FicWad

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Chapter 17:
Ryoji pressed harder on the accelerator as he continued his pursuit of the white van Shinji loaded a mag into the M4 and fed a round into the grenade launcher before pocketing two more as Ryoji drifted around a corner with the throttle wide open the whole time, he grabbed another gear and started closing on the van as a hostile hung out the window with an Uzi in his hand.
He started spraying rounds at Kaji and Shinji the poorly aimed weapon doing nothing but hitting parked and abandoned cars and buildings with stray bullets as the red sports car continued hunting down the van.
“Kill that guy” Ryoji said as he gritted his teeth
Shinji had never seen his partner like this but it was easy to figure out. These fools had Asuka and she was like a daughter to him since he had spent so long with her in Germany. The crush was way over done on Asuka’s part but it didn’t mean Kaji felt any less of a need to protect his young charge.
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“Hurry up and shake that car we need to get back to base and finish this” the leader spoke to the driver as he worked on binding Asuka’s hands behind her back
“I’m trying boss but that prick can really drive” was the reply
The gun fire from the uzi kept echoing in the cab of the van until the snap of a round was heard impacting with a head as the body went limp and the uzi fell onto the road while the van sped down the street.
“Shit Yako is dead we got to lose these guys” One henchman got out.
“It’s ok they think I will blow everyone sky high” The leader replied “Just keep heading for headquarters as fast as possible”
The driver responded by burying the gas making the white van lurch ahead down the street at crazy speeds
“This guy is insane” Ryoji muttered “There is no way that shitty van can handle this”
“Yeah at least you and Misato drive cars made for driving like a lunatic” Shinji got out as he kept looking for targets “Sorry about the window too” Shinji added pointing to the single bullet hole in Ryoji’s front window
“I’ll let it slide since you made the shot count” Ryoji replied as he drifted around another corner.
They continued the pursuit of the van until they came to a building in the new industrial complex in the city as a large number of hostiles opened fire hitting the road between the van and Ryoji’s car as the van made its escape into a large warehouse.
Ryoji and Shinji took cover behind the next building as the white van disappeared into the warehouse.
“Let’s get going” Ryoji said with a look in his eyes that said there was only going to be four people walking out of this
“Which way do you want to go in?” Shinji asked already out of the car
“They will have the front heavily guarded and they will be expecting us from around the back” Ryoji replied “We’ll take the roof” He added forming a plan
“Height advantage?” Shinji asked as they started taking stairs two at a time
“Exactly”
They got to the top of the warehouse and checking for hostiles made their way onto the roof. Access was easy through a broken skylight as they made their way across the roof slowing down as they got to the edge. Shinji raised his M4 and shot the lookout through the neck with a single round, the body collapsing onto the roof without making enough noise to alert anyone else.
The jump between the buildings was only a metre an easy jump for both men with a run up. They quickly made their way to the lookout post which had access into the rest of the warehouse. Ryoji raised a finger to his lips and Shinji holstered his M4 and drew a knife as they headed down a flight of stairs.
“Where do you think the girls are?” Shinji asked
“There is three floors to this joint and maybe a basement my guess is secure on the first floor, these guys aren’t idiots they know if they kill the pilots Nerv will just level the building with them in it” Ryoji replied
“The son-of-a-bitch was bluffing” Shinji murmured
“What are you talking about?” Ryoji asked
“When they escaped the leader had a vest with C4 strapped to his body, they would have blown the girls to pieces if I tried to stop him” Shinji replied
“Yeah he probably was bluffing” Ryoji replied “Come on we’ll get a better look at what’s going on from a second floor office”
They made their way to the bottom of the stairs on the third floor and found two hostiles looking away from them waiting for an elevator. They snuck up behind them and slit their throats without making a sound leaving the bodies of to the side. Being an industrial complex they were able to open the doors to the elevator easily.
They stepped onto the roof of the elevator as it came up. Shinji drew his M4 and Ryoji his PPK. Shinji pulled the hatch to the car and Ryoji killed the three guys inside with a single silenced shot each. They dropped into the car as the doors opened and Shinji stabbed the button for the second level.
They came out on the second floor with no one around and snuck into an office that overlooked the first floor.
“There are the girls” Shinji pointed out seeing Rei’s blue hair through a window to an office
“Yeah and there is only one guy in there with them... Look there is ten more out the front sitting around the table and probably another ten on the ground floor” Ryoji replied
“What’s the plan?” Shinji asked
“You said the leader had C4?” Ryoji asked
“Yeah”
“We will take the building by force escape with the girls and level the joint” Ryoji replied
“Great but how are we going to do all that?” Shinji asked
Ryoji pulled enough C4 to do the job “I don’t have a detonator for these but we can use his” Ryoji replied pointing at the leader
“The vest will have a remote on it” Shinji understood
“You bet and these new buildings are built on an oil platform left behind from that angel you killed C4 plus the oil that will ignite will be more than enough to do the job. I’ll plant the C4, when I kill the power drop this grenade into where those guards are and you have one guy left to kill. I’ll take care of everyone on the first floor” Ryoji outlined the plan
“Alright where are we meeting up?” Shinji asked
“Go back the way we came and meet at the car” Ryoji replied
Shinji nodded and Ryoji was off. Ryoji was true to his word five minutes later the power went out but it still felt like years to Shinji as he looked at his sister and Asuka bound to a couple of chairs as a guard paced the room
Shinji lobbed the grenade onto the table where the guards were but they were still trying to figure out what was going on when the fireball incinerated them all.
“What the hell was that?”
“That would be my brother coming to rescue us” Rei replied quietly
“That little prick from back at the car like I’m scared of him” The guard sneered
Asuka didn’t say anything the guard had gagged her a long time ago when she wouldn’t stop screaming about how Nerv would come for them
Ryoji expertly made his way through the darkness. He had picked off ten guards easily and was just looking for anyone smart enough to be hiding. They way he moved and the lethal silenced shots he had unleashed was something to behold from the spy. ‘Nothing will stop me from saving Asuka’ he thought as he squeezed the trigger killing another guard without making a sound. Satisfied there was no one left he headed for the first floor to link up with Shinji.
Ryoji came up the stairs as he saw Shinji heading towards the last office. A short whistle got Shinji’s attention. Shinji turned bring the M4’s sights with him. It made the spy proud to see him still being so careful even when they had the upper hand in this fight.
Ryoji gave Shinji a hand signal telling him to breach the door and he would cover him. Shinji closed on the door and kicked it open with his sights up and quickly found the last hostile in the room.
