Okay people I've returned with the edited vesion of chapter seven I promised you guys. I have 8 & 9 done so if youare kind enough toleave lots of reviews I'll post them seperately in the next couple of days. Isn't it great how bribery works?

Anyhow, on with the story. Don't forget to review once your done.

One last thing: I DON"T OWN EVA!

Chapter 7: What Became of . . .?

I looked from Keel to Ikari-kun and back again. The look in Keel's eyes or rather the lack thereof made me shiver. His finger tightened reflexively on the trigger. I had to do something now or Ikari-kun would die. "Promise . . . promise, me . . .," I pleaded between waves of pain "You . . . you will let Ikari-kun go, if, If I talk . . ."

I closed my eyes, breathing hard, too exhausted to say more. After several moments I opened my eyes and looked over at Keel Lorenz. He nodded solemnly. "You have my word that the boy will go free only of you promise to tell me everything you know. You must not leave out any facts or details."

I had suspected that he would make such a request of me. I was resigning myself to the fact that I would have to tell to save Ikari-kun. Keel kept his gun pressed against Ikari-kun's head as he frowned down at me. "Whenever you're ready Miss Ayanami. This boy stays here to ensure you'll hold up your end of the bargain."

"Don't worry about me, Ayanami. I'll be okay."

However I was worried about him and with good reason. I knew Ikari-kun was blind to most of NERV's inner secrets. I, however, knew almost every one of them. There was no way to know how he would react to one of them being revealed. Still it was that or watching his death. At the moment, revealing the secrets seemed like a much better option. As much as I detested the thought of being responsible for the creation of another like me I refused to have his death on my conscience. "It's Lilith's soul," I began.

I went on to explain the process of attaching a soul to a body that had none in as few words as I could. By the time I was done I was out of breath and felt sick. I sank back as far as I could in the chair so that I could be as comfortable as possible. I tried not to watch, not to see the look of victory in Keel's eyes, the pain and betrayal in Ikari-kun's. I didn't want to move, feel, think or even breathe from that moment on.

I heard something clink but it seemed too distant to believe. I had finally gotten to the point where the pain seemed like it wasn't real and I could float on a hazy cloud. I felt my body being moved but I was too far-gone to care. "Ayanami . . ." Ikari-kun's cracked voice sobbed. "I'm sorry. They told me I had to help them or I . . . I wouldn't be allowed to see you. I had to help them . . ."

I felt two hands massaging my temples. My body relaxed and the pain faded away. "You promised you'd stop hurting her if she talked." Ikari-kun's voice demanded.

I heard footsteps going towards the door; then it opened and closed. "Don't worry he's gone to get something to make you feel better."

I moaned as a wave of pain consumed me. Ikari-kun continued to rub my temples. He was humming something over and over but I couldn't concentrate on it long enough to make it out.

I heard the door opened and a pair of footsteps entered. "Make her swallow one of these and she'll feel better shortly." I heard Keel's voice instruct Ikari-kun.

Something hard and bitter was placed in my mouth. I tried to spit it out but Ikari's hand stayed firmly in place preventing me from doing so. I choked it down as fast as I could. I almost wished I hadn't a few moments later. The pain began to increase rapidly until I was blind to everything else. I shuttered and convulsed trying to get away but it was no good. I thought my entire body would explode. The thought was appealing; I would be free of the pain. Then almost as quickly as it had begun the pain began to ebb away. After a time it was gone completely. I remained as I was, too exhausted to move at all.

The Section Two agent on the other end had no answer for Misato. He did not know what had happened to Shinji. Misato frowned obviously not pleased with what she had been told. "Look," She said finally "Just let me speak to Kaji, and no games. I know he's down there."

"I'm sorry Katsuragi." Kaji said when he picked up the phone, "I'm afraid this is my fault."

"Like hell it is!" Misato snapped back.

Then she paused realizing what Kaji had just said. He had accepted responsibility for something. "Kaji . . ."

"When Shinji found out that Ayanami had been kidnapped he came to me and asked if I knew who had her. I told him it was SEELE although I didn't tell him why or where to find her. However he must have asked Asuka to sneak it from me because she came to visit me later that day. I was distracted writing a report to Commander Ikari so I couldn't keep an eye on her. She must have looked through my papers and found the answer."

