FicWad

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1



Chapter 8:

Asuka and Misato made it home to Shinji and Rei cooking up a feast in the kitchen.

"What are you two'loverrrrsssss' cooking" Misato asked with emphasis on lovers

"Misato it's not like that, and stir-fry" Shinji replied without taking his attention from the stove

"What is it like then pervert?" Asuka sneered

"It's.... you wouldn't get it" Shinji replied not knowing how to answer or whether they were going to tell everyone else about being siblings

"What have you got there?" Shinji asked eyeing Asuka's disc

"Battle footage" She replied seeing a knowing look from Misato "You want to watch it with me?" She asked understanding Misato's look and smile that followed.

"No thanks" Shinji replied

"Why not?" Asuka asked

"Look I'll answer any questions you have about it and I'll analyse it and work on strategies with you or whatever but I'm not watching it again, it was bad enough the first time" Shinji replied

"..." Asuka looked on shocked. This was an unexpected answer

"I'll watch it with you" Rei replied

"..." Nope that was a bigger shock




Dinner finished and everyone seemed satisfied, Asuka complained about not having real food like back home and Shinji countered with she can go get dessert if she wants and can pick what she wants. Tempting as it was Asuka settled for watching the disc with Rei while Shinji worked on homework.

"Shinji can I come in?" Misato asked knocking on his door

"Sure"Shinji replied

Misato slid the door open and walked in taking a seat on the end of his bed as the young pilot sat on the floor working on Math homework

"Is everything ok?" Misato asked

"Sure why?" Shinji replied

"Well your acting a little differently lately" She replied "I'm just worried about you is all"

"I'm ok I guess" Shinji replied a little less convincing

"How come you don't want to watch the footage?"

"Like I said to Asuka I don't want to" He replied his voice betraying the fatigue that was catching up with him.

"I just thought you would want to, it might help with team bonding and strategies against future angels" Misato replied

"I'll go through it with them later, just not now" Shinji replied tiredly.

"Alright, I'm going to bed. Good night Shinji"

"Good night" Shinji replied now propping his head up on his hand to finish his Maths homework. 'Why am I bothering? I'm already so far behind in my studies. Misato is right' He thought to himself before getting up and heading to the living room to watch the discs with Rei and Asuka.

"Where are you up to?" He asked as he dropped down onto the lounge next to Rei

"Three quarters of the way through the first battle" Rei replied quietly looking at Shinji with a concerned look on her face. Shinji replied with a small smile letting her know everything is ok, though she didn't buy it and was going to speak to him before leaving.

The fight finished and the menu came up on screen, but nothing happened so Shinji and Rei looked at Asuka who had a dumbfounded look on her face.

"Is something wrong Pilot Soryu?" Rei asked.

"You beat it by hand with a steel girder from a half destroyed building?" She asked still dumbfounded

"Ah. Yeah" Shinji replied unsure where this was going

"It's amazing you're able to do it but wouldn't you just use the progressive knife?"She replied

"I ah didn't know I had one at the time" Shinji replied realising how dumb it sounded once he said it.

"How could you not know?" Asuka asked

"I hadn't ever seen one before, I had no training, what does it matter? They told me to get in so I did" Shinji replied

"Misato said you didn't have training before your first fight but you mean you had never even seen it or read about it?" Asuka asked starting to grasp the situation

"No"Shinji replied 'At least she is being civil about this' he thought to himself.

"I can't believe they didn't give you anything before you got in. You're lucky you were able to synchronise" Asuka added

"Do you want to analyse or summarise anything?" Rei interjected in her soft voice.

"Summarise I guess" Asuka replied

"If you want to summarise I got my arse handed to me then overpowered the angel with brute force. There was no planning or strategies, the only thing I've been able to take from this fight are if you get the upper hand just keep on attacking." Shinji replied

"Lets just continue" Asuka moved onto the second fight on the disc

The fight against the fourth angel played out in its entirety. Shinji not enjoying reliving the experience one bit. He looked across at the two girls to gauge their reactions once the video finished. Rei almost looked proud; Asuka still had another dumbfounded look on her face.

"What's wrong pilot Soryu?" Rei asked

"How were you able to do that?" She asked

"Do what?" Shinji asked

"Pilot like that?" Asuka replied still not getting her point across

"What do you mean like that? I pilot the same as you two" Shinji replied still not getting it

"No you don't" Asuka replied with no anger in her voice "You're constantly turning positions of defence into offensive situations. How are you able to do it?"

"I don't know, it just happens, I'm just trying to kill the angels" Shinji replied

"Alright lets analyse this" Asuka began starting to count her points off on her fingers"One. Misato gave you no useful target information after you launched. Two. You were immediately on the defensive from having your gun cut in half then getting caught in an explosion dragged up a street and bitten yet your able to turn all this around and actually damage the enemy, which was pretty cool, only to get thrown into a mountain. Then you had to have two foreign bodies in the plug only to be impaled before killing the angel" She finished

"Yeah that's pretty much it" Shinji replied

"That's all you have to say? Anyone else would have been dead in 2 minutes flat." Asuka replied

"Well what you said is what happened and you two could have killed it easily as well." Shinji replied.

"I don't think I could take that much of a beating and come out on top." Asuka replied forsaking her pride to make her point.

"It's not that big a deal" Shinji replied

"Whatever let's move on" Asuka said

"You are being too modest" Rei whispered to Shinji agreeing with Asuka for once.

They moved onto the third fight

"A blue diamond that doesn't look too dangerous" Asuka commented

"Just wait and see" Rei replied

Asuka watched as the angel stopped and waited as Unit-01 was sortied against the angel. The tension seemed to build as Shinji rocketed to the surface in Unit-01 and then it was hit the instant it hit the surface. Asuka watched in horror as Unit-01 tried to maintain its A.T Field to shield off the attack from the angel that she had scoffed at moments ago. Then she saw the angel transform and was wondering what was coming next.

Rei grabbed Shinji's hand seeing him start to tense as the angel started changing shape, realising that reliving this fight and what was to come would be very painful for the young pilot to have to sit through again. She wasn't surprised when Shinji declined to watch the battle footage with Asuka but she was very surprised that Misato was able to talk Shinji into watching it instead of studying.

As the angel finished transforming and fired a massive energy weapon at Unit-01 Rei felt Shinji's grip tighten just a fraction.

"Mein Gott. I can't believe they left you there like that" Asuka commented and then gave a sigh of relief as the charges detonated and Unit-01 descended away from the angel. "What happened?" She asked confused.

"The launch rails malfunctioned under the initial assault from the angel, the second attack broke through Unit-01's A.T Field severely damaging Unit-01" Rei replied

"What was it like?" Asuka asked

"Like looking at a bright white light and then a lot of pain. It felt exhausting keeping the A.T Field up and then like I was being cooked alive after it failed" Shinji replied in a quiet voice.

"The footage continued on as Unit-00 and -01 intercepted the angel a second time.

"You mean to tell me you shot that thing from across the city with a sniper rifle?"Asuka asked barely believing the footage she had just seen.

