Opening The Future Doors Chapter 5: Opening The Future Doors- 4,2 Chapter, an evangelion fanfic

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Author: Rei-chan - G - English - Drama - Reviews: 26 1. Opening The Future Doors- 1st Chapter2. Opening The Future Doors- 2nd Chapter3. Opening The Future Doors- 3rd Chapter4. Opening The Future Doors- 4th Chapter5. Opening The Future Doors- 4,2 Chapter

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opening42 Opening The Future Doors
4th Chapter- Part II

December the 1st, 2025. 11:30 pm.

The banquet, which had taken place on the occasion of Kensuke and Nozomi's wedding, was almost finished. Dinner had been served, consisting of several courses, including wedding cake and champagne. Nevertheless, The guests didn't appear tired at all, except for the children: some had fallen asleep in their parents' arms, others had sat down on chairs while most of them were still sharply awake, being entertained by a few hotel employees in the next hall of the Big Hotel. At the end of the day, the reception would have only begun to be far from over. The newly-weds were the first to consider the party to be far from its close.
In fact,Kensuke and Nozomi-Nakuru were enthusiastically ordering champagne for themselves and their guests while drowsy waiters hastened to serve them, pretending not to look exhausted. It goes without saying that absolute chaos was reigning over the hall; for example, there were those who had been drinking harder than the rest, like Misato and Kaji…

They were two of the most noisy guests that very night, splitting their sides laughing, accompanying any sentence with a glass of champagne; one drink led to another,and so on...

All that was happening under Ritsuko's disconsolate glance. She was staring at the scene in disbelief, sighing all time, while trying to make the drunk married couple realize that their jokes and personal affairs probably didn't concern those sitting at the next table: so, it was not required from them to yell like that!

Ristuko's word were obviously ineffective…

"Come on, Dear! let them enjoy themselves!" Yukito exclaimed, encircling her wife's shoulders. "Would you like another piece of cake?", he asked, while a
waiter served him with the third helping of wedding cake he had asked for.

"No, thank you! I had enough food….after all that they had served us for dinner this night!", dr. Akagi answered.

"I see, Rit-chan! You're always careful about your figure! As for me, I never gain weight!" ! If only I absorbed all that I usually eat, you'd have an elephant as your husband!", he said, while bringing a forkful of cake to his mouth.

Ritsuko burst out laughing, thinking that Yukito always managed to make her smile.

"*Ich* YESSSSSS!!!Ritsuko's always been obsessed over her figure*Ich*", Colonel Katsuragi interfered, slowly articulating her words,even though she was often interuppted by her hiccups, which testified to her inebriation. Her face had turned scarlet, her lips drawn back in a mischievous grin.

Kaji looked more sober than his wife. At least, he wasn't hiccuping, and was somehow restraining himself from talking non-sense, and he had refrained from pouring out another glass of champagne for himself.

Rei and Shinji were still there, sitting at their assigned table, together with Touji and Hikari, who were who were continuing to drink, though, though they seemed more self-controlled than the afore-mentioned couples.

" My sister Nozomi is the portrait of happiness!", Hikari uttered ecstatically, while gazing at her sister laughing, toasting, hugging and kissing Kensuke.

"Your sister's the portrait of happiness all the time!", Shinji averred. "Isn't she, Rei-chan?"

"Yeah, you're right", she answered, with a smile.

"He looks so happy! Mister Aida!", Touji said with a hint of irony, staring joyfully at his friend Kensuke, who was in high spirits, kissing his wife.

Actually, Nozomi still behaved gracefully, despite the precious dress she was wearing. She couldn't help showing her brisk personality, giving the party an unusual tone.

Still that night would lead to something else, an uncommon case indeed.

Rei Ayanami was the only one who was not overcome by gaiety. Perhaps, she couldn't help but being that way.

Her forehead was covered in sweat and her glance showed fear and anxiety more visibly, as time went by.

By looking at her demeanour, one could argue she wasn't well. Her stomach had hurt for about half an hour; in the beginning it was bearable, yet, as time passed, her pain became harsher ; it was gradually strengthening its grip on her, as she had never experienced before. Rei wondered what had happened to herself. She was scared, not only about herself, but also about Shinji's reaction, when he'd realize her sudden discomfort.

