Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Mark of The Beast ❯ Chapter 5

"Toji did you hear the news yet?" Kensuke asked as he walked with his friend Toji on a pleasant spring day "I can't say that I have I was the hospital visiting my sister." Kensuke sighed, "Well as we speak an Angel is attacking in the Middle East, they say from various news channels that the death toll is damn near a one million!" Toji's mouth dropped "one million people have already died? What the hell is going on over there?" Skeptically asking as the figure seemed excessively high in such a short period "well from what I heard before I left to school the cities in Saudi Arabia were set ablaze every major city is nothing more than charcoal right now they haven't even begun the relief effort yet." Toji looked up the sky "have you heard from Shinji, that bitchy girl or Misato yet?" Kensuke shook his head "I called and all I got was the answering machine. I think it's a very good possibility that they are there or on their way." Toji folded his arms "one million people dead, it's like the mouth of hell just opened up swallowing the cities." As they entered their school, the news report had interrupted the usual small talk amongst students before the teacher came in.

"Students as we speak the a tragedy has taken the lives of many in the middle east, a moment of silence out of the respect for the victims is called for." The principal said before the entire room when quiet "thank you for your time, a donation fund has been set up by Nerv and all are asked to contribute in some way." Toji and Kensuke took their seats, as they talked Toji caught a glimpse of Hikari. As she wore her usual uniform, something caught his attention she was not in her usual hairstyle. Today she wore her hair down as Toji continued to look at her Kensuke grinned "can't show her your soft side or she'll think your weak." Toji caught off guard at his friends comment scoffed "well in any case Misato is the only woman for me, Hikari is far too bitchy at times." Kensuke laughed at his friend's arrogance "is that so Toji! I'll have you know that a woman like Misato would never give you the time of day even if you were the last man on earth!" Hikari said as she caught the last of Toji's comment. "Is that so miss class rep? Sounds like you're jealous of her love for me." He arrogantly shot back, for a moment she blushed before regaining her composure "just for that your on clean up duty have fun Toji!" She said as she walked off to talk with her friends. "If I didn't know better I'd say she has a crush on you." Kensuke confirmed as he logged into his computer. "All rise" Hikari said as the teacher walked in "sit." as usual the days lesson would begin. Kensuke looked at the empty seats that Shinji, Rei, and Asuka occupied "while we sit here, there lives are on the line."

***

Aboard the large transport ship, Misato sat monitoring the vitals of the three children that pilot the only defense Tokyo3 has. "Ritsuko tell me just how different are the American Eva units?" Ritsuko paused "from what I know they were created from the notes we used and several other sources. It has been rumored that they have devised an energy cannon known as the Mourning star. This theoretically at full power can render AT fields worthless for a short amount of time." Misato folded her arms "we've got seven hours before we land in the sandbox. I just don't feel right leaving Tokyo3 without some type of defense. Perhaps Rei or Shinji could of stayed behind." Ritsuko continued to write the readings on a clipboard "well the synch tests and battle data from previous encounters have proven, that the three need to be within a close proximity in order to function and execute battle plans." Misato sighed "Although we have the most powerful machines I don't feel right using kids, these kids should be in school right now going through those awkward years and growing up normal. They shouldn't have to fight Angels and see death first hand." Ritsuko continued to write her readings.

"Well were not as fortunate as the Americans, even after the second impact they managed to come out economically unscathed. Although we have excellent machines they're pilots are the ones were modeling ours after, They don't question the orders and they have no questions about killing. Sadly they aren't really human anymore though, have you seen the empty look in Gendo's eyes. There exactly the same cold and empty Is that cost really worth it?" Misato continued to think about the fragile minds that each of them posses "just how much longer can we keep using them like this they will grow to resent us?" Ritsuko didn't reply she knew she couldn't answer that question no matter how hard she tried. For the rest of the flight they continued to work as usual Asuka's synch scores raised then stayed at that level before leveling off while Shinji and Rei's ratio slightly rose.
"We have another four hours before we're landing at the base, care to take a break Ritsuko?" Misato asked as she felt the need to drink a beer to ease the tensions that were raising around her. "I guess I've been working all day." The two young women walked to the small mini bar in the crew break area "pretty small on a ship this big." Misato thought as she paid for a drink of her favorite beer. "You know Kaji was hitting on me again today, I love the way his arms feel when he wraps me in them." Ritsuko said as Misato instantly changed her mood "you know, you've always been had taken a liking to him. Why didn't you date him and save me the heartache." Ritsuko said nothing "well its real simple, you got him first and spent an entire week making love it think that goes to say something about you two." Misato nearly spit out her beer before she finished it and tossing the can in the trash "he's the only man that's ever been able to tire me out." Ritsuko smiled "well why keep up this act up?" Misato said nothing as the old feelings took hold "well I won't hold it to you but just remember there's not much of a difference between love and lust." Ritsuko walked back to her terminal leaving Misato to think about the words her friend left her with.