"Yeah"Shinji answered

"With a targeting computer malfunction?" She continued

"Yeah"Came the same response

"How?"Asuka asked not believing what she was hearing

"Through the scope" Shinji replied like it was the simplest thing

"Had you done anything like that before?" Asuka asked

"Yeah at the shooting range a bunch of times" Shinji replied

Asuka looked on dumbfounded. "Can you show me one time?" She asked

"Sure, no problem" Shinji replied. He started thinking that this wasn't such a bad idea. Asuka's attitude was starting to change for the better the more footage they watched and the more she started to appreciate how hard the angels are to beat and how important good team work and planning was going to be.

"It looks like a giant metal turkey" Asuka commented as Jet-Alone came on screen. She looked on in awe as Shinji tore up the remote piloted mecha.

"That was the easiest fight I've had so far" Shinji commented.

Asuka and Rei both nodded at that.

"You don't mind if I skip this one?" Asuka asked "I've watched it a bunch already"She added

"Go ahead" Rei replied

Asuka skipped ahead to the most recent fight, watching with a new level of intensity analysing her every move. A little ashamed at getting beat so easily because she let her pride get in the way. Even if she had listened to Shinji's second warning she still had time to escape. She then watched on as Shinji and Rei made the kill of the two angels together. Amazed at the level of understanding the two pilots have of each other.

"How do you two do that?" Asuka asked

"Do what?" Rei replied

"Fight so well together. That was beautiful" Asuka replied

"We have had some practice" Rei replied "After a while you learn to anticipate what the other wants" She added

"Fair enough" Asuka replied "That still doesn't take away from just how good you two were" She added

"Alright Asuka do you want some pointers?" Shinji asked taking a chance with the volatile red head but figuring it would be alright this time as he had observed the change in her attitude over the course of the night.

"Sure if you're up for it" Asuka replied with some bravado.

"Ok pay attention" Shinji said grabbing the remote and rewinding back through the last fight to where Rei launched.

"See here where Rei launches and grabs the positron cannon and gattling gun. At this point the natural instinct is to head south east directly to the fight and assist. Right?" Shinji asks making sure Asuka understands his point

"Yeah right" Asuka confirms

"Rei heads north west instead towards security building d. The thing you might not know about these security buildings dotted around the city is they are made specifically for us." Shinji continues

"What do you mean?" Asuka asks

"The only thing in these buildings is structure, sometimes weapons, they are big and can take the weight of an Eva, so we can use them to climb to gain a position of advantage in a fight, weather it's sniping a target or just gathering intel." Shinji answered

Asuka nodded in understanding.

"The key thing is Rei was able to control half the fight from this location without ever being in danger and together we were able to kill both the angels." Shinji finished

"So what's the lesson?" Asuka asked

"Two things" Shinji said holding up his hands "One sometimes direct is not always straight at the target especially with no intelligence on its abilities" Shinji said counting one off "Two take the high ground when you can it will be invaluable" Shinji finished.

"Alright I'll keep it in mind" Asuka replied "Well it's late I'm going to bed. Good night" Asuka added leaving for her bed room

"Good night" her co-pilots replied.

"What are you doing?" Shinji asked turning to Rei

"I'm going home too. Good night Shinji" Rei replied with a hug "I know this was hard for you but you did well. Hopefully it helps" She added

"Good night Rei" Shinji replied walking her to the door.

The young pilot followed the lead of everyone else and went to bed totally beat.






The weekend rolled around too quickly for Shinji's liking and he found himself scrambling to have everything ready for a birthday party he'd organised. It was nothing big just a small party at the apartment with Kensuke, Toji, Hikari and Asuka plus Misato and a few people from Nerv.

Shinji invited her over under the guise of dinner at Misato's and more evaluation of the footage from the fights as everyone hid in the lounge room when Rei knocked on the door. Shinji greeted her at the door and as she walked in to the dark apartment.

"Come on this way we're all set up in here" Shinji said before Rei could ask any questions.

"SURPRISE!!!"Rang out as they rounded the corner to the lounge room as everyone sang out in joy with calls of happy birthday Rei ringing out. Rei was surprised to say the least; her face had a massive look of shock and joy across it. Shinji could see it clear as day and it brought a smile to his face to see his sister so happy.

"This is your doing?" Rei whispered to Shinji to which he nodded.

"Thank you" She added

The party kicked off with a mountain of food and drinks and good times to be had by all. Rei even managed a couple of hours mingling in the crowd with Shinji before they retreated to the quiet of the apartment's balcony.

"Are you having a good birthday Rei?" Shinji asked as they both gazed out over Tokyo-3's skyline.

"Yes. Thank you for organising everything" Rei replied with a small smile gracing her lips

"No problem I just wanted you to have a good birthday party since you have never had one before" Shinji replied

"I am very much"

"Here I got you this, happy birthday" Shinji said handing Rei a long black felt box with a light blue bow on it.

Rei took her time carefully undoing the bow and opening the box as another shocked look spread across her face as she held up a silver necklace with 'Rei' hanging from the end of it.

"It's beautiful Shinji, Thank you" Rei replied hugging her brother.

Shinji returned the hug then they were interrupted by the door sliding open as Misato stuck her head out "Cakes on come on you two" She called out.

They both went inside where everyone sung happy birthday to Rei again and she opened the stack of presents that everyone had brought her. It was a fairly low key event, much quieter than the last party Misato hosted, not that it bothered anyone. Everyone had a good night and once everyone had left Shinji cleaned up figuring since he organised the party he would do it but vowed not to make it ahabit as he knew his two roommates made a lot more mess than he did.






Back at school on Monday walking through the gates with Rei to find Kensuke and Toji still making a killing on photos of Asuka.

"How's business?" He asked as he walked past his friends.

"Booming"Kensuke replied

"You want in?" Toji offered

"Pass"Shinji replied as he and Rei headed to class

"Watch it baka!" Asuka snapped as she pushed past Shinji to get into the classroom

Shinji and Rei shared a look and it seemed as though reviewing the battle footage never happened now they were at school.

The day continued like normal. Asuka's popularity grew even more if that's possible, the second impact lectures dragged on as always, but for a change Rei seemed happy to Shinji, she played with her new necklace and stared out the window.

Shinji had completely tuned out to everything until a message window opened up on his computer

AngelSlayer: What's up with Asuka it's like she never paid attention when we were watching the footage from the fights the other week?

Shinji smiled at Rei's choice of screen name

IkariS01: I don't know, so long as she doesn't get us killed being stupid I don't care.

AngelSlayer: Are you sure? You opened up a lot the other night, more than you have with anyone else, that and you keep looking at her in class.

IkariS01: Yeah I'm sure just trying to build team harmony and all that stuff Misato wants, plus I'm not looking at her.

AngelSlayer: Whatever you say but I know you best, and you were just looking at her then.

IkariS01: Yes you do sister, and I definatly wasn't.

While Shinji had been looking in Asuka's direction it definatly was not at her.

AngelSlayer: What are you looking at then? We'll talk about this later.

The bell rang signalling the end of the day and all the students' filed out for home and other things they had planned after school.

