looked to their campfire.
"I think it's real." Miki said with blind and naïve optimism. She smiled over to her two friends as she then rolled over and sat up. "We'll find it and we'll be together when we do." Miki said but Akira smirked.
"The only issue is that it only exists outside the pillars." Akira said as Ryo scoffed a bit to that.
"Which is why we need as much food and water as we can carry to make the journey." Ryo said as the pragmatic member of the group. "But for now, we should rest ok." Ryo said and thus Akira shrugged.
"Alright." Akira said and thus they each got a blanket and began to allow for sleep to take them away.
"Goodnight." Miki said as she turned off the device so they can all sleep peacefully.
However not to long into their sleep Ryo laid there still awake as the tune replayed in his mind. Turning to his side Ryo sighed and began to hum the tune of that song to himself as he awaited for sleep to claim him next. Soon it came and thus Ryo finally drifted to sleep.
(Scene Break Terminal Dogma Fourth Impact)
The Final Impact was ongoing Ryo had shown himself to be the mastermind who stole Gendo his victory. Shinji saw what happened clenched his fist and knew Akira must be hurting right now. "Let's go, Kuzo." Akira said as Kuzo smirked to this.
"Alright if it's a battle of Kaiser he want's it's a Kaiser battle he'll get." Kuzo said as he followed Akira towards Kaiser.
"Wait you guys plan on fighting him even now?" Ritsuko asked shocked by this.
"Of course, I have to be the one to put him down." Akira said making it clear that there was no saving Ryo even if he hated it.
"You won't be able to get close to him to do any lasting damage to him." Minerva said as she gave the guys the cold hard fact.
"Then if mankind goes down… we'll take him down with it." Kuzo said as he intended to stop Ryo as well.
"I'm pretty sure that's what he wants." Ritsuko said knowing that they needed to stop Ryo and his madness.
"Look we don't have time for a committee so either stop stalling us or get on with it." Akira said refusing to wait around while Ryo is out there destroying mankind for his genocidal plans.
"Wait Akira Minerva is right Kaiser alone won't be able to stop this." Shinji said stopping his son from going.
"So, what you want me to just sit around and do nothing!?" Akira snapped as he glared at Shinji.
"No… I want to come help." Shinji said as this surprised Akira.
"It's logical Gendo Ikari needed Unit-01 and the 9th Angel in order to complete his plans." Minerva said as she looked to the group. "If we use that combination with Kaiser, it should allow us a clear path to our goal." Minerva said as they needed a way to get close. "But it would involve letting Bardiel out of his cage as well." Minerva added a tone of warning in her voice.
When Misato heard this, she went on to contact Asuka. "Asuka… can you still fight?" Misato asked hoping she could in fact fight.
"Yeah, and I heard enough." Asuka said showing that she was willing and able to keep the fight going.
"We're not out of this game yet." Misato said showing they now had a chance.
"All great and good but Shinji here still needs to pilot something." Akira said pointing his thumb to Shinji.
"I know… and I've already decided to pilot Evangelion again." Shinji said surprising the group with this revelation.
"Shinji… are you sure about this?" Misato asked shocked that Shinji would agree to pilot EVA even now.
"We don't have a choice. Armaros is on the verge of descending if we don't finish this before he does then everyone on Earth dies." Shinji said knowing that they had little to no time to argue about this path.
"Wait a second!" Came the voice of Midori and thus all eyes fell to the pink haired girl who came with the other members of WILLE to help secure Shinji. "Are you joking are you really going to let him pilot an EVA, are you?!" Midori demanded as she glared at the scene before her. Kuzo reached for his sidearm as Akira glared at the girl thinking she'll do something hasty.
"We have no other option we must stop Armaros and the Impact." Minerva said but then Midori acted and pulled out her gun aiming it at Shinji much to everyone's shock.
"Don't give me that bullshit about Armaros he's not real!" Midori yelled as she glared at the scene before her. "HE's a plague that brat need to die!" Midori yelled as she then saw the look Shinji gave her… a look of pity. "You brat don't look at me with those eyes don't you fucking pity me!" She snapped as she was clearly unhinged by everything around her. "I don't need your pity you're the guilty one who needs to die! And if we all die afterwards then at least I die knowing you went to hell!" Midori yelled as ready to pull the trigger on Shinji, Misato, and Akira once she gets a shot in on him.
"Midori stand down this will be your only warning." Misato said as she knew there was no helping Midori now.
"FUCK YOU TRAITOR!" Midori yelled as she got ready. "Now Shinji Ikari you die no-!" Midori began but was cut off by the sound of steel slicing into flesh. Midori's eyes were frozen in her deranged look as blood had splattered across her face.
Half of the group was left in shock the other half had a look of pity over what happened. The reason why became clear as Midori's head slowly slid off her body before it fell and rolled to the ground. The reason for this was Akira as he shouldered his katana that was dripping blood now, Midori's blood.
"Shut up." Akira snapped as he glared at Midori's remains just as the body fell over no longer able to remain standing after the head had been severed. Looking to the rest of WILLE mainly the younger members Akira glared at them for a moment. He then flicked Midori's blood off his sword and pointed it at them which caused them all to flinch in fear of Akira. "Anyone else want to have a go?" Akira asked challenging anyone with the balls to try their hand at killing or harming Shinji, his father.
When no one made a move Akira began sheathing his sword knowing the minor danger had padded. "Didn't think so." Akira said and thus sheathed his Katana on his back.
"Akira!" Miki was heard and from her EVA's entry plug she jumped down and went over to Akira. Once she got close, she hugged him pushing her head into his chest which surprised the boy. "Akira why… why does it have to be you?" Miki asked as she hid her tear-stained face in Akira's chest before looking up towards him to show her tears.
"Sorry… I didn't mean to make you cry." Akira said as he hated seeing Miki upset even after all this time.
"Please… please don't." Miki begged not wanting Akira to risk himself anymore. "I want us all to go back together!" She snapped as Shinji didn't have to heart to get in between the two kids.
"And we will." Akira said as this surprised Miki. "I promise we're all going home together we're going to see the future together." Akira said assuring Miki that they will see tomorrow to see a green earth, a blue sea, and most of all hope. "But I have to finish this." Akira said making it clear that he was going to fight to secure the future they wanted to see.
"I…" Miki began and thus she had no words to say. "Ok." She said and thus stepped back and wiped away her trees. "Just please… don't let Ryo suffer anymore." Miki begged and in turn Akira nodded to the girl.
"Alright… lets go." Kuzo said and in turn the two pilots smirked to each other before giving each other a knuckle bump for good luck.
"I will accompany Shinji and Asuka on this mission." Minerva said stepping up to plate. "I have experienced traversing the Anti-Universe you will need my aid to guide you both." Minerva said which Shinji nodded.
"Right." Shinji said and thus it was time to make the journey to face Ryo.
"Alright I want Evangelion Unit-01 prepped for battle now!" Misato ordered and had more to say. "If the UN wants to give us grief for it then either ignore them or throw me under the bus." Misato said making it clear that the Vatican Treaty can now kiss her ass. Akira and Kuzo made their way to Kaiser as they knew they had to stop Ryo and that meant going to where he had gone.
(Scene Break with Seraph Kaiser)
Ryo sat calmly in Seraph Kaiser as the path to Anti-Space began to open up for him. He had his arms crossed while the two lances were orbiting his mech. Just then Ryo opened his eyes when his instruments detected a new contact coming his way from above his position.
Looking up Seraph Kaiser saw its twin coming down from upper orbit at Mach speed. "RYO!" Akira roared as Kuzo gave off a war cry with Kaiser coming towards him.
"Akira… you are late." Ryo said calmly as he waited for Kaiser to come closer. "Akira are you quiet certain that you wish to fight me?" Ryo asked as he looked up towards his friend. When all Ryo received silence as his answer, he in turn projected his AT-Field to stop Kaiser's advanced towards him.
Kaiser was not deterred as he reared back his fist and punched his way through the field and with it punched Seraph Kaiser in the face. Ryo was caught off guard for a moment but regained himself and sent forth his own attack.
