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SUBTITLE:
“Only the Insane may prosper, and only those who prosper may truly judge what is Sane.”
(The scene opens up on the huge form of two Republic Landships sailing towards the rising sun. They travel in single file, leaving behind a third Landship, which is currently stationary. The Landship in front, identifiable by it’s nameplate as the Errant Shroud pulls the Landship behind it with invisible beams of energy. The Landship in the rear is heavilly damaged, and although it is being towed, repairs can still be seen being undergone all over the ship, which we can now see is the Righteous Endeavour. All around both Landships, a large swarm of thirty fighters can be seen, ensuring the two Landships are, for the moment, secure. High above both ships, on the tallest pole on top of their conning towers, a red flag can be seen waving proudly in the breeze. The picture on the flag is one of a silhouetted Kangaroo with a rifle slung over it’s shoulder <Ed’s note: Anyone who owns the album “Redneck Wonderland” by Midnight Oil will know exactly what I’m talking about>. As we close in on the Endeavour, we can overhear the repair crews working. Normal technical jargon can be heard all over the place, but the one sound coming out over everything else is the sound of singing, as the crew works. A slow, sad ballad is being sung by most of the crew around the front of the ship to the lone sound of a crewman’s violin, and in time we can make out the words.)
Crew: (singing) I can get lost
I can get confused.
Something’s misplaced
Maybe for good.
Is there no wrong?
Is there nothing right?
We work and toil
Only then to fight.
(Eventually we can make out three individuals standing on a crew recreation balcony. They all stand talking to one another.)
Matt: Shinji, this is the reason I try so hard in life now. Meet Doctor Jessica Ruby Gomez, my girlfriend and without a doubt the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Jess, this is Shinji Ikari, theThird Child, and pilot of Evangelion Unit 01. I’ve been his guardian for the last few months while I was staying in Japan, and now that the Republic is withdrawing it’s forces from there, Shinji has decided to accompany me back to Australia.
(Jess and Shinji shake hands, both smiling warmly.)
Shinji: One small problem, Matt.
Matt: (raising an eyebrow) Hmm?
Shinji: (darkly) I’m not the pilot of Evangelion Unit 01. Not anymore. And never again.
(As Jess raises an eyebrow and looks at Matt questioningly, Matt nods once, a grave look on his face.)
Matt: Of course. Force of habit. Sorry.
Shinji: It’s okay. I’m still getting used to it myself.
Jess: Uhhh....Am I missing something here?
(Matt puts an arm around her.)
Matt: We still have a lot of ground to cover, don’t we?
Jess: (smiling as she puts both arms around him) We do indeed.
Shinji: Uh...I can go if you want.
Matt: Wouldn’t hear of it. Besides, I’m sure Jess wants to get to know you a little better, especially seeing as we’ll all be living together.
Jess: Of course I do!
(Shinji smiles as the three of them look back out to the ocean.)
Matt: Let’s start from five years ago, shall we?
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(Meanwhile, far from the two Landships, back in Tokyo-3, things are slowly returning to normal. The remains of EVA Unit 03 have finally been cleared away, however the horror of the last Angel attack still lingers on in the minds of all those who saw it. Indeed, if one were to check the sick list for the week, one would see that there is more than one would expect to see within the space of a week. Still, work goes on as normal. In the EVA hangers, repairs on Unit 02 have finally been completed, however Unit 00’s left arm has yet to have regenerated. A day has passed since the untimely exit of Colonel Eklom and the Black Templar. However, a more serious loss to NERV is that of the Third Child, Shinji Ikari. The scene opens up on the top of the huge tower containing Magus Melchior. Misato Katsuragi and Ritsuko Akagi stand alone on the control area, talking amongst themselves.)
Misato: So, how’s the commander taking the loss of the Third Child?
Ritsuko: Actually, he seems pretty indifferent to everything. Actually, I think he wanted to get rid of both Matt and Shinji, so I guess that Shinji’s leaving kills two birds with one stone for him.
Misato: I can’t believe he just let Shinji leave like that...I mean, Matt I can understand, he’s a major security risk. But without Shinji.....Can Rei actually pilot Unit 01?
Ritsuko: It’s a long shot, but with the MAGI’s help....it’s a good possibility.
Misato: When do the first activation tests with Rei begin?
