FicWad

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1



Chapter 10:



Misato and Ritsuko saw the humve come into the return bay. Asuka's mild sedative had worn off quickly; while she was a little groggy she was able to get out of the humve on her own. Rei followed Asuka and a medical crew pulled Shinji out on astretcher and transferred him to a waiting gurney.

"What happened here?" Misato asked as Ritsuko headed with Shinji to medical.

"Because we had no power we had to cut the entry plugs open, Pilots Soryu and Ayanami were ok. We found Pilot Ikari in the condition he is in now." The retrieval leader spoke

"Very well, Thank you" Misato replied

"There is one more thing Captain. We had to sedate Pilot Soryu because she would not let us secure her safety. She was trying to order us to rescue Pilot Ikari before her safety was guaranteed, we had to sedate her for the ride back" The retrieval leader added

"Thank you for your report" Misato added with a smirk 'Maybe Asuka is starting to change but it is too hard to tell' Misato thought

"Nurse please take Pilot Soryu to medical for a check up" Misato ordered not listening to the reply as she headed towards Rei.

"Rei what happened?" Misato asked

"We had to climb the launch tube towards the angel's position, half way up the final tube we were attacked with acid and fell to the bottom of the tube. Shinji dislocated his shoulder in the fall. We switched to reserve batteries and Shinji put his shoulder back in place. He then cut the cable to retrieval platform 8 while we held onto the cable to reach the surface. Once on the surface the angel showed amazing defensive capabilities. It managed to blow ahole exposing the geo-front then we were able to engage it at close range until Shinji killed the angel point blank with a shot gun and lost the skin on his forearm in the process" Rei filled the captain in.

"I see and by Shinji you mean Shinji and Unit-01 in regards to injuries?" Misato clarified

"Yes ma'am" Rei replied quietly

"Alright I have to get back to the bridge, you heading to medical?" Misato asked to which Rei nodded

"I'll catch up with you three later then" Misato replied

Rei nodded again and headed to medical.

The first room in medical contained Asuka looking a lot better then she had when they arrived at Nerv. The second contained Shinji with Dr. Akagi working away on his arm. Rei stood by the viewing window to his room just watching. It looked like a tank and robot arm had been put around his arm. The arm appeared to be grafting skin onto his arm and the tank looked like it was filled with LCL. Since she couldn't see much more Rei headed to get a shower after which she would return to Shinji's room.


Rei returned to Shinji's room seeing no one there, the robot was still working away on his arm so she sat down and kept watch over her sibling and started thinking. She was wondering if Shinji wanted to tell anyone about them being siblings, then her thoughts drifted to trying to figure out who he keeps looking at in class. Shinji insists it's not Asuka but he always looks in her direction and finally to just hoping that he would be ok.

'Human emotions are very confusing she mused'




Asuka stood under the shower continuing her thinking. She had plenty of time in the entry plug and now she had more time under the shower. At least she was not bored anymore, Shinji was again the focus of her thoughts, and did she owe him one? He saved her arse and what did he get for his efforts another trip to the hospital. She had to be strong so she could match him, it was bad enough his sync score was far superior to hers, at least she had him beat at school she finished with a smirk.

"Better go see how the baka is" She muttered to herself killing the water and grabbing a towel.

Once dressed in her street clothes she headed to medical to find Shinji's room. Once there she saw wondergirl sitting by his bed side but headed in anyways.

"How is he?" Asuka asked with genuine concern

"Shinji has been sedated to allow his injuries to heal" Rei replied quietly

"Oh so its Shinji now" Asuka replied with a smirk "Are you his girlfriend?" She added not knowing why

The question took Rei by surprise though it didn't show; she would like a boyfriend with Shinji's qualities when she thought about it.

"No"Came the soft reply

"What do you mean no? Your always together just what is he to you?" Asuka asked not expecting that answer.

Rei thought about what to do, she could tell the truth and one of two things would happen. Asuka would not believe her or she would go and tell everyone. Neither of which were agreeable as she didn't know what Shinji would want. Or she could lie.

"He is my brother" Rei replied with pride in her voice

"What??You don't even have the same last name" Asuka retorted not really believing her

"We share the same birthday and mother" Rei replied

"You're twins?" Asuka asked exasperated

"Yes"Rei replied softly

"Of course it makes perfect sense; the two biggest losers on the planet have to be related." Asuka replied

Rei said nothing just continued to look at Shinji hoping he would wake up soon.

"Tell him I stopped by and hope he is ok" Asuka said turning on her heal and leaving

"Very well Pilot Soryu" Rei replied as Asuka left

"I hope you are ok with this Shinji" Rei whispered as Shinji continued to rest.




"Hi Misato" Asuka said as her guardian returned home later that night

"Hi Asuka, How are you feeling?" Misato asked

"Like a winner" Asuka replied with bravado

'Another front' Misato thought

"You never debriefed before you left headquarters" Misato prompted the red head

"I got distracted" Asuka replied

"Distracted by what?" Misato asked as this was unlike Asuka

"Ayanami"Asuka replied cryptically

"What about Rei?" Misato asked

"Why didn't you ever tell me Misato?" Asuka asked

"Tell you what?" Misato asked not understanding

"That the baka and wondergirl are twins" Asuka replied looking her guardian square in the eyes to gauge her reaction.

"What are you talking about" Misato replied

"Wondergirl told me, they have the same mother and birthday, they're twins" Asuka replied

"I had no idea, I knew their birthday was the same but I didn't know they are related" Misato replied

"How could you not?" Asuka asked not understanding how Nerv couldn't know something like this

"They have different last names I had no idea" Misato replied

"I mean wondergirl told me, I thought they were dating I had no idea they were related" Asuka said more to herself

"Oh do you think you have Shinji to yourself now?" Misato teased never one to miss an opportunity

"What gross me and that perverted baka" Asuka retorted "What's for dinner anyway?"Asuka added changing the subject

"I'll make something Shinji will be in the hospital for a while" Misato replied

Asuka sweat dropped at the thought of Misato's cooking as she headed to her room.




"Rits"Misato got her college friends attention

"What is it Misato?" Ritsuko replied looking very busy as usual.

"Are Rei and Shinji related?" Misato asked straight to the point

Ritsuko started choking on her coffee uncontrollably at Misato's question.

"What are you talking about?" Ritsuko replied

"Asuka said she found out they were related. I know they shared a birthday but I had no idea" Misato replied gauging her friend's reaction.

"How did Asuka find out about that?" Ritsuko asked

"So it is true?" Misato questioned avoiding Ritsuko's question like she did hers

"Yes Misato its true, now how did Asuka find out about this?" Ritsuko pressed on

"Wait wait wait before we get into that how come I wasn't told?" Misato asked keeping the conversation where she wanted it, the fact was once she heard what Asuka had to say she didn't think to verify the information, and she wasn't about to sell Asuka out to Ritsuko completely.

"Commanders orders probably for the pilots safety, I doubt Shinji and Rei knew when Shinji got here, in fact I'm not even sure they know now" Ritsuko replied "Now how did Asuka find out about this? It is classified information, pilots identities must be kept a secret" She added

"You will have to ask her about it, but don't think you can go grilling her over this" Misato replied

"Fine I'll take it up with her" Ritsuko replied

"Alright I'll see you later on, I'm going to medical" Misato replied as she left.




Misato arrived at Shinji's room in medical to see the young man still in a coma, his chest rising and falling to the rhythm the ventilator set, she noticed the robot was almost finished on his arm and Rei was still by his bed side though she had fallen asleep.

'Maybe this explains why they work so well together, like they have an unspoken understanding, I wonder if they could even explain it.' She thought as she headed into the room and sat down quietly off to the side. She had an hour to kill until her first meeting of the day and figured she would get some peace and quiet here and if Rei was to wake up even better.

Misato let her mind wander as she sat there thoughts about everything that had happened since she joined Nerv running through her mind, seven angels dead, they had posed different challenges but each had been overcome eventually.'Stay the course and you will have your revenge' Misato thought

Her thoughts were broken by Rei stirring awake. The blue haired pilot stretching raising her arms up as she woke up completely.

"Good morning Rei" Misato spoke quietly.

"Good morning Captain Katsuragi" Rei replied in her normal quiet voice

Misato frowned just a fraction as she was hoping to get a reaction out of Rei or at least scare her a little but as always she was unfazed by anything.

"How are you this morning?" Misato asked

"I am well" Came the soft reply "And you?" She added.

"I'm good" Misato replied "Asuka told me she found out you and Shinji are twins"Misato added casually.

