Mobile Fighter Evangelion [NGE/AU/Not a Gundam crossover]

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/Isolation Chamber THYMUS, NERV-1, Tokyo-3/

Hong and Zhao had experienced quite a bit in their relatively short lives: they had put down uprisings in distant Chinese provinces, killed cultists of various stripes, participated in a special Anti-Angel weapons project...and now they were here, in the outer edges of NERV's subterranean base, facing a massive red Evangelion that was bound by thick braces and solidified bakelite. "It seems like a beast restrained," murmured Hong, his rose-colored hair wrapped into a long braid, the traditional queue.

Zhao nodded, his white hair fashioned into a slim crew cut. "I wonder why NERV has yet to deploy it."

The other nephilim tilted his head. "Perhaps they can't control it?"

Zhao glanced at the bare flesh on the Eva's arms, which seemed to twitch every so often. If he concentrated hard enough, he could hear it breathing. "...perhaps." Suddenly, the sound of humming reached his ears. "Someone's coming."

The two nephilim darted to the sides of the large chamber, hiding amidst large pipes and scaffolding. They looked down at the main entryway, which led to a fortified observation center in the middle of the chamber, with a walkway ringing the entire cylindrical room.

Through the doorway came a silver-haired nephilim, clad in a Plug Suit of dark colors. As his red eyes fell upon the restrained Evangelion, his humming ceased. "Unit-02...we meet again." His smile was sad, in a strange way. "It was quite a long walk to get here."

Zhao looked pointedly at his brother across the room, flashing hand signals. -Probable hostile. Engage?-

Hong signaled back. -Hold. Wait for my mark.-

-Acknowledged.-

The Eva Pilot calmly ascended towards the observation chamber, calmly leaping atop the octagonal structure. "This whole series of events seems...quite cruel, to be honest." If Zhao didn't know any better, the boy was actually talking to the Eva. "It is my fault you are in your current state...and yet here I am, tasked with piloting you."

Hong's hand signals were swift. -Attack when he jumps.-

-Acknowledged.- Zhao silently repositioned himself amidst the pipes, ready to attack at a moment's notice.

Sighing, the Eva Pilot bent his legs (Zhao and Hong went tense) and jumped.

Simultaneously, the two nephilim leapt from their hiding places, fists glowing and aimed at the Pilot's face-

A flash of light was all they saw before oblivion took them.

xxxx

Kaworu Nagisa landed atop Unit-02's shoulder, sighing with remorse. "Pointless." He glanced back at the two piles of organic slurry laying on the hardened bakelite below, the only remnants of his two assailants. A brief unfurling of his AT-Field - a harsh flare of the Light of his Soul - had been enough to utterly unmake them. "However...they met their ends in an instant. Is that preferable to a slow, relentless decline...?" He honestly didn't know.

The Fourth Child looked towards the Entry Plug sticking out of Unit-02's back; even now, he could feel the tension radiating from the Evangelion, barely-restrained by all of NERV's measures. "For so long, you fought for them...and yet you still frighten the Lilim." Humanity messed with powers that they could never understand, could never fully grasp. Their entire mentality, their entire approach...it was crazy. Ludicrous. Nigh-suicidal.

It was just another reason why they had always fascinated him.

The nephilim set down within the Entry Plug, his AT-Field activating the mechanisms that triggered the activation sequence. "I am supposed to pilot you, Unit-02. I am supposed to lead you into battle against the forces of SEELE, to prevent Instrumentality." The status quo, horrid though it was, was vastly preferable to what the Chairman and his colleagues would unleash. "And yet...do I even have the right?"

Forcefully taking control and willing Unit-02 to fight would be easy, a simple replication of how Yomiko had willed Unit-05 to move.

But that prospect seemed...rude. And crude.

"I would have to sync with the soul within," murmured Kaworu, the LCL turning translucent. "I would have to sync with Miss Sohryu...and to be honest...the idea frightens me."

There was no response from the bestial Eva.

"Despite all the battles that she endured, all that she accomplished...her current state is my fault. Losing her flesh and blood, her soul becoming bound within you...how could she not despise me, even just a little?"

Silence.

Kaworu sighed. "It's okay. I don't expect much...I don't have the right. Who am I to ask anything of she whose lineage is of the Fruit of Knowledge? I am of the Fruit of Life, as you are, Unit-02...our destinies may be interwoven, but never would they meet...as is proper. As is necessary." Even if it stung with a strangely bitter loneliness, and a grim trepidation that made his heart pound with anguish. "I wonder...if this is the emotion that you Lilim would call fear..."

Lub-dup.

There was a distant heartbeat.

"I wonder...can you hear me, Miss Sohryu?"

Lub-dup.

"I hesitate to even ask this much of you, given what I've done..."

Lub-dup.

"...but I will not force Unit-02 to move without you, to suppress your soul even further. It would be...another grave injustice."

Lub-dup.

"...so I will only ask one thing of you...even if you can't forgive me..."

Lub-dup.

"...can you fight by my side, just this once?"

The heartbeat ceased.

Kaworu paused, straining his Light to try and witness the reaction of the soul within Unit-02. Precious seconds passed...and there was no response. "...I see." It hurt. But he was not surprised. "I understand." He closed his eyes, accepting the futility of it all. "It's...okay."

Then, there was a blooming fire, one that consumed him utterly.

what are you, STUPID?!

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

what are you, STUPID?!

