Raiseth
I Find Your Lack of Memes Disturbing
- Location
- Russia
... Okay. Looking forward to it.
... We're in the first fucking fourth of the story...
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Going forward, links to content from Twitter (now X) will no longer be embedded. Pre-existing links should not be affected.
(AU) Evangelion: Sovereignty
- Thread starter Lord Sovereign
- Start date
... Okay. Looking forward to it.
... We're in the first fucking fourth of the story...
- Location
- Can't read map
If underlined part is truth, was he always like that or he changed opinions some years ago? Because if he had it from time he got just recruited, why would rise high in ranks?
Rabdim guess, maybe such thinking it leads him to thinking of his dead wife?
IIRC her soul might be split into pieces. There is some part in Shinji's EVA, then there are all Rei clones, possibly Rei's EVA unit, too. What was her involvement in EVA and Seraph research, beside as being used as part of EVA?
Or thinking too much of seraphs and science behind them makes him doubt his plans for some reason?
-----
Because if he isn't just being obstructive because "You don't have high clerance, need to know, you are not in conspiracy, to keep you away from finding out Instrumentality plan and stopping it, etc,
WHY would he tell nothing to even Grand High Marshal of the British Empire, to say nothing of his employers like pilots and officers? Any other ideas?
- Location
- Huezil
I'm actually really interested on what is coming next, because everything seems to me like "calm before the storm" and that revelation of the archaeological site with actual proof that the Seraphim have been before on earth spreading around the underlings of Nerv (first ritsuko, them misato, them the pilots) will fuck up the children, specially Shinji. Because i'm sure that he would refuse to kill a sentient being on the grounds of "moral high" ground.
Another thing is that i really like you showing the cogs and the oiling of the machine called nerv making things around, as they go from "nothing to do" to "hell breaking lose".
Sometimes i don't comment because i see things are good so i prefer to stay silent than to try to construct a argument that would go
"Nice chapter, good work, where's the next one"
Another thing is that i really like you showing the cogs and the oiling of the machine called nerv making things around, as they go from "nothing to do" to "hell breaking lose".
Sometimes i don't comment because i see things are good so i prefer to stay silent than to try to construct a argument that would go
"Nice chapter, good work, where's the next one"
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
My chums, I come bearing gifts. Very late Christmas gifts. Alas, nought to do with Sovereignty, but something...new...
I have started posting two brand new fics (put them up yesterday) and just in case you might like them, I'm putting up some links and summaries. Fear not, work on Sovereignty has not stopped, nor will it until completion. (whenever the fuck that is) Well, here they are, enjoy!
Traveller's Light:
Guardians: immortal warriors called back from the dead by the godlike Traveller to protect what is left of Humanity from the enemies that surround its Last City. Their newest inductee is Dimitri Mendevev, a young man slain whilst trying to protect his parents during the Collapse of legend. This is his tale, as he tries to find a place for himself in this new and dangerous world.
Evangelion: Mala Tempora Currunt:
Post 3.0. With the triggering of Fourth Impact, the NERV Empire stands poised to complete its conquest of the world. Used by his father, mislead and confused by those who were once his friends, Shinji Ikari finds himself in a world ravaged by ten years of war. In this age of fire and blood, he must not only find the will to live, but simply survive.
Tl:dr, Sovvy-chan is trying to salvage anything of value from the two narrative dumpster fires of Bungie's Destiny, and Hideaki Anno's Eva 3.0. Whether or not your glorious Emperor succeeds however...is another matter entirely...
I have started posting two brand new fics (put them up yesterday) and just in case you might like them, I'm putting up some links and summaries. Fear not, work on Sovereignty has not stopped, nor will it until completion. (whenever the fuck that is) Well, here they are, enjoy!
Traveller's Light:
Guardians: immortal warriors called back from the dead by the godlike Traveller to protect what is left of Humanity from the enemies that surround its Last City. Their newest inductee is Dimitri Mendevev, a young man slain whilst trying to protect his parents during the Collapse of legend. This is his tale, as he tries to find a place for himself in this new and dangerous world.
Evangelion: Mala Tempora Currunt:
Post 3.0. With the triggering of Fourth Impact, the NERV Empire stands poised to complete its conquest of the world. Used by his father, mislead and confused by those who were once his friends, Shinji Ikari finds himself in a world ravaged by ten years of war. In this age of fire and blood, he must not only find the will to live, but simply survive.
Tl:dr, Sovvy-chan is trying to salvage anything of value from the two narrative dumpster fires of Bungie's Destiny, and Hideaki Anno's Eva 3.0. Whether or not your glorious Emperor succeeds however...is another matter entirely...
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
I believe you are all owed an explanation as to why I haven't posted in a long fucking time. The reasons are manifold.
As you likely know I have been working on two other stories, but that isn't reason enough on its own. You may also be aware that I'm at University and the workload for the past month has been annoyingly large (great idea Uni, dump most of my assignments this side of the summer holidays within the gap of less than a month...)
So, in short, my humblest apologies. This story is not getting abandoned, you have my word on that. An update should be coming along in the foreseeable future so hang tight my chums.
As you likely know I have been working on two other stories, but that isn't reason enough on its own. You may also be aware that I'm at University and the workload for the past month has been annoyingly large (great idea Uni, dump most of my assignments this side of the summer holidays within the gap of less than a month...)
So, in short, my humblest apologies. This story is not getting abandoned, you have my word on that. An update should be coming along in the foreseeable future so hang tight my chums.
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Good news everyone! I've got all my current University assignments sorted out, so I will be spending the next few weeks totally free from those accursed essays. I have a chapter completed for this, I just need to have it properly proofread and edited so an update will be coming really quite soon.
Thanks for sticking with me.
Thanks for sticking with me.
Chapter 13.1
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Well, I said I'd be updating soon!
Thursday the 10th of August, 9:30am, Challenger Deep
No mortal could see within this darkness nor survive such deep depths. Sahaquiel, however, last born of Yesod, was a Divine. To a Lord among demi-gods such conditions were paltry, lethal only to the weak and feeble.
The Divine was a large man, made so by fat instead of muscle. He was something of a glutton who enjoyed the pleasures of taste and chewing more so than the combat his brethren craved. Let other lunatics drink the blood of their enemies from harvested skulls, he would have roast meat fresh off the bone and a flagon of mead to wash it all down. With that, a roaring fire and tales to tell, what more could anyone ask for?
If one were to take away his double chin and bulging belly, Sahaquiel would be the spitting image of Rogziel. Though his plate armour was a more traditional polished steel instead of the famous red his elder brother had worn, it was the same type. All his siblings who shared his father had something unique about their taste in clothing, their individuality being encouraged by their lost mother and adoptive father.
Sachiel valued his protection but not enough to impede sword play, therefore his plate was lacking. Chain mail over gambeson with cape discarded was his preferred attire for war, anything more he'd consider extravagant.
Shamshel liked having his arms free, to slash with reckless abandon. Yet his armour was the same red as Rogziel's, indicative of the two's furious nature even by the standards of their warlike race.
Ramiel had worn no plate, mail, or gambeson, often declaring that it would "weigh her down." A crystal blue cape, always adorning her shoulders, was the most protection the swift huntress possessed.
On important occasions, Gaghiel would don the standard armour and cream cape. However, he would wear his tunic any chance he could get. As one so fond of the water, Gaghiel preferred as few barriers between it and him as possible.
Israfel and Isrefael had covered their full sets of armour in green paint, the same colour as that of the Royal army. It was a symbol of how they fought side by side with both each other and the common soldier. Their only distinguishing factor was their beautiful, flowing white capes.
Rogziel, however… he found comfort in his armour, wearing it as though it was a second skin. It was expected of a man who favoured martial prowess above all else.
Sahaquiel's own cape was a beauteous gold, made of the finest materials possible. He would settle for nothing less. Alas, the Vooren would not be able to appreciate its splendour. By dusk, Gods willing, they would be crushed before him, unable to revel in its intricacies.
Memories of old feasts, hunts, fights and laughter made his blood boil and his great heart heavy. Such treasured thoughts brought both joy and pain in equal measure.
Oh my brothers…my sister…how I miss you. He frowned. The hall of his father felt darker and less merry by the day.
The large Divine went down on one knee, bracing himself for the sudden rush as he'd push upwards. Channelling his wall of light behind him to build up pressure, feeling the energy of his forebears coursing through his mighty veins, Sahaquiel the Eclipse shot to the surface.
10:00am, NERV Central
"Am I ever going to have time?" Ritsuko wondered aloud. Rubbing her forehead, she slowly set her eyes upon that damnable paperwork on her desk. It was a bureaucratic parasite, draining her and never going away.
Such was the hand dealt to all pencil pushers. Even black holes paled in comparison to requisition forms.
Once upon a time, she had extra space and extra hands to help with the workload. Then, she left Gendo and decided to move to a workplace far removed from the man.
The cost? No extra hands to help with work. Every once in a while, Ritsuko wondered if her newfound workload was Gendo's way of getting revenge.
At least I was able to bring the coffee machine with me. Her lips pressed into a smile.
Her thoughts returned to a more pressing matter: traveling to Norway sooner or later. Having someone with her would draw less eyes, but who? Who would travel such a distance with her, at her request?
This was no short trip; this was of transcontinental proportions, not to mention the fact that the location in question was an Imperial province.
