I had redrafted the ending of the chapter because I didn't like it. All of you are lucky I was even able to do that much. Expect a long wait before any other EVA fics are updated.

I would just like to say I hate short and choppy fics. Yes, I used to write them but I've been modifying my stories to be longer. A good EVA fic that has chapters should at least be around ten pages in my opinion.

Adaptation

Scenario 11: The First Angel

Rei was hooked up to several life support systems and she wasn't doing very well. That was already clear to Yui Ikari. However, what could she do? The girl had grown on her and was like a daughter to her now. She checked the young woman's condition one more time before leaving to take a break. Kyoko came in to take her place.

Yui sat down with a hot cup of coffee. Normally she would never touch the stuff but now she needed it desperately. She sipped some more and tried to stay awake. According to Shinji, something like this had happened before, what with the 11th Angel. However, this one was different. Instead of attacking computers, it was attacking humans. She would rather it try to get at the MAGI again. Asuka was just as good at designing a defense for the MAGI as Dr. Ritsuko Akagi was.

"Hi Mom."

Yui turned her head slightly and saw Shinji. He looked completely beat.

"Hey Shinji. Getting enough rest?"

"Not really. Japanese forces have been positioning themselves to attack Tokyo 4 and the other US bases. Fortunately, we have the shield generator working. If they strike, we're going to hit them hard."

"With what?"

"With everything we've got, including an N2 mine."

"Shinji, you know I don't approve of all this fighting," Yui said, "I know the United States wants independence, and so does Germany, but isn't this taking it a bit too far?"

"Hardly. If the UN persists, we might have to bring out the really big guns."

"What?"

"The United States has been developing a new type of Evangelion, one that is not biomechanical. They are currently being constructed in the NERV First Branch and I'm pretty sure the first three are nearing completion. They've perfected the EVA technology, Mom. They've eliminated the risks involved with piloting the things. There's no feedback and no risk of absorption. What do you think Project MATRIX was about? It's the advancement of the next step of human evolution, the true human evolution. Not by technology or through artificial means, but through the natural process."

Yui nodded. "Now I see why the United States is following your scenario. You offer them a chance to be at the forefront of this new generation. But why did you make them that offer?"

"To ensure that Third Impact will remain impossible," said Shinji, "With the Ark destroyed, and Lilith and Adam now unattainable, it is nearly impossible to attempt the Third Impact. However, there is one last thing I'm going to have to do, and it won't be pretty."

"What?"

"You'll see, Mother."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Asuka was back up and talking with the other candidates. More suits had been manufactured and there was a total of four now. Toji and Hikari would not be involved in fighting the Angels directly for specific reasons, though Rei and Shinji could probably defeat any Angel that appeared. However, this latest one worried her. Rei was in stable condition, but that might deteriorate without warning. The other candidates were also slightly jumpy. Right now Crystal could create an AT-Field using the suit, as could Grace, but Leon was having some trouble. Unfortunately, generating an AT-Field was a learned skill, not something that came naturally.

"For now we're to be on standby just in case the Angel tries to take over Rei's body and succeeds," she said, "Orders are to restrain her if that happens, but not to kill her. We can't afford that right now."

"What if we can't restrain her?" Leon asked.

"Then you can be the one to tell General Ikari that we killed his sister," Asuka replied coldly, "It would be hard to believe that all four of us could not contain one Angel."

That got the point across, Asuka saw.

Leon definitely had lost some of his confidence since coming here, a good thing since too much could get one killed. Asuka had nearly paid the price because of her pride once, and she hoped no one else would make the same mistakes she did. Unfortunately, humanity always repeated its mistakes, even though they might seem different.

"How, activate your AT-Fields. I want to see how much power each of you can generate."

The three candidates did as instructed and Asuka looked at the monitors. So far Crystal's AT-Field was the strongest. It was nothing compared to Shinji's, Rei's, or even hers, but it was enough to stop a bullet and that was pretty good. Now they simply had to make it stronger. The mental rigors of using an AT-Field could be tiring, but hopefully they wouldn't break the new candidates. Maya entered the observation booth and handed Asuka a folder.

