Shinji's Reason

Part 3 - version 1 completed 22/7/99

version 2 completed 22/11/2001

By Jeff Mullier

Email: jmullier@idl.net.au

Copyright notice

Neon Genesis Evangelion and associated characters are copyright Gainax and associated companies.

Author Notes

Well, this is part 3. I hope you like it, any comments would be appreciated. I hope I haven't made any of the characters act wildly out of character.

I would like to thank Greg Thomas for pre reading this chapter.

Notes on version 2

Again changed the format from script to prose format and generally tweaked a few sections. The main changes are towards the end.

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Shinji's Reason

Part Three - The Return/ Reunions

Nerv Hospital

Asuka has just had her shoulder bandaged up. She has an anxious look on her face as Misato asks her, "How is your shoulder Asuka?"

Asuka answers, "It was only a flesh wound, the bandages should only have to stay on for a few days."

"If you are feeling all right do you want to come back home?"

"Yes, I have to go to my hospital room first and pick up a few things."

A few minutes later Misato and Asuka walk into Asuka's hospital room. The bunch of roses next to the bed immediately grabs Misato's attention so she asks Asuka, "Asuka, who gave you the roses?" 'Was it Shinji? But who else would visit her?'

'She knows.'

"Come on Asuka, I know that Shinji was in here."

"It was Shinji, I wasn't awake when he was here though. The roses, his SDAT player and a note were here when I woke up."

'His SDAT he goes nowhere without that.' "Just what did Shinji's note say Asuka?"

Asuka looks awkward for a moment and then reluctantly replies, "Umm .......it said that he was the only pilot left, and that there was an angel attacking. It said that he had found his reason to pilot and that he was not afraid to pilot any more. He also said that he had found out the truth about wondergirl, and also that he had to kill the seventeenth angel who had become his friend."

"I see. That was all?" 'I get the impression that he may have written more.'

"Yes. And I have destroyed the note, so don't ask me for it."

'I know you still have it Asuka, just what else did Shinji say?' "How come you could sync with your Eva again Asuka?"

"I came to terms with what that angel made me remember. I still don't feel happy with those memories, but I can live with them now."

"I am glad to hear that Asuka, it has been rather quiet around the apartment without you." She grins as she then also says, "I even miss you and Shinji fighting."

Asuka frowns at Misato's tormenting and answers, "We don't fight that much."

Misato mockingly answers, "Ha!" 'That's what you would like to think Asuka.'

"Misato, we will be able to get him back again won't we?"

"I hope so Asuka, I hope so. Come on, let's put your stuff in my car."

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Nerv headquarters later the same day

Vice commander Fuyutsuki and Misato are standing at a briefing table. Fuyutsuki informs Misato, "Major Katsuragi, the commander and myself are going to a meeting at the third branch in Germany. You are in command while we are away. You are to inform us of any developments on the condition of Unit 01 and of course in the off chance another angel appears."

"Yes sir." 'Another angel attack? Just how many angels are there?'

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Inside the entry plug of Unit 01

In Shinji's mind the image of an old train carriage appears, he is sitting down looking across the carriage. Seated on the opposite side silhouetted by the bright light coming in through the window is a younger version of himself. He asks, "Where am I?"

The younger Shinji answers, "Inside Eva."

"Inside Eva, but why?"

"Yes you are inside Eva again, you piloted Eva again, but you piloted for a true reason this time."

"What do you mean?"

"The reason, the real reason you pilot Eva, you realised the true reason you pilot Eva. Also by doing this you decided not to run away any more and face your responsibilities."

"Yes, I decided that I couldn't run away any more I am tired of running."

The voice of a female adult can suddenly be heard, "Yes. Congratulations, Shinji."

Startled by this new voice Shinji asks, "What, who?"

The younger Shinji asks, "And why do you pilot Eva Shinji?"

Shinji answers, "Its a way that I can make a difference, to protect those I care for from the enemy."

"And who is the enemy?"

"The angels."

"Are they the only enemy?"

"What.....do you mean?"

The younger Shinji answers with another question, "There is a person who is your enemy isn't there? The cause of all of your problems, the one who abandoned us."

Shinji frowns as he realises who the younger version of himself is referring to. He then answers with an angry edge to his voice, "..Father."

The mysterious female voice then asks him, "And why do you hate him Shinji?"

The younger Shinji also asks, "Yes why?"

"He abandoned me the day mother to died. I remember that day now,....mother was smiling, and then she disappeared into Unit 01. Father when into a panic, but afterwards he went into a furious rage. From that day on he has virtually ignored me. He only brought me here because he needed me to pilot Unit 01."

The memory of what happened between Shinji and his father in Unit 01's cage during the attack of the third angel prior to Shinji deciding to pilot replays itself through his mind. Once the memory fades Shinji then tells the younger version of himself, "See he only brought me here to use me. If he couldn't use me he didn't want me."

The younger Shinji asks in reply, "Yes. But you had seen Eva before hadn't you?"

Becoming annoyed Shinji answers, "Look, I have told you. Yes, I saw mother disappear into Unit 01. That day was they day when my life changed, it was the day when my mother was taken away from me."

The mysterious female voice then tells Shinji, "But I never left you my son."

Suddenly realising whose voice he has just heard Shinji asks, "Uh........mother?"

"Come son it is time to return."

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Command Centre/ Unit 01's cage 3 days after the attack.

Shigeru reports to Maya, "All the probes are set. "

Maya then orders, "Commence the operation."

"Commenting stage 1."

Makoto reports, "Steps 1 though to 150 completed. All readings within acceptable levels."

"Continue, proceed to stage 2."

"Commencing stage 2."

"Steps 151 through to............" Before Makoto can finish warning signs flash on the screen and alarms start sounding. Surprised at the cause of these alarms he soon reports, "There are two distinct waveforms appearing!"

Maya's eyes widen is shock after hearing this, "What!!!!"

Misato however suspects who the second waveform may be, 'Could it be? No, impossible. Why now after all this time?'

Maya asks Shigeru, "Are the waveforms stable?"

Shigeru replies, "Yes they are.."

"We can't control the formation of this second waveform, we will have to just wait and see what effect it has."

"Pressure is increasing in the plug, there are 2 definite ego borders forming."

"Analyse the boarders."

"The first border is Shinji's, the other well it appears normal and that of a human, it is also very similar to the waveform of Unit 01's core."

"The entry plug is starting to eject."

"Can we control it?"

"No, it's not responding."

The armour on Unit 01's neck swings open and the entry plug partly ejects. The entry plug hatch then pops opens pouring LCL everywhere, amongst the gushing LCL two bodies slide out as well. One is the badly beaten and bleeding body of Shinji the other is that of a female with brown in her late 20's.

Misato, Asuka and Maya all ask at the same time, "What? Who is that?"

Misato rushes down to the pool of LCL and nurses the battered body of Shinji. Asuka follows Misato to the entry plug and looks on while Misato holds Shinji. As she holds onto Shinji, Misato tells the unconscious boy, "Shinji, oh poor Shinji." She then looks around the cage and angrily asks, "Where are the medics?"

A medic rushes in and starts to check Shinji's condition and says to Misato, "We're here major. " Misato then hands the battered body of Shinji over to the medics, she then goes over to the stretcher where the unconscious female is laying awaiting transport to the hospital with Shinji. She looks at the female and shakes her head in amazement and says, "No, it couldn't be not after eleven years."

