Rei's Child

Written By: Jon L

This Chapter follows the events of Chapter Ten

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

A secret, Webster defines it as this: Kept from public knowledge or from the knowledge of certain persons. This holds true in many ways for the secret organization called NERV, even though many know of it. But, even within NERV itself secrets are kept. But the one secret that seems to be being kept from two parents is one that holds the most value to the key concerning one person wanting the power of Instrumentality. Of course, that secret is equal to another secret as well, that one being what has been planned for the Eva pilots during the final battle, but, is that one secret going to hold true?

[Angel 17-2]

[The Angel Of Instrumentality]

[Purpose - Angel is primarily intended to be the focal point for Third Impact if allowed time has passed for trigger point, Lilith is required for this phase, but all Eva's must be destroyed before Impact can take place. If angel succeeds in reaching Lilith then the angel will decide the fate of humanity, otherwise everything defaults to the 18th angel that is given control by the aiding component.]

'So, that is what Kei is to be used for, and now I can't stop it! I have to use Eva to fight or else everything defaults to the Commander.'

Misato hears the door behind her open and turns to see the Sub-Commander looking at her.

"Sir?"

"So, you found the purpose of the last angel I see."

"Why wasn't anyone notified about this?!"

"The Commander has chosen to allow this one into NERV, Kei is to serve as the defensive component after the Eva's fail on purpose."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't tell you that, and you won't find it on the MAGI either."

"SIR!"

"Major, if you want to find out you will have to search yourself, I won't stop you."

Misato disconnects from the port and closes up her computer, "How did you know I was down here?"

"Well, if you are going to be in here, then try not to sit next to the temperature sensor."

Misato looks behind her and sees a small object with two wires sticking out of it, "Oh..."

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

Kei has just awoken from a nap and is about to be fed. It is evening now and both Rei and Shinji are going over a few books on what should be done for the child.

"Rei, by the looks of it, one thing that you are supposed to do is breast feed Kei, but I don't see for how long."

"I believe I continue until she is not hungry anymore."

"Oh, well I guess I will see what I can make for us then tonight while you feed Kei."

"Shinji, we should begin forming a plan on how to uncover the information being kept from us."

"I agree, but we can't do it here, I found a listening device in Kei's room today."

"What?"

"I think we are being watched."

Before they are able to continue they hear a knock on the front door. Shinji walks down the corridor to see who it is, "Hello?"

"Shinji, it's Misato."

He opens the door and sees her standing there.

"Shinji, I just stopped by to drop off this list of items you will need for Kei."

She hands him an envelope and walks to her door. Shinji is a bit confused as to what is going on but closes the door anyhow and returns to the kitchen where Rei is breast feeding Kei.

"Who was it?"

"Misato, she dropped this off and left..."

"What is it?"

"A list of some kind." He opens the envelope and pulls out a sheet of paper. When he sees the contents his eyes go wide.

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

Asuka continues to try to sleep in her cell, three days from release she continues to think about how to stop what is being done to Kei, but with the Commander watching her and the parents she sees no real way to give them the info.

'They have no idea about Kei...'

She turns over.

'They are happy though...even if they won't be for long...'

She hears the sound of the door open and sees a technician enter the room, "Asuka, I know you are not supposed to be receiving visitors, but..."

"What is it Maya?"

"Well, I am still not fully trained in on the IA system...I am still confused on one part of it..."

"Well, I will help if I can, if you can do something for me, nothing much, I just need a small note passed along to Rei and Shinji.", 'Perfect way to tell them.'

"Well, I guess I could as long as it doesn't give out info that they can't see..."

"Don't worry, it's just some extra info I found on how to take care of Kei. So what do you need help with?"

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

"Ikari, you know that the parents will soon find out about this on their own, what do you plan to do about it?"

"They will not be of any concern to me."

The commanders have gathered for another meeting in Gendo's office.

"Ibuki appears to be almost ready for her new role, but she is still consulting the Second Child."

