Rei's Child

Written By: Jon L

This Chapter follows the events of Chapter Seven

"speaking"--'thinking'--<phone>--=dream=

The city of Kyoto, a city that has survived through Second Impact and flourished due to changes over the years. Some may even say it is one of the few proud cities left on the island of Japan. Even when the world's population dropped it still survived. And when compared to Tokyo-3, it is a lot safer to be in, if not better looking appearance-wise. Located somewhere in the city in a warehouse, a wooden crate sits. The lid has been opened and if a person were to look inside they would find two children sleeping, a laptop, and an empty spot where a third child had been. But that is not all that is present, a few feet away sits another unopened crate.

In the dimness of the interior of the structure a child wanders, possibly the one that was in the empty spot to begin with. The child appears to have red hair clips in as she walks in and out from under the few lights that work.

'Damn Misato, she forced me to go against my free will!'

Asuka sees a door and runs up to it, only to find that it has been pad-locked on the outside. After walking around a bit more, she heads back in the direction of the crates to see if Shinji or Rei have awoken yet, and to see what is in the other crate. Once she nears the open box she notices the laptop and takes it out, hoping it will be of some use to her, as she boots it up she hears the sound of moaning as Shinji begins to move, "Misato..."

"Shinji, snap out of it."

"Wha?.."

"Wake up!"

He sits up in the crate that has provided as a means of escape and sees he is not in a car anymore, "Hey, where are we?"

"I don't know, but before Misato drugged me she said something about Kyoto, so I guess that is where we are."

Shinji looks at the other crate, "What is in there?"

"I am not sure, help me open it."

The two conscious children walk up to the crate and begin to remove the lid. After they have succeeded in removing it they see it is full of a few emergency supplies from NERV and clothes that were added for this special situation.

"Shinji, it's full of supplies. Whoever left this must have known that we were coming here."

"So we are to stay here?"

"I am not really sure, I was just about to see if Misato left instructions on the laptop provided."

She walks over to the computer sitting on the floor and begins to search for any data concerning their location. It isn't long before she finds a note left by Ritsuko for them to read.

[To Shinji, Rei, and Asuka,

Please allow me to apologize for the current situation, it was needed since your safety here is no longer guaranteed. You were all drugged to be sure that your trip would be flawless until you arrived in Kyoto. Right now I must ask that you do not leave the building you are in, everything has been taken care of as far as the living situation. Included in the other crate is a phone that is not registered to NERV, please use it when you need to for food and supplies. Also, three mattresses have been included, the softer one must go to Rei. Misato has been sure to include clothing in the crate for all of you. This computer has been programmed with a hidden IA access port. Asuka, do not use it to access files below the CREATER Level, I have included a reference manual if needed. Shinji, you are to listen to Asuka when it comes to your safety, Rei as well. Rei is to keep a log of her current state, a notebook with details is included. As of right now NERV is unaware of your location, if you follow the instructions you will remain safe. One last thing, when it is safe again you will be contacted personally by Misato. I wish you all good luck.

Signed,

Ritsuko]

"Well, I guess that is it, the doors are locked so we won't be able to leave."

"What, Asuka?"

"I have tried all but one door, the big one."

"Asuka, do you really want to leave?"

"Yes, I want a nice room instead of a dusty warehouse!"

They hear Rei awaken finally before they try the big door.

"Shinji, what is happening?"

"Rei, we have been brought to Kyoto for safe-keeping or something..."

She gets out of the box and moves slowly in the direction of her fellow pilots, "What is the plan?"

"Asuka is in charge I guess, that is if she stays."

"Shinji, I want a nice bed, I want a bathroom, I want privacy."

"Asuka..."

She doesn't wait for an answer as she goes over to the large door and succeeds in opening it. The view she gets is one of total confusion, "Whoa, this isn't going to be easy." As she walks out of the building she trips over some books left by the door for some reason, as she gets up she glances at them and sees they are directories for the city.

"Asuka, I have a question for you. How do you plan on paying for a room, we have no money?"

"What, how are going to pay for food?!"

Shinji walks up with a note in his hand, "Misato had an account set up here for us to use it looks like."

"So, we have no money yet, but have access to some?"

"Asuka..."

"Shinji, I don't like this place!"

"Well, can you at least try it out for one night, I doubt we can find a place now."

"I guess, but if I still don't like it, I am gone."

****************

Inside of NERV's lowest level, someone sits in a dark room typing at a keyboard.

'Why does he think I can be used like this.'

She puts down the board in her hand and picks up another.

'The only reason he needs me now is because I know how to fix the MAGI from here.'

She pauses for a few moments to review what has been typed.

'At least the children got away from him for now, but for how long...'