Rei's eyes widened at this though Misato wouldn't know as she had gone back to looking at Shinji

"Yes"Rei replied figuring that this was all that was required for Misato's statement

"How long have you known about this?" Misato asked deciding it was time for Q and Aand direct was the best way with Rei.

"For as long as I can remember" Rei replied.

"Shinji never said anything about it, though it does explain a few things" Misato replied

"Shinji... Pilot Ikari" Rei corrected herself "Only found out recently, and what does it explain?" Rei asked

"The fact that your birthday's are the same day, and your amazing ability to work so well together" Misato replied

"What ability?" Rei replied

"The way you two pilot eva together, there is no one else that can do that, not even with training, and I saw you both in the range when Shinji was teaching you how to spot targets, you're able to anticipate each other so well" Misato replied

"Yes that is true" Rei replied

"Since Shinji never talks about it how did he take it?" Misato asked.

"It didn't bother him that he found out so late but he is glad to have family" Rei replied

"What do you think about it?" Misato asked

Rei thought for a moment about how to phrase what she felt for her brother.

"It is nice to know that I have a brother who will always look out for me and protect me, he is not how the commander explained him to me but I am glad for that" Rei replied

"What do you mean?" Misato asked. She knew the commander raised Rei but had no idea that she had been told about Shinji. Misato didn't know a thing about him before she went to pick him up from the station that fateful day months ago.

"The commander told me he was raised in an orphanage after our mother died and that he was shy and weak, a socially inept young boy though I am glad that the commanders description is wrong, Shinji is brave and courageous and he has shown me many things about life that have been kept from me previously" Rei replied

"Interesting, well Rei I have to get going, I was going to check on Shinji, so just let me know if he wakes up" Misato said turning to leave.

"Yes Captain" Rei replied.

Misato headed to her meeting with a lot to think about, 'maybe I should talk to Kaji about this' she thought




"Captain Katsuragi here" Misato said picking her phone up later that afternoon.

"Hello Captain" The Sub-Commander said "Come to Commander Ikari's office at once please" Fuyutsuki requested

"Yes sir" Misato said as the call ended

Grabbing her beret from her draw and straightening her skirt out she headed to the commanders office wondering what could have happened.

Once in front of the doors to what many staff had dubbed Gendo's Lair Misato paused as she gathered herself and knocked on the door. She cursed her luck that the receptionist was not there

"Enter"came the gruff voice from behind the door.

Misato strode through the door and started crossing the vast distance to Commander Ikari's desk where the Sub-Commander was standing behind and too his right with his hands behind his back. Commander Ikari sat behind his desk with his trade mark pose.

"Captain Katsuragi reporting as ordered sir" Misato said snapping of a salute.

"Captain I have been watching your performance closely since the Angel War started"Commander Ikari began as Misato paled a little at hearing this 'Oh God I'm dead' She thought as the Commander continued, Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki stepped forward holding a small metallic box "Your performance has been......." the commander paused for the right word and to build a little tension. He was an expert in reading people and was enjoying this immensely as he grinned sadistically behind his hands.

"Exemplary"He finished smiling like a maniac now seeing all of Misato's emotion play across her face and eyes. Fear, panic, failure and finally relief

"Thank you sir" She got out though had no idea how.

"Congratulations Major" The Sub-Commander spoke as he opened the box and removed her new insignia fastening it to her uniform in place of her old one.

"Major?"Misato asked

"Yes a promotion for your hard work and outstanding results" Commander Ikari reiterated.

"Thank you sirs" Misato said again.

"Now we are leaving for Antarctica tomorrow, as director of operations I'm leaving you in charge of Nerv while we are away." The commander ordered.

"Yes sir" Misato replied again

"One more thing, try to instil a little more discipline into the Third Child" The Commander ordered again.

"Yes sir" Misato replied

"Congratulations Major, dismissed" The commander replied

"Thank you sir" Misato replied giving another salute and turning and leaving, giving ahuge sigh of relief as she made it through the doors of the darkened room to safety.

"You're a cruel man Gendo" Fuyutsuki said once Misato had left

Gendo just smirked at that knowing he didn't have to make it so stressful on Misato but enjoyed every second of it.




Misato headed home after another late finish. The weather was looking dangerous as she was driving along the mostly empty streets of Tokyo-3. The weather had been getting stranger lately; the constant summer that Japan had been thrown into was changing. Misato mused that the change had coincided with the arrival of the angels. There was a lot more rainy days now and the temperature was starting to get colder as well the last few months.

'Maybe we are having our first winter' she thought as she continued driving through the rain towards her apartment.

Arriving home Misato found everyone asleep at home. Asuka and Pen-Pen would have retired for the night long before she got home and Shinji was still in a coma at the hospital though she had checked on him in the afternoon and the nurse on duty was hopeful he would wake up soon.

Letting out a sigh she headed to bed knowing that tomorrow she would have a lot to do with the Commander and Sub-Commander away.




'White light, God its bright' Shinji thought as his eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning brother" Came Rei's soft voice welcoming him back into the land of the consciousness.

"R...R...Rei"Shinji croaked out his throat dry and raw from having been on the ventilator

"Here drink this" Rei said handing him a cup of water.

Shinji obliged while he was not dehydrated by any means his throat felt better for the drink

"How long have I been out for?" He asked figuring he may as well get it over with

"Only two days" Rei replied

"That's encouraging" Shinji commented at that

"How do you feel?" Rei asked

"Not bad actually, I thought I would be a lot worse" Shinji replied with a smile at seeing Rei's small smile

"I need to get to school, I will get your hand outs for you and let Misato and Pilot Soryu know you are awake" Rei replied with her usual soft voice.

"Ok. Thanks for looking over me Rei" Shinji replied

"Good-Bye brother" Rei said

"Bye sister" Shinji replied with a smile




Misato headed down to medical after hearing from Rei that Shinji was awake. She found a nurse outside his room.

"How is he doing nurse?" Misato asked

"He is fine, no lasting injuries from the battle, just about all his injuries have healed" The nurse replied

"So when will he be able to come home?" Misato asked

"As soon as Dr. Akagi discharges him" The nurse replied

"And not a second before" Ritsuko interjected sneaking up on Misato

"Gah Rits didn't know you were there" Misato replied

"Excuse me I'll be going first this time Misato" Ritsuko replied as she headed into Shinji's room while Misato waited outside with the nurse

"Good morning Shinji, it's good to see you're awake" Ritsuko greeted the young pilot.

"Hi Ritsuko, how are you?" Shinji asked

"I'm fine but I should be the one asking you" She replied with a smile at the care shown by the young pilot 'Too bad his father is never that thoughtful' the dark side of her mind thought.

"I feel better than I thought" Shinji replied

"Well then let me take a look at you" Ritsuko instructed

"How much can you remember?" Ritsuko asked

"I remember everything; the angel was tough to beat. It blew a hole in the top of the geo-front with some weird energy and acid ball, Asuka and I nearly fell through and then it felt like I had all the skin stripped off my arm after Iwas able to kill the angel" Shinji replied

"I've read the debriefs, at least your memory was not affected" Ritsuko began "So here is what you missed, the power was restored to Nerv after you three killed the angel, you were all cut out of the entry plugs since there was no power left in the evas at all. No one was injured apart from you, and all the damage to the Evas has been repaired already. You lost skin along your entire forearm and blacked out from the pain which I imagine would have been immense. You were then put into a coma to speed up your recovery and we used a surgical robot encased in a tank of LCL to repair your arm and it seems to have worked perfectly, even the damage from your dislocated shoulder has healed" Ritsuko explained

Shinji just nodded amazed by Ritsuko's work.

"There is one other thing; Asuka and Misato know that you and Rei are siblings"Ritsuko added

"Oh, ah how did they find out" Shinji replied scratching the back of his head.

"Rei told Asuka, She told Misato and the rest of Nerv" Ritsuko replied "Don't worry its ok so long as the information is kept in house" Ritsuko added seeing Shinji's concerned look

"Alright"Shinji replied easing up at this knowing that he wouldn't have to watch himself around Nerv anymore.

"Also I ran some tests and scans while you were out of it, your bloods and S2 along with the rest of your body is in perfect health, you don't have anything to worry about so I will discharge you and you can go home, just take it easy for the rest of the day" Ritsuko added

"Ok and thank you for everything Ritsuko" Shinji replied

"You're welcome, I'll see you tomorrow for a sync test" Ritsuko replied as she left the room

"He's all yours Misato, just take it easy on him, he will be free to go home in acouple of hours" Ritsuko filled Misato in.

Misato strode in and wrapped he ward in a patterned Misato bear hug, that Shinji returned

"Shinji I was really worried about you" Misato said once she released the young pilot.