Ritsuko: In a few hours. We still have to iron out a few-
(They are suddenly interrupted as the emergency sirens start blaring wildly, causing Misato and Ritsuko to rush towards the elevator to the command section of Central Dogma.)
Misato: (rushing onto the platform) Status report!!!
Hyuga: The battleship New Haruma has just picked up some extraordinary readings approaching us! MAGI scan has confirmed: It’s an Angel!!
Misato: Prepare Unit 02 for combat immediately!!
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(Back across the bay, aboard the Righteous Endeavour, Jess, Matt and Shinji still stand out on the balconey, still talking together, even though two hours have passed.)
Jess: And your father just abandoned you?
Shinji: Well...I guess after my mother died, he didn’t want me any more....only to use me.
(Jess swears in spanish, a guesture that Matt raises an eyebrow at.)
Matt: My my, your language has certainly broadened since we were together last!
Jess: How could he do something like that?
Shinji: Well I don-
(Matt’s wrist unit starts beeping for attention, indicating a message.)
Matt: Just a sec. (into the unit) Eklom.
Amy’s voice: Matt, get your arse into combat gear and ready for briefing pronto!!
Matt: Serious?
Amy: It’s another Angel.
(Matt looks curious for a moment.)
Matt: I was under the impression we were going to let NERV handle their own problems now.
Amy: Matt, long range scans indicate they have no chance against this thing. You know very well what the outcome will be if you don’t do something. Report to General Crouch ASAP for briefing and sortie.
Matt: On my way.
(As Matt discomms, Shinji steps up.)
Shinji: I’m coming too!
Matt: To do what?
Shinji: To fight that Angel!
Matt: With what? Unit 01? I seriously doubt that, Shinji. Stay here where it’s safe. I won’t be gone too long. Jess, don’t let him leave.
(Matt kisses Jess deeply on the lips for a moment before making his way off the balconey. As Shinji goes to follow, Jess grabs him with both arms in a firm but not unkindly grip.)
Jess: Shinji, it’s for the best!
Shinji: Let go of me!! I have to help him!!
Jess: He can take care of it on his own! Shinji, stop! OW!
(Too late, Shinji neatly steps on Jess’s foot. Accidently releasing him, Shinji runs off after Matt, leaving Jess along on the balconey.)
Jess: SHINJI!! COME BACK HERE!!!
(Frustrated, Jess runs after the boy, still calling him.)
(Five minutes later, still aboard the Endeavour, Matt stands out on the upper flight deck in full uniform. Watching the Errant Shroud in front, a huge triangular shaped aircraft lifts off from the back of the landship and starts moving towards the Righteous Endeavour. Held fast underneath it by metal clamps is the brooding form of the Black Templar. At Matt’s side, Amy stands giving him a last minute briefing.)
Amy: We don’t have any time to give you any backup. The Endeavour needs it in case of another attack. You and the ‘Templar will be delivered right into the heart of the action, where you will engage and destroy the Angel.
Matt: And if I fail in destroying it?
Amy: Then activate the ‘Templar’s self destruct. If it means destroying one city to save several thousand others...so be it.
Matt: Understood.
Amy: Also, Ben, the head technitian wanted to tell you that he’d managed to equip the ‘Templar with a few new gadgets. Use them to the best level you can.
Matt: I’ll figure them out. Well, this looks like my ride.
(As the transport lands on the flight deck, Matt turns to Amy.)
Matt: Amy...thanks for everything.
Amy: Take care, Matt. Watch your ass.
Matt: I’ll see you again. Just take care of Jess for me, okay?
(As Matt says his goodbyes, a single cargo crate is loaded onto the transport. Finally, ready to go, Matt salutes Amy, who salutes back, turns on his heel and heads onto the transport. Five minutes later, the transport thunders back into the skies and towards Tokyo-3, under the cover of fighters. As it flies off into the mid-day sun, Jess, standing at a window watches in silence. A lone tear rolls down her cheek.)
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(Meanwhile, aboard the transport in a cargo crate, Shinji tries his best to get comfortable in the midst of technical gear whilst the transport makes a bumpy ride across the sky towards Tokyo-3.)
Shinji: (thinking) This time there are no regrets. I can make a difference. I’m going to do it, and my father be damned!!
