Episode 31:
A War Out of Love

     Unit 12 stood still for a moment, hate flashing in the already red eyes. The handgun it was holding transformed into a particle beam cannon. The Eva raised the gun and took aim at Unit 10's chest.
     "Hasta la vista, pretty boy," Andrew sneered before pulling the trigger. The gun fired a moment later. There was a wave of energy, followed by a shockwave. When the smoke cleared everyone could see the cannon's barrel was split like a banana peel, Unit 10's finger where the barrel once was.
     "The oldest trick in the book," Drew chuckled, "When will you villains learn?"
     "Don't underestimate my abilities," Andrew sneered, "Angel A, show them what you can do!"
     "With pleasure," the angel child Asuka chuckled, leaping into the air and producing razor sharp claws. On the descent she slashed downward, cutting the shoulder armor off of Unit 10. She went into a crouch and dove, claws first, at Unit 10. The claws pierced the chest armor and her momentum tore Unit 10 in half. From inside the cockpit they heard screams of anguish which curdled everyone's blood.

     "What's the status of the tenth child?" Ritsuko asked.
     "He's in extreme pain," Maya said, "Unit 10 has been torn in half. Drew is in some severe mental anguish."
     "I wish this didn't have to happen on my watch," Ritsuko thought, her face cold of all emotion.
     "What of the children?" Misato asked.
     "They're safe inside a force dome," Maya replied.
     "We need the Evas," Asuka said over the communicator.
     "We're working on them as we speak," Misato said, "Commander Ikari is working as hard as he can to get the repairs finished."
     "We are in real trouble," Touji began to say before the communication was cut off.
     "Touji?" Misato asked. When she was met by silence she screamed, "TOUJI!!"

     "No calling outside of this universe," Andrew taunted, activating a jamming field.
     "What are we going to do now" Rei asked nobody in particular.
     "We wait," Jordan said, "we wait and hope for a miracle."
     "The force dome won't hold up under another blast," Sailor Mercury said, "We're.... weakening as we speak."
     "So, drop the dome," Rachel said.
     "Do WHAT?!" twelve astonished people voiced simultaneously.
     "We have less than two hours to get to the revitalizer and revive our friends," she explained, "after those two hours our chances of getting any of them back is 0.00001 percent."
     "We have no Evas," Shinji said, "how do we battle them?"
     "I knew this would happen," Asuka sneered, "they never sent me Unit 02 so I would have it on standby in case another angel attacked."
     "Shut up Asuka!" ten people said simultaneously, "We're sick of your whining!"
     "We don't need Evas," Matt Heath said, "we have our powers, which were a gift from the guardians.... "
     "Who are unconscious from shock," Crystal said, speaking for the first time since the entire incident began.
     "They trusted us with these powers which we have little understanding of," Mike said, "We never thought it would come down to utilizing them if our lives depended on it, but that's the way it looks."
     "We need a team tech to defeat Angel A," Jason said, "Ami, Lita, Mina, Rei, Serena, break off the dome. Once it's down, Steve sets up a little firestorm while Michelle uses a little Submarine Reflection to set it off balance. When it falls backwards Crystal uses her Crystal Seed and for the grand finale I, along with Alex, shall endeavor to rip it to shreds."
     "I'm gonna be sick," Touji moaned, covering his mouth with his right hand.
     "What's wrong with him?" Ana asked.
     "A long story," Shinji sighed, "It started when he was first chosen to be the fourth child..."

     'Activate the dummy plug system,' Commander Ikari had shouted. Unit 01 went ballistic, first breaking the neck of Unit 03, which was possessed by the 13th angel, then ripping the head clear off the shoulders. To make it worse Unit 01 crushed the head, then tore the arms off and hurled them away, then it went to work destroying the body. It eventually got hold of the entry plug, which Touji was trapped in. There was a sickening CRUNCH and the plug was a mess. Suzuhara here lost his left arm and leg thanks to the incident."