"Thanks Misato but Ritsuko says I'm ok now" Shinji said trying to ease his guardians concerns.

"I know but still I was worried when you were in a coma to speed up your injuries"Misato replied "Ritsuko says you can go home soon" She added

"Yeah I'm looking forward to getting out of here, I know I've spent a lot of time in this room but I've hated every second of it" Shinji replied

"There is one thing I want to ask?" Misato began

"What is it Misato" Shinji replied

"Why didn't you tell me about Rei?" She asked a little sadness creeping into her voice

"I haven't known for very long, I was getting to it I promise" Shinji replied

"Alright, so how do you feel about it? You know having some more family around" Misato asked

"It's nice, I will always look out for her, and she will for me" Shinji replied

"That is nice kiddo" Misato replied "I have to get back to work, I'll come get you this afternoon ok" she added

"Alright"Just as he said this something shiny caught his eye, quickly putting his glasses on for a clearer picture everything made sense "Misato" Shinji stopped his guardian before she could leave

"Yes?"Misato replied

"Congratulations Major" Shinji replied

"Thanks Shinji, it's not that big a deal but it means a lot coming from you" Misato replied "I'll see you this afternoon" She added

"Bye Misato" Shinji replied




Shinji was glad to be back home, possibly the only one more excited was Pen-Pen holding onto the young pilot for dear life until he fixed him up with some steamed sardines and a Yesubi. Rei had been by and dropped of missed homework and was happy to see her brother relaxing after getting home, though to her displeasure Shinji said he was going to the gym after tomorrows sync test.

Asuka had countered Rei saying she could take the homework for Shinji but Rei said she wanted to check in on her brother.

"I hope you don't mind me telling Asuka" Rei said in her soft voice.

"No it's fine Rei, it actually works out better this way" Shinji replied

"What do you mean?" Rei asked

"I don't have to watch what I say like if I were to call you sister in front of Misato of something like that" Shinji replied

"I'm glad you're happy with it and that you are ok" Rei replied

"Thanks Rei" Shinji replied

"I must get going, I have a lot of homework to catch up on" Rei replied

"Ok. Thank you for watching over me again Rei, I hope I didn't put you out too much"Shinji replied

"Not at all" Rei replied hugging her brother before leaving

"Are you off Rei?" Misato asked as the blue haired pilot headed towards the front door.

"Yes I am and congratulations Major" Rei replied as she headed out the front door.

"Thanks Rei" Misato said to the empty front door.

Shinji cooked a nice stir-fry for dinner and everyone had retired to their rooms. Shinji was working on trying to catch up on homework when a knock at his door broke his concentration.

"It's me can I come in?" Asuka asked

"Sure"Shinji replied

"We need to talk" Asuka said as she walked in seeing Shinji on the floor working on his homework.

Shinji sat up and motioned to a space on his futon next to himself that Asuka took.

"What's on your mind?" He asked once the red head had sat down.

"A lot of things, I don't even know where to start" Asuka replied a little confused.

"Alright, just go from the beginning then" Shinji replied thinking it was going to be the easiest way.

"Alright"Asuka replied taking in a deep breath to steady herself before she began.

"You really are the most frustrating person I know Ikari" Asuka began. Shinji went to say something but she silenced him by raising her hand so she could continue and the young pilot obliged.

"I've been training all my life to be an Eva pilot and my abilities are nothing compared to yours. I've suffered hardships along the way and I have overcome these. Sometimes I put up fronts but you always seem to see right through them. How do you do it Shinji? How do you have everything so together?" She spelled out as much as she could.

"Look I'm not trying to show you up, I only piloted because no one else could when Igot here, you've seen the videos I was scared like nothing else but I did it anyway and I don't have everything together, I've got my hang ups" Shinji replied honestly

"I know why you pulled your gun on me when we were trying to get to the geo-front in the blackout, and I'm sorry for the way I have been towards wondergirl, you're twins right?" Asuka asked

"Yeah we are but I'm not the one you need to apologise too......." Shinji paused taking everything in. He knew Asuka was holding back "What happened to make these fronts necessary?" He asked trying to get to the cause of it all.

"You go first then I'll tell you" Asuka said

"You want to know my past?" Shinji clarified

"Yes"

"Alright I'll tell you everything, I haven't told anyone, I think Rei knows about it but don't talk about this when you leave the room. After I'm finished if you're still up for it you can tell me whatever you want and I'll listen and not judge you" Shinji replied

"Ok, thanks Ikari" Asuka replied and waited for Shinji to begin.

"My parents both worked on the Evangelion project, I don't know exactly what their involvement was but my mum gave her life for it when she was killed in a lab accident. I don't remember exactly what happened I was only three. The Commander had me sent away after that, he disowned me and I was raised in orphanages after that. It was a struggle, these aren't what you think once we were old enough we were worked hard during the day and tortured at night. Everything was punished severely and a lot of the kids died from it."

"How can that happen?" Asuka asked not believing what she was hearing

"I don't know but that's how it was, I once over heard some guards talking and the Commander knew about it, he was on board from the start they said it was for character building. I was singled out for special treatment plenty of times."

"What do you mean?" Asuka interrupted

"You've seen the scars that cover my body, I was tortured and beaten plenty of times. Electrocuted, water boarded, stabbed, punched and kicked, stabbed with hot irons everything they could think of to inflict pain on us" Shinji replied his eyes growing just a little bit more hallow at the memories

"What for I mean you were just little kids" Asuka asked

"Usually it was breaches of discipline or lack or productivity, sometimes it was because they felt like it. By the time we were thirteen we decided we had to escape. There were ten of us we slipped out of the dorms one night after being beaten severely and climbed onto the roof tops; we made it to the perimeter wall when the guards were looking for us. My friend Simon and I had to separate from the rest to ensure their escape and we tried to make it to a second spot we could have escaped from but we were captured. We were tortured to give up the location of our friends, it was worse than anything before. Neither of us gave up anything after three straight days but my friend Simon was killed." Though he didn't look it he was doing well not to lose his composure

"That's horrible, what happened in the end? I mean if you don't mind my asking" Asuka asked with real concern in her voice

"It's simple really eventually the Commander sent for me and I came to Tokyo-3 on the day the third angel attacked" Shinji replied

"Oh Shinji that's so horrible" Asuka let out covering her mouth with her hand to stop from crying, she didn't want to be weak now.

"So now you know everything" Shinji replied "I started piloting because no one else could but now I'm doing it to protect those who are important to me" He added though if he thought about it he wouldn't know why he said the last bit

"Who is important?" Asuka asked

"Rei, you, Misato and my friends" Shinji replied simply

"Look Shinji I wanted to explain some things to you but after that I just can't, you're right I've seen your scars and they fit everything you've said and worse but I just can't go through my past after that. It's not as bad as yours but Iuse a front to hide the pain away" Asuka explained

"Its fine and I understand to a point but I will protect what's important even if your front is in the way" Shinji replied

"I know and that's fair enough" Asuka replied "Truce" She said holding out her hand

Shinji looked at her with an inquisitive look on his face his head tilted to one side"Alright" He said shaking her hand.

"Thanks for talking Shinji but there is one thing"

"What's that?"

"During the last fight I honestly I thought I was going to fall to my death until you saved me it made me realise that you really are something special when you pilot the Eva, I know I've always put you down over it but I just can't keep up with the things you can do. There is no way I could have saved you like you did for me the other day and what do you get for your efforts, another trip to the hospital when the angel explodes in your face" Asuka answered

"Don't worry about it Asuka, you me and Rei are a team, so long as we are working together and everyone makes it back all that is important is the end result not who does what" Shinji replied

"Alright, I better let you finish your homework, can't have Hikari hassling you over your grades every day" Asuka said with a smirk as she stood up

"Good night Asuka" Shinji replied as she headed to the door

"Good night"

Misato quickly ran back to her room, she had woken up during the night for a glass of water and had seen the light on in Shinji's room. She had headed over to tell Shinji he had better get to bed but when she heard voices she just couldn't stop herself from listening in. At first what she had heard had surprised her, not in a million years did she think Asuka would open up to Shinji. When the part about Shinji saving her life came up all that made sense, but what had shocked her to the core was Shinji's past. She knew it was bad, you don't get covered in scars like that from living a normal happy life and the fact that Shinji never spoke about anything back home made sense now.

'The poor kid probably never had a home since his mum died' she thought as she laid back down on her futon.