A light tapping on her office door brought the Sub Commander out of her moment of thought. Ritsuko gently lifted her head, her eyebrows knitting together. They relaxed when her mind remembered only one person knocked on her door that way.
"Come in, Ayanami-san." She beckoned her visitor in. The door slid open and Rei Ayanami entered.
Ritsuko placed all her attention upon the ethereal girl who'd become a not so small part of her life. In spite of knowing that Rei was in NERV Central today for medical matters, a visit from her was low on the list of what she expected.
"Sub Commander Akagi." Rei nodded politely. A little part of the faux blonde felt slight disappointment, hearing from Section-2 that the clone was starting to use honorifics with those around her. Doubtlessly, this had been inspired and encouraged by one Shinji Ikari, the Commander's son. Ritsuko could only presume him to be of great moral fibre and goodness, a polar opposite to his father in nearly every way.
It's just a shame…she'll probably never use them with me…
"What can I do for you?" She leaned forward earnestly.
The albino stood there, looking downwards and moving her lips to a silent rhythm. Unless Ritsuko was mistaken, the young woman was having trouble finding the right words.
"I…I am seeking advice." Rei whispered.
"About what? Please, take a seat." Ritsuko gestured at a nearby plastic chair. She wish she had more comfortable furniture for Rei, but these were trying times for her.
As usual, however, Rei didn't mind. Immediately sittting down, the girl began shifting in her chair, like she was almost fidgeting.
"Sub-Commander....how does one properly show affection in a platonic manner?"
"Oh." Ritsuko found herself stumped. She was one of the world's best scientists. EVA was her forte, not love. Her old "relationship" with Gendo was testament to that.
Wincing at her recollection, she attempted to speak. "Amongst our people, we use...different honorifics depending who's with us or behave differently. A casual hello is certainly a start." At her response, Rei's gaze seemed to become piercing, causing Ritsuko to wince even further.
"Hey, I'm not good with this sort of thing. Misato-chan would be a much better-"
"But I am asking you." The albino's intensity ceased to abate.
Sighing, Ritsuko scratched the back of her head. "Is this about Ikari-san?"
Rei nodded. "...Shinji...yes."
Ritsuko blinked in surprise. Rei referring to others by their first name was unheard of, the one exception being the night of the operation against the Sixth Seraph. Clearly, the son of Gendo Ikari meant a great deal to the girl.
This conclusion didn't draw much of a reaction from Ritsuko though. She'd always theorized that clones could inherit aspects of their "parent," like their memories, affection, or personality to the some extent. In theory, the third would be present enough to give Rei an innate fondness for Shinji. Based on her findings, Rei had taken after Yui Ikari's curious side. The late scientist's curious nature was befitting of one of her station.
Hmm…death…if only the universe were so kind. I have few records of what you were like, so I don't really know you…but you didn't deserve that. No one does.
"…I presume your platonic feelings are of a familial nature?" Ritsuko's lips lifted into a slight smile as Rei nodded.
"Affirmative."
"Well...my mother and I didn't exactly have the best relationship...but I would suggest being pleasant and making time for him. The occasional hug goes a long way too. However, more importantly, has Ikari-san reciprocated your feelings?" The answer was all too obvious, but obtaining Rei's perspective on that matter was crucial.
"Affirmative," Rei mechanically confirmed.
"Alright. For starters, keep gifts to occasions like his birthday and Christmas. He probably feels that you don't owe him that much, so limiting that would be prudent." Ritsuko had searched up his psych evaluation, what Marduk had on him, and knew Shinji wasn't demanding. That just wasn't him. "Just...do for him what he does for you."
Rei's face somewhat scrunched in confusion, her eyebrows knitting together. To Ritsuko, it was one of the cutest things she ever had the pleasure of seeing.
"But...I already do a good fifty percent of that, perhaps even more."
"Then you don't have too much of an issue. Deal with the rest of that percent and you're good. Not only that, but for all its complexities, affection is easier to show than you'd think." The faux blonde was surprising herself with what came out of her mouth. Her relations with Gendo Ikari was undeniable proof that she understood nothing about love. She did, however, deal in facts and the fact was that people could be just as kind as they were cruel.
"May I ask you a question, Ayanami-san?"
The clone in question nodded, acquiescing with Ritsuko's request. "Of course, Sub-Commander Akagi."
"...if you really wanted to do something, but had a lot of work to do first, how would you go about doing it?"
"I would attempt to make time. Therefore, I would spend as much time as needed for my assigned work so as to free up the time I wish to use. Is this answer satisfactory?"
Running a hand through her hair, Ritsuko sighed, preparing herself for a very long day.
Unknowing of Ritsuko's troubles, Rei blinked nonchalantly. "Sub- Commander?"
"Your answer was satisfactory. Looks like I'll be here till dark."
"There is something you wish to do?"
"Yes...something very, very important."
Rei politely nodded and stood up. "I see. Good day. I wish you luck in your endeavor, Sub-Commander Akagi. I shall now go to school."
"Likewise, Ayanami-san." Ritsuko gave a polite nod of the head. The albino returned the gesture, disappearing through the door.
Ritsuko was now, once again, alone. She already missed the company.
"Wow…sounds like one hell of a day." Toji mused with a hint of grimness. Shinji sighed quietly, as if he were some old man recalling a long past battle.
"I'm…I'm not allowed to say much else." He shifted in his chair, unable to take his mind off what he saw that day. He'd looked the enemy in the eye and found an all too human gaze staring back at him with ferocious intensity.
"That sounds awesome. Wish I could've been there…" Kensuke huffed.
"You? Hah, a Seraph would rip you limb from limb before you could even take a picture, Aida-san." Said a voice the small group weren't too familiar with. Looking up, they saw Mana sitting at the desk directly behind them, calmly booting her built in computer up.
Has she moved? Shinji's eyebrows knitted together, having known the classroom's original redhead was usually one to sit at the back. Not this close…
"Kirishima-san, what brings you into our neck of the woods?" Toji raised a not at all unwelcoming eyebrow. Despite the girl having some clear issues with Shinji, all she'd done was push past once, not beat him within an inch of his life. And if his friend could forgive him for that, then things could perhaps be smoothed over with her.
Mana looked at them and shrugged. "Eh, interesting things happen over here. And it's a bit too quiet up in my corner." She admitted with some reluctance. The orphanage she was domiciled in had a bunch of hoodlums, plump yet well-meaning staff and not much else. Boredom and a bit of loneliness had inevitably set in, pushing her to seek some company of any variety.
"Well…" Kensuke paused for a moment, somewhat sceptical. "As long as you don't try to beat up Shinji-san again, then I guess that's alright."
Shinji waved his friend down. "It's alright. That's finished now."
"Yes, it is." Mana added. "Myself and Ikari-san…had a talk about it. It's all in the past now, over and done with." She lied, yet only a little. For Mana knew that resentment would always fester in her heart, yet it was something she could keep under control. It was to be expected of one so used to loss, as if it were an old friend.
"Good. There's not much a bit of civilised conversation can't fix." Hikari stopped as she passed by, book of offenders held firmly to her chest.
"Horaki-san." They all said respectfully to the class rep.
"Good trip?" Shinji asked.
The right side of Hikari's lips quirked upward. "Hmm, not bad. Lovely pools and beaches but the sun did murder to my freckles. And of course, there were all those perverts I had to put in line." She rolled her eyes.
The majority of boys in her class were quite honourable in that regard, yet there were always a few. Not to mention some girls would peep in on what they weren't meant too, which warranted a speaking to on the merits of "privacy."
I hate being a teenager. Got to keep my libido and everyone else's under control. I think that's three times I've caught couples doing something…indecent, in the bathrooms. Hikari shook those thoughts away.
"Well we liked it." Toji smiled with enthusiasm. Those pools and springs had been a joy to relax in, and Kensuke had been like a child in a sweetshop when they toured the military base.
"So many battleships." The geek happily mused, having taken at least one hundred pictures whilst he was there. At one point he'd sworn he'd seen a periscope popping out of the sea, then dismissed it as a symptom of wild imagination. A few minutes later, however, an Atago class Destroyer swept through the area, dropping a depth charge or two.
The audacity of the Chinese would never cease to amaze any child of Japan.
"I heard there was a battle recently." Hikari cut in, twirling one of her pigtails. "That and along with Mount Asama just disappearing, I assume it didn't go exactly as planned?"
Shinji took a slow and deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "Most of it's classified. But yes, things didn't go to plan. We stopped it of course but…really is a shame."
It had all been so picturesque and beautiful before their war came there and destroyed everything. He truly hoped they wouldn't have to level anymore national landmarks during the course of this conflict, fearing for the safety of Mount Fuji itself at this rate.
"Yeah. Saw pictures of that, what the hell were you fighting?" Mana rubbed her arms. What sort of unimaginable power could rend the Earth asunder like that? Even the strength of the Dragons and Gods of myth utterly paled before the terrible and destructive might of the Seraphim.
We'd all be dead without Eva. Father told me about that battle with the first one. The military just couldn't stop it, no matter what they threw at it. She looked at Shinji and felt her features soften.
We'd all be dead without Eva. And even deader without the crazy bastards who pilot them.