Kaworu's eyes widened; he was no longer in the Entry Plug, but standing upon the waters of an infinite shore, tinted orange by the setting sun. He whirled around, red eyes widening at the sight of strawberry blonde hair, passionate blue eyes, and a yellow sundress. "Miss...Sohryu...?" She stepped forward, raising her hand. "Wait-!"

"I can't BELIEVE you still think so little of yourself!" shouted the redhead, relentlessly noogying him. "For a guy as smart as you are, you sure can be unbelievably dense!"

"Ow, ow, that hurts-!"

"It BETTER!" Asuka finally relented, stepping away from Kaworu's ethereal form. "...did you really think I wouldn't forgive you?"

"But it's my fault that you're in this state! Trapped within Unit-02, bereft of your original body-!" Asuka raised her hand, prompting Kaworu to shut up.

The redhead sighed, shaking her head. "I knew what I was getting into when I removed Unit-02's armor. I knew what would happen when I deactivated the limiters; it was the only chance I had of stopping you. And I would do it again."

"But-!" A dainty finger pressed against his lips, shutting him up a second time.

"It is what it is, Kaworu. Stop beating yourself up over it." When he didn't respond, the soul of the Second Child gazed at the sea, an odd little smile on her face. "It is weird, don't get me wrong...Mama's gotten quieter, since I've taken her place as the primary soul. She's...farther away, now." The air echoed with an impossibly deep whisper, rumbling from the depths of the ocean. The exact words couldn't be made out. "I can sense so much now...but it's muted. Like I've gained the ability to see colors beyond the visible, at the cost of being blind all the time...if that makes sense. Does it make sense?"

"...more than you know."

"Is this what life always felt like, to you?"

"...no." Kaworu looked away from her, intentionally focusing on the waves. The repetition of the tide helped him focus. "To use your analogy, I've always been able to see these colors, and I've never been blind...but so many of the colors lacked names, or context as to why they were used. Such were the ways of humanity to me."

"...huh. No wonder you were always such a dork."

Kaworu chuckled. It was amazing, how such a casual insult - lacking any real heat, brimming with a friendly affection - could cheer him up. "...even if the circumstances are less than ideal...it is good to see you again."

"Likewise." The girl stretched, working the kinks out of her limbs (which were technically nonexistent...was this just how her soul naturally was, in his eyes? Always moving, ever energetic?). "So, I take it there's a problem?"

"Yes. Shinji and Rei are facing multiple Evangelions, controlled by SEELE."

"...what's SEELE?" Kaworu's eyes glowed, and Asuka suddenly keeled over. "Oof...okay, shadow organization dedicated to ending the world. Got it."

"My apologies if I caused you any discomfort."

"No, I'm fine...really neat trick though." Puffing herself up, the Second Child said, "okay then, let's get down to it!"

"...are you sure?"

"Why not? Do you honestly think I would ever have an issue synchronizing with you?"

"...you, with me? Probably not...but I, with you...I am not so sure."

"Why?" Asuka stepped forward, pausing as Kaworu impulsively backed away. "Are you...are you afraid of me?"

"...no. Not of you. Perhaps...afraid for you would be a better way to put it." The soul of Kaworu Nagisa - nay, of Tabris - sighed with remorse. "I am an Angel, from the line of the Fruit of Life. Even in my reduced state, my soul is...fundamentally different from yours. And I don't know if synchronizing with your soul...will leave you intact."

Asuka rolled her eyes. "Seriously?"

"It's no laughing matter!" protested Kaworu, a panicked look settling in his eyes. "The memories I bear of ADAM and LILITH, of what they lost...how could I visit that doom upon you?! Why would-" His protests suddenly ceased.

For Asuka had stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him, and embracing him tightly. "...can you feel that? That warmth?"

Their souls were intermingling. There was...a nervous energy in the air. Kaworu quite liked it. "...yes."

"Whenever I piloted Unit-02...it would be like this for me and my Mama. Connecting with each other, in such a deep way...I loved it."

"...I can see why."

"You're more than just the Angel Tabris, you know? You're also Kaworu Nagisa...and you don't give yourself enough credit. Or me, for that matter." She leaned back, looking straight into his eyes (and oh, those blue eyes were outright challenging him, demanding that he be BETTER). "Did you really think I wouldn't help you out if you needed it?"

"...no...that's not who you are." This connection...was this...was this what Sandalphon had talked about? Was this...was this the dream of ADAM...?

"Then stop being a baka. Okay?"

"...okay." The nephilim let his head droop, his forehead touching hers. The sense of sheer, unadulterated contentment...it was almost intoxicating. "Thank you..."

"Don't mention it, Dummkopf."

The shoreline faded away, and their souls began to shine in unison.

xxxx

At that exact moment, Unit-02's four eyes suddenly blazed.

xxxx

/Geofront, Tokyo-1/

The tip of a Replica Sword barely nicked Unit-01 in the side.

It was still enough to drive a spike of searing pain through Shinji's torso, his breath hitching in his throat. Impulsively, he grabbed Unit-00 by the shoulder and shifted away, by another hundred meters-

dive!

The two Evas split apart, rolling to the side as a wave of energy boiled away at the ground where they had once been.

"They...are...persistent..." panted Rei, Unit-00 gingerly holding the Replica Sword.

"...how are we going to do this?" Both of their Evas bore multiple nicks and scratches, while the MP-Evas were able to cover each other well enough that their wounds were able to heal. "There's just too many of them...!"

Sneering, the nine Evangelions began to advance again...and then they paused.

oh goodness

A strange feeling roiled through the air. "Rei-chan...what is that...?"