The next day after school there was a massive down poor. Shinji and Asuka had made it home before the worst of the rain had started. Shinji wasn't doing much there was a scheduled sync test for this evening so until then he was just catching up on school work, though he would have preferred the gym or shooting range. When he heard a knock on the door he was more than happy for the distraction as he was getting nowhere with his studies.

Opening the door he found Toji and Kensuke standing there like drowned rats, they had gotten caught in the worst of the storm.

"Come on in" Shinji said to his two friends seeing their situation.

He grabbed them both a towel.

"Thanks for letting us in Shinji, that rain storm came out of nowhere" Toji said once they were inside and drying off.

"So like where is Misato?" Kensuke asked.

"I think she is still asleep, she has been working all night a lot lately" Shinji replied

"She's got a tough job" Toji added

"Well then I guess we better not wake her up right" Kensuke added

"Well..."Shinji started but was hushed to be quiet by his two friends

The silence didn't last long as Asuka interrupted

"Heyyyyy what in the heck are these creeps doing here!!" She demanded almost yelling.

"Drying themselves" Shinji stated the obvious.

The two pilots were hushed again by Shinji's two friends.

"Oh sure talk about lame excuses well I'm changing in here and if you peep your dead" Asuka declared slamming her door shut.

"Ohhhh you stuck up egotistical little...... Who'd want watch a snake change its skin any way" Toji retorted angrily.

"She sure is full of herself" Kensuke added as Misato emerged from her room.

"Mi...Mi...Misato we didn't mean to wake you" Toji stammered out both boys were caught off guard by Misato's beauty.

Kensuke recovered first seeing the new insignia Misato's jacket was sporting"Congratulations on your promotion Misato"

"Yeah congratulations" Toji added as both boys bowed at the new major.

"Its fine and thank you" Misato replied "Don't forget you two have a sync test this evening" She added.

"Yes ma'am" Shinji replied

"Alright Misato" Asuka called from her room

"No really you deserved it" Kensuke and Toji exclaimed to Misato

"Thanks your too kind" Misato replied "Well I'll see you later" Misato said as she left

"So did something happen to Misato?" Asuka asked

"Haven't you seen her new badge it's got two stripes" Toji exclaimed

"Two stripes means she has been promoted to major" Kensuke added

"I had no idea" Asuka replied

"It happened between the last battles and when I woke up in medical" Shinji filled in

"How do you know?" Kensuke asked

"She was a captain when she left the day of the angel fight but had been promoted by the time I woke up in medical after the battle. It must have been then, I was out for a couple of days" Shinji exclaimed

"You never said anything about that, what happened?" Toji asked

"I can't get into it but I'm ok now" Shinji replied with a smile easing his friends concerns.

"Why didn't you tell me Shinji?" Asuka asked

"I figured you would have noticed I mean it happened while I was out of it, and you always say you're the best" Shinji retorted with a little jibe at Asuka

The German red head just growled slamming her door shut.




As the sync test continued that evening the three pilots could be seen on the viewing monitor from their entry plugs. Ritsuko had decided since no data was collected from the last mission due to the black out the test would be done in the eva.

"Unit-00 and -02 are nearing the edge of the contamination zone" Maya reported

"What about Unit-01?" Ritsuko asked

"He's not even close" Maya answered

"Unit-01 can still tolerate more can't he? Lower the graph depth another 7.5" Ritsuko ordered

"7.5?Are you sure?" Misato interjected

"Yes, he's strong he can handle it" Ritsuko replied

The changes were made and everyone watched the readings

"Keep going another 2.0" Ritsuko said

"Unit-01 is now nearing the contamination zone" Maya reported

"And he's still giving these readings he's amazing" Ritsuko commented

"His synchronisation and harmonics seem to have gone to another level" Maya replied"What could have caused the change?" She asked

"I'm not sure, I'll look into it but there is every chance that Shinji has just naturally improved, he does have talent" Ritsuko replied

"It's as though he was born to become an eva pilot" Shigeru commented

"I'm not sure that that's what Shinji wants, I wonder if he's really happy doing this" Misato added weighing in with her opinion.

"The test has been complete you can get out now" Ritsuko said over the com

"That was excellent work all of you" Ritsuko began as she went through the test results with the pilots "Asuka your rate has increased to 78, Rei you have increased to 72, and Shinji you have increased 50 points to 200" She said reading the results from her clip board.

"What there has to be a malfunction no one can increase a sync ratio that fast" Asuka commented outraged.

"Everything was checked there are no malfunctions" Ritsuko replied trying to calm the red head down.

"I don't think it's so great Third Child enjoy your victory while you can" Asuka sneered not believing the words herself.

Shinji just shrugged her off heading to the locker room for a shower knowing it was part of her front, he didn't care what number they gave him for a sync ratio so long as it was enough to get the job done was all that mattered.

"Shinji"Rei said getting her brothers attention as he left the locker room in his Nerv uniform after a shower

Rei stood there in her uniform as well "Good work Shinji, I know you don't like the attention but you deserve it"

"Thank you Rei" Shinji replied

"See you tomorrow and don't forget Kensuke's party tomorrow night after testing" Rei reminded Shinji

"I'm sure he won't let me forget it" Shinji replied with a grin "See you tomorrow"

Asuka had already left so Shinji waited around to get a ride home from Misato, usually he travelled with Rei when he could but Misato still needed to see him after the test results.

Once in the car heading home with Misato they started talking.

"It's a big deal you got promoted right Misato" Shinji asked as his guardian drove sedately through the wet streets of Tokyo-3

"Yeah I guess, but it isn't why I do what I do" Misato replied

"I know what you mean I hate the attention" Shinji replied "Why does Asuka have to get so mad, I'm not even trying to get a high sync score in the testing" He added more to himself than Misato

Misato took the rare opportunity for conversation with Shinji, she knew these times were always going to be few and far between and this was going to be one of them.

"Shinji....."she began wanting to choose her words carefully. "Why do you do what you do?"She asked

Shinji looked deep in thought like he knew why but didn't know how to say it "I'm fighting the angels to protect my family and those who can't fight for themselves" He replied "What about you Misato why did you join Nerv?" He asked

Misato had the same look as Shinji, she was contemplating weather to tell Shinji the truth and earn his trust or keep it to herself "I hated my father, he lived for his work to the point where he abandoned my mother and me, when she eventually left him I laughed at him. His friends just said it was his way of coping with everything but I knew he was just weak. But then he saved my life during second impact and I didn't know what to feel, so I joined Nerv and swore my revenge against the angels, and then it turned out my father had worked for Nerv, how ironic right" Misato explained

"Yeah I guess, but it's still the path you chose, you should be proud of your accomplishments, I would be" Shinji replied

"Thanks Shinji, but there is one thing I want to know" Misato said looking at her your charge while they were stopped at a red light

"What's that?" Shinji asked

"What do you want to do once the war is over?" Misato asked

"I'm not sure, I mean I don't even know what my options are" Shinji said.

"Well the possibilities are endless" Misato replied "What would you like?" She pressed on

"I don't know I need to think about it more but I've been thinking about a lot of stuff and I don't think college is for me, I'm trying as hard as I can at school but my grades suck and I know it's because I'm not really into it. Not like Rei is" Shinji replied

"What do you mean?" Misato asked.

"Rei is amazing she is brilliant beyond anything you could imagine, she is a lot smarter than anyone could believe" Shinji replied

"What do you mean?" Misato asked

"She's already finished the school work and when you go to her place have a look at the books on her book case. There's philosophy and advanced physics and maths, she could probably do a college degree now" Shinji explained further.

Misato took all that on and decided she really needed to check into some of Nerv's secrets a little more.




Shinji stood under the shower the next evening at Nerv, another sync test and another score of 200% while he was feeling better he could still feel the draining effects on his body every time he got in the Evangelion. Noticing his fingers going wrinkly from being in the shower too long he killed the water and stepped out from the steam and got dressed enjoying the silence. Being the only male pilot on the roster had its advantages sometimes.

Shinji and Rei took the subway back to Misato's apartment and found the party in full swing; the bridge crew as well as Asuka, Hikari, Toji and Kensuke were there. Kensuke was getting thanks from Misato for putting the party together; the young otaku took the praise well enough.

Misato caught Shinji alone later in the night, "So kiddo are you still thinking about the future?" Misato asked

"Sort of" Shinji replied

"What are you doing out here then?" Misato pressed

"I'm just not use to it, apart from the parties Nerv has had when we've won fights against the angels I've never been around so many people before I don't understand why they have to be so loud" Shinji replied as an argument broke out between Asuka, Toji, Kensuke and Hikari.