"The Second Child is not to be given access to the MAGI, see to it."

"I understand."

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

Now the end the week, Asuka has been let out again under Misato's supervision.

"Asuka, I am sorry to say you have been denied access to the MAGI."

"I figured as much, but I have already supplied the needed info to Rei and Shinji..."

"What?"

"Well, I had Maya do me a favor since I helped her out with something. She delivered a code to them that will give them the needed info."

"Asuka, I gave them the info already."

"Misato, did you know that Shinji's Father was going to blow us pilots up?"

"Wait, where did you hear that?"

"Well, one advantage to assisting with the repairs was having access to schematics. I did a search on the workings of the Entry Plugs during a break and discovered the explosives hidden in the plugs."

"I knew that the box Hikari pointed out was part of a plan of his."

"Well, this may surprise you, but he is still calling the shots as well, and Kei is being experimented on."

"How do...the link?"

"Yes, the Commander is checking to see if she is ready or not."

"Asuka, you really have changed..."

"Well, I am unsure why, but something tells me that if I don't help them then I will regret it."

"Well, I know what the last angel is for, and it isn't like the other ones."

"What?"

"The last one is meant for the sole purpose of Third Impact."

"Misato, there is more to it."

They both hear a new voice as an image of Kaworu appears in the living room.

"The last angel is just a shell, the soul of it is the item that will hold the important step to the end result. I will warn you, the soul can be anything it wishes to be, it can even control another."

"Tabris?" asks Asuka.

"Asuka Soryu, you have been given a power that you don't understand yet, your second field has more power in it. The power of it is what will alter events that have been planned. But, this power must be used when the time is right, for once it reaches its full power you will not have control of it anymore, and in the end you will lose it."

"Misato walks up to the image, "Wait, what is this field?"

"You will discover its power soon, Major. Be patient, for the reward will be one worth living for."

The image fades away as the residents look at each other.

"Asuka, I think you should go visit the parents..."

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

Minutes later, Asuka has arrived at the door for the place next door. She knocks on it but gets no response. After a few minutes she slides her card in to the slot and hears the door unlock but not open, so she slides it open and enters.

"Hello?"

She hears no replies as she heads to the bedroom and sees that a few things are out of place. First, the cell phones are still present but Shinji's SDAT is gone. Second, the carrier for Kei is gone. Third, the bags are gone.

After many moments she manages to piece the situation together as she walks to the kitchen and sees a note posted on the fridge.

-To anyone that finds this. Rei, Kei, and I have left for a while, we do not wish to be followed since we know about the things being done to our child. Once the last angel has been defeated we will come back. Shinji.-

'Shinji, you always were a fool...'

She goes back to her apartment and grabs a sheet of paper and pencil, scribbles down a few words, then walks to Misato's room and opens the door, "Misato, they were asleep..."

"Wha.."

Misato stops as she hands over the note.

-Gone camping again, must find them before they are discovered missing. Do not repeat this info.-

Misato nods, "Asuka, we can talk to them later. How about you pick up a few items from the store." Misato writes down something as well.

-Go, find them, I will track you and pick up when you are ready, you know where to go I hope.-

She nods as well.

Hours later, after packing a few things, Asuka has been dropped off by Misato on the western end of the city so she may start the search for the missing group.

More hours later, she has reached the spot where Shinji and Rei first joined weeks ago and has found it to be empty. After doing a thorough search of the landscape she begins to get the impression that they won't be stopping anytime soon in case they are followed.

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

"Rei, I think we should stop for a moment, I can't carry Kei much further..."

Rei slows down as Shinji catches up before they find a spot to stop for a few moments.

"How is she?"

"Well, I think she has fallen asleep..."

"Shinji, we can't go back now..."

"I know, I don't want to go back until my father has been killed!"

"But, what if they needed us for the last one?"

"I am sure Asuka will do fine, I am not worried."

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

Asuka begins to hear the sound of talking and looks around to see where it is coming from, as she continues to search she realizes that the voices are inside her head and seem to get stronger each time she faces the northwest.