“Gibbons... Terumi... Someone report in” He screamed at the radio but got silence
“Step away from the girls” Ryoji ordered
“Ha-ha like I’m doing that one button push and we all die” the hostile replied
“From the remote and vest that are on the table here” Ryoji replied picking up the remote detonator
“No one moves or I’ll kill the blue haired bitch” the hostile replied pulling a pistol and pointing it at Rei while a knife came up near Asuka’s neck
“Ryoji” Shinji got out not liking that a gun was pointed at his sister
“You’re a little testy hero lighten up huh” the hostile mocked Shinji as he kept his M4 squarely on the hostile
“It’s ok Shinji I’m sure our friend here wants to live” Ryoji replied with a smirk “Tell you what just tell us who helped you and I’ll let you go no problem at all”
“What makes you think we had help?” the hostile replied his hand wavering a little with the knife
“You really think you could get at Nerv on your own?” Ryoji replied “All I want is a name”
“We kept it anonymous I swear it’s the truth” the hostile replied
“All I want is a name are you willing to die for a name” Ryoji replied
The hostile seemed to realise the gravity of the situation “Please I swear it’s the truth”
“Shinji”
“Yes”
“Kill him”
Shinji’s response was instant as he pulled the trigger on the M4 the instant Ryoji gave the order sending a high velocity round through the base of the hostile’s skull separating the brain from the spinal cord. The body didn’t even twitch as it fell to the ground in a crumpled heap. Shinji went to work untying Rei while Ryoji freed Asuka.
“Thank you for the rescue brother mine” Rei replied once she was free
“Are you guys ok?” Shinji asked
“They didn’t hurt us” Rei replied
“ARSE-HOLE” Asuka screamed as she kicked the dead body “Oh Kaji thanks for the rescue” She added never missing an opportunity to fall into the spy’s arms
“Let’s go before someone comes” Kaji replied and the group made their way to the stairs and headed to the roof.
They made it back to Kaji’s car easily. Shinji and Rei sitting in the back while Asuka was up front
“Nice work Kaji I couldn’t have done it better myself” Asuka swooned
“Let’s get you guys to Nerv there is still an angel to kill” Kaji replied as he buried the throttle asking a little more of his beloved red sports car
“Misato its Kaji, Shinji and I have rescued the girls we are on our way to headquarters” Kaji spoke into his phone
“Good work the angel is stationary in a high earth orbit and out of our range, it looks like we may have caught a break there” Misato updated the spy.
Once she had made it to headquarters she was worried for her love when she found out he had taken off after the children though she couldn’t think of anyone she trusted with them more.
Kaji pulled the remote detonator and hit the little red button causing all the C4 in the warehouse to explode. As he predicted the oil deposit underneath the warehouse ignited. A massive fireball went up that knocked out surveillance in the immediate area. Eventually the warehouse collapsed in on itself and a massive fire raged where the warehouse was. All that would be left of that shit hole is a smouldering wreck and if anyone was coming for these guys the cleanup operation alone would take months.
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Kaji got the pilots to Nerv quick enough and the children headed to the locker rooms suiting up as quickly as possible. Everyone loaded into their entry plugs and Misato’s image came up on screen.
“Listen up the angel is still in a low earth orbit out of our range of attack, we have no idea if it is capable of attacking from out there or if it is waiting for something. Check your monitors for target identification” Misato informed the pilots
A small image appeared at the bottom of the pilots HUD showing a visual of the angel. It looked like a blue bird as it hovered in the atmosphere.
“Looks dangerous” Shinji said to no one in particular
“Are you thinking of the last angel that fell from the sky?” Rei’s image appeared before Shinji
“Exactly” Shinji replied
“Don’t tell me you two are scared of this thing already” Asuka taunted
“Cut it out Asuka they are right this thing could have all kinds of offensive capabilities... The commander has ordered a freeze on Unit-01 so you’re staying put Shinji. Rei you’re on point Asuka you back her up” Misato ordered
Shinji didn’t like the commander’s orders but he didn’t say anything, he knew there was no point.
“You want me to back up wondergirl” Asuka screeched
“Yes Unit-00 is on point” Misato repeated
“That’s ridiculous I’m the best pilot there is and my sync ratio is improving all the time not like the other two dweabs” Asuka replied “Unit-02 launch” She ordered
The red eva shot up the catapult and raced to the surface
“ASUKA” Ritsuko cried out unable to believe the German would disregard orders like that
“It’s alright, let her make a point if she wants to so bad” Misato replied
“You can’t let her go like this” Ritsuko countered “If she screws up she will be finished”
Misato didn’t reply instead focused her attention on Rei
“Rei back Unt-02 up use the positron sniper rifle”
“Yes ma’am” Rei replied
“Unit-00 is cleared for launch through route 5” Shigeru reported
“Unit-00 Launch” Misato ordered
The blue eva rocketed to the surface pinning its pilot into the seat under the g forces from launch. Shinji gave a little smirk seeing his sister’s face scrunching up at the feeling on the com channel that had been left open.
Unit-00 hit the surface with a crack. Rei could see Asuka on the point position ready to attack the angel once it came into range. She had a positron cannon hoisted into the air pointed in the general direction of the angel. The rain was falling hard now and there was a thick cover of overlying clouds making line of sight to the angel impossible, the oppressive mood from the funeral literally hung over Tokyo-3. Rei proceeded to access platform 8 and waited. Eventually red lights flashed and warning sirens went off indicating the platform was activating. The surface doors slid back and the positron sniper rifle appeared as the platform finished its journey to the surface.
Rei picked up the still prototype weapon that Nerv had conveniently hung onto since operation Yashima and made her way to the cover point. She placed the barrel of the rifle on a building and took up a firing position.
“You still don’t like launches” Shinji’s voice eased the tension that was starting to build
“I never will” Rei replied quietly giving her brother a small smile
“Unfortunately there is no other way to the top sister mine” Shinji replied with his own smile for his sister
“What do you think of this angel?” Rei asked her brother
“I still don’t like it, if it has long range capabilities we are screwed” Shinji replied bluntly
“Yes we are” Rei agreed quietly
“Just keep your wits about you and listen in to the bridge, they are our best source of information right now” Shinji advised
“I will brother mine, try not to fidget too much down there” Rei added knowing her brother far too well.
Shinji let his sister concentrate on the job at hand and got back to fidgeting hating the feeling that he couldn’t help with this one. With nothing to do his mind wandered back to the last two fights against the angels. The feeling of helplessness plagued him from the last battle as images of Unit-00 getting pounded over and over at the hands of the fourteenth replayed themselves in his mind while Unit-01 was out of power.
This would be short lived as the images would change to Kensuke’s broken body which he had just watched his dad burry get dragged from Unit-03’s entry plug. He was reliving his nightmare in the entry plug now as he sat there helplessly.