     "But he looks fine now," May said.
     "Finely tuned robotics," Touji said, "I'm half bionic now."
     "Deep," Sailor Pallas sighed. Sailor Ceres elbowed her sister in the ribs.
     "Sorry to evoke such a painful memory," Jason said, putting a hand assuringly on Touji's shoulder, "But that's my only plan to defeat Angel A."
     "Well, what's stopping you?" Touji asked, his fighting spirit strong, "Let's kick some angel butt!!"
     "You heard the fourth child," Jason shouted, "Drop the shield!"
     The Sailor Senshi dropped the shield and ran to assist Drew, who was still trapped in the half destroyed Unit 10. Warrior Mars leapt into the air and initiated his attack.
     "Mars Firestorm Flash!"
     The flame stream struck Angel A in the chest, throwing her slightly off balance. Sailor Neptune also moved into position on the ground, her deep aqua mirror aimed at Angel A's midsection. The reflective surface glowed a brilliant blue as she called upon her attack.
     "Submarine Reflection!"
     The stream of water which poured from the mirror caught Angel A off guard so that she stumbled backwards. Sailor Callisto summoned her crystal spear, which she plunged into the ground while calling out her attack.
     "Crystal Seed!"
     Spires of crystal erupted from the ground, forming a demented sort of bed of nails, which Angel A fell back and landed on, blood spraying everywhere. Warriors Saturn and Callisto leapt into the air, their attacks ensuing.
     "Crystal Rain!"
     "Orion's Spear!"
     Warrior Callisto created a cloud of blue and silver, from which razor sharp crystals rained, all of which cut into Angel A and injuring her severely. Warrior Saturn curled up into a ball before flinging his body straight, spears of star energy raining down on Angel A and exploding, finishing her off. The other three angel children, upon seeing their comrade defeated, attacked with assorted weapons.
     "We need the Evas!" Adderson shouted as he dodged flying fists of the angel children.
     "We need to get to the revitalizer!" Rachel shouted, "Or did you forget!?"
     "We need a plan," Alex shouted, taking out his star sword and charging at Angel R, who resembled Rei's plug suit. Energy flowed into the blade, giving it an eerie sort of glow. He leapt into the air, the blade above his head, a battle cry issuing from his throat. When Angel R brought her fist down Alex landed on the arm and ran towards her back. When he reached the shoulder he once again leapt into the air and landed on Angel R's back. He thrust the sword into her back and discharged the energy. Angel R bulged and exploded, showering everyone with blood and gore. From the chaos came Alex, a little shaken, but still in one piece.
     "Rachel, take the other Senshi and the children and teleport to the revitalizer," Alex said, shaking the cobwebs from his head, "Once you revive our friends, teleport back."
     "I don't know if we would have the time," Rachel said, "Plus I don't know the exact location of the revitalizer."
     "Don't give me that Nova. I believe in you."
     "Saturn, don't press your luck. We both know that the Chrono Trigger was destroyed when we saved you and the other Star Warriors, then the Star Senshi, a couple years back."
     "Take my Star Crystal," Alex said, removing his class ring from his right hand. He immediately reverted back to his mortal form. "I don't know what kind of power it possesses, but I remember it saved me once, and it should help again."
     Rachel took the ring, and, after giving Alex one more look, ran to the other Senshi. The Senshi and children teleported, leaving the ground torn to pieces. Alex then regained his feet, took his transformation pen from his pocket, spun it in his hand a couple times, then crossed it over his right shoulder.
     "Saturn Super Nova POWER!"
     There was a flash of light and there stood Warrior Saturn, his glaive in his hands pointed towards Angels S and T.
     "On behalf of all the planets I punish you!" Saturn shouted, giving a hint to the other Warriors to launch into their introductions. A moment later they did.
     "Worship me like people have done in the past or get burned. I'm Warrior Sun!"