The time for landing came sooner than she'd like to realize as she took her seat the three transport ships landed. Soon after the immense doors lowered and the Eva was moved out into the hanger, it was cold in the vast desert. Gendo was greet by a lean Arab man, being a commander of Nerv Gendo learned several languages in order to avoid the annoyance of translators. "Good mourning Hussein" Gendo said in perfect unaccented Farsi. "As you know we've traveled a very long way from Japan to oversee the operation as the commander of Nerv we will be taking control." Hussein nodded in agreement "in any case this angel Jinn has gone dormant for the last few hours, I can not describe what I seen in Mecca. It was like the mouth of hell just opened up spewing fourth its flames." As they spoke, several other Nerv members led Misato and Ritsuko to the briefing room. "Damn its cold out here!" She complained "just wait for a few more hours when your going to wish your back in Japan." A Nerv officer said as she passed by.

All three Eva pilots were awakened from their sleep "we've made it to the middle east, in an hours time you'll be ready to combat the Angel." Misato reported before cutting her transmission from inside the base which was the same design as the base in Tokyo3. "Great we sleep then find out were going to face an Angel." Shinji moaned "Misato, has there been any preparations to ensure that we won't be burnt to a crisp?" Yet no answer followed just silence "when do you think you can start asking questions, were lucky they just do give a hose and tell us to put the fire out?" Asuka said in her usual arrogant tone of voice "will you just shut up Asuka!" Shinji said in one of his first attempts to start being more bold and confident "when this is over I'm going to kick your ass, think by hanging out with that pervert Toji your going to be Mr. tough guy!" Shinji said nothing knowing she'd probably "I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away" he thought as he tried to take his mind off the oncoming battle. Rei kept her thoughts to herself as she awaited the time to battle.

Inside the control room Misato found herself back in a familiar place yet if she walked outside all she'd be greeted with is a desert for as far as the eye can see. The crew spoke in Japanese with some talking to each other in Farsi. "Lieutenant Katsuragi, we've designated a spot for you since you'll be the one speaking directly to the pilots. Commander Ikari will foresee the battle." A young woman said as she led Misato to a seat with three terminal screens that displayed the Eva's conditions and pilots health conditions. "Now we wait for our GPS's to pick up any trace of the Angel." Another Nerv technician reported as he waited the data readings.

"Were in luck, the Angel as been reported in the north east at ten miles, we have ten minutes to get the Eva's coated and ready for action." Misato gave the order to power up the Eva's and coat them with a special fluid that would allow them to resist the flames for a short period of time. Unlike the volcano 02 fought in these flames incinerate on direct contact and are powered by the will of the angel. Several of the monitors on display showed the zoomed in satellite images of the Angel. "It truly is Jinn, just what are the chances if we are to engage in a close quarters fight." The Magi system started to compute the odds and possible solution for combating the Angel with minimal loss to the Eva's. "Odds are slightly in our favor, if the Americans can keep the Jinn occupied then our own Eva units will be able to engage in close quarters.
"Are we to be expecting to meet the American pilots?" Misato asked "soon enough, Misato, right now they're out in the field awaiting us we don't want to keep them waiting." Kouzou addressed as he walked in taking his place on the bridge. "What the hell are they doing to the Eva's?" Shinji asked concerned at the gelatin like substance that covered the body of 03. "Don't you know anything idiot, its so we don't get burnt to crisp." Asuka yelled as Shinji groaned "just once I'd like to shut her up." looking on his monitor he the time for deployment was nearing "Eva units powered up and ready for action all systems go." A technician stated as the Eva's were deployed through a system of underground tunnels that would conserve energy and deploy them a few miles outside the Angel's reported sighting. Traveling at high speeds the pilots felt their bodies grow heavier until they seen the early dawn sky. Each unit landed on its feet, several weapons crates arose from the ground Asuka took two progressive knives while Shinji and Rei loaded on the high caliber rifles.