*Maybe* she thought *it will be over by itself, within a few minutes..* Rei,still trying to bear the pain, rested her hand on her aching womb,hiding her hand from Shinji's view so as to not spoil his pleasure at the celebration. So she closed her eyes and inhaled heavily, making a great effort to relax, while she leant against the back of her chair.

But it was useless, because the pain had not diminished, it had grown worse! She looked at Shinji, who was sitting next to her, taking a picture of Touji and Hikari standing happily next to the newly-weds. She yearned to tell him about her trouble. Yet she didn't, being concerned about Shinji's possible response.

Touji and Hikari went back to sit down, Shinji having already photographed them together with the newlyweds.

" Ehi, folks! Great party, isn't it?", Touji yelled, while sitting down. "What about having some more drinks?"

"Touji!! You don't really intend to get drunk, don't you??", Hikari retorted, in her intimidating way.

"Uhm…all right, all right! I'm gonna have only some soft drinks, ok?", Touji said, not without annoyance.

"That's good! I thought so..!", said Hikari sister, crossing her arms, with an authoritarian attitude.

"Sounds good , Touji.. I agree with Hikari on this point.", Shinji said. He was starting to think the same way as Hikari about the alchohol matter, given the fact they had really been guzzling during the last few hours. Shinji turned towards Rei, asking her: "What drink would you prefer , Rei-chan?" Shinji hardly had time to finish his question before he noticed that something was wrong with Rei

"Rei-chan!!", he yelled, alarmed by the state she was in. And he wasn't the only one to be alarmed. Touji and Hikari were quite frightened too.

"Are you all right, Sweetheart?"

Shinji hurried to support her wife, lifting her head up; then, leaning his hand on her cheek, he started caressing it. She endeavoured to smile,in order not to further frighten even more Shinji and his friends.

"N..no..Shin-chan..I'm all right. I'm tired, that's all..Aah!". Rei couldn't feign composure in front of Shinji. He hastened to hold up her by her shoulders, just before she bent her knees, in pain. Shinji was definitely scared, so that his panic infected Hikari and Touji, who were trying just then to screen the whole scene from the other guests, in order to restrain apprehension from spreading throughout the hall. When the pang had subsided, Shinji moved his chair to Rei's : rested her head on his shoulder, taking a deep breath. Shini caressed Rei's shoulder, then he hugged her. "Rei-chan! What's with you?", Shinji yelled, losing his own control.

Rei slightly shook her head, answering in a faint voice. "I don't know, Shinchan, My stomach hurts badly and…"

Seeing Rei's effort to talk, Shinji stopped her, by saying in a reassuring tone:

"Ssshh.. Stop it, Rei-chan. Please, you must not talk anymore." After this, Shinji quickly kissed Rei on her cheek, and tried somehow to look as calm as possible, for Rei's sake.

"Rei-chan, Dr. Akagi is right there. I'm gonna ask her for help, all right? I'll be back soon!"

Rei reached for Shinj's hand. Once she found it, she clasped it tightly.

"Shinchan...forgive me..I wouldn't bother you ever!"

"Rei-chan…" Words didn't come easy to Shinji. He looked into her eyes, so tenderly. Rei's visage seemed to soften. After this, Shinji quickly stood up, leaving Rei with Touji and Hikari, who sat beside her .

"Rei-chan.. Please, calm down.", Hikari whispered in a sweet manner, while shifting a few bangs from Rei's sweaty forehead

"Everything's gonna be all right!", Touji added, as an encouragement to his former classmate

"What's happening down there?",wondered Kensuke,amid laughter. He became aware of a certain bustle around Shinji and Touji's table, which Nozomi noticed as well. In order not to creat chaos, which could have spoiled the whole party, Kensuke kept silent, while his continuing to watch Shinji's moves.

Dr. Akagi quickly stood up from her assigned table. "Don't worry, Shinchan. I'm going to have a look at Rei at once. Yukito and I are here, don't worry.", Dr. Akagi said, while resting her hand over Shinj's shoulder.