Misato and Shinji headed back inside as Ritsuko and Kaji turned up for the party as well, Asuka's face souring when she saw the doctor walking in with Kaji. "I came directly from headquarters we just happened to meet along the way" Kaji announced

"A likely story" Asuka growled

"I'd like to give you my sincerest regards Major Katsuragi, it is well deserved"Kaji said with a bow to Misato.

"Thank you inspector" Misato replied

"You know..." He said closing the distance "Commanders Fuyutsuki and Ikari have both left Japan for the first time together that leaves you in charge of everything"Kaji replied

"When did this happen?" Misato asked

"They left tonight" Kaji replied

"Well then there are some things I need to talk to you about..... Tomorrow in private" Misato replied

"What are you getting at Major" Kaji asked

"I'll explain what I want then" Misato replied

Hikari saw Shinji sitting on the lounge with Pen-Pen.

"Is this seat taken?" She asked

"Be my guest" Shinji replied motioning to the empty seat

While Shinji had been rubbing the top of Pen-Pen's head while he was brooding over everything Pen-Pen knew an opportunity when it presented itself and jumped into Hikari's lap which she obliged by holding the warm water penguin to herself

"Traitor"Shinji mumbled at Pen-Pen to which he replied with a "Wark" and a smirk

"What's on your mind Shinji, you look deep in thought" Hikari asked

"Nothing, just piloting stuff" Shinji replied

"How are your grades going now?" Hikari asked

Shinji looked across at the class rep, she knew exactly what his grades were and he knew it.

"They are still poor I'm trying though" He replied

"Well if you need help I don't mind" Hikari replied

"Thanks but it's ok, you're busy enough as it is, you don't need my problems on top of that as well" Shinji replied

"Really Shinji I'm class representative it's my job to help out" Hikari replied then hoped it wouldn't be taken the wrong way

"Look Hikari I appreciate the concern but its ok" Shinji replied being polite

"Really Shinji you need help and I want to help you, what about your future?" She asked

"What about my future?" Shinji asked as the noise from the party got louder

"Your future is important I don't want to see you throw it away" Hikari replied though it was lost amongst the noise

Shinji leaned in close so his face was next to Hikari's ear catching the class rep by surprise

"I can't hear you come outside and we can finish this off" He whispered into her ear before standing up and heading towards the balcony

Hikari blushed at the closeness; so many feelings ran through her, she loved the closeness of Shinji the warmth of his breath as he whispered into her ear, his smell not to mention that he was a great looker. She had heard from Asuka a few times that she had seen him with his shirt off at Nerv a few times and his body looked great. She could tell this from seeing him at school and as he walked away still in his Nerv uniform she knew why she wanted to help him more than the other kids at school, attraction. So she headed out after the young pilot.

"Shinji your future is important, what are you going to do after the war if the Evas aren't needed anymore?" Hikari began

"Why do you care so much?" Shinji asked

"After everything you have done for us I don't want to see you throw your life away because of what happens now" Hikari replied, she had thought about this a lot and really wanted Shinji to get some help with his grades so he could get into college, weather is was from her or someone else didn't matter but if it was her all the batter.

"I haven't done anything for you, I've just done my job" Shinji replied

"Is that what you think?" Hikari asked

"Yes"

"You're wrong, Toji and Kensuke told me about what happened when they were in the Eva with you, about how much pain you went through, that isn't just doing your job"Hikari countered

"Alright so what, I'm trying at school I really am but I just don't get the grades, it doesn't mean my future is over if I can't get into college" Shinji replied

"What do you mean?" Hikari asked a little anger flashing through her brown eyes as she closed the distance between her and Shinji till they were face to face

"Misato's been asking me the same question a lot lately and I've been thinking about it, I'm not sure what I'm going to do when the war is over but maybe college isn't for me" Shinji replied

"Shinji..."Hikari began but was cut off when Shinji raised his hand

"Look Hikari that's a long way off and I'm still going to try my best at school so don't worry there is plenty of time to worry about that later" Shinji replied

Pushing Shinji gently back into the wall at the frustration of the whole situation she got his undivided attention "There is no later you need good grades now to get the education you need to get you into a good college" Hikari explained not liking how Shinji always had an answer for her

"Right now saving the world is a little more important than my grades" Shinji replied quietly

"Fine"She pouted "But if you need anything let me know alright" Hikari replied

"Fine"Shinji replied a little angry with Hikari interfering, but knowing that she means well was a consolation




A carrier battle group surged through the blood red waters of Antarctica on amission. Nerv's top two commanders on the bridge.

"Once this was the living cotenant of Antarctica now this is an ocean of death, the pole not just another name for hell" Fuyutsuki mused a loud.

"Never the less mankind has returned to this waste land, in the midst's of death we still live" Ikari declared proudly

"That's because we are under the protection of science" Fuyutsuki countered

"Science is what makes man powerful" Ikari proclaimed righteously

"That kind of self-righteous arrogance is what caused the tragedy of fifteen years ago second impact, this is a far greater punishment than mankind deserved this is the real Dead Sea" Fuyutsuki countered hating Gendo's arrogance

"Yet this is a world that has been purged and purified of the original sin" Ikari replied

"I'd rather live in a world of people no matter how stained with sin" Fuyutsuki replied

A communication came over the loud speaker "This is the XO we just received acoded telex from Nerv the tenth angel has been sighted"

Both commanders retreated to their quarters with different tasks at hand. Gendo went to work on more contingency plans Fuyutsuki had other ideas

He had seen the document authorised by Gendo ordering a core switch on Unit-01 and realised his student had lost the plot, he was always uneasy with the human instrumentality project but figured it was the lesser of two evils. Shinji sync ratio had shot up 50 points with the new core that had been installed a clone of Shinji that had been created by Gendo in secret, he knew it was because he was worried about Yui's core being damaged by the angels and that was a real possibility with all the damage Shinji and Unit-01 had been receiving during all the fights with the angels.

Typing up a coded transmission for Shinji he got to work.




The enormous orange visage of the angel came up on screen on the bridge. A series of gasps could be heard as plenty of the people on the bridge were taken by surprise by the size of the angel as it floated in the upper atmosphere

"It's impressive alright" Misato got out

"Recon 6 is now in range" Shigeru reported

"Commencing data surge" "Commencing data transmission" "Data transmission complete" Came voices over com

The massive angel expanded its AT Field destroying the satellites around it

"Was that an AT Field?" Misato asked

"Yes a new way of using one" Ritsuko replied




A few hours later everyone was gathered around the briefing table going over the data they had collected from the newest angel. A series of reconnaissance photos showing what the angel had been up to.

"Look at the size of that tidal wave, that's an A.T Filed impact" Misato observed

"The first few shots hit the water but it has been steadily correcting its aim"Ritsuko replied as the photos showed the impacts growing closer to land until final a massive crater could be seen.

"It uses kinetic energy too, this angel is like a huge living bomb" Maya reported looking over a clip board.

"We detonated an aerial N2 mine, it had no effect" Makoto replied

"The angel has been hiding since then" Shigeru added

"It's coming here isn't it?" Misato more confirmed than asked

"It's a safe bet" Ritsuko replied "And if it falls on us..."

"Then there will be a third Ashinoko Lake right" Misato finished

"Actually this area will become an extension of the pacific ocean" Ritsuko corrected.

"Can we contact Commander Ikari?" Misato asked

"Negative it's impossible to get through the angels jamming" Shigeru replied

"What about the Magi?" Misato asked again

"They are unanimous in recommending evacuation" Maya replied

"What are you going to do? This is all in your hands now" Ritsuko asked

"Notify all the ministries concerned that I am issuing a special D-17 declaration all non combatants are to be evacuated immediately also tell Matsushiro to back up the Magi"

"Are we going to evacuate?" Makoto asked

"Not yet but there is no point in putting everyone else in danger" Misato replied

Nerv staff got to work monitoring the evacuation that completed without any major problems.




"You're not really serious are you?" Ritsuko asked Misato with a disbelieving look on her face

"Yes I am" She replied seriously

"You're going to risk all three Evas just to kill one angel?" She pressed on not happy with the new Majors plan "The chance of success is 0.000001% just one in ten thousand"

"Well it's not zero. I just trust the Evas" Misato replied

"Major Katsuragi!" Ritsuko snapped "Have you forgotten about the children?"

"Don't forget that I'm the one in charge now, I have to do what I have to do. Destroying the angels is my duty" Misato replied

"Your duty, you must be kidding. You're just doing this to satisfy you need for revenge against the angels, you are doing this for yourself" She spat "I won't stand by while you endanger everything for one kill, what if you fail how will we defeat the rest of the angels?" Ritsuko pressed on

"There is no guarantee we will fail" Misato replied

"There is less guarantee you will succeed" Ritsuko countered

"Do you have a better plan?" Misato asked

"....."

