Rei's Child

Written By: Jon L

This Chapter follows the events of Chapter Three

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

The Angels, believed to be enemies by all, with the exception of a few individuals who have met one personally, one named Tabris. Tabris, the Angel of free will, he made a choice that changed what would have been, had he not stopped it. It is now days after the incident in Terminal Dogma, things have gone back to the way they were at the residence of Misato Katsuragi, Misato has been out all night, leaving the other three residence to sleep in peace, but not everyone is asleep at this hour. Shinji can be seen in the cool night air right outside the apartment. He appears to have something on his mind this morning.

'Everyone says Angels are bad, yet Kaoru saved us all, why?'

He walks up to the railing for the sixth time and stares out over the horizon, the sun is minutes away from rising, but Shinji doesn't seem to really care that much about it.

'Asuka is still sick as well, what is it she sees right now? Rei has also become a mother to be, but I am still concerned about it...'

His thoughts are suddenly interrupted as he hears the door open behind him.

"QWAAA!!"

"Pen-pen, is it time for breakfast already?"

Pen-pen waves his flippers around, indicating to Shinji that he wants some food.

"QWAA."

"Pen-pen, you know by now that I can't feed you, Rei gets you your food now. See if she is up first."

The bird just gives the boy a cold glare before he turns and heads back into the apartment.

'Why is it Pen-pen fears Rei so much? She at least does a better job then Misato at food preparation, he has even stopped drinking beer now because of it...'

He stops worrying about Pen-pen and goes back to his thinking.

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

Minutes later, Rei is awoken by the sound of something letting out a small squeal.

"Qwa!"

She opens her eyes and sees a penguin lying on the floor next to the futon, the penguin looks up and sees he has been spotted.

"It is time..."

Pen-pen doesn't bother to reply as he darts back to the kitchen, and to the safety of his fridge. She soon follows and sets some food out for him, minus the beer. After she has finished, she exits the kitchen but doesn't go back to her room yet; instead she stands in the doorway and watches as Pen-pen comes out of his fridge the same way he has for the past few days.

"You are welcome..."

Pen-pen doesn't respond to the blue-haired girl that has been feeding him REAL food as he continues eating. As soon as he has finished, Rei turns and heads to her room. Once she enters she sees the futon is empty of its owner, so turns and heads in the direction of the balcony instead.

"Shinji is worried again..."

When she has arrived outside the door she slides it closed and walks up to Shinji, assuming the same pose he has.

"Shinji, why do you worry?"

"Rei, the past several days have been interesting. Asuka is in a coma, you are pregnant, we have shared an experience together, I have learned of your origin, and I have come close to seeing you die..."

"But..."

"...But I have been betrayed by a friend...who was an Angel, only to be saved by him in the end..."

"Shinji, Kaoru did it for both of us because you helped him do what was right..."

"I know Rei, but everyone says Angels are bad, what made him so different?"

"He had a choice, unlike the other Angels who did not."

"I see, Rei, but why is it he made THIS choice? Surely he deserved to live more then I did."

Rei is taken aback by his statement "Shinji?.."

"Rei?"

She turns and hurries back into the apartment, hurt by what he has just said. As she nears her room, she sees Pen-pen lying on the floor of the kitchen.

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

"Rei?"

Shinji sees Rei hurry back into the apartment.

'What did I say wrong?'

//'Father, the time has come.'

"What?"

He starts to feel lightheaded and staggers to one of the chairs nearby and manages to sit down right before he blacks out.

=(Shinji is standing in total darkness, with the exception to himself who appears to be illuminated from an unseen source, and the penguin in front of him.)=

="What is going on?"=

=//"Father, it is time for you to learn about your second challenge some more."=

="You mean Asuka?"=

=//"Yes."=

=(Suddenly, he is blinded by the sudden burst of light in front of him.)=

=//"This is what Auntie Asuka is going through right now..."=

=(In front of him, he sees the same thing Asuka does, right down to the vivid colors.)=

=//"Though it may help if you were part of her right now."=

=(The next thing Shinji sees is himself running up to a door and opening it.)=

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

"Momma! Momma! I have been chosen as an Eva pilot! I am the best!"

Door opening.

"I will only tell you, cause I have to keep it a secret!"

Door opening.

"Everyone is so nice now! I won't be alone anymore!"

Door opening.

"I don't need Papa anymore!"

Door opening.

"Look at me now Momma!"

A young Asuka reaches for the handle like she has done for the past 36 times, but this time she shudders right before she turns the doorknob.

"Momma!"

She pushes the door open and sees her mother again, hanging from the ceiling, all the while she has a smile on her face. Inside Asuka's head she hears a scream, one that is there, but is not hers.

"Huh, this feels different this time?"

Asuka senses the presence of another, one that she knows, but can't identify.

Instead of repeating like it has before, Asuka's dream freezes as she begins to walk around in the infinite room.

"What is going on?"

"Asuka..."

Asuka quickly spins around, thinking that someone was in back of her, but she does not see anyone around her, nor does the voice speak again.

"Who said that?! Shinji?"

"Asuka..."

"WHO ARE YOU!?!"

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

="Asuka..."=

=//"You see what you must do now, Father?"=

="Yes..."=

=//"Then, you see that you are not the only one who has seen tragedy, you just deal with it in a different way."=

="I see now, but why show me this?"=

=//"I hoped that it would be more effective then just telling you. It is time for you to return now, and please cheer up, you have Mother now..."=

="I will try..."=

=//"Then, I wish you luck, Father."=

Shinji is suddenly awoken as the first rays from the sun reach his face.

'I should go talk to Rei...'

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

Rei sits on the bed, thinking about what Shinji has said on the topic of who should have lived.

"Why is it Shinji feels this way?"

She continues to stare at the futon as she ponders for a reason, until she hears the door open.

"Rei?"

"Shinji, why do you feel Kaoru should have ended life?"

"Because he was a better person I thought...but...when I think about it...he made the right choice after all, it gives you a chance to be a mother."

"Then, you believe he has done the right thing?"

"Yes, I now believe he made the right choice for both of us..."

"I...am happy you see it that way." Rei lets out a small smile as she says this.

"I am glad you are, Rei. All I want is for you to be a good mother..."

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

"WHO ARE YOU!?!"

//"Asuka Langley Soryu. The Second Child. Pilot of Eva Unit-02."

"Not anymore...I am not fit to be an Eva Pilot anymore..."

//"STOP!"

Asuka is now starting to become tired of this game, "WHERE ARE YOU!?!"

Suddenly, a penguin appears in front of her.

//"Right here."

"Pen-pen?"

//"Not quite, I appear as the common object for everyone that has met him, but I am NOT him."

"Then who are you?"

//"I am a person that will soon be here, but you must not concern yourself with me. I am here for you right now, Auntie Asuka. You are in need of help, only you do not know it yet."

"And why not?! I don't even know you!"

//"Oh, but you will soon, give it time."

"Why are you here now?!"

//"I have came to help you turn back from where you are headed, back on to the path to life."

"I am perfectly fine where I am right now."

//"You call this fine?" Pen-pen indicates the person hanging in the center of the room, "This is what you call fine?"

Asuka begins to see his point as she thinks about what to say next.

"But I don't have anyone else back in the real world, at least here I can avoid loneliness."

//"You can't avoid it forever, you will tire of this soon. When you do though, you will have two choices. Life...or death."

"GO AWAY!!!"

//"I will, but think about what I just said, you will be glad you did..."

Pen-pen fades out as the dream continues it's cycle.

"Momma! Momma! I have been chosen as an Eva pilot! I am the best!"

Door opening.

"I will only tell you, cause I have to keep it a secret!"