Shinji nervously nodded, making an effort to regain his composure. "Thank you, Dr. Akagi. Thank you very much."*

Given the case, Misato and Kaji unexpectedly came down to earth, almost overcoming their drunkenness, which had almost overwhelmed them

Misato stood up from her chair, then she approached Shinji, searching in her smiles collection to find her most reassuring one. "Shinchan. You gotta encourage her, do you know what I mean? You gotta be strong for her, and stay next to her!", Misato urged him. Her intention was to hearten him, first of all.

Shinji nodded, showing a shy , half-forced smile. "I'll try…", he answered, hesitantly.

Misato shook her head, then lifted her forefinger."No! No! You must not try! You've got to do it!", Misato went on, ruffling Shinji's hear, as if he were a child.
Kaji stood up and joined their conversation, while taking his daughter in his arms.

Some minutes ago , one of the organisers , who had entertained the children in the downstairs hall, had handed him Akane, together with Tomoyo. The babysitter told Kaji the little girls had fallen asleep on the couch where they had been playing and watching anime videotapes.

"Misato's gotta reason, Shinji. Just remember Rei's the person who will give you the best moments of your life.", Kaji whispered, quietly and yet intensely.

"Kaji-san…", Shinji had carefully listened at his words. Ryouji smiled. "You'd better go back to Rei-chan, she's waiting for you. Follow Ritchan!"

Shinji regained his self-control, bending his head in assent.

"Ritchan, do you want me to come with you?", questioned Yukito, turning to his wife.

"Dear, don't trouble yourself. I can handle it. Please, look after Tomoyo-chan. If I shall need your help, I'll call you."

Having smiled at them brightly,Dr. Akagi left Yukito and her own daughter, who had fallen asleep in her father's arms. The doctor headed towards Rei's table, with Shinji proceeding behind her.

"Rei-chan! How're you?", Ritsuko asked lovingly, while sitting next to Ayanami.

Rei-chan was panting."Dr. Akagi. I can't understand what's happened to me..all of a sudden..", she whispered, frightened. She was trembling all over.

"Ssshh.. Calm down, Rei-chan. It's all right. Just relax", Ritsuko cheered Rei, while smiling at her. Then she started to feel her womb, pressing delicately against it, passing her hands over where the babies should have been.

Shinji, who had been holding Rei by the hand since he had rejoined her, was impatiently awaiting for Ritsuko's response, while caressing his wife's trembling hand.

"Rei-chan. Do you remember when you felt these abrupt aches for the first time?" Dr. Akagi inquired, using her most comforting tone of voice.

Rei, making an effort to bear the labour pains, responded: "..I started to feel them..since the beginning of the dinner..but they were very slight..I thought they would pass off in a few minutes..it often happens that…" Dr. Akagi's suppositions were borne out by those words.

Ritsuko caressed Rei's cheek. "Rei-chan..I think the big moment has come.."

"WHAT??RIGHT NOW???", Shinji burst with surprise. He had never ever expected such a verdict from Rit-chan.

"SHINJIII!! PLEASE, SHUT UP!!Everybody is watching us, now!",Touji blurted, while hushing his friend.

"It's true, Shinchan. The time has come.", Ritsuko finally averred.

"But…", Rei whispered, concealing her own distress,"There are so many days when it is supposed to happen."

"Don't mind, Rei-chan. After all, there's only a few days to the foreseen day. Just remember that Misato gave birth to Akane at her eight month of pregnancy, and both of them are as sound as a bell , as you can see. You have to calm down, now. Do you remember what I told you when we examined the babies last time?", Dr. Akagi asked, holding Rei's hand.

Ayanami nodded assent. "Yes.. You told me my children were already in position for the parturition."

"Exactly. Everything wil be all right, Rei-chan.I won't abandon you, even for one minute.", Ritsuko promised to the young mother.

Rei smiled at Dr. Akagi with gratitude, while Misato was slowly heading towards them, followed by Kaji, Yukito, and the two little girls.