She hears the door open before she sees a face that she didn't think she would see for a while, "Maya?"

"Sempai, I wanted to see if you need help. But I also want to know if it is true...about what you did?.."

"It is true, I disobeyed order and leaked info out..."

"But, why?"

"Maya, may I ask you something?"

"Hai."

"Do you think Ikari can be trusted?"

"Yes, he is the Commander."

"But, you don't know all the secrets he holds, deep down he is manipulative and cold. He used me to do his bidding and I didn't like it!"

"But if he can't be trusted then why is it he is still in control?"

"Because he knows that he is the only one that can bring everything together here. I don't know all about his, but I do know he just uses others then tosses them the moment he sees no use for them anymore."

Maya lowers her head as she slowly backs out of the room.

"Maya, help would be nice, if you are willing to help a criminal."

Maya walks in again and nods, "Yes, Sempai, but you are not a criminal according to me, you taught me everything I know about the MAGI."

"Well, you are about to get a crash course in the IA system."

"Hai."

"One thing though, you will be doing the configurations as well for the high tower, in case you find Ikari has become untrustworthy."

"What?"

"Don't worry, you will be fine..."

"I can't...I can't do that."

"Maya, I don't want you to be like me...but you are the only one that can stop him if I am locked up."

"I just can't do it..."

"I know you can't. Maya, you have a future after all is done, don't be like me and be used."

"Yes...sempai."

"I am guessing you should get back before they suspect you."

****************

Up in the office of Gendo Ikari, plans have begun in preparing for an attack.

"Ikari, you know we don't have the firepower if they attack."

"I am aware of that."

"We need to train people fast before it is too late."

"I believe we have enough time to prepare, if they have not attacked yet, then they are still preparing."

"And what about the pilots, they are now vulnerable."

"I have ordered that they be found no matter what, Rei will be required for the plan to succeed."

"And what about the Second and Third children?"

"They serve no purpose once the birth occurs."

"You can't be serious! What about an angel attack?"

"The new pilot will suffice."

"Gendo Ikari, are you out of your mind?!"

"I assure you I am not. The plan will proceed in our favor."

"I guess you have made up your mind. So what will you do with Doctor Akagi?"

"She is of no true use, have her remain locked up until we need her again."

"Then, you have replaced her?"

"Yes, Ibuki has been adequately trained by her."

"So what should I tell Section Two about preparations?"

"Have them begin training all personnel."

****************

Up in the apartment of Misato Katsuragi, the owner has just arrived home and hears a familiar sound when she gets to the kitchen, "Pen-pen, you are the last one left." She picks him up and carries him to the balcony, "I can't keep you here anymore, so I will send you off to the Horaki family in Kyoto, with a plea for help.

****************

That evening, in the city of Kyoto, three children have finished unpacking everything and prepared some food included for them to eat. Rei has wandered off to wash up while the makeshift table is set, it being an empty wooden box left over from when the place was used for a real company.

"Shinji, what do you want to eat? We have an apple thing, a grain bar, and a packet of something that I can't figure out, but I think it's a pastry."

"I will try the grain bar."

"I get the apple thing then."

As soon as Rei walks back to the pair she takes a seat and sees one thing is left to pick from. She doesn't waste any time in opening the wrapper and pulls out a cream filled pastry.

"Hey, I was right, a pastry."

After everyone finishes eating, they plan out the sleeping arrangements for the night, "Okay, since Rei gets the soft one, I won't argue that arrangement, but I will be sleeping in between both of you to make sure nothing happens, is that cle..."

She falls back as the chair falls over for some reason.

"Asuka?"

"What the hell?"

She gets up off the floor and sees one of the chair legs has fallen into a hole in the floor, after righting it again she looks more closely as she sees the hole is part of a larger component in the floor, "Shinji, grab the table and chairs."

"What's wrong?"

"Something is below us..."

After everything has been moved she lifts up the plate below her and sees stairs going down. She grabs one of the flashlights and proceeds with caution downward, until she reaches the bottom and finds a light-switch. The moment she turns it on she sees that it is a garage holding a vehicle inside of it, "Shinji, come quick!"

She hears him run down the stairs and stop behind her, "Asuka, it's a jeep?.."

"Go get the computer, fast!"

Moments later he has brought down the computer along with Rei and gives it to Asuka.

"I didn't see anything about this in the notes..."

"It is Commander Ikari's personal transport in times of emergencies."

"What Rei?"

"How do you know, Wondergirl?"

"I remember its use from before the first Rei was killed."

Asuka runs her finger along the body and sees a thick mound of dust build up, "It hasn't been used in years!.." She opens a door and looks inside, "Wow, now this is nice, and it has a data interface built in as well, even the keys have been left."