Puzzled by what Misato has just said Asuka asks, "Who, Misato?" Asuka then takes a closer look at the female lying on the stretcher. Her eyes widen in shock when she realises who the person looks like. "WHAT? She looks like an older version of wondergirl. What has that pervert Shinji been up to in there?"

"Asuka, that is because, if I am right that person laying there is Shinji's mother."

Asuka's eyes widen even more in shock as she realises what Misato has just told her. "WHAT! I thought she died when he was little, anyway why does she look like wondergirl?"

"Look, Asuka not now. I will explain to you on the way to hospital." Misato then turns and speaks to Makoto, "Prepare a coded communication to the commander, stating that Unit 01has just released Shinji and has also released a female in her 20's as well."

Makoto answers, "Yes Major," before hurrying off to send the message.

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The emergency department waiting area of the Nerv Hospital

Asuka is impatiently walking back and forth, irritated she asks Misato, "Well Misato are you going to tell me about Shinji's mother or what?"

Misato calmly replies, "Shinji's mother did not die as such, as there was no body left. She was absorbed by Unit 01 in 2004, she disappeared right in front of Shinji's eyes."

'So Shinji you saw your mother leave this world as well, your father virtually ignored you, we are alike. The main difference being that you deal with others by withdrawing into a quiet shell and always apologising. Were as I push others away with my temper.' "I had no idea."

"When Unit 01 absorbed him after the attack of the fourteenth angel we suspect that he may have sensed his mother. And that may have been the reason it took early a month to get Shinji back."

'So that was the true reason. Just what in the world is an Eva, for it to be able to absorb someone like that?'

"And as for her looking like Rei. That's because the commander had a clone made using mostly his wife's DNA, and that clone is Rei."

".........that bastard. No, wonder that wondergirl seems so mixed up. I suppose that she is just another tool in his grand plan just like everybody else."

"Yes, she is." 'If you only knew the full story Asuka. Should I tell her full story?.....No, I will wait and see what else happens.'

A doctor walks out of the emergency theatre. Misato races up to him and asks, "How is he doctor?"

The doctor answers, "He has broken left arm, a broken right leg, a wound to the chest with minor internal injuries which caused him to suffer from blood loss. He has bruising to over 80% of his body, he is also suffering from severe physical and mental exhaustion."

Misato and Asuka ask the doctor simultaneously, "Can we visit him doctor?"

"Yes. Don't disturb him though, he needs the rest."

"What room have you transferred him to?"

"Room 107, the room next to the female that was admitted at the same time. Just who is she? We need a name for our records."

"I think that you will find that her name is Yui Ikari."

The doctor looks puzzled after hearing this. He then asks, "Ikari? As in commander Ikari and his son?"

"Yes. How is she?"

"She is fine. She was just unconscious, she should be awake soon."

"Thanks."

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Nerv Hospital room 107.

Shinji is lying in the hospital bed sleeping soundly. Both his left arm and leg are in plaster casts. Bandages cover his chest and forehead. Sensor cables run from his body to the monitoring equipment beside his bed. A iv drip line runs to his right wrist. Misato and Asuka walk into the room, Asuka sees the bandaged Shinji asleep and whispers, "Shinji."

Seeing Asuka's reaction Misato teases her by telling her, "Asuka, I will leave you alone with him. Don't beat him up while I am gone." She then turns to leave Shinji's hospital room.

Asuka's eyes widen in shock and she yells at Misato, "What!"

Misato smiles at Asuka's reaction, "Just kidding." 'I think that you two need some time alone.'

"Where are you going Misato?"

"Not far I am going next door for a few minutes."

Asuka sits down next to Shinji's bed and holds Shinji's right hand. She turns to Misato who is almost out of the room and says, "Okay, see you when you come back then Misato." 'You are so lucky Shinji to have your mother back. Normally I would be jealous and angry with you but after all that has happened.....I just can't bring myself to be mad with you.'

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Nerv Hospital Room 108

Just as Misato walks out of Shinji's room into the corridor she sees Rei waiting outside. Surprised to see Rei there she asks, "Rei, what are you doing here?"

"I have some to see Shinji."

"Um Rei, I think that Shinji and Asuka need to be alone right now. Anyway, Shinji is fine but he is still asleep."

"I will wait out here then."

"Rei, come with me I think there is someone you may want to meet."

"Yes, major."

Misato and Rei walk towards room 108. Once outside the room Misato turns to Rei and asks, "Rei, could you please wait outside please, I will call for you to come inside when I am ready."

"Yes."

Misato walks into the room, Yui is sitting up in bed. Misato sees this and asks, "Ah! you are awake, how do you feel?"

Yui looks at Misato, smiles and answers, "Yes, I feel fine considering, and you must be Misato Katsuragi."

"That's me. Just how do you know my name?..................Yui?"

"Yes I am Yui Ikari, Shinji's mother. The reason that I know your name is while I was part of Unit 01, I could sense most of Shinji's memories while he was piloting."

Misato then warily asks Yui, "Then you know everything that has happened to him then? Including how when the thirteenth angel attacked and the commander made Unit 01 nearly kill another pilot, who also happened to be one of Shinji's few friends."

"Yes, I do."

"Well, ummmmm."

Yui gives Misato a reassuring smile and tells her, "Don't worry I know that you mean no real harm to my son. In fact I want to thank you I think that he has seen you partly as a mother figure since he has lived with you." She then starts to laugh, "A rather messy and alcoholic one though."

Misato smiles at this, "Heh.......Well ......thanks, I think."

"As for my beloved husband though, well I think that I may have to have some rather strong words with him when I see him."

'I can just imagine' "He is currently attending a meeting at the third branch in Germany. Although it would not surprise me that once he hears what has happened, that he returns here immediately."

"Yes I would imagine that he will do that."

"I think there is someone outside you need to meet, I think that she may need to see you as well."

Puzzled Yui asks, "She?"

Misato replies, "Yes" and walks to the door and opens it. "Rei, you can come in now."

Rei walks in and a shocked look appears on both Yui's and Rei's faces. Seeing Yui's reaction Misato says to her, "Yes Yui. She does look like you, she is a creation of your husband. Her name is Rei Ayanami."

Yui then tells Rei and Misato, "Rei, that is what we were going to call our child if it was a girl. I know of you, Rei through Shinji's memories, but as for your looks I thought it was Shinji's imagination. I know that Shinji has strong feelings for you Rei, although it may have been initially because you look like a younger version of me."

Rei replies, "Yes, Shinji told me the truth about my origins, about how I am a clone made up of mostly your DNA Mrs Ikari, and partly using angel DNA. He told me that since he knew the truth behind my origins, that this was the reason why he had been avoiding me lately, as he did not know how to act towards me now."

Hearing this Misato realises, 'I had noticed that you were avoiding her lately Shinji.' So when did he do this?"

Rei answers, "The morning of the last angel attack."

"What else did he tell you?"

"He said that he saw me more as sister now that he knew of my origins and has now had time to think about them. He also said that now that the other clones were destroyed, that I am now a unique person and should stop acting like I had a death wish. Since if I am killed again I will not be replaced."