Door opening.

"Everyone is...is..." The message finally hits Asuka as she slows down, then stops completely, "Everyone is gone..."

Asuka now sees the choice in front of her that she has been told about, "Life or death..."

"Live, my Asuka."

"Momma?"

"Live...my Asuka, and be free."

"Yes, I will momma, for you."

"NO!"

"What?"

"Not for me...live for yourself, and for those who still care for you."

"But momma..."

"Live, my Asuka, live and be free of me..."

"I..." Asuka begins to cry, "I can't, momma, not without you..."

"Yes, you can my child. And...you will..."

"I..."

"Live, my darling Asuka..."

"I will momma, I will make you proud of me again..."

Asuka turns away from the door and walks back in the direction she has come, on her way back to the outside world again.

"Thank you...Momma..."

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

That evening, Shinji, Rei, and Misato have been called down to the NERV Medical Ward with the rest of the involved NERV staff. Ritsuko is currently giving her latest report to everyone on the status of Asuka, Rei, and the latest Angel.

"As you can see on page 2, we are still not sure as to what occurred in room 407, be we do know the explosion left no trace of the 17th Angel, and we still have two functioning Eva pilots here."

"What about the report here stating there was an unusual reading moments before the explosion?"

"It is believed that it was a sensor malfunction caused by the presents of the 17th Angel."

"But we have a way of finding out if anything else could have occurred to cause it, don't we?"

Makoto stands up and gives his finding to the Major. "The MAGI indicated that all sensors may have been affected by the interference caused by the latest Angel, we would not be able to run any tests on the sensors until we finish repairs to NERV, by then it may be too late."

"Understood."

Ritsuko continues on to the next subject, "In regards to Rei's pregnancy, I still have not been able to determine what the final item is in her stomach, but hope to know soon. Rei, I will need to run a few tests to check on the fetus soon..."

"Hai."

"The next item on the list is the Unit-02 incident, we still have not been able to determine the cause for Unit-02 going berserk, but I do have a few theories."

Since Gendo was currently away, Fuyutsuki has taken his place in this meeting, "Proceed, Doctor."

"Rei's mind may have been damaged after Unit-00 exploded. Rei may not be able to sync properly with Unit-02. Or we didn't have the right data in the ram and it interfaced incorrectly with the Eva itself."

"Do you have any suggestions in case Unit-02's current pilot does not pull through?"

"I believe we should try a dual pilot synchronization with Unit-01 for the time being."

"What would this involve?"

"Both the First and Third Children attempt to synchronize at the same time with the Eva."

"Very well, you may proceed with the attempt, Doctor."

"Thank you. Now on to the last matter at hand concerning the Second Child, her condition has shown no signs of deterioration, but has not improved either..." Ritsuko walks other to the monitor and sets it to Asuka's room, "The Second Child is still in a comatose state in room 303. It's hard to say what will happen next, but I believe we should start the search for another pilot soon."

Misato still has a few questions for the doctor, "Ritsuko, what do you think will become of Asuka in the end?"

"Insanity, then death."

"I see..."

"Assuming she wakes up again, that is."

Shinji, having never spoken at one of these meetings before, decides to ask a question, "If I may ask, what will happen to Rei's child if she has it?"

"Assuming it is a healthy child, it will be looked after by someone in NERV until it is old enough to pilot."

"What?"

"Rei is not old enough yet to take care of a child, Shinji. I am sorry, but it is the only way. Are there any more questions?"

Everyone remains silent as Ritsuko looks around the room, "Then this meeting is finished."

Everyone gets up and proceeds to the door. Just as Shinji is about to exit the room, the doctor speaks up, "Shinji, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"S-sure, Ritsuko."

After everyone else have left, Ritsuko sits down and motions for Shinji to do the same.

"Shinji, why is it you asked about what will happen to the child?"

"I was just curious as to what would happen to it, I was hoping Rei could take care of it, she is the mother."

She pushes a few keys on the keypad in the table, causing the door to slide closed, "Shinji, I was hoping for the same thing, I have already taken care of the arrangements for the child." She pulls out a sheet of paper from the folder in front of her and slides it to him. "I was hoping that the child would stay with Rei."

He reads the paper in front of him.

RESIDENCY REPORT

CONCERNING: _______________

VALID ON: _____________

TYPE OF RESIDENCY: JOINT

HEAD PERSON: MAJOR KATSURAGI, MISATO

ADDRESS: SAME AS KATSURAGI

ISSUED BY: DOCTOR AKAGI, RITSUKO

"This form will make it possible for Rei to take care of the child herself."

"Why didn't you tell anyone this before?"

"Because the commanders would not approve of this if they knew about it, and I must ask that you do not tell anyone about this, not even Rei. I am only telling you all this because you inquired about it."

"I understand."

"Good, you are dismissed then, Shinji Ikari."

Both of them get up and walk out of the room, all the while missing the message flashing on the monitor showing Asuka's room.

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

The next afternoon, Rei is down in the Medical Ward with Ritsuko for an ultrasound.

"The fetus looks good so far, with the exception of it growing more rapidly then normal, but that may be just a side effect at this time."

"Hai."

"Rei, what do you think of Shinji?"

"I...do not know what you mean?"

"Well, yesterday he ended up asking the question I thought you would have asked. I don't think he beat you to it, so I feel he must care about you and this child a lot."

"I see..."

"Rei, you are your own person, you should take some actions once in a while when it comes to this child you will give birth to."

"I understand..."

"So, what do you think of him then?"

"He is...confusing at times, but he is caring as well, and he makes me happy."

"He seems like the type of person anyone might want as a father for their child."

"Yes, he does."

"Well, I am not saying that you should have him be the father, but think about how much he cares for you. In the end, you will know if he is the kind of person that should be a father to your child."

"I see..."

After about ten minutes more of the ultrasound, Ritsuko decides she has enough info for this test and allows her to go home again. Once she has dressed again, she exits the room and heads in the direction of room 303B, where Shinji has decided to wait for Rei. As soon as she enters the room, he jumps up from the chair he is sitting in.

"Rei, how was the test?"

"It had no problems."

"Good..." Shinji turns back to a large window that allows others to look in on the occupant of the room next door, "...Asuka's condition hasn't changed much, she still looks lifeless there on the bed..."

"Shinji, do not worry too much about her, she will be fine."

"I hope she recovers soon..."

"She will."

The two end their conversation and head home, moments before the monitors start going nuts with info being displayed on them in the other room.

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

The next day, Ritsuko is talking to Misato about the latest happenings at NERV.

<Ritsuko, what is going on here?>

"We are not sure, Misato. As of last night the quarantine has been lifted for Asuka, due to the fact that she is showing signs of improvement."

"Yes, but I got the quarantine lifted so Shinji and Rei could visit her as she gets better. Even the sick need the touch of another, Misato."

"Well, since Asuka does not get along with Rei that well, I was hoping you would not tell her yet, but do let Shinji know. He is the one that seems to be affected the most right now, if he was able to speak to Asuka, then she may get better faster."

"Thank you, Misato."

Ritsuko ends the call and goes back into the room where Asuka still remains. She does a quick check of Asuka's current status, then walks over to the terminal set up on a table and enters her latest report.

[R. Akagi]

[Medical Log]

[Soryu, Asuka Langley]

[]

[My latest findings on the Second Child have revealed a few concerns related to the Unit-02 incident involving the First Child. Though I do not have enough data to back this theory up, Asuka's brainwave patterns appear to have the same basic pattern as the 'unknown pattern'.]