     "Let's rock and roll! I'm Warrior Earth!"
     Doug and Matt Heath stood back to back for a combined introduction, taking a key from Alison and Alyssa.
     "My fire bird will burn you... "
     "And my Thunderbird will shock you... "
     "He's Warrior Thunderbird!"
     "And he's Warrior Phoenix!"
     "AND WE WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!!"
     "I'm so cool you'll get frost bite! I'm Warrior Arctic Chill!"
     "You play with fire and you're bound to get burned. I'm Warrior Hellfire!"
     "You're going to find me a bit shocking .I'm Warrior Thunderbolt!"
     "I'm the star of this show - Warrior FireStar, that is!"
     "I'm gonna cross you out. I'm Warrior X!"
     "Warrior Scorpio is gonna sting you!"
     "These crystals aren't to be worn, but to hack you to ribbons! Warrior Callisto is on the scene!"
     "The winds of change are blowing, but only for Warrior Io!"
     "Prepare to get burned by Warrior Ganymede... "
     "And by Warrior Mars!"
     "Whatever," Dark Ganymede yawned, "Angel S, Angel T, finish these... posers... right now!"
     The two angel children charged at the Warriors. The Warriors quickly said, "I punish you!" before leaping in their own trajectories.
     "We need a plan," John Lynn shouted, vaulting over Angel S's arm.
     "Ok, ok, ok," Alex said, utilizing his flight ability to dodge attacks, "I can't think of a plan."
     "I have one," Matt Emmerton shouted, taking out his axe, "Blazing Blade Boomerang!"
     The disk missed Angels S and T on its first pass, but smacked both in the heads on the return pass. Steve Huff took his swords, joined them at the hilts, and began to spin the duel blade. Energy flowed into the spinning disk until Steve shouted, "T - Bolt Wave!" which was the point when he released the energy. The plasma wave struck Angel S in the chest, drilling a hole deep into the angel and pounding against the core. Rich summoned a Cryo Blast, which he hurled into the hole. At the same moment Steve Young fired a flame arrow at the same velocity as the Cryo Blast. The two projectiles entered Angel S's chest and exploded with enough force to vanquish the angel. Angel T turned its efforts on Warriors Mars and Arctic Chill after Angel S was defeated, throwing the pair into a cliff side.
     "You're gonna pay for that," Alex shouted. Backing him up were none other than Warriors Hellfire, Thunderbolt, FireStar, Scorpio, Sun, X, Callisto, and Ganymede, all in strategic positions in the trees.
     "We're gonna make sure you don't hurt anyone else," Warrior Sun shouted, leaping from the tree. He raised his hands above his head, a large katana blade forming. Flames surrounded the blade, reaching solar intensities. Instead of attacking Angel T, Warrior Sun landed on Unit 12's face and plunged the sword deep into the head. The energy and flames discharged, blowing up the head and at the same time mortally wounding Warrior Sun. Unit 12's head landed clear across the forest while the katana landed at Warrior Uranus' feet.
     "What did he have to go and do that for?" Warrior Scorpio asked.
     "Typical Dan," Warrior Saturn said, "He died here... or I should say his grandson died here... a while ago. It seems that it's like grandfather, like grandson."
     "Do you think Unit 12 is out of action?" Warrior Thunderbolt asked.
     "Yeah," Warrior FireStar said, "is he out of action?"
     "I can answer that," Asuka said over the communicator, "After the battle with the 14th angel I was pretty f*cked up. In the battle it hacked off both of Unit 12's arms and also knocked the head clear off. Needless to say I was out of it for quite some time."
     "What about Angel T?" Warrior Earth asked, glancing at the now collapsed angel child.
     "He's harmless," Warrior Io said, glancing at Warrior Mercury's computer screen, "it looks like Andrew was controlling him."
     "Yup," Warrior Mercury said, "When Andrew and Unit 12 shut down, Angel T shut down also."