After saying good-bye to his friends Shinji headed to Nerv alone.






Once he got to Ritsuko's office he knocked "Enter" came the reply

"Ahh Shinji good to see you, I take it your here for the rifle?" Ritsuko asked

"Yes ma'am" Shinji replied

"Here you go" Ritsuko said pointing to the rifle and bag on the bench to the side of her office "I'm all finished with it; the first prototype will be ready in acouple more days"

"Thanks Ritsuko" Shinji replied with a smile and grabbed the rifle and the bag and headed to the shooting range.






Shinji breathed deep and then squeezed of a round as he relished in the echo of the gun shot through the empty range another perfect shot as he allowed himself asmile as he kept looking through the scope and chambered another round and waited for the next target to appear. Once he could see it he made the necessary adjustments lined it up breathed deep and squeezed off another round. Everything was working just as he liked it, this time a small round of applause broke through the silence.

Shinji turned around in an instant bring the rifle up level with whoever was looking in on him.

"Easy Shinji" Kaji got out with his hands up as he leaned back against a bench alarge part of his care free attitude slipping away with the rifle pointed straight at him.

"What do you want?" Shinji asked

"Just a chat if you've got some time" Kaji replied

"Alright"Shinji replied not moving the rifle away from Kaji

"Are you going to put the rifle down?" Kaji asked getting a little unnerved though it never showed

"Not yet" Shinji replied

"Shouldn't you at least line the shot up?" Kaji asked

"At this distance the only thing that will change is where the hole ends up" Shinji replied with a small grin

"Alright I just came here to give you this" Kaji said producing a small box

"What's that?" Shinji asked

"Your birthday present and I just wanted to see how good you really were" Came the easy reply

"Alright"Shinji replied lowering the rifle and walking over towards Kaji

Kaji offered the box which Shinji took, it was a plain cardboard box but when he opened it and pulled the bubble wrap away a surprised smile spread across his face. He pulled out a USP45 in a beautiful matt black finish.

"Thought it might fill that spot in your rifle case" Kaji said

Shinji looked surprised again "How did you know about that?" He asked

"Not everyone working for Nerv is a bad guy" Kaji replied "And I work with Fuyutsuki" He added

Shinji nodded "Thank you, it's perfect. I was wondering how to get one of these"Shinji replied

"Keep it on you all the time, things are getting dangerous" Kaji replied cryptically.

"Alright"Shinji answered "So how long were you there?"

"Long enough to appreciate that your one special talent" Kaji replied

"Well I was going to pack up and head home, you want dinner?" Shinji asked

"Sure I know a great spot on the way to Misato's" Kaji replied hanging his keys in front of Shinji's face with a smile. "Come on pack up and I'll drive"






The two sat at a nice ramen place eating dinner.

"How are things at Misato's with Asuka there?" Kaji asked making small talk

"It's ok I guess" Shinji replied unenthauastically "Why the interest?" Shinji asked

"No reason" Kaji replied non commitally. "Just keeping an eye out for old friends"

"Not in that. In me?" Shinji clarified

'He's cleaver' Kaji thought "Like I said not everyone at Nerv is a bad guy, I'm here if you need anything Shinji" Kaji replied honestly

"Thanks"Shinji replied "So is your old friend Misato or Asuka?" Shinji asked

"Both"Kaji replied. "It's getting late I'd best drive you home before Misato starts to worry" Kaji added

"Thanks for dinner" Shinji replied

"No thank you for the demonstration, you really are a special talent with the rifle"Kaji replied honestly

The two left to head for home.






Shinji strolled through the door dumped his book bag on the floor and took his rifle to his room. "I'm home" He called out.

"Where in the hell have you been?" Came an angry reply

"Out"Replied Shinji from his room then heading back to get his book bag

"What do you mean out? And what about dinner" Came another angry reply as a bedroom door was flung open revealing all the fire that Germany could muster in an angry glair framed by red hair

Misato and Pen Pen just looked on from the lounge curious as to how Shinji was going to get out of this.

"I was at the shooting range then out with Kaji." Shinji replied "And what are you talking about dinner it's not my night to cook" Shinji added for good measure'Checkmate I've got this one' He thought to himself

Asuka's look soured and got angrier as the statement sank in. Kaji was hanging out with this twerp while she was hungry.

'Wrong answer Shinji' Misato and Pen Pen thought

"I don't care I'm hungry and I want something good to eat, and just what are you doing taking up all Kaji's time as well. He has better things to do than hang out with a looser like you" Asuka replied livid at this turn of events.

"Whatever Asuka make your own dinner" Shinji replied heading for his room.

"Alright that's enough" Misato interjected "Your meant to be working together not fighting" She reminded he wards.

"Yes ma'am" Shinji replied. Asuka just slammed her door shut and started cursing in German

"Do you have a second Shinji?" Misato asked moving to the kitchen table

"Sure. What's up?" Shinji replied

"I'm just looking out for you here but what were you doing with Kaji tonight?"Misato asked quietly

"I went to the range after I got my rifle back; it's been a while since I went. Kaji caught me down there, then we went to dinner after I was finished" Shinji replied giving a brief overview of the nights events

"What happened?" Misato asked

"Kaji said I was good with the rifle and gave me a birthday present, then we got ramen" Shinji replied giving a little more detail. "What's wrong Misato?"

"Nothing, just making sure your ok" Misato replied "So what did he get you?" She asked changing tacts.

Shinji pulled the USP45 from the back of his pants and placed it on the table. Misato eyed the pistol for a minute taking in all the features realising that for Shinji it was the perfect compliment for his rifle

"That's real nice Shinji. Make sure you keep it locked up like I do when you're not carrying it." She replied

"Yes ma'am" Shinji replied "What do you have?" He added realising he'd never seen Misato carry a gun

Misato put her hand inside her jacket thankful she was still in her work clothes and pulled out her Heckler and Kosh USP placing it down on the table with a grin.

"Wow Misato that's nice" Shinji commented

"Glad you like it" Misato replied her grin growing just a little.

"Say do you ever want to come to the range with me some time?" Shinji asked

"Sure. Give me a chance to see what Huga and Aboa are raving about" Misato replied feeling nice that Shinji would offer something like that.

"What are you talking about?" Shinji asked

"It's all they talk about sometimes, how you couldn't hit anything to save yourself in the eva and then destroyed the range with a glock of all things, then proceeded to tear up everything in the eva after that" Misato responded

"Ah"Shinji mumbled not sure how to take the compliment.

"It's ok Shinji, it's a good thing." She replied with a grin.

She loved how easy it was to tease Shinji. He would blush over anything; she just wished she could find the right girl to push his buttons over. He was close to Rei no doubt about that, but she wasn't getting the right reaction out of him for that one. He's very protective of her. Now Asuka and Shinji was a different matter. They seem to hate each other. The captain would wonder if Asuka was a guy treating Shinji like she does would he beat the crap out of them.

"Well I'm going to watch more T.V with Pen-Pen" Misato said heading back to the lounge room leaving Shinji to his own devices.






"Thanks for coming shopping with me Kaji" Asuka swooned while latched securely onto the man's arm.