'Kei, you know, don't you?'

//'Yes Auntie, but they need help, please hurry.'

She wastes little time as she heads in the direction of the distant voices.

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

"I am ready to go again."

Both parents get up and begin to head away from NERV again.

"Shinji, allow me to carry our daughter for a while."

He hands Kei over the Rei who begins to get the impression Kei is hungry and does the only thing she knows is an option at the moment. "Shinji, can you carry this bag for me?"

He takes the bag as Rei starts the feeding.

"So, where should we head to?"

"Rei, I think the moment they find the note we will be reported as missing to every city, I think the best option will be to stay in the open."

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

'Shinji, you are so dense, you won't last three days out here.'

Asuka has heard the last words as she picks up her pace when she hears the voices getting stronger.

Rei 'But, what about food?'

Shinji 'I am sure we can find something worth eating...'

'Kei, you were right, they need help...'

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

As nightfall comes, the parents have decided to set up camp for the night.

"Well, I hope we have gone far enough..."

They both hear the sound of a twig snapping in the distance. Shinji signals for Rei to lay low as he goes to see if it is trouble coming for them. As he nears the source he stops and stays low as he sees a person coming closer in the dim light. Once the figure has passed by he tackles it to the ground and hears a female voice, "Shinji, I didn't know you cared so much."

"Asuka?"

"Good guess!"

He feels a fist connect with his jaw before he falls over.

"HENTAI!"

"Sorry, I didn't know..."

She helps him up before following him back to the campsite for the night.

"How did you find us?"

"Kei aided in directing me."

"Why are you here?"

Asuka grabs him and turns him around before slapping him in the same spot she punched him, "You fool, you are needed at NERV when the angel comes!"

"But..."

"Shinji, I know about the stuff being done to Kei, but you are still needed if we are going to survive!"

She walks past him in the direction of Rei and Kei.

'Asuka?..'

After a few moments he hears Asuka call for him.

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

Later, after a small bite to eat, the pilots sit in front of a fire. Asuka is tending to Kei at the moment while Shinji and Rei watch.

"Shinji, Asuka will be a fine aunt."

"How true, but why did she came?"

"Did she tell you anything?"

"No...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Rei watches as Shinji grips his head and falls over in pain, then feels the ground shake as a flash is seen in the distance in the direction of the ocean.

"Rei, what is going on?" asks Asuka.

"I don't know?.."

Both Rei and Asuka watch as Shinji goes limp.

"Rei, I think the time is nearing..."

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

Alarms begin to sound in NERV control as sensors pick up a shock wave. Shigeru is the only one on duty tonight as he reads of the data before Fuyutsuki enters the room.

"Status?"

"Sir, the MAGI have detected a shock wave originating west of our location."

"Magnitude?"

"3.6, the frequency is abnormal though."

"Explain?"

"The MAGI read it no lower then .0005 Hz and no higher then .05 Hz, but it isn't stable."

"Alert the Major, it is the last angel awakening."

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

After carrying Shinji into the tent, the two remaining pilots sit next to the fire.

"Rei, why did you run away?"

"Because we were not happy about what we had just learned!"

"Look, the time for revenge will come soon, but if you go then everyone dies!"

"How?"

"I don't know why, but for some reason Kei has to be present at the time of attack."

"You mean..."

"Yes, she is the final part or something to Third Impact."

"But..."

"Rei, do you remember Tabris?"

"Yes, he merged with me."

"He has been talking to Misato and I as of late, telling us about the end result. If Impact is to be prevented we have to be present."

"Did he say why?"

"I can't remember...but I think it has to do with what the last one will be."

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

Far in the distance, the last angel has finished forming in the water, its shape similar to that of a person. But what of the figure off to the side?

"You have finished forming, soon we will adhere to Seele's wishes."

"What is my goal?"

"Your goal is to begin that which remains to be started."

"I understand."