"Asuka, what are you thinking?"

"We could sell this thing for some money..."

Shinji walks up to the door and wipes off some of the dust, uncovering a GERHIN logo, "I think someone will notice this."

Asuka climbs out of the vehicle and looks at the outside of the door, "Well, at least we can use this data interface to our advantage." She connects the laptop to the transmitter and turns it on, "I think I will test it out to see if it still works."

****************

While Asuka fools around in the jeep, Shinji goes to see if there is a way to get the vehicle out from below if needed. He follows what looks like a tunnel for about 500 meters before coming to the end and seeing two doors overhead, "Asuka, I found another way out in case we get trapped." he yells back.

Soon, he hears the sound of a motor starting then sees the jeep roll up to him and stop about a meter from himself.

"Hey, it started!"

"Asuka, what are you doing?!"

"Hey, just seeing what shape it is in. Now, how do I get it back, I can't see out the back window very well..."

"GET OUT OF THAT THING BEFORE YOU CRASH IT!!!!"

"Jeez, I was just testing it, no need to get mad! Besides, I do a better job then Misato does."

He doesn't argue that fact.

"Shinji, don't worry, I can do this!"

She puts the vehicle in reverse and moves it back until it is as close to its original spot as possible, "That was fun."

"Asuka, don't do that again, what if it has a tracker?"

"It doesn't, at least not anymore."

"How do you know?"

"Because this thing has had the programming changed by me."

"How did you do that?"

"Easy, the instructions are still here for the transmitter, so I disabled it. Look, do you want to stay alive or not?!"

"Sorry..."

"That's better."

He sees that Rei has vanished during the little incident, "Rei?"

He hears no reply come from her as he walks up the stairs to the open area above. The moment he looks in the direction of the beds he sees she has fallen asleep and walks back down, "Asuka, I know you want to do more tonight...but I think we will have time tomorrow if you decide to stay."

"Shinji..."

He indicates for her to keep her voice down and whispers a few words to her, "She is sleeping above."

"Oh."

****************

The next day, somewhere in the city of Kyoto, a girl is awoken by her father, "Hikari...Hikari..."

"What is it?.."

"A special package has come for you from Tokyo-3."

Hikari's eyes go wide as she hears the name of the city and hurries to the door. When she walks back into the room she sets the package down and opens it, 'I wonder if this is from Asuka?..'

The moment the lid comes off she is startled the moment a head pokes up from the inside, "Pen-Pen?.."

"QWAA!!"

"A Misato Katsuragi sent it to us with an urgent letter for you."

Her father holds up a NERV envelope with the words FOR HIKARI HORAKI'S EYES ONLY written across the top. She wastes no time in opening it and pulls out a few folded sheets of paper to read.

-Hikari, please forgive me for not calling first, the situation here is currently a serious one. I wanted to get Pen-Pen out of the city before it was too late. Also, I am sure you are wondering about Asuka and whether she is okay. Please do not lose this letter or throw it away, it is important that only you read this next part.-

-As of yesterday, Asuka has been sent to Kyoto along with Shinji and Rei, but they are currently being hidden in a warehouse off the riverfront, the place is called MARDUK and only one door will be unlocked. I am personally requesting that you check up on all three since NERV is looking for them, but do not turn them over. Also, I have sent a list prepared by a doctor here of stuff Rei may possibly need. She is pregnant and may require external help. The children have been asked not to leave the building.-

-Right now you are the only one I can confide in, I ask that you do not try to contact me in this matter or allow anyone else to see this letter. And please take care of Pen-Pen for me, a list of what he eats has been included as well.-

-Misato K.-

'Asuka is here?'

"Hikari, is something the matter?"

"No, nothing is wrong, I have just been asked to watch over Pen-Pen here for a while at least."

"That's nice. Well, you have school soon and I will need you to pick up a few things for me after you are done for tonight..."

"Father, if I may, I would like to do some studying at the library after school?"

"Of course, I can have one of your sisters pick up dinner instead."

****************

Down in NERV, Doctor Akagi has finished restoring the parameter files for the MAGI and has arrived on the high tower to enter the final commands for control. Behind her stands two agents to make sure she does only what she has been asked.

"Maya, be ready to run a diagnostic once the Supercomputer goes online."

"Hai."

She enters the last command and presses enter, then awaits the sound of confirmation tones to signal that everything is ready. Once they come, she is lead away again to the cell that awaits her somewhere in the bowels of the sub-complex.

Once they near the elevator Misato runs up to them, "May I have a few moments alone with the prisoner?"

"Yes, Major."

The guards move away from the ladies until they are out of sight.

"Misato, what are..."

