Revision #3 11/9/03 Evangelion: Harbinger chapter 1/?



Notes: This is my first Evafic, it is designed to be an alternate take on episodes 24 onwards (I might even go further than the series of the fancy takes me) so yeah there are a few potential spoilers in here but I'm willing to bet that everyone who reads these has already seen the series and movies waaaay to many times for their own good, I know I have ;)

May as well put the disclaimer here as well:

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I do not own the rights to Neon Genesis Evangelion or any of the characters, these are all the property of Hideaki Anno, Studio Gainax or whoever owns them. The following Evafic is my own work and any characters presented have no basis on any persons living or dead etc.

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There, that's that done, one more thing before we get going I wrote this from an English Eva fan's point of view and so had the English dub voice actors / actresses in mind when I wrote their dialogue etc. I realise I may have got some of the Angel numbers wrong but you get the idea..... and before you start attcking me saying "So-and-so-is-OOC-here!" read the bit at the bottom, I think I cover most of the OOC bits in the notes or in the coming episodes.

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Following the suggestions of my pre-readers (Thanks to Crimson Wraith Akodo Tim and Cavalier) the thoughts are now presented as italics without speech marks, I've also changed the second name of the Fifth child as it was hard to pronounce (and spell), for a little more clarity on the issue of the ordering I've done a 'Reservoir Dogs' and shown the ending scene first just to keep with the feel of Ep24, the lakeside scene fits in at the end plot wise. Thanks to Tim and Cavalier for putting up with sorting out my crappy grammar and a few fine details =) Also thanks to Cavalier who sorted a few character issues with Rei.

One final thing- If you want to put this on your website, just ask me first, I won't have a problem with it.

Now, are we sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...

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Eyecard- Episode 24: The Fifth Child





Shinji Ikari stands alone on a beach facing the setting sun. Large chunks of masonry litter the beach, the result of the battle with the Sixteenth Angel and the resulting detonation of Unit 00. Many cicadas can be heard chirping in the background. He slowly clenches and unclenches his hand, a reflex action he has been doing for a long time to escape anxiety. As he stares out over the newly formed lake Shinji's features are cast into deep shadow as he turns and surveys the devastation, lost in thought.



Shinji- I'm alone. There is no one here I can turn to anymore. Touji, Kensuke...



In his mind's eye, he sees the blood soaked claw of Unit 01 crushing Unit 03's entry plug.



Shinji (quietly)- "Touji..."



Shinji's gaze travels over the shimmering water coloured red by the setting sun, silhouetting the partially submerged remains of the centre of Tokyo 3 against the deep orange sky. Shattered skyscrapers at skewed angles mixed with broken telegraph poles jutting up into the skyline. As Shinji continues to ponder his situation, an involuntary twitch passes through his body at the thought of Rei's self sacrifice and the secret behind her origins.



Shinji- Ayanami? No, I wouldn't know where to start or what to say or do, she's even further than she ever was... Was she really that close to me anyway?...



Shinji's face shows no emotion as he remembers his first time alone with Rei when he was asked to deliver her access card. The memory is quickly joined by that of Rei smiling at him from the entry plug of Unit 00 following the climax of operation Yashima.



Shinji- I haven't seen Misato for days... I'm not surprised.... I don't blame her.



Shinji pauses as a light fitting from one of the broken traffic signals breaks away and falls into the lake leaving expanding circles in the otherwise calm surface.



Shinji- There is nothing left for me here either... Asuka.... Misato...



Shinji stands and watches the ripples as they spread and disappear. The sun has noticeably dropped in the sky. Shinji looks down to his feet for a moment, when he looks up again a troubled expression crosses his face.



Shinji- Father...



Shinji begins to turn and leave the beach when he seems to notice something, he raises his head slightly as he hears another voice that is softly humming a slow slightly sad song.



(Author's note- I had Samuel Barber's Adagio for strings in mind for this)



Voice- "...One of my favourite pieces, makes you think doesn't it?"



The voice is a male voice and speaks perfect Japanese however his accent is strange to Shinji, the owner is obviously not native Japanese. Shinji turns to face the source of the voice. A dark haired boy is standing on the beach a few metres from Shinji leaning against what remains of a small wall. He wears a knee length black jacket over his black shirt and trousers. Despite the heat of the Tokyo 3 evening; he does not appear to be uncomfortable. A gust of wind blows in from the lake, causing both his and Shinji's hair and clothing to move out of place. The boy, still not facing Shinji, laughs slightly before continuing.