"Then what?"

"He left the house at approximately 10:21 this morning on his way to meet his friends, Suzuhara and Aida. While he was walking he called a phone number, which we have yet to trace. Five minutes later a limo pulled up beside him and he got in willingly. We are unable to track his location since then."

"Do you think he turned himself over to SEELE?"

"Most likely. I imagine he thought he could trade places with her."

"You mean there was a reason they took Rei. This wasn't a random kidnapping."

"Nothing SEELE does is random. If they took Rei it means they know she has information they want or need to have."

"Can't we do anything about this?"

"I'm afraid not. The children will have to do this on their own. They're certainly resourceful enough."

"True."

Keel had unshackled me and released us sometime later. Ikari-kun had been forced to carry me out of there, as I was unable to walk. Once we were outside he had used his cell phone to call NERV and ask for transport. It arrived less then five minutes later in thee form of a black sedan. Major Katsuragi and two Section Two agents were inside waiting for us.

The Major ran from the car the minute she saw us. She wrapped her arms around Ikari-kun and then me. "Are you okay?" She kept asking over and over again.

We told her we were fine each time, but she didn't seem to believe us. Eventually we were able to take a seat in the back of the car and we made our way to NERV.

Dr. Akagi ordered that I be quarantined upon arrival. She ordered several tests to check to "see that I was okay" as she said. I actually believed that they feared I had become mentally unstable or contaminated thus preventing me from piloting. I must have fallen asleep before the final test was done because I don't remember it ending or be given permission to return to my apartment.

"Well, doctor is she fit to pilot Unit Zero again or will we be forced to terminate her prematurely?"

"The tests indicated no signs of instability or contamination. She is fit to pilot as far as I can tell however we will have to stick her in the Eva to be sure."

"Very good. Schedule a test for first thing tomorrow morning."

"Won't the major protest? She's always concerned about the pilot's welfare."

"She will, but ignore her. We must know for sure that Rei is still viable. That is the most important concern we have at the present time."

"Understood."

As she left the room, Ritsuko still felt disturbed about the whole thing. The Commander was pushing the First Child too hard. After all she had just been kidnapped and tortured for most of a day. Now she was utterly exhausted and hadn't even been able to stay awake.

I was awakened early the next morning by bright sunlight coming through a nearby window. I sat up sharply believing I was still trapped in SEELE HQ. A painful spasm rippled through my body at the sudden movement and I fell back down on top of the bed where I had laid. No, I was back at NERV, everything was okay, I told myself. My body was still stiff and sore from the multiple injections Keel had ordered the nurses to give me. I rubbed my arms and legs trying to loosen up my joints. I recognized where I was now, one of the rooms of the NERV hospital wing.

I rose to my feet and made my way to the bathroom to clean up. I turned on the facet and splashed the cold water on my face. Then looking into the mirror I sighed at my reflection. I looked horrible with my unusually pale complexion and bags under my eyes. Still I knew things could be worse. I could be dead or suffering from a terrible injury. So I should be glad for the fact I was in relatively good shape.

I looked down and realized that my kimono had been removed in favor of NERV hospital gown. I found my kimono hanging in the closet. There wasn't anything else for me to wear, however, so I sat down on the bed. I could do no more until someone came and told me what my orders were so for now I must wait.

That didn't last long however as Dr. Akagi arrived a few minutes later. She carried a clipboard in her hands and was in her official mode so I knew better then to question her. "I see you are awake. You have a test with Unit Zero in an hour and a half. I suggest you go downstairs and get something to eat while you can."

"Yes, doctor."

I rose to leave but she kept herself between the door and me. "Rei, you should be aware that both the other Children will be here for tests as well and you will be in contact with both Units Zero and One."

"That is not an issue."

"Fine. Then go."

I walked out of the room and down the hall to the cafeteria. The list of food options offered by the commissary was the same as every other day I had come here. I had only two options to choose from that did not contain meat. It's not that my restrictive diet kept me from eating meat; it was because I disliked it. The taste of meat had never agreed with my taste buds. So if I had the choice I preferred not to eat it. Thus I had only two options if I must eat at NERV. I chose what I wanted to eat and made my way towards the area were the seating was. It was mostly empty but I recognized Pilot Sohryu and Ikari-kun sitting there immediately. "Good morning, Wondergirl."