‘I won’t let it happen again’ Shinji thought as the images threatened to overpower him.
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“Run another analysis through the Magi what are the odds of it moving into range?” Misato asked the bridge bunnies
“Nothing has changed ma’am the Magi put those odds at 0.005%” Maya replied
“Sempai you should have a look at this” Maya added getting Ritsuko’s attention
“What have you got?” Ritsuko asked her protégée
“Shinji’s harmonics graph it’s perfectly conflicting sine waves” She said moving slightly aside so her mentor could have a better look “What could this mean?” She added
“He might be having a dream” Ritsuko suggested
“The brain waves don’t match for that and he is still awake” Maya countered having already thought of that.
She pulled up a video feed from the plug and sure enough there was Shinji wide awake bored out of his skull. Though he did look completely spaced out.
“Maybe it’s a day dream or he’s thinking about something” Ritsuko offered “Just record everything and we can analyse it later” She ordered not wanting to spend too much time on it.
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Asuka looked through the targeting scope as the circle and cross hair danced around the display
“Target still out of range” She heard Aboa’s voice through coms
“Why don’t you come down here and fight coward” She muttered to herself as the targeting computer refused to give her a firing solution.
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Images of Kensuke’s body being ripped to shreds played themselves over and over in his mind as Shinji relived the gruesome spectacle that was his fight against the thirteenth angel.
“I’m sorry Ken” He whispered ever so quietly the young man really was struggling with the events of the past month.
He had done a good job of convincing everyone around him he was ok. Rei could tell he wasn’t but no one else was any the wiser of the struggles the young man was putting himself through
“Shinji it really isn’t your fault” Rei said opening a private channel to Unit-01
She had heard the whispered comment only because she was doing nothing and Unit-00’s entry plug was unusually quiet for an engagement with an angel.
“Huh” That had snapped Shinji out of his thoughts.
“What are you thinking brother mine?” Rei asked quietly
“Nothing I was just thinking about the last two angel fights” Shinji replied quietly
“You shouldn’t put yourself through this brother mine, it really wasn’t your fault, and everyone knows this” Rei reassured her brother
“I know I just feel I should have done more to save him” Shinji admitted
“You did everything you could and how can you save someone who you didn’t know was there?” Rei countered. She knew Shinji had been hard on himself but he wouldn’t ask for help so now she was going to give it to him whether he wanted it or not.
“I know but he is dead because of me” Shinji replied
“No he is dead because of the commander” Rei replied quietly
“No it’s........” Shinji stopped that was exactly what he had said in the commander’s office and he knew it. He had acted without thinking when squaring off against his father something he would have to be careful of next time but regardless of that Rei was right and he knew it
“You’re right as usual” Shinji replied
“Then please stop beating yourself up over this brother” Rei pleaded “I don’t like seeing you like this” She added
“I will sister mine” Shinji replied offering Rei a small smile like she had done to him so many times before
“Thank you brother mine” Rei replied returning the smile
“High energy building up inside the target” Aboa’s voice over com got everyone’s attention
“Be careful sister mine no one else is being lost to this shitty war” Shinji added to which Rei replied with a nod
“Just you don’t do anything crazy brother mine” Rei replied as the connection was closed.
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“What’s going on is it another particle beam?” Misato asked
“Negative the build up is different to the fifth” Ritsuko replied
“Asuka be careful up there we think it’s about to attack” Misato ordered
Asuka didn’t reply she was still waiting for her chance to handle this angel on her own as she watched the circle and cross hair continue to dance across the display never lining up
“Asuka... Asuka come in” Misato repeated
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“Come on you stupid angel” Asuka muttered shutting out the rest of the com chatter
Then it happened Unit-02 was bathed in a white light
“Arraaauuuuggggghhhhhh!!” Asuka screamed out in pain as the angel attacked
The angel sat there with what could only be described as a small smile on its beak as it started to probe the mind of the pilot after observing it so easily for a while
Asuka retaliated by firing the positron cannon but with the angel out of range the shots never made it as they curved away from the angel once they reached the atmosphere passing harmlessly under the angel’s position
The angel’s grin turned sadistic as it upped the force of its attack
“Augh” Asuka screamed out again as she felt the angel pressing harder on her mind
This visor on the targeting computer came away as Asuka’s sync started faltering
“Asuka’s psycho graph is going crazy” Maya reported
Ritsuko was there in a flash looking at the graph fluctuating like crazy
“Asuka you need to retreat” Misato ordered
“Never I’d rather die than admit defeat” Asuka replied as she started pulling on the trigger
The unaimed shots streaked out into the city the rounds impacting across the skyscrapers that were still up as explosions covered the city leaving craters and debris everywhere. Asuka kept pulling on the trigger until ‘CLICK’ ‘CLICK’
“The rifle is out of ammo” Makoto reported
“Asuka you’re out of ammo retreat now” Misato ordered
“Never” Asuka replied
“Switch to life support only, try to protect her mental state” Ritsuko instructed Maya knowing that prolonged exposure would kill the red head
“I’ll try” Maya replied know the task was near impossible
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A beep sounded in Unit-00’s entry plug as Rei got a target lock on the angel. She wasted no time in pulling the trigger. The energy beam from the rifle streaked towards the angel creating an inverted tornado as it passed through the clouds and into the atmosphere the beam homing in on the angel until it stopped. Met by an orange hexagonal wall the angel’s A.T Field easily deflected the beam around it.
“The angel’s A.T Field has stopped the shot” Shigeru reported
“We can’t get enough power at this range” Makoto added in a panic
“Let me go up there” Shinji requested over coms
“Negative you won’t be able to achieve anything different” Commander Ikari interjected stopping that thought from taking shape in Misato’s mind
“We’ve got to do something if you don’t Asuka will die” Shinji countered
“Shinji’s right” Misato added turning to face the commander
“Yes he is” The commander agreed cutting Misato off “Rei”
“Yes sir” was the quiet reply Unit-00 still prone behind the massive rifle
“Go to terminal dogma and get the lance” the commander ordered
“Yes sir” Rei replied and headed to a retrieval platform immediately
“Ikari it’s too soon, Seele will not approve” Fuyutsuki whispered in his protégés ear
“The old men have already started the mass production series it’s time to take matters into our own hands” the commander replied
“Please make it stop.... It’s raping my mind” Asuka wailed “I don’t want to remember this” Asuka wailed as images of her child hood flooded her mind, that damn doll hanging from the ceiling with her dead mother “Just make it stop”
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Rei descended on the massive platform into the lower levels of Nerv. There she changed onto a massive steel girder held on a crane that lowered Unit-00 the rest of the way into terminal dogma. The ride was painfully slow as she hung with one foot on the girder the other hanging in the air and finally she broke into the massive cavern of terminal dogma and was lowered down into the LCL.
