Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy – Episode V: SEELE Strikes Back Chapter 1 – Deep Impact, an evangelion fanfic

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy
Episode V: SEELE Strikes Back

Chapter 1 – Deep Impact; Sahaquiel Plummets
April 8, 2016 – Outside Comfort 17 Apartments

Mari was walking home with Shinji after having cleaned up the classroom. Mari nudged him as they got near the apartment. "Puppy, is there a surprise party up there?" Mari asked.

"What?" Shinji said. "Why would there be?"

"Really, you lie like shit, Shinji." Mari said. "You're avoiding my gaze, and you have a little smirk. You know it's my birthday!"

Shinji sighed. "Couldn't you have at least waited till after everyone yelled surprise?" Shinji asked. "I was hoping you'd like the surprise…"

"Oh, puppy, you're adorable." Mari said. "Don't worry, I'll act surprised. But I expect cuddles later, in your room."

"I kinda figured I'd have to pimp myself out for your birthday…" Shinji said.

"You sound disappointed by the concept of me cuddling against you with my ample breasts… like it's a bad thing." Mari said.

"What? I don't mind, I was only kidding." Shinji joked. "You take stuff far too seriously, Mari. You need to relax."

Mari stared at him. "Well, I guess I'm finally rubbing off on you… that was a great comeback, puppy." Mari kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Thank you for setting up the party, Shinji, it means a lot to me that you would do something like that."

"Well, you're my best friend, Mari." Shinji said. "You deserve a party to be thrown for your birthday."

"So… is everyone there?" Mari asked.

"Yeah." Shinji said. "I told them to bring presents, and Hikari's working on warming the food up now."

"Good, so can they wait a minute?" Mari asked.

"Sure…" Shinji said. "Why though?"

"Well, I know you love Asuka and everything, but can ask for one more present?" Mari asked.

"Mari…" Shinji said. "Are you going to ask me to kiss you or something?"

"Just a kiss for a girl on her birthday…" Mari said overly sweetly. "How can you deny such a simple request?"

"Because I love Asuka…" Shinji said. "But, we're not dating, and she doesn't even know I like her, so I guess it can't hurt…"

"YAY!" Mari shouted. "Oh, you're the best, Shinji… you make my heart go doki, doki!"

Shinji shook his head. "Mari…"

"What? I'm just happy I can kiss you again! It's always so fun!" Mari said excitedly. "Can we do it here, before the party? I don't want Asuka to see us kissing, I don't want to ruin your chances with her…"

"Thanks Mari." Shinji said. "And I hope everything works out with you and Rei."

"Awww, puppy, you remembered…" Mari said. "I'm still not sure what to do, I think I'll take her to the mall soon, and get her some new clothes or something, I don't know, it shouldn't be too hard to figure something out."

"That's a good plan, Mari." Shinji said. "You have it easier though, I can't exactly ask Asuka to the mall… she'll think it's a date or something…"

"Hey, Shinji, don't be all upset, I don't want you crying on my account." Mari said. "I'll help you with Asuka somehow, I promise."

"You'd do that, Mari?" Shinji asked.

"Of course!" Mari said. "What kind of friend wouldn't help you out?"

"Hikari offered too, but I'm not sure how to ask for her help…" Shinji said.

"Hey, ill chat with her, with our combined kawaii, we'll be able to think of some way to get Asuka to notice you, ok?"

"Yeah, that sounds fine, just don't let anyone find out about it, ok?" Shinji said.

"Alright, now that you're smiling again, let's kiss." Mari said bluntly.

"Alright… but keep your tongue to yourself." Shinji said.

"Don't worry, puppy." Mari said as she wrapped her arms around him. "I'll stick to our agreement, but that doesn't mean I won't enjoy it…"

Shinji leaned in and they both kissed, and became very flushed. They held each other close for a minute or two, and then pulled away.

"That was as nice as I remember it being." Mari said. "I do enjoy doing that."

"Yeah, I can't say it's not fun…" Shinji said sheepishly. "I just wish I could kiss Asuka…"

"Well, maybe we can figure something out, spin the bottle maybe?" Mari said.

"Yeah, and the bottle will land on everyone but Asuka." Shinji said.

"Fine, I'll think of a better plan, but right now, we have a party to get to." Mari said as she dragged Shinji by the arm towards the apartment.

–––

"SURPRISE!" Everyone shouted. "Happy birthday, Mari!"

"Jesus, you shouldn't scare someone like that!" Mari said admonishingly. "You almost gave me a coronary!"

"Oh, relax, four eyes." Asuka said. "You'll be fine."

"Yeah, you're so dramatic, Mari." Toji said.

"So, who set this up?" Mari asked.

"Who do you think?" Kaji said. "Shinji did, he's a good friend that kid."

"Yeah, he is." Mari said wrapping her arm roughly around his neck. "How did you find out about my birthday, puppy?"

"The Sub–Commander told me." Shinji said. "It was weird, we don't really ever talk, but he said that he heard about Asuka's party, and thought I should know if it was coming up. He said something about pilot comradery or whatever." Shinji smiled. "Anyway, are you happy with everything?"

"Of course puppy!" Mari said, kissing him on the cheek. "You're the most awesome best friend ever! So what are we eating?"

"Oh, just about anything you ever ate at that buffet we went to." Shinji said. "You know, I ordered the food from there, so it's way easier than cooking."

"I couldn't ask for anything more, puppy!" Mari said. "You got my favorite food in the world, their curry rice and all the other goodies they have!"

"What buffet?" Rei asked. "It is any good?"

"Yeah, it's the best!" Mari exclaimed. "It's a karaoke bar, with the buffet! The food is delicious, and it's all so tasty!"

"And we know this time that you don't eat meat, so I made sure to get you more than sauerkraut to eat…" Shinji said.

"I quite enjoyed the sauerkraut, Shinji. You did not know I did eat meat." Rei said. "I also enjoyed the potato salad, they were both quite delicious."

"Well, I'm glad my homeland's food wasn't disappointing." Asuka said. "I wouldn't want anyone to have been unhappy at the party."

"I was quite happy being with my friends." Rei replied happily.

"Aren't you going to tell Mari about the cake?" Hikari asked. "You did a wonderful job once again, Shinji."

"Yeah, that thing looked great, pal!" Toji said.

"Oooh, I can't wait to see it!" Mari said. "But I'm hungry, so can we eat?"

"Of course, birthday girl." Misato said. "We don't need you passing out from starvation…"

"I'm not starving, miso, I just want to pig out!" Mari said. "You can too, we won't judge."

They all shuffled into the kitchen and piled their plates high with food. Rei avoided the meat dishes, while Toji and Mari both carried two plates out into the living room. The all ate and laughed for a few hours, with Asuka and Mari playfully exchanging barbs, with Rei even joining in. After the food, Mari demanded cake first, so Shinji brought it out on a tray. It was a large yellow cake with homemade cream cheese frosting. Mari kissed Shinji again for the cake, causing him to blush and then he lit the 18 candles.

"Alright, Mari, make a wish!" Shinji said.

"Sure thing!" Mari said as she stared at the candles for a moment. 'I wish that me and Rei… no… I shouldn't be so selfish… I'm not the one that needs help.' Mari thought. 'I wish that Asuka and Shinji will get together…'

Mari blew out the candles and Shinji cut the cake.

"What did you wish for, Mari?" Rei asked.

"I can't tell you, otherwise it won't come true." Mari said. "And I really hope it does."

"I hope it does too, whatever it is." Rei said. "As long as it makes you happy, Mari."

"Awww, blueberry…" Mari said.

So while people were digging through cake, Mari ate quickly, and then looked at everyone accusingly.

"Mari… what is it?" Hikari asked.

"Presents!" Mari said happily.

Kaji stood up first and pulled out a small box. "Well, I don't know much about you Mari, but I figured this might be nice."