"Come sit with us Ayanami!" Ikari-kun called.

I took one of the available seats and sat down at the table with them. "So did you hear about our Eva tests today? This is so lame. I bet this is all your fault Wondergirl."

Ikari-kun glared at her like he was offended by her comment. "Asuka, you don't know what she's been through."

"Hmph. Like I care." Pilot Sohryu muttered.

I focused my attention on the food before me. I did not like Pilot Sohryu's comments and today they seemed especially annoying. Still I remembered what Ikari-kun had told me that she had done. I felt like I owed her some thanks even though she was being obnoxious. "Arigato, Pilot Sohryu."

Pilot Sohryu dropped her chopsticks and her face betrayed a look of open horror. "What did you say, wonder doll?"

"I said, arigato Pilot Sohryu."

She frowned and picked up her chopsticks. She kept eating like I wasn't even there. Ikari-kun looked back and forth like he was unsure of what to do. "How do you feel Ayanami?" He asked.

"I feel fine."

"That's good."

A short time later we were standing in the dressing rooms. Pilot Sohryu was talking animatedly about how she would once again show us up. I ignored her and focused on getting my plug suit on correctly. Once I was dressed I made my way to the elevator to wait on the others. Ikari-kun arrived moments later but Pilot Sohryu was slower in coming. "You didn't have to wait you know. I can go up to Unit Two on my own."

We said nothing but I was positive she would have waited for us had we not been there. She respected the tradition and disliked to be without our company. We climbed on the elevator together and made our way up to where the tests were being held. When we arrived Dr. Akagi was waiting for us. "Listen up. This is how the tests will proceed. First I want you all in your Eva's for the regular round of tests. Then Asuka will report to Level 7 room 1005A for some special tests while Shinji and Rei will be switching Eva's."

"Why do they get to swap Evas and not me?" Pilot Sohryu demanded.

"Because," Major Katsuragi explained, "We didn't think you would want to have someone else in Unit Two or be in either of the other Evas. Besides, the tests you'll be doing are much more important."

Pilot Sohryu's face brightened at the explanation by the Major. She walked off in the direction of Unit Two with a smile on her face. I looked over at Ikari-kun and our eyes met for a moment. Then we left and made our way to our respective Evas. I opened the entry plug and climbed inside. A few minutes later synchronization was established. I closed my eyes and let my mind wander as I always did. There was no point in wasting energy that I could use somewhere more important later. I became vaguely aware that there was an altercation between Pilot Sohryu and Ikari-kun but I chose to ignore it. This was typical behavior for them so it did nothing to upset me. "Wondergirl, tell this baka I'm right." Pilot Sohryu's voice commanded.

I opened my eyes and looked at my fellow pilots. I was not sure what was going on but it was clear I was about to be dragged into it. "Asuka! Leave Ayanami out of this."

"She can answer the question just fine I believe."

"What is the question?" I asked.

"I said the baka couldn't cook European food to save his life."

I did not know if Ikari-kun could cook European food as I had never seen him do such a feat however I did know he had some skill with cooking. I replied to that effect and saw Pilot Sohryu scowl. Obviously she didn't like that answer. I sighed and closed my eyes choosing to ignore their argument. Most of it seemed pretty pointless to me.

A short time later Dr. Akagi's voice came through on the speaker. "The test is over now. You may get out. Shinji and Rei, you have ten minutes before you switch Evas. Asuka, I want you to report to the room I told you in ten minutes."

"Right," We replied in unison.

I sat on the benches with Ikari-kun, the two of us dripping with LCL. We had wiped off most of it but there was no point in showering until the second round of testing was over. "Are you ready for this, Ayanami?" Ikari-kun asked.

Why? What was I supposed to be ready for? "Why?"

Ikari-kun looked at me was like I was crazy for a brief instant and then he smiled. "Ayanami, you're getting in Unit One again after all these months and I'm getting Unit Zero for the first time. Isn't that something to be nervous about?"