Boy- "Don't you think so... Shinji Ikari?"



Shinji visibly straightens at the mention of his name. The strange boy turns to face Shinji; he has a plain face devoid of any noticeable markings or blemishes. His pale grey eyes are deep set and half in shadow from the rapidly setting sun. Shinji is unable to hide his surprise and stammers as he addresses the boy.



Shinji- "H-how do you know my name?"



Shinji's question seems to amuse the boy who grins slightly before responding.



Boy- "I think everyone here knows your name; do you really not know that some here consider you to be a hero?"



Shinji- "They do?... And you are...?"



Boy- "Marek, Marek Locke. I am the Fifth Child, designated pilot of Evangelion Unit 05... pleased to make your acquaintance."



At this point the Fifth child smiles proudly and offers his hand. It takes Shinji a while to catch on to this unfamiliar custom and shake his hand. Shinji however is noticeably shaken by the new arrival's revelation and the implications it could have.



Shinji- "You're the Fifth child?! Unit 05?!"



Marek- "Yes, to tell you the truth I'm surprised you weren't made aware of it sooner"



Shinji is silent, knowing the reason why he wasn't 'made aware'. Unwittingly his thoughts move to his father sitting in his large cold office with his hands crossed in front of his face, his train of thought is interrupted as the Fifth child speaks again.



Marek- "It's getting late, I should be getting back. I have harmonics tests in the morning, coming?"



Caption- 9am the same day



Asuka Langley Sohryu sits naked in a bathtub half filled with rust coloured water inside a ruined building surrounded by broken masonry. She tilts her head up and stares vacantly at the sky, she closes her eyes and is faced with the familiar sight of a feminine figure in a long hospital gown gently swaying from the ceiling like a marionette as a young Asuka watches, a look of absolute joy on her face. As she opens her eyes a small shiver runs down her body causing the dull water to stir sending small ripples out to the edges and back again. When she speaks her voice is no more than a broken whisper.



Asuka- "That's it... no more being the Second Child... Synch ratio zero... It can't get any worse than this... there's nothing here that makes me 'me' anymore..."



Asuka's mind is assaulted by another memory, causing her to curl up into a fetal position, in her minds eye the head of Unit 02 is sliced away by the flexible blades of the Fourteenth Angel. Breathing heavily as she recovers from this vision cold realisation washes over her as she speaks to herself in a quiet voice.



Asuka- "It's happening again... I'm nothing... There's nobody left who cares... just like mother..."



Asuka cringes again as her mind is assaulted with a very fast sequence of images of her personal failures, her mother, her upended Eva following the first defeat with Izrafel, The beam of light from the Fifteenth Angel raping her mind; Her unit's dismemberment at the hands of the Fourteenth Angel; Her inability to move her Eva as the Sixteenth Angel attacked Unit 00 and finally the face of Shinji Ikari...



Asuka- Shinji...

(Flashback)Shinji- "I mustn't run away!"



Asuka's eyes open a little wider at this thought. A few seconds later, the sound of a door being violently kicked in is heard; a shaft of light pours onto Asuka as a large silhouetted man says:



Man- "Are you Asuka Langely Sohryu?"









Misato cradles her phone to her ear with her shoulder attempting to keep her eyes on the road and her hands on the wheel of her blue sports car; she drives in this uncomfortable position for a short time before breaking hard at whatever was said sending the phone flying into the dashboard. After retrieving the phone from it's final resting place by her feet she continues to listen to the news from the other end.



Misato- "They WHAT!?... WHEN!?... OK, I'm on my way as we speak... Thanks Hyuga"



She snaps her small phone closed, leans back in her seat and looks out of her window, a thoughtful but worried expression on her face.



Misato- So, Section Two has finally found Asuka... of course they seemed to lose her very easily...







In NERV headquarters, the two bridge technicians Hyuga and Aoba are enjoying a morning coffee as Misato ascends the lift and approaches Hyuga, who swivels in his chair to face the Major. Before continuing he looks over her shoulder at the command dais, neither Commander Ikari or Sub-Commander Fuyutski are present, Hyuga allows himself to breathe a little easier as he addresses the Major with a dry smile as Misato cannot help but look a little guilty.