"Ritsu, I want you to have this book to read while you serve your time in the cell. I think you will like it, the author did a really good job." Misato hands her the book and points to the bottom casually, indicating that it is more then a book.

"Men, she is all yours."

After a ride down to the correct floor, Ritsuko is lead to her cell with book in hand. She hears the door latch shut before she open the book to the back and sees a controller with a note attached, 'Misato, you have no idea how much trouble you could be in right now...'

She reads the note before turning on the unit.

-Ritsuko, I have allowed one more person to care for the children, she lives in Kyoto and is a friend of Asuka's. Also, this controller will be the only means to communicate for now, I have made sure it is quiet, but you will not be able to access the MAGI with it.-

'Misato, you really are nuts.'

****************

Later that day, Hikari has made it to the place the Eva pilots are staying and is now in search of an unlocked door, after many tries she arrives at the big door and pulls it up before entering quickly and shutting it again, "Asuka?"

She hears her voice echo inside as she walks around in search of any signs of life until someone pulls her into the darkness.

"Wait, it's Hikari!"

"Hikari?"

"Asuka?" She stares at the pilot in front of her as her heart races and pulls her into a hug, "Asuka!"

"Hikari, how did you find this place?"

"Misato sent a letter to me along with Pen-Pen, she asked me to make sure you are all okay."

"Shinji, you and Rei can stop hiding."

Hikari turns her head as she sees the floor lift up about 100 meters away, then sees Shinji and Rei emerge into the light, ",."

"Hikari?"

"Yes..." She gets a good look at Rei, "It's true?.."

"What is?" asks Asuka.

"Misato said Rei was pregnant, but I didn't think she was at this point."

Rei sits down on one of the chairs as Shinji walks up, "Hikari, did Misato send any news at all?"

"Only that I was to help bring medication if needed."

"I see..."

"Hikari, I am glad to see you. You have got to see what is under us, it's cool."

Asuka drags Hikari to the spot in the floor where a door is located, "We found it last night by mistake."

Before she reaches the bottom of the stairs Asuka turns on the light for Hikari, "We have our own jeep, but we can't really use it for much here."

"Wow, I like the color, a nice black."

"I was hoping we could sell it but it has an old NERV logo on it..."

"Well, I think it is nice, you can you it as a stereo..."

"Doesn't have one, but it does have a transmitter built in so I can use it with the computer given to me."

****************

While Hikari and Asuka talk, Shinji and Rei wonder how Pen-Pen is doing, "I miss Pen-Pen already." says Shinji.

"Shinji, what are we going to do if I give birth here?"

"Rei, don't say that, I am sure we will go back before then."

"I am not sure if it is true."

He moves closer to her and holds her hand, "I will make sure nothing happens to you, I promise."

"Aww...next comes the kiss, right?"

"Asuka!"

Shinji turns around and sees Hikari and Asuka watching them, "It's not like that!"

"Relax, Ikari. Asuka told me you are the father, and I think Rei has chosen a good one."

"Really?"

"Yes. I could tell something was going on even when nothing was back in class. You are both made for each other."

"Hikari!"

"Asuka, they do look cute together."

Asuka marches the rest of the way up the steps and leans against a large crate a short distance away.

"Ikari, I am sure you will do a good job."

"Th-thank you."

"Well, I should head home now before my father worries about me since I told him I was going to the library."

"Well, be sure to come back, but use the doors below instead." replies Asuka.

****************

After being given some info concerning how to contact the pilots, Hikari has left for home, 'That was nice seeing Asuka again...but she seemed a bit more cheerful then I remember...'

As soon as she arrives back home, she is greeted by her father, only he doesn't look too happy, "Hikari dear, I just heard some sad news concerning your friend Asuka. She has gone missing according to the news reports. They are assuming she is possibly dead."

"What?"

"I know, even worse, your old classmates that were those other pilots have gone missing as well, and the United Nations has decided to attack NERV for refusing to turn over operations."

"But..."

"Honey..."

Hikari runs out the door again in the direction of MARDUK with a very concerned look on her face. When she arrives at the door leading to the ramp below she hurries in and carefully makes her way up the steps as she feels for the door.

Once she emerges from below she sees the three children have gone to sleep. She hurries up to Asuka and wakes her up, "Asuka, wake up, I need to talk to you."

"Wha...Hikari?"

"What is going on with NERV?"

"I believe she has heard..."

"Rei, what is going on?"

"Hikari, I think you should call your house, this may take a while..."

After everyone has gathered below, Asuka turns on the laptop and the transmitter, then sets hands it to Hikari to read what is displayed. After a few minutes have passed by she looks up from the screen at Asuka, "I don't get it?.."