Both Misato and Yui look at Rei with an expression of surprise on their faces. Misato then tries to understand what Shinji was up to the morning of the attack, 'Sounds like you tried to tidy up some loose ends and unfinished business Shinji. What would you have done if there was no angel attack?'

"He also told me that I should stop blindly following the Commander's orders, and think for myself as the Commander probably has some hidden purpose for me."

Hearing this Yui angrily says, "I am definitely going to have to have a rather serious discussion with my husband when I see him."

Misato silently comments to herself, 'Mmm I would like to be a fly on the wall during that discussion. I think that the Commander may be on the receiving end of some rather strong words, and for once I think that he will lose an argument.'

"Can you take me to see Shinji, Misato?"

"Yes, he is in the next room. Are you right to walk?"

"Yes, I should be. Lets go."

Yui gets out of bed and walks a little unsteady at first and then walks out into the corridor with Misato and Rei. Misato looks into Shinji's room, smiling she then turns back and faces Rei and Yui, "Lets wait here for a little while, it looks like those two still need a little more time."

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Nerv Hospital Room 107

Shinji awakens and looks up at the Ceiling, "I really, really, really loathe this ceiling." Shinji then sees Asuka sitting next to him and he then realises that she is holding his hand, she also has a look of concern on her face. Asuka then sees that Shinji is awake and she then says to him but without her usual venom, "Hey third child, I told you I have two things to give to you."

Shinji is surprised to see Asuka visiting him in hospital especially with her speaking to him in that tone of voice. He manages to splutter, "...A..A... Asuka!" 'Just what does she want? Is she doing this to torment me or what?' "W...wh....what do you mean by two things?"

Asuka puts his SDAT player on the bedside table, she then leans over towards his face and tells him, "And this is the second thing", she then promptly kisses him.

Shinji just lies there shocked by what Asuka has just done, 'Now this is a surprise!'

Grinning Asuka asks, "Now how was that Shinji?"

Still stunned by Asuka's actions, Shinji eventually manages recover enough to answer, "Um I don't know what to say Asuka."

Asuka impatiently asks, "Well?"

'How do I answer her without pissing her off?' Shinji then starts to snigger as he answers, "Well it was definitely better than the last time. You didn't try to suffocate me this time."

"Well I was bored then, this time I meant it."

"You do?" 'You seem to be calmer Asuka.'

"Yes I do. So what made you change your mind Shinji?"

"What do you mean?"

"From your note and what Misato told me, I would not have been surprised if you didn't want to pilot again. But you did."

"I have had a lot of time to think about things lately, and I finally realised the true reason that I pilot. To not pilot would destroy that reason. The day before the angel attack we did some tests, I was the only one who could start Unit 01, they then tried both Rei and myself in Unit 02. Rei couldn't start it, I could only just start it, but since Rei couldn't use Unit 01, they left me in Unit 01."

"WHAT! They tried someone else in MY Unit 02!"

"I knew you wouldn't be happy about it."

"Yeah. You still haven't answered my question."

Neither Shinji nor Asuka notice Misato standing in the doorway.

"I realised that if an angel attacked it would be left up to me to stop it. If I didn't fight it everybody I care for would be destroyed, you, Misato, Touji, Kensuke, Rei. I remembered something that Kaji told me, I realised that I couldn't let that happen, not when I could do something about it. In fact since I have thought about it, this is the reason I have always piloted Unit 01, even the very first time."

"Why? What do you mean?"

"When I first came to Nerv, it was during the attack of the third angel, I was suddenly confronted with this giant 'robot' and asked to pilot it by my so called father. When I hesitated and said no, he had Rei brought in to pilot it. She was brought in on a stretcher and she looked like she was in pain. The angel then attacked Nerv and knocked some girders lose from the roof. Unit 01's hand come out and protected me, the shock wave also knocked Rei off her stretcher I then ran to her and found that the reason that it looked like she was in pain was because she was already injured and was bleeding and my bastard of a father was going to put her in Unit 01. So to stop him doing that I decided to pilot Unit 01. I later realised that he never intended for her to pilot, she was just a means of convincing me to pilot Unit 01."

Misato is standing in the doorway unseen by either Shinji or Asuka. 'Well Shinji you have finally realised the true reason the you pilot. Is this why your attitude changed between the day of the test and the day of the angel attack?'

Shinji's voice begins to tremble as he then tells Asuka, "And before you say anything, I really did try to save you from that angel Asuka. He starts to cry, "I really did, but my father wouldn't let me. I couldn't do a thing. I am really sorry Asuka, especially since I know what you when through then that angel attacked your mind."

A shocked look appears on Asuka's face, which quickly turns into one of fury as she then screams at Shinji, "WHAT!! HOW COULD YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO ME."

Shinji awkwardly sits silent while he ponders how to answer Asuka's question, 'She is not going to like this.'

Tired of waiting for Shinji to answer, a fuming Asuka demands, "WELL HOW DO YOU KNOW THEN? DID MISATO TELL YOU?"

Shinji not wanting to further anger Asuka cautiously replies, "No she didn't. Um Asuka, well....... when we did the tests in Unit 02 the other day, I could sense your...... your.....memories through Unit 02."

Asuka shaken by what Shinji has just said barely manages to reply, "........Wha.........."

Still standing unnoticed in the doorway, Misato realises, 'I understand why you needed to go for a walk after the tests now Shinji.'

Shinji almost whispers, "Asuka ......I ..... never knew......I wish I didn't find out."

Hesitantly Asuka asks Shinji, "...What do you mean?"

"I...I....knew that....that....your real mother was dead but..... how.............."

Asuka's eyes widen in shock at hearing this, 'Oh shiest, he knows everything.'

Still standing unseen in the doorway, a worried look appears on Misato's face after hearing this. 'Uh oh, how is Asuka going to react to Shinji finding THAT out?'

Seeing Asuka's reaction Shinji apologises, "Asuka.......I am sorry I didn't want to find this out......but..".

Struggling to control her emotions Asuka replies, "Just don't tell anyone. I won't hold this against you, since I now know the truth of what happened to your mother and Unit 01."

"What.....what....do you mean?"

"Shinji, do you remember anything about being trapped in Unit 01 this time?"

"I can't remember a thing really, but there were times when I could almost sense someone else in there with me."

"Well Shinji, Misato told me what happened to your mother in 2004 because something unusual happened when you were released from Unit 01this time."

Confused by what Asuka has just said Shinji asks her, "What......do you mean? What do you mean by what happened to my mother in 2004?"

Misato who is still standing unseen in the doorway thinks, 'Well I think now would be a good time to enter.' As Misato enters the room she says to Asuka, "I see you have told him that something unusual happened, Asuka. Shinji prepare yourself."

Yui walks in followed by Rei. A puzzled look appears on Shinji's face as he stares at his mother. Eventually he recovers enough to stutter out, ".....mmm......mother?"

Seeing the bandaged Shinji laying in bed, Yui races up to him and cries out, "Oh my poor Shinji."

Stunned by the sight of his mother, Shinji stutters, "Mmm....mother....is.... is it really you?"

"Yes it is Shinji," Yui replies as she reaches the bed and hugs Shinji. He then starts to cry but still manages to ask, "Mother, why did you come back now? Why ......why .....didn't you come back earlier?"