She had guilt tripped Kaji into the trip after confronting him about having dinner with Shinji. Though she had no details after acting like a kicked puppy for long enough she had gotten Kaji to take her shopping.

"No problem Asuka" Kaji replied trying to subtly remove the red head from his arm unsuccessfully.

Asuka remained oblivious to Kaji's discomfort as she dragged him into a swimsuit store.

"Don't you have enough of these?" Kaji asked realising where they were headed

"Noooo Kaji. I need a new one for our school trip to Okinawa" Asuka replied finally releasing Kaji's arm and heading down an aisle.

Kaji used the reprieve to stay near the door knowing how bad it must look for him to be in a shop like this with the young pilot. A look that would get worse as Asuka modelled some very revealing suits for Kaji. Fortunately he was able to get Asuka to settle on a slightly more modest red and white two piece for the trip.

After leaving the store he humoured Asuka with lunch at the food court.

"So how are things with the Third Child going?" Kaji asked before Asuka could steer the conversation where she wanted it.

"He's such a dork not like you Kaji" Asuka replied trying to sound mature beyond her years.

"Aren't you being a little harsh on him?" Kaji prodded

"No. All he does is school and Nerv. He's boring" Asuka replied

'That can't be right' Kaji thought. 'Misato has said plenty of times to Ritsuko that Shinji's grades aren't great. Interesting she has no idea how much work he puts in at the gym and range'

"So what are you doing at Okinawa?" Kaji asked

"It's going to be great, we'll be going scuba diving and hanging out at the beach."Asuka replied "Say where did you go for your school trip?"

"We didn't have a school trip" Kaji replied knowing the next question, it pained him a little to deflate the young girl with what was coming. Only a little.

"Why not?" Was the expected question

"Oh just a little thing called Second Impact" Kaji replied playing it down on purpose

Asuka's good mood deflated and Kaji hoped she would ease up on the crush soon.






"What do you mean we can't go?" Asuka screamed her hands on the table as she glared down at Misato

"Exactly that, you can't go on the school trip" Misato replied while taking a swig of beer not a care in the world at the red heads antics.

"Why not? This is ridiculous" Asuka yelled again

"You're on call twenty-four-seven. It's not practical to have you so far from Nerv"Misato replied

"Whose idiotic great idea was that? Besides this is what you have wondergirl for"Asuka yelled not calming down in the least.

Shinji looked at Asuka like he could kill her for the remark about Rei. Misato noticed and silently congratulated him on the self restraint as well

"This ones, the Operations Director." Misato replied still not caring for the red heads cause.

"Shinji help me out here" Asuka demanded

"No thanks" Came the reply

"Huh"Asuka looked dumfounded surely the Baka would want to go on this trip "What?Why not?" She got out.

"I figured we wouldn't be going" He replied matter of factly

"Just because he has given up why should I not go?" Asuka tried in a last ditch effort

"Look think of this as a chance to catch up on your grades. Both your report cards are forwarded to my terminal at work and I must say I'm very disappointed with your grades" Misato replied finishing the argument.

"The grading system you use here is ridiculous" Asuka retorted.

"If you're so smart you should have no problems catching up, especially for someone with your education. You could at least try to adjust to Japanese school life"Misato challenged.

"This SUX!!!" Asuka screamed storming off to her room.






Asuka got to Nerv the next day with nothing to do so she headed to the pool with her swim suit and scuba gear. If she couldn't have a holiday she would have one at Nerv. Her mood was made worse by those two idiot stooge friends of Shinji taunting her as they left for the plane. She had been there to see Hikari off, but just seeing all her class mates so happy made her realise how much she was missing out.

Her mood was made worse when she got to the pool and found the Doll and the Baka being obident little pilots and doing what they were told. 'An entire base and we have to end up at the same spot' the german thought to herself.

Shinji was working on Physics and Maths work after punishing himself in the gym. 'Fun before work today' he figured. He was still in his gym gear and had somehow let Rei talk him into a swimming lesson after finishing his assignments. Rei had offered to help with those as well but Shinji declined saying he needed to learn the stuff himself. Rei agreed but only because she had made Shinji let her teach him how to swim.

Rei was slicing through the water with her usual grace. Shinji hadn't missed it and made a mental note to encourage her to try out for the school swim team later on. 'She really is a good swimmer' He thought turning his attention back to his homework.

Asuka approached the desk where Shinji was working deciding to have some fun with her co-pilot.

"What are you working on Third?" She asked

"Physics homework" Came the reply though he didn't even look up from his screen

"Want to go for a swim?" She asked

"I'm going in after I finish this" Shinji replied still not looking up

"Let me see" Asuka said leaning over exposing as much cleavage as she could in the process "This is easy, there you go all finished" She said finishing the equation on his computer

"Thanks I guess" Shinji said still not taking his eyes off the computer.

"What's next?" Asuka asked a little disappointed that Shinji wasn't checking her out.

"A question about thermal expansion" Shinji replied

"Oh man that's kids stuff" Asuka replied

"If you're so smart how come your grades are so bad?" Shinji asked finally looking up from his computer.

"It's because I can't read the questions. I still have problems translating the Kanji" Asuka replied.

"You should talk to Hikari, she tutors, you guys are friends she would help" Shinji replied

"Ok. Now for thermal expansion when things heat up they expand and when things get cold they contract" Asuka replied

"Alright"Shinji replied getting back to the question on his laptop.

"Look I'll explain it like this if I were to warm my breasts like this" Asuka said making big circles on her breasts with her palms "would the expand or contract"She finished with a sultry smile on her face

"I don't care" Shinji replied trying to finish his homework.

"Such a boring child" Asuka muttered as she headed to the pool with her scuba gear.

Once she was kitted up she called out to Shinji

"Shinji lookie lookie back roll entry" She called out before rolling in backwards off the blocks.

Shinji didn't pay too much attention as he finished his homework and then headed over to the edge of the pool where Rei was swimming and got her attention.

"Finished your homework?" She asked stopping at the end of the pool.

"Yeah all done" Shinji replied.

"Come down the shallow end then" Rei replied as she headed to the shallow end of the pool.

Shinji stripped off his tank top and headed into the pool in board shorts ready for aswimming lesson.






"What does that look like to you?" Misato asked Ritsuko

"It could be anything given the quality of the image" Ritsuko replied as the two women looked at a satellite image of a volcano that had been giving off weird seismic readings for the last two days.

The problem was the readings weren't coming from the crust but from a shelf inside the volcano.

"Any chance it could be the next angel?" Misato asked

"It's possible. How soon can you get up there to have a look?" Ritsuko asked

"If I leave now.... One hour" Misato replied.

"Get going I'll coordinate everything from here" Ritsuko replied






"What's the status?" Misato asked

"600 Meters and descending" Huga replied

"Still nothing?" Misato confirmed as she looked on at the monitor showing the feed from the research probe they had commandeered.

The problem was the probe was not made for this type of work or at these depths.