Meanwhile at the front of the class, two pairs of blue eyes looked upon this small gathering with some amusement and confusion. Samuel tutted and returned to work, trying to figure out some damnable question in the archaic alphabet of the Japanese.
Alphabet is a strong way of putting it. These "Kanji", as they are called, are just outright barbaric in their complexity. Why didn't we colonise them back in the 19th century? It would've made my life a lot easier…He chuckled a little.
"What's so funny?" Asuka tilted her head.
"Oh, nothing. Quite bizarre though, don't you think?" Samuel nodded at Shinji. "That one so quiet would have a reasonably sized social group?"
Asuka looked over her shoulder and found herself thinking the same. "Jah…it is a bit strange…ah, what am I saying? It's not like he's a horrible person." She shrugged.
"There is that to it I suppose." The Imperial agreed. As much of a wet flannel as he was, Shinji was a not at all hateful individual. He was a bit pathetic at times, but hardly a spineless weasel like so many aristocrats and MPs back home.
"Still, I still don't get how he's got so many Seraph kills. The kid just doesn't seem to have the stomach for it." Asuka couldn't help but keep looking at the soft eyed boy, trying to figure him out.
He's such a doormat. Let's everyone walk over him or tell him what to do, like a puppy desperate for approval. He really is stupid Shinji, so annoying…so why…why does he have to be so…insufferably…nice? She tore her sapphire gaze away.
"One, he's older than you, Asuka. Face it, here you're the baby of the group." Samuel raised a hand to placate his redhaired friend's wrath. "And two, he's been here longer than we have. Of course, that'll change…I'll surpass him soon enough."
The redhead scoffed at that. "You? Nein nein nein. I'll be doing that, thank you very much." Asuka proudly put her hand on her chest.
"Hmm. Well I've actually got one whilst you…oh my, not a single kill yet." Samuel quietly laughed at his friend's face turning red enough to hide her freckles.
"Wh…wha…well which one was that!"
"8th Seraph, I believe I put in the finishing blow, therefore that kill goes to me."
Asuka's eye twitched. "Just you wait. I'll put you all to shame. I'm the Eva pilot elite here, I trained all my verdammt life-"
"As did I."
"…not saying you aren't capable. I'm just saying I'm the best."
"Evidence, thou hath forsaken me!"
"Ugh, I hate you, dummkopf."
"Love you too, Asuka."
"Do you have to be so stubborn?"
"Stubborn? Hah, that's a bit rich. From the moment we met, you've been the stubborn one."
"Well your memory clearly isn't up to scratch then. You were the one who came swaggering in as some Imperial aristocrat with an important surname."
"Confirmation of one's social superiority is hardly stubbornness, Asuka."
"Gah!"
Asuka, at age 9, had already shown herself to be a remarkable girl. Fluency in three languages, always fighting fit, and being a student "ace" certainly didn't provide evidence to the contrary. She was known as a child genius amongst her teachers for good reason. Unlike most children her age, she didn't play or indulge herself with sweets. Oh no, her time was spent on becoming part of a prestigious few, the elite of the elite: Eva Pilots.
The Kaiser's hatred and near disapproval of Asuka's desire baffled the young girl. She was proving herself to be the very best. By progressing towards Pilothood, the many important eyes of the world would remain on her and no one else. Should he not be proud of that? Why did he keep asking her about "what NERV put her through" or "Had she made any friends yet"?
Regardless, Rudolf Von Hohenzollern was a man who had her trust. His reasons for hating NERV, however, were a mystery to her. Mama worked for them, so they couldn't be that bad, right?
"This is a very important matter. We need you to be on your best behavior," NERV-Berlin's Commander said to Asuka from on high. At that, she scowled, cursing her body's oh so slow development. It would take her years to even approach and possibly surpass his height. The day she could look down on her father would be a treasured one.
Her gaze stayed where it was in a slight show of displeasure, though she would do as she was told. The importance of this matter needed to be taken into consideration.
From her position on Tegal's runway, Asuka silently focused on the HMS Culloden, that vast, black dagger of a ship hovering above. Today was a clear one, but the ship, an Imperial FCV, blotted out the sun she so loved. It was a symbol of Britain's domination...and her country's humiliation. For that, it was deserving of hatred in the young girl's eyes.
The Reich rebounded well from the Euro-Imperial War, standing today as a power in its own right. However, the mere fact that this Renown class Battlecruiser could serenely hover in Berlin airspace made clear who was the greater sovereign power here. The multiple Von Moltke class FCVs, harsh and gunmetal grey, surrounding and outnumbering it did little to disprove that.
The fact that her new "coworker," hailing from the land she considered an enemy, was aboard it only added to her annoyance.
A single, streamlined Harrier emerged from the Culloden's forward hangar, curving through the air on a landing trajectory. It had to have been him, this "Samuel," on board. Asuka had read of Samuel's results; he possessed a high synch ratio and proved to be capable in combat sim after combat sim. This only rankled her further. She was the center of attention here, not some Imperial dummkopf.
The Harrier's engines angled into a landing stage, the exhaust billowing up palls of dust. Asuka's great mane of red moved with abandon, the exhaust's sheer force having produced a wind. Haircuts, at her demand, were forbidden unless necessary. She would have her hair long....just like Mama's.
The ramp lowered and five figures came forth, four of which were Imperial soldiers in elegant garments. They marched forward, rifles tightly held and their charge standing between them.
While not nearly as gaudy as his guard, he was quite well dressed. Vibrant, blonde hair waved about in the generated wind, framing twin pools of blue every bit as electric as her own. Those eyes, upon landing on her form, narrowed. Perhaps it was instantaneous dislike or distaste at seeing someone so un-British.
The entourage and their Imperial charge came to a halt in front of the NERV-Berlin delegation, the soldiers standing straighter than most Section-3 agents. In spite of their discipline and conditioning, they paused a little at the sight of the fiery redhead. Their charge, on the other hand, maintained his expression.
Undaunted, Samuel addressed Asuka in stiff High Imperial. "Asuka Soryu."
"That's Asuka Zeppelin Soryu to you, Imperial," harshly and loudly corrected Asuka in the boy's own language. Her eyes met Samuel's narrowed orbs, sending a palpable sense of anger. Her father winced, but she did not care for it.
Samuel's expression relaxed into a contemptuous smirk. It seemed that arrogance came to him naturally. "I suppose it's in the nature of continentals to be impudent and rude. I assume you are familiar with my name?"
Asuka did not deign his response with words, silently glaring at the young Imperial. Her father almost grimaced and stepped forward, sweat on his brow.
"My deepest apologies for my daughter's rudeness, Samuel Meadow. We are honoured to have you here as our guest. My name is Peter Langbein, the Commander of-" he bit his tongue when Samuel raised a hand.
"Spare me your bootlicking, you babbling woman." The boy sighed with practiced grace unlike most children his age, paying no mind to Asuka stifling a snigger. "If you would show me to my quarters and fill me in on our schedule, I would be most obliged."
Samuel swept forward, gracefully skirting around Asuka. The girl's father scrambled after him, almost tripping over himself to grovel at his feet. To Asuka, this was nothing new. Her father was all too concerned with getting in the good graces of others.
Amusing as his humiliation of her father was, Samuel was still competition. And she would let no one get in the way of becoming a Pilot.
Asuka looked daggers at the Imperial's back, snarling to herself. "Sorry, Imp. I'm the centre of attention around here because I earned it. And I'll leave you in pieces before I let you take that away from me."
Eva was all that mattered, the only way she mattered. It was the only way she could garner the eyes of all and get others to truly look at her. In some ways, Eva was the only thing Asuka had left and now, with the arrival of this Imperial, this Samuel Meadow? She would defend her domain with ferocity and cut him down to size. Son of the "Great" British Empire's High Field Marshal or not, Samuel was naught but a rival to tear to pieces in her eyes; nothing more and nothing less.
"Afternoon everyone," called out Sisata. The man was full of cheer in spite of the all-nighter he had to pull to prepare his lesson. His advanced age did little to dim his joy for teaching either.
"As you all know, we are turning our attention to the People's Republic of Korea today. This will lead us nicely into the People's Republic of Asia. I see you've all got your notes, well done," he noted with satisfaction.
Most students in the room had their computers booted up and ready with documents. A few, notably the Westerners and one or two of his other students, favoured the age-old method of using paper.
"Now then," Sisata began as he launched into the lesson, his passion. "Up until November 2001, Korea was a divided country. The North and the South, Communist and Capitalist respectively, fought a long conflict known as the Korean War. In the end, it was with the aid of the Chinese that North Koreans defeated their southern brethren. With Second Impact, combined with the loss of all its allies, the South collapsed in a matter of weeks-"
Harsh, shrill sounds began screaming across Tokyo-3, bringing the lesson to a stop. Classroom doors throughout the school opened and footsteps could be heard pounding through the halls. Sisata winced, pinching his nose in annoyance.
A Seraph attack? Can't these damned monsters wait until the end of the lesson? The education of my students is important!
"Class dismissed. Everyone to your shelters." Sighing, his gaze flicked over to the three charges of NERV, still at their desks. "I'm sure your minders will arrive shortly. Wait outside the school entrance."
XXX
"Our future is just beginning, theirs is dying. It is simply not enough to break free of Europe's shackles…we must break them! We must, we will, ensure that the pages of their history shall burn with their cities.
Hail Britain."