"You were ready this time Shinji. You still needed my help in Unit 01before, although part of me will always be in Unit 01. I also got the feeling that you may have been going to do something rather rash if something didn't happen to improve your life soon."

"What do you mean that I was ready this time?"

"Shinji, you finally acknowledged the real reason why you pilot, and by doing so it has taken a weight off your shoulders. You have finally faced up to your past and confronted your doubts about yourself Shinji."

"Yes, I have Asuka to thank for that, what I saw in Unit 02 made me think why. Why I pilot, why I go on living. I was nearly ready to end it all after the events of the last couple of weeks."

'So that's what happened to you Shinji.' Misato turns to the two girls and tells them, "Asuka, Rei, we will leave Shinji and his mother alone for a while, I think that they have some catching up to do."

Yui smiles at this, "Thank you Misato, could you please come back in an hour?"

.

"Yes. See you in an hour then. Come on Asuka, Rei." Misato then leaves with Asuka and Rei.

Once Misato and the two girls have left Shinji asks Yui, "It was you in Unit 01 all the time mother, and you were the reason Unit 01 went berserk when it did?"

"Yes. I couldn't let you die, I had to protect you."

"You were also the reason that only I could pilot Unit 01."

"Yes, although the incident with the dummy plug during the attack of the 13th angel took me by surprise, so I couldn't do anything until it was too late."

"Father did that............he nearly killed my friend."

"I can see that you don't like him."

Shinji frowns and answers, "Don't like him!! I hate him! He hasn't been the same since you disappeared mother. He had virtually ignored me since that day. I think that the longest father to son conversation that we have had was the one we had at your grave a few months ago. Other than that he has only spoken to me very briefly as a Eva pilot, mainly to say how disappointed he was in me, the worst being after my reaction to the fight with Unit 03."

"I am sure that your father had his reasons Shinji. You may not agree with them, from what I have heard I don't even think that I agree with them, but he is your father Shinji."

"Mother....I don't want to hurt you but I can't bring myself to feel any other feeling but that of hate when I think of father. Not what after he has done, to me, to Rei and to Asuka."

"Shinji, I understand your feelings, I think that we will work something out. If it suits you, I will ask Misato if she will let you continue staying at her place while I find out your father's reason for doing the things that he has done."

"That suits me fine."

"Shinji, you said that you considered Rei almost your sister considering her origins. What would be your reaction if your father and myself made it official and adopted her?"

" ..............Um well.....I suppose she deserves it. I would be happy with if you did that. Rei deserves it, she hasn't had much of a life. You are rushing things a bit though aren't you? You are back for less than a day and already you're asking me questions like that."

Yui smiles as she replies, "I am glad that you would be happy if we did that." She then tries to reassure Shinji by telling him, "If you feel like I am rushing things I won't do anything until we have sorted out your feelings for your father."

Yawning Shinji replies, "Fine mother. I feel tired............" He then falls asleep, Yui stays in the chair next to Shinji's bed looking at the sleeping Shinji with a smile on her face.

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Meanwhile in a office at Nerv's Third Branch in Germany

A communications technician walks towards Gendo Ikari and holds out a message and nervously informs him, "Here is an urgent message for you sir, from Nerv headquarters."

Gendo takes the piece of paper, a shocked look appears on his face and he drops the cup of tea that he was drinking, which falls to the ground and shatters. Fuyutsuki turns and looks at Gendo with a puzzled look. 'What is it that would cause him to react like that? I have never seen him react like that before. It must be something totally unexpected for him to loose his cool like that.'

Gendo quickly recovers and orders the nervously waiting communications technician, "Tell the flight crew I want my plane prepared for the an immediate return to Tokyo 3 NOW."

The communications technician not wanting to incur the wrath of the commander quickly answers, "Yes sir." He then almost runs out of the office to carry out the commander's order.

After a few minutes Fuyutsuki's curiosity at Gendo's reaction to the message from Tokyo 3 gets the better of him and he asks Gendo, "What is it? Another angel? Or has SEELE attacked?"

Gendo's answer surprises Fuyutsuki for Gendo's voice is shaking as he answers, "No. Unit 01 has done something rather unexpected."

"What, has it gone berserk, been taken over by angel or what?"

"Major Katsuragi reports that it has released the third child."

"Well it has done that before, so what did it do that was so unexpected?"

With his voice lowered almost to a whisper Gendo answers, "It has also released a female in her 20's."

Upon hearing this Fuyutsuki steps back shocked, "Could it be?........." 'But it could be no one else. Why have you decided to come back now Yui?'

"If it is Yui, this changes everything."

Fuyutsuki having recovered from the shock of the news replies, "Yes it does." 'Yes it does, Gendo Rokubungi. I would say that Yui is not going to be very happy with you.'

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SEELE chamber

12 black holographic monoliths are arranged around the room. The monolith marked SEELE 03 comments, "Well, that angel was rather unexpected."

SEELE 04 angrily adds, "Yes, it was not in our scenario."

SEELE 01 tries to regain control of the meeting by saying, "The eighteenth angel was not part of our planned scenario, but it is somewhat vaguely referred to in the scrolls."

After hearing this SEELE 05 then asks, "Yes the appearance and defeat of this angel may not have any effect on the planned scenario, but what of the reaction of Evangelion Unit 01?"

SEELE 01 answers, "Yes, it is questionable that Ikari will follow our planned scenario any more."

SEELE 06 angrily comments, "Not that he was following it anyway.

SEELE 07 adds, "Yes, will Ikari continue the Instrumentality Project? Now that his very reason for creating the project has returned, Yui Ikari his lost wife."

SEELE 10 remarks, "It would be very surprising if Ikari continues to follow our scenario now. We must take measures to regain control of the scenario."

SEELE 01 replies, his voice starting to reveal his anger at this unplanned turn of events, "Plans are in motion to take control of Nerv. For since the change in Unit 01's condition we are no longer able to use it in fulfilling our destiny."

SEELE 02 asks SEELE 01, "So how do we regain control?"

With his voice taking on an even angrier tone SEELE 01 answers, "As that variation of the scenario is now impossible to carry out, we must now seize control of Adam and Lilith, which means physically taking control of Nerv and the geofront."

With a slight hint of sarcasm SEELE 06 asks, "And just how do we carry that out?"

SEELE 01 responds, "We wait the six months until all nine of the mass production series units are completed, we will then attack Nerv. The UN forces and the JSSDF may also be 'persuaded' to assist in the task of destroying Nerv."

Worried about what Nerv may do in the meantime SEELE 08 asks, "Can we wait that long?"

SEELE 01 answers, "Our informants will tell us if Ikari is going to do anything rash, and we may have to act earlier than planned to counteract him if he does. But if not, it is best to wait until we have everything ready and in place. Then the time will come."

SEELE 09 then comments, "Yes, the time for which Nerv was created."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Nerv Hospital/ Nerv Headquarters

Misato, Rei and Asuka have returned, Shinji is sound asleep in his hospital bed. Yui turns to Misato and the two girls and smiles as she tells them, "Thank you for that."

Misato then asks Yui, "So what are you going to do now?"

"Since I feel fine, I am getting out of this hospital. I think that I have picked up Shinji's hatred of this place."