"...I do not know."

It was at the moment, at the far end of the Geofront, that the large lake began to rumble and shimmer.

Then a massive cross of vibrant pink energy burst through its surface.

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Spoiler: Unabashedly borrowing a page from Strypgia...FANART!

Then a massive cross of vibrant pink energy burst through its surface.

A pair of silhouettes emerged, one dark and one light. As the cross faded, the silhouettes became visible.

Shinji couldn't believe what he was seeing. "That's…Unit-02?!" Unit-02 floated in the air, arms crossed with confidence. Floating behind the Eva was a golden humanoid, faceless and with long flowing hair. However, unlike the battle with Tabris, the overall form was…strikingly familiar. "…Asuka…?"

"Irritating pest!" MP-07 swung its Replica Lance, lashing out with a bolt of spiritual power.

Unit-02 and the golden figure vanished.

The golden girl reappeared behind MP-07, pinning the white Eva in a full nelson. An instant later, Unit-02 reappeared in front of the Eva, hands lashing out with glowing fingers. In the blink of an eye, MP-07 had been stricken over two dozen times.

If it had eyes, the MP-Eva would have blinked. "…what…?" The points that had been struck began to radiate with light. "Wait…" And then the Eva began to bulge. "…NO-!" MP-07's panicked shout cut off as the titan exploded from within, splattering the ground with meat and purple blood.

The eight other MP-Evas backed away with trepidation.

"…Shinji. Rei." Unit-02 glanced over at its bedraggled compatriots, each one bearing slowly-healing lacerations and cracked armor. "It would be best if you focus on the bombardment, for now."

Shinji couldn't believe whose voice he was hearing. "…Kaworu?!"

Unit-00 clenched its Replica Sword tightly. "Why are you in Unit-02?"

"It is by the will of your Supreme Commander and the Sub-Director that I am here." Unit-02 glanced up at the open hole in the Geofront, watching as more missiles began to drop. "At this juncture, you two are best-equipped to deal with the invasion above…I will deal with the Mass Production Series."

"But Kaworu-!"

"It is fine, Shinji Ikari." There was a strange tone to the Fourth Child's voice, one that seemed…unabashedly joyful. It was so odd, hearing such a tenor with Kaworu's voice. "I am not alone."

The golden humanoid, languishing in an almost lazy fashion upon Unit-02's shoulders, made a 'shooing' motion with her hands.

"…very well. We are in no condition to stop you, regardless." Unit-00 gestured upward at the ceiling. "Come, Shinji-kun. We must bring an end to the invasion." Bending down, the blue giant soared into the air with a gigantic leap.

Staring confusedly at Unit-02 and the golden girl – was she waving at him? – Shinji finally followed Rei to the surface, his face bearing a rather dumbfounded expression. I…I'm so confused right now. What in the world is happening?!

roll with it

xxxx

The eight MP-Evas seemed to glare at their blue and purple adversaries, seemingly exiting the battle after the sudden arrival of Unit-02. "Like we'd let you get away!" growled MP-02, wings extending and bringing it airborne-

Unit-02 motioned with its right hand at MP-02, fingers clenching tightly. The golden girl did the same, raising her arm upwards…only to snap her fingers.

KABOOOM!!

The pocket of air above MP-02 – gathered together by the will of Tabris, separated into its base elements – abruptly combusted, the spark provided by the golden girl. The sudden explosion forced the Eva back to the ground, skin singed by the blast. "You cheeky prat."

Kaworu Nagisa smiled serenely within Unit-02's Entry Plug. "I will not let you harm them. And I will not let you take ADAM and LILITH."

MP-10 sneered. "Like you could actually stop us on your own."

"On the contrary," replied Kaworu, briefly glancing to his side. Beside him – ethereal, nonexistent to the world, yet all too real to him – was the specter of Asuka Langley-Sohryu, clad in her red Plug Suit, and bearing a cherubic smile. It was a sign of how deeply linked the two were, of how far their synchronization went, that her spiritual presence was a palpable reality to him. "I am not alone."

That in and of itself was the most fantastic thing he had ever said. I am not alone.

took you long enough

Growling, the eight remaining MP-Evas transformed their weapons into Replica Lances, lashing out with a massive wave of energy.

Unit-02 stomped the ground, and a massive slab of earth and soil rose to cover the red Eva. The golden girl brought her hands together, fingers curling up; the mass of earth consolidated, becoming harder than rock.

The deadly wave smashed against it, cracking it…but not breaking it.

With a swift palm thrust, Unit-02 shot the oversized dirt clod forward, the projectile smashing into MP-03 and knocking it back. The golden girl's form overlapped that of Unit-02, and the entire Eva began to shimmer.

In the blink of an eye, Kaworu had teleported behind the cluster of MP-Evas. As they turned – slowly, as though stuck in molasses – the Fourth Child couldn't help but marvel at what he was experiencing.

Unit-02 still had no limiters; in a sense, it too was an Ascended Evangelion, much like his original body had been. However, his true soul was still intact, bound within the Core locked deep inside NERV-1; thus, he had no fear of the Eva absorbing him as it had with the Second Child.

In fact, he felt no fear at all.

I see now.