"AT Cross Beam!" Ryo invoked and thus Seraph fired an ocular attack at Kaiser. Kaiser was hit and the resulting blast formed into a cross like that of an Angel. But Kaiser came out none the worse for wear and continued fighting.
"PHOTON POWER BEAM!" Akira countered and unleashed his own ocular beam. Seraph flew around it to avoid the shot as the two began their clash of fates. Kaiser drew the Ganzanto and charged at Seraph whole Seraph drew a weapon from its side which then extended to a broadsword. The weapons clashed as it looked to be a clash between and angel and a demon.
"Why do you still reject salvation Akira?" Ryo asked as he looked towards his friend. "Do you fear change? Do you fear becoming useless?" Ryo asked before they parted ways.
They then clashed again as Akira snarled at Ryo glaring at him with pure hatred. "Why did you throw away everything I did to save you and Miki?" Akira yelled as he glared at his former friend. "Was this always your goal? Or did you just not give a damn!?" Akira accused before Ryo glared and the two parted ways. Kaiser then sheathed the Ganzanto and pointed his fists at Seraph. "TORNADO CRUSHER!" Akira invoked and launched Kaisers fist at Seraph who sheathed his own sword.
"SPIRAL IMPACT!" Ryo countered launching Seraph Kaiser's own fists that clashed with Kaiser's attack.
"PHOTON POWER BEAM/AT CROSS BEAM!" Both Akira and Ryo invoked as the two mechs fired their ocular lasers at each other which clashed against each other giving off equal fury. When they attacks clashed for a bit the resulting clash lead to an explosion with both attacks cancelling each other out. But they did not end there as Kuzo took control of Kaiser drawing the breast triggers and aimed them at Seraph ready to fire.
"Now any requests on how you'd like to be shot?" Kuzo taunted with the guns at the ready.
Seraph Kaiser then drew from the cross on his chest which turned into his own twin guns. "You took the words right out of my mouth, Kuzo." Ryo responded and in turn both mechs opened fire on each other. Charging in they began their gunslinger combat as they tried to get a shot in on each other. Flying through the sky and fighting it was clear that they were evenly matched to each other. It was to the point that the battle could go either way here.
They soon parted and opened fire on each other again as they reloaded their weapons with another clip. "Pulse Beam Mode fully charged!" Kuzo called out as he switched his rounds for something with a bit more power to it.
But it would seem Ryo had similar ideas as Kuzo. "Plasma Impact Rounds Now Loaded!" Ryo responded and thus the two mechs opened fire once more only this time with stronger ammunition was being used. The two then flew around each other and continued to shoot at each other. The ammunition being used was clearly volatile judging by the explosions that went off when the round clashed. The ones that missed Kaiser resulted in crosses for a moment yet Kaiser persisted the fight against Seraph.
The two then parted ways as Kuzo gritted his teeth glaring at Seraph Kaiser. "Alright RUST STREAM!" Kuzo invoked and thus Kaiser let loose his tornado power against Seraph Kaiser.
But it seems Seraph Kaiser had a counter for that, and Ryo was going to use it. "DIVINE HURRICANE!" Ryo countered and from Seraph Kaisers midsection a similar tornado launched at Kaiser. The two twisters clashed as they tried to overpower the other in an attempt to break through to the Kaiser they stood against.
But the two attacks then ended up curving around each other forcing both Kaiser to dodge and avoid it. What followed was powerful storm winds that began to release twisters around the fighters. It seems that with the ongoing Final Impact the two hurricane attacks had been drawn in creating a storm that was raging around the two opposing mechs.
Kaiser then drew the Ganzanto again after holstering the Breast Triggers. Seeing this Seraph Kaiser switched back to his sword as the two glared at each other ready to kill. But then Kaiser raised his sword skyward just as the thunder began to strike around them.
"Let's see you counter this!" Akira roared out as the thunder came down and struck the Ganzanto and Kaiser's horns. "THOR HAMMER BREAKER!" Akira roared and fired off the attack.
"You asked for it!" Ryo countered as the shoulder armor opened up with another weapons. "SINMARA SHATTER SWORD!" Ryo invoked and thus the shoulder weapons fired of streams of subzero cold that clashed with the Thor Hammer Breaker. The two attacks struggled for a while as they were evenly matched in every possible way.
Eventually the two attacks could not continue and with a blast they shot back the two mechs leaving a massive pillar of frozen thunder in its wake. The two mechs glared each other down daring the other to make another move. Unknown to them the two attacked caused another change in the weather as now booms of thunder echoed around and many people found themselves suffering blizzards of the like that they've never seen before.
The two mechs glared at each other as Akira was gritting his teeth against Ryo. Ryo calmed a calm exterior but inside his rage was starting to boil through him. They soon charged ang clashed again with their swords and when they did a concussive blast resonated around them.
"Do you remember Akira how we walked that desolate land?" Ryo asked as Kaiser and Seraph continued their duel. "Do you remember that hope that we'd find that Village that salvation only for that hope to brutally be torn from us?" Ryo asked as Akira roared and continued to fight Ryo. "Time and time again humanity disputes and murders itself for every reason imaginable." Ryo accused as he and Akira kept clashing. "Why must you continue to accommodate such a wretched species of animals?" He went on and in turn they parted before switching to guns once more.
"Not sure." Kuzo admitted as he kept fighting. "I just focus on myself and take out anyone who gets in the way!" Kuzo said before the two clashed and then shot each other back. Kaiser drew the Ganzanto again as Seraph countered it.
"What everyone else does isn't our concern you used to say that Ryo." Akira said as he recalled that day.
(Flashback)
Akira, Ryo, and Miki all stood in an open plain to see several humans corpses skewered on sticks as they saw this. "This is…" Miki gasped as she saw this while Akira growled over what he saw.
"This is not our concern." Ryo said with a detached calm tone. "They are dead, and we are not we should only focus on ourselves for we are still alive." Ryo said and thus he began to walk again holding his own bag as Akira looked over.
"What about those who are still alive?!" Akira asked as the young boy looked to Ryo.
In response Ryo stopped while facing away from Akira. "What about them?" Ryo asked as he then looked to Akira. "We're children there's nothing we can do for those who suffer in life safe run from those who cause such suffering." Ryo said making it clear that they can't do anything to fix things.
"But… this is." Miki began only for Ryo to interrupt.
"This will be a bad dream once we find the Village." Ryo said as finding this mysterious village was their only hope to find safety. "We must keep moving." Ryo said and thus he once more began to lead the two to their destination. Akira followed and Miki stared at the people before offering them a prayer to find peace in the afterlife before she ran over to catch up to her two closest friends Ryo and Akira.
(End Flashback)
"That was a long time ago." Ryo said as such things meant nothing to him.
"Ryo it was real the village is real we found it!" Akira called out as Ryo gave Akira and Kaiser a cold unfeeling glare.
"It doesn't matter anymore it's a village of humans they will die as well." Ryo said and thus Akira roared and clashed with Ryo once more.
"Arrogant prick." Kuzo growled as he then chose to act. "INFERNO BLASTER!" Kuzo invoked and fired off Kaiser's Inferno Blaster.
Ryo smirked and already he had his counterattack for that specific attack at the ready. "BLAZING DIVINITY!" Ryo invoked and much like Kaiser's Inferno Blaster Seraph Kaiser's chest cross began to give off a similar light that shot forth and clashed with the Inferno Blaster. The two attacks were evenly matched as they pushed against the other while pushing back the mechs who fired them. The energy build up formed and from it an explosion went off.
This caused another event as fire began to rain down from above. Kaiser and Seraph were still standing but Seraph seemed calm. Ryo smirked and all of a sudden Kaiser was blindsided by the wave of Evangelion Infinity. Kaiser was being forced down towards the ground as Seraph followed after his demonic foe.
They soon crashed down into the ground as Kaiser was down while Seraph landed safely. As Seraph Kaiser glared down upon Kaiser the Skull mech began to rise back up ready to keep fighting winged mech no matter the outcome. The ground between them split and released magma from down below showing that they had landed on a volcanic isle.