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

Further away, Seele has felt the shock wave as well.

1 "The time has come, the last angel created for this final purpose has appeared."

3 "Are we to trust Ikari?"

6 "As of now, all he can do is obey us."

1 "Ikari has no choice, no matter what happens we will be victorious."

10 "What of Eva?"

1 "Eva will not win."

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

An hour later, Shinji has awoken with a headache. Asuka has told Rei she will watch Kei for her while Rei checks on Shinji.

"Shinji, are you alright?"

"I don't know..."

"What happened?"

"I am unsure, the last thing I remember seeing is Pen-pen."

"We saw a flash of light in the distance right after you fell other."

"From what?"

"We don't know..."

They pause for a few moments before they hear the sound of laughing along with Asuka's voice outside of the tent.

"Hey, that tickles. You are so cute..."

The parents take in the sweet sound of Asuka laughing. Something they have not heard for a long time.

"Rei, I think Asuka will make a good aunt."

"I think you are right."

They continue to listen as the laughing continues for a few moments longer before heading out.

"Shinji, I see you have woken again."

"Yes Asuka."

"What happened?"

"I don't know..."

"Well, at least you are okay now."

"Yeah..."

"Rei, Shinji, you are aware of the info Misato and I passed onto you, right?"

"Yes." they both reply.

"Well, technically that was half of it, the other half goes as follows..."

She digs out a keypad and presents it to the parents. Shinji and Rei begin to read what is displayed.

[Rei, Shinji, I have asked Asuka to write this summary for you for when the time comes to present it. What this consists of is all the data that was gathered on Kei.]

[Part 1

From Time Index: 11:01:45

To Time Index: 11:02:17

Brainwaves Match]

[Part 2

Test results do not match for Ayanami, Rei]

[Part 3

Test Delta 86

Results Point To Mutation

Chemical Findings Point To A Positive Match To Chemicals On File

Chem Ident Is - Hydro 157

Purpose Of Chem - Modification Of Eva Tissue During Early Stages Of Growth

Reason For Use In Presented Case - To Modify The Structure Of Living Tissue

Usage - Recommended For Eva Growth Only

Case Used For - Modified Growth Of Human Fetus

Side Effects - Accelerated Growth

Danger Level - May Cause Death Of Host At End Of The Cycle]

[Part 4

Summary For Subject - Ayanami, Rei

Personal Notes

After discovering the identity of the fourth chemical, I have come to the conclusion that Commander Ikari plans on possibly making a more useful version of Rei, while killing her at the same time. My assumption is he sees no more use for Rei and is using her to create a more suitable Eva Pilot. If this is indeed the Commanders plan, then I must find out how to undo what has been done without killing the host or the fetus. I will be making more notes on this matter as I see needed. Misato, if you are reading this, then you have either hacked into this file or I am dead, either way, you must not let the Commander succeed with his plan.

End Notes]

[Part 5

TEST C-18 REPORT

RESULTS OF TEST HAVE GIVEN A CLEAR IMAGE OF GENDER FOR CHILD REI-T02. THE CHILD IS OF GENDER - FEMALE]

[Part 6

Ikari, Gendo

Notes for 5-93

The plan is proceeding properly, Ritsuko Akagi has done exactly what is needed even if she is unaware of it. Fetus will be ready in time for the last angel. A new component has been added as well, the death of all pilots must occur before the fetus does its part. More notes will be made if needed.]

"That is all I was able to compile before I was dropped off..."

"Asuka, my father?.."

"This whole time we knew that Kei was going to turn out the way Ritsuko planned."

"Rei, I and going to use my Eva on him! He tries to kill Toji, you, and Asuka, killed Ritsuko, plans on killing me...this is too far!"

"Shinji?.."

"No, I am going to kill him myself!"

"Pilot Ikari! How the hell do you even plan on doing that?!"

"Asuka, I don't care how, all I want is for him to die!"

"Well, at least wait till the last an..."

They all hear a low rumble noise in the distance.