[]

[Though my original outcome still has not been ruled out, I believe that her chances of pulling through are starting to get better. Her physical condition has not changed much, weight has dropped 5 more pounds, but skin color has improved some. The quarantine has been lifted for the time being for the purpose of interaction with the patient by the First and Third Children.]

[]

[As to whether the Second Child will ever pilot Eva again, it is still unknown at this time, but my current standings on the question are still no.]

[]

[End Log]

Ritsuko finishes up and leaves the room.

"I wish I knew what was happening here..."

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

It is now two days after Shinji has been notified of Asuka's condition, and down in room 303, he sits next to the bed his fellow pilot currently lays in.

Quietly, he talks to his fellow pilot, "Asuka?.."

No response, nor did he expect one from her.

"Asuka...can you hear me?"

All that can be heard is the sound of the medical equipment in the room.

"Asuka...I know that you and I don't get along well...but I really need you to pull through. I miss you a lot at home...I think Pen-pen does to. We have a new housemate...Rei has moved in with us..."

Shinji looks away from the bed for a few moments, "Asuka...please come back to us..."

He turns back again and continues to talk to her, "Misato has been away for the past few days at night, no one really sees her much outside of NERV anymore. The last Angel has come and gone...and a few things have started to happen to Rei..." He gets up and walks to the end of the bed as he finishes what he is saying, "Rei is pregnant now..."

Since Shinji was not looking at Asuka at that moment, he missed her reaction to the news when her index finger on her right hand twitched, causing a response from the machinery next to her.

BEEP--BEEP--BEEP--BEEP...

"Huh?"

Startled by the noise, he backs away from the bed as the nurse comes in to respond to the beeping.

"I didn't do anything...honest."

"It's okay, did she move at all or anything?"

"Not that I saw..."

"Well, don't worry about it any, probably nothing."

"Hai..."

The nurse turns and exits the room, leaving the two pilots alone again.

"Asuka, please come back..." He trails off as he sheds a tear.

"Shinji?"

Shinji quickly turns his head towards the door and sees Rei standing there, "Yes, Rei?"

"What is wrong?"

"Rei...I guess I just miss her is all. She may have been a pain, but she still was a fellow pilot."

"I understand..."

He turns and stares at Asuka for a bit longer before finally walking up to the bed, giving her a sweet kiss on her head and mumbling something to himself, and heading out the door with Rei.

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

="Misato has been away for the past few days at night, no one really sees her much outside of NERV anymore..."=

"Ha, Misato is with Kaji now, why come home again!"

="...The last Angel has come and gone..."=

"So now I don't have any reason to fight anymore..."

="...and a few things have started to happen to Rei..."=

"Who cares about Wondergirl!!!!"

="Rei is pregnant now..."=

Asuka shudders after hearing this latest news, "What? Wondergirl is pregnant?" She stops listening to the outside world and turns back to the Penguin beside her, "Who did Wondergirl get knocked up by?"

//"That is not important right now. You can see that Shinji cares for you."

"So what, Shinji is a boy, he can't understand how I feel."

//"Are you sure?"

"YES!"

//"Well, give him time, and he may."

The penguin fades out just as she turns back to the outside world again, just in time to see Shinji giving her a kiss and quietly whispering something to her.

="I love you..."=

"Shinji..."

She continues her journey again back to the life she left behind days ago, with a new purpose.

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

Evening has fallen upon the city, bringing the illusion of darkness where bright light interferes; Shinji and Rei are sitting on one of the few trains still running in Tokyo-3.

"Shinji, what is it you see in Pilot Soryu?"

"Rei?"

She remains silent

"Well, she is in pain all the time..."

The children sit there for about a minute, waiting for their ride to end. Since time seems to moves slower on the train, Rei picks up the conversation again to fill the quiet air.

"You know about her mother?"

"Yes, I found out a few days ago."

"Then, you know of her past, her pride, her purpose as she sees it?"

"Yes, but I also see a person who is crying on the inside, I care for her a lot, but not the same way as you..."

"I see. You want to help Soryu with her pain?.."

"Yes..."

As the train comes to a stop at the station, Rei and Shinji get up and exit. As they continue the rest of the way home on foot, they pick up on their conversation again.

"Rei, what is it you see in Asuka?"

"She is a fellow pilot and a friend."

"But what do you think her problem is?"

"She has closed herself off to all, and she is finding it is not good to do so..."

The conversation ends as Misato drives up in her car, "I have been looking all over for you two, get in!"

The children do as they are told. As soon as the door closes, Misato guns the engine, sending everyone flying backwards into the car seats.

"Where have you two been, I left a message saying I was going to pick you both up at NERV, didn't you get it?"

After peeling himself out of the car seat, Shinji speaks up, "No, Misato."

"Well, it's okay, but I have some bad news for both of you..."

"What is it?"

"Well, since we have taken care of the last Angel, NERV has been told to reveal everything it has been doing to the Japanese government."

"How does this affect us?"

"Well, NERV has decided not to reveal anything to them, and because of that, it has been designated as a military attack point."

"What?"

"Shinji, NERV could be invaded soon by the JSSDF unless we turn over all information concerning the Angels. Because of that, NERV is now on alert to a possible invasion..."

Misato pulls into the parking garage and parks the car, then hurries the children into the stairwell. While they start their ascent up, Misato continues, "Shinji, do you remember what Ritsuko said about a dual synchronization with both you and Rei in Unit-01?"

"Yes?"

"Well, starting tomorrow, we will be running tests on that very idea. So we need both of you to get some rest. Hold up." Misato pauses on the level they live on and looks around the corner, "Okay, go ahead."

"Misato, what is wrong?"

Misato hurries the children down the hall to the apartment, opens the door, and huddles them inside as quickly as possible. Once the door closes, Misato locks it again and huddles the children to the couch.

"Have a seat."

"Misato?"

"Shinji, we have to be sure that you are both under constant surveillance now until the problem is resolved, Security has been tightened all over now. As of this point you are BOTH to remain together and within range of quick retrieval in case of an emergency. Security will need you to let them know when you go anywhere so they may keep a close eye on both of you."

"Hai..."

"Now then, you will need to be at NERV by 9:00h tomorrow so we can start the tests, so you should both get some sleep now, okay?

"Hai, Misato."

"Good, we have a Security team posted to this floor to watch over you both while I go back and assist with the lockdown methods. I will see you both in the morning at NERV."

"Goodnight, Misato."

Misato hurries back out the door, leaving the two pilots to tend to each other.

'So, it has started...' She finishes her thought as she gets up and heads to the kitchen, since it is her turn to cook tonight.

"Shinji, what would you like to eat?"

"What, Rei?"

"Are you hungry?"

"A little..."

"Then, what do you want to eat?"

"Rice will be fine, I am not that hungry right now..."

"Hai." Rei begins to make some rice and prepares some dinner for Pen-pen as well, 'Shinji, he is scared now, I should comfort him.'

//'Mother, are you scared as well?'

'No.'

//'Fear isn't that easy to hide, Mother, especially from me.'

'What do I have to fear?'

//'A lot, you may not know it yet, but you are scared. Father is afraid, yes, but you can help him overcome that fear, and he can do the same for you...'

'But what do I fear?'

//'You fear being a mother for one, but you fear what may happen to Father as well. Don't hide your fear from him, allow him to help you ease it.'

'I understand.'

"Rei, is dinner ready yet?"

"Yes, Shinji."

"Coming then."

Rei hears Shinji's footsteps as he nears the kitchen.

"Smells good."

The two of them start their dinners off in silence as they eat.

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

The next morning, both Shinji and Rei are currently changing into their plugsuits in the new locker room set up for the tactical situation NERV has gone under.

"Shinji, are you worried about the latest news?"

"What do you mean, Rei?"