Kaiser charged in with Akira and Kuzo roaring out, but the Evangelion Infinity got in the way and slammed Kaiser into a large pillar of red stone. Meanwhile Seraph Kaiser was lifted up by the Evangelion Infinity as he looked upon Kaiser who stood alone. Inside the Pilder Ryo stared upon Akira and for a brief moment a single tear fell from his eyes knowing Akira was giving Ryo no choice. The two then roared and charged at each other for the final time. Kaiser reared back his fist and Seraph did the same. Soon their fists clashed and from it crossed to hit the other in the face.
Kaiser and Seraph were knocked back by a blast of their strength that sent them away. Kaiser crashed against a wall as Seraph crashed into the volcano as it spewed molten lava. Kaiser was the first to move as he fell to his knees as Akira and Kuzo were pushing everything, they had into this. Seraph meanwhile walked out of the hole he made glaring down upon the skull mech, Kaiser.
"Akira this conflict has proven to be a delightful distraction, but I must go now." Ryo said as soon the Lance of Longinus and Cassius came down towards Seraph Kaiser. "I must do what is needed to purify this world and return it to paradise." Ryo said and thus Kaiser got back up.
"No!" Akira struggled only for the Evangelion Infinity to blast through them stopping Kaiser. In turn Seraph Kaiser took the spears in hand and with them summoned his wings of light before releasing a blast that carried him to the Anti Universe. From there a new world shall be born from the ashes of the old taint.
Kaiser was laid out against the mountain side as hell on earth blazed around him. Akira gritted his teeth holding the controls in a vice as his body shook with unshed tears. "Dammit…. Dammit… DAMMIT!" Akira cursed and with it the tears came tears of a lost friend tears of watching a loved one loose his way due to trauma.
'We'll always be together… right?' A memory of Miki's voice echoed in Akira's head.
'Of course.' Ryo younger voice followed up to the memories question.
'It's the three of us against the world!' Akira's own voice added in as he broke down grieving for Ryo.
(Back with WILLE Central Dogma)
Back where the rest of WILLE waited Asuka's recharged EVA stood tall as it was ready for the final bout. This time however she was not alone. Standing with her was the returned Unit-01 freed from the Wundur and inside it was Shinji and Minerva.
"So, mind explaining to me what robot girl is doing in there?" Asuka asked seeing Minerva was sitting with Shinji inside the Entry Plug of Unit-01.
"Navigating Anti-Space without a guide or a map would drive you both into madness. Shinji had only remained in one spot never moving unless it was to enter this world." Minerva said as she made it clear what was going on. "I am accompanying you to act as both guide and early warning for Zero or Armaros's final descent." Minerva said making it clear she was in this to the end. "The Four of us working in unison we should be able to break through and reach Ryo and his Seraph Kaiser." Minerva said and thus Asuka noted what Minerva had said.
"Four of us?" Asuka asked and thus a new voice cut in.
"It's been a while Second Children." The voice of Rei Ayanami came through on Asuka's speakers. "You've grown." She added while Asuka was left wide eyed at the sudden appearance.
"REI!?" Asuka asked shocked to hear her. Soon enough a new contact line appeared and on it was Rei her azure blue hair now as long and large as her body while also carrying a doll that looked like it was modeled after Shinji.
"I was wondering when you would show up again." Shinji said as he was happy to see Rei. While Shinji was still upset about how Rei had raised Eve Shinji still cared for his friend for his sister.
"Yes… thank you for caring for Eve." Rei said as she was happy that Eve found herself surrounded by people who cared for her.
"Oh, now you care for her." Asuka snapped as she glared at Rei. She knew about The girls treatment of Eve and Asuka was still itching to tear Rei a new one for it.
"I am… sorry I am unused to the concept of the upbringing of one's own offspring." Rei admitted as she knew she had hurt Eve deeply. "In my attempt to prepare her I disregarded certain things she needed for her upbringing." Rei admitted as she looked to the side with shame in her eyes.
"Let us focus on the task at hand." Minerva said and thus they got down to it.
"Of course, I will channel Bardiel between the two of you so you may breach Anti-Space once that is done Minerva will guide you both to where Ryo has taken the spears and Seraph Kaiser." Rei said detailing the plans to the two pilots.
"Once we're through we can't expect any help WILLE we'll ne on our own." Shinji said and thus Asuka smirked to this information.
"So, you me, our son, his gunslinging friend, Wonder girl, and robot girl against a crazed god powered brat." Asuka said as she knew how that sounded. "Sounds like that set up for a bad joke." Asuka added which Shinji smiled to this.
"It's time, let us begin." Minerva announced and thus they got ready for their move.
"Right!" Asuka said and thus she reached for her eyepatch. At the same time Unit-01 and Unit-02 linked hands cringy yes but neither pilot could thing of a better way to establish a better connection.
"Be warned, The 9th is a coward and will no doubt attempt to flee." Rei added and thus both pilots knew.
Swallowing the lump in her throat Asuka tore off the eye patch from her eyes and thus the entire system reacted to the broken seal that had kept the 9th Angel Bardiel sealed away for well over 14 years. From her eye a handle began to shoot out and with-it Asuka took it before yanking it out. It was revealed to be a spear the one she would use so she and Shinji can bust their way into the Anti Universe.
At the same time Rei was using the connection between Shinji and Asuka's EVA Units to forced Bardiel to latch onto Shinji while keeping a part of it with Asuka. This came in the form of both EVA Units entering what was almost an awakened state. Their maws snapped open as their eyes gave off crimson glow between them.
"Beginning insertion now!" Minerva called out and thus projecting their AT-Fields as max power both pilots roared and charged in summoning the spear and with it began to break their way into Anti-Space. The scrap parts attached to her EVA began to break apart as Asuka accompanied Shinji for the final confrontation. In turn the path opened and from there the two massive EVA Units vanished into the Anti-Universe to stop Ryo.
(Later Inside of the Anti-Universe)
The two EVA's Units arrived as they began to make their way through the Anti-Universe and noted that it looked just as it did last time they were here.
"Let me guess modified what we see so it can make sense for us?" Asuka asked as she looked to Minerva from her EVA.
"Yes, now be quiet I'm performing deep scans for our query as well as scans for activity from Armaros and Zero." Minerva said as she was going to guide the group to locate Ryo and Seraph Kaiser.
(Meanwhile in regular space Kaiser)
Kaiser remained where he had been left as Akira just sat there unable to find the will to keep moving. Unable to find the will to exist yet unable to terminate his own existence. 'My fault… it's my fault… I couldn't save him… it's my fault.' Akira mentally repeated as he just sat there the world went silent around him.
"Akira! Akira get a grip!" Kuzo yelled as he tried to get a response from Akira but to no avail.
Akira felt like a failure he wasn't able to save Ryo fast enough from the Slum King. Because of Akira's inability to save him to get stronger faster his friend Ryo was broken beyond repair. 'My fault… my fault… my fault…' Akira mentally repeated as he just didn't have the will to keep going forward.
Just then a new voice spoke to Akira getting his attention. "Is this all that you are capable of, Akira?" The voice spoke and thus the entire world vanished around Akira revealing the crystal cavern from his dreams. In the reflective surfaces Akira saw a new figure there one he did not recognize, nor could he identify from its silhouette.
"What the?" Akira asked as he stared at the figure.
"You who have challenged foes greater then you. You who have used the power of Mazinger." The figure said glaring down upon Akira. "Is this all that you are capable of are you brough low so easily by such a betrayal?" The figure asked almost accusing Akira with his words.
"I couldn't… I couldn't save him." Akira admitted and thus the figure all but burst out of the crystal to point accusingly at Akira.
"You cannot take punishment for the choices he made!" The figure yelled as he glared down Akira. "He has chosen to walk as a false prophet a usurper to Gods heavenly throne!" The figure added as he glared at Akira. "But if he is so insistent that he shall rise above God then it falls to you and Kaiser to rise as well and surpass the other." The figure said as he glared down the swordsman.
"Who are you?" Akira asked as he looked to the man that stood before him.