Hyuga- "I was wondering when you'd get here"



Misato- "Sorry, I woke up a little late today"



Formalities concluded Hyuga gets straight to the point while neither of the command staff are present.



Hyuga- "Anyway, as I said on the phone, Section Two have taken Asuka into custody as of 9:22 this morning."



Upon hearing this news repeated a sceptical look crosses her face as her feelings surrounding the situation are voiced, her normal light voice filled with suspicion.



Misato- "Yeah, funny how it took our 'elite security division' so long to find her..."



Aoba turns from his console to add his two pence to the conversation; he has two cans of instant coffee in his hands one half empty, the other freshly opened; as if anticipating the Major's wishes he hands the fresh one to Misato, who accepts it gladly.



Aoba- "They could be trying to make things hard for us. However, this wouldn't be the first time one of the pilots evaded them for a number of days..."



A fleeting look of pride crosses Misato's face at the praise for the children she has started to think of as the family she never had; it is quickly erased as Hyuga continues.



Hyuga- "That's true, but Shinji went into the hills, he didn't just stay in Tokyo 3..."



Before replying, Misato takes a long pull from the canned coffee.



Misato- "You're right Hyuga, I think they're going to make things difficult for us from now on..."



Aoba- "The question is- what do they have to gain by doing so?"



As he says this Misato's eyes turn to face him as she lowers her can, she replies with a degree of acidity in her voice



Misato- "Only one, maybe two men know the answer to that..."



Unknown to Misato one of the implicated men is rising into the command centre from the small access lift behind her, an odd smile crossing his face as he sees the three talking.



Fuyutski- "Ah, good morning Major Katsuragi, commander Ikari 'requests your presence'"



The older man smirks slightly as he finishes his sentence, partially at the sight of seeing Misato physically jump slightly at the sound of his voice. Misato's cheeks redden slightly as she turns to face the older man.



Misato- "At once sir"



Misato leaves by a bulkhead towards the rear of Terminal Dogma; She walks briskly down one of the many pristine white, well lit corridors in NERV HQ. She pauses for a moment at a junction getting her bearings before continuing towards the Commander's office the grim expression on her face is indicative of her inner turmoil.



Misato- That's it, Asuka's finished. Commander Ikari will probably mothball Unit 02 or send it back to Germany. After all, what's the use of a pilot that can't synchronise with her Eva?... or they could replace her...









Misato's expression is one of shock as she realises what she just caught herself thinking. Clearing her head she realises that she has stopped outside the office of Commander Gendo Ikari. She takes a deep breath before entering the massive office. Misato cannot help looking casually at the detailed lines and inscriptions of the Cabalistic Tree Of Life etched out on the office floor. She stops at the Commander's long dark marble desk; Gendo is seated there, his gloved hands steepled in front of his face, the strong blue light from the screen dominating the rear wall illuminating him from behind.



Misato- "You wanted to see me, sir?"



Gendo- "Yes Major, I wanted to talk to you about the Second child and our new arrival."



Misato- This is it, they're replacing Asuka so soon...



Gendo- "I'm sure you understand that it is not acceptable to have an Eva that cannot be used..."



Misato mentally steadies herself as she waits for what she knows the Commander is about to say.



Gendo- "That is why I want you to go to the airport and pick up the Fifth Child"



Misato felt tears welling up inside her as the Commander continued to vocalise what had been her own thoughts only moments ago, confirming her fears.



Gendo- "I'm sure you understand, Major, that in her current condition that the Second cannot possibly pilot her Eva; She will be placed on an accelerated training course to compensate for her 'injuries'. She'll learn everything over again. Unit 05 will be arriving under British Naval escort in the morning."



A broad spectrum of emotions flashed through the young woman as the implications of the Commander's words sunk in, after sequencing through relief, shock and suspicion she finally settled on surprise



Misato- "What!? You mean that there's a-"



Before she can finish she is interrupted by the Commander



Gendo- "That will be all, Major. His flight lands at 1500 hours; here is everything you will need. Arrangements have been made for the new EVA; your concern for now is with the Child"



Gendo slides a file across his desk which Misato picks up; the NERV logo and the words 'For your eyes only' can be seen on the front.



Misato- "Yes sir!"



After Misato salutes and leaves, Sub-Commander Fuyutski enters through a second door at the side of the office.