"Yes, he has spent a bit of time in here, and not after the most pleasant of experiences."

"Yes. Where is that doctor?" Yui then gets up out of the hospital bed and walks out of the room. Rei, Asuka and Misato follow her towards the nurses' desk. Yui reaches the nurses' desk and tells the duty nurse, "I wish to check out of this hospital."

The nurse looks up and seeing who is talking to her asks, "Is that wise? I will go and get the doctor."

"Fine."

The nurse comes back 2 minutes later with the doctor. Once the doctor reaches Yui he says to her, "I see that you are feeling quite well now Mrs Ikari."

Yui replies, "Yes, I wish to leave this hospital and rest at home."

"Well I can see that there is no point arguing with you will you please sign these forms." The doctor hands the forms over to Yui who then signs them and hands them back to the doctor. The doctor then tells her, "You are free to leave now."

"Thank you doctor."

Misato then asks Yui, "So Yui, what do you want to do now?"

Yui answers by asking, "Misato could you please find me some clothes? I wish to look around Tokyo 3, or what's left of it. Then well, I don't know where I will stay until my husband comes back."

"Yui, you could stay in Shinji's room at my place until the commander returns. Rei, Asuka could you please stay with Yui while I organise some clothes for her. I think that I could find a uniform somewhere that should fit you Yui."

Rei answers, "Yes, major."

Asuka replies, "Yeah, no problems Misato."

Yui smiles as she replies to Misato's offer, "Thanks Misato." Misato then walks down the hallway in search of a suitable uniform.

Fifteen minutes later Misato returns with a technician's uniform in the rank of Lieutenant. She hands it to Yui, "This should fit you Yui, sorry about the rank. I don't know what rank you were when you worked for Gehrin."

Yui takes the uniform from Misato, "Thank you. I didn't care much for rank then, the uniform will be fine."

They then walk back to Yui's hospital room where she changes into the uniform. Once she has finished Misato asks, "Lets go shall we? I will take you in my car to the lookout."

"Yes, that will be fine thanks."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The lookout in the hills on the outskirts of Tokyo 3

Misato, Yui, Rei and Asuka are at the lookout overlooking Tokyo 3. Most of Tokyo 3 is a large water filled crater. Yui looks at the crater in shock, "Gasp! There is so little left. Were many people killed when this happened?"

Misato answers, "Just under one thousand were killed, with about six thousand injured. We were lucky, most people had made it to their shelters, which was surprising considering how suddenly the angel appeared and how little time Nerv had to sound the warning."

"And Unit 00 did all this?"

Misato gives a worried look towards Rei, "Well Unit 00 and the um....the second Rei did this. It was unfortunately the only way that Rei could kill the angel."

"Yes I remember Shinji and Unit 01 nearly getting hit by the angel shortly before the explosion."

While this conversation is going on Rei looks at the devastation deep in thought. 'Did I do this? This is how and where the previous me died. Was it worth it? Did I kill myself to kill the angel because I couldn't escape, or for some other reason?'

Yui notices the look on Rei's face and turns to her, "Rei, I am sure that it was the only way that it could have been destroyed."

Rei replies her voice even quieter than normal, "Yes."

Noticing Rei's reaction Misato says, "Come on lets go home. Will you join us for dinner Rei?"

"Yes I will, major."

Misato, Yui, Asuka & Rei walk back to Misato's car, as they approach it a truck runs past through a large paddle of water throwing up a large spray of water which soaks Rei. Seeing Rei's soaked state Misato tells her, "We will call at your apartment on the way home so you can change Rei ."

"Thank you."

Misato, Yui, Rei & Asuka climb into Misato's car and they leave for Rei's apartment.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Rei's apartment.

Misato's car pulls up and everyone gets out. Asuka looks up at the apartment building and comments to herself, 'What a dump, why doesn't it surprise me that wondergirl lives in a place like this?'

Misato realises that while she may know Rei's address, she has never actually seen her apartment or where exactly it is in the building So she tells Rei, "Let's go, lead the way Rei."

Rei replies, "Yes, major."

After seeing the apartment building herself for the first time, Yui remarks to herself, 'This can't be a good place to live, for one it's just too noisy.' She then asks, "Rei is it always so noisy here?"

"Yes, it is."

They all then follow Rei to her apartment. Rei just opens the door to reveal the apartment in its usual state of disarray, all four walk in. Seeing that Shinji's imagination hadn't exaggerated the state of Rei's apartment Yui silent asks herself, What a mess, how can she live here?'

Once they have all followed Rei inside the apartment they all stop and look around. Trying to contain her shock at the state of the inside of Rei's apartment Misato tells her, "We will just wait here Rei." Rei then goes off to the bathroom to change.

Asuka shakes her head at seeing the state of Rei's apartment. 'This is wondergirl's apartment? I knew that it would be bare and have little character, but this is just too much, it's just a desolate hole.'

After a few minutes Rei returns from getting changed, she is in her usual attire of school uniform. Yui then asks her, "Rei why is your apartment so bare."

Rei replies, "What do you mean?"

"Well, it looks more like a cell than a place a person would live by choice."

With no emotion showing Rei simply answers, "Perhaps it is."

Yui then notices Gendo's smashed glasses sitting on top of the heaped garbage bin, "Rei are these my husband's?"

"Yes, I kept them after he helped me after the accident with Unit 00 activation test. I don't know why I kept them, when I saw them the other day they made me angry. Especially after thinking about the way the commander treats me like he has a special purpose for me. He treats me better than Shinji, his own son."

A look of surprise appears on Asuka's face after hearing this. 'What? Did she just admit that she is treated differently? But she sounded more like she is angry at that fact.'

Misato is also surprised after hearing Rei speak about commander Ikari like this, 'mmm Rei actually sounded like she was mad at commander Ikari. I can't place it but this Rei is somewhat different to the previous Rei.'

Yui then asks Rei, "Rei, If you had the chance would you move from here?"

Rei answers, "Why?"

"It's just that it is rather noisy here and, the neighbourhood is not the best. Wouldn't you prefer to move to somewhere quieter and cleaner."

"It is no problem. I am used to it here."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Misato's Apartment that night

Yui, Misato, Asuka and Rei are sitting around the kitchen table. Misato gets up and asks, "Ok, who's for some food?"

Asuka looks at Misato and asks, "Who is cooking? It was Shinji's turn to cook and he is in hospital." She then realises that Misato is going to 'cook'.

"Well, I will then Asuka."

Asuka raises her eyebrows at the thought of eating Misato's cooking. 'Oh great, Shinji's mom dies of food poisoning on her first day back.'

Yui notices Asuka's look of disgust at the thought of Misato cooking, "I will love to cook Misato, Asuka. I used to be a good cook although it has been quite a while since I cooked last."

'Phew!' Asuka smiles at this in relief, "Great, Mrs Ikari. But you're our guest."

"Don't worry about it Asuka. I want to cook, it has been so long since I have. Now go into the lounge room and let me cook."

Rei, Asuka and Misato go out into the lounge room to watch television while Yui cooks dinner. Once she has finished Misato, Rei, Asuka and Yui sit down at the table. Misato has placed a ready supply of beer nearby. Asuka pauses in her eating and turns to Yui and says, "I see where Shinji gets his cooking skills from, this tastes excellent."