After a moment I nodded. "True it's scary because it's different but that does not mean it will be bad."

"You're always the optimist, Ayanami."

"Am I?"

Before he could say more Doctor Akagi appeared and told us that it was time to get in. I nodded to Ikari-kun and made my up the stairs to the entry plug of Unit One. Beside me I saw Ikari-kun walk up the stairs to the entry plug of Unit Zero. I opened the entry plug and climbed inside. Then I sat down in the pilot's seat and waited for instructions. They came moments later. "Rei were going to run the tests with you first since you've had contact with Unit One before. So Shinji we'll save you for last."

"Understood." We both replied.

I made myself comfortable as the LCL was pumped into the entry plug. The lights flashed and I felt my mind become one with the Eva's soul. After having done this so many times during my life and once already today the process was a familiar routine to me. Yui Ikari's voice hung like a dark cloud in the air.

The others said being in the Eva was like a mother's protective embrace but I had never understood. I had never felt that way. Unit Zero's embrace felt more like one who both loved and hated me all at once. Unit One, on the other hand, was like standing in a frozen ice field that left you just warm enough to not freeze. Being in Unit Two with the others was the closest I had come to that feeling although I was aware that had not Ikari-kun and Pilot Sohryu had been there I would have been rejected.

You. What are you doing here again?

I am ordered.

Get out. I do not want your presence here.

I can't. There is no way for me to leave.

I don't care. I do not like you.

I knew what her reason for hating me was. It was because the Commander had made me from her as a replacement for her absence until they met again. So she had every right to hate me. Still I wished she wouldn't give me such a cold shoulder. I was glad though. Yui could do much worse to me then she was.

None too soon the test was over. I was allowed to leave for the observation deck to see Ikari-kun's test. At first everything went smoothly as planned. Then however alarms started going off. "Ayanami what are you doing? Get out of my head. Go make this stop!" His pain voice shouted over the com.

"My god! It's the same error as before!" Lt. Ibuki cried.

Unit Zero's eye flashed and she began to struggle against the binds the held her in place. She roared and tore herself free from what was holding her back. She came at the glass window and began to pound at it.

Die.

Why? Why are you doing this?

Because I am your true self with no limits. I do this because this is what you desire. You hate yourself and you hate the Commander and NERV. I am doing what you have not the strength or power to.

Major Katsuragi pulled me back sharply from the window as broken shards of glass from the window flew through the air. I was pressed against the far wall far away from any danger.

Abruptly Unit Zero doubled foreword clutching her head. She began to pound her head against the wall as if trying to escape the pain. "Eject the entry plug and flood the camber with Bakelite." Dr. Akagi's voice commanded.

Lt. Ibuki entered the codes but they were not accepted. Unit Zero had locked them out. "It's no good!" Maya replied.

Next she attempted to cut the power but this did not work.

Dr. Akagi clenched her jaw trying to think of something fast. However it was Major Katsuragi who came up with the plan. "Send Rei in with Unit One and bring Asuka back down and get her in Unit Two. They should be able to stop Unit Zero."

After some momentary shock Dr. Akagi agreed. "Rei, get down to Unit One as fast as you can."

I nodded and rose to my feet from my crouched position on the floor. "Rei?"

I turned to see the major looking at me. "Be careful."

"Yes, ma'am."

I made my way down the hall to where Unit One waited in an adjacent cage. There was a good chance I wouldn't make it there if Unit Zero continued her path of destruction. To my amazement I reached Unit One without incident several moments later. I opened the entry plug and climbed inside. LCL rushed in and synchronization began. The cold unrelenting presence of Yui Ikari embraced me.

You. Why are you back?

I want to save Ikari-kun. He is in danger.

There was no response from the Eva's soul but I felt a lessening of the resistance of the Eva to my presence. I guess Yui was willing to work with me once again if it was for Ikari-kun's sake. That would have to do; I needed her to cooperate with me if I was to be successful. "Rei can you hear me?" Inquired Major Katsuragi's voice.

"Yes, ma'am"

"Good listen up. Your mission is to remove the power cable from Unit Zero's back and restrain her until the battery runs out."

"Understood."

Judging by the look on Major Katsuragi's face it would seem she thought something was amiss. Most likely it was my calm reaction to events.