"I thought so" She said heading out of the bathroom to go brief the pilots




"What!!!You want us to catch it in our hands?" Asuka asked not believing the plan Misato had laid out for them

"That's right. We'll locate the evas in the estimated drop zone then while maintaining your AT Fields you'll catch it before it hits the ground" Misato replied

"What happens if we don't catch it" Shinji asked still dressed in his Nerv uniform

"Then there will be a little boom" Misato replied

"What if the Evas can't handle the impact?" Asuka asked

"We'll all be blown to the moon" Misato replied

"What are our chances?" Asuka pressed on waving her arms around animatedly as she spoke

"I've got no idea, not so great in my opinion" Misato replied

"If we pull this off it will be a miracle" Asuka commented

"Miracles aren't something that happen they are something that people make happen" Misato replied

"You mean we've got to be willing to sacrifice ourselves?" Asuka asked

"Yes.... I'm afraid it's the only way" Misato replied "You can refuse to do it if you wish" Misato conceded

"No ma'am I will complete your plan" Shinji replied

"Me too" Rei added

"Asuka?"Misato asked

"Fine"The German growled out

"The regulations state that you are all meant to write a will" Misato continued on

"I'm not writing a will, I'm not going to die yet" Asuka growled out again her nerves getting frayed with the tension

"Me either there is no point" Rei replied

"Just give whatever is left to my family" Shinji replied

"Very well then, but when all this is over I'll treat all of you to a steak dinner"Misato replied

"A steak dinner, you won't forget?" Asuka asked

"I swear I won't" Misato replied then walked away with the briefing finished

Asuka's face soured when the major left the room "A steak dinner is meant to impress us, man the second impact generation has some really cheap standards" Asuka declared

"It may not mean much to us but I'm sure it means a lot to her" Shinji replied

"Let's see...." Asuka said pulling out a broacher from her bag "Tokyo-3 5 star restaurants, you're coming too right wondergirl?" Asuka asked

"I don't think so" Rei replied

"Why not?" Asuka asked dumbfounded

"I dislike eating meet" Rei replied

Shinji looked across to his sister and mouthed that it would be ok to which he got asmall smile in reply.




"The angels ECM jamming has caused us to lose track of it again" Maya replied as ared target lost flashed on her console

"Since it's impossible to calculate where the angel will land the magi have calculated a probable drop zone with what little data we can collect on the angel" Misato replied putting a massive area up on the holographic map.

"That's a huge area" Asuka exclaimed

"Given the size of the angels AT Field it could completely annihilate Nerv headquarters simply by coming close with a near miss" Ritsuko replied

"We'll break it up into three sectors one for each eva and locate the evas at each of these three points" Misato replied as three circles were overlayed on the map.

"What is this based on?" Rei asked

"A guess" Misato replied

"What!!!"Asuka screamed not believing what she was hearing

"Its women's intuition" Misato countered

"Her woman's intuition, looks like our miracle is getting further and further away"Asuka replied in dead pan.

"We can still do it" Shinji replied quietly to which Rei nodded with that small smile she always reserved for her brother




The three Evas stood at their designated start points for the operation, each one on standby connected to external power to keep the batteries at maximum charge. The operation was going to be done without the power cables connected allowing the Evas maximum manoeuvrability.

Shinji was going over the mission data; he had decided that if he was to lose sight of the angel he would systematically make his way towards Nerv and search for the angel. This was a real possibility with the weather that had closed in for the last week. It was raining consistently making everything slippery which would be another challenge that would have to be negated around.

Shinji kept going over everything looking for anything that would give him an edge. Asuka was resting with her eyes closed just waiting and Rei opened acommunication channel with Shinji.

"Is everything ok brother?" She asked quietly

"I'm ok, just looking for an edge" Shinji replied "How about you?" He asked

"I am ok" Rei replied "I am wondering why would you leave everything to the commander when you said to Misato about your will" Rei asked

"I didn't" Shinji replied

"You said leave whatever is left to my family" Rei replied quoting Shinji's instructions

"I don't consider the Commander family we are only related by name. You are the only family I have Rei" Shinji replied

Rei let out a small gasp at this while she was use to the fact Shinji was her brother she never expected him to feel so strongly about it.

"I see. Thank you" She replied

"Don't worry Rei I'm not going to let it get to that, now let's go kill this thing"Shinji replied

Rei nodded her agreement but the com window stayed open

"I've got this covered, you can leave if you want" Misato said to Shigeru and Makoto

Maya and Ritsuko were already down with the Magi finishing the backups.

"Sorry this is our job too you know" Shigeru replied

"Yeah we can't let those kids risk their lives all by themselves" Makoto added

"Don't worry about the children no matter how badly the evas get damaged their A.T Fields will protect them. Actually the safest place to be right now is inside the eva" Misato replied

"The target has been sighted maximum magnification" Shigeru responded

"Distance 25000" Makoto added

"The falling angel has been sighted!" Misato called out over com "All evas get on your marks" She ordered

The three Evangelions got down into a runners position ready to take off at a moment's notice

"We can only give you a rough estimation based on optical observation. The magi will guide you to within 10000 meters after that you will have to use your own judgment. I'm counting on you all" Misato updated

"Distance 20000" Makoto again

"Begin the operation Evas launch!" Misato ordered

"Move out" Asuka ordered as Shinji and Rei nodded.

All three evas sprinting away covering huge distance in seconds tearing up dirt and road as the sprinted across Tokyo-3 and its outer areas. Powerlines left swinging as the war machines cleared them in a single bound. Large trees pulled to a side as the Evas sprinted past them.

"Distance 12000" Shigeru updated

Shinji pressed on straining for extra speed as he strained with everything he had to get to the angel a sonic boom echoing behind Unit-01 as it broke the sound barrier though he was so focused he didn't even realise it

"The angel is changing direction it's making its fall tail in towards the centre of the city adjust your intercept paths accordingly" Misato ordered

Shinji tried to turn sharply to the right to compensate for the change Unit-01 slipping digging it's knee into the ground in the process, springing up again and sprinting after the angel another shock wave coming as he broke the sound barrier for the second time this mission

"I've got the angel in sight, spreading A.T Field" Shinji called out grunting with exertion as the angel slammed into his A.T Field with all its strength.

Shinji pushed back just as hard trying to keep the angel from reaching its goal. Unit-01's feet sinking into the ground in the outskirts of Tokyo-3. Shinji cried out in pain from the exertion of keeping his field up as the angel put more effort into squashing Unit-01 and by extension Tokyo-3

"Something's wrong" Shinji called out

"What is it?" Rei asked

"The angel is changing shape it's starting to gain altitude slowly" Shinji replied

"Asuka, Rei, get over there and help Shinji" Misato ordered

"We're going to need power and weapons Misato" Shinji said once the angel had lifted away from Shinji not even trying to break through his A.T Field.

"Get back into the centre of the city we will have three power cords and weapons ready for you" Misato ordered

"Yes ma'am" Shinji and Rei replied

"Unit-02 connecting external power" Asuka replied

"What is the angel doing Shinji" Misato asked

"You should be able to track the angel, its profile changed it looks like a flying wing and it gained altitude slowly" Shinji replied as he got to the centre of the city with Rei.

Unit-00 and -01 connected power to each other and grabbed weapons. Rei picking up apositron sniper rifle, Shinji grinning as he picked up his sniper rifle. He had to give up the ability to carry pallet rifle magazines to carry two spare mags for the sniper rifle but he still had the pistol and spare ammo for that as well.

Asuka picked up a progressive axe and a shotgun as the three Evas were ready for whatever this angel was going to throw at them next.

"Where is it Misato?" Shinji asked

"The rain is making it hard to track and playing havoc with our scanners, you said it had a profile of a wing?" Misato replied

"That's right" Shinji replied

"Standby"Misato replied

"Give me all the radar arrays the military have" Misato asked Makoto

"Yes ma'am, what are we looking for?" He replied

"Any low profile pings or turbulence that they can pick up, pipe it through to your screen and call out the locations to the pilots" Misato ordered

"Bringing the feed on line now" Makoto replied as the radar images came up on his screen

"Let's spread out and take defensive positions we need to be able to cover each other from the next attack" Shinji suggested

"Who made you boss let's go and attack it" Asuka countered

"How are you going to find it Asuka it will be coming from above" Shinji countered

"Who cares we can't stay here and wait for it" Asuka countered

"I can't see anything in the sky with the rain" Rei replied

"Stay put we know what the target is you're in the right spot to intercept" Misato ordered

"I've got it target sighted north east sector closing in on the city centre" Makoto reported

A rumbling could be heard as the angel closed in, "I see it Shinji, Rei its coming straight at you" Asuka called out

Firing rounds from the shot gun as she ran after the angel but she was too far away to do anything the rounds dispersed bouncing harmlessly of the angel or missing completely. The angel zeroed in on its target it flight path heading straight at Unit-01 and -00 in the centre of the city.