Misato pauses in guzzling a beer, "Burp....yes."

Yui laughs at Misato's drinking habits, "And I thought that Shinji's imagination had exaggerated your

drinking habits Misato."

Misato drinking yet another can of beer, "Burp....now what's that supposed to mean? Burp....."

Yui laughs even harder at this and answers, "I think that you have answered your own question Misato."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Next day Nerv Hospital Room 107

Misato, Rei, Yui and Asuka enter Shinji's hospital room. Yui walks over to the bed and kisses Shinji. She then asks him, "And how are you feeling today Shinji?"

Smiling at his mother Shinji replies, "Better, although I still feel like I got hit by a bus."

Grinning at his reply Misato tells him, "Well, you do look like you were."

"No, just a rather stubborn angel."

Asuka remarks, "Yes, it was one of the more difficult angels. Next time don't go rushing in to attack without backup."

"What do you mean? I had no choice, Unit 00 is in a million pieces, Rei couldn't start Unit 02, and you were laying unconscious in a hospital bed."

"Well, I couldn't help that part. I did come to help you when I awoke."

"Yes, you did, and thanks."

Yui grins at the way Shinji and Asuka are acting, "Shinji you are lucky to have Asuka as a fellow pilot and friend, we will leave you two together now." She then starts to giggle, "I think you two make a such a nice couple."

Both Shinji and Asuka yell, "WHAT!!" Rei gives a small smile at this comment. Seeing Rei's smile Asuka frowns slightly as she asks herself, 'What did wondergirl just smile then? Emotion from Rei Ayanami, little miss unemotional doll?'

Seeing Shinji and Asuka's reaction to Yui's comment Misato lets out a little giggle before telling Yui and Rei, "Come on then lets go, We will see you later Asuka."

Still shaken from seeing Rei smile, Asuka replies, "Um, yes."

Misato, Yui and Rei leave. Having noticed Asuka's reaction to Rei, Shinji starts snickering once they have left. Asuka sees this and in mock anger asks him, "And just what are you snickering at Shinji Ikari?"

Seeing the expression on Asuka's face and not sure if she is serious or not, Shinji carefully replies, "Your reaction Asuka. Rei does know how to smile you know. She just doesn't know how to show her emotions well. I think it is because she has never lived a normal life...........not that we have lived exactly what you would call a normal life."

"Well I suppose you have a point there, I saw her apartment yesterday and it was a hole. I expected her to have a characterless home, but that apartment is literally a dump. Anyway when have you seen wondergirl smile anyway Shinji?"

"After the attack of the fifth angel."

"And why did she smile?"

Not wanting to tell Asuka that Rei only smiled because he asked her to, Shinji changes the subject by telling Asuka, "I wish you would stop calling her wondergirl Asuka. It looks like she might become my sister."

" .........What do you mean?"

"My mother is thinking about adopting her."

"Well I suppose that she is you sister in a sense anyway...... considering her......um origins."

"Yes, it is."

Gendo then walks into the room, Asuka is shocked to see the commander. Shinji just glares angrily at his father. Gendo then asks Shinji, "Shinji, do you know where your mother is?"

Shinji angrily replies, "Ha! Where is mother? And just when were you going to tell me the truth about mother and Unit 01? Is that why you were so desperate to get me to pilot it?"

Shaken by Shinji's unexpected reaction Gendo quietly answers, "......Shinji." Asuka just sits there stunned by Shinji's outburst towards his father.

Shinji then lets loose the anger towards his father that he has been holding back for some time and yells at Gendo, "I DON'T KNOW WHERE SHE IS, NOW GET OUT OF HERE YOU BASTARD. ARE YOU GOING TO USE HER AND CAUSE HER PAIN LIKE YOU HAVE TO ME? NOW GET OUT."

Gendo just stands there shocked by Shinji's outburst.

Shaking with rage Shinji continues yelling at his father, "GET OUT. YOU ARE NO FATHER OF MINE. MY FATHER DIED WHEN UNIT 01 ABSORBED MOTHER. NOW GET OUT."

Shocked and hurt by Shinji's reaction Gendo simply tells him in a subdued tone of voice, "..........If you wish then Shinji." Gendo then quickly eaves Shinji's hospital room.

Amazed at Shinji's display of anger towards his father, Asuka stares at him in shock for a few moments before telling him, "Shinji I have never seen you so mad, do you think doing that was wise, especially to your father, the commander?"

"It was about time I told him really how I feel about him. I have been holding back and letting my resentment towards him fester, it felt good to finally tell him how I feel towards him. I used to show my feelings towards him by running away from him, but never got any reaction but contempt from him."

"You have definitely changed Shinji."

"Look who's talking. Three months ago I would have thought the chances of us sitting and having a civil conversation would have been zero. You have sat here today and yesterday and haven't hit me or called me baka once."

"Well I suppose that events over the last few months has changed us both."

"Yes, they have, they were not the most pleasant of experiences, but yes they have changed us both."

"Yeah you are right there, they were definitely not the most pleasant of experiences."

"Um.......Asuka, do you really care for me?"

"Of course I do. What sort of question is that? Baka Shinji."

Shinji smiles at Asuka's reaction, 'Well at least one thing about Asuka hasn't changed.'

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Nerv Headquarters

Having just entered the Nerv Headquarters complex, Misato tells Yui, "I will show you the Eva units first and then we will go to the command centre."

Yui replies, "Fine, lets go."

Misato, Rei and Yui make their way to the Eva cages. They stop on the umbilical bridge right in front of Unit 01's head. Looking at menacing shape of Unit 01's face Yui comments, "I had forgotten how menacing they look close up."

"Well this one as you know can look particularly threatening when it is going berserk."

Yui simply replies, "Well, I had to protect my son."

Although she had suspected this a the cause since she found out the truth about Unit 01, Misato's eyes still widen in shock, "That was you?"

"Yes, it was. Could we please go and look at the other unit. I have seen enough of this particular Evangelion to last me a lifetime."

'Yes, I imagine that you have.' "Well there is actually one and a third units remaining."

A puzzled look appears on Yui's face after hearing this. She then asks Misato, "One and a third?"

Misato quickly looks at Rei and then turns back to Yui and replies. "Yes, they are trying to reconstruct Unit 00 from what was left after Unit 00 self destructed during the attack of the 16th angel. But without Ritsuko they are not progressing very fast."

Yui frowns after hearing Misato mention Ritsuko. She then asks Misato, "Ritsuko Akagi, as in Dr Naoko Akagi's daughter?"

"Yes, Dr Ritsuko Akagi, she was the head of E project and also looked after the MAGI supercomputers. She... um was imprisoned by the commander after destroying the dummy plug system." 'Uh oh. I wounder if Yui knew that Ritsuko's mother and the commander were having an affair? From that reaction I suspect that she did, she may even know that Ritsuko and the commander were having one as well'

"So she did follow in her mother's footsteps then?"

"Yes she did." 'In more ways than you imagine Yui.' Wanting to quickly change the subject Misato says to Yui, "Come on I will show you what's left of Unit 00 after I show you Unit 02."

The three progress to Unit 02's cage. Once they arrive, Misato tells Yui, "Well here it is, Evangelion Unit 02."