She waded past a battleship that paled into insignificance compared to the Eva and strode up to Lillith. Not even looking into the seven eyed mask of the second angel she gripped the red spear and pulled really hard the spear sliding out with a lot of effort from Rei. Instantly Lilith’s legs grew back but Rei had already turned wading through the LCL back to her lift knowing time was at a premium.
Gripping the chain and planting both feet in the girder she started her assent.
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Asuka sank to her knees under the pressure being exerted on her mind as the angel went through everything. Her mother, the barriers, Kaji everything was laid bare before her. “Make it stop please just make it stop” She begged in a whimper.
“Asuka’s psycho graph is inverting” Maya reported
“Try cutting her synch” Ritsuko suggested
“It’s no good it won’t work” Maya replied
“I’m approaching the surface” Rei reported as she could see the opening at the end of the tunnel
Unit-00 rose, first its head with the top of the spear visible as the rest of the body rose up to the street with the red lance in hand the end of the spear sitting on the ground the twin prongs of the tip easily above the head height of Unit-00
“So that’s the Lance of Longinus” Misato commented seeing yet another thing she had been kept in the dark about
“Upload target information to Unit-00” Ritsuko informed “Rei just wait for the lock and then follow the shooting solution” Ritsuko ordered
“Yes ma’am” Rei replied
She waited for the circle and crosshair to align a beep sounding once this was done.
“Second high energy build up coming from the angel” Maya reported
Unit-00 gracefully took a small run then planting its feet wide to give it a good base it threw the spear like an Olympic javelin just as the angel attacked bathing Unit-00 in the same white light as Unit-02.
“Arruugghh!” Rei screamed in pain at the point of throwing as the angel invaded her mind images of loneliness and rejection from her life flooding her mind. ‘She’s just a tool a doll’ repeating over in her mind
Shinji heard everything and knew exactly what had happened, a lump of ice forming in his stomach at his sister’s scream “Unit-01 emergency pilot override sync and launch”
“Mmmmh!” Shinji grunted in pain as Unit-01’s eyes glowed white hot at the rapid sync the launch rails crackling with energy as Unit-01 rocketed to the surface.
“Do not disengage the final locks return the eva to the cages” Commander Ikari ordered
“Emergency override disengage rail locks” Shinji commanded as Unit-01 raced to the surface the safety lock bolts sliding back off the rail
The Lance of Longinus streaked towards the angel, vaporising the cloud over Tokyo-3 as it passed through the atmosphere. The angel had anticipated the attack and given itself just enough time by attacking Unit-00. The lance homed in on the angel slightly off target as Rei slipped when attacked at the instant of throwing.
The angel flapped its wings moving slightly away from the lance as it cleaved a talon from its body before heading into outer space at incredible speed. It howled in pain and continued to flap its wings as it took stock of the battle field trying to stay in the upper atmosphere.
Unit-02 was on its knees motionless arms hanging limply, Unit-00 had dropped to one knee with its head in its hands.
“Hold on Rei I’m coming” Shinji called out as Unit-01 raced for the surface thundering through the last part of the launch rail with no safety locks in place the purple war machine rocketed up into the air Shinji spinning Unit-01 at the top of its arc and controlling the descent as he landed between Unit-00 and -02.
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The angel realised it would not be able to keep its position of altitude dove into the atmosphere keeping its energy beam trained on Unit-00 and -02 as it re-entered the atmosphere accelerating at a rapid rate. As the angel burned through the atmosphere it turned red looking more and more like a phoenix with red fire trails coming off its wing tips as it closed in on the two Evas.
“So lonely” Rei whispered
Unit-01 took off in a sprint towards Unit-00 and in this instant the angel knew it was in trouble, three on one was not going to be an easy fight as it banked it descent towards Unit-00 about to reduce the odds in its favour
“Hold on Rei you’re not alone... You’re never alone” Shinji replied to Rei having heard her desperate pleas.
“How can you say that?” Rei whispered as her mind felt a great pressure pressing down on it as Unit-00 and -02 continued to be bathed in that white light
“I’m your brother I’ll always be here for you” Shinji replied anger at the angel and fear for his sister’s well being coursing through his body
“Pilot of Unit-01 you are ordered to return to base immediately” Gendo ordered
“Not now” Shinji replied closing the com channel and concentrating on what needed to be done
“Both pilots are under immense mental strain they can’t take much more” Maya reported
“The angel is closing in on Unit-00 and -02’s position it’s definitely attacking” Shigeru reported concern for Unit-02 seeping into his voice
“Asuka you have to get out of there” Misato begged with her pilot she never wanted to see the red head like this. “Where is Shinji going?” She asked the bridge bunny’s separately
There was no response from Unit-02 just Asuka’s defeated whisper over the come “Make it stop... Make it stop... Make it stop... please” repeating over and over.
“Cut her nerve connections now” Misato ordered to Maya
“Shinji is closing on Unit-00 it looks like he is trying a rescue” Shigeru reported
“Asuka’s psychograph is all over the place doing that now could cause more damage” Maya replied
“Do it anyway the angel is about to rip her to shreds” Misato ordered
Shinji closed on Unit-00 and dove at his sister gripping her by the waist he was able to tackle Unit-00 out of the angel’s beam of light as the angel passed over head narrowly missing with its attack on Unit-00. The two Evas tumbled into the bottom of a building as the angel banked away and went after its intended target.
The red eva hadn’t moved since the opening exchanges and the angel figured if it couldn’t get two for one the red one would be completely defenceless after that. It pulled a graceful outside loop inverting the turn at the top of the loop it banked nicely still glowing red hot as it zeroed in on Unit-02.
Asuka’s plug went completely black as the power was cut the instant the angel dove at Unit-02 with its wing outstretched as it decapitated the red eva. Unit-02’s head flying up into the air as the body hit the ground hard Asuka shaken unconscious at the impact the head finally hitting the ground leaving a large crater in the road as it came to rest near the body.
You could almost hear the maintenance guys groaning at the prospect of having to attach the head back onto the red eva again.
“Unit-02 is down Asuka is unconscious” Makoto reported
“It’s probably for the best at this point” Ritsuko replied
“Get a retrieval team out there now” Misato ordered
“Are you crazy you can’t put them in danger like that” Ritsuko replied
“They won’t be in danger stop questioning me and do it” Misato ordered
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“Rei are you ok?” Shinji asked
“I’m ok. Thank you brother mine” Rei replied
“Just stay down and take it easy” Shinji replied as he got Unit-01 to its feet.