Sebastian Vance: 1st Grand High Marshal and 1st Emperor of the Great British Empire, 21st of March 2005, Downing street address.
XXX
"Our future is just beginning, theirs is dying. It is simply not enough to break free of Europe's shackles…we must break them! We must, we will, ensure that the pages of their history shall burn with their cities.
Hail Britain."
Sebastian Vance: 1st Grand High Marshal and 1st Emperor of the Great British Empire, 21st of March 2005, Downing street address.
XXX
Thursday the 10th of August, 9:30am, Challenger Deep
No mortal could see within this darkness nor survive such deep depths. Sahaquiel, however, last born of Yesod, was a Divine. To a Lord among demi-gods such conditions were paltry, lethal only to the weak and feeble.
The Divine was a large man, made so by fat instead of muscle. He was something of a glutton who enjoyed the pleasures of taste and chewing more so than the combat his brethren craved. Let other lunatics drink the blood of their enemies from harvested skulls, he would have roast meat fresh off the bone and a flagon of mead to wash it all down. With that, a roaring fire and tales to tell, what more could anyone ask for?
If one were to take away his double chin and bulging belly, Sahaquiel would be the spitting image of Rogziel. Though his plate armour was a more traditional polished steel instead of the famous red his elder brother had worn, it was the same type. All his siblings who shared his father had something unique about their taste in clothing, their individuality being encouraged by their lost mother and adoptive father.
Sachiel valued his protection but not enough to impede sword play, therefore his plate was lacking. Chain mail over gambeson with cape discarded was his preferred attire for war, anything more he'd consider extravagant.
Shamshel liked having his arms free, to slash with reckless abandon. Yet his armour was the same red as Rogziel's, indicative of the two's furious nature even by the standards of their warlike race.
Ramiel had worn no plate, mail, or gambeson, often declaring that it would "weigh her down." A crystal blue cape, always adorning her shoulders, was the most protection the swift huntress possessed.
On important occasions, Gaghiel would don the standard armour and cream cape. However, he would wear his tunic any chance he could get. As one so fond of the water, Gaghiel preferred as few barriers between it and him as possible.
Israfel and Isrefael had covered their full sets of armour in green paint, the same colour as that of the Royal army. It was a symbol of how they fought side by side with both each other and the common soldier. Their only distinguishing factor was their beautiful, flowing white capes.
Rogziel, however… he found comfort in his armour, wearing it as though it was a second skin. It was expected of a man who favoured martial prowess above all else.
Sahaquiel's own cape was a beauteous gold, made of the finest materials possible. He would settle for nothing less. Alas, the Vooren would not be able to appreciate its splendour. By dusk, Gods willing, they would be crushed before him, unable to revel in its intricacies.
Memories of old feasts, hunts, fights and laughter made his blood boil and his great heart heavy. Such treasured thoughts brought both joy and pain in equal measure.
Oh my brothers…my sister…how I miss you. He frowned. The hall of his father felt darker and less merry by the day.
The large Divine went down on one knee, bracing himself for the sudden rush as he'd push upwards. Channelling his wall of light behind him to build up pressure, feeling the energy of his forebears coursing through his mighty veins, Sahaquiel the Eclipse shot to the surface.
XXX
10:00am, NERV Central
"Am I ever going to have time?" Ritsuko wondered aloud. Rubbing her forehead, she slowly set her eyes upon that damnable paperwork on her desk. It was a bureaucratic parasite, draining her and never going away.
Such was the hand dealt to all pencil pushers. Even black holes paled in comparison to requisition forms.
Once upon a time, she had extra space and extra hands to help with the workload. Then, she left Gendo and decided to move to a workplace far removed from the man.
The cost? No extra hands to help with work. Every once in a while, Ritsuko wondered if her newfound workload was Gendo's way of getting revenge.
At least I was able to bring the coffee machine with me. Her lips pressed into a smile.
Her thoughts returned to a more pressing matter: traveling to Norway sooner or later. Having someone with her would draw less eyes, but who? Who would travel such a distance with her, at her request?
This was no short trip; this was of transcontinental proportions, not to mention the fact that the location in question was an Imperial province.
A light tapping on her office door brought the Sub Commander out of her moment of thought. Ritsuko gently lifted her head, her eyebrows knitting together. They relaxed when her mind remembered only one person knocked on her door that way.
"Come in, Ayanami-san." She beckoned her visitor in. The door slid open and Rei Ayanami entered.
Ritsuko placed all her attention upon the ethereal girl who'd become a not so small part of her life. In spite of knowing that Rei was in NERV Central today for medical matters, a visit from her was low on the list of what she expected.
"Sub Commander Akagi." Rei nodded politely. A little part of the faux blonde felt slight disappointment, hearing from Section-2 that the clone was starting to use honorifics with those around her. Doubtlessly, this had been inspired and encouraged by one Shinji Ikari, the Commander's son. Ritsuko could only presume him to be of great moral fibre and goodness, a polar opposite to his father in nearly every way.
It's just a shame…she'll probably never use them with me…
"What can I do for you?" She leaned forward earnestly.
The albino stood there, looking downwards and moving her lips to a silent rhythm. Unless Ritsuko was mistaken, the young woman was having trouble finding the right words.
"I…I am seeking advice." Rei whispered.
"About what? Please, take a seat." Ritsuko gestured at a nearby plastic chair. She wish she had more comfortable furniture for Rei, but these were trying times for her.
As usual, however, Rei didn't mind. Immediately sittting down, the girl began shifting in her chair, like she was almost fidgeting.
"Sub-Commander....how does one properly show affection in a platonic manner?"
"Oh." Ritsuko found herself stumped. She was one of the world's best scientists. EVA was her forte, not love. Her old "relationship" with Gendo was testament to that.
Wincing at her recollection, she attempted to speak. "Amongst our people, we use...different honorifics depending who's with us or behave differently. A casual hello is certainly a start." At her response, Rei's gaze seemed to become piercing, causing Ritsuko to wince even further.
"Hey, I'm not good with this sort of thing. Misato-chan would be a much better-"
"But I am asking you." The albino's intensity ceased to abate.
Sighing, Ritsuko scratched the back of her head. "Is this about Ikari-san?"
Rei nodded. "...Shinji...yes."
Ritsuko blinked in surprise. Rei referring to others by their first name was unheard of, the one exception being the night of the operation against the Sixth Seraph. Clearly, the son of Gendo Ikari meant a great deal to the girl.
This conclusion didn't draw much of a reaction from Ritsuko though. She'd always theorized that clones could inherit aspects of their "parent," like their memories, affection, or personality to the some extent. In theory, the third would be present enough to give Rei an innate fondness for Shinji. Based on her findings, Rei had taken after Yui Ikari's curious side. The late scientist's curious nature was befitting of one of her station.
Hmm…death…if only the universe were so kind. I have few records of what you were like, so I don't really know you…but you didn't deserve that. No one does.
"…I presume your platonic feelings are of a familial nature?" Ritsuko's lips lifted into a slight smile as Rei nodded.
"Affirmative."
"Well...my mother and I didn't exactly have the best relationship...but I would suggest being pleasant and making time for him. The occasional hug goes a long way too. However, more importantly, has Ikari-san reciprocated your feelings?" The answer was all too obvious, but obtaining Rei's perspective on that matter was crucial.
"Affirmative," Rei mechanically confirmed.
"Alright. For starters, keep gifts to occasions like his birthday and Christmas. He probably feels that you don't owe him that much, so limiting that would be prudent." Ritsuko had searched up his psych evaluation, what Marduk had on him, and knew Shinji wasn't demanding. That just wasn't him. "Just...do for him what he does for you."
Rei's face somewhat scrunched in confusion, her eyebrows knitting together. To Ritsuko, it was one of the cutest things she ever had the pleasure of seeing.
"But...I already do a good fifty percent of that, perhaps even more."
"Then you don't have too much of an issue. Deal with the rest of that percent and you're good. Not only that, but for all its complexities, affection is easier to show than you'd think." The faux blonde was surprising herself with what came out of her mouth. Her relations with Gendo Ikari was undeniable proof that she understood nothing about love. She did, however, deal in facts and the fact was that people could be just as kind as they were cruel.
"May I ask you a question, Ayanami-san?"
The clone in question nodded, acquiescing with Ritsuko's request. "Of course, Sub-Commander Akagi."
"...if you really wanted to do something, but had a lot of work to do first, how would you go about doing it?"
"I would attempt to make time. Therefore, I would spend as much time as needed for my assigned work so as to free up the time I wish to use. Is this answer satisfactory?"
Running a hand through her hair, Ritsuko sighed, preparing herself for a very long day.
Unknowing of Ritsuko's troubles, Rei blinked nonchalantly. "Sub- Commander?"
"Your answer was satisfactory. Looks like I'll be here till dark."
"There is something you wish to do?"
"Yes...something very, very important."
Rei politely nodded and stood up. "I see. Good day. I wish you luck in your endeavor, Sub-Commander Akagi. I shall now go to school."
"Likewise, Ayanami-san." Ritsuko gave a polite nod of the head. The albino returned the gesture, disappearing through the door.
Ritsuko was now, once again, alone. She already missed the company.
XXX
12:30pm, Sengokuhara High
"Wow…sounds like one hell of a day." Toji mused with a hint of grimness. Shinji sighed quietly, as if he were some old man recalling a long past battle.