Yui studies the towering evangelion for a moment and then says. "I have never seen this evangelion actually in the flesh before. As it was being created in Germany I had very little to do with it. If I remember correctly Asuka's mother was one of the senior scientist and test pilot for this unit. I knew her as an fellow scientist working for Gehrin, we discussed very occasionally problem areas via video conferences, but we only met face to face once."

Misato hesitates for a moment while she works out how much to say to Yui about Asuka's mother. 'What should I tell her about Asuka and her mother? I promised Asuka that I wouldn't tell anyone about it and Asuka doesn't even know the full story, if what I found out the other day is true. Well I will tell her the short but truthful answer.' "Yes, Asuka's mother was the test pilot for this unit."

Yui notices Misato's hesitation but decides not to say anything. 'Something bad must have happened to her. Shinji knows at least some of what happened I think, from his experience in Unit 02.'

In an attempt to change the subject so Yui won't ask anymore questions about Unit 02 and Asuka's mother, Misato says, "Lets go and see what's left of Unit 00."

Yui, Misato and Rei progress to the cage where the remains of Unit 00 are being held. Maya is overseeing a group of technicians testing the remains. Yui looks at the remains and shakes her head and says to Misato, "It is a mess, although it is amazing that so much is left."

Misato replies, "Yes, they are trying to see if enough is left to rebuild it. These are the uncontaminated parts, more survived the explosion but they were contaminated by the angel and had to be destroyed."

Maya sees Misato, Yui and Rei and walks towards them. Misato decides to introduce Maya and Yui to each other and says, "Lieutenant Maya Ibuki, meet Yui Ikari, our surprise visitor from Unit 01 and Shinji's mother. Maya is the temporary project E chairperson and is overseeing the rebuilding of Unit 00 since Ritsuko is......um being held in custody."

Maya nervously greets Yui, " Uh.....pleased to meet you Mrs Ikari."

"Please call me Yui, Maya. And how is the rebuilding going?"

"Slowly, very slowly. Our available personnel are being pushed to the limit, especially since they also have Units 01 and 02 to repair after the last angel attack. I am constantly pushing my knowledge of an Eva unit. We really need Dr Akagi, she was the head of project E before she was.............."

"Don't worry Maya, I will see if I can get you some more help. I will probably be helping you since I was involved in originally creating Unit 00."

"Thank you, I would appreciate it."

"Well, we better let you get back to your work."

"Goodbye, Mrs Ikari, major Katsuragi, Rei."

Misato, Rei and Yui then proceed to the command centre. Sitting at their watch stations are Makoto and Shigeru. Makoto notices that someone has entered the command centre, he turns to see who it is. When he sees that Misato is with them he greets her, "Hello major." He then notices Yui and adds, "Oh and I take it this is the surprise visitor from Unit 01?"

Misato answers, "Yes, meet Yui Ikari."

Before anyone can say anything further, Vice commander Fuyutsuki walks into the command centre, he sees Yui and he looks at her in shock. Yui notices Fuyutsuki and runs to him and asks, "Professor, how are you?"

Fuyutsuki quickly recovering from the shock of actually seeing Yui again replies, "Yui.....I.....thought that we would never see you again."

"Yes it has been a long time."

"Yes, eleven long years, although the last year has been rather..........um....hectic."

"Yes I know. Why do you Unit 01 acted the way it did?"

A shocked expression appears on Fuyutsuki's face, who then asks Yui, "That was you?"

"Yes. I had to protect my son. But he has still suffered so much here."

Fuyutsuki looks uncomfortable after hearing Yui's comment and starts to answer, "Well.............." But he is interrupted when Gendo rushes in and runs towards Yui. With a joyous look on his face Gendo greets Yui, "Yui......."

Yui raises her hand and slaps Gendo hard across his face. Gendo staggers back with a look of shock on his face. Both Misato and Fuyutsuki look on in surprise at Yui's reaction. Yui then angrily tells Gendo, "That's for what you have done to our son, Gendo Rokubungi. Do you realise that he probably despises you and can't stand the sight of you?"

Sadly Gendo replies, "Yes..........I have just seen him while looking for you. He told me in no uncertain terms what he thought of me."

Hearing this Misato thinks, 'So you finally confronted your father Shinji.'

"Well, I can't say that I blame him after what he has gone through. Do you realise that he was nearly ready to commit suicide before the last attack."

Gendo looking even more uncomfortable asks Yui, "Yui, could we please go to my office to discuss this in private please?"

"Yes. Excuse us please, Misato, Professor, Rei."

Misato replies, "No problems." 'I think that you are going to have some explaining to do commander Ikari.'

Fuyutsuki gives a polite nod and replies, "Yui." 'I knew she would be mad. She only used to call him by his unmarried name when she was really mad with him.'

Rei replies to Yui's request, "Mrs Ikari."

Yui and Gendo then catch the commander's lift to his office. Once Gendo and Yui have left Misato asks Fuyutsuki, "Just what name was that she called the commander?"

With a barely noticeable grin on his face Fuyutsuki answers, "Just his unmarried name, that's all."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Gendo Ikari's Office

Yui and Gendo arrive in Gendo's office, it is in its usual dimly lit state. No sooner have they entered the office when Yui turns and angrily asks Gendo, "So what do you have to say for yourself Gendo? How in the world can you justify your actions?"

Gendo carefully answers, "Now Yui, please listen to me carefully, everything I did was to bring you back. All I wanted was to be with you again."

Realising what Gendo is implying, a shocked Yui replies. "What by? Eva Units...........no........you didn't go along with that crazy idea of playing god did you?"

"I take it you mean the Human Instrumentality Project?"

"You did. Didn't you? You went along with that crazy man Kihl Lorentz?"

"It was the only way I could see you again."

Her anger building Yui asks, "Even by alienating your own flesh and blood, your son Shinji?"

"Yes. All would have been put right if the project succeeded."

"And what of Rei? Why is she a clone of me, at least a partial one?"

"We had samples of your DNA, one reason for her was that since she looks like you, she constantly reminds me of the reason that I started along this path. The second reason is that by manipulating her genes, was that we would have a pilot. The third reason, and the reason for the angel DNA is that Rei is the key to a controlled third impact. By merging a human with Adam and Lilith in a controlled manner, the Instrumentality of Man would take place. Rei is the means of controlling the merging."

"Is that why you were always so concerned for Rei?"

"Yes."

"And the reason why you were so angry when the dummy system was destroyed?"

"Yes, if she was killed, we couldn't replace her again."

"And what are your intentions now, since I am back? Are you going to proceed with this crazy plan or what?"

Gendo bows his head in shame as he answers, "........I don't know."

"Well, if you don't want to lose me again, I would suggest that you stop."

"I will then, but I think that SEELE might have other ideas."

"We will have to take measures against them doing something drastic."

"Yes, I will have to make all possible resources available to stop them."

"All resources?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I saw what was left of Unit 00 today. You would like it available I take it?"

"Yes, I would. The current staff working on it says it won't be ready for at least another eight months."

"That's what I mean by all possible resources. You don't have the head of project E and the expert on the MAGI working on it do you?"

"You aren't serious are you? She destroyed the dummy plug system."