Mari opened it and found an aqua colored gemstone. "Oooh, elbaite!" Mari said excitedly. "Where did you find this?"

"Oh, well, I go on a lot of trips, I came across it at a market." Kaji explained. "I thought it might be a good present, seeing as it matched your eyes."

"Awww, thanks Kaji!" Mari said.

"You're quite welcome, Mari."

"Alright, us next…" Toji said. "Kensuke and I pulled some cash together for this pigtails." Toji handed her a box. "We hope you like them."

Mari ripped off the wrapping paper. "Holy crap, Cowboy Bebop?" Mari said excitedly. "This is a lot!"

"Not really." Kensuke said. "It was Toji's idea."

"It was?" Hikari asked.

"Yeah, it was something I heard Mari hadn't been able to find any good anime, I thought we'd give her one to watch." Toji said.

"Thanks you two!" Mari said. "You're not so bad after all!"

"Yeah, no problem, Mari." Toji said.

"So, how about my gift?" Misato said. "Here ya go!"

Mari unwrapped this gift and saw something she really liked. "Jellybeans!" Mari shouted happily. "Oh, miso, thank you so much!"

"I knew you'd like those." Misato said. "I'm glad you're happy."

"Alright Mari, me next." Hikari said. "It not much, but I think you'll like it."

Mari opened the box to find a Pikachu plushie. "Oh, it's so cute!" Mari smiled widely. "Thanks Hikari!"

"I couldn't find a pink one, but I thought you might like that one anyway." Hikari said.

Mari kept smiling happily. "Thanks, freckles, it means a lot." Mari held the plushie in front of her face and made her voice all high pitched. "Pika, pika!"

Shinji and Asuka rolled their eyes, and Rei stepped forward.

"Mari…" Rei said. "Once again, like for Asuka, I do not have a physical gift."

"That's fine blueberry." Mari said. "I don't mind."

"However, I would like to buy you one, so I would like to take you up on your offer to go to the mall. If that is agreeable to you." Rei said.

"Rei, going to the mall with you would be enough, you don't have to buy me anything else." Mari said.

"But I wish to." Mari said. "For you, and Asuka, and even a present for Shinji's birthday." Rei explained. "I wish to give gifts to my friends."

"Well, then I'll have to take you, seeing as you're so determined." Mari said. "I'll let you pick a date you have free, and we can go then."

"That is simple enough to do." Rei said. "I will let you know soon."

"Alright, I'm all that's left four eyes." Asuka said holding out her present. "Here you go."

Mari took the last gift and opened it hastily, revealing a model kit and some paint. "Wow, a Liger Zero…" Mari said. "Thanks Asuka…"

"No problem, four eyes." Asuka said. "It wasn't too hard to find a new one, and it's a Master Grade, which the shop owner said was the second highest grade, figured that would be nice. I also got you some paint, cause you said you like pink, you can make its armor the color you like…"

Mari stood up and hugged Asuka tightly. "Oh, princess… you're so nice to me now!"

Asuka sighed. "Yeah, well don't ruin it with all the hugging and stuff."

"I'll try not to, but I just like giving hugs to people!" Mari said brightly.

"Alright everyone, let's have more cake!" Misato announced.

–––

After few more hours of chatting and eating, everyone left, leaving the apartment empty, save for Asuka, Shinji, and Mari. Misato had gone out to meet Ritsuko at a bar, and Kaji had left saying he was going to keep an eye on her. Rei excused herself quietly, and Toji, Kensuke, and Hikari went home together.

"What a mess…" Asuka said. "How do you clean all this crap Shinji?"

"Well…" Shinji said as he grabbed a garbage bag. "That's why I used paper plates and plastic cutlery. No dishes to speak of, just throw it all out."

"Well, that's pretty smart, puppy." Mari said. "Why don't we pick up tomorrow?"

"Because, I just want it over and done with." Shinji said. "We can take the garbage downstairs when we leave for school in the morning."

"Fine…" Asuka said as she grabbed a bag and began collecting the trash in the apartment. Within a half hour the apartment was as clean as it was before the party with the leftovers stored safely in the fridge.

As the three of them sat down to rest, Asuka stared at the two of them.

"So when did you two go to a karaoke bar?" Asuka asked. "That's where you said you ordered the food from, right?"

"Yeah, I ordered it from the karaoke bar we've gone to a few times." Shinji said.

"Well, we went the first day we met, princess." Mari said. "Shinji let me pick where to eat, and I fell in love with the food there. We go there sometimes after school, or whenever, it's infrequent to say the least."

"So, can anyone else come to your secret lovers' spot?" Asuka asked.

"It's not a lovers' spot Asuka." Shinji said. "I keep telling you, we're just friends."

"Yeah, and the next time we go, everyone should come along." Mari said. "I'll make you all sing and dance. It'll be great!"

"Yeah, I don't sing…" Asuka said.

"It's not as bad as it sounds, Asuka." Shinji said. "It can be kinda fun actually."

"You've sung?" Asuka asked.

"Of course." Shinji said. "It's a bit scary, but it's also pretty fun."

"You think you know a person…" Asuka muttered.

"Come on, I only sung a couple times." Shinji protested. "It's not so bad…"

"Well, I'm tired." Mari said suddenly. "Puppy, it's time for my present."

"What?" Asuka asked.

"Oh, she made me promise to cuddle with her tonight, Asuka." Shinji said. "So you'll have your room to yourself."

"But… why?" Asuka asked.

"Oh, he's just so warm and cuddly, I didn't want to sleep alone on my birthday, so I asked him." Mari explained. "Well actually, I begged him, and Shinji's such a nice guy, he agreed after a bit of prodding."

"Oh… well, have fun I guess…" Asuka said sullenly.

"Well, goodnight, princess." Mari said as she walked to her room. "Puppy, I'm going to change, I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Ok, Mari." Shinji said.

Asuka looked at Shinji and looked away from him. "Well, your girlfriend is waiting."

"Asuka, she not my girlfriend." Shinji said. "She asked me for this, and I agreed. It's not like anything is going to happen, our relationship isn't like that. She doesn't like to feel lonely, so if I can help her out a little bit, I'm just being a good friend."

"Whatever…" Asuka said.

"Look, Asuka, I'm sorry…" Shinji said.

"Why are you sorry?" Asuka asked.

"Well, it's just, it looks like I upset you…" Shinji said sheepishly. "And I hate when I do that… so I'm sorry…"

"I'm not upset, I'm just tired." Asuka said. "So I'll go to bed too. Night, Shinji."

"Goodnight, Asuka…" Shinji said. 'Great… now she'll never like me…' Shinji thought sadly. 'I have to stop messing this up…'

Asuka walked to her room, leaving Shinji to wander to his own to change for bed. Asuka saw Mari pulling on some shorts over her panties as she walked in.

"A little overdressed, aren't you?" Asuka asked.

"No, not really." Mari said. "I'm just wearing enough clothes for a friendly cuddle with my bestie."

"So you're not going to try and have sex with him?" Asuka asked.

"No." Mari replied. "We're just friends Asuka, the only benefits are that he's really nice to me, and also extremely considerate."

"Well, good…" Asuka said. "You're both too young for that stuff anyway."

"Really, how prudish of you." Mari said as she noticed Asuka's sad look. "Princess, don't be so sad, it's only a cuddle. I'm sure if you asked nicely, he'd cuddle with you too."

"I don't want to cuddle with him." Asuka said.

"Not even a little, huh?" Mari asked. "Silly princess, you're not a good liar."

"I'm not lying." Asuka said.

"Sure you're not, princess." Mari said. "The slight flush on your face says otherwise I might add." Mari smiled. "Goodnight princess."