"I'm…I'm not allowed to say much else." He shifted in his chair, unable to take his mind off what he saw that day. He'd looked the enemy in the eye and found an all too human gaze staring back at him with ferocious intensity.
"That sounds awesome. Wish I could've been there…" Kensuke huffed.
"You? Hah, a Seraph would rip you limb from limb before you could even take a picture, Aida-san." Said a voice the small group weren't too familiar with. Looking up, they saw Mana sitting at the desk directly behind them, calmly booting her built in computer up.
Has she moved? Shinji's eyebrows knitted together, having known the classroom's original redhead was usually one to sit at the back. Not this close…
"Kirishima-san, what brings you into our neck of the woods?" Toji raised a not at all unwelcoming eyebrow. Despite the girl having some clear issues with Shinji, all she'd done was push past once, not beat him within an inch of his life. And if his friend could forgive him for that, then things could perhaps be smoothed over with her.
Mana looked at them and shrugged. "Eh, interesting things happen over here. And it's a bit too quiet up in my corner." She admitted with some reluctance. The orphanage she was domiciled in had a bunch of hoodlums, plump yet well-meaning staff and not much else. Boredom and a bit of loneliness had inevitably set in, pushing her to seek some company of any variety.
"Well…" Kensuke paused for a moment, somewhat sceptical. "As long as you don't try to beat up Shinji-san again, then I guess that's alright."
Shinji waved his friend down. "It's alright. That's finished now."
"Yes, it is." Mana added. "Myself and Ikari-san…had a talk about it. It's all in the past now, over and done with." She lied, yet only a little. For Mana knew that resentment would always fester in her heart, yet it was something she could keep under control. It was to be expected of one so used to loss, as if it were an old friend.
"Good. There's not much a bit of civilised conversation can't fix." Hikari stopped as she passed by, book of offenders held firmly to her chest.
"Horaki-san." They all said respectfully to the class rep.
"Good trip?" Shinji asked.
The right side of Hikari's lips quirked upward. "Hmm, not bad. Lovely pools and beaches but the sun did murder to my freckles. And of course, there were all those perverts I had to put in line." She rolled her eyes.
The majority of boys in her class were quite honourable in that regard, yet there were always a few. Not to mention some girls would peep in on what they weren't meant too, which warranted a speaking to on the merits of "privacy."
I hate being a teenager. Got to keep my libido and everyone else's under control. I think that's three times I've caught couples doing something…indecent, in the bathrooms. Hikari shook those thoughts away.
"Well we liked it." Toji smiled with enthusiasm. Those pools and springs had been a joy to relax in, and Kensuke had been like a child in a sweetshop when they toured the military base.
"So many battleships." The geek happily mused, having taken at least one hundred pictures whilst he was there. At one point he'd sworn he'd seen a periscope popping out of the sea, then dismissed it as a symptom of wild imagination. A few minutes later, however, an Atago class Destroyer swept through the area, dropping a depth charge or two.
The audacity of the Chinese would never cease to amaze any child of Japan.
"I heard there was a battle recently." Hikari cut in, twirling one of her pigtails. "That and along with Mount Asama just disappearing, I assume it didn't go exactly as planned?"
Shinji took a slow and deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "Most of it's classified. But yes, things didn't go to plan. We stopped it of course but…really is a shame."
It had all been so picturesque and beautiful before their war came there and destroyed everything. He truly hoped they wouldn't have to level anymore national landmarks during the course of this conflict, fearing for the safety of Mount Fuji itself at this rate.
"Yeah. Saw pictures of that, what the hell were you fighting?" Mana rubbed her arms. What sort of unimaginable power could rend the Earth asunder like that? Even the strength of the Dragons and Gods of myth utterly paled before the terrible and destructive might of the Seraphim.
We'd all be dead without Eva. Father told me about that battle with the first one. The military just couldn't stop it, no matter what they threw at it. She looked at Shinji and felt her features soften.
We'd all be dead without Eva. And even deader without the crazy bastards who pilot them.
Meanwhile at the front of the class, two pairs of blue eyes looked upon this small gathering with some amusement and confusion. Samuel tutted and returned to work, trying to figure out some damnable question in the archaic alphabet of the Japanese.
Alphabet is a strong way of putting it. These "Kanji", as they are called, are just outright barbaric in their complexity. Why didn't we colonise them back in the 19th century? It would've made my life a lot easier…He chuckled a little.
"What's so funny?" Asuka tilted her head.
"Oh, nothing. Quite bizarre though, don't you think?" Samuel nodded at Shinji. "That one so quiet would have a reasonably sized social group?"
Asuka looked over her shoulder and found herself thinking the same. "Jah…it is a bit strange…ah, what am I saying? It's not like he's a horrible person." She shrugged.
"There is that to it I suppose." The Imperial agreed. As much of a wet flannel as he was, Shinji was a not at all hateful individual. He was a bit pathetic at times, but hardly a spineless weasel like so many aristocrats and MPs back home.
"Still, I still don't get how he's got so many Seraph kills. The kid just doesn't seem to have the stomach for it." Asuka couldn't help but keep looking at the soft eyed boy, trying to figure him out.
He's such a doormat. Let's everyone walk over him or tell him what to do, like a puppy desperate for approval. He really is stupid Shinji, so annoying…so why…why does he have to be so…insufferably…nice? She tore her sapphire gaze away.
"One, he's older than you, Asuka. Face it, here you're the baby of the group." Samuel raised a hand to placate his redhaired friend's wrath. "And two, he's been here longer than we have. Of course, that'll change…I'll surpass him soon enough."
The redhead scoffed at that. "You? Nein nein nein. I'll be doing that, thank you very much." Asuka proudly put her hand on her chest.
"Hmm. Well I've actually got one whilst you…oh my, not a single kill yet." Samuel quietly laughed at his friend's face turning red enough to hide her freckles.
"Wh…wha…well which one was that!"
"8th Seraph, I believe I put in the finishing blow, therefore that kill goes to me."
Asuka's eye twitched. "Just you wait. I'll put you all to shame. I'm the Eva pilot elite here, I trained all my verdammt life-"
"As did I."
"…not saying you aren't capable. I'm just saying I'm the best."
"Evidence, thou hath forsaken me!"
"Ugh, I hate you, dummkopf."
"Love you too, Asuka."
"Do you have to be so stubborn?"
"Stubborn? Hah, that's a bit rich. From the moment we met, you've been the stubborn one."
"Well your memory clearly isn't up to scratch then. You were the one who came swaggering in as some Imperial aristocrat with an important surname."
"Confirmation of one's social superiority is hardly stubbornness, Asuka."
"Gah!"
XXX
New German Reich, Berlin, Tegel Airport,11:30am, May 9th 2010
Asuka, at age 9, had already shown herself to be a remarkable girl. Fluency in three languages, always fighting fit, and being a student "ace" certainly didn't provide evidence to the contrary. She was known as a child genius amongst her teachers for good reason. Unlike most children her age, she didn't play or indulge herself with sweets. Oh no, her time was spent on becoming part of a prestigious few, the elite of the elite: Eva Pilots.
The Kaiser's hatred and near disapproval of Asuka's desire baffled the young girl. She was proving herself to be the very best. By progressing towards Pilothood, the many important eyes of the world would remain on her and no one else. Should he not be proud of that? Why did he keep asking her about "what NERV put her through" or "Had she made any friends yet"?
Regardless, Rudolf Von Hohenzollern was a man who had her trust. His reasons for hating NERV, however, were a mystery to her. Mama worked for them, so they couldn't be that bad, right?
"This is a very important matter. We need you to be on your best behavior," NERV-Berlin's Commander said to Asuka from on high. At that, she scowled, cursing her body's oh so slow development. It would take her years to even approach and possibly surpass his height. The day she could look down on her father would be a treasured one.
Her gaze stayed where it was in a slight show of displeasure, though she would do as she was told. The importance of this matter needed to be taken into consideration.
From her position on Tegal's runway, Asuka silently focused on the HMS Culloden, that vast, black dagger of a ship hovering above. Today was a clear one, but the ship, an Imperial FCV, blotted out the sun she so loved. It was a symbol of Britain's domination...and her country's humiliation. For that, it was deserving of hatred in the young girl's eyes.
The Reich rebounded well from the Euro-Imperial War, standing today as a power in its own right. However, the mere fact that this Renown class Battlecruiser could serenely hover in Berlin airspace made clear who was the greater sovereign power here. The multiple Von Moltke class FCVs, harsh and gunmetal grey, surrounding and outnumbering it did little to disprove that.
The fact that her new "coworker," hailing from the land she considered an enemy, was aboard it only added to her annoyance.
A single, streamlined Harrier emerged from the Culloden's forward hangar, curving through the air on a landing trajectory. It had to have been him, this "Samuel," on board. Asuka had read of Samuel's results; he possessed a high synch ratio and proved to be capable in combat sim after combat sim. This only rankled her further. She was the center of attention here, not some Imperial dummkopf.
The Harrier's engines angled into a landing stage, the exhaust billowing up palls of dust. Asuka's great mane of red moved with abandon, the exhaust's sheer force having produced a wind. Haircuts, at her demand, were forbidden unless necessary. She would have her hair long....just like Mama's.