"Hikari, Misato sent us away, forced is more like it, from NERV due to problems concerning Rei, her kid, I and the JSSDF. They have attacked the MAGI already."

"But did Misato send you here?"

"Well, actually she didn't really pick this spot, someone else did..." comments Shinji.

"Asuka, I get the feeling I have not heard everything, I don't care if you can't tell me, I want to know!"

"Okay, but be ready for a surprise."

"Hey, I think hearing you are presumed dead is bad enough!"

"Shinji knows more then me, I will let him start."

"Hikari, this whole mess started a few months ago after Rei got drunk, soon after she and I found out she was pregnant. But the child has the ability to communicate with us, Eva pilots have some kind of link between them and that is used to communicate. I was asked to be the father by Rei. We are unsure what is going on though because we have been denied the information being hidden from us. Rei will be giving birth sooner then normal from what we have learned since the Child has grown faster then it should have."

"Shinji, slow down."

"Hikari, basically Rei, Shinji, and I were shipped out of Tokyo-3 for a short while. And Rei is going to have an abnormal Child. Now, onto my part in this. I was given some knowledge about the Supercomputer system that runs NERV about a month ago, I am considered a danger in a sense. So I have been asked to keep tabs on the couple here until Misato comes for us."

"But what about the JSSDF?"

"We only know they have been trying to access NERV, but that is about it, the last thing I remember is hearing about an A-801 before being drugged."

"You don't know?"

"What?"

"NERV is going to be attacked soon, I heard the news when I got home."

Asuka grabs the computer and starts looking up the latest info for NERV, "Shinji, everything has been locked down!"

"So, it's true..."

****************

"Sir, I have the latest design specs concerning the layout of NERV."

Somewhere in the city of Tokyo-2, the first sets of plans concerning the invasion are being laid out.

"Good Sergeant, you are dismissed."

The man nods and walks out the door.

"Okay men, NERV is preparing right now for us, but intelligence says that will not be ready by the time we attack, but I want to be sure it goes according to plan. First, the outer doors for the main entrance are 50 centimeters thick, so one man will have to open them from the inside for the rest. Second, NERV has many systems that will need to be taken out before we can capture the MAGI."

"Sir, what are the plans when it comes to their people?"

"Since they have forced this option we are to take no prisoners, kill all that moves."

"Yes, sir."

"Now, our goal is located somewhere below the pyramid section, once we reach it, we are to take it with minimal damage to the systems themselves. After the MAGI has been secured we are to terminate Gendo Ikari, then secure the Eva's. I want it to be perfectly understood that no one is to be left alive."

"So their fate has been decided?"

"Yes, whether they surrender or not, kill them."

The highest-ranking officer unrolls the latest plans to be delivered.

"Okay, the VTOL's will be used to descend into the main shaft, they will make sure everything is cleared for us before we enter the lower sections of the pyramid where access is to be achieved into the next section."

"Sir, if I may, it may be wise to send some men in through these launch shafts created for the Eva's themselves."

"Negative, those shafts have been closed up already."

"What about the Geofront entries?"

"They are a maze, it will take too long to do anything."

The man grabs a pen and begins making marks on the map, "Okay, the control systems that have to be taken out are located in these areas..."

****************

"Yes, Shinji. The reports I have access to have confirmed it. Hikari, if needed, we may need more help from you. If Rei gives birth, then we will need a ride to the nearest hospital."

"Asuka, if you go to a hospital with Rei in that condition you will be discovered!"

"Hikari, what else can we do?"

"My older sister can help, but I don't know if she will want to since NERV is an enemy now."

Everyone turns to the silent Rei to see what she has to say on the matter. After a few moment they see she is burning up.

Shinji does his best to revive her sleeping form, "Rei? Rei?"

"Shinji, I think she is sick."

"How can you tell Hikari?"

"Well her breathing has sped up for one!"

****************

Away from the confines of the jeep's interior, Rei floats over the same pool she did the first couple of times she dreamed after getting drunk.

//"Mother, the time is nearing, but if you are to survive at all you must return to where it all began."

"I don't understand..."

//"Remember what you are, and you will have the answer."

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND?!"

//"Mother, you have to think about origins, what are you?"

"I..."

//"The answer will come to you, but you must first help one person. This last part will be the final test."

Rei feels a sinking feeling as she slowly is lowered into the lake. Once her head has gone under she sees Ritsuko and Gendo on the other side of a glass wall before her vision fades out and she wakes up.

"Ayanami?"

Rei opens her eyes again and sees Hikari looking down at her.

"Ayanami, are you feeling okay?"

"Yes. Where is Shinji?"

"He got worried when you didn't wake up, Asuka is with him right now."

"I see..."