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(Across the bay in Tokyo-3, deep within the Geo-Front, the massive form of Evangelion Unit 02 hurtles up the launch ramp as Asuka is blasted into combat. Meanwhile, on the surface, the huge form of the Angel floats towards the city, it’s bulk constantly being lashed by defense fire. Suddenly, from it’s huge mouth, a bright burst of light can be seen...and suddenly eight cross shaped explosions go off in the centre of the city, silencing the artilliary. In Central-Dogma, alarms go off as the first 18 layers of armour separating the Geo-Front from the city are smashed.)
Tech: The first 18 layers of armour have been penetrated!!
Hyuga: I don’t believe it!! 18 layers in one shot!!!!
Misato: What’s the status of Unit 00?
Maya: It’s inside the A.T. Field neutralisation zone!
Ritsuko: But the left arm hasn’t regenerated yet!!
Misato: Then it’s out of action.
(Suddenly, a booming voice turns all of their heads.)
Gendo: Send Rei up in Unit 01.
Misato: Sir?
Gendo: Have Rei pilot Evangelion Unit 01 with the Dummy-Plug as backup.
Misato: Yes sir.
(In the EVA hangers, Rei’s entry-plug is slid into Unit 01, and startup procedures go ahead. In the plug, Rei has a determined look on her face as she prepares to synch with Unit 01. As the procedures start, she prepares to link up...
....and then it is all she can do not to throw up as the EVA rejects her.
Outside, alarms are blaring as Unit 01 ceases activation and closes down.)
Rei: (forced) It’s...not...accepting...it...
Maya: Unit 01 has ceased responding!! It won’t activate!
Ritsuko: It’s rejecting Rei?
(High above, Gendo and Fujutsuki confer.)
Fujutsuki: Ikari, could it be?
Gendo: Yes...(to himself) Is she refusing me?
Misato: Terminate activation! Insert the dummy-plug and try again!
Gendo: Send Rei out in Unit 00.
Misato: But the left arm hasn’t regenerated yet-
Rei: It’s okay...I can do it....If I die...I can be replaced.
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(Meanwhile, back in the Geo-Front, with an immense blast, the final armour plate is shattered. Floating down on invisible energy, the huge Fourteenth Angel glides into the cavernous chamber. Situated far below on the ground, Pallete Rifle in hands and many other weapons nearby, Unit 02 prepares to fire. In the cockpit, Asuka grins.)
Asuka: Allright!! I can beat this Angel, even without Shinji the hero!
(As the Angel floats into range, Asuka lets fly, the huge rifle bucking in her hands as she pulls the trigger. The Angel’s body is peppered by shots, but keeps coming, eventually landing on the ground gently. As Asuka continues to fire, suddenly, the rifle clicks empty.)
Asuka: Shite!!! Next two!!!
(Unit 02 drops the empty rifle, and reaching to one side draws two more Pallete Rifles. Steadying herself, Asuka grunts in anger as she fires again, the two huge rifles laying down a withering field of fire as the recoil pushes the EVA back a few meters.<Author’s note: the song “Fire your guns” by AC/DC suits this scene perfectly.>. But still the Angel rolls on.)
Asuka: Dammit, why won’t you fall??!?! I’m neutralising it’s A.T. Field, aren’t I?!?
(As the two rifles click empty, Unit 02 drops them in favour of two more weapons...two EVA sized Missile Launchers. But even as she hits the Angel with enough raw firepower to reshape a diamond, the Angel continues coming, still unaffected.)
Asuka: Damn it, this can’t be happening, I can’t be losing, not again!!!!
(Salvo after salvo strikes the Angel, until finally, both Launchers click empty. Suddenly, the Angel changes form. On either side, two huge white ‘whips’ seem to unfold from the Angel’s sides, like arms. As Asuka moves to get another weapon, suddenly, both whips streak across hundreds of meters to drive right into the EVA’s shoulder joints. Before Asuka can scream from this, both whips fling out from the EVA...
..and Evangelion Unit 02 is rendered armless.
Asuka screams in agony as nerve fibers are sheared from her link with the EVA. Outside, blue blood gushes from either arm socket as the Angel withdraws it’s whips, spattering the ground around it with dark blue lifeblood.)
Asuka: FEDANT!!!!!!
(Charging wildly, Unit 02 makes a last ditch attempt to attack the Angel at close range.)
Misato: ASUKA!!! (to the techs) Quick! Cut all nerve connections to Unit 02 now!!