The ramp lowered and five figures came forth, four of which were Imperial soldiers in elegant garments. They marched forward, rifles tightly held and their charge standing between them.
While not nearly as gaudy as his guard, he was quite well dressed. Vibrant, blonde hair waved about in the generated wind, framing twin pools of blue every bit as electric as her own. Those eyes, upon landing on her form, narrowed. Perhaps it was instantaneous dislike or distaste at seeing someone so un-British.
The entourage and their Imperial charge came to a halt in front of the NERV-Berlin delegation, the soldiers standing straighter than most Section-3 agents. In spite of their discipline and conditioning, they paused a little at the sight of the fiery redhead. Their charge, on the other hand, maintained his expression.
Undaunted, Samuel addressed Asuka in stiff High Imperial. "Asuka Soryu."
"That's Asuka Zeppelin Soryu to you, Imperial," harshly and loudly corrected Asuka in the boy's own language. Her eyes met Samuel's narrowed orbs, sending a palpable sense of anger. Her father winced, but she did not care for it.
Samuel's expression relaxed into a contemptuous smirk. It seemed that arrogance came to him naturally. "I suppose it's in the nature of continentals to be impudent and rude. I assume you are familiar with my name?"
Asuka did not deign his response with words, silently glaring at the young Imperial. Her father almost grimaced and stepped forward, sweat on his brow.
"My deepest apologies for my daughter's rudeness, Samuel Meadow. We are honoured to have you here as our guest. My name is Peter Langbein, the Commander of-" he bit his tongue when Samuel raised a hand.
"Spare me your bootlicking, you babbling woman." The boy sighed with practiced grace unlike most children his age, paying no mind to Asuka stifling a snigger. "If you would show me to my quarters and fill me in on our schedule, I would be most obliged."
Samuel swept forward, gracefully skirting around Asuka. The girl's father scrambled after him, almost tripping over himself to grovel at his feet. To Asuka, this was nothing new. Her father was all too concerned with getting in the good graces of others.
Amusing as his humiliation of her father was, Samuel was still competition. And she would let no one get in the way of becoming a Pilot.
Asuka looked daggers at the Imperial's back, snarling to herself. "Sorry, Imp. I'm the centre of attention around here because I earned it. And I'll leave you in pieces before I let you take that away from me."
Eva was all that mattered, the only way she mattered. It was the only way she could garner the eyes of all and get others to truly look at her. In some ways, Eva was the only thing Asuka had left and now, with the arrival of this Imperial, this Samuel Meadow? She would defend her domain with ferocity and cut him down to size. Son of the "Great" British Empire's High Field Marshal or not, Samuel was naught but a rival to tear to pieces in her eyes; nothing more and nothing less.
XXX
"Stand!" Hikari called out as Mr. Sisata entered. All but the two Westerners near the front of the room bowed and sat once more, as per tradition. Most would label it disrespect, but Sisata and Hikari knew their behavior for what it was: standard Gaijin "barbarity."
"Afternoon everyone," called out Sisata. The man was full of cheer in spite of the all-nighter he had to pull to prepare his lesson. His advanced age did little to dim his joy for teaching either.
"As you all know, we are turning our attention to the People's Republic of Korea today. This will lead us nicely into the People's Republic of Asia. I see you've all got your notes, well done," he noted with satisfaction.
Most students in the room had their computers booted up and ready with documents. A few, notably the Westerners and one or two of his other students, favoured the age-old method of using paper.
"Now then," Sisata began as he launched into the lesson, his passion. "Up until November 2001, Korea was a divided country. The North and the South, Communist and Capitalist respectively, fought a long conflict known as the Korean War. In the end, it was with the aid of the Chinese that North Koreans defeated their southern brethren. With Second Impact, combined with the loss of all its allies, the South collapsed in a matter of weeks-"
Harsh, shrill sounds began screaming across Tokyo-3, bringing the lesson to a stop. Classroom doors throughout the school opened and footsteps could be heard pounding through the halls. Sisata winced, pinching his nose in annoyance.
A Seraph attack? Can't these damned monsters wait until the end of the lesson? The education of my students is important!
"Class dismissed. Everyone to your shelters." Sighing, his gaze flicked over to the three charges of NERV, still at their desks. "I'm sure your minders will arrive shortly. Wait outside the school entrance."
XXX
If anyone is wondering why the quality of writing has gone up, that is because I have enlisted the aid of a beta reader. Said beta goes by the name of "Circle of Nyx" whom has been following Sovereignty over on SpaceBattles. He's been nothing but helpful to me, so I felt a bit of recognition is in order.
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- Location
- Can't read map
ON important occasions,
as FEW barriers
Would this work?
Well... At start you compared him to puppy so that might answer your own question?
Careful... She just might kill you and claim to have killed seraph in disguise...
Previous one in shape of humanoid giant just might make obvious lie actually believable.
Edit: Was expecting that history lesson mentionig China might end with introduction of Chinese pilots...
And fight against seraph or meeting rest of pilots... Fighting seraph is lesser evil...
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Well made it thru another one of these awesome EVA fics, great job overall Sovvy. One complaint I might raise is that you have a lot of loose threads laying around, I keep forgetting stuff I had questions about so I can't even tell if they were answered or not... that being said that is a rather common complaint I have towards some of my favorite series, so not a major knock on you, although I am wondering (if it wouldn't be too spoilery) how does Adam fit into all of this? Is he the traitorous brother of the Sovereign that was defeated? Some poor sap that tripped his way back to Earth with rather destructive results? Seele's Guinea Pig?
Also more recently did Rogziel replace Sandalphon?
Also more recently did Rogziel replace Sandalphon?
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Adam's part in all this is yet to be revealed (and I know exactly what it is), and Rogziel did replace Sandalphon. My reasons for it were along the lines of "I've changed that battle so much that I may as well change the name to be more fitting for the character (Rogziel means "Wrath of God" or something of that variety, which fits someone so angry very well)"
- Location
- Voidbetweenstars
Your the author of this story, you have no reason not to know.
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Patience, everyone, all will be explained in due time.
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Gendo: NOT if you ask me. Some things are not meant to be know to us or possible to be understood.
*everyone else in story is actually bald and using wig, with his insisting that seraphs are just animals randomly breaking stuff, even after seeing humanoid giant speaking japanese, blocking any more research into what is going on...
well, everyone has pulled all hair they had a long time ago, stopped caring one way or another*
Also much better then original anime, that explanations actually exist and we will get them in-story, instead of supplementary material or notes on what was cut off from story.
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Ehehehehe, the best part about this story isn't just the unique retelling. It's the fact that the story has changed and nobody told NERV/SEELE! And they're too busy plotting to backstab one another to notice that everything is not going according to plan. Does Lilith even have any significance here? The s2 engine is widely used and is a mainstay of technology, does this mean that the AT field is not actually dependent on a soul? Is Gendo doing all this just to discover that Yui is permanently dead and was just used to activate 01's nervous system instead of ensouling it? Oh God, so many questions....
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Worry not...
Glad you're enjoying the story, welcome aboard!
Chapter 13.2
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Right, to keep up a quicker series of updates, I'll be putting up smaller segments of chapters at a time, once a week. For example, this bit is just about a thousand words or so. When the chapter "is complete" I'll upload the full complete thing to fanfic.net as a single "chapter."
Are we clear? Excellent, let's get to business.
Shinji sat in his plug, shifting a little. As usual he was afraid. The boy was absolutely convinced the day would never come when he'd be free of fear. Always it would nag at the back of his mind and the pit of his stomach.
That was alright though. He'd managed to fight and beat Seraphim many times before, even whilst afraid. Now of course there were four Evangelions to be set loose upon the enemy. Mercifully, the other three of his number were far more competent and less cowardly than himself.
They all looked so calm on the vid-link, either that or bored. Rei appeared to be napping, Asuka was tapping a finger and Samuel was whistling. Oh, how he wished to be as professional as they.
A hologram flicked into life just in front of Shinji and the rest of the Eva Pilots. Misato stood there in a blue haze, a 3D map of Japan in front of her. Directly above the landmass was a massive sphere descending from on high. Its trajectory would bring it directly down on their heads.
"As you can see-" The purple haired woman said in a military manner, arms folded. "-the enemy is coming directly our way. Its likely goal is to punch straight through Tokyo-3 and into Central Dogma. If that happens, it's game over for everything and everyone."
The four children of Eva appraised the hologram, looking to gain as much information on their target as possible. As would be expected of soldiers.
Not too far from professional…you're doing good, Pilots. Doing damn good. The Lieutenant Colonel had to force down an approving smile.
"Is this to scale?" Shinji squinted, praying he was wrong. His superior officer shook her head reluctantly.
"I'm afraid so. The Tenth Seraph is about five kilometres in length, meaning that an impact at terminal velocity-"
"Extinction level event, or close enough to it." Asuka interjected, frowning. "It wouldn't matter if we killed it, this verdammt monster is about half the size of the meteor that killed the Dinosaurs."
"Correct. Nearly word for word what Rits-chan told me." Misato chuckled, never ceasing to be impressed by the intelligence of the youngsters under her command.
"The Seraph's momentum needs to be slowed, or it must be outright obliterated to prevent this. I assume that is our plan?" Rei asked quietly, already pondering on what to do with this foe.