"What's happened, Ritchan? How's Rei?", Misato questioned her friend.

"Labour pains have just started, and we must take her to the Geo-Front inner hospital.", she said, while standing up.

"What are we supposed to do? Our cars are very far from here! Don't you think we'd better call for an ambulance?"

Misato was very upset, noticing that Rei would have suffered from serious complications because of her fragility, unless she was taken to the hospital as soon as possible.

Touji shook her head. "I don't think it's a good idea to call for an ambulance. It would dreadfully bother the guests!"

" I think so." Ritsuko said. "We'd better move to the hall, so that Rei'll be able to lie down, far from the guests' curiosity", she said.

Shinji assented, then he lifted Rei, holding her up with Yukito's help.

"Don't worry, Sweetie. I'm here with you!", Shinji whispered, meeting his wife's glance. She would given birth to their children within a few hours, possibly within a few minutes. Their children…fruits of their love, which had been won with difficulty.

Shinji couldn't but gaze at Rei, who returned his glance. Her look seemed to soften for a moment.

"Rei-chan", Shinji uttered smiling.

"Shinchan. ..our children will be born in a little while."

Shinji bent her head. "Yeah. Rei-chan…you've got to make an effort to resist, for the time being. It's not time yet for our children to come into world. They must wait until we'll reach the hospital.

"I'll try, Shinchan. "Her eyes glistened with tears that were starting to trickle outfrom her eyes.

Shinji couldn't reply, because Yukito begged for his attention again. "Kaji 's gone away for a moment, just to warn Nozomi and Kensuke about the situation. We'd better hurry up and move to the hall. Possibly we'll have a chance to phone for an ambulance from there, then get to the hospital. There's not much time left.", Dr. Tsukishiro admonished him, resting his hand on Shinji's shoulder, then turning to the blue-haired woman. "Everything will turn out well in the end, for sure, dear!", he continued, ruffling Rei's hair to distract her a bit.

Shinji nodded, then they went out of the room, supporting Rei all the way, taking care not to attract the other guests attention.

"Whaaat?Are you serious, Mr. Ryouji?", the bride yelled with excitement, having been informed by Kaji-san about the circumstances.

"Yeah.I'm sorry. My wife, my daughter and I have intention of seeing Rei and Shinji to the hospital, and so do Dr. Akagi and her husband, who will look after the labour."

"No problem. You've nothing to apologize for. On the contrary! Give Shinji and Rei our best wishes! We shall come and see her as soon as possible!",

"Ooohh.. TREASURE!! I wish I could go to the hospital now!! Shall we go, Sweetie Magpie??", she cried out cheerfully, jumping all around just like a little child, then hugging her husband's shoulders.

"But..how can you leave your guest alone?". Kaji was surprised by Nozomi's absurd request. Kensuke stared at her bride, who was looking at him pleadingly,her face childishly sulky.

"Treasure..Mr. Kaji's got a point, Sweetie!We can't leave our guests this way!"

Nozomi puffed. "Right.. You're right, Sweetie! We can't abandon them right now. But I hope we'll be able to join you as soon as possible, at the hospital!Ok?"

Kaji assented. "Of course. I'm sure everyone 'll be pleased with your presence!"

"Very good,Rei-chan. Just relax your body,this way. Breath deeply..I'm sure your pain will soften..",Ritsuko murmured,while setting next to Rei , wetting her face with the edge of a moistened handkerchief. Ayanami was lying on one of the many sofas settled in the hall. She looked more at ease while lying, despite labour pains that had surely strenghtened, Rei-chan seemed to endure it better than before.

"Sorry. This agency is also out of taxies.", the old doorkeeper said in a grave voice, after hanging up at the end of the conversation with a secretary from a local cooperative supplying taxies. "They said there'll be no available taxi before

02:00 AM. And I don't think you can wait that long."

Shinji's look was saddened. He had no idea how to solve the problem.

"What rotten luck!", dr. Tsukishiro uttered. He was beggining to be seriously irritated

"I'm dreadfully sorry,really! Mostly for this poor girl who's suffering so much! I can call our city hospital for an ambulance, if you don't mind.",the hall porter suggested.