"We need to get their sync rates up to forty percent," she said.

"What? Why that high?"

"Read the file," Maya suggested.

Asuka opened the file and did just that. Her reaction was enough to tell Maya she had found the appropriate section.

"But, they're insane!"

"The head of Project MATRIX is Shinji," Maya pointed out, "I don't think he'd do something like this on a whim."

"But why do we need them again! Doesn't he remember what happened last time?"

The 'them' that Asuka was referring to was the second generation MP EVAs. Built using Lilith's genes and cellular material, each one was very much like Unit 01. Able to regenerate quickly and very powerful, the new EVA series was the most powerful weapons on the planet.

"I had no idea about this either," said Maya, "All I know is that six of them are being delivered here from the US."

"Six? How many are there!" Asuka demanded.

"Nine," Maya answered, "Asuka, you're not the only one who disapproves of this. However, it is very likely a war will soon start so the US is deploying them. This is a major threat to the United Nations and if they were delivered later they would certainly be intercepted."

"EVAs should never be created," Asuka muttered, "Whose crazy idea was this!"

"Shinji's. He's the head of Project MATRIX, remember?"

Asuka's face twisted into an angry look.

"Of all the people. He should know better than anyone when it comes to EVAs!"

"Actually, that might be why Shinji decided to build them," Maya began, "Look at the designs. These EVAs are perfect. There is no risk of being absorbed and the sheer power of these machines makes them unstoppable."

"But they have to be controlled by someone like me," Asuka said glumly, "What is Shinji so worried about that he built EVAs?"

"I don't know, but I'm slightly glad there are EVAs. If we face another Angel like the one in China, we might need them."

Asuka sighed. "You're right on that one. But I still feel uneasy about all this EVA business. I just don't want a repeat of Third Impact."

"These EVAs are different. Apparently they aren't built from Adam or Lilith. From what I can tell, these EVAs are purely manmade."

"That won't mean anything if they become a danger to their makers. Well, we might as well see what these things are good for. But I'm still going to give Shinji a piece of my mind once I find him."

Maya smiled and left the folder with Asuka. She left the young woman to continue her work with the candidates. Asuka mumbled something under her breath before looking back at the monitors. Crystal had managed to bump her sync rate up another two points. That was good. If she kept it up, she'd be able to use the suit or pilot an EVA. But for now the candidates couldn't be used for any sort of action. Well, Grace could since she was a German. But besides that, the other two were still officially part of the UN and technically enemies. But time would tell what would happen.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Yui studied the remains of the 11th angel, Ireul. Computer sciences wasn't her strong point but aspects of the Angel/MAGI were biological so she could do something with it. Also, this Angel was the most similar to the one that had infected Rei. Both were doing similar things, trying to take control of the brain and reprogram it. However, the difference was that Rei was a living breathing human being. She might also be an Angel, but in her opinion that didn't matter. What was strange was that an Angel would attack one of its own.

"How is it?"

Yui looked up and saw her friend leaning against the console.

"Kyo. Well, it's not good. We can try to destroy the virus by using another one but I doubt it'll work. This Angel adapts too quickly."

"They're becoming far more powerful than one would expect," said Kyoko, "I was just checking on Rei."

"How was she?"

"Her condition is worsening. Unless we can figure out some way to combat that thing, I don't think we can save her."

Yui nodded sadly. "I'm not giving up. I'll be damned if I just let my daughter die like that."

"Trust me Yui. We're doing everything we can. We're thinking of using an AT-Field to trap the virus inside of a part of Rei and destroy it from there, but that kind of utilization will require great concentration. I doubt even Shinji could do it in his current condition."

"Rei might if she was conscious," said Yui, "Is there another way?"

"We could try having Shinji use the suit," Kyoko suggested, "We're doing some calculations now."