Fuyutski- "If I didn't know better, I would say you were toying with her."



Gendo looks up at his old friend, who is wearing an unreadable expression.



Fuyutski- "So, you intend to go ahead with the acquisition of the fifth Unit?"



Gendo- "Of course, it is in our interests to do so."



Fuyutski- "SEELE won't like this Ikari..."



Gendo- "Maybe, but the situation with the Second Child has given us a convenient excuse to acquire Unit 05 and its pilot with the minimum of 'interference'."









Misato's car sits in one of the facilities car trains ascending to the surface. Misato sits with the file open on her lap skim reading through the relevant details.



Misato- Marek Locke, age 15, designated Fifth child according to the Marduk report,... born to a military family... hmmmmm, His father is a ranking officer in the British Armed forces, classified 'Black-10'... hmm, his mother's data has been erased?... Not much to go on besides that though, he got bounced around military schools since he was born and ended up as England's 'contribution' to the E-project...



Her train of thought brings her to the subject of the Second child. Just as the doors to the car train open, allowing her to drive out and head for home, her thoughts however are still on the Second child, replaying the words of commander Ikari in her head.



(Flashback)Gendo- "... She will be placed on an accelerated training course to compensate for her 'injuries'."





Misato- Asuka, you have no idea how lucky you are...





With this Misato makes a decision and turns her car around...









Far away the process of repopulating the blasted city has begun, repair work has been started and temporary shelters set up for people made homeless. Amidst all this two friends are reunited as a packed train pulls into the already crowded station.



Touji- "feels good to be back doesn't it?"



Touji, recovering in a wheelchair after his experiences inside Unit 03, looks up at his companion.



Kensuke- "Yeah, it still feels... odd though, as if something's missing. I thought you'd be out of your chair by now..."



Touji is silent for a while before speaking on the uncomfortable subject





Touji- "yeah, the doctors say it'll only be for a few days while my body adjusts to the prosthetics, I'm due to go down to see them soon anyway..."



His voice trails off as the two boys make their way out of the train station.









At the apartment of Misato Katsuragi, another reunion is taking place. Shinji Ikari's relative peace is shattered as someone knocks sharply on the door, Shinji dosen't respond for a while, lost in his own thoughts. he is brought back to reality by a second knock and half runs to answer the door.



Shinji- "Coming!"



As Shinji reaches his destination he takes a second to regain his composure before opening the door, the person behind the door gives him a shock and brings back some memories he'd rather leave buried...



Rei- "May I come in..."



Unsure of how to respond Shinji weakly nodds and Rei walks into the apartment and closes the door behind her. She now stands a foot or so from Shinji's face, however he finds himself unable to meet Rei's crimson eyes and his gaze falls to the floor.



Rei- "You appear troubled Pilot Ikari"



Shinji however remains silent, not knowing where to begin...



Rei- "I have been instructed by Major Katsuragi to inform you that Pilot Sohryu has been located and is currently undergoing treatment in the medical facilities '1st Cranial Nerve'"



Shinji still cannot find the strength to speak to Rei, every time he tries to raise his eyes he is assaulted by the memory of the destruction of Unit 00 and the dissolution of the dummy system. Shinji cringes. Rei notices this and lowers her head seeming to know what bothers him, she voices this in a tone softer than her usually quiet voice.



Rei- "Does my presence here make you… uncomfortable?"



Shinji, in spite of the truth in her words, is unable to formulate an appropriate response



Rei- "You look troubled."



As Rei continues to inquire into his wellbeing Shinji cannot help but remember the warm smile she gave him in the entry plug of Unit 00, as the tide of conflicting emotions washes over Shinji; the young man doesn't know how to deal with this situation. Speaking in a rough disturbed voice he finally finds the strength to speak to Rei



Shinji- "Please, Ayanami... just... Please leave..."



Shinji lowers his head further as Rei silently opens the door and leaves closing the door behind her. Standing outside facing the door to Misato's apartment, a flash of discomfort crosses Rei's face as she turns and leaves. Inside Misato's apartment Shinji is still standing with his head lowered, he leans against the wall with his head back and slowly slides to the ground curling up against the wall, finally his shoulders start to shake as the events of the previous week catch up with him.