Direct ground interception could work, the power of four Evangelion A-T fields may be enough to stop its rate of velocity completely…yet much could go wrong. She dismissed that thought quickly.
"Yes. We've enlisted the help of the Japanese State Air Force, namely in the form of five Susanoo class FCVs." Misato punched in a command on the hologram, and the figures of five sword shaped vessels flickered into existence. "They will use a positron bombardment to at least slow the Seraph down. However, the key thing is killing it before it gets past ten thousand feet. With its field gone, the JSAF will be able to annihilate its carcass and prevent impact." The hologram quickly showed the five Susanoo's blasting the massive Seraph away.
"Straightforward enough. But…I get the impression the hardest part involves us?" Samuel winced, having a sinking sensation in his heart at the thought of the likely operation parameters.
"Yes. You'll be intercepting the Tenth Seraph at fifty thousand feet. The JSAF is loaning us some of their old strato bombers to get you up there." The overgrown child turned soldier admitted, having no pretence over how dangerous this was.
"But that's impossible. Evas interfere with the fields of Aircraft, we'd just fall out of the sky." The redhead cut in with slight alarm. Surely NERV had thought of that when making this plan, even they weren't that stupid.
"These are petroleum powered planes. They'll work for us."
"But carrying us? That's going to use fuel up at quite a rate. Range won't be very far on those bombers…our interception is going to have to be perfect." Samuel's brow wrinkled, hating the miniscule odds of success. He'd do his duty to the Empire regardless of feelings and give his life if required. Senseless sacrifices however, were just something he couldn't agree with.
"It's risky, but it's all we've got. And I trust you all to do your utmost…which more than usually is enough." Misato felt her cross hang a little more heavily than usual around her neck. It was a reminder of that which drove her and overwhelmed her moral qualms with this job.
Yet it was not as if said qualms didn't plague her dreams.
"Yes, ma'am." The Children of Eva said, or gave their own tongue's approximations of.
"Alright then. Good luck, Pilots." The hologram of their superior officer flickered away, giving a last quick salute.
Flying, again? Shit, shit, shit…I just have to deal with it. Shinji already felt ill inside at the thought of being off ground again. Stopping the Seraphim took precedence over any nausea though. He grit his teeth and tightened his grip around Unit 01's control sticks.
"Scared of flying, Third?" Asuka grinned from her end of the vid-link. The meek young man bit back a curse, having forgotten that his colleagues could see him.
"A…a little…" He murmured.
"Ikari-kun appears to have air sickness of a sort. He vomited quite vigorously during our flight out to initially meet you aboard the Seydlitz." Rei concisely and quietly answered the unsaid question.
"Oh." The fiery girl leaned back, her grin wavering a little. Fear of flight was ridiculous to her. Where else was one freer than the air after all? Disliking flight due to air sickness, however, was another matter entirely. "Sucks to be you, dummkopf. But at least you have an actual reason for it." She raised a mocking eyebrow at Samuel.
The Imperial, who'd paled significantly by now, his previous bravado having vanished, scoffed.
"Of course, I've got a bloody legitimate reason for it!" He shifted uncomfortably.
"You're a pussy when it comes to flying, Sam. Just accept it." Asuka chuckled, eliciting a smile from Shinji.
"No I'm not! I just like having my feet on the ground as Mother Nature intended!" The blonde aristocrat threw his arms up in the air. All aside from him seemed humoured by this.
The German Countess drummed her fingers for a few moments, then sighed in mock regret. "Hate to say, but I can't hold your hand this time, Fourth. You'll have to be a big boy today."
Both herself and Shinji openly laughed at this. Rei couldn't help but let her lips rise at the Imperial's reddened face.
"Oh bugger off!" Samuel roared.
Are we clear? Excellent, let's get to business.
XXX
There had been no briefing. The moment the Eva Pilots arrived they were thrust into their "steeds" and deployed immediately. The Rapid Homeland Defence System was carrying them off to wherever they were needed.
Shinji sat in his plug, shifting a little. As usual he was afraid. The boy was absolutely convinced the day would never come when he'd be free of fear. Always it would nag at the back of his mind and the pit of his stomach.
That was alright though. He'd managed to fight and beat Seraphim many times before, even whilst afraid. Now of course there were four Evangelions to be set loose upon the enemy. Mercifully, the other three of his number were far more competent and less cowardly than himself.
They all looked so calm on the vid-link, either that or bored. Rei appeared to be napping, Asuka was tapping a finger and Samuel was whistling. Oh, how he wished to be as professional as they.
A hologram flicked into life just in front of Shinji and the rest of the Eva Pilots. Misato stood there in a blue haze, a 3D map of Japan in front of her. Directly above the landmass was a massive sphere descending from on high. Its trajectory would bring it directly down on their heads.
"As you can see-" The purple haired woman said in a military manner, arms folded. "-the enemy is coming directly our way. Its likely goal is to punch straight through Tokyo-3 and into Central Dogma. If that happens, it's game over for everything and everyone."
The four children of Eva appraised the hologram, looking to gain as much information on their target as possible. As would be expected of soldiers.
Not too far from professional…you're doing good, Pilots. Doing damn good. The Lieutenant Colonel had to force down an approving smile.
"Is this to scale?" Shinji squinted, praying he was wrong. His superior officer shook her head reluctantly.
"I'm afraid so. The Tenth Seraph is about five kilometres in length, meaning that an impact at terminal velocity-"
"Extinction level event, or close enough to it." Asuka interjected, frowning. "It wouldn't matter if we killed it, this verdammt monster is about half the size of the meteor that killed the Dinosaurs."
"Correct. Nearly word for word what Rits-chan told me." Misato chuckled, never ceasing to be impressed by the intelligence of the youngsters under her command.
"The Seraph's momentum needs to be slowed, or it must be outright obliterated to prevent this. I assume that is our plan?" Rei asked quietly, already pondering on what to do with this foe.
Direct ground interception could work, the power of four Evangelion A-T fields may be enough to stop its rate of velocity completely…yet much could go wrong. She dismissed that thought quickly.
"Yes. We've enlisted the help of the Japanese State Air Force, namely in the form of five Susanoo class FCVs." Misato punched in a command on the hologram, and the figures of five sword shaped vessels flickered into existence. "They will use a positron bombardment to at least slow the Seraph down. However, the key thing is killing it before it gets past ten thousand feet. With its field gone, the JSAF will be able to annihilate its carcass and prevent impact." The hologram quickly showed the five Susanoo's blasting the massive Seraph away.
"Straightforward enough. But…I get the impression the hardest part involves us?" Samuel winced, having a sinking sensation in his heart at the thought of the likely operation parameters.
"Yes. You'll be intercepting the Tenth Seraph at fifty thousand feet. The JSAF is loaning us some of their old strato bombers to get you up there." The overgrown child turned soldier admitted, having no pretence over how dangerous this was.
"But that's impossible. Evas interfere with the fields of Aircraft, we'd just fall out of the sky." The redhead cut in with slight alarm. Surely NERV had thought of that when making this plan, even they weren't that stupid.
"These are petroleum powered planes. They'll work for us."
"But carrying us? That's going to use fuel up at quite a rate. Range won't be very far on those bombers…our interception is going to have to be perfect." Samuel's brow wrinkled, hating the miniscule odds of success. He'd do his duty to the Empire regardless of feelings and give his life if required. Senseless sacrifices however, were just something he couldn't agree with.
"It's risky, but it's all we've got. And I trust you all to do your utmost…which more than usually is enough." Misato felt her cross hang a little more heavily than usual around her neck. It was a reminder of that which drove her and overwhelmed her moral qualms with this job.
Yet it was not as if said qualms didn't plague her dreams.
"Yes, ma'am." The Children of Eva said, or gave their own tongue's approximations of.
"Alright then. Good luck, Pilots." The hologram of their superior officer flickered away, giving a last quick salute.
Flying, again? Shit, shit, shit…I just have to deal with it. Shinji already felt ill inside at the thought of being off ground again. Stopping the Seraphim took precedence over any nausea though. He grit his teeth and tightened his grip around Unit 01's control sticks.
"Scared of flying, Third?" Asuka grinned from her end of the vid-link. The meek young man bit back a curse, having forgotten that his colleagues could see him.
"A…a little…" He murmured.
"Ikari-kun appears to have air sickness of a sort. He vomited quite vigorously during our flight out to initially meet you aboard the Seydlitz." Rei concisely and quietly answered the unsaid question.
"Oh." The fiery girl leaned back, her grin wavering a little. Fear of flight was ridiculous to her. Where else was one freer than the air after all? Disliking flight due to air sickness, however, was another matter entirely. "Sucks to be you, dummkopf. But at least you have an actual reason for it." She raised a mocking eyebrow at Samuel.
The Imperial, who'd paled significantly by now, his previous bravado having vanished, scoffed.
"Of course, I've got a bloody legitimate reason for it!" He shifted uncomfortably.
"You're a pussy when it comes to flying, Sam. Just accept it." Asuka chuckled, eliciting a smile from Shinji.
"No I'm not! I just like having my feet on the ground as Mother Nature intended!" The blonde aristocrat threw his arms up in the air. All aside from him seemed humoured by this.
The German Countess drummed her fingers for a few moments, then sighed in mock regret. "Hate to say, but I can't hold your hand this time, Fourth. You'll have to be a big boy today."