"Okay. Tell me when they're done."

"Red alert, all hands to battle stations. Angel has been spotted. Repeat, red alert. This is not a drill."

"What now?" said Yui.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Target is approaching fast," Makoto reported, "It looks like it's jumping from place to place."

"Do we have a visual?" Asuka asked.

"Got it," Maya said.

An overhead image from a satellite came online. It showed a creature with four powerful legs that ended in fearsome claws leaping across great distances. The head seemed to be right on the back. Its head had a hood similar to that of a triceratops and had a long face. A massive jaw with powerful teeth was barely visible.

"Mein Gott!" Asuka said, "How big is that thing?"

"The MAGI is calculating," Shigeru responded, "It looks to be, approximately the size of the Angel we faced in China."

"We'll need the EVAs then," she said, "When will they get here?"

"EVAs will arrive in five minutes," Makoto said, "Who should we send out?"

"I'll go," said Asuka, "Where's Shinji? We might need him for this."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Down in the medical wing Shinji heard the alarms. However, he still had something to do. He leaned down against Rei and placed a hand over her core.

"Forgive me for what I must do, Rei."

In a way, Shinji already knew he was committing suicide even trying this. Adam had been growing restless the past week or so and he could feel more energy building up inside of him. He had never trusted Adam and now knew that suspicion was justified.

"If you survive, I hope you finish what I started," he said.

Shinji kissed her on the forehead and brought up his AT-Field. He reversed it and in effect created an anti AT-Field. With it, he drew the Angel that had infected Rei and dragged it out of her body. It tried to fight back but the sheer power Shinji was using defeated whatever efforts it could manage. Seconds later, the Angel ceased to exist. Shinji's right arm started to destabilize but he got control of his AT-Field and managed to keep it from disintegrating. He clutched it with his left arm and almost felt it sink into the flesh. He was running out of time.

"Tell Mom I love her," he whispered in her ear.

With that, Shinji left the room for the command bridge.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"We still can't locate the commander," Makoto said frantically, "The MAGI is unable to ascertain his location. None of the cameras see him."

"Damn it Shinji," Asuka muttered, "This is the worst possible time for this. Toji, I'm going down to the loading bay. Take over tactical for me."

"Yes ma'am."

Asuka ran out of the command center just moments before Shinji walked in, still staggering. Toji saw his friend and ran over to help but Shinji raised an arm, making him stop.

"Don't get any closer," he said, his voice weak.

"What's wrong?"

Shinji took a deep breath and managed to stand up a bit straighter.

"All personnel are to initiate the D Protocol. Toji, organize the evacuation and try to get all the NERV personnel to the American bases."

"What? What are you talking about? What's wrong?"

"No time to explain. That's an order. Move!"

Some vitality had returned to Shinji's voice and Toji couldn't help but nod. His friend had given him an order and he wasn't about to argue with that right now. He got on the intercom and soon NERV personnel were filing out of the installation.

"Aren't you coming?" Toji asked.

"No. Someone has to coordinate the battle. Toji, get Rei out of here."

He nodded and started to go. However, Shinji's voice made him pause.

"Take care of Asuka for me."

Toji was taken by surprise at this and turned around to demand an explanation when the door shut behind him, sealing Shinji inside the command bridge.

"Shit. Shinji, what the hell is going on?"

Toji ran upwards toward the medical wing. He had to get Rei out of here. Whatever was bothering Shinji, it had to be bad if he ordered a full evacuation. He ran down to the medical wing and nearly went past Rei's room. When Toji looked in, he was in for a surprise. Rei was conscious and standing, two nurses behind her nervously waiting for her to speak. Toji walked in and dismissed the two.

"Rei, we have to get out of here."

"Where is Shinji?" she asked.

"He locked himself inside the command bridge. An evacuation has been ordered. C'mon."

"I will come when I am ready."

Rei walked past him and went deeper into NERV.