"Shinji, Rei, the time is now. We have to go back tonight."

Asuka digs out a small device and pushes the red button on the top.

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

After a good fifteen minutes they hear a VTOL unit approaching before seeing the bright searchlight turn on.

"Pilots, let's go!"

They don't hesitate as they grab their stuff and Kei then run to the craft after Shinji makes sure the fire is out.

As soon as they are all in a bright flash illuminates the sky in the distance.

"Asuka, Shinji, and Rei, it's a good thing you are coming back now because energy readings are off the charts right now. I have been told the last angel has awoken..."

Asuka sits up in the front while Rei and Shinji move to the back.

"Misato, what is that light?"

"Asuka, later, I have to get clear first!"

She looks in the distance and sees the light appears to be approaching fast. After doing a fast turn she guns the engine before the light can swallow them.

"Misato!"

"Asuka, that confirms that it is indeed awake. Commander Ikari knows that Rei and Shinji ran away, and now they are going to be separated from Kei..."

"HE CAN'T DO THAT!"

"I told him that too, but I have no control anymore..."

Asuka turns around and sees the spot they were just at has been swallowed up by a fireball.

"So do we know when the attack will be?"

"One week."

"So, what will happen to us during the week?.."

"Lockdown. No one may leave NERV until we have defeated the angel, meaning until we are dead..."

As Misato approaches the landing spot Asuka sees a few cars parked below, awaiting the arrival of the occupants.

"Asuka, one more thing...Rei and Shinji are going to be arrested..."

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

A day later, Asuka has been brought to the holding cells after Misato has requested she speak to the parents. When she enters Shinji greets her.

"Tell me you have good news?.."

"Shinji, the only news I have is that you will be let out in four days for training."

"What about the Angel and Evas?"

"I am the only one that they need right now...I am sorry, Misato has tried to free you, but she can't do it yet."

"So, we are here because we didn't agree with something that we have the right to stop..."

"I agree with you, it isn't right, but even I can't do anything, all I know is that the angel will be here in six days."

"What is this angel?"

"The angel of Instrumentality."

"The what?"

"Shinji, I was informed of some info hours ago about the last angel. Misato found out what it is. According to the info, the last angel's purpose is solely to trigger Third Impact."

"But, why does this have to happen?"

"Shinji, I only know what I am told, and our job is to prevent it from getting through, you know that already."

"And if we fail, we will die..."

"Correct, so we must fight."

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

"Major, your job for the last angel will be to make sure we don't have unexpected visitors."

Misato has been called to the Sub-Commander's office for a meeting concerning the event coming up.

"Sir, if I may ask, why?"

"The nature of the final angel is too complex to explain, so Ikari will head the operation."

"What about training?"

"You will still head that part. We want to be sure everything is ready."

"Understood."

"And Major?"

"Yes?"

"I have been informed of your talks concerning overruling the Commander, I want you to know that I will not stop you, but I will not help either."

"Sir?"

"You are already aware of what will happen in the end, so whatever you do you know will probably not change that."

"Hai, Sir."

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

"So that is what will happen, Shinji."

"But..."

"Look, Misato is planning something right now, but the end result is not certain. Your father wants one thing, but something else may happen."

"I see..."

"Well, I need to get back, I have a project of my own I am working on."

She walks out the door and heads in the direction of a room with a phone and computer in it. After doing a few modifications, she places a call to Tokyo-2.

<Hello?>

"Is this Kensuke?"

"Can the insults, I have a job for you and ONLY you!"

"Trust me, one that you will enjoy."

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

The next day, Asuka has been called to her Eva to perform a few tests to see if the control systems are still functional.

<Asuka, can you hear me?>

"Misato, you are coming in a bit fuzzy."

<Well, it will have to do, I don't know how to fix half this stuff.>

"What first?"

<First, you are going to perform basic movement tests to make sure the Eva still works right.>

Asuka nods and pulls away from the wall to do some walking, after many moments she sees the screen cut out.