"Captain please that's the limit of the probe" A researcher begged

"Send it down another 500 please" Misato ordered

"Distance 1100 Meters and steady" Huga replied

"Give me another 300 please, if we break the probe well pay for it" Misato replied as a loud crack could be heard as the pressure built up around the probe

"1400 Meters" Huga replied

"There it is move in on that spot another 50 meters" Misato ordered

Another loud crack sounded out

"Distance 14 40" Huga called out

"Start analysis" Misato ordered

Huga began analysis as the probe went to work it imploded falling off the line as it was crushed by the massive pressure from the volcano.

"Did you get it?" Misato asked

"Barely but its pattern Blue there is no doubt" Huga replied

"Good work" She whispered over his shoulder.

"This laboratory is now under the jurisdiction of Nerv. All information pertaining to these events are classified Top Secret. There will be no communication with the outside world from here on" Misato commanded as some Nerv security guards took posts at the exits of the small research facility.

"Yes get me a secure line. Ritsuko we've got one. Code Blue" Misato said into her phone once a secure connect was established. "I want an A-17 declaration can you get it from the commander? Top priority" She asked

"Of course. Sit tight we'll send you what you need" Ritsuko replied






Commander Ikari sat before the Seele Council putting his case forward.

"You can't seriously want to issue an A-17" The French representative said

"This is ridiculous Ikari have you forgotten what happened last time" A Seele member whose name and country he hadn't bothered to remember spoke

"Of course I haven't. Second Impact is what we are trying to stop the angels from repeating" Ikari replied his posture not changing at all

"This is a very dangerous proposition you're putting forward Ikari" Keel spoke up for the first time.

"It is but the reward is worth it. This is our chance to go from a state of constant defence to an offensive position against the angels. Also capturing aliving specimen would be invaluable" Ikari replied. These old fools just didn't have the insight or the stomach for this and that is why he would be victorious over them.

"Very well I'll authorise this but don't fail us" Keel replied as all the holograms faded out ending the meeting.

"If we fail mankind will be destroyed" Fuyutsuki replied from over Gendo's shoulder.

"Yes the old men are losing their nerves" Ikari added






"That's the target?" Shinji asked

"Yes it has been classified the eighth angel" Ritsuko replied "What's wrong Shinji?"She added seeing the look on his face.

"Nothing it just looks kind of weird" Shinji replied

"Don't tell me poor little Shinji is getting scared?" Asuka taunted

"That's enough" Ritsuko cut in as Rei glared at Asuka from the corner of her eye "The angel is in an embryonic state, it's buried inside a volcano. The mission is to capture it"

"Capture it?" Shinji asked

"Yes the primary objective is to take it alive. A specimen like this would be advantageous for us" Ritsuko replied

"That sounds crazy where is the volcano?" Shinji asked

"It's a remote area at Mount Asamah. Nothing around there accept a research outpost and the volcano" Ritsuko replied

"Can't we just bomb it and destroy it?" Shinji asked

"I'm afraid not an A-17 declaration has been issued, capture is top priority"Ritsuko replied

"Don't chicken out now Shinji" Asuka taunted again

Shinji scratched the side of his head with his middle finger pointing up at Asuka. The red head rolled her eyes and Rei smiled at the subtle exchange glad Shinji was not letting the red head walk all over him.

"Alright the diver for this mission will be....." "Oh let me do it. Pick me" Asuka called out with her hand up "Shinji will wuss out on this mission anyway" She taunted but got no reaction.

"Asuka will be the diver" Ritsuko announced

"Yippee!!"Asuka screamed in joy. "I'll show you how it's done Shinji" She added

"Shinji will be support and backup" Ritsuko added

"Get use to it Third" Asuka taunted again

Shinji said nothing but the look on his face and the way his muscles tensed across his body said plenty about his dislike for the red head and how much she was getting on his nerves. Rei vowed to talk to him before he left.

"What am I doing Dr. Akagi" Rei asked

"The Type-D equipment we will be using isn't standardised for Unit-00 you will remain here on backup in the event of an emergency" Ritsuko replied

"Awwe poor little Rei doesn't get to have any fun" Asuka taunted again

"Shut up Asuka" Shinji said with a glare that got the red head to stop momentarily.

"You have your orders, these come direct from Misato so move out" Ritsuko said more than ordered. She really didn't know how Misato was able to manage the pilots as well as she did.

"Say this new heat resistant plug suit you had me change into doesn't look any different to my normal one" Asuka said as she compressed the garment like normal.

"Press the switch on your right wrist" Ritsuko said not daring to take her eyes off her clip board and reveal the grin she had knowing what was to come.

"Huh Whoa" Asuka cried out as the suit expanded rapidly giving her a look she never wanted.

Ritsuko headed out towards Unit-02 with Asuka reluctantly following.

"What have you done to my Unit-02?" Asuka screamed in shock upon seeing her eva in what looked like a giant relic diving suit in white

"This exosuit is Type-D equipment made for battle in extreme environments under duress and high heat, not exactly high fashion" Ritsuko replied not caring for the impossible girls outbursts.

"Forget it. I WON'T DO IT!" Asuka yelled "This is the type of thing you have the Baka for" She added

Ritsuko face palmed at this they were on a tight schedule as it was. Shinji and Rei were ready for their roles and Asuka was wasting time with her antics.

"Oh that's too bad I was so looking forward to seeing you in battle" Came Kaji's voice from up on the catwalk.

When Asuka saw him standing up there looking down on her and Unit-02 like they were she ran from the room yelling that Shinji should do it.

"This is crazy; I can't take much more of her carrying on like this." Shinji muttered to Rei.

They had been waiting around for Asuka as they were ready to go when the red heads antics got their attention as she came into the cages.

"I know brother. Just don't do anything you will regret later" Rei advised. "I'll get her to pilot" She added

"How?"Shinji asked in a whisper.

"You'll see when she gets back" Rei replied cryptically in a whisper

"What are you two whispering about?" Asuka yelled seeing the two pilots talking amongst themselves when she returned.

"Nothing"Shinji replied 'It was kind of true' He thought

"Sure. I bet your making fun of me" Asuka accused

"I've got better things to waste time on than that" Shinji spat not appreciating the accusation one bit.

"I will pilot Unit-02 if the Third Child is not willing to complete the mission"Rei said raising her hand

"Oh no you don't the only way you're using my Unit-02 is over my dead body" Asuka declared "I'll do it" She yelled slapping Rei's hand down.

Ritsuko breathed a sigh of relief at this. It would have taken a long time to make adjustments for a mission with specific roles like this. She silently thanked Rei noticing the smirk she shared with Shinji

"I'm sorry Libchen they made me do it" Asuka exclaimed to Unit-02 looking at it with a sad face

"Nice one" Shinji whispered to Rei as he headed towards Unit-01.

Rei smiled ever so slightly at the compliment






"Unit-01 and -02 have arrived" Came a communication to the outpost.

"Have them stand by and reposition the laser bore" Misato ordered.