The door between the Eva cage where I was and the next began to open allowing me a clear view of the berserker Unit Zero. The single red eye glowed menacingly at me. Unit Zero was on to me and it did not like my presence. I had to do this and quick. I didn't have much time. Otherwise Unit Zero might win this fight.

I made my way cautiously into the room trying not to provoke the wrath of Unit Zero on me. However Unit Zero was already suspicious and my nearing movement only served to focus its attention on me. She roared at the top of its lungs shaking the structure of NERV. Then she drew her progressive knife and aimed it at me. I drew one of Unit One's knives in response. We stood like that for what seemed like an eternity staring at each other. Then Unit Zero broke her stance and charged.

Unit Zero tried to cut Unit One with the knife but I dodged or countered every blow. Unit Zero must have realized as I had that nothing would get done this way. She acted like she was going in for the attack but at the last minute ducked to grab me with both arms around the waist. I was slammed hard against the wall. I got one arm free and smacked Unit Zero hard across the face sending her stumbling backward. Unit Zero was back on her feet quickly and roared in defiance at the humiliation I had dealt her. This was not good; there wasn't enough room.

I stepped back from the rampaging Eva and focused my gaze on the target, Unit Zero's power cord. I steadied the knife in my hand and aimed it. I flicked my wrist hard and the knife went flying. With a soft thunk, the knife buried itself in the tiled floor, severing the cord as it went. The cord began to writhe and twist like and angry viper as electricity cracked through it. Still, part one was accomplished. The power supply was cut.

I dodged as Unit Zero tried to tackle me again. I hit her from behind and knocked Unit Zero to the ground. Quickly I got on top, pinning her down with the aid of Unit One's slightly heavier frame. At first this tactic worked, Unit Zero thrashed uselessly for about thirty-seconds beneath my grasp. Then she got one foot loosed and shoved her knee deep into my stomach. I groaned and doubled over in pain. Unit Zero got loose and prepared to attack while I was down.

I was not to be taken lightly however. I knifed Unit Zero in the arm when she tried to grab me. Unit Zero roared in pain and yanked out the knife. She tossed the blood-covered object aside and out of reach. So now I was out of knives and Unit Zero still had one. I'd have to be careful. I glanced at the timer to see Unit Zero still had 4 minutes and 10 seconds left of power. This would be rough.

Both of us stood apart judging our next move. I was glad for the brief break allowing me to catch my breath. All I had to do was to stay on my feet and keep her busy until the battery back up power ran out. I saw no point in moving until Unit Zero did. As long as she was standing still, not attacking me or anything else, I was okay.

Unfortunately Unit Zero was intent on causing damage and I was in the way. So my break didn't last long. She drew her final progressive knife and advanced in my direction. I looked around but saw no prog knife with in reach. My best hope was to disarm her as fast as possible. Thankfully, that was something I was good at. So it was time to put my skills to work.

I dodged the first blow by Unit Zero and grabbed her arm with both of mine. I twisted mercilessly at the appendage and heard the sickening snap of armor and bone. Unit Zero roared in pain and dropped the knife. I punched Unit Zero in the stomach and it was her turn to double over in pain. I tried to hit her over the head to finish Unit Zero off but she caught my hand, biting down hard on it. I backed away from Unit Zero shaking it hard to relieve the pain. That was a big mistake.

Unit Zero charged and tackled me to the ground. Her massive from came down with a thud on my chest cracking ribs and knocking the breath out of me. She grinned maliciously at me and raised her fists. They came down hard beating both sides of my face. My head was thrown back and forth, side to side. I felt bones and armor crunch beneath the powerful fists. It was all I could do to hold her off. My consciousness faded in and out in hazy fragments. The beating was excruciating and I was nearly numb with pain.

The next thing I knew I was laying on my back in a NERV hospital bed. I was afraid to move at first because I didn't know how injured as I was. Hesitantly however, I carefully moved myself into a sitting position. My right hand minus the end of my fingers was heavily wrapped in bandages. My head and cheek were also wrapped in bandages. Thankfully that seemed to be the extent of the damage. I moved slowly to the edge of the bed and set my feet on the floor. I rose to my feet testing my weight before I tried to stand. Both of my legs were fine and could support my weight. I was astonished that I could since I had been unable to stand after the last two times I had been injured fighting in an Eva.