"Misato?"

She reaches over to the right side of the plug and tries to restore communications when she sees an odd device poking out of the corner. She pulls at it and finds it is connected to the communications system.

'Huh?'

She disconnects it and sees Misato come back on.

<Asuka, what happened?>

"The line was tapped..."

"What do you mean it was tapped?"

""Well, I found a strange device in here connected to the comm. system."

"Asuka, are you sure it isn't part of the computer system?"

"Well, I don't see any reason to tap the communications channel for an Eva when the computer is linked already."

"You've got a good point...We will talk about it later, just in case anyone is listening right now."

"Okay..."

"Next, I need you to climb up the shaft to see if anything looks damaged for the tracks. I heard that some track sections for a few lifts are still showing damage."

"Right, do I have enough cable?"

"I would hope so since normally during a launch we had the Eva connected already."

"Okay, going up the first shaft..."

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

After the tests are done, Misato has joined Asuka near the entry-plug to see what happened.

"Misato, I think the Commander was planning on preventing us from talking during a battle."

"But why?"

"Best way to terminate the pilot? If I hadn't found this device then I may have been killed. Now that I have we can use it to make sure your plan succeeds."

"You are scaring me, you know that?"

"Hey, it's not my fault my head was crammed with all this computer junk!"

"True, but still..."

"Anyways, I can set up a direct connection to the MAGI now in here, one that can override the main controls."

"Do it, but be sure it will work before the time comes."

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

"Ikari, the time is approaching fast."

"I am well aware of that. I have set up everything needed for the attack, the pilots will fail once they activate their AT fields."

"You have been notified about the takeover?"

"Yes, but Katsuragi will not be a threat."

"I presumed you had it under control..."

"You presumed right."

"Where is Kei right now?"

"I have sedated the child for now and put her in LCL until it is needed."

"What about Seele?"

"They have not found out the true purpose of the child."

"Are you sure?"

"I made sure the data they received was false, but even if they know, it will not interfere for they will still be free. It is freedom that the old men want."

"Then, you believe they will allow you to have control."

"No, but they have not tried to stop this yet, and they will not try anytime soon for they have run out of time."

"I understand."

"Fuyutsuki, you will be needed in control during the attack until I have placed the child in the correct spot."

"Understood."

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

After grabbing something to eat, Asuka has headed to the same room she did before to make a call to Kensuke.

<Hello?>

"Hey stooge."

<Asuka? Did you get me a connection?>

"I got you a direct link into the MAGI, but you will have to wait a few days before I open it up, I don't want you to mess this up."

<But...>

"Listen, if I wasn't stuck here then I would do this myself, but I HAVE to rely on a stooge like you for once!"

<Asuka, you really are a bitch!>

"And proud of it right now since it makes you mad."

<Okay, so what is the plan?>

"First, have you told Toji about this?"

<No, I haven't even been able to see him ever since he was moved here.>

"Good. Then the plan will go as follows, the moment the attack begins an Email will alert you to a connection being established to your laptop. That connection will give you full access to the System that must don't fully know about yet, I have set it to mask your connection. The one thing you can't do is make modifications to the systems. Once you have found a program called NAOKO-45 you can use it to open up notes on what Eva is, the angels are, the truth about Second Impact, and Seele. But, I want you to stay out of the files concerning Rei, Shinji, and someone named Kei, those files contain info that is best left alone..."

<Why?>

"Because...they have been through enough hell, and if you really are Shinji's friend then you will let them be."

<Okay, I will make sure those files stay hidden.>

"I guess I was wrong about you somewhat, you are willing to protect those that deserve protection."

"Hmm...stay away from my files too, or I will have to kill you!"

<Aww...>

"Remember, the last angel is coming soon."

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

Four days till the attack. The hopefully final meeting has been called in the chambers of Seele.

1 "Ikari has placed the pieces in their spots, now all we must do is wait for the time to come."