"Rei, we don't have time for this," Toji insisted, "We have to go."

He followed her down into Terminal Dogma, knowing fully well that he couldn't stop Rei even if he tried. However, the very least he could do was watch over her. The two descended down into a massive hanger. Inside laid the dead carcass of the Angel that they had faced in China.

"Rei, what are you going to do?" Toji asked.

"I will protect my children," Rei answered.

Toji frowned. If he remembered correctly, Rei was actually Lilith, the mother of humanity. She wanted to protect humanity? Well the new NERV had been trying to do that under Shinji's guidance. What else did Rei have to do?

Rei placed a hand on the Angel and it seemed to melt right through it. Both the dead Angel and Rei started to glow. After a few seconds Rei opened her eyes and turned around.

"Let's go," she said.

"What did you do?" Toji asked.

"What I had to."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Shit."

Asuka got on board the EVA and it shot out into the air.

"This is Unit 02," she said, "I see the target."

Suddenly another EVA unit took off.

"What? Shinji?"

"No."

Asuka quickly realized who it was.

"Rachel!"

"Yeah. Don't worry, I'm not about to kill you or something."

"Shinji actually trusted you to pilot an EVA?"

"There was no one else. The other candidates aren't ready."

"Shit."

The two EVAs took flight and soared toward the Angel. It had already made it into the heart of the city. For some reason it just stopped moving and waited for them. Why it did that was soon answered as a powerful energy beam shot out from under Asuka and knocked her EVA off balance.

"Damn it."

Rachel flew in closer and avoided two more blasts before landing on the Angel and driving a prog sword in. However, the Angel grabbed her with one of its claws and threw her away. Asuka had recovered and fired her positron cannon. It struck the Angel's AT-Field and was reflected harmlessly.

"This thing is strong," she said.

"I can't neutralize its AT-Field," Rachel suddenly said over the comm., "It's a lot stronger than any of the other Angels."

"Crap. How do we beat it?"

"Asuka, get out of there!" Toji screamed over the radio.

"What?"

A massive burst of energy exploded under the Angel and disintegrated it. Whatever had been the source of the power was down in headquarters, Asuka knew. They had been fighting right inside the city.

"Shit. What's going on!"

"We don't know," said Toji, "Shinji stayed behind down in NERV headquarters and now we can't contact him."

"Well do something about it!" Asuka screamed.

"Like what? None of our troops can get close to that thing!"

"Damn it," Asuka swore, "Well I'm going in!"

"Asuka you must not."

"Huh? Rei? Why not!"

"Because I no longer sense Shinji down there."

"Then, he's dead?"

"No. I said I no longer sense Shinji. Something else is down there."

Asuka drifted over the massive hole that led down into the Geofront. She looked down but could see nothing.

"There isn't anything down there," she said.

"Believe me," said Rei, "I suggest you land at the American airbase. We need to evacuate now."

"What? But why!"

"Do it," said Toji, "We don't have time to argue."

Asuka was about to point out that she outranked him when suddenly she felt something. Whatever it was, the thing was strong and dangerous. However much she disliked running away, she didn't argue this time and flew to the US base. Once she had gotten out of the EVA, she was in for another shock. There stood Kaji Ryoji, a man that had supposedly died so long ago.

"Kaji? What? How?"

"I'll explain later," Kaji said, "I suggest all of us get out of here though."

"I'm not leaving without Shinji," Asuka said stubbornly.

"Shinji's dead," Kaji stated, "He was dead before that blast that should have leveled the city."

"What? No! Shinji is not dead!"

"Ah but he is."

Everyone spun around and saw 'Shinji' standing outside the base. How his voice had reached them was questionable though.

"Shinji?" Asuka said hopefully.

"No. Shinji Ikari has been dead for the last twenty minutes. I am Adam."

End of Scenario 11

I know, this chapter needs a lot of explanation. Let's just say that Adam has been manipulating everyone including Shinji and is preparing to lay waste to the world.

Z98