"Night…" Asuka said as she started to change. She sat down on her bed as Mari left the room and shed the few tears she was holding back. "Why can't I be that open with my feelings like Mari is…" Asuka muttered. "I can't even express how much I like Shinji… I'm just so fucked up, aren't I? I wish my momma was here… she'd know what to do… I know she would…" Asuka looked at the wall that separated her room from Shinji's. "I'm so jealous of Mari being able to be with him… I want to be with him… I want him all for myself and no one else…"

April 12, 2016 – Tokyo–3 Junior High School, Class 2–A

"And that I how life was before Second Impact. Full of hope, full of life…" Nebukawa no Sensei droned on.

Ding dong ding ding… ding dong ding ding

"Oh… I guess the bell means it's time for lunch… class dismissed." Nebukawa no Sensei said in his monotone voice.

Hikari stood up. "Rise… Bow… Sit!"

Shinji stood up and stretched while the class dispersed to go eat. Shinji had had a rough morning. He was trying desperately to finish his homework, and was barely able to do so. So when he reached into his bag for the three bentos he made, he realized in his rush he hadn't made them.

"Oh shit…" Shinji muttered as Asuka walked over expectantly.

"Hey, Shinji." Asuka said. "Where's lunch?"

"Well, the thing is…" Shinji said. "I was doing my homework this morning, and I was in a rush, so I kind of forgot to make them…"

"WHAT?!" Asuka shouted. "Are you stupid or something? What the hell am I supposed to eat now?! I was counting on the lunch, baka!"

"I'm sorry, Asuka, I didn't mean to forget, it just kinda happened." Shinji said apologetically. "I'm really sorry, I promise I'll remember tomorrow."

"Well, that doesn't fucking help me now, baka!" Asuka shouted angrily. "Now what, I'm supposed to starve the rest of the day?!"

"No… I mean you can always get cafeteria food…" Shinji said.

"I don't want that crap!" Asuka shouted. "Your food tastes way better than that crap! I would rather starve!"

"Well, I said I was sorry Asuka!" Shinji shouted back. "But I didn't want to disappoint Misato again by fucking up my grades!"

"Well, what about me and four eyes!" Asuka retorted. "Now we're going to starve because you're fucking retarded and can't do your homework like a normal person!"

"Maybe if I had some help around the apartment from you two, I would have more time for my stuff, but I have to clean up after our guardian, you, and Mari! And at least Mari tries to help, you barely do anything half the time!"

Toji and Kensuke walked back in the room as the two of them were going at it, and Mari just watched in amazement while she and Hikari stood in the corner.

"Aren't you going to intervene?" Hikari asked.

"No, they need to get this out." Mari whispered. "Especially considering the circumstances. Maybe one of them will slip up."

"Shinji would be the better bet for that." Hikari said. "But in this mood, Asuka is more likely to hate him more for beating her to the punch."

"Good point freckles." Mari said. "Maybe you should step in, you're the class rep, and you can do that, right?"

"Yeah, especially before this gets worse…" Hikari said as she started to walk over.

Toji put his food on his desk and looked over at Asuka and Shinji. "Well, look at that." Toji said loudly. "The newlyweds are fighting, how adorable is that?!"

Asuka and Shinji stopped yelling at each other long enough to turn to Toji and shout at him in unison. "SHUT THE HELL UP TOJI!" Before they turned back on each other and started to argue again.

"ENOUGH YOU TWO!" Hikari shouted. "Just stop!"

"No, this moron forgot to pack my lunch!" Asuka shouted. "Now I don't even have a lunch to eat, and I'm going to starve to death!"

"Well, did you ever consider packing your own lunch?" Shinji asked.

"Shinji, stop!" Hikari warned. "Asuka, you can't yell at him like that, it's not very nice, especially considering everything he does for you!"

"I'll yell at the moron if I want to!" Asuka said.

"And why is that?" Hikari asked.

"None of your business, Hikari!" Asuka said angrily.

Shinji stood up angrily and glared at Asuka. Then he turned to Hikari. "I'm not feeling well, so I'm going home." Shinji said angrily as he grabbed his bag and left.

"That's right, run away, Shinji, you're good at that!" Asuka said angrily.

"Asuka!" Hikari said admonishingly. "That was totally unnecessary!" Hikari turned to see Shinji leaving the classroom. "Wait, Shinji, don't go!" Hikari said as he stormed out.

"I got it…" Mari said as she walked over to Asuka. "Hey, princess, maybe you think about an apology for when you get home. You clearly upset him enough for him to run off like that…" Mari said. "And Hikari, don't take pity on her this time and feed her. With that attitude, she can go without one meal, it won't kill her."

"What does that mean?" Asuka asked.

"Maybe if you weren't so self–centered concerning his usefulness to you, you'd know that all he ever wants is to spend time with us, even if we're just helping out where we can, it would at least be nice to help a little you know!" Mari said angrily. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and make sure the "sick" puppy is alright."

Mari left and Hikari turned on Asuka. "May you could help him with his homework, seeing as you already have him cooking and cleaning."

"What?" Asuka asked.

"As an apology, offer to do his homework, or at least let him copy yours when you finish it." Hikari said. "Do you get it now?"

"Why is everyone so bent out of shape about me upsetting him?" Asuka asked. "It's not like he's in love with me, otherwise he would've packed my lunch!"

"Asuka, do you even understand what love is?" Hikari asked.

"Of course I do, Hikari!" Asuka said. "It's an intense feeling of deep affection. What else could it be? And you show that by doing nice things for other people."

"So maybe you should do something for him!" Hikari said.

"What are you driving at, Hikari?" Asuka asked.

"Absolutely nothing, Asuka." Hikari said. "Enjoy your lunch."

"Real funny, Hikari!" Asuka called to her.

"Asuka, would you like some of my lunch?" Rei asked as she walked over.

"Yeah, I guess…" Asuka said.

"Come with me." Rei replied. "Asuka, can I ask why you were so mad? It seemed to be far more than just about a lunch."

"No, it was only about the lunch." Asuka said. "Why is everyone looking for a deeper meaning with everything today?"

"Perhaps because there is one?" Rei said. "That seemed more like a lovers' quarrel than a simple argument about a lunch, Asuka. Why do you think Toji said what he said? It is what it looks like to the rest of us."

"It does not." Asuka said as she sampled Rei's lunch. "We just argue, it's how we operate."

"No offence, Asuka, but that is illogical." Rei said. "Perhaps you need to look into yourself and figure out why you were truly mad at him. Is it because you do not think he likes you or something of that sort?"

"I keep telling everyone it's not like that!" Asuka said angrily. "Can't people just leave things alone?!"

"Not when it is apparent that there are feelings between the two of you." Rei said. "If I can pick up on the social nuances between the two of you, then they must be glaringly obvious to everyone else…"

"Enough of this crap!" Asuka said angrily. "I don't like Shinji, I hate him!" Asuka said as she grabbed her bag and ran out of the room.

–––

Mari ran after Shinji, but couldn't catch the train he was on, so she had to wait for the next one in order to go back to the apartment and see if he was ok. Mari was also having a tough day. She had been thinking about her past again, even though she had told herself that the old Mari was dead, she still had the memories of her two friends' mothers, and wanted so badly to share all those memories with them, but sadly could not.

'Great, Shinji's run off again, and I'm still feeling guilty about keep shit from him.' Mari thought. 'I hate hiding things from him… especially when he's sad, I wish I could tell him I'm his godmother and tell him about his mother, but I can't… he'd hate me if he knew I've been lying to him this whole time… and I wish I could tell Asuka the same thing, but I can't… it's just not possible… at least not now… I know I have to tell them eventually, I can't hide this forever, this secret of mine will literally kill me someday.'

Mari arrived at the apartment to hear Shinji crying loudly in his room. Mari went to his room to see him on the bed with his head in his hands.

"Shinji?" Mari asked.