"I...am worried about what might happen to this child if NERV is invaded." She puts a hand on her stomach to indicate what child she is talking about.

"Rei, do not worry, I will protect you, your child, and Asuka from harm if it comes down to that."

"I see..." 'So, he will do the same that I have done for him in the past...'

"Rei, do not worry about an invasion yet, right now you have something else to worry about inside of you..." He puts a hand over the same hand she has on her stomach, "...You will be a mother soon, and you will be a good one too."

She turns her back to him and puts the hand currently being held to her stomach over his hand, "Shinji, I have something to ask you?.."

"Of course, Rei, anything."

"Shinji, you think I would be a good mother, but I feel..." She is cut off by the intercom coming to life in the room.

"It is time, Shinji."

She drops her hand from Shinji's and seals her plug suit, letting out a slight gasp as it shrinks.

"Rei?"

"The plug suit is tighter then I remember..."

"Oh..."

After about 5 minutes, the pilots arrive in cage 3 and await further orders. Misato walks up to them along with Ritsuko, and is the first to speak.

"Pilots Ayanami and Ikari, you are here for an experimental test run of a dual synchronization in Eva Unit-01, Ritsuko will give you your instructions."

Misato walks to the control room, leaving Ritsuko to explain what will be happening.

"You will be using the same Entry Plug used normally for Unit-01. Pilot Ikari will sit on the left side while Pilot Ayanami will sit on the right side, it will be this way until we are able to construct a new Plug for the Eva that will fit the needs of two pilots, Understood?"

Both pilots reply in unison with, "Yes ma'am."

"Good, proceed to the Entry Plug then, we will be standing by in the cage control room."

Ritsuko leaves the pilots as she heads off in the same direction as Misato. The children make their way to the waiting Entry Plug and climb in according to the arrangement set by the doctor. Once they are set, the door slides shut and the plug is lifted over to the Eva. Once it finishes screwing in, the walls begin to light up with the standard patterns seen during startup.

An image of Misato and Ritsuko appears in front of the pilots.

"Yes, Misato."

<Good, standby for synchronization then.>

"Hai."

The children hear the standard checklist being read as they wait.

<...1.3...0.9...0.7...0.4...0.2...Wait, checklist put on hold, problem with current pow...>

The plug switches over to emergency mode as the intercom goes out.

"Misato?"

He gets no response as the window disappears from the screen.

"Rei, what is going on?"

"I am unsure..."

They both wait in silence for any signs of communications being restored. When about two minutes have passed, Shinji breaks the silence, "Rei, what was it...you were you going to ask me...in the locker room?"

"Shinji, do you wish for me to have this child?"

"Well, I think that you deserve some happiness by having a child of your own."

"Then, I believe I should ask you this question..."

"What is it?"

"This child will need a father as well, I have chosen you as that person?"

"Rei..."

"I will allow you to think it over before replying."

"Rei...I don't need to think it over any, I have my answer now..." He turns to face her, "...My answer is..."

They feel the plug begin to slowly move as they sit there.

She turns and looks at him, "Shinji?.."

Shinji smiles as he finishes his sentence, "...My answer is yes, Rei."

She reaches for his hand as the plug locks into position, "Thank you, Shinji..."

The two of them feel the LCL drain out of the plug right before the hatch is opened and see Misato enter the plug with a flashlight in hand, "Come on, NERV has been shut down by an unknown source, so we need to get both of you out of here ASAP!"

The children crawl out of the Entry Plug and are wrapped in towels right before they are rushed out of the dark test cage with Misato leading the way to the Medical Ward where they are brought to a well lit room.

"You both will have to remain here for a while so we can be sure it is safe to move you out of NERV, Ritsuko is on her way here with your clothes right now."

The door is closed and locked as the children look around the room and see Asuka has been brought here as well.

Shinji breaks the tension by making a small comment on the situation, "Well, at least we don't have to stay in Eva..."

That evening, after it was deemed safe to release Shinji and Rei, the housemates find themselves back at the apartment eating dinner. Misato has heated some instant for herself while Shinji has made some ramen for he, Rei, and Pen-pen. Misato has decided she would head back to NERV that evening to check in on the investigation into the power outage that crippled NERV that morning and early afternoon.

"We have rescheduled the synch test for tomorrow morning at 10:00h. The test will be the same as today, only this time NERV Security will bring you there instead, you will need to be ready by 9:00h tomorrow. Understood?"

Shinji finishes his last few bites of ramen and gives her an answer.

"Yes, Misato."

"Good. Now, I will be heading back to NERV now for the night so I want both of you asleep by 20:00h tonight."

Both children reply in tandem with, "Hai."

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

The next day down in the test cage, Rei and Shinji have stepped into the Entry Plug and await synchronization inside as the plug is lifted into the air and locked into position.

"Rei, do you think this will affect our child any?"

"I...am not sure..."

As soon as the plug has been screwed in to Unit-01, the plug lights up with the various colors that appear during the startup phase.

Misato's image appears on the front area of the plug.

"Hai."

<Good, We will be starting where we left off yesterday, standby.>

The plug begins to vibrate as the Eva begins to synchronize with the pilots. They can hear the checklist being read off by Maya in the control room.

<0.6...0.4...0.2...0.15...Count has stopped at 0.15, unable to synch with pilots.>

The pilots see Ritsuko's image replace Misato's on the plug wall.

<Yes, Doctor.>

After Maya has entered in the new variables, the count resumes.

<0.15...0.1...0.05...Borderline passed.>

The plug stops vibrating as borderline is passed, at the same time, both pilots can feel each other's thoughts.

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

"0.15...0.1...0.05...Borderline passed."

Maya starts recording the current readings displayed on her terminal, "Doctor, I am receiving data for three brainwave patterns."

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure, but none of the patterns seem to be creating feedback in Eva."

Ritsuko types a few keystrokes at another terminal and reads the info from Maya's, "I see no problems so far, the third pattern may be caused by the presence of two patterns for the same Eva. Raise the synch variables to .5% over nominal."

"Yes, Doctor."

Maya does as she is told and sees the third pattern disappear. "Doctor, third brainwave pattern has disappeared from the graphs."

"Understood, start recording the data then."

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

After what seemed like minutes inside the plug, Rei and Shinji finally hear Ritsuko speak to them again, <Okay, here is what we will do first. Shinji is to attempt to operate Unit-01 while Rei will stand by for now.>

"Hai, Ritsuko."

<Shinji, try to move the left hand first.>

Shinji clears his mind of all thoughts as he concentrates on the left hand.

'Move...'

After a few moments, he feels a reaction from Eva as the hand moves slightly.

<Good, Shinji. Now try to move the right leg forward.>

After another few moments, the right leg moves outward and into his sight, then slowly falls back as he lowers it again.

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

"How were Shinji's reading, Maya?"

"Shinji's readings were normal during the first test."

"Good, then we can start Rei's part next."

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

<Rei, are you ready?>

"Hai."

<Good, we will have you start out with moving the right hand first.>

"Hai."

Rei goes through the same process that Shinji did and tries to move the hand.

'Move...'

She finally succeeds after a few moments of deep concentration and feels the hand move slightly.

<Good, now try to move the left leg.>

She clears her head again as she lifts the left leg into the air.

<Good, Rei. You can lower the leg now.>

She lets the leg lower back down slowly.

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

"Maya, how was Rei's results?"

"She had a bit more trouble, but otherwise she did fine."

"Then, let us proceed with the next step. Ready Major?"

Misato does a quick check of the current safety protocols and answers, "Ready."

"Then, let us begin."

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

<Rei, Shinji, we will now be sending you both to the testing chamber, hold on tight.>

The second Ritsuko finishes her sentence, pilots feel the Eva being rushed to another cage.