(Howver, just before the shutdown can begin, Asuka’s eyes widen as the right whip on the Angel streaks forwards again...and just as Asuka realises with horror what is about to happen....the whip strikes.
And Unit 02’s head sails out of combat, it’s neck severed cleanly with one blow.)
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(Meanwhile, above the Geo-Front, the huge transport bearing the Black Templar comes to a halt over the top of a large park. Landing smartly, it opens it’s bay doors and prepares to lower the Black Templar. Inside the mech cockpit, Matt adjusts his seat harnesses as Ben leans in through the open hatch making a last minute adjustment.)
Matt: You sure these ‘upgrades’ are safe?
Ben: Mate, trust me. I promise not to dissapoint with my loadouts. Just remember what I told you. Don’t clip the unit against anything, or you’ll f@#k it permenantly. We’d have dropped you in with it, but it’s not tested. Be carefull.
Matt: Don’t worry, I’ll keep it folded until I need them. Boy, I’d like to see Ikari’s face when he sees US coming back.
Ben: Forget Ikari, you just worry about getting in and out of there alive.
(Saying this, Ben reaches down and shakes Matt’s hand one last time. Matt grips back tightly.)
Ben: Good luck, mate. You’re gonna need it.
Matt: I’ll be right.
Ben: It’s not you I’m worried about. Don’t you scratch this puppy, or you and me are gonna have words.
Matt: Riiiiight. Any other words of encouragement?
Ben: Yeah. Kick that bastard’s ass, whatever it is.
Matt: No problem.
(With that, Ben thumps the back of the cockpit and crawls back up the passage. As the hatch seals him in, Matt looks behind him at the back of the cockpit and sees a sticker planted there.)
Sticker: My other car is a piece of shit too!!
(Matt grins laughing to himself as he sits back and lets the ‘Templar synch in with him. However, this time, as the synch goes ahead, Matt feels a change. Lowering his head, he seems to shudder for a moment inwardly as the cycle completes itself. Matt raises his head again....however this time there is a change in his face. Matt’s eyes can now be seen as two totally black, pitiless orbs with a raging fury burning deep within. As he speaks, his voice is now much deeper as if it has been synthetically altered.)
Matt: Let’s kick it.
(Outside, the mech is lowered to the ground on it’s belly. As the transport makes ready to lift off, no one seems to notice the small masculine shape sprinting away from the scene towards an air vent leading into the Geo-Front. The transport thunders off into the sky, leaving the Black Templar lying on the ground. Suddenly, the Templar stands, it’s huge form dwarfing the landscape around it. A huge black shroud still covers it, and it’s eyes glowing with an intense red, it’s shadowed form stalks forwards, the ground shaking as it moves towards the hole made by the Angel.)
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(Back inside Central Dogma, the alarms are again ringing as Unit 01 is connected to the dummy-plug. However, once again, the EVA is refusing the dummy-plug, the red alarm lights flashing throughout both Central Dogma and the EVA hangers.)
Ritsuko: That’s impossible!!!
Misato: Both Rei...
Fujutsuki: ..the EVA refused the dummy plug and Rei...
Maya: This can’t be happening!! Unit 01 has ceased activation!
(In the EVA hangers, Unit 01’s blazing eyes black out as the behemoth rejects the plug. Back in Central Dogma, Gendo stands.)
Gendo: Fujutsuki! Take the conn.
(As Gendo leaves a befuddled Fujutsuji, the huge screen shows EVA Unit 00 rising out of the launch platform, it’s one remaining arm cradling a huge barrel shaped object.)
Ritsuko: IT’S AN N2 MINE!!!!!
Gendo: REI!!
(Charging head on at the Angel, Rei moves to smash the mine into the monster when suddenly it raises it’s A.T. Field. Clashing with Unit 00’s, the entire area around them is laid flat by the immense energy fields.)
Rei: (inside the entry plug) A.T. Field full power...
(With a crunch, Unit 00’s hand plunges through the Angel’s A.T. Field, moving to push the mine into it’s mouth. But at the last second, a huge shield clamps down over the Angel’s mouth, just as the mine strikes it.)
Rei: NO!!
(With a blast that levels everything within four kilometers around them, the N2 Mine detonates, it’s fearful mushroom cloud expanding inside the huge Geo-Front. In Central Dogma, everyone is stunned to silence at the spectacle. As the blast clears enough, on the screen the sillhouetteof the slumping Unit 00 and the undamaged Angel come into view...and with a slash of it’s left whip, Unit 00 falls to the ground, it’s head neatly cleaved in two.)