"So, how soon will the child be here?"

"I do not know."

"Well, I am sure it will come when it is time, but for now I think you should just sleep until morning comes."

"Hai."

"Asuka and I will be here if you need anything, Shinji will be sleeping in the jeep for the night."

"Hor..."

"Call me Hikari."

"Hikari, why is it you have chosen to help us?"

"Because I trust my friends more then I trust people I don't know."

****************

Two weeks later, the current situation in NERV has become a grim one, everyone has been forced to be trapped inside the massive structure. Makoto has been allowed to leave to assist Misato with the final plans concerning the protection of the people inside of NERV while Maya and Shigeru man the high tower during these final moments.

"Maya, do you think we have gone too far?"

"I am not sure. Commander Ikari has decided our future, but what is so important that he can't just give in?"

"I don't have an answer for that, but, I believe he is willing to have us all be killed for his own sake."

They both go back to scanning the perimeter of the city. After a few minutes have passed Maya remembers a point Ritsuko made a while back, "Shigeru, do you trust the Commander anymore?"

"I don't know. He seems to have decided that we are not important enough to protect."

"I hope that we survive then..."

****************

Ritsuko digs out the book given to her a few weeks ago and reads the latest news delivered from Misato.

[Ritsuko]

[I have heard that you are going to be released soon when the JSSDF attack. Ikari has planned on using you to cover up everything concerning Second Impact.]

'Misato, I think that he is pulling your leg...'

****************

"Makoto, can you disable the overrides for the entrances?"

In one of the few conference rooms scattered around NERV, Makoto and Misato have sat down to make sure that NERV is protected as much as possible.

"Not unless I remove the controls."

"Do what you need to, but I want everything to stay locked down for as long as possible!"

"Hai. Major, what if the pilots want in?"

"Don't worry, I am sure they will be fine."

****************

Later that night in the city of Kyoto, Rei has awoken to the sound of crying off in the distance. She sees that Hikari, who has spent another night here with the pilots, is still asleep. She gets up and follows the sound to the other end of the warehouse until she locates the source and sees Asuka crying. She walks closer to her just as she looks up, "Rei, I don't want your help!"

"Yes, you do."

"I don't need any help..."

"I have seen your past in my dreams, you have had the same dreams as of late. Your dreams bring back the past concerning your mother."

"How..."

Rei points to both hers and Asuka's head, "We know of each other."

"Rei, I can take care of myself!"

"You will end up like your mother in the end. You must confront the dreams before it is too late."

"But..."

"You love Shinji like I do. If you cut yourself off he will be hurt. You must fight your memories to understand them."

Rei sits down as Asuka nods.

"I will be here if you need me..."

Asuka smiles a bit before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

****************

=(Asuka can be seen standing in front of some large windows looking into a larger room beyond, she wears no expression on her face since she is unaware of what is going on, or does she. She has seen this many times before, but this time, she know it will be different.)=

="Asuka dear, momma has to go now. Please be a good girl."=

="I am not your doll!"=

="What?"=

="You are not my mother anymore, she is not in this place anymore."=

=(A crack appears in the glass.)=

="Asuka, what are you doing?"=

="No, my real mother has been with me this whole time, in my Eva Unit-02!"=

=(Another crack.)=

="She has protected me."=

=(She turns around and faces the image of her mother.)=

="Therefore you can't be her, you are just a memory, but a memory that has withheld the truth for me!"=

="Asuka?!"=

=(The glass now has many cracks form in it.)=

="My mother was with me this whole time in Eva, she never really did die, she was pulled in, just like Shinji."=

=(The giant behind her begins to move.)=

="I was blind to what you really were at first, just a shell. I suffered because of that, but my true momma is in my Eva!"=

=(The glass explodes into thousands of pieces as a red hand breaks through and grabs Asuka before the dream shatters into pieces.)=

Asuka is now greeted to darkness as three figures appear in front of her. Rei, younger self, and Momma.

"So, you are the real her?"

Momma "No, I am the her that you hold inside of yourself."

Chibi "You have found that which you knew of but didn't believe."

Momma "But, you have now accepted it as the truth. I never left you, Asuka."

Rei "You have found the truth that you believe is real."

Momma "Don't give up, you have a wonderful life ahead of you should you never close yourself off."

Chibi "The dream you saw as your life has in the end proven to be just a dream and nothing more."

"So I have finally opened that part of me that was closed off?"

The figures of Rei and herself fade away as she approaches her mother's image.

"I will always be here for you, even when you do not see it. I love you, Asuka dear..."

****************

Rei is awoken by the sound of crying again, only this time, it is a different sound, for, they are tears of joy.

"Rei?"

"Yes, Asuka?"