<Okay, here is what will happen next, I want you both to try walking around the chamber.>

Both children reply to the instructions, "Understood."

Before they start walking, Shinji turns to face Rei, "Are you ready for this?"

"Yes, let us begin."

"Okay."

The children clear their thoughts and begin to concentrate on the task at hand. They both manage to move the right leg forward, then the left leg, and soon have the Eva moving slowly but unsteadily around the room.

//'Father, the time is nearing for Auntie Asuka to wake. Go to her now.'

"Huh?"

Suddenly, Rei crumples forward and lets out a few gasps before the Eva falls forward.

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

Alarms start sounding in the cage control room as Eva Unit-01 hits the ground.

The moment everyone is off of the floor, the situation is turned over to Misato.

"REPORT!"

Maya "Rei's brainwaves are erratic at the moment, Shinji's brainwaves are normal!"

Tech "Damage reported on level 12, no injuries reported!"

"Close off the affected section and cut the synch ratio to Unit-01!"

The cage crew does as ordered and dispatches a rescue team to the test chamber as well.

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

Hours later, Shinji is looking in on Asuka. Ritsuko is currently examining Rei in the NERV Maternal Ward two floors up.

"Asuka, I don't now if you can hear me yet, but I really need you to come back soon...I know you can still pilot Eva if you try again..."

Asuka doesn't even move as he stands there looking at her. Quietly, he continues, "You are like the sister I wish I had, Asuka. We...don't get along that well...but when it comes down to it, we make a good team..."

Soon, he hears the door open and turns to see Misato walk in, "How is she doing, Shinji?"

"Still the same. What about Rei?"

"Rei is fine, we think the plug created a feedback loop, so Ritsuko is working on a new plug right now. I hate to have this visit cut short, but we need to get going now."

"Okay, Misato, I will be right out."

"Understood."

Misato turns and exits the room. Shinji walks up to the bed and gives Asuka a light kiss on the forehead, "Please come back, Asuka..."

As soon as he finishes, he turns and walks out the door, leaving Asuka alone again in the room.

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

="Please come back, Asuka..."=

Asuka is now getting close to the end of her journey, though she still has a ways to go at the same time.

"Shinji, I am coming back..."

She has now reached a crossroads point in the journey, "I don't remember this..."

Soon, a Chibi Asuka fades in next to her, "What do you want?"

"I do not understand?"

"What do you want?"

"I want to be to be depended on!"

"Why is that?"

"Why not?!"

"Why is that?"

"SHUT UP!!"

"Why is that?"

"Because I am needed then!"

"Are you?"

"Yes!"

Soon, the Chibi Asuka fades out and a Chibi Shinji fades in, "Why is it you pilot?"

"Because I have a purpose."

"Why is it you pilot?"

"I told you why!"

"Why is it you pilot?"

"Because being a pilot means I am important!"

"Does it make you happy?"

"Yes."

"Does it make you happy?"

"YES!"

"Does it make you happy?"

"YES, it brings me happiness!!"

"Does it make you happy?"

"No..."

"Why?"

"Because if I pilot, then I have no other purpose."

"What do you want?"

"I want to be happy!"

"Is that all?"

"YES!"

Soon, Chibi Shinji is replaced by Chibi Rei, "What do you want?"

"I want to be loved."

Stepmother "It's difficult for me to deal with that child."

Father "You're worried? It's not like you, a doctor."

Stepmother "A Doctor is a human, as I said before."

Father "Well, still it's not like you against a kid."

Stepmother "She is quite adult in some ways, with a total rejection, with a tension, that I'm often afraid of. Don't you think so?"

Father "Well, you are Asuka's mother, after all."

Stepmother "I became your wife before that.

Father "Didn't you become them at the same time?"

Stepmother "Yes, from a social standpoint. However, I can stop being her mother at anytime, though you cannot stop being her father."

Father "That might be true."

"NO! I don't want to remember that!"

//"But you must, Asuka. It is part of your reason for being here."

"But why must I remember?"

//'Because, in the end, it will lead you down the right path."

"But why must I see this pain?"

//"Pain is what keeps us alive..."

The sight in front of Asuka changes now to the image of a doll left on the floor.

Asuka "Don't stop being my mother! I'm going to be a good child, whom you'd love. So, don't stop being my mother. So, look at me! Stop MOM; don't kill me!"

Kyoko "Your daddy now hates mommy. Your daddy deserted me. Or, I knew he's never loved me from the very beginning. He has never needed me, I guess. So, die together with mommy. Daddy does not need us. Please, let's die together."

Suddenly, the doll rips apart.

Asuka "NO! I'm not your doll. I can think by myself, I can live by myself.

The last image Asuka sees is her mother hanging from the ceiling again, just like before.

"At that time, Mom was hung from the ceiling. She looked very happy."

"Were you happy?"

"I was happy for her."

"Were you happy?"

"No, my mother killed herself. I was alone then..."

"What do you want?"

"I don't want to be alone..."

The image in front of her changes back to what it was before, except that now, instead of two paths, one remains in front of her.

//"Then, Auntie Asuka, proceed..."

Asuka now starts running like she never has before, running down the path that will bring her back to the outside world again.

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

Back in room 303, the cameras are focused on Asuka lying in the bed, and the machinery is silent save for the hum of their power supplies. As the camera on the wall focuses for the fifth time that day, it picks up a slight movement coming from the bed. Suddenly, everything starts to make noise as the movement increases on the bed.

BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP-- BEEP...

After a few minutes, a few nurses run into the room with a crash cart, but instead of reviving Asuka, they sedate her and place a call to a higher person.

"Yes, this is room 303, I need to speak to Doctor Akagi right away, it involves the Second Child!"

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

Two days later, Misato finds herself in the same room she was in the night she heard the news about Rei.

"Ritsuko, how is she?"

"Asuka is sedated at the moment due to a seizure two days ago, she has not responded to any other treatment since then, but she appears to be getting better each day now."

"That sounds good, I will let the other children know then..."

"Misato, that is not the only news I have. I called you down here to let you know about what I have discovered concerning who the father is."

"What?"

"What I am about to tell you is not to be told to Shinji, Rei, or Asuka!"

"I understand..."

"It's Shinji."

"WHAT?!"

"Shinji is the father."

"How, I thought that it was not done naturally?"

"It was implanted inside of Rei without her or I knowing."

"Well, Shinji really is the father then..."

"Misato, this is not a good thing, I was not informed of any of this!"

"True, but..."

Ritsuko holds up her hand indicating that there is more to be said first, "Misato, the fetus is also growing faster then normal. I did a test on Rei right after she was examined for problems two days ago, the fetus has already started to take shape...and I can't slow it down any."

"Ritsuko, what are you saying?"

"I am saying that this will not be a normal childbirth."

"Do you know why yet?"

"No, I am still examining the fourth chemical, but I don't think I will have an answer anytime soon..."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Keep an eye on Rei, if she starts to have pain in her stomach, call me right away."

"Got it."

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

Now, after a week of being bedridden, Rei has been told that she is able to leave the apartment again. Since Shinji has been brought to NERV for a synch test today, and Misato is working in her office, she is left alone in the apartment. She plans on avoiding Security today as much as possible.

In her room, she is looking through all of her clothing trying to find something that will allow her to slip away from the surveillance that has been set up around Tokyo-3. As she tries on the sixth combination, she sees that she personally has nothing that will work out.

"This will not work..."