Ritsuko: (frightened) Oh dear god...
Misato: What’s the status of Unit 01?!
Maya: It still won’t activate!! It’s not accepting the signal!!
Gendo: (above Unit 01 in the hanger) Start the sequence again from step 5.
(Suddenly, a voice from below catches his attention.)
Shinji: LET ME PILOT IT!!!!!
(Shinji stands on the walkway at the EVA’s shoulders, bent over, panting heavilly.)
Shinji: Please........Father...
(Gendo turns to look at Shinji before answering.)
Gendo: Why are you here?
(Shinji clenches his fist in silent anger before fixing his father with a venemous glare.)
Shinji: Because I’m the pilot of Evangelion Unit 01!!! SHINJI IKARI!!!!!
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(Meanwhile, in the Geo-Front, all staff are coordinating the efforts of the seemingly inneffectual defense fire peppering the Angel. Suddenly, Aoba Shigeru sits up at his terminal, yelling across at Fujutsuki.)
Aoba: SIR!! We’ve got an incoming radio transmission from Colonel Eklom!!!
Fujutsuki: What?! Now?!
(As Misato and he lock eyes, they know there is no choice.)
Fujutsuki: Put him through.
(With a squeal of static, the communication is patched through to Fujutsuki’s place above the terminals. But instead of a voice, Fujutsuki is nearly deafened by loud rock music pouring through the speaker <the song is “Dirty Deeds: Done Dirt Cheap” by AC/DC>. Misato perks up, recognising the song. Suddenly, Hyuga calls out.)
Hyuga: We’ve got another A.T. Field closing on the target!!!
(Outside, the Angel fires another blast from it’s mouth, and an immense explosion smashes into the NERV building in the centre of the Geo-Front. As it prepares to fire again, it fails to see a huge form falling from the hole it entered through. As the form freefalls, a huge black shroud is thrown to one side, falling slower on the breeze. The figure lands with an immense CRASH, sending a cloud of dirt high into the sky. As it stands, another explosion rips into the NERV building, casting it into light....
...and the malevolent form of the Black Templar is revealed, staring malevolently at the Angel.
As the Angel is about to fire again, it hears a booming voice.)
Matt: (over the ‘mech’s loudspeakers) OI!!!!
(Turning around, the Angel makes a low growl as the ‘Templar adopts a fighting stance and moves it’s hands in a ‘come on’ guesture.)
Matt: Come on you big bastard.
(The Angel moves slowly towards the ‘Templar.)
Matt: Come on.
(Suddenly, the ‘mech reaches behind it and pulls out a massive cannon. Bracing the weapon on it’s right arm, it seems to grin as it sights down the barrel.)
Matt: Boo.
(With an immense BOOOM!!! the cannon fires, smashing the Angel with an invisible blast of energy. This time, instead of remaining undamaged, the Angel is promptly smashed backwards, falling over and away from the pyramidal NERV building. As the Angel stumbles to it’s feet, the Black Templar drops the cannon, and activates it’s huge arm blades.)
Matt: Okay, motherf##ker, let’s dance.
(The Black Templar charges, it’s claws bared. But this time, the Angel is ready. Raising it’s whip arms to the attack, it parries and blocks as the ‘mech strikes, narrowly missing. Taking advantage, the Angel wraps a whip around the ‘mech’s waist and start cutting. In the cockpit, Matt grunts in pain as he reaches up with one immense hand and drives a fist into the Angel’s face with a savage roar. The Angel lets go with this freight-train like hit, and stumbles backwards. The ‘mech swings a fist around into a mighty roundhouse, smashing into the Angel’s face and knocking it flat on it’s back. But as the Angel falls, it lets fly with another blast from it’s mouth. Matt is totally unprepared for this, and the Black Templar takes the hit squarely in the gut. With a gut wrenching CRUNCH, the ‘mech is thrown backwards, landing in a huge pile of dirt thrown up in a heap by the ‘mechs immense weight. In the cockpit, Matt struggles to regain his senses, the blast having knocked him senseless. Warning lights flash all over the place, and from the outside, a jagged hole can be seen just below it’s chestplate. Just as he shakes his head and his vision clears, however, through the ‘mech’s eyes, he sees the Angel standing above him. Prepared for the inevitable, Matt prepares to feel the deathblow....