Eyecard: A new arrival



With a determined expression across her otherwise pretty features Misato Katsuragi walks with determination towards the base's secure hospital ward named the '1st Cranial Nerve'. Her heels making sharp reverberating sounds down the long white hallway, lit from the one glazed side by the midday sun



Misato- Someone's gotta tell her...







After opening the door, Misato is greeted with a personally disturbing sight: Asuka is lying in a hospital bed, her face pale, cheeks sunken giving her a gaunt appearance and her eyes looking vacantly across the room. The eyes disturb Misato the most, they look dead, unfeeling, the once lively blue eyes are glazed over and unresponsive. Misato finds it difficult to look at her but after a few attempts she finally manages to speak; her voice careful and quiet.



Misato- "Asuka?..."



There seems to be no response to the woman's words. Misato looks worried as she starts to get up when Asuka, her head not moving seems to try to say something, her lips moving slightly, silently trying to answer her guardian.



Asuka- "..."



Misato moves slightly closer to the deathly still girl,



Misato- "Asuka?"



Asuka's lips move again but her answer still cannot be heard,



Asuka- "..."



Misato pulls her chair right up to Asuka's bed, pushing her hair behind her head she leans towards her charge before speaking again in a low voice



Misato- "Asuka, it's me. How do you feel?"



Even though she is only centimetres away Asuka's response is still very quiet, nearly inaudible.



Asuka- "It's all over Misato... I'm not the Second child anymore"



The way Asuka says this causes Misato to flinch slightly, the absolute sorrow in her voice cutting deeply into her as she remembers how she used to scream at herself and Shinji for the smallest things. She forces a smile in spite of her own feelings.



Misato- "That's not true Asuka, one of the reasons I'm here is to tell you that you have been reinstated at first level training, you'll be able to start over."



There is no joy in Misato's words, however, as the sight of the once proud pilot reduced to nearly nothing. In response Asuka's eyes seem to open a little wider, her voice comes as a quiet, depressed monotone.



Asuka- "No..."



Misato is surprised not only at the girls words but at how finally she spoke them, she is unable to speak as Asuka continues.



Asuka- "Why? The Eva won't move... synch ratio zero..."



Misato has no answer for this as she stands briskly, an angry look on her face her voice raised as she stares at the girl.



Misato- "Shinji running away from something is one thing but you're doing something far, far worse!" (her voice quietens) "You're running away before you even try..."



It is at this point that Misato's pocket organiser sounds loudly. Misato realises the time; loudly cursing....



Misato- "Oh shit!! I'm sorry Asuka... I've got to..."



Giving Asuka a final glance, she half runs out of the ward, her organiser bleeping at 13:45, leaving Asuka to contemplate her situation. A series of random images run through her head as her past comes back to haunt her.



(Flashback)Shinji- "I mustn't run away!"



(Flashback)Asuka- "What an IDIOT!"



(Flashback)Kaji- "What a disappointment! I was hoping to see the great Asuka Sohryu in action"



(Flashback)Asuka- "A fight should be clean and elegant, without waste"



(Flashback)Asuka- "Hey Shinji, do you want to kiss me?"



(Flashback)Shinji- "Why don't you listen to me? Kaji is DEAD!"



(Flashback)Kaji- "I've heard the Third child is a boy..."



(Flashback)Asuka- "You should appreciate your good fortune Third child"



(Flashback)Misato- "That stuff's not for kids"



(Flashback)Asuka- "You're pathetic"



Lying silently in her hospital bed a tear rolls slowly down one cheek...





Far above the Pacific Ocean a young man sits by the window of a packed commercial flight, a small package of in-flight food sits unopened in front of him, his face is reflected briefly in the window as he turns to regard his fellow passengers, he has deep eye sockets containing pale grey eyes, set against his pale skin he appears ghostly as he looks across the rows of people. Somewhere on the aircraft a child begins to cry as the 'fasten seatbelt' signs illuminate above the small seats.



Announcer- "This flight will be landing in Tokyo 3 international airport in approximately one hour please ensure that your seatbelts remain fastened and any electrical devices are switched off, thank you."



Marek- "At last"









Misato wrestles with the controls of her car as she drives recklessly, trying to make up for lost time on her way to the airport to pick up the so called Fifth Child. As she sees the large three layered parking structure come into view she grits her teeth and enters at full speed, expertly sliding her car into a vacant spot with a screech of tires leaving four trails of rubber along the pale concrete surface. Not bothering to pay for her parking she runs towards an elevator to the arrivals lounge. She arrives in the arrivals lounge at the centre of a large crowd of people, she stops in front of a pillar mounting a computerised display showing flight numbers, times and status, as her eyes scan the data she mumbles slightly to herself.