He headed off to find a power cord the building wasn’t far from his position and he easily plugged into external power. Breathing a sigh of relief at that he pulled the pallet rifle from his back, pulling back on the bolt and chambering his first round Unit-01 seemed to grin with its pilot ‘Hunting time’ Shinji thought as he started moving through the city.
Circling over the city the angel had cooled to its natural blue colour as it picked up on Unit-01 and started closing in on the purple war machine
“Shinji the angel is closing in on your position take cover in the buildings” Misato ordered
“Thanks Misato” Shinji replied as he got a move on into the CBD where the skyscrapers were more dense and he was able to hide as the angel chased him strafing Shinji’s position as he took cover
“Shit that was close what the hell are those things?” Shinji asked
“The angel has offensive projectile weapons. The Magi indicates the particles are consistent with diamond encased in an A.T Field” Makoto replied having been able to analyse the angel with the Magi
“They are like anti Eva bullets don’t get shot your A.T Field won’t even work” Misato reported to her pilot
“Roger”
The angel climbed for another pass at Unit-01 breaking the sound barrier effortlessly as it rose up high spinning turning and diving in an incredible show of agility as it homed in on another attack
“Retrieval team is ready they will go on your order” Ritsuko reported
“Shinji Rei listen up Asuka is down and hurt bad. Shinji you need to keep the angel busy and away from Asuka. Rei you are to cover the retrieval team and to return to base with them. Understood” Misato ordered
“Yes ma’am” The twins replied in unison
“Still freaks me out when they do that” Maya replied quietly getting nods of agreement from Shigeru and Makoto
The angel fired at Unit-01 as it zigzagged its way through the skyscrapers. Chunks of road and skyscraper being kicked up everywhere as the angel pulled up hard out of its dive the roaring of the wind against its wings heard loudly at ground level as the angel passed by screeching its displeasure at missing.
Rei and the retrieval team made it to Unit-02. Unit-00 turned the motionless eva onto its stomach easily giving the team easy access to Unit-02’s plug and Asuka. The crew chief keyed the emergency release into the data pad and Unit-02’s plug ejected. Pulling on the butterfly handles and twisting he was able to open the hatch as LCL flooded everywhere; he ducked into the plug and scooped an unconscious Asuka up bridal style and carried her back to their 4WD. They took off for a retrieval platform with Unit-00 providing cover.
The angel continued making passes on a defensive Unit-01. Shinji would get some rounds from the pallet rifle off after the angel made its passes but they were largely ineffective as they all bounced off the angel’s A.T Field. Rei looked on until the retrieval team made it to the return platform.
She turned to go assist Shinji but Misato read this easily
“Rei you need to stay with the retrieval team and return to base” Misato reminder her pilot
“But Shinji and Unit-01 are on their own” Rei replied pleadingly
“Negative return to base” Gendo cut in he didn’t want to hatch a new clone now
“Don’t worry Rei we will be helping and Shinji is strong he will be ok” Misato reassured her pilot
“It’s ok Rei, I’ll see you soon” Shinji replied between grunts as he evaded the angel.
Unit-01 was completely defensive against the angel as it started to climb easily getting out of range of the pallet rifle as it circled the city picking its moment to attack now that two of the enemy had been dispatched.
“What’s the plan Misato now that it’s one on one and I can’t fly?” Shinji asked
“Stand by we’re sending you some weapons” Misato replied
“Unit-01 standing by” Shinji replied
“Do you think he can do it? This angel has shrugged off the lance” Fuyutsuki asked Ikari
“He will do it and right now I don’t care what the cost is” The commander replied
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“Alright Shinji we’ve got a positron rail gun coming up to you at Security building A” Misato replied
“Please repeat that building designation” Shinji replied surely he heard that wrong
“The building is Alpha” Misato replied
“Can’t you get it any closer it’s on the other side of the city” Shinji replied
“No we can’t you have to get there” Misato replied
“Fine I’m on route” Shinji replied annoyed at the weapons location
“Shinji the positron rail gun is a heavy machine gun that uses energy rounds it has a laser sight or you can use it with the targeting computer” Ritsuko informed Shinji of R+D’s newest creation
“Sounds good anything else?” Shinji asked as the sound of rounds getting close were heard through com as the angel made another pass pinning Unit-01 down again.
The game of cat and mouse continued with Shinji making slow progress towards the security building but he was keeping himself safe for now.
“I’m at the site just waiting for the angel to clear the area before I retrieve the rail gun” Shinji reported.
The angel made another pass firing cannons at Unit-01. “Aragh” Shinji cried out as a few rounds hit the fore arm, his own arm bleeding slowly like Unit-01’s. Taking his only opportunity the door to the security building opened Shinji pulling the massive grey weapon out and ducking into the cover of the skyscrapers.
“Shinji use the tripod and set yourself up to hit aerial targets you’re going to have to expose yourself to get the angel to attack, just be careful ok” Misato ordered
“Yes ma’am” Shinji replied not really liking the prospect of this it was going to hurt a lot for a small window off attack.
The angel banked gracefully away it seemed to fly effortlessly but Shinji had his moment picked out dropping the tripod onto the smaller skyscraper Rei had used earlier it made sense he had the positron sniper rifle next to him if he needed it.
The angel completed its turn zeroing in on Unit-01 it wasted no time in opening fire, those little diamond projectiles cut through the A.T Field and Unit-01 with ease. The pain was immense then the light beam came and images of pain and suffering ran through Shinji’s mind, the beatings and torture, Simon’s death all rushed back to him followed by Kensuke’s and Rei’s beating after that.
“Mmmmmmmmmmmm” Shinji grunted holding his ground “Not this time mother fucker” Shinji whispered
The purple war machine brought all of its famed devastation to bear as it unloaded returning fire at the angel. Priming the positron rail gun energy rounds streaked towards the approaching angel 2400 rounds a minute Ritsuko had mentioned as the yellow energy bolts hit their target. Shinji kept his sights trained on the angel’s skull causing maximum damage. The closer the angel got the more it hurt but the same rang true for the angel as its light beam faltered under the onslaught.
“Charge the positron sniper rifle to maximum” Shinji replied not liking the way the angel was holding its course
“Commencing charge” Shigeru replied
Shinji just held the trigger down as the positron rail gun spewed death at the angel which kept returning fire.
“Charge completed” Shigeru reported
As the angel closed to 100 metres Shinji hit the prime button again while holding the trigger down. At this range even if the angel could figure out what was going on it would be too late. He grabbed the positron sniper rifle and dove for cover putting several skyscrapers between Unit-01 and the angel. The angel was already committed diving into Shinji’s old position.