"Just go away!" Shinji shouted. "I want to be alone, Mari!"

"Well, that's not going to happen." Mari said. "I know you're upset about Asuka…"

"No shit!" Shinji said. "She fucking hates me, she'll always hate me! I love her, and every time I get close to telling her, she just proves once again that I shouldn't even mention it to her! I hate this! I just want to be with her but I can't!"

Mari sat down next to him, and pulled him against her chest. "It's ok, Shinji… just let it all out. Cry as much as you want, I want you to feel better, can you do that for me?"

"Why?" Shinji asked angrily. "Will crying actually help me?"

"Yeah, it can…" Mari said. "I… uh… used to cry a lot when I was younger. Literally at the drop of a hat, I'd just start crying uncontrollably… it was shitty, but I always felt better afterwards. So just try it, ok?"

Shinji, instead of protesting further, simply cried into Mari's chest. He cried for a good clip until he literally cried himself to sleep. Mari extracted herself carefully from him and laid him down on his bed and tucked him in. She kissed him lightly on the forehead and then left his room. She saw Asuka arrive home, red faced and puffy eyed.

"Been crying too, have you?" Mari asked.

"No, I'm just mad." Asuka said. "What's it to you?"

"Oh, just the fact Shinji's been crying because of you." Mari said. "Because he was upset he'd forgotten to pack your lunch, and that you seem to hate him instead of being his friend."

"I don't hate him…" Asuka said. "And if I've ever said that, I was just angry at him… I don't hate him at all… I consider him a close friend…"

"Well today was a great way to show it." Mari said angrily.

"Well, is he in his room?" Asuka asked.

"Yeah, but he's sleeping." Mari said. "Just leave him alone, princess."

"No, I'm going in to apologize to him, nothing else." Asuka said. "Just leave me alone."

"Fine, just don't upset him more, Asuka." Mari said.

"I won't…"Asuka said. "I feel bad enough as it is…"

Asuka went to Shinji's room and slid the door open. Shinji was lying there under his blankets, resting peacefully. Asuka gently nudged him so he'd wake up. As he stirred, Asuka sat down on the floor.

"Hey, Shinji…" Asuka said. "Are you awake?"

Shinji opened his eyes. Asuka saw they were all red and puffy, and felt bad about causing him to cry, whatever his reasons were.

"What do you want, Asuka." Shinji asked. "Come here to yell at me again?"

"No…I came to apologize." Asuka replied. "I'm sorry I yelled at you in class, Shinji. I shouldn't have, but I was angry and hungry, and I'm sorry I made you cry too…"

"Do you really mean that, or are you just doing what Hikari or Rei suggested you do?" Shinji asked.

"I'm doing this on my own, Shinji." Asuka said. "I take you for granted, and I'm sorry for that, I really am. I hope you believe that I'm being sincere here, Shinji…"

"You really do mean it…" Shinji said in disbelief.

"Well there's more…" Asuka said. "This idea I got from Hikari, but from now on, you're copying my homework, that way you don't have to worry about doing it on your own in a rush. And if there's an essay, I can type one for you if you want… Hikari was right, I should do something to help, and the best thing I can do is your homework, at least if you'll let me that is…"

"Asuka, I appreciate the offer." Shinji said. "I'll take any help I can get honestly, Asuka. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Shinji." Asuka said as she stood up. "Now, I'm going to go order dinner with four eyes' help, so just stay here till we're done, ok?"

"Yeah, I guess so…" Shinji said as Asuka left the room. "I guess there is a bit of hope of her liking me after all…"

April 15, 2016 – NERV HQ

Misato was pacing around in Central Dogma. She had been left in command while Commander Ikari was away in Antarctica. What had Misato worried, was satellite communications had failed, and several tsunamis were picked up on sensors placed throughout the ocean.

"Hyuga, please tell me you have something on why the comms have failed." Misato asked.

"Unfortunately no, Major." Hyuga said. "I'm still working on it. There is a lot of interference, and I'm searching for the source."

"Aoba, call up Ritsuko, I'll need her assistance." Misato ordered.

"Right away, ma'am." Aoba said.

"Maya, set Level–3 battle stations, somehow I have a feeling this interference is less than natural." Misato ordered. "Also, have the Evangelions prepped for launch, we don't know when this might turn sour."

"Right way, ma'am." Maya said.

"Uh… Major?" Hyuga said. "I'm picking up something on from a satellite in Low Earth Orbit."

"Can you get a visual, Hyuga?"

"Negative, ma'am." Hyuga said. "The satellite isn't in range yet. But there is a definite Pattern Orange."

"Great…" Misato said. "A Pattern Orange in orbit… what's it altitude?"

"Roughly 500,000m, ma'am." Hyuga replied. "What are your orders?"

"Nothing yet, I'd like Ritsuko's opinion." Misato replied.

"My opinion on what?" Ritsuko said as she swept into the room. "Aoba called me and told me to get up here."

"Pattern Orange, at 500km." Misato said.

"Oh… that's…" Ritsuko said.

"Yeah, not good is it?" Misato asked.

"No, our intercept weapons can't do anything, the only defense we have are the orbital weapons satellites." Ritsuko said. "What are the closest ones to the signal?"

"ARMSAT's 3 and 8 Dr. Akagi." Hyuga said.

"Arm them, Hyuga. Aoba, is there an observation satellite nearby?" Misato ordered.

"Yes, OBSAT–6 is coming into visual range now, we'll have visual coverage of the target for twelve minutes."

"Deploy an observation vessel to the South China Sea, and get us Earth based tracking." Misato ordered. "Maya, contact the pilots, call Shinji first, and tell them to get here immediately."

"Major, OBSAT–6 is in range now." Hyuga said. "Sensors are confirming the waveform pattern now… Pattern Blue! It's an Angel!"

"On screen!" Misato ordered.

The main display in Central Dogma lit up with a displayed image of the Earth, high above Tokyo–3, and with it was the Angel. It was on a massive scale, even with nothing near it to compare, it was clearly several times larger than an Evangelion.

It was mainly orange in color, and was shaped like something out of a lava lamp. His center had a giant eye, and had several long eyelashes emanating from it. The eye had a yellow sclera, a green iris, and a red pupil. The Core was situated within the pupil and held apparently stationary in the middle of the pupil. Spanning out from the eye were what looked like two outstretched hands. The hands had three fingers apiece, with blue dots in the middle like little finger nails. On the palm were what looked like psychedelic eyes, with an outer yellow ring, and an orange and green middle ring with a white center. Pointing towards the eye from the palm were what appeared to be two much smaller fingers, with the same blue dot.

Sahaquiel had arrived.

As they were watching him, a piece of Sahaquiel was broken off and fired towards the Earth. It impacted in the ocean not far from Old Tokyo.

"Well, now we know where those two other tsunamis came from." Misato quipped.

"It's using it A.T. Field to increase the mass of the object being fired at the ground." Ritsuko said.

"It's combining that with the kinetic energy from the fall to create a destructive power of immense force." Maya said. "With that kind of force with such a small piece, imagine if I were to drop itself down on Tokyo–3."

"We would be talking about an extinction–level event." Ritsuko said. "All life on the planet would either be wiped out by the shockwave, or the loss of the sun's warming heat."

"Well, it's sighting in, I think it's next shot will be at Tokyo–3 when it drops its wide ass right on top of us." Misato said. "How long do we have?"

"The Angel is in a 243 minute orbit." Maya reported.

"Are ARMSAT–3 and ARMSAT–8 still in range?" Misato asked.

"Yes, Major." Aoba said. "There are both armed and ready."

"Fire!" Misato ordered.

The display screen showed several dozen explosions around the Sahaquiel, and when the blasts cleared, there was no visible damage to speak of.

"Well, that worked." Ritsuko said.

"Yeah, well, it was worth a try." Misato said. "Level–1 battle stations… and order a D–17."