"I am an ancient hermit from beyond the boundaries of space and time who has seen that past and foresees the future." The Hermit said making it clear as to who he was. "Rise Akira rise as a true Mazinger Pilot if the false God seeks to surpass such then it falls to you to surpass the Devil." The Hermit said as it was as such. Only God can best the Devil but the same can be said in reverse.
"That's right." Akira said as he had a sudden epiphany. Soon Akira found himself back inside Kaiser's Skull Pilder and knew what was needed.
"Wake up Akira!" Kuzo yelled only to block a punch from Akira. "Heh took you long enough." Kuzo said with a smirk on his face.
"Yeah, I got distracted for a bit." Akira said before sitting back on his chair. "So how come we're not red coral yet?" Akira asked noticing the situation they're in.
"The Magma is melting through it faster they it can reach us think of it as a natural form of the Pillars." Kuzo said as they saw the magma was being changed but the heat was greater in this situation. "It won't last much longer whatever we're going to do we need to do it now." Kuzo said and in turn Akira gave off one of his infamous sadistic smiles.
"You trust me?" Akira asked and thus Kuzo smirked at the question from his partner.
"Hell, the fuck no, Akira." Kuzo said but it was clear he did in fact trust Akira and his plans.
"Good." Akira said and thus he had Kaiser rise back up. "I was born from the near Third Impact that means… a little bit of it had to have latched onto me… right?" Akira said and in turn Kuzo saw where this was going.
"Think you can access it?" Kuzo asked and in turn Akira turned towards the Kaiser gunslinger.
"Going to need your help." Akira said and thus Kuzo was ready for this plan.
"Alright let's do this!" Kuzo roared and thus they were ready to move to battle.
In turn the pair roared out a challenge as Kaiser stood up gaining his second wind. Rising to his feet Kaiser spread his wings and took flight heading skyward like a comet before zooming towards NERV for their journey.
Kaiser began to give masses of energy as it was the same energy from the Near Third Impact. Flying through an aura formed around Kaiser taking the form of a devil seen only in books and mythology, the Demon General Amon.
Once the energy reached critical mass the two pilots were ready for this do or die move. "KAISER! IMPACT!" They both called out and in doing so broke through the dimensional wall with brute force. They began to enter the Anti-Universe with only one goal, finding Ryo and stopping him.
(Back inside of the Anti-Universe)
The two EVA's continued their journey when all of a sudden, they saw Seraph Kaiser appear. "There he is!" Asuka called out only for Seraph Kaiser to vanish. "What?!" Asuka asked shocked by what happened.
What followed was Seraph Kaiser teleporting through the Anti-Universe impossible to get a read on. "He's using Quantum Displacement to teleport around the Anti-Universe he's trying to throw us off." Minerva said as she saw that Ryo was certainly crafty.
"Well, he's a slippery bastard." Asuka said seeing that Ryo was not going to make this easy for him.
"We'll catch him just need to time this right." Shinji said as he and Asuka got ready with Minerva and Rei acting as their eyes and timer to get Ryo and his Seraph Kaiser off guard. "Besides, I have 14 years of experience in the Anti-Universe." Shinji added and thus he acted. The moment Seraph Kaiser reappeared he was suddenly hit by the force of an AT-Field knocking him off guard.
"Asuka move now!" Minerva called out and thus Asuka was on it.
"Already going!" Asuka yelled and thus she charged in and began firing at Seraph Kaiser. Her shots hit home before she landed on him and fired at the mech at point blank range. "You're not going anywhere!" Asuka yelled as Shinji began to move in to also fight.
"Release me you hag." Ryo responded as Seraph Kaiser grabbed Asuka's EVA by its face to move the biomech away. "SPIRAL IMPACT!" Ryo invoked and thus launched his fists into Asuka's midsection sending Unit-02 away from him.
Asuka cried out but was not done. "Respect your elders!" Asuka yelled back and fired her gun off again only for Seraph Kaiser to used his wings as a shield. Once Asuka finished firing Seraph Kaiser's fist returned to him.
"AT CROSS BEAM!" Ryo invoked and fired off Seraph Kaiser's eye beams slicing off the limbs from Asuka's EVA.
Asuka cried out in pain from it as she felt the lost limbs once more. "Asuka!" Shinji cried out and then snarled at the boy and attacked.
"Asuka remember your EVA is awakened in the Anti-Universe a lost limb means nothing." Minerva urged as Shinji went on the attack against Seraph Kaiser and Ryo.
Asuka upon hearing this focused her thoughts on what she wanted. Thus, in response to her own thoughts energy formed around the stumps of her EVA's left arm before the original arm reformed. When this happened, Asuka saw that the pain there was gone before she smirked. Focusing she began to reform both legs and the right arm and as the scrap parts were discarded in favor for the original limbs.
"Oh, hell yeah!" Asuka called out and went on the attack against Seraph Kaiser. "Surprise bitch Unit-02 is back!" Asuka yelled as her EVA then kicked Seraph Kaiser forcing it back.
"Just remember this is a game played by two!" Ryo countered and from there a massive construct rose and in turn separated Shinji and Asuka from Ryo. Ryo saw this and began to fly towards it with both spears seeking something that was hidden away in the Anti-Universe.
"He's trying to keep his distance from us." Minerva reported as she saw what was taking place.
"He's hoping to stall or loose us." Asuka added seeing this plan was clearly last minute for Ryo.
"So don't lose him, understood." Shinji responded and in turn the two EVA's gave chase summoning halo's to aid with the chase. Ryo saw this and with Seraph Kaiser flew away circling the massive construct.
He then used Quantum teleportation to continue to widen the distance from the two EVA's. "Slippery little bastard." Asuka growled as they chased down Ryo.
"So long as he keeps teleporting, we may not be able to apprehend him." Rei added as they needed a new plan to stop Ryo.
Just then a blast was heard from nearby as if reality itself had been punched through. Soon from the distance an azure light twinkled and from it Kaiser appeared covered in that same azure light.
"RYO!" Akira was heard roaring as Kuzo roared in the charge against the enemy Kaiser.
"WHAT?!" Ryo cried out in shock before soon Seraph Kaiser found its neck grabbed by Kaiser. Kaiser then began pushing Seraph towards the massive construct which Shinji and Asuka saw.
"Akira!" Shinji and Asuka called out and proceeded to give chase to the two mechs.
"What the hell is that thing?!" Kuzo asked as the massive structure while fighting Seraph.
"I've been to a lot of places, but this is new." Akira said finding the scene shocking to see.
"This is the Golgotha Object." Ryo spoke as he fought off Kaiser. "Beings not of this Earth left behind their spears, the Adams, and the world of the Gods." Ryo said just as Kaiser's Ganzanto clashed with Seraphs own broadsword. "This is where everything started, and where it will end." Ryo said and in turn they began to grow close to the Golgotha Object Ryo explained. When they entered the entire world shifted around them with a bright flash of light.
(Scene Break an unknown world)
The world shifted to an exact replica of Tokyo-3 the night Sachiel had attacked. But this time the city was empty safe for Unit-01, Unit-02, Kaiser, and Seraph. Only Seraph was still being held by his neck by Kaiser who was proceeding to crush it. With his left hand he reached towards Seraphs right arm to tear the lance from Seraphs hands.
"Give me those spears, Ryo." Akira snarled as he glared down at Ryo.
In turn Ryo growled and knew he had to act fast. "BLAZING DIVINITY!" Ryo invoked and thus Kaiser was forced to let go of Seraph less he took its equivalent to the Inferno Blaster at point blank range. But as Kaiser did so he was shown to have managed to acquire the Lance of Cassius from Seraph Kaiser. It shifted into the form Shinji recognized from the day Kaworu had skewered his EVA during the Near Third Impact.
Soon the sun began to rise as Seraph Kaiser was once more standing now holding the Lance of Longinus. "Alright then, Akira we'll do this the hard way." Ryo said as he glared at Kaiser. "You never could do things the easy way." Ryo added as Kuzo rolled his eyes.
"Trust me at this point I think its genetic." Kuzo said as Akira glared at his ex-friend.
