Back on the battlefield against Bemstar, Unit-00 and Unit-02 gripped their Spark Lances, ready to carve a few more scars into Bemstar's body at any moment.
Unit-02 charged first, heading straight for Bemstar, who had just been knocked down by Unit-00.
Bemstar rose with an angry roar, spread its wings, and kicked off with both feet, leaping into the air. Unit-02 lunged at empty space.
Rei Ayanami immediately warned Asuka, "Watch out! It's airborne!"
But Bemstar was extremely agile in flight. As it lowered its altitude, it lashed both feet backward.
Thud! Both of Bemstar's feet slammed into Unit-02's back. Already charging forward, Unit-02 couldn't keep its footing after that blow from behind. It lost its balance and fell flat on the ground.
As Unit-02 fell, it crushed a factory workshop beneath it, smashing a huge crater into the building.
"Damn it! That stupid bird ambushed me!" Asuka was furious.
The airborne Bem Bird ignored the fallen Unit-02. Flying low, it aimed its head horn at Unit-02 and rammed forward.
Bemstar flew unexpectedly fast. Unit-00 barely had time to block it with its hands and grab its horn before it was knocked violently to the ground, its lance knocked away as well.
Unit-00 clung to Bemstar's head horn. Rei Ayanami tried to use Unit-00's weight to bring Bemstar to a halt, but it was no use. Bemstar paid no heed to Unit-00's weight, effortlessly dragging it along the ground.
A series of crashes rang out as Unit-00, pinned down and dragged along, smashed through several buildings in succession. Even its back and shoulder armor were battered beyond recognition. Dust filled the air, and swathes of buildings were reduced to rubble.
Rei Ayanami gritted her teeth and held on. Waves of pain coursed through her back, as though her own back