.......and sees the Angel get smashed to one side by a purple shape moving at almost the speed of sound.)
Shinji: RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!
(Unit 01 smashes the Angel upright, bringing back a fist to strike. The Angel fires again, blowing the arm clean off and spattering the area with blood.)
Shinji: (screaming) AAAAAAAAAARRRGH!!!!!!!!!!!
(Unit 01 retaliates by kicking the Angel squarely between the legs. Both EVA and Angel slide across the ground, wrestling furiously. Finally, getting on top of the Angel, Shinji pins it. Smashing the Angel’s core again and again with it’s undamaged arm, Unit 01suddenly grabs hold of the Angel’s face, and starts to rip it off. In the entry-plug, Shinji’s face becomes that of a demented savage as he gleefully tears the Angel’s head off. Suddenly, just as the head is about to come free, he hears a sound and sees words that turn his blood to ice.)
EVA Status Screen: RESERVE POWER: 00:00:00.
Shinji: (in disbelief) Reserve power gone...
(And the entry plug goes black. Outside, the Angel frees it’s head from the EVA’s grasp, and wraps a whip around the EVA’s head. Lifting it bodily into the air, it hurls the EVA to the ground on it’s back, and stands over it. Inside the plug, Shinji is desperately pulling at the control handles, to no avail.)
Shinji: COME ON!!!! MOVE!! MOVE!!! MOVE GOD DAMMIT!!! ARRRGH!!!
(The Angel stabs the EVA between the shoulder blades, sending a gush of blood into the air. It fires again, blasting open the EVA’s chest armour. Suddenly, we can see a giant red orb in the centre of it’s chest.
In Central Dogma.)
Misato: What the hell is that?!
Ritsuko: It can’t be!
Maya: IT’S AN S2 ORGAN!!!!
(Back outside, the Angel now hammers continuosly at the orb, trying to break it. As it attacks the EVA, it suddenly becomes aware of the form approaching from the rear. It spins to face it....and with a back-breaking leaping knee to the front, the Black Templar hangs onto the Angel as it crashes to the ground beside Unit 01.)
Matt: SPECCY!!!!!!
(The ‘mech picks up from where the EVA left off, smashing it’s red core again and again with it’s two huge arms.)
Matt: (As each strike hits) WHY-WON’T-YOU-DIE-YOU-BASTARD!!!!!
(The Angel wraps it’s two whips around the ‘mech’s neck in one fluid motion, causing Matt to reach to his throat in pain. Gritting his teeth in agony, Matt clutches at the invisble wounds on his neck, the ‘mech grabbing feebly at the whips in an attempt to break their hold. Blood begins to well up in his mouth as the mech’s neck is cut open. Gagging, he smashes the Angel’s face repeatedly, trying to get free, each punch savagely smashing the Angel’s face to one side or the other. But still it does not let go. Finally, holding it’s arms out, the huge arm cannons of the Black Templar slide into place, and with a roar of pain and rage, Matt fires at point blank range, the immense cannons throwing the entire scene into a blazing light as the Angel is hammered backwards. However, still refusing to relinquish it’s hold on the ‘Templar, it drags it down with it, hurling it over it’s head as it falls on it’s back. The Templar crashes onto it’s back behind the Angel, it’s two cannons no longer firing as in the cockpit, Matt is so badly shaken that for the time being he is out of combat. The Angel, now bleeding from several places across it’s torso, turns to face the still prone form of EVA Unit 01. And once again, it continues hammering at the red orb in it’s chest. In the entry-plug, Shinji screams in frustration as he tugs uselessly at the control grips on either side of his seat, with no effect.)
Shinji: (desperate) Come on you filthy stinking monster, move!! MOVE!! MOVE!! For god’s sake if you don’t move everyone will die oh god I’m so sick of everything you BASTARD!!!!!!!!
(Suddenly, a sound can be heard echoing through the EVA. A sound which ceases Shinji’s cries and makes him sit up straight.
The sound of a heartbeat.
Outside, the EVA’s eyes begin to glow again. As the Angel moves to strike again, the EVA suddenly reaches out with it’s one undamaged arm and grabs the whip in mid flight. Dragging the Angel over to it so it’s face is within an inch of it’s own, the EVA laughs in a beast like manner, as if in challenge, before suddenly lifting a huge left foot and kicking the Angel across the Geo-Front. The Angel’s whip is torn loose, and the Angel crashes to the ground nearly a mile away. As he regains his sense in the ‘mech, Matt stands it to fight again, ignoring the immense pain in his left side.....