Unit-02 punched MP-10 in the face, free hand latching onto the white Eva's wrist and slinging it at MP-04 and MP-05. With a seamless shift – phasing out of physical reality, moving through the realm where spirit was supreme – Unit-02 reappeared behind MP-08, grabbing it by the neck and waist. With a sharp jerk, the crimson Eva brought the MP-Eva down on its knee, a harsh crack and a shrill screech marking the breaking of its spine. Unit-02 swiftly kicked it in the side, sending the MP-Eva crashing into MP-09 and MP-12. Another shift – dancing around the spiritual barriers of the MP-Evas, fixed in time but not in space – brought Unit-02 beside MP-02. A left cross sent the Eva flying, a golden tether connecting Unit-02's fist with the MP-Eva's face. With a swift yank, as with a paddleball, Unit-02 brought MP-02 back to meet a right straight into the sternum. Gagging, the MP-Eva could only scream as Unit-02's mouth let loose a concussive blast of power, knocking it away.

I see now!

Strong though the MP-Evas were, dreadful though their Replicas might be…Kaworu could see their every move. His perspective was now aided by another, one who was not kin…and yet inexplicably linked with him in a way he had never thought possible.

It was absolutely exhilarating.

Sandalphon…I understand now, why you refused to yield. Even if this was a mere shade of a true union between the Fruit of Life and Fruit of Knowledge…it was enough for him to understand why ADAM had long dreamed of it. Together, he and Miss Sohryu…were [amplified/exalted/INDECIPHERABLE]. I understand!

The golden girl reappeared besides Unit-02. Linking hands, the two reared their left arms, thrusting their palms forward; an ethereal palm, over a hundred meters wide, launched at the MP-Evas, smashing them even further away.

This...

Kaworu Nagisa brought his hand to that of the redheaded specter within the Entry Plug, gripping it fondly. The ethereal girl eyed him with brief surprise (how unexpectedly forward of you!) before her fingers clenched back.

…this…

As their adversaries slowly got back up, the Second and Fourth Children faced them with a smile; for they knew joy, and that was enough.

…is Complementation!

And so the duo continued their deadly dance.

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/Reserve Command Center, NERV-1, Tokyo-3/

"...why is the Final Angel piloting Unit-02?" asked Misato Katsuragi, eyebrow twitching heavily.

"That would be one of the Supreme Commander's contingencies," explained Kozou Fuyutsuki.

"I figured that much. Why wasn't I told that the Final Angel would be piloting Unit-02?!"

Ritsuko chuckled. "Precisely because of this reaction, probably."

"Does it really matter, Boss?" asked Aoba. "He seems happy kicking the MP-Series' asses."

The Operations Director huffed. "Fine, whatever. Status on our internal defenses?"

"Our defensive lines are withdrawing deeper towards the command center; the sections flooded with bakelite have impeded the UN's progress some, but a lot of them are starting to deploy heavy weaponry to break through."

Misato scowled, looking back down at the lower levels; a row of Section 2 personnel had formed a defensive perimeter around it, waiting for the UN personnel to poke their heads through again. "Our sentries won't hold them back forever," murmured Misato. "We need to hold long enough for the Evas to rebuff the invasion!"

xxxx

/Sakamura's Field Office, Eastern Slopes of Mt. Fuji/

"Sir! We have confirmed visual of Units-00 and 01 emerging from the Geofront!"

"IMPOSSIBLE!" howled General Sakamura. "There were twelve Evangelions!"

"Long-range recon reports only eight of the Mass Production Series remaining inside the Geofront!"

Notwithstanding the fact that apparently four of the MP-Evas had already been destroyed, Sakamura harped on the fact that eight remained standing. "What the hell are they doing then?!"

"They're...being held off by Unit-02, sir!"

"...send the word to the JASDF. Launch all of our N2 payloads. I want Tokyo-3 and the Geofront reduced to a crater!"

"But sir, the potential geologic ramifications-"

"Don't you think I know that?" interrupted Sakamura, his voice deathly cold. "Such concentrated explosive force on the Hakone caldera...I know it might trigger a volcanic reaction. But if only one of their Evas is holding off EIGHT more, the rest of our forces have no prayer against the other two!"

"...but what of those who have already infiltrated the Geofront, sir?"

"We all knew the risks with this operation. We all knew that defeating Gendo Ikari and his fanatical faction might take extreme measures...and I will bear responsibility for every single soldier who has died this day. But this is, quite literally, our last option. If we fail...then our country, our whole world, is doomed." The General loomed over the lower-ranked officer, as if daring him to disagree. "So...send the word."

"...yes sir."

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

I hope your death is especially painful.

Click to shrink...

To be fair, you have (from Sakamura's perspective) merciless god-machines (one of which is apparently holding off eight others) in the service of a man who (aside from his reputation as a crazed madman) has allegedly possessed the cause of Second Impact - ADAM and LILITH - this entire time.

Sakamura definitely has a vendetta against Gendo Ikari, to be sure. But in his eyes, if he doesn't go (non)nuclear, then these god-machines will be free to do Gendo Ikari's nefarious bidding.

That's confirmation bias for you: all of Gendo's actions, up to this point, have cemented in Sakamura's mind the idea that he is an insane megalomaniac who shouldn't be trusted with ANYTHING. Even Gendo's declaration of defiance the night before the invasion could be - without an in-depth look, that is - summed up as a clever psy op to make them second guess themselves, because seriously, who would believe that noted philanthropist Keel Lorenz is completely and utterly evil? 'SEELE'? Please, such delusional nonsense is only further proof that Gendo Ikari is not to be trusted.

Wink.

But yeah. Sakamura's subjective reality is completely and utterly real to him, just as Gendo's subjective reality - that everything he has done was for the sake of stopping SEELE - is completely and utterly real to him.