"Rei take cover it coming in hot" Shinji called out

Looking across Shinji could see Rei exposed in the middle of the street, sprinting after her as the angel closed in he tackled the blue eva down an alley way as fifty little blobs separated from the angel's body, the little explosive bombs raining down on the city causing massive destruction to the ground where the Evas were and the surrounding buildings.

"Shinji Rei call in" Misato ordered as she looked on helplessly as the video feed showed the angel making a low bombing run with massive explosions left in its wake.

"Rei here Unit-00 is ok" Rei sounded off

"Shinji here I'm ok" Shinji followed

"Misato I need better weapons what have we got?" Asuka asked ditching the empty shotgun in the street

"The angel damaged the armoury building and chute we can't send any weapons to your location" Misato replied "There is a rocket launcher in security building F"She added

"That's ages away what am I meant to do spit on it" Asuka replied

"The city can't take any more damage like that maybe three runs at best before the armour becomes compromised" Misato replied

"Alright do you have a location on the angel?" Shinji asked

"Target sighted coming straight at you from the south Shinji" Rei replied

Unit-00 braced itself against a skyscraper got a good target lock and fired three round at the angel, the building buckling a little under the recoil from the massive gun, the first two rounds grazing past the left and right leading edges of the wing, the third round hitting dead on the yellow eye where a cockpit would be. The angel left howling in pain started climbing slowly but not before releasing more bombs into the city, causing more explosions and massive destruction. Acouple of skyscrapers imploding as their foundations had been compromised too much.

"Listen up you three we need to do more damage you only have two more chances left, all the attacks are coming through the centre, give up the ground and attack from the outside. The weather and low profile of the angel make it too hard to track" Misato ordered forming a plan quickly

Asuka headed for security building F an empty shotgun and an axe proving to be useless in this fight. Shinji and Rei taking up flanking positions outside the city centre.

Shinji brought Unit-01 into a crouch on the roof of a security building scanning the north side of the city trying to pick up the angels location, Rei searching the east with the positron sniper rifle.

"Target sighted it's in the North East" Shigeru called out

Shinji and Rei quickly picked up on it Rei waiting for a target lock "Still waiting for a target lock" Rei reported as she willed the circle and triangle to get closer together

"I've got it" Shinji replied

Pulling the trigger on the sniper rifle for the first time in combat satisfaction reined as the round flew true and straight hitting the yellow eye of the angel causing it to shriek in pain its A.T Field doing nothing. Shinji pulled the bolt back and chambered another round firing it off again for another hit. Three more rounds followed everything finding their target.

"Target locked" Rei replied.

Unit-00 fired seven energy rounds from the position sniper rifle all of them impacting along the body of the angel as it howled out in pain the roar deafening as the angel passed over the city releasing a smaller payload onto the city but still leaving fire and destruction in its wake, it made its first critical error of the battle as it banked over Unit-02's position. The beeping in the cockpit letting Asuka know she had a solid lock.

"Firing"Asuka said into the com as Unit-02 pulled the trigger on the rocket launcher.

The round flew straight at the angel hitting it in the back of the wing. Massive amounts of flesh being burned away in the resulting explosion. Asuka quickly set to work on loading another rocket. The angel continued its turn coming around for another pass at the city.

Shinji loaded a new magazine into the sniper rifle, Unit-01 grinning with its pilot their movements perfectly in sync. The next two round hitting perfectly in the centre. Rei fired another round at the angel hitting it in the side.

"I can see the core on the underside of the angel, I have a good lock" Rei reported

Unit-00 pulled the trigger 'click' "Oh no out of ammunition" Rei commented

'CRACK'The round from Shinji's sniper rifle echoed throughout Tokyo-3 the round hitting the core causing massive amounts of damage to the angel, cracks forming all over the angel two more rounds hit the body as Unit-02 fired its last rocket at the angel hitting the right side causing the body to break apart the two parts slamming down into the city hard a big explosion coming up from the smaller part as it took a building down with it.

"Blue pattern still detected get over there and finish it off before it can try something else" Misato reported

Asuka looked on amazed that the angel could take so much punishment and still be alive "Impossible" She muttered

Shinji jumped to the ground laying the sniper rifle down carefully and sprinted after the angel drawing his pistol. Rei loaded an energy pack into the positron rifle as she moved in to cover Shinji who was running straight at the angel.

Levelling the core in the sights of his pistol Shinji fired every round hitting the core as it started to glow red hot. Loading another clip into the pistol Shinji brought the sights up on the angel as it desperately tried to heal its wounds he fired three rounds at the core as it was on the brink of exploding the roar of a rocket got Shinji and Rei's attention. Asuka's last rocket was streaking straight at the angel.

"Shinji take cover" Rei warned her brother but it was of no use.

Asuka's rocket impacted with the angel the core overloading with the initial explosion went super critical igniting in a massive explosion creating a temporary sun as it burned white hot then red as a massive column of fire rose up into the sky before expanding out and finishing in a mushroom cloud of fire that vaporised everything on the block at ground zero. Everyone in the bridge left looking on slack jawed at the massive destruction that had been left as a result of the battle.

"Man I'm glad the city was evacuated" Misato commented more to herself

The explosion had blown Unit-01 into a damaged skyscraper with so much force asteel girder had impaled the purple war machine through the left side causing massive trauma to Eva and pilot alike with both left clutching at their injured sides.

"Blue pattern gone, target destroyed" Shigeru reported

"Everyone call in" Misato ordered

"Unit-00 all systems functional" Rei called in.

"Unit-02 I'm ok did you see my kill" Asuka gloated

"Unit-01 I've sustained heavy damage in the explosion" Shinji replied

Rei looked across to her brother seeing him struggle to his feet went over and helped him out of the building

"Aruagh!"Shinji cried out as the steel girder slid back through Unit-01's body.

"Sorry but it was the only way" Rei replied

"I know, at least it's out right" Shinji replied still clutching at his side as he holstered his pistol with his other hand




"What the hell happened? Do you have a visual from the last 30 seconds of the battle on the angel before it exploded?" Misato whispered to Shigeru

"Sure just let me dial it back" He replied

"What's going on?" Makoto asked wheeling his chair over to where his college and superior were looking

"I don't understand how Shinji got so badly beaten he had minimal damage then the angel explodes a lot bigger than I was expecting and he's in a destroyed skyscraper" Misato replied

"Here is the play back" Shigeru responded

The three looked on seeing Shinji closing in on the angel to deliver the decisive blow as the angel tried to regenerate itself then exploding in a huge way

"Run it again" Misato ordered, and Shigeru complied

The replay exactly the same

"Again but slow it down" Misato ordered

"What are our orders?" Shinji asked his voice unable to mask the pain he is in.

"Get them back on a retrieval platform into the cages" Misato instructed Makoto

"Yes ma'am" He replied heading back to his terminal and picking up a com mic

"Return to the cages via retrieval platform 9 for direct access to the cages" Makoto ordered




"Yes sir" Shinji and Rei replied at the same time

"On it" Asuka replied as she strode towards the platform making it there easily before Shinji and Rei




"What are you thinking Major?" Shigeru asked

"The explosion was too unnatural; I just want to know what happened since Shinji was fine and now he and the Eva are heavily damaged again. Did he get too close?"She replied

"I don't think so, it's not like the core glowed white hot like the third angel when itself destructed" Shigeru replied making a valid point

"You're not siding with him because you are range buddies are you?" Misato asked in ajoking manner

"No but you're not jealous are you?" He countered

"Maybe a little, I just want to go with him once" Misato admitted

"Alright here it is as slow as we can get it" Shigeru said playing back the slow motion of events showing the same thing.

Shinji approaching firing the last three rounds as a grey smear hit the angel causing an explosion at the front of the body. The energy from the explosion was drawn into the core instantly it changed from white to red and then detonated with amassive force.

"What was that first explosion it's moving too fast can you get a still?" Misato asked knowing slower was not an option

"Sure here you go"

The image came up on screen the moment before impact a great rocket with a yellow warhead

"Wait that's one of ours" Misato commented "Asuka she wouldn't have" She added unable to believe that Asuka would fire with another Eva so close to her target

"The picture speaks for itself Major" Shigeru commented

"Alright you two finish up here I'll have Ritsuko and Maya come up as soon as possible to help you out since the angel is dead" Misato said as she headed to the cages




Getting to the cages Misato found Rei helping Shinji from the catwalk. Her young ward looking a lot worse for wear.