"What?!" Ritsuko said. "That won't do a damn thing!"

"Yeah, well, it will give the people something to think about besides impending doom." Misato said. "If its ordered now, it takes 210 minutes to evacuate. All non–essential personnel are to be evacuated from the base."

"How will the people being farther away do anything?" Ritsuko asked.

"Well, it will allow the EVAs to not have to worry about civilian casualties." Misato said. "I have a plan that just might work…"

"And what plan is that?" Ritsuko asked.

Misato grinned. "We're going to play catch."

–––

A fleet of helicopters were launching and flying low over the city, as the highways were clogged with cars, all leaving the city.

A message was being broadcast in order to inform and remind the public of the issue.

"Your attention please, the government has announced a D–17 special declaration of emergency for this area. All residents are to evacuate immediately. To their designated areas. Please follow the instructions handed out by your district leaders." The message said. "Anyone seeking emergency shelter inside the city is order to evacuate immediately. The area has been declared unsafe until further notice. Anyone caught inside the city after the evacuation has been complete without authorization will be subject to fines and prison time accordingly."

The center of the city began to recede into the ground as the last cars, helicopters, and VTOLs left the city.

Back in Central Dogma, Misato was waiting for the pilots to change.

"Major, the evacuation has been completed in 197 minutes." Hyuga reported.

"46 minutes until the Angel is in range again." Aoba reported.

"Evangelions are ready for immediate launch and transport to their starting points, the path for Unit–XP is cleared." Maya reported.

"Good, now I just have to explain things to the kids, and get this show on the road." Misato quipped.

–––

Shinji was in the locker room getting changed, when his phone rang unexpectedly.

Brrring… brrring… brrring…

"Hello?" Shinji said.

"Hey, Shinji." Hikari said on the other end.

"Oh, Hikari, is everything ok?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah, I'm with Toji and Kensuke with the evacuees, we're with Sakura." Hikari said. "I know there's an Angel, so do Toji, Sakura, and Kensuke. We just wanted to wish you all luck."

"Thanks Hikari." Shinji said. "It's nice of you to call."

"You're welcome, Shinji." Hikari said. "Just, please, be careful. Keep everyone safe, and make sure you don't let the city get blown up too."

"It's a lot to ask." Shinji said. "But I promise. Am I on speaker?"

"No, it's too crowded here for that." Hikari said.

"Well, just don't waste this opportunity being so close to Toji, ok?" Shinji asked. "Just don't let it slip through your fingers."

"Always the gentleman, Shinji." Hikari said. "Even in the face of death, you're worried about me."

"Well, seeing as Mari and you are trying to help me, it's the least I can do." Shinji said.

"I should let you go, you and the others have a city to save." Hikari said happily. "Pass on the luck for me."

"I will Hikari. Somehow I think we'll need it." Shinji said. "See you in a few days."

"See you soon, Shinji." Hikari said.

CLICK

Shinji smiled as he put his phone securely in his locker and went to meet the girls outside the locker room.

–––

The pilots were in Central Dogma, standing and looking at the Angel in space, and listening to Misato explain her insane plan.

"What the fuck?!" Asuka shouted. "You want us to catch the fucking thing… with our hands?!"

Mari shook her head. "You're fucking crazy miso…"

"This plan seems highly improbable of being able to work." Rei said.

"Misato, are you trying to kill us?" Shinji said. "Or have you lost your fucking mind?"

"I'm perfectly sane." Misato said. "And this plan will work, no matter what you say. Your EVAs do have hands, don't they?"

"That's not the fucking point!" Asuka said. "The sheer acceleration on that thing will be impossible to stop."

"Newton's law of motion tell us this will be a nearly impossible feat." Rei said. "All facts to the contrary mean nothing."

"Well, perhaps without the magic of an A.T. Field." Misato said. "Deploying your field at full strength and channeling it upwards to catch the Angel has been calculated at all your current sync score to be more than enough."

"Fine, so we catch the fucking thing, then what?" Mari asked.

"It's Core is in the center, in the eye." Misato said. "You destroy it, and save the city. It's as simple as that."

"So, then what?" Shinji asked. "Are we going to be caught in an explosion, or a pile of blood again? And are we going to be stuck in the EVA until you guys come rescue us?"

"Something like that, we can't be sure." Misato said. "Now, we're wasting time. So do you want the rest of the plan?"

"What's the plan, Misato…" Shinji asked.

"Bring it up Maya." Misato ordered.

On the main display screen, there was a diagram of the city, with three overlapping circles forming a sort of triquetra with three dots indicating the starting points of the EVAs in the center of each circle.

"Alright kids, Unit–00 will be deployed to the north, with Unit–01 in the southeast, and Unit–02 to the southwest. The Angel's terminal path cannot be figured by the MAGI, so we're spreading you all out to intercept it in the most efficient way possible." Misato explained.

"What about little old me?" Mari asked. "I don't see my dot there."

"Well, when the Angel's altitude hits about 10km, or the path probably hits 90%, you'll be launched immediately for intercept. You will deploy you're A.T. Fields at maximum and catch the thing, with your hands, and destroy the Core."

"What in the hell gave you that spread for the intercept?" Asuka asked angrily.

"It's a guess." Misato said.

"A what?!" Mari shouted.

"A guess based on woman's intuition."

"Oh, great, we're all fucked now." Shinji quipped. "Right in the ass… she took a guess… I'm really confident now…"

"Shinji!" Misato shouted. "It's a best guess, don't be so rude!"

"I don't know, I think he's onto something." Mari said.

"Yeah, I agree with Shinji too, Misato." Asuka said.

"With all this arguing, we're wasting time!" Misato said angrily. "Just deal with the plan, we've had worse!"

"No, the thing with the Fifth Angel wasn't as nuts as this, or the Sixth Angel frankly, or the Seventh…" Shinji listed off. "Literally, this is your craziest plan yet, Misato."

"Fine, its way out of the box." Misato said. "Who cares? This is our only option!"

"Fine, I'll do it." Shinji said. "But if anything happens, I blame you."

"Well, at least you'll do it." Misato said. "What about the rest of you."

"I'm not letting the puppy do it alone." Mari said.

"I will not allow Shinji to risk his life all alone." Rei said.

"I'm not letting baka Shinji take all the glory." Asuka said. "So… when do we leave?"

"Well, we have 27 minutes before the Angel is in range again to attack, you leave immediately." Misato ordered. "Head down to the Cage and board your EVAs. Unit–00, Unit–01, and Unit–02 launch in ten minutes, and Unit–XP be on launch pad 6."

"Right." Shinji said.

"Fantastic…" Mari said.

"Hooray…" Asuka said.

"Understood." Rei replied.

–––

Misato stood in Central Dogma as the Angel neared its destination.

"Alright everyone, clear out, I'll handle all this on my own." Misato said.

"Sorry, Major, we're not leaving." Maya said.

"Yeah, we're not letting those kids or you risk their loves while we go and hide somewhere." Hyuga replied.

"Plus, what are going to do?" Aoba said. "Wait and see if the Angel's been defeated when we have front row seats?"

"I'm not leaving the MAGI, or you." Ritsuko said. "There isn't a point."

"Fine, then let's get ready." Misato said.

–––

Shinji sat in his Entry Plug, and waited for the start of the operation. All three EVAs were in place

"Is everyone ready?" Misato asked.

"Yeah." Shinji said.

"Unit–00 ready for intercept." Rei said.

"I'm good, Miso!" Mari said happily.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Asuka said.

"Right, get ready to go." Misato said.

"Ma'am!" Maya said. "The Angel has begun its decent!"

"Switch to internal power! Purge external power lines!" Misato ordered. "Evangelions Unit–00, Unit–01, and Unit–02… LAUNCH!"