Alas, there is but one objective reality.

And that reality is Pinkie Pie.

/hey!
//this is the wrong fandom!
///get out of here, you pink pastel equine!
////"But why? She's the one who let me in!"
/////who is 'she'?
//////"Heee~eey."
///////OH SHI-

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/Floor 18, Main Pyramid Complex, NERV-1/

The First Branch's headquarters had seen better days. Floors bore various fissures, and entire hallways had collapsed on themselves; the constant stress and damage from the past week's battles - from the Twentieth Angel, to the Final Angel, and finally the UN's invasion and bombardment - had taken their toll.

It would probably be cheaper to wipe the whole thing clean and start over.

The distant sounds of battle were also getting closer, and the aftershocks from the Evas' battle were unnervingly severe.

Boom.

Kirishima grimaced, nearly stumbling over as another quake rocked the structure. How much longer can this place stand? Standing back up, the woman continued on down the corridor, trying to follow the mental map in her head.

BOOM.

That...was much louder. That sounded more concussive.

"Agh, you bastard!"

And that sounded like Mana.

Hikari Kirishima rounded the corner, sliding the door open as quietly as she could.

What she found was a room that had been demolished by the Jet Alone's collision, revealing the open air of the Geofront. The Burning Gundam - utterly thrashed, and in pieces - laid silently, surrounded by dead UN soldiers.

Mana and Mayumi - their skin glowing with the power of Anima Overdrive - were facing off against three other nephilim, three young men with hair colored various shades of ash and gray. Despite the temporarily-ascended state that her daughters were in, their three opponents were displaying outstanding teamwork.

A kick in the sternum by Mayumi was enough to push one back by several meters, but she was quickly set upon by another.

...now's my chance.

Hikari Kirishima raised her submachine gun and opened fire at one of the aggressors; the nephilim's AT-Field flickered, blocking the bullets entirely.

The sudden gunfire was enough to catch the attention of the others. "Mother?!" shrieked Mayumi.

"The hell are you doin-GAH!" Mana was interrupted by a backhand to the face and a sidekick to the torso.

As Hikari Kirishima dropped her Steyr firearm, the ashen-haired nephilim charged, moving so fast, he was right there-

Chyoom.

Split in twain, fell the young man. Hikari Kirishima's arms were outstretched, holding the beam saber tightly. Tokita...thank you.

The other two nephilim stared in shock at the sudden turnaround-

SPLURCH.

Their shock at their brother's fate cost them, as Mana's glowing fist embedded itself into the rib cage of her adversary, while Mayumi - aiming with the plasma cannon in her artificial leg - blasted her opponent, vaporizing part of his torso. Several swift blows downed the two young men, their fatal wounds being enough to doom them entirely. "HAH!" boasted Mana, pulping the boy's heart in her hands. "Serves you right!"

Mayumi hurried over to her mother, fussing over her. "Are you okay? What are you doing here?!"

"To get you two. Are you okay?"

"We've...been better." Wincing, Mayumi glanced at the ruined wreck of the Jet Alone. "If we hadn't been in Overdrive...we might not have survived the collision."

"Eh, we managed to destroy an Eva. I'll take it." Mana lightly tapped the broken foot of the Burning Gundam, a fond smile on her face. "I need this baby to get back on its feet. Ain't no way I'm letting it rust away!"

"...you both did well," admitted Hikari Kirishima, deactivating the beam saber with the press of a switch.

"Gotta say, it was awful nice of ol' Tokita to let you borrow his prototype."

Mana's cavalier comment was almost enough to make her twitch. Almost. "It wasn't borrowed. It's...a memento now, I suppose."

Mayumi gasped. "He's...?"

Hikari nodded solemnly.

"...huh. Damn." Mana scratched the back of her head, looking somewhat uncomfortable. "That...really sucks, to be honest. As far as humans went...he was all right."

Hikari Kirishima numbly nodded. He...actually was. She quietly walked towards the open hole in the building, looking outside. A grand view of the Geofront was visible, and so much of the apocalyptic battle could be seen. To her left, eight MP-Evas were dancing around two flickering figures, one crimson (Unit-02?!), and one golden. The entire battle was...like something out of a storybook, or a fable: more appropriate for a legend, or an epic, and not real life.

"We were actually holding our own in that mess," said Mana, a cocky grin on her face. "We were awesome."

"...yes. You were." Hikari Kirishima looked to her right; from the far forests and rocky cliffs, the sounds of gunfire echoed, as UN forces engaged with Section 2 personnel in a mad dash towards NERV's headquarters, seeking to take control of yet another entry point into the First Branch. "...we need to get back underground. It's not safe up here."

"So I guess our part's over?" asked Mana. "Cause I think I can make Overdrive last for a little bit longer."

"No...you've done more than enough. You both have." Hikari Kirishima turned around, looking calmly at her two daughters. Despite all of her misgivings about the whole endeavor with the JET ALONE Project, NHIS's feud with NERV, and the whole affair with the Angel War in general...it had been a net gain for them. And she could accept that. "Let's go."

That's when a sniper bullet slammed into Hikari Kirishima's back, the sheer force driving her off of her feet.

xxxx

...waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Click to shrink...