“Massive energy levels building up in the rail gun” Makoto reported
Then the positron ignited creating a mini sun the fire ball expanded out vaporising the skyscraper and carving a gouge into the surrounding buildings. The angel was engulfed as it hit the ground hard. This would be the only thing that saved it as the core was marginally under street level and safe from the explosion.
Once the explosion dissipated out Shinji rose up and found the angel instantly. It was glowing red and on fire and it attacked slashing at Unit-01 with its wings landing one good hit on the shoulder that opened up a nasty wound. Shinji drew both progressive knives as he blocked the attacks
“Visuals coming back on line” Makoto reported as the bridge got a look at the fight
“Shinji you need to finish this now” Misato replied
The angel attacked again but left itself open Shinji carved a big hole in a wing.
“Hit it with the missiles” He called out
“Launch everything from towers d through g” Misato ordered.
“Everything?” Ritsuko questioned
“Do it now” Misato ordered
Shigeru punched the commands in and ballistic missiles rained down on the angel burying it further into oblivion. The angel staggered to its feet feeling the effects of all the damage. It lashed out with its good wing stabbing Unit-01 through the right side.
Shinji replied in kind raising the positron sniper rifle point blank at the angel’s core and pulled the trigger. The shot burned through the core damaging the buildings behind it, the shot dissipating once it burned through several buildings and even caused some slight damage to the high school well outside the CBD. The energy from the core bled into the angel’s body causing it to change from being on fire to glowing white hot. It exploded in a bright white light spreading its diamond hard body in all directions.
“Target destroyed” Makoto reported
“Shinji report in” Misato ordered
“I’m ok which way is home?” The young pilot asked knowing he needed to get out of the plug
“We raised platform 8 again, you can use that” Misato replied
Shinji staggered onto the platform leaving a trail of eva blood through the city and hit the button to descend knowing he was almost done for this mission.
“You guys finish up here I’m going down to the cages” Misato ordered
________________________________________
Rei was waiting as Shinji put Unit-01 in its holding cage. It had received a lot of damage though it was nothing that couldn’t be fixed. Shinji ejected the plug and staggered out spewing LCL onto the catwalk.
“Are you ok brother mine?” Rei asked
“Yeah I’m just really tired” Shinji replied not looking good at all
“Come on you better get checked out” Rei replied
“How are you sister mine?” Shinji asked
“I’m ok thanks to you” Rei replied as she kept her arm around Shinji’s shoulders helping him to medical
“Are you two off to medical” Misato asked as she raced over to the pilots
Rei nodded “Good I’ll go check on Asuka we can debrief once everything else is sorted” Misato informed them
________________________________________
Misato made it to Asuka’s room, she had a breathing mask on and all kinds of monitors hooked up to her, a small tear ran down her cheek as she looked at the German. She never wanted to see her like this. The usually abrasive and brash young girl always had so much energy for whatever she was doing which was usually being the best at something.
Now her cheeks were stained with tears from the agony of the past memories that the angel had forced to the surface. Misato forced herself to take it all in and then it hit her. Asuka had been broken and this was probably the end of Eva for her. She wouldn’t like it but eventually it would be for the best if that was what the higher up’s decided.
“How is she?” Misato asked the nurse reluctantly
“Physically she is ok but she has fallen into a coma. Dr Akagi will be able to tell you everything in a couple of days” The nurse replied
“Thanks” Misato replied as she pulled out a chair and sat down next to her ward just watching over her.
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Shinji sat in medical waiting for Ritsuko to finish applying patches to his wounds. He had been put through x-rays and scans to make sure everything was ok. There was no internal organ damage which was very fortunate considering the damage Unit-01 sustained in its fight. The x-ray revealed sever cracks in Shinji’s bones, unfortunately there was nothing that could be done about this accept rest.
“Alright Shinji that’s the last one you’re all set” Ritsuko announced
“Thank you” Shinji replied
“Now you’re to stay out of the gym for the next two weeks, give these injuries a chance to heal, no running the pit either” She added and Shinji’s look darkened
“Fine” Shinji replied not happy about that at all
“Misato needs you both for debriefing I have to get back to Asuka now” Ritsuko replied and left abruptly
________________________________________
Shinji and Rei walked into the briefing room. Everyone else was already there but their two seats at the back of the room were empty and they slid into those quietly.
“Now that everyone’s assembled let’s begin” The sub-commander ordered “Maya”
Maya relayed events from the battle. Bottom line Unit-02 was critically damaged again but now it had no pilot with Asuka being in a coma. Unit-00 had no damage and Unit-01 could be repaired in two days if it was given priority which it would be. The city had received a large amount of damage and would take months to repair.
‘The war will be finished one way or another and they will still be trying to fix the city’ the sub-commander thought darkly.
“I can’t believe Asuka is in a coma” Shinji whispered to his sister
“Me either the angel must have really hurt her” Rei replied
“Are you sure you’re ok” Shinji asked again
“Yes positive” Rei replied and Shinji waited for her to go on “The angel seemed to pick out my most painful memories and try to use them against me, but when I heard your voice I knew it was just a trick and all I had to do was hold on and you would save me” she added
Shinji smiled at that “When I heard your cry of pain I remembered what you said about the emergency procedures there was no way I was leaving you alone up there” Shinji replied
“I know it’s what family does right?” Rei asked
“Sure is” Shinji replied “Do you know why Dr. Akagi is so mad I mean she has been different lately but today was just cold” Shinji asked
“Probably because you vaporised her new toy and a skyscraper at the same time” Rei replied with a small smile
Rei had overheard Dr. Akagi venting to the head of R+D as she was coming into medical. She had painted Shinji as the villain in the recount of the story and the look the Chief Research Officer gave the two pilots as they passed each other outside medical says he brought it all and Shinji was on his shit list as well.
“I killed the angel and the explosion on its own was worth it” Shinji justified
“I’m with you on this one” Rei replied
Everyone was dismissed
“Shinji Rei if you have a minute” Misato called out her pilots
Misato looked really shocked since she got back from seeing Asuka it must have really shaken her up. Shinji remembered they must be close Misato had spent time with her in Germany as well.
________________________________________
Shinji and Rei followed Misato to her office and took the two seats in front of the Majors desk which was cleared of paperwork for the first time ever though that would change in the coming days with all the damage done to the city.
“Asuka is in a coma and the doctors have no idea when she will wake up” Misato began
Shinji sat there and his features didn’t change and Rei frowned at the news knowing it could have just as easily been either of them as well. Granted she didn’t like the German but she would never wish ill of her.