She comes to the pile of discarded clothes and decides to try something new. She walks over to the pile of clothes waiting to be washed and picks out a pair of Shinji's pants that are for school, tries them on, and sees that they make her look different, but not enough yet. Next she walks to Misato's room and begins looking for a shirt to wear, what she finds is shirts that are large or revealing, as she found out when she tried one on and saw her bra was not very well hidden under it. Just as she is about to give up, she sees Pen-pen walk into the room with a dark colored shirt hanging from his flipper, she takes the shirt and tries it on, finding it is a perfect fit.

"Thank you..."

"Qwaa."

As soon as she finds one of Shinji's hats, Rei heads to the front door, but before she opens it, she turns and walks to the kitchen, and digs out something she made last night for Pen-pen.

She lets out a slight whistle, signaling to the penguin that some food was left out for him.

Over the past week, Pen-pen has become less and less afraid of Rei, to the point that all she has to do is whistle and he would come running in.

"Qwaa Qwaa!"

"You are welcome..."

Several hours later, after walking all the way to NERV, while at the same time avoiding Security, Rei has arrived in room 303, alone.

"Pilot Soryu, you are the Second Child...and a...friend, both to Shinji and I. Why is it you are here?"

She does not expect an answer as she stands at the foot of the bed.

"What has brought you to this point?"

Rei pauses as she contemplates her next words.

"Why are you here?"

She stops talking as she continues to stare at the comatose Asuka.

'She is in pain...like me...'

After several minutes have passed, she hears the sound of footsteps approaching and moves to a dark corner where she can be masked in the shadows that plague the dimly lit room. She hears the door open and close, then sees a person walk to the foot of the bed.

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

"Asuka, I am here once again, I don't know how long you will be this way, but I hope you will awaken soon. I have come to consider you as my sister over the past week, watched over you for hours while you sleep here, unmoving even to the slightest touch..."

Shinji wipes away a tear that has started to roll down his face and continues, "I have spent the last few hours thinking about you and Rei, how you were forced into this state because of Eva, because of your pain..."

"Shinji..."

The boy looks away from Asuka and sees Rei emerge from a dark corner she was standing in.

"Rei?"

She moves closer to him and puts a hand on his shoulders.

"Rei, how did you get in here?"

"It...does not matter right now."

"And why are you wearing my pants?"

"It does not matter..."

She turns him around and gives him a gentle hug. He returns the hug and closes his eyes, welcoming her caring embrace with open arms as he starts to shed more tears, "I miss her, Rei, she may have been mean...but she was caring as well..."

The two children remain there for a few moments longer in silence until a voice calls to him.

="Shinji, I am here..."=

His eyes suddenly go wide as he hears this voice, "Asuka?"

Instantly, all the machinery comes alive as Asuka begins to stir in the bed. Moments later, Ritsuko, Misato, Maya, and a few nurses run into the room, startling the two children.

Misato is the first to notice Rei, "Rei? How did you get in here?"

"I..."

"Never mind, we can talk about this later. Ritsuko, what's happening?!"

"I have no idea, her readings are off the charts right now!"

"Doctor, the sedative isn't working!"

"Maya, check her pulse!"

Maya grabs one of Asuka's arms and checks for a pulse, "I feel one, but it's going too fast for me to count."

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

Asuka is running as fast as she can now after hearing Shinji's words to her.

"Shinji, I am here!"

Instantly, everything stops in front of her, "Huh, what is going on?"

"My Asuka, you have reached the starting point once again, but you can still turn back..."

"NO!"

"Then, be free, my sweet child..."

After the voice fades out, everything starts to get fuzzy as she feels herself slipping away into what feels like nothingness.

"Momma, what is happening?"

"You are returning to the outside again..."

Asuka now becomes aware of a dizzy feeling flowing around her as a sharp pain is felt in her left arm.

"No, I didn't want this pain!"

"But, it is the pain of life. Fight it, Asuka."

"I can't, it's too much!!"

"Fight it..."

"SHINJI!!!"

The pain starts to fade away as her vision begins to clear up slowly, "HELP ME, ---"

"---SHINJI!!!"

Asuka instantly bolts upright in the bed while yelling out Shinji's name, causing everyone to back away from the bed all at once.

"Asuka?.."

Shinji is the first one to break the thick blanket of silence that had draped itself over the room.

Weakly, she manages a reply, "Shinji, I have come back..."

Shinji comes running up to her and gives her a teary eyed hug, "You came back..."

"Baka, of course I did!"

He turns to the rest of the people in the room, "May I...have a few moments alone?"

"Shinji, it's best if we let Ritsuko examine As..."

"NO!! I want to talk to Shinji first!"

"Misato, I can do the tests a little later, why don't we let Shinji talk to Asuka first. Besides, Rei still needs to explain how she got in here."

"That's right, Rei, you still haven't told me yet."

Everyone walks out of the room, leaving Shinji and Asuka to talk in private. He sits down of the edge of the bed, "I am glad you are b..."

"BAKA SHINJI, don't sit right there..."

"Sorr..."

"Come closer to me."

Fearing that Asuka will bop him on the head, he tries to move away, but she grabs his arm and pulls him into a hug.

"You are a baka, but you are still my Shinji..."

"Asuka?.."

After a few more moments, she instantly lets go of him and bops him on the head, "Don't ever kiss me again when I am asleep!"

"Sorry..."

"Baka, stop saying sorry all the time!"

"Sorry!"

"BAKA!!"

"Asuka, maybe I should let Ritsuko start the testing..."

"FINE, Go, you were the reason I came back, Rei was too in a way. But before you go, answer me this, is it true the Angels are gone?"

"...Yes, Asuka, it is..."

"I see..."

"I will try to come back tomorrow if Misato allows it." He gets up and walks to the door, stopping short to say one last thing, "I am sorry about your mother...Asuka..." With that having been said, he opens the door and steps out, leaving her with a puzzled expression on her face.

"What?.."

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

Two weeks later, after almost having a tracker put in her neck, Rei walks down the corridor to the Medical ward alone, on her way to pick up a fellow pilot being released today. As she approaches room 303, she digs out her pocketbook that contains all the data she will need. The door opens and in she steps, book in hand, ready to bring home Asuka.

"Wondergirl, what are you doing here?!"

"I have been ordered to update you on the current status of NERV."

"I don't need you to tell me anything!"

"You are also to be escorted back home by me."

"Why can't Shinji do it?"

"He is unable to come right now."

"Fine, let's get this over with!"

"Asuka Soryu, as of 14:00h this day, You are being placed under special guard as stated under Article 13-8 of the NERV Security Act..."

"Can you explain what that is?!"

"You have been placed under constant supervision during the current situation..."

"And that situation is?"

"NERV is currently preparing for a possible invasion. Until this situation has been deemed resolved, all pilots are to remain under constant watch by Division 2..."

"So now I have to be looked after as if I am a little kid?!"

"No, you are to be watched over in case something goes wrong."

"I see, continue."

"You are not to be alone at any time outside of NERV or Block B-6, when you are out, you must alert Security to your plans, and you must be accompanied by Misato, Shinji, or I when walking."

"Why has all of this been placed on ME?!"

"This affects Shinji and I as well..."

"BUT WHY?!"

"If NERV is under attack, you will be needed here, you are to always be in range of a quick retrieval unit as well."

"Anything else I should know?"

"Not at this time. You will be issued a new phone as soon as you are ready to leave."

"Then, let us leave here now. I want to get back to my room again where I have a soft bed."

"Hai."

As Rei turns towards the door, Asuka asks her a question, "Wondergirl, Shinji said something about you being pregnant, is it true?"

"Yes."

"Who is the father?"

"I am unsure, but Shinji is willing to be that person..."

"WHAT?!"

"He will be the father to my child when the time comes."

"I...see."