Ritsuko refused his offer. "No, it would be useless. It couldn't get here in less than an hour."

Shinji sighed, and so did the hall porter. Ritsuko was trying to relieve Rei's labour pains, urging her to breath regularly and relax. It was the only thing the doctor could do to help her. Nevertheless,Ayanami was worn. If they really wouldn't find a way to get her to the Geo-Front inner hospital within a few of minutes, they would have to prepare for an old-style childbirth!

To tell the truth, it wouldn't be the safest thing for Rei to give birth to her children right there, without any proper medical apparatus. Surely, she could rely on two expert doctors, yet they knew it would be a big risk , considering Ayanami's delicate health, to let her bear the children so arduously.

Shinji stared at the luxurious door which closed off the hall from the rest of the hotel. Misato and Kaji had stepped in the dining room, searching for someone who would lend them a car to take Rei to the hospital.

They weren't back yet, which was increasing the others' anxiety.

"At this point", Ritsuko uttered regretfully,breaking the painful silence which had suddenly caught those present. " we have no choice but to take a room for tonight, to let Rei give birth to her babies in this hotel.

Neither Shinji couldn't object to the scientist's words, so he bent his head, then he prepared to accept the eventuality, but not without disappointment.

Yukito nodded with sorrow. Just when he was about to ask the doorkeeper for a room for that night, Ritsuko's mobile phone rang , which stopped him from doing it.

Ritsuko reached her bag, which she had previously rested on the couch, then she took out her mobile, which was playing a silly melody - 'Jingle Bells', to be exact.

Ritsuko stood up . "Excuse me for a moment, Rei-chan", she said before she answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Ritsuko! It's me!", Colonel Katsuragi's voice echoed through the mobile receiver.

"Misato. Is there any news?", dr. Akagi inquired hopefully, praying for Misato to give her good tidings.

"Nope. Unfortunately! Nothing at all…Kaji and I had thought to give you a call in order to know if you had found a way to reach the hospital."

Ritsuko sighed. "Nope. Unfortunately! Nothing at all…"

"Fucking hell! is it possible thatwe are not able to find even a scooter in such a big hotel? We're in state of emergency, yet we can't handle this!", Misato yelled, giving a state of her rage.

"We thought the best advice's to rent a room for tonight, and let Rei bear the children here."

"Here?But…"

Ritsuko interrupted her friend. "I know we're destitute of any required equipment. Yet, since we've got to to do this, it's of no use to make Rei suffer, if we can't find a way to take her to the hospital."

"Ooooh! Finally a Hotel!". While the sliding doors opened, a male voice could be heard.

At those words, Shinji, Ritsuko and Yukito turned towards the sound source. He was an almost 40 year old man, tall and slender, dressed in a NAVI
uniform. NAVI was a little bus-line in Neo-Tokyo 3.

Ritsuko experienced a dejà-vù, soon as she gazed at the face of the entering man. It seemed as she had never known him, yet he looked somehow familiar.

"How lucky! If only you knew!!", he happily yelled to the doorkeeper. "I was terribly thirsty, and moreover I got tired, having been driving my bus all day long. Luckily, I met a strange fellow, who showed me the way to this hotel!Ooohhh!Thank heaven!!", the bus driver went on. As soon as Ritsuko heard hi voice, she remembered who he was.

It was non less than Tokida Shiro, an engineer from Japan Heavy Industries Corporation. He was the one responsible for the Jet Alone Project, which failed from an accident caused maliciously by Nerv . He was so different, compared with his condition some years before. He had turned from a brilliant engineer working for a big company like JHI, into an ordinary bus-driver of a little local company. None of those, who took part in Jet Alone project presentation, could expect Mr. Tokida would have such a bad fortune. Not even Nerv wold have expected such an utter disaster would hit Japan Heavy Industries, after its sabotage.

*A bus-driver, isn't he?* Ritsuko,while stealthily looking at him, had a sudden insight, which might grant Rei a not so painful delivery. She stood up, noticing the bus driver was heading towards the hotel pub.