2 "Ikari, you have served us to the end, now your fate has been predestined."

3 "The Lance of Longinus has not returned yet."

1 "It will come when the Evas have been taken care of."

4 "Ikari still has a trump card to play, but will he play it?"

5 "It will not matter, he will not succeed either way in his plans."

6 "The dark moon has began the process of raising for when the time is right."

7 "Lilith is still needed of the final part, she holds no soul."

1 "It will not be a problem, for she will gain one when the time is right."

8 "Our time has finally come, we will be free at last when Instrumentality begins."

9 "It will be a welcomed release."

1 "Yes, we will be freed of our current states."

10 "We must begin reading the scripture soon."

11 "We must wait till the time is right before breaking the seal."

12 "We are in dire need to be released, but we must not rush."

1 "Time is on our side."

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

"Shinji?"

"Yes, Rei?"

"Why have we been put through hell just for one selfish reason?"

"Rei?"

"Your father just wants to see your mother again."

"What?"

"I know what he is trying to do, why he has carried out this plan."

"What, so he got you pregnant, killed people, tortured me...just to see my mother again?"

"I believe so..."

"So, what can we do about it?"

"As long as he has Kei taken away from us, nothing."

"Rei, I have been meaning to ask you...How did you destroy that wall?.."

"You remember all I have told you...about my past?"

"Hai..."

"We all have an AT-Field, but I am able to use mine in other ways that most are unaware of."

"I don't understand?.."

"The ATF can be modified if a person so desires it, but many are not aware of that ability, or even what one is."

"So...if I wanted to, I could destroy this wall myself?"

"Yes, but you must know how to use it before you can do that. This was knowledge I was taught while growing up."

"I see..."

"But, I fear for our daughters safety if I do use mine, that is why I have not done anything yet."

Shinji slowly nods at the explanation he has been given.

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

"Asuka, how is your idea coming along?"

"I think it is going to work."

"I hope so. What about for Eva-01?"

"I took care of it as well."

"Then I think it is time to take a break."

They both walk out of the Eva cage and head to the meeting room being used as a break room for the final days left before the plan is to be carried out. When they arrive they are greeted by a number of people who have heard about the plan to take over NERV.

"Major Katsuragi, we have decided to help you out when the time comes."

Misato has no idea what to say as she and Asuka sit down at the table.

"We heard that we may die anyhow, so we might as well do it fighting!"

"Are you sure, because if we live you will all be locked up for this."

"We have no choice but to fight."

"I understand. When the attack begins, you will listen to Ikari's orders until I fire my gun in the air, that will signal the beginning of the fight."

"Misato, what about the Evas?"

"Asuka, I won't have control of them, Maya does..."

"So we are still sitting ducks?"

"Not really, if Maya makes the right choice then you may live longer."

"By the way, I have contacted an outside source just in case everything turns out okay."

"What?"

"Let's just say NERV is going public again."

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

Three days left and NERV is still locked down. But in the distance the last angel walks, heading in the direction it must in order to fulfill its task. The sky is overcast in the area as fate approaches the final location that it must. But, this angel seems to have become someone that no one would have expected it would be. The second component is on its way as well, like a body and soul separated for the purpose of completing the task given. Can NERV defeat these parts in one battle?"

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

Asuka has decided to visit the parents again in the holding cell. She walks down the corridor and sees the Commander standing in near the entrance to the holding area.

'Why is he here?'

She watches as he stands in front of the door, as if pondering what to do next, until she sees the gun he is holding.

'Is he going to kill them now? Did he find out that I have discovered his plan?'

After a few minutes have passed by she watches as he pockets the gun again and walks in her direction. She doesn't move from her spot as he passes by. After she is sure he is gone she continues down the hall to the door that separates her from the next stretch of hall that will lead her to the right door.

"Shinji, Rei, we are nearing the final battle, are you ready for it?"

Shinji nods, "If we win, I will personally cause my father...no, the Commander pain similar to the kind he has caused me."