"Shinji are you ok?" Misato asked as she raced over

"I guess I can't get out of a trip to medical this time" He replied

"No, let's go I'll give you a hand" Rei replied to that

"Thanks Rei" Misato replied pulling out her phone and dialling Ritsuko.

"Hello Misato" Ritsuko answered

"Hi Rits, the crisis is over can you head over to medical?" Misato asked

"How urgent is it?" Ritsuko asked

"Go now whatever you and Maya are doing it can be done later with the angel dead"Misato replied

"Alright, I'll send Maya to the bridge once she is done to help clean up" Ritsuko replied then ended the call

"Asuka"Misato called out seeing the red head lapping up another victory

"Misato we did it, it's a miracle" She added half sarcastically.

"Miracle no one was killed" Misato replied "What were you thinking?" She added not being as hard as she would be if Shinji and Asuka's roles were reversed

"What are you talking about Misato?" Asuka asked feigning ignorance

"You fired the rocket that caused the angel to explode right?" Misato asked

"Yeah of course another kill for me" Asuka replied with a smirk.

"What are you doing shooting with Shinji in the kill zone?" Misato asked

"The angel was regenerating we had to destroy it" Asuka replied

"I know, I was there watching the whole thing Asuka" Misato reminder her ward.

"At least I killed it" Asuka replied

"Yes there is that though don't discount the efforts for Rei and Shinji this time"Misato reminded her "I'm going to medical go get cleaned up and we can debrief"Misato ordered




"I guess there is no getting out of it this time is there doctor" Shinji said as he walked into medical

"Defiantly not a chance with these injuries Pilot Ikari" Ritsuko replied "Sit on the table please" Ritsuko instructed pointing to an examination table

Rei helped Shinji onto the table and looked at Ritsuko expectantly

"You can stay for now Rei, it should be ok" Ritsuko reassured the young blue haired pilot to which she nodded and sat down in a chair next to Shinji.

"Let's get the top half of this plug suit off and have a look. How are you feeling? Do you feel like you have much energy left?" Ritsuko asked

"I'm feeling pretty drained actually" Shinji admitted reluctantly.

"Alright and how's your eye sight? It's been a while since it was checked" Ritsuko asked as she inspected the front and back of Shinji's newest wound

"It's the same, fine in the Eva but I need the glasses everywhere else, they still work great though" Shinji replied

"That's good at least it's not getting any worse. There is no internal damage here, you're very lucky" Ritsuko replied "I'll have to suture the wound on the front and once we bandage it all up you should be right in a week" She added

"Ok. Thanks doctor" Shinji replied

"I've heard the initial reports what to tell me what happened out there?" Ritsuko asked

Rei proceeded to explain everything as Ritsuko stitched the wound on Shinji's front.




"How did you and Ritsuko go with the Magi?" Shigeru asked Maya as she walked onto the bridge

"It's all done, what are you guys up to?" She replied

"Just coordinating with first responders on the damage to the city, apart from that there is only repairs and the debriefing to be done" Makoto replied

"I'll get started on the debriefing then" Maya replied

An hour had passed and the bridge crew plus Misato, Ritsuko and the pilots were all assembled for debriefing. Shinji and Rei dressed in their Nerv uniforms. Shinji had been unable to have a shower due to the bandages and the need to keep his wounds dry for 48 hours had to settle for washing his head in a sink, Asuka in a sun dress and coat was getting impatient

"Let's get started Misato there is a victory party to be had" She said impatiently

"There is no victory party this time, we have got too much clean up to do" Misato replied

"What that's not fair" Asuka complained

"That's enough Asuka" Misato cut her off "Workloads determine celebrations, the work has to come first so leave it at that" Misato ordered not in the mood for an argument with the red head.

"You could have at least made the baka take a shower, man that smell is horrible"She added turning her nose up at Shinji.

"He will have one when he can" Misato replied

"Maya if you will please" Misato ordered

Maya proceeded to go through the key events of the battle to the end.

"Our wireless communications have been restored, we are receiving a wireless transmission from Commander Ikari" Shigeru reported after Maya's report was completed

"Connect him please" Misato replied

A holographic window 'Audio Only' opened up

"I apologise Sir because of my irresponsible judgment Unit-01 has incurred some damage, I take full responsibility Sir" Misato spoke up though in the back of her mind she wanted to teach Asuka a lesson for needlessly firing the rocket and causing the worst of the damage that happened to Unit-01

"No destroying angels is an Evas purpose it is fortunate that the damage was not greater" Fuyutsuki replied

"Excellent work Major Katsuragi" Gendo added

"Thank you sir" Misato replied

"And on that note is the pilot of Unit-01 there?" Gendo asked again

"Sir"Shinji replied

"I've just read the report. Good work Shinji" Gendo said though no one could see it the sneer on his face said otherwise, though this was a last ditch effort to get some control over his son.

"Sir"Shinji replied again not interested in anything his father has to say

"And the pilot of Unit-02?" Gendo asked

"Yes Sir" Asuka replied confidently though she was anything but now that she was in the Commanders cross hairs

"Excellent work Pilot Soryu, that was a good kill" Gendo replied changing tact at Shinji's response 'You really are the master' the commander allowed himself a pat on the back

"Oh thank you Sir, it was nothing" Asuka replied

"I'll leave the handling of the rest of this to you Major Katsuragi" Gendo ordered before the window blanked out.

"So now you're going to have to complete your promise" Asuka boasted at Misato.

"Alright give me half an hour and we can go" Misato said.

"I'm going to finish cleaning up" Shinji said heading for the locker rooms.

"Alright let's get everyone back into the city anyone left homeless from the building collapses will have to be relocated first responders determined those areas are unrecoverable.




Shinji got to the locker rooms to find a blinking curser on the screen

"Coded message please log in. Huh I've never seen this before?" He muttered to himself

'Might as well log in I guess' Shinji thought

Entering his log in details brought up a screen showing a new message with his name on it. Opening the message Shinji read

Shinji

Things are not as they seem. There are a lot of people working behind the scenes on various committees who seek to control events for their own ends. They are our enemies and some of them are more dangerous than the angels themselves. There is a lot you need to know and I will tell you in time but for now you need to find out who has the best melons. Special Inspector Kaji can show you the way.

Before you ask why I'm doing this it is simple, I knew your mother, she was my student and I know before she died she was working towards a better world for your sake, I plan to see that through no matter the cost I hope I can count on your help with this.

Do not reply to this message, delete it and proceed if you wish I will know if you have accepted.

Sub-Commander Kozo Fuyutsuki

Shinji read the message twice and then a third time to take it all in then deleted it like it said.

"Special Inspector Kaji knows who has the best melons?" He whispered to himself "Father and some serious conspirators must be on the wrong side of this if the Sub-Commander is bringing this to me. Kaji said not everyone is bad, and things mustn't be as they seem" He continued keeping his voice very quiet.

"I need to speak to Misato first" The young pilot muttered as he finished cleaning up as best he could no amount of deodorant being able to mask the smell of LCL that won't be washed off till his bandages are removed in two days.




A knock came from his office door as Ryoji was typing away on his computer. Quickly closing his current window he answered "Come on in" in his usual carefree voice as he spun his chair around to see his unexpected visitor.

With a twinkle in his eye "Major Katsuragi how are you today?" He asked sincerely dropping the bullshit for once

Misato was a little taken back by this she knew her former lover well and if she didn't know any better she would swear he was making an effort for her.

"I'm fine Kaji sorry I'm later than I said I would be but I need you help with some things" She asked getting straight to the point after composing herself from the shock of Kaji being honest and normal with her.

"What do you need Katsuragi?" Ryoji asked

"I need all the information you can find on two things" Misato asked

"And what are they?" Kaji whispered in a low voice knowing this conversation was going to get serious

"The Marduk Institute and Rei Ayanami" Misato whispered back

"And why would I be looking into those things?" Kaji asked

"I know you you're after the truth and something is off about this, and well you are the special inspector" Misato replied

"Very perceptive, how about I let you know what I can dig up" Kaji replied cryptically

"Alright and just be careful I have a bad feeling about this" Misato replied

"Will do" Kaji replied as Misato left




To be continued:

A/N: I've tried my best to get this out as quick as possible after leaving you with a cliff-hanger. I hope your still enjoying the story and thanks again for following and reviewing.