"Its three on one!" Akira called out to Asuka and Shinji who both saw it.
In turn they all charged in with Kaiser holding the Ganzanto and the Lance of Cassius for battle. Going for the attack Ryo smirked and from there the ground opened up revealing Unit-13 on the EVA Catapult. From there the EVA attacked and forced the three to part while targeting Shinji. Shinji cried out in shock when he saw this as he was forced back.
"What how!?" Shinji asked shocked at what he saw.
"Shinji!" Asuka called but before she could move a red blur appeared behind her.
"Look out!" Akira called and acting fast Asuka rolled out of the way and when she looked, she saw Iron Kaiser there.
"What the hell?" Asuka asked as Iron Kaiser and Unit-13 joined up with Seraph.
"How is this possible?" Shinji asked as the odds had just evened out between the sides.
"Of course." Minerva said as she saw what this was. "This is a world of our memories anything we have faced can appear here just as any place we have been to can form here." Minerva said as she saw this would make the battle complicated between all of them.
"There's more." Rei cut in getting the groups attention. Akira and Kuzo were loss now as they did not recognize the girl currently speaking.
"The fuck is this?" Akira asked as he had yet to meet Rei, but Rei kept talking. Clearly introductions can wait as they have bigger concerns here.
"He used the aspects of Iron Kaiser and Unit-13 sealed inside Seraph Kaiser to create these duplicates." Rei said as she looked upon the scene with an analytical eye. "But these are not mere copies they may even be as formidable as the originals." Rei said and thus it was clear what needed to be done.
"Akira… son." Shinji began getting Akira's attention and Kuzo's as well. "Give me the spear of Cassius." Shinji said as he knew he was going to need it to tear through Unit-13's AT-Field.
"Done." Akira said as Kaiser tossed the spear over to Unit-01.
"Ok Kaiser gets to fight his feathered twin, Shinji has his father's EVA, and I got the Psycho Rei clone's pet robot." Asuka said before looking towards Rei. "No offense." Asuka added but Rei waved her off.
"No do not worry I agree with you, Rei Omega was unhinged." Rei said as they focused on their foes.
At the same time Seraph tossed the Lance of Longinus to Unit-13 suspecting it was going to be fighting Unit-01. "Alright… then LET'S HAVE FUN!" Akira roared out and thus both sides charged at each other with Seraph stating atop the building that he was standing on. Kaiser jumped up high and brought the Ganzanto against Seraph and in turn clashed it against his opponents sword creating a shockwave from the clash.
(Meanwhile over in the Wundur)
The Wundur was being attacked from all sides as the crew had managed to get the vessel airborne. The other vessels had joined the fight, but it was a stalemate even with their armies of mechs. Outnumbered and outgunned they can only hold the line until the team inside the Anti-Universe deals with Seraph Kaiser.
To add insult to injury planetary chaos was raging, storms, hail, and fire raining from above it was clearly the end times. "What could Ryo possibly hope to achieve with a Fourth Impact?" Maya wondered aloud as she tried to make sense of it.
"He's already said it." Ritsuko said with a calm tone in her voice. "Gendo created a new Spear for this impact, so he wants to bend reality and fulfill a single wish." Ritsuko said explaining the situation to the crew.
"This was SEELE's plan." Jun said as she walked into the command deck with her hands in her coat pocket. "Ryo simply hijacked it from Gendo who hijacked it from SEELE." Jun added as she stood with the command decks crew. "The only difference is Ryo is choosing the path of genocide." Jun finished off which meant that they were facing a serious threat in the form of Ryo and Seraph.
"Most of mutineers are being loaded into the escape pods." Jun said as she had her androids work to gather the mutineers from around the ship.
"Good whenever we have an opening, ship them to the village so I can deal with them after this is over." Misato said as she had a stern tone in her voice now.
"If we survive, you mean." Ritsuko said as it was starting to look like they may not make it out of this. "Shinji and Asuka just jumped into the Anti-Verse and Kaiser is not too far away, so we're out of reinforcements aside from Mari, whose Eva has taken serious damage already and the allies forces who are currently suffering loses left and right."
The floor and walls shook. Misato wasted no time and sprang on the main deck right after the wagon gates opened. "I refuse to lay on my belly and surrender, and so should all of you," Misato yelled which got the present members to nod, with some screaming out their agreement. "There's still energy left in the engines, and we have a functional Adam spinal column and core! Shinji's out there fighting for us! Let's give him a hand!" Misato said as she refused to let Shinji fight alone this time.
"Aye!" The crew responded as Maya and Ritsuko nodded and assumed battle stations along with the rest. Uncountable EVA's continued to slam against the ship's damaged shields, Wanderers flew through the air like rag dolls and congregated in the sizzling form of a gargantuan Lilith. The enemy ships morphed alongside the Second Angel. Despair riddled the air but was ignored by both captain and crew.
(Meanwhile Asuka vs Iron Kaiser)
Asuka roared out as she pulled out her twin daggers and proceeded to clash it with Iron Kaiser's spear. Asuka knew the weapons that Iron Kaiser was packing and knew the signs of which one was in use. So, as she fought Asuka jumped back and in turn Iron Kaiser brought out his gatling guns and opened fire with them.
Seeing this Asuka acted and had her EVA dash across the area to avoid being riddled with bullets from the mech. Once she had cover Asuka waited before the gunfire stopped. She then jumped over and clashed against Iron Kaiser's spear before jumping back to get a little distance here.
Iron Kaiser then zoomed towards Asuka reminding her that this mech had superior speed thanks to the robots Gravity Core. Asuka was hit by the mech several times causing her pain before it jumped back and sent out the energy tendrils from its horns to toss Asuka through the city. When Asuka rolled through, she saw the buildings were being tossed aside showing they were similar to ones you would find in an old kaiju movie from before the impacts.
But before she could think of it more Asuka had to move when Iron Kaiser came at her with its spear. She rolled out of the way and then sliced into its leg taking first blood from the gravity mech.
"If my kid can beat you so can I." Asuka boasted as she glared at the mech. "Only I can do it with more elegantly." Asuka added and in turn charged in to attack again.
(Meanwhile with Unit-01 vs Unit-13)
Unit-13 charged at Unit-01 with the Spear of Longinus pointed forward. Shinji was ready for this as once Unit-13 got close they began to fight with the spears with Shinji deflecting the strikes from Longinus. After a few strikes from Unit-13 the Lance of Cassius was caught in one of the gaps of the Longinus and using this Unit-13 proceeded to toss Unit-01 aside.
Shinji cried out as his EVA rolled through the fake buildings pushing them aside before stopping. "Careful Shinji, in all the realities where EVA exists these spears can pierce through the AT-Field without fail." Minerva warned as she knew that the Longinus had killed Ariel in many realities where Evangelion exists.
"Look out!" Rei called and thus Shinji saw Unit-13 was on top of them now. Acting fast Shinji had his EVA roll out of the way and got on his knees. Unit-13 tried to stab at Shinji again, but he put his AT-Field up and used the brief before Longinus can pierce the field to dodge and grab the lance. Getting back up Shinji attempted to skewer Unit-13 with Cassius only for Unit-13 to catch the spear avoiding any harm.
The two began to struggle against each other until Unit-13 proceeded to throw Unit-01 across the city again. The buildings were knocked down or crushed as Unit-01 rolled until it hit something. It was a massive backdrop showing that this wasn't just similar to a movie set it was a movie set. Unit-01 laid against the backdrop for a moment as Unit-13 glared down Shinji. Shinji growled to this and began to get back up ready to keep fighting in order to stop Ryo's plans.
(Meanwhile with Skull vs Seraph)
Akira roared out as he swung the Ganzanto down on Ryo who avoided it with Seraph Kaiser's wings. When Kaiser's Ganzanto slammed into the ground it created a shockwave blasting away the buildings around him. Seraph landed not too far away and then charged at Kaiser with his own sword. The two clashed their blades as each clash created a small shockwave with both mechs attempting to overpower the other. Kaiser then kicked Seraph knocking him back and began swinging at Seraph. Seraph did his best to block the wild strikes but was being pushed back until he hit the backdrop.