"Thank you, thank you for helping me the way you did."

"Then, you have found you answer?"

"Yes. It is because of you and Shinji that I woke up from my coma, and because of my mother watching over me and keeping me safe."

She moves over to where Asuka sits and allows her to cry into her shoulder.

"I am glad you have opened up, Asuka."

They both hear a cry come from the jeep down below, "ASUKA!!!!!!!"

****************

The time has now reached the early hours of the morning. Off in the distance the sound of movement can be heard as people walk through the grass in the darkness that surrounds the desolated city of Tokyo-3

"Okay, everyone knows the plan, do it swiftly."

The moment everything goes quiet the order is given for the first shots, "ATTACK!"

Instantly, streaks of light are fired into the air as the objects fired hit their intended targets. Fireballs illuminate what used to be surveillance units.

****************

In Central Control, hell breaks loose as static begins to fill the screens showing the cameras scanning the perimeter.

"Have lost visual systems for the west end!"

Maya "External systems are being taken out!"

Makoto changes the displayed image on the main viewer to a layout of NERV, "No activity so far in the upper sections!"

Misato enters the room and sees that the battle is just getting started, "Makoto, have they entered NERV yet?"

"No, they are disabling systems on the surface first!"

"Fire whatever you can at random until all systems are down!"

****************

At one of the vent shafts used for fresh air intake for a few areas inside of NERV, four men pry off the grating and climb in. Their goal is to reach the interior and open as many gates as possible to allow access to the waiting parties. When they near the first branch they split up as they continue to move in the direction of an opening someplace. After many twists and turns they all reach exit points and kick out the covers preventing their escape, one of the pairs is greeted by armed NERV guards and killed. The other pair splits up to find the nearest gates to open, one of them reaches a dead end while the other reaches the first point within several minutes of entering the area. This man notices the NERV solder guarding the door and quietly digs out his knife as he gets closer until he is able to cover the mouth and stab the man in the back.

The sound of muffled grunts is heard as he twists the knife and drops the man to the ground before reaching for the access card and swiping it through the primary lock system. He is rewarded by the sound of the heavy locks retracting and the heavy doors opening as the alarm sounds.

****************

"Breech at the Fifth entrance in section 901!"

"Isolate that area!"

Misato watches as the map begins to show red and green dots on it.

****************

The other man that had hit the dead end has managed to find another way to the next entrance and kills the guard patrolling the area. Once he is sure the person is dead he uses the ID card to try and release the locks but finds that the control unit has been removed from the wall.

"Unable to release the locks for Ninth entrance, keycard reader has been removed."

"Roger."

****************

Makoto "No response from Ninth entrance!"

"So they have found the first surprise."

"I believe so. Sections 902 thru 904 have been breached."

****************

Located on the surface at an access road, I few guards wait for further instructions concerning their position when they hear a few large objects impact the MCU in the entryway seconds before it is blown up, killing the men instantly.

****************

"We have a fire at service point 4!"

"Makoto, close off the access point at the delivery area!"

"Doors not responding! Breech at dock 3!"

"Prepare the bake-lite!"

****************

Ritsuko has just been granted her freedom by Gendo and is now being lead to the IA room by two Security agents to make sure she doesn't decide to go the other way.

'He still does not trust me.'

After a nice walk, they are greeted by the sound of gunfire in the distance. Security hurries in the direction of the noise while Ritsuko runs to the elevator. When she has arrived she sees that it has been locked down on this floor for some reason, 'Hmm...either something is wrong or everything is right.'

****************

Misato shoves a hand into her jacket as she looks at one of the camera's still displayed on Makoto's terminal and twitches a finger on a flat object inside as she whispers something to him, "Thank you for recovering the controller."

****************

Ritsuko is surprised to see the doors close after a brief wait. She wastes no time in heading to the basement level where she is to begin her work that on the IA system, "Misato, you deserve Kaji's old job."

****************

"Understood, use the vent shafts to proceed."

Up on surface the ones directing the attacks are pleased to hear that everything has gone according to plan so far.

"Have the VTOL's enter NERV once the first five levels are secured."

****************

"Top level has been captured, unable to slow down!"

"Shigeru, what is the situation of the first line?!"

"They are standing by."

"Have them prepares for incoming! Maya, give me a status check of the working systems?!"

"All systems are running..."

She is interrupted as new data scrolls across her screen, "Wait, power has been cut to electrical controls for grids 503 thru 511!"

"Reports of casualties coming in for the top four levels! 38 dead!"

"Makoto, withdraw troops and collapse the bridges."

****************

Down at the main entrance, a few stray personnel begin running as they see the doors explode, they have no chance as the enemy troops start firing at everyone then proceed to the next section where they are to gain access to the access points leading down.