"We have confirmation that they have reached the arming point." Misato reported as she watched the satellite images of the Angel grow brighter before her screen was completely white. "Its causing a delay in the communications systems." Yet she knew the crew would be working hard to solve this small problem, soon after the communications from the American pilots started to make their way in.

"*Great our battle support is a group of kids they must be getting desperate!" A young man said as the translation would make it back to the Eva pilots. "*Listen Robert, these pilots are just as skilled as your former unit don't give them a hard time you need the help." Another pilot said as the delay in the transmissions was evident, Misato still never fully understood English because of her own laziness. Speaking in a heavy Japanese accent Misato tried her best to speak the language without sounding funny to them. "Listen our pilots are fully capable in battle, you are to assist them in fighting the angel." Misato never liked dealing with American's in joint combat operations for the longest time they hated the idea of follow orders from a foreign commander and for a very long time it wasn't uncommon for them to break off the joint operation. "What the hell is that moron talking about! I'm a great pilot!" Asuka yelled as she finally got the translation. "Just never mind it, and focus on your mission!" Misato said as she gave them the set objectives for combating the Angel.

Moments later they moved through the dunes, a mile to the west Robert and his squad had engaged the Angel Rei looked at the similarities in the Eva units, although there's were pained to fit the surroundings and heavily armed. The tracer fire from their weapons lit up the early mourning sky Rushing to the west flank Rei took aim the beast with engulfed in flames, from her camera the image was sent back to the command station. "Dear lord, its covered in flames." Kouzou thought as the thunderous roar of gun fire raged on in the background. Letting out a monstrous roar the Angel created a field of fire to shield itself from the bullets that wreaked havoc on its AT field. "*What the fuck, we can't fire the mourning star at this distance, were too close!" Robert yelled as his unit was nearly incinerated from the intense inferno. "Rei look for an opening!" Shinji ordered as she ran holding the large rifle. As the flames slightly died off she started firing the large caliber rounds only to have Jinn hold his fire covered hand out which reduce to ashes the rounds on contact. Using its flames to form a halberd Jinn rushed towards 02 to fight in close quarters. The American squad seized the opening to move back and get the proper distance on the Mourning star cannon.

Asuka angrily fought back as her progressive knife was badly damaged "*Get the fuck out of there were getting ready to fire the mourning star." Yet it would be another minute or so when she'd hear the delayed transmission. Shinji continued to fire his rifle to no avail as the rounds were burnt by the immeasurable fever that surrounded Jinn's body and AT field. Rei and Shinji had to pull out as the temperature inside their Eva's was rapidly rising "Shinji! Rei! Pull back!" Misato ordered as the two ran trying to clear some distance and cool off the internal cockpit that nearly reached 115. Sweating profusely Shinji opened up a compartment filled with bottled water. Drinking one bottle after another his body started to cool off. Asuka found herself pushing her Eva to its top speed as her weapons were badly damaged and her craft was blinking its emergency lights. Running at full velocity the flame trail, was directly behind her. As the minutes seemed like hours the surrounding sands were black as night. As they took cover behind the dunes a bright light flashed in the sky before slowly dissipating. "*A direct hit! Get back and fight damn it!" Robert ordered as the Eva pilots got the message. "These are my kind of pilots, why I'm with you two it's a test of my own willpower." Asuka sighed as she rushed up the Dune with Rei and Shinji "what the…" Rei surprisingly said as the area was completely chard up "If it was a direct it why is it still standing?" Shinji asked "*It only takes down the AT field, quit talking and kill the damn thing!" Robert angrily said as he continued to fire the heavy machine gun that pinned down Jinn.