With Seraph Kaiser cornered Akira roared out to try and finish this fight now. But then when the blades clashed Seraph held his ground causing Ryo to smirk. Thus, using his Spiral Impact, he forced Kaiser back and then pull rushed him knocking Kaiser down to the ground.
With a roar Ryo unleashed the AT Cross Beam and in response Akira used the Photon Power Beam. The two beams clashed and when that happened Seraph was forced off of Kaiser who got back up. Seraph's arms returned to him as Akira and Kuzo growled at their foe in Seraphs Kaiser and its pilot Ryo.
Kaiser, Shinji, and Asuka glared at Seraph, Unit-13, and Iron Kaiser as they knew that this battle could not risk continuing without end. More so when they knew Armaros could be here at any moment. So, with a roar of challenge, they clashed once more attempting to keep fighting just as the scene around them began to chance once more.
Thye soon found themselves in what appeared to be Misato's old apartment from Tokyo-3. Asuka was facing Iron Kaiser in her room, Akira and Kuzo were facing Ryo in the hall, and Shinji was facing Unit-13 in the dining room.
Kuzo was in control as Kaiser had the Breast Triggers drawn while Seraph had his own guns drawn as well. The two began to open fire on each other tearing the halls apart with the gunshots from their respective weapons.
Over in Asuka's room her Unit-2 and Iron Kaiser were now in a full-on brawl as their fight tore the room apart knocking down shelves and whatnot. The carried out their fight trying to get the upper hand before Iron Kaiser speed behind Asuka's EVA and brought it into a chokehold. Asuka began to struggle to get the mech off of her as the synch with her EVA restricted her own ability to breath properly.
At the same time Shinji and Unit-13 clashed as the table and all the empty beer cans on it were knocked over. They clashed with such force and speed it was hard to tell who was winning. In the hall Kaiser and Seraph were seen as they clashed after switching the grips of their guns in favor of melee combat. They spun around slicing up the walls as they tried to get the upper hand on the other before switching out on their grips and having their guns pointed at each other barrel to barrel. They pulled the triggers and sent each other flying back to the point they broke through the walls into an open studio set.
Back in her old room Asuka growled and then pushed back to slam Iron Kaiser against the walls and shelves. She did this for a bit until Iron Kaiser's grip lessened and thus Asuka had her EVA reach behind and grab the mech. She then threw Iron Kaiser off and saw him on the ground. With a ferocious roar Asuka grabbed Iron Kaiser by the face and slammed him through the door and out the hall sending him outside into the now destroyed bathroom.
Asuka glared at the hole where the bathroom door used to be. But then all of a sudden Iron Kaiser charged out of the wrecked bathroom towards Asuka. The gravity mech then slammed into Asuka sending her out the hole Kaiser made fighting Seraph. As Iron Kaiser stood there his face was cracked showing that Asuka did more damage than she initially thought.
Shinji was still fighting Unit-13 as the two continued their fight until Unit-13 gained the upper hand and knocked Shinji and his EVA out of the EVA sized movie set. Kuzo acted fast when Unit-13, Iron Kaiser, and Seraph came to the hole that was made and fired the Breast Trigger as Unit-13 taking out a part of his armor with it.
"Bullseye." Kuzo said and soon Unit-13 turned his head to face them as Iron Kaiser stepped forward. Asuka saw Iron Kaiser's faceplate was breaking apart revealing something underneath it. To Shinji and Asuka's shock they were surprised to find what was under the mechs armor. Unit-13 showed to have a part of Gendo Ikari's face under the helmet while Iron Kaiser showed Asuka's own face mirroring hers from the mech.
"Surprised?" Ryo asked as the armor began to reform around the faces of the duplicates. "In this realm of memories, I summoned forth these foes of your past the traumas and despairs they begot in both of you." Ryo said referring to Shinji and Asuka.
"So, what, just fucking DIE!" Akira roared and in turn Kaiser charged in with the two EVA units. Seraph charged in with Iron Kaiser and Unit-13 refusing to surrender here. When they clashed again the group parted from each other.
(Over with Shinji vs Unit-13)
What followed was each of them going through a cycle of scene that they could not rationalize beyond simple memories. For Shinji he was in his old school, Rei's old apartment, the Geofront before Third Impact, and finally the fields of Village 3.
"His moves match all of my own." Shinji growled as Minerva saw this.
"Because Unit-01 and Unit-13 are perfect counterparts to each other. Whatever your EVA can do Unit-13 can do as well." Minerva said after taking time to think this through. They clashed again and soon found themselves at a lake outside Tokyo-3 from long ago.
"You will not stop me." Gendo was suddenly heard from Unit-13. Shinji looked and saw that Unit-13 was continuing his attack. "I will regain control of this EVA and if I must go through you to do so, then so be it." Gendo spoke revealing that he was still alive in there, somehow.
"Father." Shinji voiced knowing Gendo still would not give up his goals. Unit-13 charged and began thrusting his Spear towards Shinji attempting to take him down and reach his goal after eliminating Ryo and his Seraph Kaiser.
"He's attempting to forcibly re-establish control of Unit-13 from within this space." Minerva said but it seems Gendo had heard her.
"So, you are the interloper the one from beyond this realm." Gendo said as he sensed Minerva.
"Yes, Gendo Ikari you and I have crossed paths several times in the past and every time we have you and I have been on opposing sides." Minerva said as she glared at Gendo. "I will only ask you once that you lay down your arms before a more powerful force arrives to destroy us all." Minerva said hoping to appease to Gendo somehow.
"If that is the case then as long as I have Yui then this threat can do with the world as it wishes." Gendo said not caring that Armaros will destroy this reality. Shinji heard this and with a growl continued the attack on his father.
(With Asuka vs the Iron Kaiser)
For Asuka, the places she found herself against her foe varied from Shinji. First, she found herself in Germany, Berlin-2 to be exact. She and Iron Kaiser clashed, and she found herself in Tokyo-3 the day she arrived and met Shinji. Again, they clashed and again the scene changed to the site of the Unit-03 incident where Bardiel had latched onto her and where Unit-01 had torn the EVA apart with her inside of it.
"It's ironic how you try to lie to yourself!" the other Asuka said as she grinned at her foe. The two kept fighting as blades clashed and bullets flew. "Try, try, and try as much as you want but you'll never be able to be anything else!" The Asuka operating Iron Kaiser called out forcing the Asuka in EVA Unit-02 to back pedal.
"Shut up!" Asuka snapped as she kicked the foe only for said enemy to vanish in a blur of crimson red.
"Once a weapon of war always a weapon of war." The Iron Kaiser Pilot went on as she zoomed around the area to get the upper hand. "You think you can ever live a normal life? Live as a normal girl? Have a child have a family?" She went on as Asuka gritted her teeth against her foe taunting her. "Face it you may not be a clone, but you are still the weapon NERV and WILLE forged a weapon that will be put down like a mad dog!" She went and thus attacked only for Unit-02 to block the attack with her daggers.
"I said shut up!" Asuka yelled and in turn kicked her double and the Iron Kaiser back. "I am ME and I don't need some fucking knock off trying to tell me otherwise!" Asuka yelled and charged into battle against her double. Letting out a roar the two charged and continued on with their clash of titans.
(With Kaiser vs Seraph Kaiser)
Akira and Kuzo roared as they charged at Ryo and his Seraph Kaiser. The two mechs much like the EVA units and their opponents were being dragged through several places from the pilots shared memories. For Akira and Ryo that was a great many places from ruined cites to mass graves from humanities cruel nature.
From Kiba's old fortress to the Slum Kings Fortress each clash caused a new area to form between the two mechs. "Why can't you see the truth Akira?!" Ryo demanded as he and his Seraph Kaiser continued battling against Kaiser. But the Skull Mech refused to yield as did his nemesis in this winged mech.
"Maybe because the truth isn't what you think it is!" Akira countered as the two clashed blades with each other. "Everyone will stand against you rather than agree with your genocide route!" Akira called out and in turn the two fighters parted from each other.