/oh wait
//you meant the other shoe meant for asuka and kaworu
///my bad

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

The utter shock numbed everything, and all sound faded into a vague white noise. Hikari didn't feel her body colliding with the floor, nor her body being dragged away from the opening by Mayumi. What…what just happened…? She woozily looked up, taking in the sight of Mayumi – shouting frantically, tears beginning to form – and Mana – muttering nervously to herself, hands reaching for her abdomen – with a strangely peaceful air. They're…they're so beautiful…

Her daughters…her daughters. Even though they had been artificially aged, even though they had been created for the sake of war…they were hers. Am I dying…? The woman warily looked at her gut, inwardly marveling at how it looked so much like ground hamburger, splattered and shredded. Ah…I am dying…

All of this…and she was going to die by blood loss.

She felt like she was wading through cotton. Moving felt so…troublesome.

Yet she still found the meager strength needed to raise her hands, gently caressing her daughters' faces. "I…" Why couldn't she talk? "…lo…" Why was it so hard?! "…lov…" Talk, dammit! "…love…you…"

Ah. That was better.

Her last sight was of her girls, before everything faded away.

xxxx

Mayumi Yamagishi and her Mana Kirishima went silent as the light left their mother's eyes, her hands drooping back to the ground. Mother…? dimly thought Mayumi.

"No…no…no no no…don't do this, you stupid woman," muttered Mana, hyperventilating with a raw panic that she had never witnessed before, "come on, you're not allowed to die…we're gonna need a new Overseer now, and they're probably gonna suck! You can't do this to us!"

Mother's dead. Mayumi hiccupped, her eyes becoming hot. Mother…! The blunette hiccupped harder, as a soft, weeping whine slipped past her lips.

"No sis, come on...don't start crying…you know I hate it when you cry…!" Mana looked back down, as if wanting to get their mother to stop her, but froze again at the ragged wound in Hikari Kirishima's abdomen, and the lack of life in her face. That was enough to crush her sister's bravado, as she began to sob heavily. "Mom…Mom…!"

Mayumi brought her hands up, staring coolly at them. These hands…were made for war…and yet…you still saw us as more than weapons…Mother. The whole enterprise had been one that Mayumi tolerated, despite her distaste for fighting. Now, it all tasted of ash. Why…why…we could have taken the hit…why did it have to be you…?!

There was a distant sound, of a door opening. Her head shot up, looking at the source with a horrifying intensity.

More JSSDF soldiers, from the UN invasion.

A bestial growl rose from Mana; she had seen them too. Her sister gripped the fallen beam saber handle with trembling fingers, even as her breathing became heavier.

It's them…they killed her…THEY did it…

All of her thoughts narrowed down to a single focus: MAKE. THEM. PAY.

She was built and bred for war…fine then. She would embrace it.

Her flesh, and that of her sister, blazed even brighter, their bodysuits beginning to burn away from the sheer energy as they surrendered themselves to their power. None of it mattered…not as long as they could make them suffer.

So focused was she, that her short-term memory itself faded, her entire being living in the moment, burning away at everything she had left. Blazing brightly, hotter than the Sun, consuming her entirely until she faded into oblivion…that was fine. As long as she could kill them…all was right with the world.

Die.

A glowing hand piercing a man's rib cage, tearing through Kevlar.

Die.

Mana's knee pulped a man's head, the bone chips of his shattered skull having enough force to perforate the face of the man behind him.

Die.

Two more nephilim, with cropped white hair and long green hair, were shocked by their sudden appearance. Her fingers, glowing white, effortlessly pierced the white-haired boy's AT-Field and gouged into his eyes.

Die.

A muted shout of 'Akira!' was cut short as Mana decapitated the green-haired girl with the beam saber.

All of you…!

A wordless snarl erupted from her and Mana's lips, their glowing limbs beginning to liquefy any enemy they came across. She never acknowledged the brief reflection in her victim's eyes before she literally pulled him apart: that of a girl glowing pure white, eyes black as the void.

Truly, she had discarded all traces of her humanity, becoming the monster she had long feared herself to be.

That was fine.

Just as long as she could hate them, and hurt them, and kill them…everything was fine.

…DIE!

And so the sisters lost themselves to their rage.

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/LILITH's Throne Room, Terminal Dogma, NERV-1/​

​

One might be surprised to find Ryoji Kaji here, sitting at the foot of LILITH's throne.​

​

To be honest...where else was he going to be? He didn't really have any input on NERV's command decisions, and although passable with a gun, he didn't fancy facing off against the forces of the UN. That was Misato-chan's area: best to stay out of her way and let her do what she did best.​

​

If the end of the world was going to happen...then this would be where it began. So why not have a front row seat?​

​

At least, that was the logic he had provided to the other visitor, who had arrived less than half an hour ago.​

​

Look on the bright side: at least he now had company.​

​

"So. How do you think they're doing up there?" he asked.​

​

"Per the MAGI, Units-00 and 01 have exited the Geofront, and are warding off the artillery bombardment. Unit-02 is faring quite admirably against the rest of the MP-Series."​

​

Kaji chuckled, tapping his limp cigarette. Ashes fell to the floor, joining a small mound. "You know that's not the question I asked."​

​

"The numbers of the MP-Evas have inexplicably decreased, with no confirmation as to their fate...which only means that they are on their way here."​

​

"Mah, how terrifying," drolly said the Special Inspector. "...have you ever wondered, about the nature of truth?"​

​

"...more and more, in recent years, when I needed to wield both truths and falsehoods in equal measure."​

​

"So many people live their lives, acting according to their limited knowledge and limited beliefs...the subjective truth of one may not correspond to the subjective truth of another. Sometimes, it just takes a little bit of persuasion to play into people's own preconceptions, to get them to do what you want...of course, I don't need to tell you that."​