The power cable ejected from each Eva and hit the ground with a bang. The timer inside the Entry Plug appeared with its usual message of "INTERNAL POWER SELECTED" and the timer counting down from "5:00:00" to power down.

The EVAs took off like sprinters towards the area where Sahaquiel was intended to land. Their feet skidded on the ground for a moment as they picked up traction and took off, and their movement caused the vehicles around them to tip over. As they moved quicker and quicker towards their goal. They began hurdling over power lines and slamming their feet down into the street, leaving large holes where the feet impacted.

Unit–01 charged up a hill, and leaped off the top of a hill and landed heavily in a forest, causing the ground to crack and sputter as he sped off again.

"The Angel is at 50,000m and falling fast!" Maya reported.

"They won't make it in time!" Hyuga said. "It's changed its course to hit outside the city!"

"Shit, I'm too far to make it in time!" Asuka shouted.

"As am I." Rei said.

"The hell I'm not close enough! I have a visual, and I'm tracking the Angel!" Shinji shouted. "Misato, the blast shields! Put them up, now!"

"What?" Misato asked.

"I can use them and the AIS towers to speed up!" Shinji said. "Hurry!"

"Good thinking, Shinji." Ritsuko said. "You did listen to all those briefings I gave."

"Of course!" Shinji said. Ready when you are, Misato!" Shinji said.

"Deploy the blast shields in his path, then those armament buildings there!" Misato ordered. "Hold on, Shinji!"

"Roger that!" Hyuga said. "Deploying now!"

The blast shields were deployed half up, creating a large ramp, and several of the AIS towers were deployed in a sequence. Unit–01 ran up the ramps, increasing it speed, its feet causing sparks every time it hit the shields. Unit–01 then leapt up the AIS towers until it reached the highest one and leapt off and landed running and Unit–01 crouched down and lessened its drag, and began to run even faster.

"Speed at 0.87 Mach and rising!" Maya reported. "0.92… 0.96… Mach 1.02… Unit–01 has broken the sound barrier and is at transonic speed!"

Unit–01 had a vapor cone begin to form around it and a shockwave emanated from it as it ran towards the Angel. The vapor cone dissipated as Unit–01 reached supersonic speeds, and the shockwave became stringer, damaging buildings and flipping cars over in the process. Unit–01 shot up a hill, leaving dirt and dust in its wake.

"I'm right on target!" Shinji shouted. "Tenth Angel is in sight! It's fucking enormous!"

Sahaquiel could be seen plummeting towards the Earth. A large plasma trail from its decent through the atmosphere. A red hot glow could be seen dropping closer, and Unit–01 began skidding to a halt

"Altitude 2,000m!" Maya reported. "Impact in 20 seconds!"

"Deploy, Unit–XP!" Misato ordered.

"Roger!" Aoba shouted.

"Deploying my A.T. Field!" Shinji shouted.

"Shinji's sync score is over 80%!" Maya reported "His A.T. Field's power is massive!"

"What?!" Ritsuko shouted. "Over 80%… that's impossible!"

"Clearly not, as it's over that threshold." Misato said.

Unit–01 deployed its A.T. Field with such power, the sky turned red, and the field created a shockwave that blasted the ground apart, destroying everything in the immediate vicinity. Unit–01 held tis arms up and braced itself.

"Ready!" Shinji shouted.

Sahaquiel approached Unit–01 at high speed, and the A.T. fields of both Evangelion and Angel caused another explosion, damaging the surrounding area even more. Unit–01's feet sunk into the ground, but Unit–01 held strong and didn't allow the Angel to continue it's decent. Unit–01 stared directly into the eye Sahaquiel.

"Get back, motherfucker!" Shinji shouted. "You're not destroying anything!"

Sahaquiel, as if in response to Shinji's declaration shot out two long spears, and put them right through Unit–01's hands and forearms.

"AGGGGHHHHHHH!" Shinji screamed. "YOU MOTHERFUCKER!"

In response to its being punctured, Unit–01's eyed glowed brightly and its jaw bolts strained once again until they broke, and Unit–01 let out its primal voice once again. "ROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"

"Unit–01's jaw bolts have been broken again!" Hyuga reported.

"Has it gone berserk?" Ritsuko asked.

"No, ma'am!" Hyuga said. "It just appears is responding to the attack in kind."

"Unit–01's A.T. Field output has just tripled!" Maya reported.

"The Core of Unit–01 is also beginning to heat up!" Aoba reported.

"What is it doing?" Ritsuko said aloud. "This is unprecedented!"

"SHINJI!" Misato screamed.

"Hold on Shinji, we're on our way!" Asuka shouted.

"Shinji, please hold on, I will be there momentarily." Rei said.

"Hold on, puppy, here I come!' Mari said. "Unit–XP… LAUNCHING!"

"HURRY UP GUYS!" Shinji screamed. "IT HURTS!"

–––

Unit–XP shout out of the ground not far from where Sahaquiel and Unit–01 were struggling. "Hold on puppy…" Mari said worriedly.

"Need to set the mood…" Mari said. "Let's hit it…"

Mari flipped a few switches and music started playing loudly in every EVA and I Central Dogma when Mari started to sing along.

Revvin' up your engine
Listen to her howlin' roar
Metal under tension
Beggin' you to touch and go

Highway to the danger zone
Ride into the danger zone

Headin' into twilight
Spreadin' out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin' off the track
And shovin' into overdrive

Highway to the danger zone
I'll take you
Ridin' into the danger zone

"Mari this isn't the time for music!" Misato shouted.

"Shut that shit off, four eyes!" Asuka screamed.

"MARI, JUST GET HERE ALREADY!" Shinji screamed.

"Alright, fine the music's off… here I come you fucking Angel!" Mari screamed. "You've picked the wrong puppy to fuck with!"

–––

"Status of Unit–01!" Misato shouted.

"Hands and forearms punctured!" Maya reported. "Severe damage to underlying tissues! The arms are hemorrhaging quite severely."

"With Shinji's sync score as high as it is, he will be receiving similar injuries." Ritsuko said sadly. "We have to kill that thing before it kills him."

"Shinji's vitals!" Misato shouted.

"His heart rate is through the roof, and his blood pressure is dropping!" Aoba reported. "He's also losing a lot of blood!"

"Shit!" Misato shouted. "Mari, Asuka, Rei, hurry up!"

"Roger!" Rei replied.

"I'm close!" shouted.

"I'm trying, but I'm so far away!" Asuka shouted.

"Shinji just hold on!" Misato shouted.

"I'M TRYING!" Shinji screamed.

–––

Shinji continued his struggle against Sahaquiel. The weight of the Angel pressing hard on his damaged arms causing them to hemorrhage even more.

"COME ON!" Shinji said. "WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU GUYS?! KILL THIS FUCKING THING ALREADY!"

"I'm right here Shinji." Rei replied.

"15 seconds, puppy, and I'll kill this fucker!" Mari shouted.

"Hold on, Shinji!" Asuka shouted. "I'm going as fast as I can!"

Unit–00 arrived and help prop up the Angel. Unit–00 deployed one of its Prog Knives and began slicing Sahaquiel's A.T. Field. The field was sliced though with very little effort as Unit–XP arrived, charging on scene with its spear out and ready.

"Time to die you motherfucker!" Mari screamed. "TAKE THIS!"

Unit–XP shoved its spear in Sahaquiel's eye, right at the Core, but the Core moved and avoided the attack.

"MOTHERFUCKER!" Mari said. "The spear's stuck! Princess, get the lead out!"

"I'm right here!" Asuka shouted.

Unit–02 arrived and deployed its Prog Knives and leaped up into the air, flying straight for the Core, and both Prog Knives found their target before it could move, with Unit–02 using the its retro rockets to speed itself into the knife plunge, cracking the exterior of the Core, and cutting right through the S2 Engine.