...and stops dead as he sees the EVA standing.)
Matt: (slowly, and in awe) Oh my god......she’s woken up.....
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(In Central Dogma, technitians stare in shock at the screens as Unit 01 howls into the night sky, still clutching the Angel’s torn limb in it’s remaining hand.)
Ritsuko: It’s finally happened......
Maya: (observing her readout) This can’t be happening....how can Shinji’s synch ration be over 400%?!?!?
Ritsuko: She’s awake..
(Outside, Unit 01 lifts the Angel’s limb to it’s own torn arm...and with a grunt, the flesh suddenly distends, warping to attach to the EVA’s arm....until finally, the EVA’s arm regenerates.)
Hyuga: That’s not possible!!
(Suddenly, the Angel lashes out again.....but this time behind Unit 01, the Black Templar throws a huge blade from it’s left arm at the Angel...and the Angel is smashed backwards, a spray of blood blasting into the air as it falls a final time. Unit 01 suddenly drops to it’s knees...and as everyone watches in horrified awe, the EVA crawls like a dog towards the fallen Angel, and upon reaching it, leans in close, eyes narrowing like it has finally found something long since lost. The Angel lifts it’s head to fire again...only to have it smashed off by the EVA. Finally, as everyone watching either turns away in digust or continues watching in mute horror....
...the EVA eats the Angel.)
Misato: It’s....eating..the Angel....
Matt: (in the Black Templar) Jesus.....
Maya: (gagging).
(The EVA growls contentedly as it eats, wolfing down the Angel like a starving dog. Ragged chunks of flesh fly in all directions as the EVA systematically tears the broken body of Zeruel, the Fourteenth Angel, apart. Finally, it stands, and looking to the skies, it screams a bloodcurdling roar as the armour around it’s neck, shoulders and face bursts.)
Ritsuko: (unbelieving) It’s breaking free!!!
Hyuga: Free of what?!
Ritsuko: That armour wasn’t just for protection...those bindings allowed us to the control the EVAs. But now the EVA is breaking those binders. The beast inside the EVA is finally free!!!!!
(High above the carnage, Gendo and Fujutsuki look on. Gendo seems to be smiling.)
Fujutsuki: It’s begun at last.
Gendo: (satisfied) Yes. This is the beginning of the end.
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(Back outside, Matt stumbles to keep the ‘mech upright. Still watching the EVA with awe, he suddenly becomes aware of something.
The EVA is no longer roaring.
Rather, it has fixed the Black Templar with two, hate-filled, hungry eyes.)
Matt: (quietly, and a little nervous) Oh f##k me.
(The EVA roars again, turning to fully face the ‘mech before moving towards it with slow deliberate movements.)
Matt: (not so quietly, a little panicky) F##K ME!!!!
(The ‘mech struggles to hold it’s arm cannons up...but the EVA is too fast. Grabbing a hold of each arm, the bezerk EVA holds them apart as it leans in with a mocking grin. Struggling to break the hold, Matt pushes his will to the limit. But the EVA is too strong, forcing the ‘Templar over onto it’s back, and twisting both arms. In the cockpit, Matt cries out in agony as he feels the ‘mech’s arms twist beyond their ability to handle it. Helpless as the EVA leans in to tear the ‘mech apart piecemeal, Matt spits blood to one side as he flips open a certain panel.)
Matt: (to himself) Oooookay, so you’re about to be eaten by a bezerk bio-mechanical zombie. It could worse. Just keep saying that.
(Depressing a button, Matt grins evilly between blood stained teeth.)
Matt: Bite down on this, sucker.
(With an earsplitting CRACK and blinding flash, the EVA trips the ‘mech’s A.I. field. Screaming in agony, the EVA reels backwards, it’s unarmoured portions flash burnt by the super-high electrical current. This gives the Black Templar enough time to lean forwards, and grip the EVA’s shoulders with both arms. With a roar of defiance, fury and pain, the Black Templar headbuts the EVA with enough force to crush it’s forehead. Reeling back a second time, the ‘mech headbuts it again, and with a sickening CRUNCH of bone, the EVA’s head caves in, and the EVA goes totally limp.)