I looked around and noticed a second bed behind a curtain. There was a person laying in it although it was impossible to tell whom from where I was. I made my way slowly towards it. I used my left hand to pull back the curtain and stared down at Ikari-kun. One of his arms was in a sling, his other arm was bandaged and his head was wrapped up as well. Still his injuries were minor all things considered. Ikari-kun opened his eyes and looked back at me. "Ayanami, are you okay . . ."

His voice cracked as he spoke. Did he blame himself for this recent incident? It was not his fault. In fact I had the distinct impression it was mine. "I couldn't help you during the fifth angel, or when you were kidnapped. I was only a burden to you. If I hadn't shown up you wouldn't have been forced to choose my death or tell. Now I've gone and hurt you more."

I shook my head. "No you did not hurt me. It was the Eva that did that."

"But I was the pilot."

"The Eva was berserker, you had no control."

Ikari-kun seemed to relax some after that. I was glad. He should not blame himself for any of those situations he had mentioned. "Ayanami, can you help me up?" Ikari-kun asked.

Shinji looked up at Rei's face. It was blank like normal but there was calm placidness about it. She seemed to be at ease with everything even if he wasn't. He felt responsible for his role in events since his arrival. His presence had lead to her being injured twice. He also hadn't been a very good friend to her despite the fact he knew she needed him. Shinji was surprised that Rei wasn't more resentful of him. He knew he deserved worse but Rei continued to see the best in him. She always had that small hidden smile of hers for him despite what he had done. There were times when he was sure she was an angel trapped on earth. It was the only explanation for her gentle nature.

Still he had done one thing which he could feel a small sense of pride. He had held her twice now when she was injured and had helped her walk a third time. It looked like it was her turn to repay him for that. Shinji was glad it was her who was here because he knew she would be gentle with him.

I nodded and bent down so that Ikari-kun could put his good arm around my shoulder. With my help he made my way out of the bed. We stood together facing the open window. He leaned his weight against shoulder and I kept my arm around his waist to support him. "Are you okay, Ikari-kun?"

"Yes, Ayanami. Arigato."

We lapsed back into silence and I sensed like Ikari-kun was upset about something. Based on past experience he would not talk right way but he would speak when he was ready. So I had to wait and accept his silence until the time came when he was ready. It didn't take long for this to happen. "Ayanami . . . I'm sorry. I haven't been very kind to you have I? If it weren't for me you wouldn't have been hurt."

"It is not your fault Ikari-kun. Had you not shown up I would have died during the fight with the first angel."

"What about the fight with the angel when you were my shield? I couldn't protect you. I exposed you to danger because I couldn't make the first shot like I promised. Or better yet, what about yesterday I when I went and did it again?"

"You could not help events beyond your control. You are not responsible for me or my safely. I need to do things for myself."

"Ayanami everyone needs someone they can rely on to watch their back. You don't have anyone like that. I though I could be that for you but . . ."

His voice trailed off, but I head the unspoken words; 'but I failed you.' I squeezed his hand and offered him the most comforting look I could. "You did not let me down Ikari-kun."

"Do you really trust me that much Rei? Why? I'm not worthy."

"I've trusted you from the minute you held me in your arms the day we met. You have always been kind to me. So I have no reason to distrust you."

We looked at each other and our eyes locked. Ikari-kun gently put his hand underneath my chin lifting my gaze slightly. He leaned closer "Ayanami . . . I'm . . ."

He sighed and shook his head. "What Ikari-kun?"

Ikari-kun blushed and looked away. "Would . . . would you . . . mind if I kissed you properly?"

I shook my head. Not one part of me objected, not at all. This was his way of trying to say thanks and sorry for everything. Slowly our lips touched. I felt this feeling of tingly happiness building with in me. I couldn't believe how different yet good this felt. We stopped only so that we could breathe and I carefully helped him from the room. I felt a small smile creep across my lips.

I felt like I was walking somewhere above the ground. However it didn't take much to bring me back down. This happened with the arrival of Pilot Sohryu. She was smiling broadly at Ikari-kun and wrapped her arms around his. "So how does the great third child feel today?"