Asuka walks up to behind her and lets her know she is ready to go now, "Come on Wondergirl, let's go!"

"Hai." She pulls out a red cell phone and hands it to Asuka, "This is the new phone issued to you."

Asuka snatches it out of her hand and rushes past Rei out the door.

A few hours later, after waiting for a special train to come, both Rei and Asuka walk into the apartment.

"Welcome home, Asuka."

"Shinji?"

"Welcome home, Asuka."

"Qwaa!"

"Misato and Pen-pen?"

"We are glad to have you back."

"It's nice to be back!"

"Rei, can you assist me in the kitchen while Misato tells Asuka about the current arrangements?"

"Yes, Shinji."

Both her and Shinji walk into the kitchen and close the sliding door. As soon as it is deemed safe, he begins to ask her some questions, "You didn't tell her about the surprise, did you, Rei?"

"No, I told her only of the current status of NERV."

"Good, I wanted to surprise her with this special dinner I cooked for her."

"I did not say a word about it."

"Thank you, Rei."

"You are welcome, Shinji..."

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

"Asuka, its time for us to discuss a few things..."

"Like what?"

"Well, I am sure you have heard by now that Rei is staying here..."

"She better not have been sleeping in my room!"

"No, she hasn't, but...she does sleep with Shinji."

"WHAT?!"

"ASUKA, keep your voice down, allow me to explain everything first!"

"Fine!"

"First, Rei is pregnant, so it was decided it was best to have Shinji sleep with her instead of her sleeping alone..."

"Riiiiiiight, Misato."

"Second, they are NOT sleeping in the same bed at all, I have checked on that many times."

"At least you have them under guard..."

"Not exactly, but it's not for you to worry about. Third, Pen-pen is now Rei's responsibility so she can learn how to take care of her child when it comes..."

"By the way, who knocked up Wondergirl anyway?"

At that last comment, Misato decides that Asuka has said enough bad stuff about Rei, "Asuka, we don't know HOW it happened, but one thing Ritsuko knows is that she should NOT be able to have one. Now, I am going to make this VERY clear for you young lady, Rei is apart of this family now, so I want YOU to start respecting her MORE from this point forward! Am I clear on that?!"

"No, Misato. Wondergirl thinks she is all high and mighty all the time..."

"Asuka, you are the only one that seems to have a problem with that, but you seem to forget you are the one that has finished school AND college..."

"So? She thinks that she knows more then me..."

"Only when it comes to Eva, Asuka. Besides, you were the one that had friends when you were in Germany, remember?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Rei only knows of Eva, that is all she has really been prepared for. You are still the better one when you think about it, why can't you just accept that you BOTH could benefit from each other!"

"Misato, can you come here for a moment?"

"Yes, Shinji." Misato gets up from her spot on the sofa, "I will be right back, Asuka." Misato walks into the kitchen, leaving Asuka alone.

'Who does Misato think she is, telling me that I HAVE to be nice to Wondergirl.'

She crosses her arms as she waits for Misato to come back.

'Why is it Wondergirl has to live here anyway, I was better off without her in the same place as me...'

"Pilot Soryu, we are ready to eat."

She quickly turns around, surprised to hear Rei's voice, "Wondergirl, don't do that! I did just wake from a coma!"

"Apologies, Soryu..."

"That's better. Now then, how did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Sneak up on me like that?"

"I am not sure..."

"Asuka, I forgot to tell you, Rei is good at surprising others."

"Thanks, Misato!"

"No problem."

"Dinner is ready Pilot Sor..."

"Rei, you can call her Asuka as well."

"...Asuka."

'Baka Misato.'

She gets up and walks into the kitchen, as she steps through the door, she is greeted to a loud noise.

"WELCOME HOME ASUKA!!!!!!"

Since this was not expected one bit, Asuka jumps back into Rei as she follows Asuka in, causing them both to fall back into the living room.

"Oof..."

"Rei!!"

Shinji runs over to Rei and helps her up, "Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"MISATO!"

"What?"

"It's my welcoming party, right?"

"Yes..."

"Then why is Shinji helping Rei up first?"

Misato begins to chuckle at Asuka's question, "Well one, she is pregnant, and two, you did land on her so your fall was not as bad."

After Shinji is sure Rei is okay, he helps Asuka off the floor as well, "Sorry, Asuka, allow me to show you to the honoree's spot."

He takes her hand and leads her to the chair closest to the bathroom since Misato DID help cook one of the meals.

"Thank you, Baka Shinji."

About an hour later, after dinner, dessert, and one trip to the bathroom, Asuka and everyone else present has moved to the living room for the rest of the party.

"Wondergirl, who showed you how to cook?"

"Shinji did, I have been preparing Pen-pens meals since then..."

"Well, you may be annoying to me at times, but you do make good fish, but I thought you didn't eat any meat?"

"I...do not."

"Well, I see Misato still uses curry powder!"

"Hey, there is nothing wrong with curry powder on rice!"

Instead of asking how Misato kept Kaji alive in college, she just keeps her comments to herself, 'I wonder if Kaji ever had real food in college?'

After about an hour, both Shinji and Rei turn in for the night since they have to be at NERV in the morning for another synch test. Misato has asked that Asuka stay up a bit longer so they can talk for a little bit.

"Asuka, you have been told about the lockdown, right?"

"Wondergirl told me it was because of some invasion or something..."

"Asuka, the JSSDF could invade NERV at any time, so everyone has been put on alert until we hear they will not."

"So why does this mean I can't be on my own anymore?"

"Well, if they were to attack and we needed you, then it would be easier to know your location in two way, if Security knew your whereabouts, and if we had two signals to home in on at the same time."

"Oh..."

"It's for your safety mainly, NERV does not want you to be killed or captured is all."

"I understand then."

Misato's tone now becomes a little more relaxed as she relays the final bit of news, "Also, there is something else you should know about Rei and Shinji currently, Shinji has agreed to be the child's father when the time comes. That was the other reason for him attending to Rei before you earlier..."

"Why does that bitch need Shinji to help her!!"

"Because she asked him to, and he said YES."

"Damn her..."

"Asuka, he cares for both of you, you are both family to him as well and I believe he will do everything in his power to protect both of you if needed."

"Rei doesn't need help, she is Wondergirl!"

"Asuka..."

"And I don't want to live in the same place as her if she starts asking me to assist her in any way!"

She gets up, walks to her room, and slams the door shut.

'Stupid Wondergirl...'

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

Two days after Asuka has come back home, things are not going well between Rei, Shinji, and her. As a matter of fact, Asuka has totally rebelled against Rei's presence to the point that Shinji has begun to feel the tension.

"Asuka, why can't you just accept the fact that Rei lives here as well?"

"Cause she doesn't belong here!"

"WHY NOT?!"

"She has her own place, she doesn't need to be here..."

"You know why she is here, Asuka, she can't go anywhere else until both problems are taken care of first!"

She starts pounding on the door to the bathroom again, "HURRY UP WONDERGIRL!!"

"Asuka, why can't you just be nice to her."

"She is Wondergirl, she is better then me in all ways..."

Shinji has heard enough and goes back to his room, then slams the door shut.

'Baka!!'

After a few more moments, he hears the sound of Asuka yelling at Rei again as she comes out of the bathroom. Soon the door slides open and he sees Rei come in the room with a red mark on her face the size of Asuka's hand.

"Rei, way is your face red?"

"Soryu was upset at me."

"Why do you still call her by her last name?"

"She does not wish for me to call her by her first..."

'Why is she so upset over Rei's living here!'

//'You see the challenge now, Father.'

'Yes.'

//'Then, do what you can to change her mind...'

'I will!'