"What are those? Jets?" Shinji asked seeing the sun glimmer off some objects in the sky

"The U.N and Air Force are on standby. At least until this mission is over anyway"Ritsuko replied

"Are they here to help us?" Asuka asked

"No there here to clean up the mess if we fail" Ritsuko replied again

"Ah what do you mean?" Asuka asked

"They'll use N2 depth charges to destroy the angel and us" Ritsuko replied

"This job sux" Asuka yelled

"Who ordered that?" Shinji asked

"Commander Ikari" Maya replied

Shinji grit his teeth and kept his mouth shut his hate for his father rising just alittle more.

The LASER boom fired its final salvo down the volcano and cleared the crane rail. Unit-02 slid into position.

"Path secured" Came a voice over coms.

"Type-D equipment functioning normally" Maya reported.

Misato looked to all the techs and Ritsuko in the outpost getting a go ahead from them"Asuka are you ready?" She asked

"Ready when you are" The red head replied

"Begin the operation" She ordered.

"Oh man. Talk about hot" Asuka complained as she got near the surface

Shinji looked on from his position glad it wasn't him dangling like a worm on a hook. He realised that he really was a spectator for this one as once Asuka was at depth he would not be able to do anything to help if she got stuck.

"Hey look at this Shinji, a perfect scissors dive" Asuka called out splitting Unit-02's legs as far apart as the Type-D equipment would allow her to.

Shinji sighed at this. 'At least she is confident about this' He thought.

"Current depth 170. Rate of descent 20. Visibility 0. Switching to C.T Monitor" Asuka called out

"Depth is 400.... 450.... 500.... 550.... 600.... 650" Maya reported as Asuka continued to descend sweating more than she thought possible.

Shinji continued to look on from Unit-01 listening to coms. He just couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong.

"900.... 950.... 1000.... 1050.... We are over the maximum safety depth" Maya reported.

Misato and the rest of the crew continued to look on still seeing nothing.

"1300.... Unit-02 is at the estimated target depth" Maya reported.

"Asuka what do you see?" Misato asked

"I can't see anything. It's not here" Asuka replied

"The lava currents must have been stronger than we anticipated" Ritsuko said to Misato.

"The targets velocity certainly doesn't match our predictions" Makoto reported.

"Hurry up and recalculate. Keep descending" Misato ordered.

"Huh"Makoto replied as he got to work.

"Depth is 1300.... 1350.... 1400...." Maya reported as a loud crack could be heard over coms. "The second coolant pipe has ruptured" She added.

"Grrrrr"Asuka got out knowing that things were really going to heat up now.

"Depth is 1480. We have exceeded the maximum allowed depth" Maya reported.

"But we haven't seen the target yet. Keep going.... How's it going Asuka?" Misato ordered

"Nice and toasty. I just want to finish this and take a shower." The german replied

"There's a hot spring near here. We'll all go there once the mission is over. Just hang in there a little longer" Misato replied

A loud crack startled Asuka as the front glass cracked from the pressure.

"Maximum allowed depth plus 120" Maya reported

Another loud crack followed

"Unit-02 has lost its progressive knife" Maya reported.

"Schisse"Asuka muttered once she realised what was going on.

"Maximum allowed depth plus 200" Maya reported

"Captain Katsuragi you've got to stop this. Have you forgotten there is a human being in there?" Makoto asked clearly not happy with how the mission was going.

"No I haven't but this is my mission and I'll run it as I see fit" Misato replied."Asuka do you have anything?" Misato asked again.

"Not yet" Asuka replied glaring at her instruments "Wait there it is" She exclaimed picking up something on the evas HUD.

"The target is in sight" Makoto reported

"Prepare for capture" Misato ordered

"Distance to target 30 meters" Makoto reported

"Because of the convection currents moving you and the target you will only have one shot at this" Ritsuko advised Asuka

"Roger"She replied "Relative velocity 2.2 on the axis" Asuka reported

Asuka deftly manoeuvred Unit-02 into position and spread the cage, the electromagnetic cage capturing the angel.

"The electromagnetic cage has been spread. No problems detected" Asuka reported

"Nice work Asuka. Begin assent" Misato ordered

"Asuka are you ok?" Shinji asked

"Of course I'm fine. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. This was easy."Asuka replied smugly

"Sounds like the tension let loose all at once" Ritsuko commented

"Yeah"Misato replied

"Were you scared about this operation?" Ritsuko asked her friend

"Yeah a little but I knew we could do it. If something had gone wrong it could have been another..."

"Second Impact" Ritsuko finished for her friend

Shinji looked on still not liking that he was helpless at this point, the only solace for him was that the cable was winding in faster than it had rolled out.

"Unit-02 passing 1000 meters" Maya reported

"Coolant lines operating within nominal values" Makoto reported.

"Unit-02 passing through 500 meters" Maya reported again "300... 250... 200... 150... 100... Unit-02 approaching the surface"

Shinji looked on as Unit-02 broke the surface of the volcano angel in tow within the cage. Unit-02 was lowered to the edge of the volcano and started making the awkward walk with the cage over to the modified semi waiting to transport the angel back to Nerv.

Asuka lowered the angel into the semi trailer. "Shinji give me a hang to get out of this Type-D suit" She half demanded half asked.

Shinji pulled a pin activating the explosive bolts causing the suit to fall off Unit-02.

"Asuka hit the right switch again on the plug suit" Ritsuko informed

Asuka hit the switch and the suit contracted with a hiss fitting her like a normal plug suit. "Ah that's much better" She exclaimed

Shinji started walking over to the semi "Where are you going Shinji?" Asuka asked

"Escorting the angel back to Nerv" Shinji replied

"What for? Everything is under control Baka" Asuka replied

Just as she finished that sentence a loud roar was heard as the semi trailer was ripped to shreds as the angel decided now was the best time to hatch. It took off letting off another roar as alarms sounded in the outpost and at Nerv headquarters.

"The angel has grown at a faster rate than we can predict and has hatched" Ritsuko cried out.

"I'm changing the mission parameters. Destroy that angel" Misato ordered

"Oh shit it can fly" Shinji got out as the angel made a pass over Units-01 and -02."What do you want Asuka?" Shinji asked as he ran to the weapons cache.

"I'll have the shot gun" Asuka said.

Shinji threw the gun to Asuka and she pumped the first round into the barrel. Shinji grabbed a pallet rifle and wished he had his sniper rifle here but Ritsuko insisted on a field test before combat with the new weapon.

Asuka ran out into the open ready to attack.

"Asuka what are you doing?" Shinji asked over coms

"Getting its attention. You do the early damage and I'll finish it off" She replied

"Are you kidding we have no intel, it's a good way to get yourself chopped to bits"Shinji replied while taking up a covering position with as much altitude over Asuka as he could find to cover her.

"Do you have a better idea?" She countered.

"Not with the time we have, the angel is turning back" Shinji replied

The angel came back around towards Unit-02 and -01 homing in on the red eva that was in the open easily. Shinji started firing off single rounds that hit the angel and bounced off, little sparks showing where each round hit as he peppered the wings and body of the angel.

"It's not working. The rounds bounce off" Shinji replied

"Keep going" Asuka requested losing a little of her nerve at this comment

As the angel got closer and closer Shinji could make out more features but every round that hit the body just bounced off.