Shinji made up his mind to stay and fight "I won't back down…" to his astonish men the earth slowly started to crack the steam rose up followed by molten lava using its impressive power Jinn's AT field quickly regenerated with the short window to take the angel down gone, a massive tear in the very earth occurred. Streams of fire shot up into the sky before coming down as massive balls of fire, fire rained down from the black sky one after another the explosions kept the Eva's moving. "We've only got a few more minutes until the power on the Eva's runs out. And the mourning star won't be reloaded for another ten minutes." Misato said as she kept the small hope that they'd all pull through, the images from the mounted cameras on the Eva's were showing more static as the fire disrupted the transmission.

"I'll keep it busy while you two set up an attack." Rei assumed in her predictable monotone voice that never showed any emotion or concern. "Rei what are you doing, you'll be…." Shinji found his transmission cut off as 03 was hit hard in the back by massive fire ball although major damage was sustained to the armor 03 kept functioning "Shit the Angel can also guide the fire, Rei watch out!" Asuka yelled as she took another progressive knife that was sent directly to the battleground. The driver was probably saying ever possible prayer and finding God…and if the driver was an atheist he'd start right about now. Taking the knife the driver pushed the truck to its top speed hoping to make it back to the base in one piece.

"*Robert, we've managed to reload the mourning star, this is the last shot make it count!" His fellow pilot distressfully said as Rei continued to push her Eva to the limits of functions, ignoring the warnings of overheating and the rising temperatures inside she continued fighting the inferno known as Jinn. Bullets clashing with its AT field provided the necessary time needed to get the final shot of the cannon in place. "Rei pull out!" Gendo forcefully ordered as the tone in his voice drifted to hostile towards Rei. Obediently following his order Rei said nothing and fell back while Shinji covered her retreat from atop the sand dune. With the cannon in place, the American Eva held it on its shoulders, inside his machine a young man with dark brown hair and face with much anguish continued to preserve his will as he fought in the hellish desert. "Damn it stay still and get the fuck out of my targeting scope…" he muttered as he watched Rei's Eva move from the onslaught of fire trails that continued to blaze from the open cracks in the earth.

As Robert took the shot the AT field shattered once more giving Asuka the given time to launch her attack while Shinji continued to fire from the high caliber rifle. Eva unit 02 slashed away it Jinn's arm cutting off the fire limb with ease while the high caliber rounds hit the upper body "watch where your shooting!" Asuka crossly roared as one of the bullets it the Eva's shoulder, Stabbing the progressive knife into the skull of Jinn she pulled back while Shinji filled its body with last remaining rounds left in the rifle. As the Angel began to convulse violently with its last vigor it pulled the blade out of its skull using its last ounce of strength it summoned the rest of its will power to self destruct which would cremate everything in an unknown radius. With its demonic roar the Eva units began to run, fire vigorously roared in all directions and like a spring of heat the earth let out its fury as its flames reached the sky, a large bright red upside down cross flashed signing its demise. It was every pilot's duty to make sure they made it back.

No longer could they see the battle ground but an eruption of fire that had consumed the very desert they longed to put behind them. Their short lives flashed before their eyes reveling memories that had long since been lost to the subconscious in a vain attempt to wipe them from their mind. With their fuel and energy nearly depleted Shinji forced 03 to hit the ground and hope the fire would pass over, following suit Asuka and Rei followed. Like a sky of flames the intensity of the heat nearly cooked the Eva's in their very armor. A short time passed until the fire dissipated and black sky was all that remained, for the longest time all Shinji could hear was static thinking of whether Asuka or Rei made it out alive lingered in his fragile mind. The very penalty of dealing with his negligent father also came to mind when it came time to deal with his punishment for letting the two young women die. "I failed…I'm the only one left alive…" Was all that rang through his head as he nearly missed the faint message of Rei's transmission.

"….alive…." her soft voice was all he could sort out from the static that followed yet as unexplained it to be. He felt comfortable with her even when she didn't speak much, soon after the scrambled transmission came from a voice he knew very well "Shinji! Rei! Asuka! Answer….." Misato's voice of concern and sorrow lifted his sprit. "Mein Gott…" was all Asuka could utter in German before Shinji passed out, the initial shock from the heat left him hot and weak his only hope was that the recovery teams would save them.