Both herself and Shinji openly laughed at this. Rei couldn't help but let her lips rise at the Imperial's reddened face.
"Oh bugger off!" Samuel roared.
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Chickens can't fly though. That would only help his argument, and he'd be sure to let you know that.
- Location
- Can't read map
At least Asuka is guaranteed that this seraph kill will be very much her own!
Japan is useless vomiting from air sickness
or has outdated EVA and not great combat skill.
Britain is too occupied not looking at their feet to see if they stick their weapon into seraph weak spot or not...
...
yeah...EVA stands on seraph, repeatedly stick sword into it, shakes and constantly looks up.... Don't worry, we are definitely not taking pictures *breaks Asuka's camera who is angry* definitely aren't *gives Asuka new camera that she can actually hide instead of being obvious when taking photo, you are welcome*
.... of course something will happen and someone will kill steal seraph kill from Asuka... again...
Japan is useless vomiting from air sickness
or has outdated EVA and not great combat skill.
Britain is too occupied not looking at their feet to see if they stick their weapon into seraph weak spot or not...
...
yeah...EVA stands on seraph, repeatedly stick sword into it, shakes and constantly looks up.... Don't worry, we are definitely not taking pictures *breaks Asuka's camera who is angry* definitely aren't *gives Asuka new camera that she can actually hide instead of being obvious when taking photo, you are welcome*
.... of course something will happen and someone will kill steal seraph kill from Asuka... again...
- Location
- Huezil
If one thing that can be said, Sahaquiel was one of Shinji shining moments.
- Location
- Huezil
@Lord Sovereign Sorry for the double post... but this comparison and even the possible hidden meaning in Sahaquiel in uncanny.
Chapter 13.3
Lord Sovereign
The Emperor of shitty fanfic
- Location
- England
Well I did promise to post every week and it seems I'm keeping to that so far!
Sitting in his command chair above all, Gendo Ikari watched the operation's first phase unfold. Five Susanoo class Battleships assumed position in the blue yet darkened sky. They angled their bow mounted Positron Canons upwards at the approaching Seraph.
Conventional weapons are little match for Seraphim…yet my Combat Operations Director's logic is sound. This should at the very least buy us a few minutes or so.
Resting his chin on his gloved hands, the Supreme Commander beheld those jets of mighty blue energy burst forth from the FCVs. Power equivalent to a hundred kilotons of TNT slammed into the Seraph's field, immediately slowing its descent.
There was applause below. Many staff members must have thought it some sort of miracle. Were he a more emotive man, Gendo would have sighed. Only the illiterate and stupid believed in such things as "miracles." All was planned, all was as according to design.
"Yes…good. Over and out." Far below, the purple haired woman he'd employed put down her phone and turned to face him.
"Sir, the Evas are airborne and en route. ETA is four minutes." Misato smartly relayed.
The Supreme Commander nodded. "Is the warhead onboard?"
"Yes, Sir, as per your orders. Although I assure you, our Pilots have this well in hand-" She bit back whatever else she had to say beneath that orange gaze. The Commander was a hard working and stoic man, but he did not tolerate disagreement. "I understand, sir."
Her superior quietly grunted, then refocused on the monitor.
Always one for contingencies, Gendo had put a secondary plan into action from the moment the operation was conceived. Rei had been given an N2 warhead to do with as she would if the Seraph got past ten thousand feet. The detonation would destroy Tokyo-3 and all its inhabitants…but NERV and humanity would be saved; not to mention that his Evas could quite simply survive such a blast.
Silently, he watched Misato go back to her position and talk to some of her own subordinates. What a useful tool he'd found in her. She possessed all the right holes in the soul to slip in the puppet strings. Not only that, but she'd a sound military mind for the most part.
An easily usable and high quality tool…what more could one ask for? Gendo smiled at that.
Ah yes. A fine bit of leverage over our "UN Supervisor."
"Ikari-san." Kozo's gravelly voice caught his attention. The stone hearted man looked up at his old teacher, ready to hear what he had to say. "Sub Commander Akagi reports that experiments are underway with the subject we recovered from the last Seraph encounter."
"The weapon holds a great deal of potential." Gendo agreed.
The sword of the Ninth Seraph had been transported with great difficulty. So great was its mass, it almost took out the RHDS. That wouldn't have been something Motichka would've forgiven in a hurry.
Now however, the blade was in the hands of Naoko Akagi's offspring, who would undoubtedly unlock a secret or two. It had been unfortunate that her use was limited, but alas. A broken chess piece could not make every move one wanted.
"We've got visual!" Lieutenant Hyuga called out. The four JSAF Strato bombers screeched onto the monitor, escorted by dozens of Kazes. Whether or not they and their crew's use would extend beyond "meat shields" remained to be seen.
Hundreds of billions of Yen in equipment, piloted by thousands of Japanese Airmen, filled the screen; NERV's Supreme Commander could not have cared less about them. If they fulfilled their use, their survival was irrelevant.
Instead, the rear bomber carrying Unit 01 was something Gendo intensely fixated on. Yet no thought of his only child ever crossed his obsessive mind.
Take care, Yui my dearest. Not long now…not long now…
XXX
Sitting in his command chair above all, Gendo Ikari watched the operation's first phase unfold. Five Susanoo class Battleships assumed position in the blue yet darkened sky. They angled their bow mounted Positron Canons upwards at the approaching Seraph.
Conventional weapons are little match for Seraphim…yet my Combat Operations Director's logic is sound. This should at the very least buy us a few minutes or so.
Resting his chin on his gloved hands, the Supreme Commander beheld those jets of mighty blue energy burst forth from the FCVs. Power equivalent to a hundred kilotons of TNT slammed into the Seraph's field, immediately slowing its descent.
There was applause below. Many staff members must have thought it some sort of miracle. Were he a more emotive man, Gendo would have sighed. Only the illiterate and stupid believed in such things as "miracles." All was planned, all was as according to design.
"Yes…good. Over and out." Far below, the purple haired woman he'd employed put down her phone and turned to face him.
"Sir, the Evas are airborne and en route. ETA is four minutes." Misato smartly relayed.
The Supreme Commander nodded. "Is the warhead onboard?"
"Yes, Sir, as per your orders. Although I assure you, our Pilots have this well in hand-" She bit back whatever else she had to say beneath that orange gaze. The Commander was a hard working and stoic man, but he did not tolerate disagreement. "I understand, sir."
Her superior quietly grunted, then refocused on the monitor.
Always one for contingencies, Gendo had put a secondary plan into action from the moment the operation was conceived. Rei had been given an N2 warhead to do with as she would if the Seraph got past ten thousand feet. The detonation would destroy Tokyo-3 and all its inhabitants…but NERV and humanity would be saved; not to mention that his Evas could quite simply survive such a blast.
Silently, he watched Misato go back to her position and talk to some of her own subordinates. What a useful tool he'd found in her. She possessed all the right holes in the soul to slip in the puppet strings. Not only that, but she'd a sound military mind for the most part.
An easily usable and high quality tool…what more could one ask for? Gendo smiled at that.
Ah yes. A fine bit of leverage over our "UN Supervisor."
"Ikari-san." Kozo's gravelly voice caught his attention. The stone hearted man looked up at his old teacher, ready to hear what he had to say. "Sub Commander Akagi reports that experiments are underway with the subject we recovered from the last Seraph encounter."
"The weapon holds a great deal of potential." Gendo agreed.
The sword of the Ninth Seraph had been transported with great difficulty. So great was its mass, it almost took out the RHDS. That wouldn't have been something Motichka would've forgiven in a hurry.
Now however, the blade was in the hands of Naoko Akagi's offspring, who would undoubtedly unlock a secret or two. It had been unfortunate that her use was limited, but alas. A broken chess piece could not make every move one wanted.
"We've got visual!" Lieutenant Hyuga called out. The four JSAF Strato bombers screeched onto the monitor, escorted by dozens of Kazes. Whether or not they and their crew's use would extend beyond "meat shields" remained to be seen.
Hundreds of billions of Yen in equipment, piloted by thousands of Japanese Airmen, filled the screen; NERV's Supreme Commander could not have cared less about them. If they fulfilled their use, their survival was irrelevant.
Instead, the rear bomber carrying Unit 01 was something Gendo intensely fixated on. Yet no thought of his only child ever crossed his obsessive mind.
Take care, Yui my dearest. Not long now…not long now…
Last edited:
- Location
- Can't read map
Miracle might deserve mention here.
With seraphs breaking physics and confusing nuclear bombardment for "a bit of rain"... wouldn't be surprising if peoples failed to slow it down thanks to it's AT field manipulation of some kind. Maybe even accelerated. *shrugs*
Yui: Not long now... not long now... for my chance to strangle you Gendo!
Neepa
Always pondering story possibilities
- Location
- Germany
Well when it's possible to move in water by expanding and contracting the AT-Field then an Angel should be able to do that with ease as it's natural to them.
Think about it as a jet engine. The field pulling infront of you on the air and propelling you away by pushing against it. Humanitys AT-Field technology could only be able to push or pull at the same time which would constrain the FVCs a bit in lift power and dimensions.
Think about it as a jet engine. The field pulling infront of you on the air and propelling you away by pushing against it. Humanitys AT-Field technology could only be able to push or pull at the same time which would constrain the FVCs a bit in lift power and dimensions.