For secrecy, few people remained in the hangar. Not even ordinary technicians.
So when Unit-01 went berserk, the scene couldn't be controlled immediately.
While those outside panicked—
Inside the cockpit, Hikari's phantom curiously observed Unit-01's state.
"Can react even unconsciously?"
"This soul's fusion with the machine body runs quite deep."
Hikari stroked his chin.
Hearing this, Shinji worried.
"Then... my mother..."
He feared his mother couldn't be saved.
"It's fine."
"Just need to put this Unit-01 to sleep first."
For this situation, Hikari showed no panic. Controlled the floating light before him to produce subtle vibrations.
"Clack—clack."
Unit-01, mid-berserk, trying to break free from the hangar's restraints—instantly stopped. Arms dropped mechanically.
From a beast about to break loose to an ordinary animal falling into deep sleep.
"The berserk... stopped!?"
"Why?"
As EVA Project director, Ritsuko froze seeing this.
She knew Unit-01 had berserk potential. Also knew once Unit-01's berserk began, it absolutely wouldn't stop before achieving its goal.
A double-edged sword for fighting Angels.
Yet now Unit-01 directly terminated its berserk.
Their ultimate weapon, like a soothed cat—stopped on command. She couldn't accept this reality.
"In this vast universe, incredible things abound."
Behind her, Albert saw this scene. Spoke with a hint of emotion.
"We always call incredible things miracles. But the true miracle is—somewhere in the universe exists an entire planet of miracles."
"Called the... miracle of light."
Hearing this, Ritsuko's expression gradually faded.
The wisdom humanity took pride in... in the vast universe... didn't amount to much...
Inside the cockpit—
A female figure slowly materialized in the light.
Yui Ikari. Resurrected.
Exactly as she appeared before Unit-01 devoured her.
"Alright, work at the Space Science Technology Bureau isn't finished. Contact you later."
After completing this series of operations, Hikari disconnected. His form became light points returning to Natsuki's bracelet.
And now, Natsuki also returned body control to Shinji.
Let this child properly experience the happiness of family reunion.
"Mother..."
Shinji looked at the person before him. Cautiously extended his hand. Afraid she was another phantom.
Touched her clothes. Knew this was a real person. Emotions couldn't be controlled anymore. Tears burst forth. He threw himself at Yui.
"Shinji..."
Yui held Shinji, a head shorter than her. Eyes filled with tenderness.
She owed her son too much. She knew she wasn't a qualified mother.
Fortunately... a miracle gave her a chance to make amends.
Hangar.
Unit-01's Entry Plug had ejected. The crane placed it on the steel platform.
"Is it over?"
"Yui..."
Gendo ran all the way from the monitoring room. Ran into the hangar. Came before the Entry Plug.
Heart uneasy.
"Can I finally see you... Yui?"
He anticipated meeting his wife immensely. Also feared this was all fake.
He stepped forward. Couldn't wait for the Entry Plug hatch to open from inside.
Prepared to open it from outside.
"Hiss—"
But as he approached, the hatch already opened. First to emerge—Shinji Ikari in a white shirt.
"Shinji... where's Yui?"
"Where is she?"
"Did it work!?"
Gendo grabbed Shinji's shoulders. Asked urgently.
Shinji didn't answer. Because the answer already appeared before Gendo.
The figure emerging from the hatch—whom he'd missed countless days and nights, identical to eleven years ago—instantly occupied his entire vision.
"Yui!"
Gendo released Shinji. Rushed straight toward Yui. For the first time in ages, felt his heart beating.
The expression on his face no longer held its usual coldness. Filled with joy at seeing his beloved.
"Gendo-kun..."
Yui looked at Gendo, far more haggard than his younger days. Eyes still held tolerant gentleness. Opened her arms. Received Gendo's embrace.
"Finally... finally can see you again."
Gendo hugged Yui tightly. Completely unwilling to let go. Afraid the next second Yui would vanish from his side.
"Yui..."
He was weak. He was insecure. He craved others' love.
Gendo wasn't a naturally cold leader at all. Just a man even weaker than Shinji.
Inner weakness made him resist contact with others. Always locked himself in a closed world. Trusted no one. Until... Yui appeared. Broke down his inner walls.
Yui was the only person in this world who could accept his inner ugliness. Accept his weakness.
If Gendo had to find meaning in living, it was staying by Yui's side. Only that answer.
For this, he could even do anything originally impossible. Could use everyone. Even offer everything he had.
Even if methods were ugly and filthy, still pursue love. This was Gendo Ikari.
Shinji watched his parents embrace tightly. Also felt moved inside.
"So... Father has this side too."
In the distance, Misato watched this scene.
Unconsciously reached to grasp the cross necklace at her chest.
"Shinji-kun... already found his happiness."
She looked toward the motionless Unit-01.
"He can no longer... pilot Unit-01."
"But the Angels haven't all been eliminated."
While she spoke to herself—
A tall figure gradually approached. Embraced her from behind.
"Who?"
Misato startled. Asked.
Turned her head. Saw it was Ryoji Kaji. Her stiff body relaxed somewhat.
"The Angels will be eliminated someday. Most important is—can we truly move toward peace?"
Kaji spoke close to Misato.
"A world that doesn't need EVA might be the best world."
Feeling Kaji's broad chest, Misato frowned again.
"Get lost. We already ended things."
They were once lovers. But separated later for certain reasons.
"Ended?"
"But your body seems quite honest."
Kaji lowered his head.
Misato closed her eyes.
"Mm..."
The truth was exactly as Misato said.
The Angels hadn't been completely eliminated. And the two true enemies hadn't officially surfaced.
But after Gendo joined, they couldn't hide anymore.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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