“I’m sorry Misato I know you two were close” Shinji replied sombrely
“Thanks but that’s not why I called you two here.... Regardless of what type of a recovery Asuka makes she’s off the combat roster Ritsuko and the commander will make sure of that” Misato replied
“Wait you’re saying she will be replaced?” Shinji asked unable to believe what Misato was saying
“Yes Ritsuko and the commander” ‘again those two’ Misato thought as she said this “they are searching for her replacement. So until they are found it’s just you two... Also the commander is putting Unit-01 back into stasis once it is repaired.”
“What the hell for? I had a successful mission” Shinji replied not believing the decisions being made around here
“It’s ok I will have authority to launch it in combat and I won’t be leaving Rei alone for long” Misato replied easing her pilots concerns for his sister.
“Alright fine” Shinji replied
“Do not worry brother mine I will be ok” Rei replied getting a small smile from Shinji
“I understand Ritsuko has put you on two weeks rest to let the cracks in your bones to heal” Misato began and Shinji nodded “That’s fine and I’m cancelling all further testing until further notice. Your sync and combat prowess are proven you need a rest so you don’t burn out” Misato explained. “Attend your classes like normal and then have some down time”
Both pilots nodded at this
“Alright dismissed go home and rest” Misato ordered with a smile.
Both pilots left for the surface after that
________________________________________
At home Rei cooked dinner telling Shinji he should start resting and get use to it. Shinji didn’t like it but he knew his sister was right. Stir-fry with tofu and vegetables went down a treat. Shinji seemed more quiet than normal through dinner though.
“What are you going to do with your spare time?” Rei asked
“I don’t know yet since all the stuff I like to do is out, catch up on my studies I guess” Shinji replied “What about you?”
“There are a few things I’ve wanted to do” Rei replied “Do you want to come swimming with me?” Rei offered
Shinji thought about the offer a moment, swimming usually wasn’t his thing though Rei had taught him that and he enjoyed the lessons “Sure why not” was the reply ‘My body should be able to handle that’ Shinji thought confirming his answer in his mind as the right one
Rei nodded her approval at that “Now what has you weighed down?” Rei asked having a fair idea what it was, but she figured it would be best for Shinji to talk about it with someone.
“Nothing I’m just tired” Shinji replied moving to clear the table
“Really?” Rei pressed
She looked at him with those deep red eyes reading every emotion that played across her brother’s face and through his eyes.
“I watched my friend get buried today, he could still be alive if I’d just done things differently” Shinji replied
“That’s not true” Rei replied “There is no guarantee that Kensuke would have been ok if you had done things differently” Rei countered
“Yes but there is no guarantee that he would be dead either” Shinji replied “I killed him when I ripped Unit-03 to shreds”
“No you didn’t, all you killed was an angel... The rest of the problems from that mission came from the commander as well” Rei replied
“I know that” Shinji replied quietly “I guess that’s the other thing that gets me, we were set up by our own, and then there’s this internal security breach as well it all stinks”
“Yes the decisions from command have been lacking lately” Rei replied
This got Shinji’s attention his sister rarely offered her opinion about things like this so freely, she was obviously as angry as he was about everything
“You should never have been put in solitary for one and then you were kept there while an angel attacked, and the same with this latest engagement” Rei added quietly
“Yeah makes me wonder what the commander is working towards” Shinji thought aloud
“He is striving to end the world on his own terms... Though I have never been given the specifics” Rei replied quietly
“Kaji was saying it’s something really bad but soon we will have enough information to stop him” Shinji replied
“Either way you need to stop blaming yourself for what happened to Kensuke” Rei replied steering the conversation back to where she wanted it.
“I know” Shinji replied quietly
“You know but do you believe it?” Rei asked “You really should stop blaming yourself for this” She added “Would you have still attacked if you knew Kensuke was in there?”
Shinji looked at his hands as if the answer was going to be in there as he thought back to the moments from before the battle when the angel had Unit-00 pinned to the turf at the bottom of Mount Nobe.
“I still would have shot it in the head when it had you pinned to the ground and I still would have ripped it to pieces when it tried to attack as you were escaping” Shinji replied knowing that his actions wouldn’t have been much different once the fight started
“So what would you have done differently?” Rei asked
“I wouldn’t have shot near the plug so much maybe not shot it as much” Shinji replied
“But none of your shots hit the plug and you were careful when dealing with the plug as well” Rei replied
“Yeah your right” Shinji replied
“That’s why it is definitely not your fault” Rei replied
Shinji nodded knowing his sister was right
“I don’t expect you to not feel bad about this but at least lay the blame where it belongs” Rei replied
“The commander” Shinji whispered
“Yes” Rei replied equally as quietly glad her brother was starting to see reason. Give him some time and he would be back to his usual self she hoped, but she really was worried about her brother.
________________________________________
School continued the next week and the rumour mill was in overdrive as eager imaginations got the better of Tokyo-3 Students once they got a look at the damage done during the last battle. These rumours were fanned when only Shinji and Rei turned up for school. Students in the class started gathering around the twins ready to grill them for information about the battle.
“Don’t even think about it you guys, the teacher is coming get to your seats” Hikari ordered in full class rep mode
A collective of groans was heard but everyone complied.
Shinji mouthed a thank you to Hikari and the young lady blushed thinking about what she would like to do with those lips, needless to say she didn’t get much work done in the morning session.
Once the friends were eating lunch on the roof in privacy Hikari asked she just wanted to make sure Asuka was ok
“Is Asuka alright after the fight?”
“No. She was hurt badly” Shinji replied
“How did dat happen?” Toji asked
“Asuka took point over Rei and the angel attacked with some sort of light beam, I’m not sure how it works but it messed with her memories and now she is in a coma” Shinji replied
“Dat’s crazy, I never liked her but I wouldn’t want nuthin bad happen to her like dat” Toji replied “Why weren’t you on point?”
“The commander is worried about a repeat from when Shinji was absorbed into Unit-01. High command is being cautious with its use” Rei replied
“But you’re ok aren’t you Shinji?” Hikari asked
“Yeah I’m fine” Shinji replied with an uneasy look passing through his eyes that was missed by everyone accept Rei.
“So what are they going to do now?” Hikari asked
“Asuka’s Eva is being repaired along with Unit-00 and -01 and I heard they are looking for a replacement pilot” Rei replied.
“What about Asuka?” Hikari asked
“She is being cared for at Nerv Medical” Rei replied
“Poor Asuka. What about you guys do you have more training since she is hurt?” Hikari asked
“No we are on down time until further notice from Misato. Something about not burning us out” Shinji replied this time
The bell rang ending lunch and the students headed back to class
“What you doin wit dat spare time Shin man, you want to hit the arcade?” Toji asked hopeful for some time with his friend
“I’ve got work to catch up on but I’m going swimming with Rei too” Shinji replied “You want to come?” He asked with a mischievous grin
“Ahhh........” Toji’s brain seemed to lock up at that “I’ll see if I can fit it in” He replied trying to play it cool.