​

"Naturally."​

​

"It's actually funny; from my perspective, my little band of scavengers wasn't worth killing in the Post-Impact era...but someone thought so, enough to order our deaths. Were it not for the whims of a very friendly assassin, I wouldn't be here. The difference between life and death came down to the differences in the subjective truths that we all held."​

​

"Hmm. And?"​

​

"However...I do believe that there is such a thing as objective truth, in more than just the coldly scientific sense. Call me an idealist, if you will...but if we're going to make decisions on life or death matters, it should at least be informed by the most objective truth that we can attain." Kaji sighed, his grin both curious yet knowing. "ADAM and LILITH...they've been around longer than we have...so of course they would know more of the truth than we do. So it only makes sense to be here, if the world is going to end."​

​

"Hmm. An interesting perspective."​

​

A gunmetal blade suddenly tore into the Gate of the Apocalypse. "Well well...looks like we have more guests."​

​

With a harsh clattering, the massive barrier - hastily welded back into place after Tabris's incursion - crumbled, and in stepped MP-01 and MP-06, the latter holding a Replica Sword. With a brief twist, the weapon twisted further, transforming into a bident. The grim visage of the Mass Production Eva Series looked down at Kaji, huffing loudly. "Inspector Kaji...this was unexpected," said MP-01.​

​

"Yo," replied Kaji with a wave, "where else should I be?"​

​

MP-06 seemed to look grimly at LILITH. "The Second Angel and the Sword of Uriel are still intact...but where is the First? Where is the True Lance?"​

​

Kaji chuckled, pointing over the Evas' shoulders. "You might want to look up."​

​

The two MP-Evas turned, looking up...and froze.​

​

ADAM, the First Angel, hung as one crucified. The massive form of the Lance of Longinus was still sticking into the Angel's chest...but only barely.​

​

For holding onto the Lance with one hand was the Devil Gundam, its other hand gripping the edge of the open bulkhead, and its hulking feet magnetically-clamped onto the wall.​

​

That's when Kaji's conversational partner spoke, his voice amplified by the Gundam's speakers. "Chairman Lorenz and Dr. Ikari, I presume," said Gendo Ikari.​

​

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

"Chairman Lorenz and Dr. Ikari, I presume," said Gendo Ikari.

MP-06 snarled. "Rokubungi…"Despite the bestial, guttural voice of the Eva, the tone, word choice, and sheer animus made it clear that the animating soul was that of Katsuhito Ikari.

"And what game do you think you're playing, Ikari?" asked MP-01. "Do you really think you have a chance of stopping either of us? Or are you threatening to destroy ADAM? Honestly: I expected a better attempt at blackmail than this."

"Of course," replied Gendo Ikari. The Devil Gundam's head tilted, looking at the Lance of Longinus. "It's clear that merely interacting with the Lance itself isn't enough for ADAM to trigger an Impact Event; without knowledge of Dr. Katsuragi's exact circumstances, threatening to destroy ADAM or triggering a Third Impact in the hopes of stopping Instrumentality wouldn't go very far. Then again, it's not like you'd have another opportunity."

"And what are you implying by that?" asked MP-06.

"I released…quite a bit of information last night, in an attempt to curtail at least part of the UN's invasion. Information about the origins of NERV. Of SEELE. Of Second Impact. Of the Instrumentality Project. Enough to incriminate me, certainly…but almost certainly enough to incriminate the Committee as well. Quite simply, there are no second chances after this for you."

MP-01 snorted. "How pathetic. Do you honestly believe that you can stop us from simply subduing you and taking control of ADAM right now?"

The Devil Gundam glanced towards LILITH. "I had briefly entertained freeing the Second Angel...but given what I know from the Dead Sea Scrolls, of her fascination with the intermingling of Life and Knowledge...there's no guarantee that LILITH wouldn't agree with your motives, if not your means." How strange, to consider ADAM a safer alternative. Kaji couldn't help but wonder how blindly Gendo was flying, right now. "All I have to do is pull the Lance out...and let ADAM awaken. He has already regenerated to his Pre-Impact form, in spite of his imprisonment. What the First Angel will do…is uncertain." The Devil Gundam turned its gaze back to the MP-Evas. "But uncertainty is leagues better than the guaranteed extinction event that I know you will usher in."

"…to think that you would fall so far, Ikari," bemoaned MP-01. "Given how distraught you were over the demise of your wife, I was always under the impression that your interests were somewhat aligned with ours."

"Honestly? For the longest time, I was. Your Scenario and my Plan operated on parallel tracks for the most part. I had ADAM and LILITH. I had the Lance and the Sword. Once Unit-01 and Unit-00 obtained their S2 Organs…I could've initiated my own Instrumentality at any time, sufficiently controlled to minimize the Event Horizon, and break down the metaphysical barriers keeping Yui's broken soul bound within Eva." Kaji arched an eyebrow, surprised by this confession. Huh...didn't see that one coming. "Yes…I could have done it. Even if it resulted in Third Impact…I would have done it. For the longest time…I thought of little else."

"Clearly you've had a change of heart," sneered MP-06. "Does reuniting with Yui mean so little to you?"

"Not at all. I miss her…dearly. Her loss is something that will always remain with me, Katsuhito. However…unlike you, so desperate to cast away your humanity, I finally accepted her loss…and moved on."

MP-06 snorted. "Moved on, you say. Given how obsessive you were, what could have possibly changed your mind?"