"Sir, we have entered Central Dogma and are doing room to room searches for any NERV technicians in hiding."

<Roger. Sending VTOL's in now.>

****************

"Central Dogma has been invaded, sections 807-834 have been captured!"

"They are moving too fast to keep up, begin bake-lite injection in sections 804 and 805!"

"Breech in main shaft!"

The large map displayed for all to see has been given many different colors indicating many problems for the upper sections of NERV. At this point 5 of the nine entrances at the top have been captured section 807-834, 901-914, and 917 have been taken over. NERV is already suffering system failures as the JSSDF destroy all that they can on their way down to the first goal, the MAGI.

"Close all doors in the main shaft, that will by us some time!"

"All doors have been sealed."

"Good, what do we still have that can be of use in the captured sections?"

Maya does a quick check before relaying the data, "807-812 still have blocks in place."

"Good, do what you can to keep them in place."

****************

At the top of Control, Gendo sits and his desk and watches the chaos below him unfold as all plans to keep NERV under control are failing. After a short while he gets up and turns to Fuyutsuki who stands off to the side, "I am leaving this in your hands."

"Hai, be sure to say hello to Yui for me."

"Hai."

As soon as Gendo has left, Fuyutsuki begins to shake his head, 'That man is just keeping his hands clean, I doubt we even had a chance to begin with...'

"Major, what is the status of the Geofront?"

"We have not received any data concerning it as of yet."

"Keep an eye on it, they may try to enter through an Eva launch shaft."

****************

Back in the city of Kyoto, away from all the chaos, everyone has been drawn down into the garage area to see what is the matter, "Shinji, what is it?"

"NERV is being attacked, look!"

Everyone gets a good look at the computer screen as the data scrolls up at a constant rate. Hikari backs away from the groups and collapses onto the stairs, "Oh no..."

Asuka grabs the computer and starts reading the latest condition of NERV.

****************

"Major, the current status is not good!"

"Maya, I want a check of the systems. Makoto, give me the latest captured sections. Shigeru, I want a casualty report as well."

After many moment she receives her answers.

Maya "Everything above Level 34 has been cut off!"

Makoto "45% of Central Dogma has been captured, the lowest level being Level 32, section 613!"

Shigeru "First four lines have been cut off and killed, 5th line has suffered a moderate loss!"

"Shigeru, order the fifth line to fall back! Makoto, I want to know how soon they will reach us?!"

"Major, at the current rate, they should be here in about 5 minutes!"

"Shit, have any armed personnel close by report here to provide cover!"

****************

Deep down in Terminal Dogma, Gendo stands in front of Lilith.

"You have grown again."

"Yes, it has."

He turns around and sees Ritsuko standing a distance behind him with a gun in her hand, "You used me for your bidding, and now you are using the rest of NERV as a shield. You have no right to live, you are no man, but a monster."

"I wish there was another way."

"You could have let go of your wife! You used your son, Rei, and Asuka like they were nothing! You used my own mother until she served no purpose anymore!"

"She had outlived her usefulness when the MAGI was completed."

"So you tossed her away, and had me take her place. Who was to replace ME?! Maya? You know she isn't as strong, and you don't care, just as long as you get your way!"

"My plans for Third Impact are better then allowing Seele to gain control."

"So you decided to use everyone just so you would have control. No, this isn't right, I don't have the right to kill you, that honor should go to your son who I had moved out of your reach."

"So, you are responsible for their disappearance?.."

"Yes, I had them brought to a place you can't get to them."

"You know Rei will die unless she comes back."

"Yes, but I hope she doesn't have the birth anytime soon." She turns her back to him and walks back towards the entryway. Gendo, on the other hand, pulls out a gun, hits her in the back twice, and watches as she falls to the ground.

"The time is near."

****************

"NERV is being taken over too fast!"

Back at the warehouse, Asuka finishes reading the data on the screen.

"Soon, everyone will be gone..."

As Rei stands in the garage, she feels a slight wave of dizziness pass other her as one image briefly flashes before her eyes. The image of a tube in the center of a large room that is filled with a golden colored liquid. She becomes weak suddenly and begins to sink to the floor before Shinji helps her to the back seat, "Rei, what is happening?

"We have to go back, I must give birth in the tube connected to the dummy-plug system."

"Rei, in case you didn't hear, NERV is in tons of trouble."

"Asuka, either we go back now or I die!"

To Be Continued…

Okay, this time the questions make the difference:

What will happen to NERV?

What will happen to Ritsuko?

What will happen to Rei?

Will the children get back to NERV before it is too late?

The answers are revealed in Rei's Child, Chapter IX