"You never were able to see the bigger picture, Akira!" Ryo responded as he glared at Akira. Seraph then pulled out his guns and pointed them at Kaiser. Kaiser in response had his Breast Triggers ready showing that it was Kuzo in control once more. "The sheep can never understand that they are beyond reason or forgiveness they need a superior mind with a steel iron will to guide them!" Ryo retorted as Kuzo glared at Seraph Kaiser.
"Well, I speak for everyone when I say that we kindly disagree with your opinion." Kuzo said and in turn he opened fire on the madman. Ryo and Seraph Kaiser returned fire and thus they began a gunfight between each other again.
(Back with Shinji vs Gendo)
Meanwhile Shinji and the slowly returning Gendo were still duking it out. "You claimed to understand me yet why do, you stand against me!?" Gendo asked as he saw Shinji was a liar to his father.
"It's because I understand you that I need to stop you!" Shinji yelled as they clashed the spears once more. "You never loved anything or anyone not even yourself!" Shinji countered as they clashed and were now in Village-3. "You were like this because you grew up without love so when mother appeared for you it was the first time you've ever felt loved!" Shinji went on as they kept their clash going.
Gendo growled the two spears were struggling against the other. Gendo then kicked his son and forced Shinji to roll back and glare at his father. "But was that really love, father?" Shinji suddenly asked and thus this got Gendo to pause. "Father, you need to let her go." Shinji urged and those words alone triggered Gendo.
"I will never let her go!" Gendo yelled back and charged at Shinji and attacked him. "You still do not understand!" He yelled as they clashed once more before Shinji was sent flying back again.
"No father you're the one who doesn't understand." Shinji countered as he glared at Gendo.
"Your powers are meaningless here." Gendo said as Unit-13 stabbed the Longinus to the ground just before Unit-01 charged at him with a mighty roar. Gendo blocked the attack and in turn Unit-13 grabbed Unit-01 by the neck. "Violence and fear are not the criteria in which our conflict can be Resolved!" He roared just before he threw Shinji and his Eva back.
When Unit-01 landed Minerva growled as she saw that they were at a disadvantage. "With the battlefield constantly changing we can't get proper footing against this man." Minerva said as she was calculating the best path to attain victory against Gendo Ikari.
"Wait what if we switch it with a memory he has never seen?" Rei offered as Minerva thought about it.
"If may allow us to regroup." Minerva said as they needed aid against this EVA. "I know just the place." Minerva said and thus she leaned over Shinji and held the controls of the EVA. Shinji allowed it as he trusted Minerva to get them out of this stalemate, they were in.
Gendo waited for Unit-01 and his son to make their move expecting for them to put down the spear. Instead, they grabbed said spear and charged at Gendo once more much to his ire.
"I already told you might will not solve this dispute!" Gendo yelled as he saw Shinji come at him. But then Unit-01 dodged his attempt to block and jumped over Unit-13 much to his shock. Swinging the Cassius at Gendo he was forced to grab the Lance of Longinus and clash with Unit-01 again. The result was the entire area shifting to a new place entirely.
Once they had the chance to regain their footing, they found themselves near Mt. Fuji as Kaiser, Seraph, Iron Kaiser, and Unit-02 reappeared around them having their own clash. "What is this?" Gendo asked as he had never seen this laboratory before. Near their position was a facility that seemed to come with a large pool near the building.
"The Photon Power Lab." Minerva revealed as Gendo realized that she had been controlling Unit-01 in that brief instant. "This is my birthplace and the birthplace of all Mazingers even if they were constructed elsewhere, they can trace their origins back to this place." Minerva revealed as they now stood outside the Photon Power Lab.
"Such a place does not exist." Gendo said but Minerva smirked.
"Perhaps not in your memories but it certainly does in mine." Minerva quipped with a smirk towards Gendo. "Shinji, Asuka, Kaiser we need to change tactics if we are to defeat them before Armaros can descend." Minerva said making it clear they were running out of time.
"Got it." Akira said as he already knew who to target.
"You will not forestall fate!" Ryo called out only to dodge the Ganzanto when it suddenly was thrown at him. When Ryo got ready for a second attack, he saw Kaiser running towards Unit-13 and Unit-01.
"Hey old man tag out!" Akira called out to Shinji as Kuzo smirked when Kaiser grabbed the Lance of Cassius and went after Unit-13 which shocked Gendo. Using momentum Kaiser swung and threw Unit-01 over to Iron Kaiser who was blindsided by the attack from behind.
"Get off of me you brat!" Asuka's double snapped as she tried to force Unit-01 off Iron Kaiser.
"You may look and sound like Asuka but you're not MY Asuka!" Shinji called out as he then used momentum to slam Iron Kaiser into the ground. She then used the Gravity Engine to forced Unit-01 off of her before firing a barrage of rockets upon the EVA Unit. But instead of hitting Shinji the Asuka fake was wide eyed when she saw that Shinji deployed his AT-Field and then with a roar charged in once more.
Seraph Kaiser saw what was going on and knew he had to stop this. But before he could he heard Asuka roar and then to his shock saw the Ganzanto coming at him. Ryo was forced to dodge the attack as Unit-02 was now wielding Kaiser's sword Ganzanto. "Damn I can see why you like swinging this thing around." Asuka said as she saw the amount of force the sword used during the swing. "Now you made my son upset and made my future daughter-in-law cry… prepare to die you brat." Asuka growled holding the Ganzanto towards Seraph.
"That is no way to speak to the savior of this world!" Ryo roared and thus the two began to duke it out. Asuka was not planning to win this just stall so her boys can finish off their own opponent.
(Shinji vs the Iron Kaiser)
Iron Kaiser fired off rockets at Unit-01 attempting to stop the EVA. But Shinji dodged them and used his AT-Field to max use. The Asuka double followed up by launching her EVA's fists at Shinji who stopped and caught the fists with a show of force. He then roared out and threw those arms aside and went after the double.
Thankfully, the Iron Kaiser's pilot got those arms to return and in doing so released gunfire from her arms. Shinji responded to this by deploying his AT-Field as he got closer to his foe. Shinji then bashed into her with a headbutt before kneeing her in the chest. Iron Kaiser stumbled back only for Asuka's double to find herself face-to-face with Unit-01.
Acting fast the Asuka double launched the Pilder from Iron Kaiser to attack Unit-01. But instead, Shinji grabbed the pilder and held it in place as he looked directly into it seeing the other Asuka. "For all its worth… I'm sorry for everything and I don't see you as a weapon." Shinji admitted as the double looked shocked by this. "Now please… come back." Shinji said and in turn the Asuka double smiled bitterly.
"Damn brat… I never left." She said and soon Iron Kaiser fell to his knees as both him and the pilder vanished taking the other Asuka with it. Shinji then took a deep breath and calmly released it before he focused on the battle.
(With Kaiser vs Unit-13)
Kaiser charged at Unit-13 with the Cassius as Gendo was caught off guard by this. Kaiser and Unit-13 had no bond like Unit-01 had with Unit-13 which put him at a severe disadvantage against Kaiser. More so with no AT-Field Akira and Kuzo had nothing to fear from the Cassius. So now Unit-13 was being pushed back as Kaiser spung the Spear of Cassius as like one trained in the use of a bow staff. Gendo hated to admit it, but his only form of formal combat training came from street brawls and Kaiser's pilot may unknowingly be exploiting this.
Gendo was being pushed as Kuzo and Akira both grinned at their approaching victory over the man who caused the hell on Earth they endured. Soon Gendo managed to block an attack from the Cassius only to have the EVA's face grabbed by Kaiser before being slammed into the ground. Kaiser then grabbed Unit-13 by his feet and threw him across the ground where he rolled and hit the mountain.
"Not so tough without a crutch are you." Akira taunted as Kaiser approached the EVA. Kaiser then grabbed the EVA and flipped him over his shoulder and then pinned him down to the ground. Kaiser then stabbed his hands into Unit-13 causing Gendo's eyes to widen in pain before Kaiser began to tear out Unit-13's innards. As the EVA's innards were brutally torn out Gendo noted that this was near similar to what Unit-01 did to Asuka and Unit-03. Once that was done Kaiser made got ready for the next part of its brutality. Rearing back his fist Gendo felt the EVA being met by Kaiser's Super Alloy Z fist before the left one replaced it and followed by the right fist again. Kaiser was beating the EVA with his bare fists as Akira glared down at the foe.