"Simple: it was my son. I watched him become a man before my eyes; I watched him save the world time and time again with his comrades; I watched him fall in love with a girl. Having witnessed all of that…how could I have continued? How could I?"

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

"Such sentimentality is unexpected," said MP-01. "Despite our...disagreements and animosity, I saw you as one who shared our ultimate vision. It's actually a shame." Even now, Keel Lorenz spoke with a sense of decorum and confidence, as though the entire outcome were set in stone.

Then again, given how long he's manipulated global affairs, he has a right to act that way, thought Kaji with a frown.

"At least I still maintained a semblance of humanity. That is the ultimate sin of your Scenario: it takes everything about mankind - our flaws, our strengths, our weaknesses, and everything in-between - and reduces it to a blank slate. So what if it ends all suffering? That only means you've ended all capacity for true happiness. Instrumentality...will be the very end of homo sapiens."

"Spoken like a man who has lost his way. Humanity will be made better...perfected," insisted MP-01.

"And we don't want your perfection," spat Gendo. "You have already become bound to an Evangelion: a man-made god, driven by an S2 Engine that will never tire...for all intents and purposes, you have become an immortal, one that can last until the end of time and space. You can no longer die...but you can be killed."

"Is that a threat, Rokubungi?" growled MP-06.

"It is an appeal to reason. You have found the proverbial Fountain of Youth, and have become a thing of myth. Accept that, and leave us to our own devices. Traverse the stars, plumb the depths of the ocean, do as you please...but leave us alone. If we end up damning ourselves, one day, far in the future...then we will at least die as people."

There was a measure of silence...a heavy, contemplative quiet...but it was broken by a disappointed chuckle. "Such a selfish creature you are, Gendo Ikari," mused MP-01. "Would a parent let their child harm themselves needlessly? When all lessons have been taught, yet no correction has occurred? When all knowledge has been granted, but there is no wisdom? To simply stand back and let humanity wallow in its misery and long, slow decline...that would simply be uncharitable."

The decision had been made. Keel Lorenz would not back down. SEELE would not back down. Kaji calmly lit another cigarette, if only to break the tension. So...what are you going to do, Supreme Commander?

The Devil Gundam turned its head towards MP-06. "You know, it just occurred to me...you never did find out why Shiro Katsuragi betrayed you." The two Evas stilled as Gendo continued. "You see, my dear Yui learned of the Human Instrumentality Project's ultimate aim, and confided in me. We both agreed that it needed to be stopped."

"You dare slander my daughter?!" snarled MP-06.

"I was the one who delivered Yui's handwritten letter to Dr. Katsuragi. It was her words that prompted him to change course. Granted, we had only hoped for the destruction of ADAM, and not for Second Impact...but what happened, happened. And so we set your Scenario back by years." You could almost hear the smirk in Gendo's voice. "Tell me, most venerable father-in-law: how does it feel to learn that your daughter turned her back on you? To know that the genius, a once-in-a-generation mind, looked upon your ideals...and found them lacking?"

Katsuhito Ikari howled, swinging the Replica Lance with a harsh motion. The bident smashed into the side of the Devil Gundam, unleashing a torrent of force that broke the Gundam in half.

Hmm. So you default for 'pissing people off.' Kaji chuckled. At least you're consistent.

However, Gendo had the last laugh. You see, he had been lying about his threat to pull the Lance out of ADAM...for there was no pulling left to be done: the Devil Gundam had been the only thing keeping the Lance in.

So gravity finally had its say as the red bident slipped out of ADAM's flesh.

xxxx

We pause at this particular slice of time, and view the expanse of space.

In the bowels of NERV-1, men and women are fighting for their lives, with the members of Section 2 fighting back valiantly against the encroaching forces of the UN.

Misato Katsuragi is raising her handgun, aiming at a door that was just blown in on the upper deck of the reserve command center. Toji Suzuhara, eyes wide with panic, nonetheless steps forward to protect. There is a distinctly cold look in the eyes of Shiori Aoba and the Ibuki Twins as they rise to meet the invaders.

The nephilim of Katsuhito Ikari - the distinctive Lemon, Lime, Pink, and Perry - are struggling to hold back the fury of Mana Kirishima and Mayumi Yamagishi. Behind the glowing girls lies a trail of corpses and charred blood.

The UN Pacific Fleet floats, impotent by design and by circumstance.

Unit-00 and Unit-01 have their hands held high, AT-Field warding off the rockets and shells of the Central Army.

General Sakamura watches grimly as bombers approach from the north, carrying their terrible payload.

There is a great tension to the world, as though the planet itself is holding a bated breath.

Such pressure is felt most keenly by Kaworu Nagisa and, by proxy, Asuka Langley-Sohryu.

For while Unit-02 is frozen in this slice of time - jaws tearing into the torso of MP-02, devouring the S2 Organ while the golden avatar of the Second Child keeps the white Eva restrained - a sudden bolt of alarm shoots through the Fourth Child's soul.

And in that moment, he feels terror.

That power...can it be...?!

Time resumes.

xxxx

The bindings on ADAM's wrists suddenly burned away, atomized by a reflexive application of metaphysical might.

The Giant of Light, formerly limp and inert, suddenly looked at the MP-Evas with intent. Tellingly, he was still airborne, even though there were no longer any physical restraints holding him up.

And then he spoke. "THIS FARCE HAS GONE ON FOR LONG ENOUGH."

ADAM, the First Angel, was finally awake.

xxxx

But of course, one must never disregard the possibility that Gendo is lying.

Click to shrink...

/well
//you were kinda right