-------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------- ---------------
(In Central Dogma, Commander Ikari’s voice can be heard.)
Gendo: Status of Unit 01!!
Hyuga: (shaken) Uhh...it’s gone totally silent....pilot’s life signs show signs of injury, but he’s stable.
Maya: Unit 01’s braincase is totally shattered....damage to internal components...unknown.
Misato: What about the Black Templar?
(Before anyone can, the scene on the screen tells her the answer. The Black Templar now stands over the broken body of Unit 01. However, a huge ragged hole can be seen in it’s stomach, and exposed electronics spark and sizzle. The Black Templar’s head armour is dented severely, with one eye totally shattered. The ‘mech’s arm armour is twisted, and in many places broken. But still the ‘mech stands, it’s malevolent face staring into the camera. Over the loudspeakers, a voice can be heard.)
Matt: (forced through clenched teeth) Tell.......Shinji......I’m.......sorry......
Misato: Matt?!
(There is no reply on the other end, however, as suddenly the ‘mech’s back mounted thrusters light. As the half-shattered ‘mech roars back out of the hole it entered through, all is silent in Central Dogma. Aoba, monitoring the local radar, says nothing as the blip signifying the Black Templar meetsanother giant blip, before both suddenly streak off the screen. Finally, another voice can be heard.)
Shinji: (weak) M...Mi....Misato?
(Misato grabs the nearest mike, hope in her eyes.)
Misato: Shinji! You’re okay?!
(Shinji is silent for a moment before answering.)
Shinji: Did....we beat it?
Misato: Yes!! The Angel’s dead! You did it, Shinji! Are you okay?
(Shinji does not answer her however. His voice seems far away.)
Shinji: (lightly amused) Got the bastard.
-------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -------------------------------
SUBTITLE: FIVE DAYS LATER.
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(Darkess.
Cold, utter, darkness.
Shinji’s tired mind awakens.
Shinji opens his eyes once more to see the familiar hospital ceiling once more. Before he can comment on this, however, he realises he is not alone. Looking to his right, he sees Misato and Kagi smiling down at him.)
Misato: How’re you doing, kiddo?
Shinji: (tired) Who’s next....
(Kagi laughs lightly.)
Kagi: I’m surprised you’re still able to talk at all, with what you’ve been through.
(Shinji’s face fills with puzzlement. Misato silences Kagi with a waved hand before kissing Shinji’s forehead.)
Misato: Get some rest. We’ll talk about it later.
(With a thousand questions still in his mind, Shinji Ikari drifts back to sleep again.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ---------------------
Black, featureless darkness.
Suddenly, movement from within.
Matt’s conciousness drifts back to reality again.
As his hearing returns, the first sound he hears is the rhythymic beep of an ECG monitor. Then, a familiar voice.)
Voice: So, he’ll be okay?
Jess: I think so. His body’s healing allright, but as for his mind.....
Voice: Well, let me know if anything changes. Take care of him, Jess. He’s had a busy week.
Jess: I will. Bye Mary.
(It is now that Matt is granted the gift of vision once more. Slowly opening his eyes, he sees first Jess looking down at him with concern and joy.)
Jess: Matt? Can you hear me?
(Matt’s conciousness races to answer, but still nothing comes to his lips. As his jumbled thoughts surge through his mind, he realises he is lying in hospital ward. Finally, he is able to utter a sentence.)
Matt: (forced whisper) Where.....
Jess: You’re at St Peter of God’s Hospital, Matt.
(As Jess’s sentence sinks in, he turns his head to look at Jess.)
Matt: (whisper) Hhhh...home?
(Jess smiles, a guesture that heals Matt in a way no medicine can.)
Jess: Home.
(Matt attempts to move his arms to hug her...but the immense pain screaming through his shest stops him. Jess holds him down whilst gently brushing his head.)
Jess: Hold on, hold on. You didn’t just fall off a log, sweetie. This is going to take some time to heal.
(As Matt’s thoughts finally begin to make sense, he speaks again.)
Matt: (still a whisper) What is?
(Jess does not answer. She simply sits on the bed beside him and kisses his cheek.)
Jess: Rest for now, baby. Then I’ll tell you.
(With a million questions roaring through his mind, Matt’s eyes grow heavy...and once again he drifts back into unconciousness.)
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To be continued......