________________________________________
Shinji and Rei made it home and they were thankful for not having to go to Nerv for more tests tonight. Dinner was nice, Shinji had cooked even though Rei offered he said he wanted to since she was meant to be resting as well and it was the least he could do.
Ikari’s kitchen served up another beef masterpiece with a vegetarian version for Rei that the siblings enjoyed along with the company.
Shinji was studying in his room since he was tutoring with Hikari tomorrow to catch up on the last of his work. He had the door open and could hear music coming from the lounge room where Rei was. The tune was different a real poppy beat coming from the speakers. Rei’s musical interests amazed him there was always such variety in what his sister listened to one day it was classical, the next it was pop he even heard some rock tunes that he liked and was also thankful the rap experiment only lasted the one afternoon.
A knock at his door frame brought him out of his thoughts as he looked up to see his sister smirking as she look down as he was laying in front of his laptop.
“You look deep in thought for homework” Rei observed
“Guess I was a little busy spacing out” Shinji replied thankful for the interruption
“What’s on your mind brother mine?” Rei asked
Her voice had become more confident over the months since Shinji had come to Tokyo-3 though it still retained that soft quality that he loved
“Nothing important” Shinji replied
“Are you finished with your studies tonight?”
“Yeah definitely” Shinji replied with certainty
“I’m heading to the pool for a swim, do you want to come?” Rei asked
“Sure, give me five minutes and I’ll be ready” Shinji replied closing the lid to his laptop.
Rei left to get ready and Shinji did the same but not before sending a quick message to Toji telling him that he was going for a swim with Rei and he should come if his schedule wasn’t too busy. He left his room with a small smirk and was happy, Misato really had helped them out with the time off and he was going to make the most of it.
“What are you scheming brother mine?” Rei asked reading Shinji like a cheap paperback once they were at the front door
“There is no point scheming with you around to figure everything out sister mine” Shinji replied with a smile.
Rei really could read him easily and though Shinji hated it, it warmed him at the same time. It really was nice to have close family at last.
“This from the man who sneaks around blowing up bad guys in his spare time” Rei replied
‘Check mate right there’ Shinji thought his sister was just too good for him sometimes.
________________________________________
They made it too the pool easily. Toji messaged Shinji promising to come next time and Shinji was going to hold him to that. The siblings swam laps together while they had the pool to themselves. Shinji swam as fast as he dare and Rei was taking easy as she kept pace with Shinji.
The young pilot found it relaxing following the black line up and down the pool, he could see his sister in his peripherals shadowing his pace, and sometimes passing him sometimes letting him set the pace. He noticed another person slide into the empty lane next to him and followed them at a distance. His mind wandered to a particular brown haired girl he was taking to a movie after studying tomorrow.
Just as his nerves started to get the better or him he realised Rei had stopped. Sliding in and hitting the wall with his palm he stood up to see his sister standing there and he realised he was exhausted but felt good for the workout.
“How come you stopped?” Shinji asked
“I am going to sprint some laps and then finish for the night” Rei replied “You’re welcome to keep swimming with me if you want” Rei added
“It’s ok I’m done” Shinji replied as he took a couple of deep breaths and splashed some water in his face.
“You do the strangest things brother mine” Rei commented
“What do you mean?” Shinji replied
“You splash water on your face after you have been swimming in it for the past hour” Rei replied
Shinji grinned at the analogy realising it was silly “Yeah your right” he replied
Rei took off at a considerably faster pace and grinned, it must have been a warm up before for Rei. He was mesmerised by the speed and how natural his sister looked as she sliced through the water like she belonged there. Hopping out of the pool Rei easily outpaced the other swimmer despite his best efforts to keep up as Shinji headed for a long hot shower.
________________________________________
Walking home with his sister was nice as usual
“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” Rei asked
“Not really. She will either enjoy herself at the movies or she won’t” Shinji replied
“Do you have a plan?” Rei asked
“Not really, I’ll let Hikari pick the movie and just enjoy the night” Shinji replied
“Sound logic that is not like you when it comes to Hikari brother mine” Rei replied
“Show’s I listen to you sister mine” Shinji replied with a smile for his sister.
Shinji’s phone started ringing bringing an end to the conversation
“Hello”
“Shinji its Ryoji”
“What’s wrong?” Shinji replied picking up on the tension in his partners voice as Rei looked on concerned knowing something must be wrong even though she was only getting one side of the conversation.
“The sub-commander has been kidnapped by Seele, he is probably being tortured for information on the commander’s plans before he is killed” Ryoji explained
“Shit that’s not good, what can we do?” Shinji asked
“We are going to be the rescue operation I’ll pick you up from the roof in an hour be ready” Ryoji replied
“Alright see you then” Shinji replied
“Ok bye” Ryoji ended the call
“What is it?” Rei asked knowing it must be bad
“The sub-commander has been kidnapped by Seele they are probably torturing him for information before they kill him” Shinji replied
“What are you planning brother mine?” Rei asked concern and surprise all over her face.
“I’m going with Ryoji to go get him” Shinji replied
“We better run for it then” Rei added as the twins quickened the pace and ran home.
________________________________________
Shinji raced into his room. He didn’t have a lot of stuff and everything that was important was in neat order which made getting ready for a mission like this on the clock a piece of cake. Shinji came out of his room the sound of combat boots on the floor getting Rei’s attention
Her brother stood at the entrance to the lounge room and he almost looked as fearsome as Unit-01. Sniper rifle across his back, pistol holstered at his hip with a knife on the opposite hip, a balaclava around his neck and glasses sitting on top of his combat helmet. Combat fatigues in urban grey would make him hard to spot and he was still as fit as she had ever seen him
“Be careful brother mine” Rei reminded her brother
“I always am, do not worry sister mine” Shinji replied
“From what you’ve told me you better get the sub-commander before he breaks or else you may have Seele coming after you and Kaji” Rei reminded her brother of the complications coming from the impending torture.
“Your right I better get going” Shinji replied
“Go get them” Rei said as she followed Shinji onto the roof
Just like Ryoji had said he was an hour from when he called Shinji and the same helicopter touched down on the roof. Staying low Shinji ran towards the side and climbed aboard finding his partner inside and they lifted off into the night sky.
“Come back safe brother mine” Rei whispered
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To be continued.
To everyone still reading and following thanks for sticking with me. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I hope the spelling and grammar isn’t ruining the story too much. Till next time.