"Shinji! Yuki! Stop that man! Quick!", she cried out, without any further explanation. Ritsuko quickly dialed Misato's number on her own mobile. After a ring, Misato answered.

"Misato!", the doctor yelled. "Come here! Hurry up! Maybe, there's a way left to get to the hospital in time!"

A few minutes later..

"WHAAAAAAAT?? Are you crazy???". Tokida's voice was raised high in anger.

"I beg you!My wife's not well!", Shinji insisted, desperately begging him to hear his plea for help.

"NO WAY! My shift was over at 9:00 PM, and I wouldn't drive the bus to take anyone to Neo-Tokyo 3 for any reason, any reason I said! I'll start again working at 07:00 clock in the morning!"

"But…this is an emergency! If she isn't be driven to the hospital within a few minutes, we'll be compelled to make her give birth to the children here!", Yukito retorted.

"And then? I can't see the point! You're from the mythical special agency called Nerv, aren't you?A birthing should be a child's play for those who resisted the Angels..", he sneered at them.

"Sorry for running late, folks! We got lost in the rooms of the Hotel, thus we couldn't find our way back to the Hall!", Misato apologized, finally returning with Kaji and Akane-chan.

"I told you we had to turn right!", Kaji uttered, casting a side-glance to his wife. Misato didn't hear him, luckily she approached Ritsuko,Shinji and Yukito,
who were hopelessly endeavoring to persuade the bus-driver. Kaji headed towards the sofa where Tomoyo was sleeping, then rested Akane-chan on it, taking care to not disturb the children's slumber. He finally looked at Rei-chan, who was lying on the next couch. He stared at her, clenching her teeth so as not to groan in pain, with her eyes closed,the collar of her shirt soaked drop her constant sweating.

Kaji gave her a pitying look, then he tenderly drew near to her, unbuttoning her shirt collar, to uncover her neck. Nobody had cared about that detail, in the middle of such confusion . Kaji-san moistened the handkerchief,which Ritsuko had used to wet Rei's forehead, in the basin put on the table, then he squeezed it properly,
finally leaning it upon Ayanami's forehead, to wipe the sweat from.

"Rei-chan", Kaji softly whispered to her.

"Kaji-san..Ka.. aaahh..", moaned Ayanami, straining to reply him.

Kaji soothed her, by saying. "Sshh..You'd better be silent."

Rei didn't listen to him, and went on asking: "Where's Shinji? I can't see him!"

Kaji pointed his finger towards Shinji.

"He's over there, talking with a bus-driver to convince him to drive us to the
hospital"

Having heard his words, Rei closed her eyes again, maybe worn out with the effort of speaking. She was doing her best to endure until her children could be born safely

Not to make Rei more worried, the secret agent refrained from telling her that the debate was becoming livelier, so that Misato, with a final outburst of rage, had grasped Tokida by his collar.

"NOW LISTEN TO ME, YOU WORM!!", she cried out irascibly, making him turn pale with fear. "If you won't let us get on your bus at once, and won't drive us to the hospital as fast as possible, not only will I report you to the police for voluntary failure to assist, but also I'll compel you to be Rei's obstetrician. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN???", Misato yelled, while tightening her grasp on him, so that he couldn't even reply to her words.

"Misato! Let Tokida go!!", Shinji exclaimed. Misato complied with his words,though she was not eager to let him down. Colonel Katsuragi took a step backwards, still keeping her death glare on Tokida.

"Shinji's gotta a point, Misato", Kaji said, coming closer to the group.

Tokida arranged his shirt collar. "You are crazy! All of you!", he uttered, truly annoyed because of Misato's outrageous behaviore.

"I beg you!", Shinji implored him once again." I entreat you from the bottom of my heart! Take us to the hospital! Ten years ago…all of us protected mankind from the Angels' threat, always running the risk of dying , only to save the other people's live. Now…she's aking for help.. Hadn't you conceived Jet Alone to help human beings?", Shinji went on, trying to conceal his tears of sorrow and rage.