"The heat must have changed this angel's molleilcur structure. The skin is like solid armour" Ritsuko informed the pilots.

"Asuka take cover" Misato ordered

"No we can do it. Come on Shinji hit it" Asuka yelled

Shinji lined up the head and fired a round only to see it bounce off again. Then he yelled out holding the trigger down drawing the sights across the head of the angel. Rounds started bouncing across the side of the head as Shinji's aim drew the line of rounds across and up the angels face hitting it in the eye.

This did the trick as the angel screamed out in pain jerking its head back and to the side causing it to crash into the dirt in front of Unit-02. Asuka walked up to the angel noticing it kind of looked like a dragon with its long body wings and tail. Kicking it in the stomach it rolled onto its back one eye hanging out of its socket. She pointed the shotgun at the head point blank and pulled the trigger. The loud boom from the round was deafening as it echoed through the empty region surrounding the volcano.

The angel's head snapped back from the force of the shot the hole in its eye getting even bigger but nothing else was damaged. The shot seemed to stir the angel back to consciousness. It lashed out with its tail knocking Asuka off her feet. Unit-02 hit the ground hard its shoulder leaving a big crater in the dirt as the angel took to the sky again.

"Asuka are you ok?" Misato asked over coms

"I'm fine but gott dam nit that thing is fast" Asuka replied as she got Unit-02 to its feet.

Shinji tracked the angel all the while firing more rounds till he had to reload another mag and the angel was out of range.

"Did you see the core?" Misato asked

"It's in the back of the head" Shinji replied

"Get it in close and attack there" Misato ordered

"Here"Shinji threw Asuka a progressive spear which she left in the ground keeping the shotgun for now.

Both Evas tracking the angel as it flew a wide arc coming around to line up Unit-02 again.

"I think it likes you Asuka" Shinji commented

"Very funny Third" Asuka replied as the angel closed in increasing in speed all the time.

Shinji opened up just holding the trigger down all the time correcting his aim as the angel flew, hitting it in the head again. The angel seemed to realise this wasn't going to work again and changed tact. Pulling a high loop and rolling out at the top if it the angel had very deftly changed its angle of attack to Unit-01. It then opened it mouth pouring fire out at Unit-01 as it passed over the top of the purple war machine. Shinji taking cover against the side of the volcano was spared any damage for once.

"Shinji get out of there the side of the volcano is about to go up after that" Misato ordered

"Yes ma'am" Shinji replied leaving the cover of the volcano.

With both units now exposed the angel came around for another pass.

"Don't let the fire hit you, your armour won't take that kind of abuse" Ritsuko informed

"Maya get headquarters to launch Rei we'll take the fight towards Tokyo-3" Misato ordered

Maya picked up the phone and got the Sub-Commander on the line

"Sir the angel hatched prematurely we need to launch Rei"

"Very well" Fuyutsuki replied hanging up and turning his attention to Aboa

"Launch Unit-00 immediately and equip it with heavy arms" Fuyutsuki ordered

"Yes Sir" Came Aboa's reply as he started typing commands at his terminal to prepare everything for the blue warrior.

"Unit-00 ready for launch on route 25" Aboa replied moments later

"Good. Eva Unit-00 Launch!" Fuyutsuki commanded 'I can see why Misato likes that part of the job' the old professor mused

Unit-00 rocketed to the surface with Rei grimacing all the way. 'I just don't get how he likes this part' she thought referring to Shinji's love of launches. Unit-00 hit the surface with a crack the door to its launch building opening as Rei stepped out grabbing a rocket launcher.

"Asuka Shinji listen up Rei has launched in Unit-00. Ditch your power cables and head back to Tokyo-3 and link up with her. Use the extra fire power to bring the angel down" Misato ordered

"What about our power cables?" Asuka asked.

"There will be more waiting for you at Tokyo-3 now get moving" Misato ordered

The angel made another pass leaving a trail of fire and destruction in its path but was unable to hit Unit-01 or -02

"Come on Shinji lets get going" Asuka said ejecting her power cord.

"You get going I'll follow" Shinji replied as he started to line the angel up as it circled around again.

"What?"Asuka got out.

"Your power cable is out don't stop now Asuka" Misato ordered

Asuka realised she would be no use without a power cable and a dead eva so she made adash to Tokyo-3. At top speed the red eva should be able to cover the distance in four minutes. She had five on battery and with Shinji giving her a head start she would make it easy.

"You better hurry up Shinji" Asuka called out after starting the mad dash to Tokyo-3

"What do you think you're doing Shinji?" Misato barked not liking where this was going

"I'm not planning on staying here Misato I'm just guaranteeing one of us making it back to help Rei" Shinji replied

The angel completed its turn and zeroed in on Unit-01. It dove straight at the purple war machine and started attacking with fire leaving a mass of scorched earth in its wake. Shinji easily rolled away from the attack, opening fire as he completed the roll. He was shooting blind with the angel and himself moving so fast but scored a couple of lucky hits as he rose to his feet. Another round hit the regenerating eye and a second on the wing joint caused the angel to crash hard into the ground.

"Alright Shinji bug out to Tokyo-3 now, we will follow in a helicopter once it's safe to fly" Misato ordered

"On it" Shinji replied ejecting his power cable and following Asuka's footsteps to Tokyo-3.

Unit-01 picked up speed with each step flying across the terrain a sonic boom echoing around him as he broke the sound barrier and actually started catching Asuka. The angel dusted itself off and took to the sky with a raw signalling to everyone it was not letting this go easily.

"Alright get us back to Nerv" Misato ordered

Shinji and Asuka arrived almost at the same time, grabbing power cords and weapons. Asuka picking up another progressive spear and a rocket launcher, Shinji grabbed a shotgun.

"You sure took your time" Asuka commented sarcastically

"At least we are all here" Shinji replied

"Prepare to intercept the angel is closing in" Misato ordered

"Lets go, we can use security buildings a and d to attack the angel and cover each other" Rei replied

"I'll take security building a" Asuka replied

"I'll have d" Rei replied

"Works for me I'll be between you two in the city" Shinji added.

The three Evas hustled towards their positions.

"I've got the angel on scanners it's closing in fast" Shinji commented

"Lets hit it hard" Asuka replied

"The weak spots are the eyes and body joints" Shinji informed

The angel had too many targets so it picked out Unit-01 in the middle of the city and attacked with rage, flying high to get as much altitude as possible it came diving down from the clouds leaving vapour trails coming off its wing tips. Asuka and Rei let off two rockets each the war heads tracking straight at the angel, but it rolled between the first two rockets and then showed amazing agility to bank left and then hard right missing the next two.

"Damn"Asuka got out seeing the four rockets miss the angel.

She then fired two more, however Rei continued to track the angel as it banked left again to miss Asuka's newest shots. Rei then fired a single rocket as the angel crossed her line of fire. To busy with avoiding Asuka's rockets Rei's tracked straight for the wing joint and hit true as the angel let out a pained raw and spun out of control straight at Unit-01

"Oh shit this is going to hurt" Shinji got out as he dived for cover.