Sahaquiel let out a horrific scream similar to Ramiel's from so many months ago, and its body went limp and it turned into a field of blood that flooded the city with a crimson tide. Unit–01 collapsed immediately and Unit–02 dropped its knives and caught it as it fell down. Unit–00 keeled over, and Unit–XP shutdown.

"Is everything alright out there?!" Misato asked.

"The Angel has been neutralized, Misato, Unit–01 is down, as are Unit–00 and Unit–XP." Asuka reported. "Send help Misato, I think Shinji is hurt really badly!"

"Asuka, you did it…" Shinji cried. "You saved me…"

"Sending emergency medical teams for recovery." Misato said. "The priority is Unit–01!"

"Shinji!" Asuka cried out. "Hold on!"

–––

Asuka opened her Entry Plug in a hurry and clambered up the shoulder of Unit–02 and ran down its arm to the damaged Unit–01 it was holding. She looked for the emergency release for the Entry Plug on Unit–01. She found and pressed it, but the button was stuck.

"Please be ok… please be ok…" Asuka said as she slammed the release with her foot, causing the Entry Plug to open and the LCL to discharge. Asuka opened the main hatch and saw Shinji writhing in pain in his pilot's seat.

"Shinji!" Asuka screamed. "Shinji, are you ok?!"

"No…" Shinji said weakly. "My hands… they hurt…"

Asuka saw his hands had deep burns, as did his forearms, in direct correlation to the injuries Unit–01 had sustained.

"Shinji!" Asuka said. "I'll stay with you until the medics get here, ok?"

"Asuka, can you make it stop hurting…" Shinji said. "Can you make it stop hurting…"

Asuka cradled Shinji in her arms and held him close. "You'll be ok, baka." Asuka said. "But, you got yourself hurt, you always get yourself hurt…"

"Asuka…" Shinji said weakly.

"What is it, Shinji…" Asuka asked as she looked at the pain on his face.

"Asuka… I… I…" Shinji started, but the pain finally took him and he passed out from the shock, leaving Asuka wondering what he was trying to say.

"Shinji?" Asuka shouted. "Wake up, Shinji! Don't die on me! What would I do without you?! Don't leave me alone! I don't want to be alone!"

–––

Deep in the remains of the Antarctic, on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, Gendo was observing the recovery of an object from the water. Fuyutsuki came out and walked up next to Gendo.

"What do you think of the end of the world, Fuyutsuki?" Gendo asked.

"Well, it looks no less haunting than the last time we were here, Ikari." Fuyutsuki said.

"Quite correct, but now, we have science on our side." Gendo said. "We can create a new world soon, one where SEELE will no longer be in control."

"That is the hope after all…" Fuyutsuki said.

"What news from Tokyo–3, Fuyutsuki. I assume that is why you came out here." Gendo said.

"Quite." Fuyutsuki said. "I have been informed that communications are back online."

"Good, so that means Sahaquiel has been handled." Gendo said proudly. "The report?"

"Preliminary report is here." Fuyutsuki said. "Major Katsuragi certainly outdid herself this time. She deserves a promotion."

"Well, did Shinji really support Sahaquiel all on his own?" Gendo asked.

"I presume so, Katsuragi and Akagi have the same exact report." Fuyutsuki said. "I would have to say it's quite shocking, it shows his conviction to protect life."

"He certainly is his mother's son." Gendo said. "It also appears Yui assisted in some way as well. Quite impressive, he's gotten her to awaken twice, without an S2 Engine."

"We should go contact HQ, commander." Fuyutsuki said. "Katsuragi will have the damage report by now…"

"Right, it appears the package has been secured to the deck." Gendo said. "We can go in now. I'd like to thank my son personally."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate it." Fuyutsuki said.

"I gather he will." Gendo said as they walked inside, making the only thing on the flight deck a long rod shaped tarp that was half the length of the deck.

–––

Misato was standing in Central Dogma as the recovery teams got Shinji and Asuka on board and hurried them back to base.

"So, Asuka got Shinji out herself." Misato said.

"Yes, she insisted she accompany the teams back to base." Ritsuko said.

"Ma'am, communication are back online, and we're receiving a communication." Maya said. "Patching it through now, audio only."

"Understood." Misato said

"Excellent work, Major." Fuyutsuki said.

"Thank you sir, but I wish to take full responsibility for all the damage I caused." Misato said. "Only Unit–02 is undamaged, the other EVAs have sustained heavy damage."

"Considering the damage that could have been done, we should consider ourselves lucky." Gendo said. "Like Sub–Commander Fuyutsuki said, good work."

"Thank you sir." Misato said.

"You can give us the full report when we return, however, could you patch me through to Unit–01's pilot?" Gendo asked.

"Unfortunately we cannot, sir." Misato replied. "Shinji was seriously injured supporting the Angel for so long. He's been recovered and taken to the medical ward for treatment."

"Very well." Gendo said. "Keep us informed on his status, and begin repairs to nit–01 immediately."

"Understood Commander." Misato said.

–––

Asuka sat next to Shinji's hospital bed as the nurses tended to Shinji's wounds. She had been kept out of the room while he had been cut out of his plugsuit. Asuka had been allowed back in after insisting on it, and as the nurses wrapped Shinji's hands and explained to change out the dressings every six hours.

Asuka sat and waited for him to wake up, while she felt horrible at the past few days. Asuka placed her hand on his arm.

"Shinji, I'm really sorry… I know I apologized a few days ago for yelling at you, but I still feel awful about having shouted." Asuka said. "I can't lose you…" Asuka muttered. "Please just wake up… please…"

Shinji stirred and looked over at Asuka weakly. "Oh… it's my guardian angel… the beautiful girl with red hair…" Shinji muttered.

"What…" Asuka said. "Shinji, what are saying, are you stupid or something?"

"Oh, you're in here!" Mari said. "He's awake?"

"Yeah, kind of." Asuka said. "Where's Rei?"

"Akagi took her for some test or something…" Mari said. "So, is he ok?"

"No he's muttering nonsense about guardian angels and red hair." Asuka said. "Sounds like he's drugged up pretty well."

"Yeah, poor puppy." Mari said. "I'm sure he'll be ok… he's tough."

"Yeah, he held up that Angel all on his own." Asuka said. "He was really brave."

"He really was…" Mari said. "I just hope he's ok."

"The nurses said it was the EVA, he got burns where the EVA was stabbed." Asuka explained. "He'll be fine. He just needs rest."

"Yeah, he deserves it after what he just went through." Mari said. "When can we take him home?"

"As soon as he wakes up." Asuka said.

"That was stupid…" Shinji muttered. "We shouldn't have used our hands…"

"Puppy!" Mari shouted.

"Shinji!" Asuka said happily.

"Oh… the hospital again, how wonderful…" Shinji muttered. "Can we go home?"

"Sure, I'll go find a nurse." Asuka said.

"Yeah, I'll help her so she doesn't try to choke one to get them here." Mari smiled. "We'll be right back, Shinji, just stay put."

"I don't intend on moving, Mari." Shinji said. "No intention at all."

April 16, 2016 – Comfort 17 Apartments

Asuka was tossing and turning in bed. Shinji had been released from the hospital on pain killers, and Mari was sleeping soundly, while Shinji was in his own room, after having been helped home by Asuka and Mari. Asuka heard Mari snoring again, and decided that her guilt, coupled with wanted to get some sleep meant doing something she found very odd.

Asuka got up and wet quietly to Shinji's room. He was resting somewhat peacefully, but he didn't really look asleep. Asuka crawled into bed with him and got under the covers and wrapped her arms around him.

"Asuka… is that you?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah, it's me." Asuka said.

"What's wrong?" Shinji asked.