"Let him go..Shinchan..I can bear my children here..aahh", Rei foolishly stood up on her feet, drawing near to the others, when, all of a sudden,she lost her balance , feeling a powerful new pang. Kaji caught her in time, before she collapsed and and hit the floor.

"Rei!", everybody cried out , rushing over to her. Kaji took her in his arms, and made her sit down again on the couch.

"Rei-chan! You must not stand up!!", Ritsuko blamed her; she couldn't help but hardening her tone of voice. Ayanami strained to recover from her collapse more quickly than before, never minding about her friends' anxious reproaches. On the contrary, she insisted on her point.

" I'm..I'm serious..I can give birth to my children here..I don't mind not getting to the hospital. Take a room here…", she moaned. Her voiced had mingled with her groans, since the pain was becoming unbearable. Once again, silence fell upon the lounge.

Ritsuko, Misato, Kaji, Yukito and Shinji stared at each other, trying to take a decision.

One thing was certain: they had to decide now

Misato was looking towards Tokida, her facial expression conveying all her blame for his cowardly meanness . Tokida stood still and frightened, when the group turned to him, asking him with their looks 'if they really had to push things all the way.

Yukito, after having looked at Rei once again, bent his head with sorrow. Dr. Akagi took Rei's hand , while sighing. "Right. We'll take a room where you'll be able to bear your children. Everything's gonna to be all right, Rei-chan", she encouraged Ayanami, using words she herself couldn't completely trust. At any rate, there was no choice left.

Rei nodded assent. "Yes..doctor.."

"Rei-chan..", Shinji cried, filled with fear.

Misato stood up from the couch next to the one where Rei was sitting, then drew close to the counter. In back of it, was a show case displaying the rooms keys.

At the counter stood the doorman, who, having listened at the argument, had no need to be asked by Colonel Katsuragi for a room. He readily handed her a key.

"Room 234. Fourth floor. The corridor on the left .Servants will take you clean towels and basins of hot water very soon."

Misato took the key. "Thank you..we' re sorry for having bothered you."

" Wait a moment!" Before the doorman could deliver Colonel Katsuragi all the documents to be signed for renting the room, Tokida halted her, being almost almost dead with shame, which had finally overcome the pride preventing him helping them.

Misato turned to him without uttering one word.

Shiro Tokida winced under Misato's glance. "Err…Get on the bus, please! I'm driving you to the Geo-Front!"

Shinji,Ritsuko and Yukito didn't expect such a sudden change of mind from him, yet they needn't to be told twice. They all happily rose from the sofa, Shinji taking Rei in his arms, with relief.

"Sweetheart!", Shinji cried out gaily,when Rei opened her eyes, fixing her eyes on him.

"We're getting to the hospital, finally!", he continued, restraining his desire to hug her for joy. Rei smiled warmly, though her grin was strained by her difficult breathing.

Shinji kissed her hair lightly, then they went outside the hotel, towards the parking lot.

Misato was alone still remained inside. She had completely changed her attitude towards Tokida. Indeed, she was smiling at him, giving her thanks to him.

Tokida couldn't reply to her words at once. Possibly, he was still embarassed for having made them wait so much before he complied.

"Uhn? Er…It was nothing..", he faltered out, while drawing slovly towards the exit . The hall porter smiled happily, replacing the key of room 234.

Strangely, once all of them had left, a white, swirling feather fell upon the counter, passing totally unnoticed by anyone.

Ten minutes later ..

"Faster! Faster!", Misato yelled, standing next to the driver, inspite of the fact that the bus was moving.

"But there's speed limit here! If the policemen nab us, we'll be in in deep shit! And if someone from NAVI catches me around driving passengers in the night , they'll fire me, at least!" Poor Tokida complained; he was disconsolate, clasping the wheel even tighter, fearing that he would meet the NAVI manager popping out of nowhere.

At the end of the bus,in the back row with the widest seats, was Rei. Her head resting upon Ritsuko's knees. She was incessantly wetting Ayanami's forehead, attempting to make her pain less severe.

"Be brave, Rei-chan! Resist a little more..we're almost there".

"Ritchan! Look here!", Yukito burst out in alarm, while sitting at Rei's feet."I think her water has broken!"