     Just then Angel T became 'aware' and began attacking again. Warrior Saturn took the baton from his gauntlet and spun it until it was the size of a quarter staff. he charged at the angel, the staff pointed towards the target. When Saturn neared the angel he stuck the end of the staff in the ground and began to pole vault. The staff extended to an incredible height and Saturn vaulted over Angel T's head. Once airborne he produced his glaive, pointed the blade at the angel, and attacked.
     "Death Ribbon Revolution!"
     Millions of razor sharp ribbons shot from the blade and wrapped around Angel T. Unfortunately the angel brook loose and grabbed Saturn, crushing him under incredible pressure.
     "Alex!" Warrior Hellfire shouted, taking his axe and beginning his attack, "Universe, how about a little boost."
     "Sure," Warrior Universe said, "Gravity Flip!"
     Warrior Universe snapped his fingers, sending Warrior Hellfire floating into the sky. Hellfire spun his axe into a disk, flames engulfing it before he released.
     "Blazing Blade Boomerang!"
     The disk missed on the first pass, due to the angel moving out of the way. but the boomerang made contact the second time around and severed the hand, dropping both the limb and Warrior Saturn towards the ground.
     "Space Sword Blaster!"
     Warriors Uranus' attack hacked the hand open, freeing the unconscious Saturn from the death grip. The hand struck the ground first, breaking apart on impact. Fortunately Warrior X leapt through the air and caught Saturn before he struck the ground.
     "Ugh," Saturn moaned once X touched down, "I feel like hell."
     "Second time today?" X asked.
     "You might say that."
     "How's our leader?" FireStar asked over the communicator.
     "He's fine," X answered, "a little crushed and dented, but fine."
     "Now that Saturn is free let's smoke this angel!" Warrior Moon shouted, "Moon Saber - Star Prism!"
     "Iron Rock Crusher!"
     "Shooting Star Strike!"
     "T - Bolt Wave!"
     The four attacks which were aimed at the angel were absorbed by an AT Field and redirected at the group. Warriors X and Saturn, who were behind the angel, were trying to figure a way to vanquish their large adversary. From the woods stepped Warriors Mars and Arctic Chill, who were none too worse for wear.
     "You guys up for a four way?" Warrior X asked the other three, arching his eyebrows.
     "You're disgusting," Warrior Mars chuckled, "but since we're the only ones who can do something to this angel let's go for it!"
     After setting Saturn on his feet Warrior X drew his swords. Saturn took out his compound bow and pointed it at the angel while leaning on Warrior Mars for support. Mars also took his bow and aimed at the angel. Arctic Chill drew his new sword and pointed it toward the angel, the blade glowing light blue with energy. Before anyone could attack, Saturn came up with a new plan.
     "Mars, use your flame bolos. I'm going to try to copy Venus' 3 chain attack."
     "What?!" Mars exclaimed, "Are you strong enough to do that?"
     "It doesn't hurt to try," Saturn said, "to quote Anne McCaffrey: 'Who wills, can. Who tries, does. Who loves, lives.' and I'm going to try."
     "What about us?" Arctic Chill asked, indicating X and himself.
     "You're backup," Saturn said, "If we fail to contain the angel or if it gets too hard to handle I want you to hit it with everything you've got."
     "All right," X said, crossing his swords, energy sparking where the blades met.
     "Mars Napalm Bolo Engulf!"
     "Venus Melt My Heart Strike!"
     A sea of flames surrounded Mars, plumes leaping up to form little discs of fire. The discs formed fiery bolos, which he sent at the angel. At the same time three chains of hearts formed around Saturn, dancing like charmed snakes. He said, "Get `em boys." and the chains snaked out to attack the angel.
     Mars' bolos wrapped around the angel's legs and chest, pinning the arms to the sides and the legs together, which threw the angel off balance. The three chains pierced the legs, entering the front and bursting out the back. The chains then moved up to pierce the chest and torso, spraying everyone with bodily fluids. The chains eventually wrapped around the angel's neck, tightening until there was an audible CRACK. The angel then fell over, lifeless and limp.