The angel crashed through a skyscraper before hitting Unit-01 and then the ground hard, thrashing around wildly in the mini crater it had made in downtown.

"Shinji are you ok?" Rei called out over coms

"I'm fine lets get after this thing while it's on the deck" Shinji replied heading straight for the angel

"Come on wondergirl lets go" Asuka ordered jumping from her building and running through the city towards the downed angel

Shinji got to the angel first and immediately opened fire aiming at the head and chest.

Hearing the loud shotgun rounds echoing through the city "I guess Shinji is already there" Asuka commented

"Keep moving and give him a hand, you're getting close. We can see you from above"Misato ordered as the Nerv VTOL Made a pass high over Tokyo-3

Shinji kept firing until 'Click' out of shells He dropped the shotgun but before he could grab another weapon the angel reacted lashing out with its large tail stabbing Unit-01 through the shoulder.

"Ahhhh Dammit" Shinji roared. Grabbing at the angel's tail trying to remove it from Unit-01 and his shoulder

The angel stood up the top of its body littered with holes going right through the upper chest and head. It shook its head in a scolding manner at Unit-01 as the angels wounds closed up at an alarming rate. The angel pushed its tail in further twisting to cause more pain as Shinji's screams filled everyone's head sets.

Asuka and Rei rounded the last corner just as the angel attacked with claws leaving deep gouges in the helpless Unit-01; it then opened its mouth and let out aburst of fire at Unit-01. The fire hit the other shoulder causing server burns and even more pain for Shinji a layer of armour melted instantly. Rei reacted first firing a rocket at the tail of the angel. With the angel distracted with Unit-01 the rocket flew straight impacting in the middle of the tail causing it to break off. The explosion separated Unit-01 and the angel leaving enough space for Asuka to fire two more rounds at the angel. Both rounds hitting true flooring the angel.

"Shinji are you ok?" Rei asked once Unit-00 got to Unit-01's side.

"Yeah just get this thing out of my shoulder and lets go kill this thing" Shinji replied

Rei helped Shinji to his feet. "This is going to hurt" She said taking hold of the severed tail.

"Don't doubt it for a second" Shinji replied

Rei pulled hard ripping the tail out in one go "Arraauuugghh" Shinji got out. Unit-01 clutching at the wound.

The angel rose to its feet and surveyed this new threat. 'Its red' flashed through its mind as it attacked lashing out with tentacles that were concealed under the wings. Asuka used the spear to block the attacks. Rei fired some rounds from the pistol hitting the angel in its back.

"Keep going the angels energy pattern is weakening" Aboa reported

Asuka hit the angel in the back of its head with the handle of the spear as Rei ran out of ammo and loaded another clip. The angel turned to face Asuka.

"Asuka get your prog knife out now" Shinji ordered

She dropped the spear and pulled her knife holding it in a back hand grip. The angel tilted its head not sure of what to make of this but readied itself for another attack on the red monstrosity in front of it. Rei spotted Shinji on top of a building above the angel and Unit-02 and fired the pistol again emptying the clip into the angel's body giving Shinji the distraction she knew he would need.

As Rei fired her last three rounds Shinji jumped from the top of the building prog knives in each hand. He flew straight at the angel bring the knives down through the wing joints as he landed. Without wasting any time he delivered avicious kick to the angel's back that sent it flying into the building next to Asuka. She wasted no time in driving her knife into the core of the angel and firing her shoulder spikes at the same time. The core glowed white hot and exploded immediately in a missive fire ball mixed with gore and blood. By the end of it Unit-00 and -01 looked a little more like Unit-02 covered in red angel blood.

"Target destroyed" Aboa announced over the com.

"All pilots report in. Is everyone ok?" Misato ordered.

"Unit-00 I'm fine" came Rei's voice

"Unit-01 no problems here" Shinji replied next

Everyone looked at Unit-02 which looked fine but didn't move

"Asuka report in" Came Misato's voice again

"I've done it. I've fucking done it. Yeah that's how you kill an angel. From now on that's how we kill angels" The German cried out triumphantly.

"Asuka you call in with your status next time understand" Misato said though her tone indicated she was not too mad at this fact.

"Yes ma'am" Asuka replied.

"Alright use platform 8 to return to the cages. I'll meat you there" Misato ordered then cut the connection.

The three pilots made it to the cages without any major incidents, though Shinji's movements were getting a little sluggish in Unit-01 which continued to bleed. He figured this was the norm and hoped his maintenance team could fix Unit-01 up quickly.

All the plugs ejected and the pilots made it to the cat walk.

"Are you ok Shinji?" Rei asked with obvious concern in her voice.

"I'll be fine. I'm just not feeling too hot right now" Shinji replied looking run off his feet.

"Yeeaaahhhhhhh!!!!"Asuka cheered getting some high fives at the victory.

"Listen up everyone" Came the Sub-Commanders voice "There's still a lot of work to do, first teams you need to compile damage reports urgently so we can get these repairs under way. Party in the mess hall in 30 understood" He finished the last part with joy before heading back to the commanders office.

"Listen up pilots" Misato called as the cheers of joy and euphoria erupted from the maintenance crews around her "See your team leaders with any concerns and go get cleaned up. I'll see you at the party. And one more thing..." She paused making sure she had their complete attention "Great work" She finished with asmile.

"Shinji"Han called out getting his pilots attention "Do you have anything to report?"He asked

"Nothing to report" He replied "Just a request or a favour" He added

"Sure name it" was the reply

"Don't wash the blood of it" Shinji asked

"Ok. Any particular reason why?" He asked

"I'm tired of getting my arse handed to me all the time. Surely that angel picked me out because I've got a purple Eva" Shinji replied "I figured a little victory blood might make it look a little more bad-ass" He added

"Doctor Akagi still won't paint it?" Han filled in "So you figure this is this is the next best thing. I like it. I'll see what I can do, no promises though" He added

"Thanks"Shinji replied

"Oh there is one more thing, you lost the bet the angel only levelled a skyscraper before you guys killed it so pay up little buddy" Han added with a shit eating grin

"Would you believe I left my wallet in my other plug suit" Shinji replied with a smirk"I'll give it to you. Are you going to the party?" Shinji asked seriously

"Yeah, I'll see you there" Han replied




Shinji ran into Asuka and Rei outside the locker rooms.

"Hey Third we've been waiting for you" Asuka called out getting his attention.

Rei looked at him still a little concerned

"What's up?" Shinji asked

"We were just talking about the battle. What did you think of it?" Asuka asked

While she was still aggressive and overconfident Shinji was finding her a lot more bearable now.

"The end result speaks for itself" He replied

"We were pretty good right" Asuka continued

"Yeah we got it right together" Shinji replied with a smile at Rei.

"You going to the party?" Asuka asked

"Yeah, are you guys?" Shinji asked

Rei nodded "Of course we are. Everyone wants to see the heroes" Asuka replied nonchalantly

The three pilots headed to the mess hall to begin celebrations.




To be continued.

To everyone who is still following and reviewing the story thank you. I hope you're still enjoying the story. I'll try to write back to the reviews as I get time.