He marches out of the room and waits for Asuka to finish in the bathroom. After about 35 minutes, she emerges from it already dressed.

"Asuka, Misato just called, we are needed at NERV."

"I thought we had today off!"

"Since when do we get days off."

"DAMNIT!!"

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

Five minutes later, both Shinji and Asuka have emerged from the building and start walking in the direction of a shuttle station, but this one is a non-operational one currently.

'Why has Shinji brought me here?' "Shinji, what's going on?"

"Asuka, sit!" Shinji points to one of the benches in the corner and follows behind her.

"What is this all about?!"

"Asuka, tell me why you dislike Rei, the whole reason?"

"Why should I tell you?!"

"Because I ASKED YOU!!"

Asuka starts to move away from him, but Shinji is not willing to give up yet, "ASUKA, STAY!!"

"NO, BAKA SHINJI!!"

Shinji has had just about enough from her. He grabs one of her wrists and grabs a pair of Misato's handcuffs, a pair he found one day while cleaning, and attaches one end to her, the other end to the armrest.

"Asuka, you are not going anywhere until you really tell me WHY you dislike Rei so much."

Asuka, having never seen him become this angry before up close, starts to become scared, fearing that he may to the same to her he did to the 14th Angel, "Shinji?.."

"You know what, I am going to go over to that bench there, sit down, and let you think about what you are doing."

Shinji walks over to another bench and sits down.

'Why is he mad at me?!' What have I done wrong?'

"Asuka, when you are ready to talk to me, call me."

'I don't have to answer him, it's none of his business why I hate Wondergirl!'

Many minutes pass as they both sit there in the cool day's air. Finally, she decides to speak again.

"Shinji, how did you know about my mother?"

"I can't tell you yet, Asuka, but I promise I will when the time is right..."

"Misato told you, didn't she!" 'That bitch!!'

"No, I found out from a more direct source, no one told me anything..."

She begins to recall something from when the unknown voice spoke to her for the first time in her coma.

(FLASHBACK)

Voice "Asuka..."

Asuka quickly spins around, thinking that someone was in back of her, but she does not see anyone around her, nor does the voice reply again.

Asuka "Who said that?! Shinji?"

Voice "Asuka..."

Asuka "WHO ARE YOU!!"

(END)

'Shinji...'

"It was you I felt, Shinji..."

"Huh?"

"You were the one that said my name right before I headed back."

"Yes, Asuka...that is how I knew about your mother..."

"But...why?.."

"I am not sure anymore really, all I know is that the reason involves you."

"Shinji, please come here..."

"Are you ready to talk to me about you and Rei?"

"...Yes, I will tell you now."

Shinji gets up and walks over to the bench she is cuffed to and sits down.

"Shinji, you want to know why I hate Wondergirl so much. Why?"

"Because you are both family to me, and it hurts to see you fight like that now..."

"Shinji, Wonder...Rei is the person that I want to be like sometimes, minus the doll parts..." She stops for a few moments to consider how to proceed, "She has had it easy, Shinji. She didn't see her mother hang herself...and she can still pilot Eva..."

"Asuka, there is something you should know first about Rei. Rei is sort of my mother or sister, depending how you see it."

"How can that be!"

"She is not a normal person, as you might have figured out by now..."

"Yeah, I kinda figured that."

"Asuka, please let me finish first..."

"Sorry."

"Rei is a clone of my mother, physically. But she is her own self deep down. I care for her even more now then I did before, not because of who she is, but because she has had it worse then both of us...She has been used for my father's purposes..."

"She is a doll, Shinji, she has no free will."

He stops for a moment and thinks about her last comment, then continues, "...Yes, she was a doll, she did what she was told because that is what my father trained her to do. It was really all she could do."

"She had a choice, Shinji, she chose this!"

"No, she did what she was told was right, not what she thought was right, until Unit-00 exploded."

"By the way, how did she survives that?"

Shinji recalls seeing the big fireball come from the center of the explosion, "She didn't..."

"Then how did she survive?"

"She is a clone, remember. Her soul was just moved into a new body is all..."

"See, this is why I hate her, Shinji. She can live forever, she knows more then me about Eva, she is the favored one..."

"Asuka, what will happen after Eva is done?"

"I don't know, ask your father!"

"Well, if NERV closes down, then what do you think will happen to Rei then, if she can't die, then she will always have nothing but memories of her usefulness as a pilot. You will then have more then her, you will have a purpose still..."

"I...never thought of it that way before, so she was made to pilot Eva, nothing more..."

"Yes..."

"Shinji, Soryu."

They both look up and see Rei waiting 200 meters away from them, "Misato is waiting for you outside."

"Rei, what did I tell you about doing that?"

"It was necessary."

"Why didn't she just call us?"

"NERV has been cut off again..."

"What is happening then?"

"We are all to report to NERV for a briefing."

Shinji releases Asuka from the bench and starts walking to the exit with Rei, when Asuka stops him, "Rei, tell Misato we will be right there."

"Hai."

Rei walks down the steps and to the waiting car while the two remaining children talk a few moments longer.

"Shinji, this won't change anything for now between Wondergirl and I, but I now know she is not as lucky as I thought..."

"I understand, but please try to be nicer at least, she is going to be a mother."

"I understand, and..." Her tone now becomes a bit more annoyed, "...if you EVER do that to me again, make sure you run faster then me!"

She gives him a kick in the leg as she starts walking to the car.

"Yep, still the same old Asuka..."

He soon limps his way to the car as well.

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

Ritsuko is down in the bowels of NERV working in the dim light that is present from the few remaining monitors that have not been affected by the power outage that has currently crippled NERV again.

"Now for the last test results..."

She types in a few commands and waits for the results to finish being analyzed.

[TEST C-18]

[RESULTS OF TEST HAVE BEEN LOGGED]

[DO YOU WISH TO READ NOW Y/N]

Seeing that she still has about enough time before her break is done to read them, she types in Y.

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

She doesn't get a chance to read the last part before the monitor turns off from low power mode.

"Dang, I guess I can read it later..."

She types in a few commands into another terminal

[PROGRESS OF PROGRAM - NAOKO45]

[DELETING GENERAL LOGIN OF CURRENT SESSION]

[MOVING FILE - TEST C-18 REPORT - TO SECURE DIRECTORY]

[DELETING RECORD OF MOVE]

[DONE]

"Well, at least this file is safe for now."

Since she has finished her business here, she turns off the remaining terminals and leaves the room.

To Be Continued...

Wow, it gets odder by the month, here you go:

Now that Asuka has woken, what will happen next?

Why is NERV being plagued with problems now?

What is the gender of the child?

Will Rei and Asuka ever get along?

Will there ever be a successful test for Unit-01?

Why was Pen-pen passed out on the kitchen floor?

Well, find out next time in Rei's Child, Chapter V.

----

Ooomakeees, Ooomakeees, wonderful wonderful Ooomakeees:

Omake 1

The penguin fades out just as Asuka turns back to the outside world again, just in time to see Shinji giving her a kiss and quietly whispering something to her, ="I love you..."=

"Shinji..."

Asuka continues her journey again back to the life she left behind days ago, with a new purpose. One that Shinji will find VERY painful when she arrives.

"Third Child, Now would be the time to start running, CAUSE YOU ARE DEAD WHEN I WAKE!!!!!!"

'BAKA HENTEI, no boy kisses me and lives to tell about it.'

Weeks later, Shinji ended up being given a wooden leg similar to Toji's.

Omake 2

What Pen-Pen really thinks about not getting a beer:

'Damn, no beer again?'

"Why no beer bitch?"

Pen-pen then wacks Rei upside the face with his fin

The end