"Shinji, I have a better idea, but I can't tell you it yet."

"Well, no matter what happens, I never want to see him hurt others again!"

"Rei, I have found out where Kei is, she has been put to sleep until the attack begins."

"Why?"

"She is the one that will be used to give Ikari control of Third Impact."

"So, that is why he wanted to kill me..."

"Looks like it."

"I am not his doll!"

"Well, right now we all are his dolls since we have no choice..."

"Shinji, this isn't right..."

"I have to get back before they find out I have left. I will see both of you tomorrow."

She turns and walks out of the cell, after a minutes has passed she reaches the door that will allow her to enter the main area again. When she opens the door she sees the Commander again on the other side.

"Pilot Soryu, you do not belong in this area."

"Sir...I was just...delivering a message concerning the tests tomorrow..."

"I see..."

"Misato had asked me to."

"Then continue with what you are assisting the Major with."

"Yes sir."

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

One day before the battle, the Commander has arrived in the room holding the Rei clones, the same room that holds the tube with Kei in it.

"Your time has come for you to carry out your purpose, soon you will awaken."

He stares at the child for a long time before looking at the clones.

"Yui, soon we will see each other again, for it is my wish to see your face again."

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

Training and testing of the Evas has gone well so far, Rei and Shinji have been informed of the attack position they will be in, Asuka has managed to get the interface she made working inside her Eva as well. Misato has gone over all data concerning the current data for NERV layouts both on the surface and inside the complex. The MAGI has been tested out and found to be ready for the challenge ahead. But, the most important part has yet to be discovered, for on the surface sits the last angel on the outskirts to the city. It waits because the time for the attack has been planned out perfectly by Seele. Battle has been set to begin in 20 hours.

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

Four hours before battle is to begin, everyone is on edge, for they have no idea what will happen since they have not been given the specifics yet. The pilots wait in the Evas so they are ready in case the attack begins early, but the LCL inside the entry plugs seems different this time, it has a sort of electrified feel to it.

//"Mother, Father, Auntie, the hour is approaching fast, but do not fear what will happen, for in the end things will turn out for the best."

Shinji hears Kei's voice and looks at the screen and is surprised to see it is still blank.

//"You are connected right now by your links, I have come to ease your active minds right now, but my time is limited so I must go before HE returns."

"Kei, what is going to happen?"

//"Father, you will find out soon."

He hears nothing more as the sound of the entry plug systems fill the silence again.

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

30 Minutes to the attack, Misato has finished doing a sweep of the surface for possible unwanted surprises and found none. She now stares at the screen in front of her on Casper's tower, wondering if her plan is going to succeed at all. Everyone else has been assigned as well to a station and told to be ready the second the last Angel comes into the city.

'Why does Ikari have to do this? It serves no point..."

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

Moment before the attack is to begin, the final part sitting outside of the city awakens and stands up. The hour has indeed come for the battle over control of Third Impact.

"The time is now."

The first step is taken into the city a second before the alert systems start sounding.

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

Alarms begin sounding in Control as the MAGI picks up an object approaching the center of the city.

"LAST ANGEL HAS ENTERED THE CITY!!!"

Makoto hears the report and begins entering the launch commands for the Evas

"Launching Eva-02!"

A red dot rushes up the screen as the Eva is moved to the surface.

"Launching Eva-01!"

A green dot moves up the screen this time and stops at the midway point.

"Eva-01 has become stuck, ordering pilots to climb the rest of the way."

After two minutes pass by Misato hears the final report concerning the launch.

"Both Evas are now on the surface."

Fuyutsuki, who has been told to take care of the situation until Kei is in position, speaks up, "Put it on the viewer."

As soon as the order is given the screen comes to life, with a surprise displayed on it.

Misato looks up and sees a shocking sight, "SHINJI?!"

To Be Continued…

Questions are here:

The last angel has arrived, but why did Misato say Shinji's name?

How will it all end?

Find out next time in Rei's Child, Chapter XII.