"What a bad luck! Right now!", doctor uttered, keeping calm. "Well, then! Can't you speed up?", she yelled, so that Tokida could hear her words.

"I-CAN-T-EXCEED-THE-SPEED-LIMIT!!", Tokida snapped arrogantly, not increasing the bus speed at all.

"But…this is an emergency! If we won't arrive in time, all our efforts will be useless!", Shinji answered in despair.

"Don't worry, we'll reach the hospital anyway! Five minutes before, five minutes later, what's the difference? AHHHHH!!"

"SHUT UP!! If you won't speed up, I'll speed up by myself!!", Misato yelled, while treading harder on Tokida's foot, which was pushing on the accelerator.

"ARE YOU CRAZY??", he yelled trying to decelerate again.

"DON'T YOU DARE SLOW DOWN, OK?? OTHERWISE YOU'LL HAVE TO SETTLE IT WITH ME, DO YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN??", Misato continued, greatly vexed by his behavior. She surely could have intimidated a wild lion

"Yeah..yeah..", he complied, gathering speed again, having been frightened by Misato's fury.

"How much longer will it take to reach the GeoFront?", Yukito asked, being rather worried.

"It won't take that long, be quiet! We'll be there within five minutes!", Misato answered.

"Pull yourself together! I pray you, Rei-chan!", Shinji whispered very scared, straining to bear having to see Rei that way. Shinji was clasping her hand with both of his hands.

Finally, some minutes later, they arrived at the Geo-Front. The first one who got off the bus was Yukito, who helped Shinji get Rei down. Then Misato and Ritsuko dismounted from the vehicle.

"HEY!! Are you leaving this way?? Without even thanking me??", Tokida yelled in anger.He hoped he would have extra earnings for his overtime work.

"Sorry", said Kaji, who was the last to get off, while taking Akane and Tomoyo in his arms, with a little effort. "As you can see, my arms are too busy to put my hand in the pocket.", Kaji answered earnestly. Inspite of the fact that it was a silly, pretext, it worked well.

"HRMPHH!!", Tokida crossed his arms, very pissed off. "I was compelled to drive my bus at 1:30 AM, covering 12 kilometers, slopes and curves, and that's the way you thank me.. That's funny, really funny! I always said this this job's not good for me."

"Come on! Cheer up! I promise to you I'll put in a word so you can join Nerv. Are you happy?", Kaji taunted him.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?? I'm very happy!! I'll let you have my curriculum vitae, if you don't mind! I'm a brilliant engineer, do you know?"

"All right, all right! I'll let you know. Now I gotta go. I'm late, my wife and the others have already got into the hospital, and the children might catch a cold since the bus door is wide open. We'll see, and sorry if we spoilt your night!",

Kaji said, being on the point of getting off the bus.

"Oh..No problem! You didn't bother me at all!Please, don't forget to let me know what Nerv thinks about my curriculum, won't you?", Tokida uttered like a bootlicker, changing his mood automatically.

"What a toady!", Kaji thought, before saying goodbye to the fawning bus-driver again. He finally got off the bus, running towards the entry to the Geo-Front.

"Mmmm.. What a luck! It's always been my dream to be able to work for Nerv.I felt so envious of that magnificent agency..eeeeeetciù!!" Tokida's outburst of joy was interrupted by a sneeze.

Tokida rubbed his nose with his finger.

"What's up? Is there a bird around? That was an allergic sneeze! *SNIFF*I only hope one of them doesn't own a bird!"

There was no bird, to be sure. Yet, another feather,similar to the one lying on the hall counter, was silently balanced right upon the bus wheel.

END OF THE FOURTH CHAPTER- PART TWO

*********Author Note**********

~*~ Yeah...it sounds a bit strange that their cars was too far from the Hotel, but I didn't have any other idea about it^_^;;

~*~ Many thanks to Faby-chan for this translation and many thanks to Jason Carter too for the corrections^_^;;

~*~ Do not forget to review, please! My email address is reichan@inwind.it ^^

AGAIN:DO NOT FORGET TO REVIEW!!!!!!