"I was feeling lonely." Asuka said. "And I thought… I thought this might help…"

"Asuka, are you sure you're alright?" Shinji asked. "You sound very sad…"

"No, I'm not really sure of anything anymore." Asuka said. "But Mari said you don't mind doing this… and after what happened before we fought the Seventh Angel, I didn't think doing this again would be so bad…"

"I don't mind being this close to my friends at all, Asuka. It's really nice." Shinji said. "Just be careful of my hands."

"Thanks, Shinji…" Asuka said as she nuzzled slightly against him. "Just don't tell anyone, ok? I want to keep this our little secret."

"Sure, Asuka, I can do that." Shinji said. "You're not embarrassed being with are you?"

"Of course not, I just don't like people knowing crap about me that isn't any of their business." Asuka explained. "I like keeping certain things… private."

"Ok, Asuka." Shinji said. "I was afraid you didn't like being near me."

"What are you, stupid or something?" Asuka said. "I'm cuddling with you, baka, how could I not like being near you…"

"Well, embarrassed is what I meant." Shinji said. "I'm just glad we're still friends."

"Well, we may not be if your sync score keeps getting higher." Asuka said. "I don't like being beaten all the time by you, and with four eyes nipping at my heels it's really aggravating."

"Well, Asuka, I don't know why I keep getting my score to increase." Shinji said. "Yours really should be the highest. You try harder than any of us."

"Do you mean that?" Asuka asked.

"Of course I do." Shinji said. "I always notice that you work so hard with training, and trying to get your score higher and higher. It's really impressive."

"Thanks Shinji…" Asuka said. "At least you know who the best pilot should be."

"Asuka Langley Soryu, right?" Shinji joked.

"You bet your ass…" Asuka said.

"Look, Asuka, I'd gladly trade scores with you if it would make you feel better." Shinji said. "That is if that's what bothering you."

"It's only part of it." Asuka said. "But it doesn't matter now, Shinji…"

"If you say so Asuka." Shinji said. "Just remember, you can talk to me about anything you'd like. Just so you know."

"Thanks, Shinji." Asuka said. "I may take you up on that offer eventually, as long as you can keep a secret…"

"I can keep a secret, Asuka." Shinji said. "Don't worry about that."

"Good." Asuka replied. "I'd be worried if you couldn't."

"Whatever you decide to share with me, I'll take it to my grave." Shinji said. "Which, after today could really happen at any time."

"Don't say that, Shinji." Asuka said angrily. "You're too young to die!"

"Asuka, people die, that's what happens…" Shinji said. "And our job is quite dangerous…"

"No, you're not allowed to die without my permission!" Asuka said. "You're not sticking me alone with four eyes and Misato! I'd end up feeling alone without one of my best friends to talk to!"

"I didn't know you felt that way, Asuka…" Shinji said.

"Well, I do… death is gruesome…" Asuka said as she shuttered. "It's… awful…"

"I'm sorry…" Shinji muttered.

"Why are you apologizing now?" Asuka asked.

"I don't know, what we were talking about upset you…" Shinji said. "I don't like upsetting you, Asuka… that's why I'm sorry."

"Thanks Shinji…" Asuka said. "But it's not your fault…"

"Are you sure?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah, baka, I'm quite sure…" Asuka said. "Just bad memories…"

"Oh…" Shinji said. "Well, if you ever want to talk…"

"I know, you'll be there to listen…" Asuka said. "Hey, Shinji, do you have that music player of yours handy?"

"Yeah, I do." Shinji replied. "Why?"

"I'd like to listen to something." Asuka said. "Maybe we can both listen. If that's ok with you I mean…"

"Yeah, it's fine…" Shinji blushed. "No one's ever asked to listen to my music before."

Shinji took out his SDAT and gave Asuka one of the earbuds. They both put them in, and Shinji hit play on the track that he had stopped on earlier that day.

It's too late baby, there's no turning around
I got my hands in my pocket and my head in a cloud
This is how I do
When I think about you
I never thought that you could break me apart
I keep a sinister smile and a hold of my heart
You want to get inside
Then you can get in line
But not this time

Cause you caught me off guard
Now I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine

I won't try to philosophize
I'll just take a deep breath then I'll look in your eyes
This is how I feel
And it's so surreal
I got a closet filled up to the brim
With the ghosts of my past and their skeletons
And I don't know why
You'd even try
But I won't lie

You caught me off guard
Now I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine
Do you know that your love is the sweetest sin?

And I feel a weakness coming on
It never felt so good to be so wrong
Had my heart on lockdown
And then you turned me around
And I'm feeling like a newborn child
Every time I get a chance to see you smile
It's not complicated
I was so jaded

And you caught me off guard
Now I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine
Do you know that your love is the sweetest sin?

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine
And I feel a weakness coming on
It never felt so good to be so wrong
Had my heart on lockdown
And then you turned me around
Do you know that your love is the sweetest sin?
And I'm feeling like a newborn child
Every time I get a chance to see you smile
It's not complicated
I was so jaded

By the time the song ended, Asuka and Shinji were falling asleep with Asuka holding onto Shinji quite tightly as If to protect him from the world.

Asuka lay there happily, holding Shinji and feeling his heartbeat under her hand. 'This is wonderful…' Asuka thought. 'I just wish I could tell him the other thing that's bothering me is that I want to tell him I like him… I guess us doing this is all I'm capable of though…' Asuka smiled. 'Maybe I'll just come up with more excuses to cuddle… that seems like the easiest way to be near him… or certainly the most convenient.'

Shinji was also smiling while he fell asleep. 'This is nice…' Shinji thought. 'I feel so warm with her holding me like this. I just wish I could know if she likes me, that way I could just tell her without being so afraid of her rejecting me.' Shinji blushed. 'But I wouldn't want to trade what I have right now for anything less… she actually came to see if I was ok, even if she said it was about her… it was very sweet… maybe she likes me after all… or maybe she's warming up to me… I just wish I knew for sure…'

To Be Continued

A/N: I do not own Evangelion or any of the characters, GAINAX and the other distributors of NGE related material do. I am simply using them as a backdrop for my fanfic.

As for the songs used in this chapter, I don't own them either, and they're listed below in order of appearance:
Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone (1986)
Boys Like Girls – Hero/Heroine (2006)

Sync Score Rankings!
Shinji – 83.5% (+15.1%)
Asuka – 72.6% (+8.3%)
Mari – 72.4% (+8.1%)
Rei – 67.5% (+9.4%)

The title of this chapter comes from the 1998 film titled "Deep Impact" starring Robert Duvall, which came out the same year as another, more widely known, end–of–the–world–due–to–asteroid film, "Armageddon" starring Bruce Willis. Basically those movie's plots are less contrived than Misato's plan of catching an asteroid with an EVA, and pretty much involve nuking the fucking things. Anyway the title seemed appropriate.

So, there was Sahaquiel in all his awesome glory. Sahaquiel is probably my favorite Angel for the fact that he has the balls to attempt a suicide attack to kill every human on the planet with his earth–shattering impact. This is also my favorite episode in anime, and of course the best part of 2.22, as Unit–01 hitting the speed of sound was fucking awesome!

As for the relationship issues between Asuka and Shinji, those are going to be around for a while, as Asuka is stubborn, and doesn't like admitting her feelings, and Shinji is deathly afraid to lose her friendship by declaring his love for her. So, they are at an impasse that will take many chapters to get by.

Now, I did that some liberties with Mari's birthday. Seeing as she did not have one, I decided because she is my favorite character, that I would have her birthday be the same day as my own.

Finally, the plot from Episode IV Chapter 1 has been partially resolved. Sahaquiel was one of the two things Asuka and Misato wished on. That means the other thing that was wished upon could only be one thing, couldn't it?

As I said before, and will always say at the end of chapter, please leave comments, as I would like to try to improve the story going forward any way I can. And, hell, constructive criticism is a good thing.

つづく