     "Woah," Saturn said, the strain showing on his face, "toasted."
     "Nova calling Saturn. Alex, where the hell are you?!" came over the communicator.
     "I'm here. What's up?"
     "The Negaverse got to the revitalizer first, revived Andrew, and then destroyed it."
     A look of shock washed over Alex's face. The color drained from everyone else's faces. In the shadows Unit 12 stood motionless, deathly silent in the ending day.
     "How much longer until time runs out?" Jordan asked.
     "About half an hour. Why?"
     "I think I have a plan. Alex, get Andrew out of Unit 12. Jack, Adderson, Rich, begin a Delta Teleport. Steve, get one of your scrolls ready. We're going to save many more people than expected. John, locate Dan's gauntlet before we go."
     "WHAT?" everyone asked simultaneously.
     "DO IT!!" Alex growled, his eyes starting to flash red. The chosen few moved off to do what Jordan had instructed. Alex flew up to the back of Unit 12, and, upon locating the major armor plate on the back, produced his glaive and proceeded to pry it open.
     "C'mon damn you," he grunted, applying force to the staff part of his glaive, "open all ready!"
     As he force the plate open and electrical charge began to build up until it discharged, filling Alex with 120 gigavolts. The first burst temporarily stunned Alex, but he harnessed the energy and used it to increase his strength. One good heave popped the hatch and ejected the entry plug. He then attacked the hatch in the same manner, popping it free and releasing the LCL inside. Once all the liquid had drained out Alex retrieved Andrew's lifeless body and flew down to rejoin the group.
     "He looks like such an angel when he's asleep," Alex sighed, looking at Andrew's face, "Who would suspect he's such a devil."
     "Got the scroll," Steve said, holding it up, "What do you want this for?"
     "I finally figured out that he got his powers from the demons of the Negaverse. If we release the evil spirit inside we should be just fine."
     "Oh," Steve said before beginning his chant, "I call upon the powers of Mars. Fireballs... CHARGE!!"
     Steve stuck the scroll to Andrew's forehead, the spiritual energy radiating through the lifeless body. Suddenly a shadow warrior emerged from the body, taking the armor with it. The shadow charged at Alex, a shadow sword in hand. As it was about to strike, several flame rings struck it, destroying it instantly.
     "Mars Celestial Fire Surround!"
     As the demon disintegrated, Alex looked to see Steve catching his breath. Steve grinned and said, "What would you do without me?"
     "Don't ask," Alex said, a sweat drop forming on his head. Just then John returned with Drew's somewhat lifeless body and Dan's gauntlet. He tossed the gauntlet to Alex and set Drew's body down next to Andrew.
     "Sheesh," Adderson said, walking up to the group, "That had to suck."
     "That's the danger of piloting an Eva," Rei's voice said over the communicator, "Unit 00 used to take a lot of damage and I would be injured a lot, most of the wounds inflicted when something happened to the Eva."
     "Let's get to the revitalizer site as soon as possible," Jordan said, "Prepare for Delta Teleport!"
     Jack, Adderson, and Rich formed a large triangle around the group, calling upon their elements. There was a flash of red, white, and blue light, teleporting them to their destination. In the darkness of night Unit 12 stood lifeless and headless, a random charge running through the skin and occasionally illuminating part of the forest with the headlights.

To be continued....
<continue to next episode?>

     "In the next episode Alex risks his life by super charging his body with chaos emerald energy and calling his friends back from the dead. With half of the deceased back from the beyond an angel / youma attacks in search of Dark Ganymede, who is now free of the evil forces. It's a battle to protect Alex and Andrew and at the same time stop the monster from destroying anyone else. Stay tuned for 'What would you do without me?' and as always you'll get more fan service."