"Asuka careful you're hurting my arm." Ikari-kun mumbled.

Pilot Sohryu didn't seem to hear his pleas however. I tried to tell her to let him go but she ignored me. I placed my hand on her shoulder, and Pilot Sohryu glared at me. "Yes, Wondergirl? You may leave now. I can handle this baka from here."

She jerked him roughly and I was forced to let him go to avoid causing pain. She pulled him out of sight and I was left feeling like I had done something wrong. I shook my head and made my way back to my room. I found one of my school uniforms in the closet. I pulled it out, showered and put it on as fast as I could. I went to find Dr. Akagi to learn what I was to do now. I found her in front of Unit Zero examining something on the clipboard in her hands. She frowned when she saw me standing in the doorway. "Yes, Rei? How do you feel?"

"I feel fine. What are my orders Doctor?"

The expression on the Doctor' face said, 'Go away. I do not want you here.' Yet her voice was calm. "I want you to remain in NERV. I need to run an activation test with you and Unit Zero."

"Understood."

Dr. Akagi twitched like she didn't like my response. Did she expect me to rebel or show anger? Yes, she did. She wanted me to not accept my orders so she could hurt me. Why? Why did Doctor Akagi hate me so much? I did not understand. "Leave." She commanded.

There was a barely perceptible edge of iciness to her voice. I left before I could become the target of her anger. The way her eyes looked at me there was nothing but abhorrence and revulsion.

I went to the pilot's lounge since there was nowhere else for me to go. The area was deserted since the other two pilots had left sometime ago with the Major. Still I did not feel like taking advantage of the freedom. My hand was beginning to throb because the sedatives were wearing off. I lay down in one of the reclining benches. I loosened the bandages and massaged it gently with my other hand. This action helped and the pain lessened some. I wondered vaguely if I should ask Doctor Akagi for another dose but her eyes flashed through my mind. There was no way I would go back until absolutely necessary.

I remained as I was for a long time quietly soothing my injured hand. The door opened and heard someone enter. "Rei are you in here?"

"Yes sir."

I rose to my feet to meet him. The Commander was unusually grim this evening. Something must be wrong. This was not good if the Commander was upset. "Rei I need to talk to you."

"Yes sir? What do you want?"

"Rei you should not have done that earlier. It was a very wrong and bad thing to do."

"What was?"

"Kissing the Third Child. You are changing the plan. That is not allowed."

I did not know what to say. What was wrong with kissing Ikari-kun? I did not comprehend what the problem was. Still this order came from the Commander so I knew I could not question it. So there would be no more kissing Ikari-kun.

There was one more thing I needed to discuss with the Commander. "Commander Ikari sir?"

"Yes, Rei?"

"I told them. I told SEELE how to attach a soul to a body. I had to. I am sorry."

The Commander wrapped his arms around me so that I couldn't move. He leaned down low so that his face was right next to mine. "Don't worry dear. The old fools would have found out anyway."

"What?"

"You destiny is inescapable. You will do your part when the time comes. So you must be a good girl and follow the plan, okay?"

"Why?"

The commander's hand slowly moved down my chest until it came to rest over my stomach. I could feel my skin begin to crawl in revulsion. My stomach knotted tightly and I thought I could be sick. There was such power coming from his hand. Just like the angels, only stronger. Whatever it was it was pure evil. "If you do, I will bestow Adam upon you. Then you will realize your ultimate fate."

What's up with Gendo at the end of this chapter? Basically he became lonely for Yui and was mad at Rei for going against the schedual (Kissing Shinji). So he decided to kill to birds with one stone essentially. Twisted I know.

Reveiw and tell me what you thought!

And finally a teaser for Chapter 8.

I was surprised to hear how heart broken she sounded. It was so different from the Pilot Sohryu I knew. I made my way to her side and placed my hand over hers. I didn't know what to say to her. I had never had any family or loved ones to lose, let alone lost someone so I had no idea how she felt. "I wish I could say I know how you feel but I do not. Still I'm sure your mother is very proud of you."

Yes, I know it's the same one I left you with last time. I am evil, aren't I?