Misato- "Right! flight 642/C from London to Tokyo 3, that's it, gate number........ 12" Her eyes continue along the board until she gets to the flight status screen. "NO WAY!!, delayed by 20 minutes!"



Misato silently curses as she wanders off for a coffee, her face a mask of anger.









In the simulated conference chamber that is nowhere and everywhere, Gendo Ikari is partaking in what could be described as a 'stressful meeting'. Gendo stands in a circle of light surrounded by twelve black obelisks bearing the words SEELE followed by a number and SOUND ONLY. the expression on his face suggests that this is not the first time he has stood before this particular council. The obelisks are silent for a short time before a low authoritative male voice comes out of the darkness in the rough direction of one of the obelisks.





SEELE01- "Ikari! We see that you have taken it upon yourself to take possession of Evangelion Unit 05 and its pilot"



Gendo adjusts his glasses before speaking, his voice remaining measured and calm



Gendo- "How can NERV be expected to carry out your 'scenario' if you don't give us the resources and manpower to do so..."



SEELE06- "Your reasoning is sound, However it was YOU who rejected our suggestion for the Fifth Child"



SEELE11- "Yes and by doing so you may have set more things in motion than you know Ikari"



SEELE05- "Not to mention the associated delays to the projected scenario"



Gendo- "Our selection methods for the Fifth were the same as we have always used, and with Unit 02 unusable and Unit 00 still undergoing repair-"



SEELE02- "Silence! Your words will do little to change the impact of your actions"



SEELE01- "You're presence is no longer required at this meeting, see that you do not disappoint us again"



With Kihl's final words Gendo's form vanishes from the centre spot which grows dark leaving the members of SEELE to debate their situation.



SEELE08- "Ikari may have upset everything"



SEELE05- "Nor is he telling us the full truth about the Evas"



SEELE04- "He is aware of more than we give him credit for"



SEELE12- "Is it foreseeable that he could become a threat?"



SEELE07- "It is certainly foreseeable but not currently so"



SEELE01- "Then we will leave him for now, he may still be of use to us before the end"



SEELE02- "It appears we will have to acquire Nerv by... different means"



At this point all the obelisks fade from view leaving the room dark. Gendo returns to his office looking slightly troubled, he is joined moments later by his old colleague.



Fuyutski- "I take it the meeting went well?"



Gendo- "As well as can be expected. We may have even less time than we previously thought, the Old Men aren't pleased with the acquisition of the Fifth"







Shinji Ikari is standing outside the door to the '1st Cranial Nerve'. A momentary look of foreboding and fear crosses his face. An old mantra runs through his mind, his hand clenching into a fist as he repeats it:



Shinji- I mustn't run away



He sighs deeply and pushes the door open. The sight of Asuka looking so frail and defeated sucks the air from Shinji's lungs. As he walks slowly over to her bed he can see that she's in a deep sleep, Shinji cannot help remembering the sweet look on her face as she dropped down next to him on the futon.



(Flashback)Asuka- "Mama..."



Asuka stirs in her sleep, muttering softly. Shinji turns to leave, his hand on the door when he hears an unfamiliar voice behind him



Voice- "Shinji..."



Hearing his name he turns and is shocked to find out that the meek, frail voice had come from Asuka. Shinji cannot hide his relief at seeing the girl speak, his eyes glazing as he sees her respond to him.



Shinji- "You're...You're... OK!"



Asuka replies, her voice faint



Asuka- "Not quite..."



Shinji- "What do you mean?"



Shinji is deeply disturbed to see Asuka shaking slightly as she responds, her quiet voice filled with what sounds like fear. It sounds strange to hear coming from the girl who had rarely showed any signs of fear or self doubt



Asuka- "They're going to put me back Shinji"



Shinji- "Back where?"



Asuka- "You're still slow Ikari... They're going to retrain me with Unit 02"



Shinji- "But... That's what you want?... Isn't it?"



It is now that Shinji is alarmed to notice tears streaming down Asuka's face



Asuka- "I'm scared Shinji..."









Back in the airport, flight number 642/C has just landed and Misato is looking for her charge.