"I don't blame her for her actions in that regard. That system was an abomination. If you want to be ready for SEELE, I suggest that you release her. That's if she will still work for Nerv. As for any concerns you may have about her, I imagine that could be handled by letting me have my old position back."

"All right then, I will release her. I suggest you take Major Katsuragi with you when you go to see if she will still work for Nerv."

"I will." Yui's voice takes on a angry tone once more as she tells him, "One thing though Gendo."

Worried after hearing the tone in Yui's voice Gendo carefully answers, "Yes?"

"If you wish to have any chance of me forgiving you for your actions while I was trapped in Unit 01. I suggest that you stay away from Doctor Akagi other than for official business. I am fully aware of your relationship with her mother Naoko Akagi, and I strongly suspect that you were having an affair with her as well."

Shaken by the fact that Yui knows of his affairs Gendo replies, " ........... I.see."

"Fine I will go now. We will discuss Shinji further later Gendo."

Still shaken by what Yui has told him Gendo replies, "Yes."

Yui leaves Gendo's office and returns to the command centre

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Command Centre/ Ritsuko's Cell

Yui enters the command centre and walks over to Misato and asks her, "Misato could you please take me to see Dr Akagi?"

Puzzled by why Yui would want to see Ritsuko, Misato replies, "Who, you want to see Ritsuko?"

"Yes, I need to see her regarding something."

"Why do you need to see her though, may I ask?"

"I may have persuaded my husband to release her, as we will need her."

'Need her? What's going on here?' "Yes. "

Misato and Yui arrive at the cell, and open the door which noisily swings open and both Misato and Yui walk into the dimly lit cell. Misato stands in the light and Yui stands in the shadows. Ritsuko hears Misato enter but remains seated in the plain steel chair that she is sitting in. She doesn't even bother to turn towards Misato when she coldly says to Misato, "Oh, its you again Misato. What have you come to ask me this time?"

Misato ignores the tone of Ritsuko's reply, "Hello Ritsuko. I am not going to ask you anything but I have somebody with me who is."

Ritsuko sarcastically replies, "And just who would that be?"

Upon hearing Ritsuko's reply Misato grins and answers, "Somebody who you would least expect."

Ritsuko starts to get angry with Misato, "Stop playing games Misato." 'But just who does Misato have with her?'

She turns towards a voice which comes from the darkened area of the cell. "Hello Doctor Akagi. You remind me a lot of your mother. I notice that you have dyed your hair though. When I saw you last you had brown hair like your mother."

"Who is that?" 'Who could it be? Who knew me back then? But that voice sounds vaguely familiar.' "No.........

it couldn't be... "

Yui steps into the lighted area of the cell and answers Ritsuko, "Who me? I am Yui Ikari."

Ritsuko looks at Yui with a shocked expression. "Yui Ikari............no! Impossible.........you are dead ........well at least physically."

"And my soul was trapped in Unit 01."

"Yes, you were the reason we needed Shinji to pilot Unit 01. Just how did you mange to leave Unit 01 after all this time?"

"I had to wait until the right conditions presented themselves. The last time that Shinji was absorbed the conditions were not quite right."

'So Shinji's sync ratio must have exceeded 400% again in that angel attack the other day.' "Why are you here seeing me? Are you here to gloat over my demise?"

"No. I have convinced my husband to stop all of Nerv's activities relating to the Human Instrumentality Project. SEELE will not let this happen and will most likely attack Nerv. So we need your expertise in rebuilding Unit 00 and also in preparing a defence of the MAGI."

Surprised to hear that commander Ikari is going to stop all work on the Instrumentality Project, Misato ponders, 'Stop the instrumentality project, so what was your true reasons behind that project commander? Was it your wife?'

Ritsuko then cautiously asks Yui, "Will there be any restrictions placed on me? And who will I be working for?"

"There will be no restrictions, you will have all security clearances restored, and you will be free to move as you wish. And you will be working for me, will any of this be a problem?"

"No." 'Yes, but it's either that or stay in this cell.' "But why are you now in charge of project E? Is it because of your husband?"

"No, my husband had nothing to do with it. I am just resuming the position that I held while I worked for Gehirn. You may not remember it but I was one of the senior scientists on project E before my 'disappearance'. I was involved in the initial creation of both Units 00 and 01. That's one of the reasons why I was piloting

Unit 01 when the incident with it happened."

"Yes, how could I forget that."

"And you could say I know the inner workings of a Eva unit rather intimately."

"I imagine that you would."

"In more ways than you could imagine, what do you think was behind Unit 01 going berserk those times?"

"That was you? I suspected that it may have been, due to what was happening when Unit 01 went berserk, as well as when Unit 01 wouldn't sync with either the dummy plug or Rei."

"Yes, although I was caught by surprise when the dummy plug was first used. I don't blame you for destroying that abomination of a system Dr Akagi. And we won't discuss the real reason of why you destroyed all of the clones."

Ritsuko stands there surprised by Yui's statement. 'By the sounds of that I imagine that she at least suspects of my relationship towards that manipulative husband of hers. Including how I felt jealous of Rei because of how he treated her.'

After a brief pause Yui asks Ritsuko, "So will you work for Nerv again?"

With a slightly sarcastic edge to her voice Ritsuko answers, "Yes, I don't have much choice if I want to get out of here."

Yui's voice begins to take on a cold edge as she informs Ritsuko, "Fine, you can leave with us now, if you wish. But one more thing Dr Akagi."

After hearing the tone of Yui's voice Ritsuko replies in an equally cold tone, "Yes?" 'What else could she want?'

Yui's voice takes on an even colder tone as she tells Ritsuko, "I am not certain about your exact feelings towards him and the nature of your relationship with my husband, but if you are anything like your mother, stay away from my husband."

Ritsuko angrily replies, "I am not my mother. Anyway after the way he has treated me recently you will have no problem with me going anywhere near him other than for official matters, and since you are the new project E chairperson I won't have to worry about that will I?" 'You don't mess around do you Yui Ikari.'

Having just witnessed the exchange between Ritsuko and Yui, Misato realises, 'Whoa! My impression that Yui and Ritsuko's mother didn't get on very well was right. And I am now certain that Yui does suspect that Ritsuko of having an affair with the commander. Which she was, but what she saw in him I don't know.'

Yui ignores the way that Ritsuko answered her and unemotionally replies, "Good. If we are clear on that point let's go then shall we Doctor Akagi?" Yui then turns and walks out of the room. With a slightly stunned look on her face Misato looks at the departing Yui and then gives Ritsuko a questioning look, she then follows Yui out of the room. Ritsuko meets Misato's glance and gives an annoyed sigh and then follows her out of the room.

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Nerv Hospital room 107

Shinji is sitting up in bed and Asuka is sitting in a chair next to his bed. Asuka asks Shinji, "So how long will you have to be in hospital for Shinji?"

Shinji replies, "A week. A week too long, I really hate this hospital you know."

"Yes I imagine that you do, you have had to be hospitalised a few times."

"Too many times Asuka, too many. When I get out I should be able to walk, but my arm will still have to be in a cast as it was broken in several places."

'We will have to have a party when you get out Shinji. I might even see if the other two of the stooges can make it. Although I will have to invite Hikari to make it bearable.'

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Well, that is it for part 3.

Stay tunned for Part Four - Homecoming / Mending Bridges