Gendo Ikari the guy who helped Slum King become the tyrant he was. Gendo Ikari the man who helped the warlords to ruin his life and destroy his friends. Gendo Ikari who's indirect actions caused Miki her limbs and Ryo his sanity. Akira was unleashing it all on the man who destroyed the world and any hope of a bright future for himself and his friends.
"Akira." Kuzo began as he saw Akira pushing down on the controls of Kaiser. Each push on the handles and Kaiser sent another punch into Unit-13's skull. "Hey Akira cool you jets!" Kuzo called out seeing that his partner and friend was losing himself to his rage. The steel on the EVA's head was already cracking and denting from the constant force of Kaiser's punches. Akira's eyes were flashing with memories of all of the suffering he endured years ago. The fire that made him, Miki, and Ryo homeless. The loss of Ryo and Miki when Slum Kings forces took them. Nearly starving in Death Stars Prison before meeting Jack.
It all lead to one part that Akira had to accept one that he had repressed for all these years. That was the boy who was still crying out to the world that burned around him to validate his existence.
Kaiser kept going as Akira's eyes began to give off a red glow as did the red streaks of his hair. Pain, suffering, rage, fear, and despair all swirled within him. But amongst all of those feelings loathing was at the top of them all. Blood spewed out from the continued assault as Kaiser's fists and face were being stained by EVA Unit-13's blood as his fists were crushing the units skull. Akira was blinded by a berserker like rage as he kept up the assault not caring for anyone around him save for brutally hurting Gendo Ikari without mercy.
Where did this rage come from? Akira wasn't sure but he did know that Gendo Ikari would die this day. So, with his fury unleashed Akira kept beating Unit-13 using his own robots fists to be the instruments of fury. Soon enough Kaiser began to slow down as Unit-13 laid there unmoving as its head had been caved in by Kaiser as he unleashed himself. Akira glared down at Unit-13 and Gendo as he got ready to finally end the man once and for all. Gendo meanwhile just laid there hurting as his grandson had unleashed years of his pent-up fury in one fatal go.
Then with a final roar Akira brought Kaiser's fist down upon Gendo Ikari ready to end him and his madness. But before the first could connect the arm was grabbed by another. Akira glared at the source ready to give it to the only to see that it was Unit-01. The EVA then forced the arm down and brought Kaiser into a hug surprising Akira as Kuzo saw this happen. The EVA hugging Kaiser was not meant for Kuzo or Kaiser but for Akira himself.
For a brief moment the scene between Unit-01 and Kaiser was not the two mechs. Instead, it was Shinji Ikari hugging the crying Akira as Shinji looked to be about eighteen in the scene and Akira was clearly 4 years old in this tender scene.
"It's ok, Akira… just let it all out, son." Shinji said as Akira stood there in shock as he wasn't sure where the shock had even come from. "Just let all of that rage go." Shinji soothed trying to get Akira to release his fury. This was Shinji chance to finally do what Gendo could never do, break the cycle.
Unit-13 and by extension Gendo Ikari was made to watch this scene. Through Gendo's eyes he saw two different variants of this touching moment. He saw his son comforting Akira who was crying much like Shinji did at the train station he left him all those years ago. Another version he saw Yui comforting her grandson assuring him that everything was going to be ok. It was a view that reminded Gendo what he gave up all those years ago. But it was within his reach, Yui his Yui was so close, yet he could barely move to reach her.
Kuzo simply sat there with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face. Normally he'd have given Akira crap about this but this time, Kuzo let it be. It's only fair that a father be there to comfort his son and east his traumas. It was clear that in this moment this one brief moment despite the battle to stop the end of the world the cycle was broken.
(Meanwhile with Asuka vs Seraph)
Asuka and her EVA were knocked back by Seraph Kaiser as the Ganzanto tumbled out of her hands. Rolling on the ground Asuka hissed in pain before she saw Seraph Kaiser standing over her EVA. She was wide eyed as she saw him raise his broadsword to finally end this conflict.
But just as he was about to bring it down, he cried out in pain as the Lance of Longinus was lodged into his back. Looking to the source Ryo was wide eyed when he saw Kaiser charging at him with his fists reared back. Ryo was unable to react in time as he was punched by Kaiser in the face. Seraph Kaiser stumbled back only to be tackled by Unit-01 causing the two to roll across the ground the Lance of Longinus freed from Seraph Kaiser's body.
Kaiser charged in and just as Seraph was about to spread his wings and take flight. Grabbing the wings Kaiser stomped his foot on Seraph Kaisers back before proceeding to pull. Akira and Kuzo roared out as Kaiser then tore off Seraph Kaiser's wings causing Ryo to cry out from the pain.
Seraph Kaiser stumbled back only for Asuka to roar and hit Seraph Kaiser with a kick. Shinji followed it up by bashing Seraph Kaiser with the shaft of the Lance of Cassius. This left Asuka the chance as she grabbed Seraph Kaiser's left arm and Shinji grabbed the right. With their EVA's strength they pushed Seraph Kaiser into the side of the Photon Power Lab. The two EVA's then let him go as Seraph Kaiser spun and got back up. But before he could attack Akira roared and with Kaiser stabbed into Seraph Kaiser with the Ganzanto.
Ryo cried out a shriek of pain as Kaiser's sword stabbed deeper into the hybrid of EVA and Mazinger. Kaiser wasn't done still as he then began to punch into Seraph Kaiser's face. After a few powerful punches Kaiser proceeded to grab Seraph Kaiser's neck with his left hand. Then with his right hand prepared to end this.
"GIVE ME THAT CORE!" Akira roared and in turn proceeded to stab his mechs right hand into Ryo's mechs chest. Then with a mighty roar Kaiser proceeded to tear out Seraph Kaiser's core in a most brutal of fashions. When he did that, the skull mech then turned around held the core up like a savage warrior and let loose a mighty billow of victory.
Ryo was wide eyed by this as without the core his mech was as good as dead. Without that core the mech could not sustain itself in a stable fashion. "Akira…" Ryo cried and thus his mech proceeded to explode in a massive cross killing Ryo and sending both mech and pilot straight to hell.
As the explosion died down Kaiser walked out with the Ganzanto held over his right shoulder and the core held in his left hand. Kaiser held the core in his hand for a moment as Akira looked down upon it. "Goodbye… Ryo." Akira said and in turn crushed the core in his hand and with it his last link to who Ryo used to be.
"We did it… it's over." Asuka said but Minerva felt this wasn't over yet.
"If that is true…, why are we still in the Anti-Universe?" Rei asked as they should have been expelled from it. Yet there were still inside the Anti-Universe, so this begged to question. What is wrong?
Just then Minerva's sensors went into high gear as she detected massive dimensional distortions beyond that of the Anti-Universe. "No!" Minerva gasped as Shinji heard her.
"What's wrong?" Shinji asked his voice saturated with concern.
"We're too late." Minerva said and in turn the sky above them blasted open much like the Near Third Impact and the Near Fourth Impact. "Armaros is descending." Minerva revealed just before the Lance of Cassius and the Lance of Longinus flew from the ground to the sky above them. The lances were soon seen orbiting a familiar black giant that Shinji, Asuka, Akira, and Kuzo had all recognized instantly.
Armaros the black giant, the guardian of Instrumentality, and most of all one of the three Supreme Demon Gods of the multiverse. As he descended down upon the ground his feet made contact the ground around him shook like a micro earthquake. Shinji and Asuka stood against Armaros in their EVA's while Akira and Kuzo were ready with Kaiser's might.
One thing was certain this would be the battle of all of their lives.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we are Chapter 23 down to the last two chapters at most. I hope you all enjoyed this journey as we finally reach the climax. Be sure to leave a review before leaving and as always, ja-ne.