Misato- Don't know why they stuck him on a commercial flight, why not just stick him on the boat with the Eva?



She spots her target, a boy with dark hair and black clothing carrying a small olive green bag, upon seeing him she raises her arm and shouts over to him



Misato- "Hey! Marek!"



The boy turns around at the mention of his name to see Misato beaming at him, her voice heavily laden with sugar.



Misato- "Welcome to Japan!"



Although she doesn't show it Misato is surprised that he can speak fluent Japanese



Marek- "Good morning, you must be Major Katsuragi..."



Misato- Hmph, I didn't expect that, it's not in the report!



Her voice returns to it's normal pitch and tone as she enquires about his flight



Misato- "That's right, did you have a good flight?...uhhh morning?"



Marek- "As well as could be expected. Morning?... Damn!"



At his realisation that he is now on Japanese time he reaches to his wrist and sets his watch forward nine hours.



Misato- "Well, do you have anything to collect from luggage?"



Marek- "Just one bag, the rest will be brought over tomorrow"



Misato- "Lets go get it and get something to eat"



Marek- "If it's all the same to you I'd like to report to headquarters first."



Misato- "Well, I could get a takeout later"



The Major snorts slightly and adds a comment under her breath



Misato- "Straight to headquarters? He's nearly as bad as Rei"



Marek- "I'm sorry?"



Misato- "Nothing! Lets go..."



Misato and Marek sit in the front seats of Misato's car in silence, Marek stares out of the window, a small olive coloured bag on his lap while Misato attempts some conversation.



Misato- "So, how come you can speak Japanese so well?"



Marek- "Since I joined the Project I was led to believe that I would end up here, so they saw fit to teach me the language"



More silence as the car continues down a quiet road



Misato- "I hear your attache will be arriving with Unit 05, am I right"



The Fifth Child's expression changes slightly at the mention of his attache. Misato glances to her side, noticing this but saying nothing.



Marek- "Yes..."



Noticing the boy's obvious discomfort she puts more effort into changing the subject.



Misato- "I hear that NERV haven't assigned you any lodgings yet"



Marek- "Not as yet, I hope to clear that up when I get to HQ"



Misato- "No need for that, you can stay at my place tonight" God knows the place still feels empty... "Plus it'll give you a chance to maybe meet one of the other pilots..."



At the mention of the other pilots, Marek becomes attentive again; turning towards Misato his grey eyes opening slightly further.



Marek- "Really? Which one?"



Misato- "The Third child... Shinji Ikari"



Marek- "What about the other three?"



Misato winces at the mention of the other pilots, her mind is treated to a short sequence of flashbacks: The dummy system, The destruction of Unit 03, Asuka in hospital. As Misato clears her head and grips the wheel a little tighter she looks relieved to see the entrance to the Geofront's cartrain up ahead; it's a good excuse to avoid the question.



Misato- "We're almost there..."



Marek takes the hint and resumes his previous pastime of looking out of the window as the cartrain begins it's descent into the Geofront.





Touji and Kensuke casually walk, or in Touji's case wheel, through the remains of Tokyo 3's central shopping district. Some shop owners scrounge through the remains of there stores attempting to reopen. As the boys turn a corner they come to a hastily erected barrier surrounding the recently formed lake.



Touji- "This is ridiculous! It'll take hours to get to the other side of town now"



Kensuke- "Don't know why you'd want to go over there anyway... could it be there's a certain someone you want to see..."



Kensuke broadly grins at this and watches Touji squirm...



Touji- "It's not that!... it's just... Ah can it Kensuke!"



Kensuke (teasing)- "Ahhh... young lovers reunited after so long... absence really does make the heart grow fonder..."



At the mention of Hikari the class rep. Touji glows a strong shade of red before retaliating angrily



Touji- "Kensuke!!"



The other boy continues to grin and politely changes the subject



Kensuke- "well... how about we call it a day, it's nearly 5 o clock. Anyway I hear there's some sort of British envoy arriving at the docks tomorrow,... might be worth checking out"



Touji- "Yeah so? Anyway, how do you know?"



Kensuke adjusts his glasses in an almost modest way



Kensuke- "My father keeps his computer surprisingly defenceless..."



Silence descends over the two boys as they turn away from the barrier and leave.









Meanwhile at Nerv HQ, Sub-Commander Fuyutski welcomes the new arrival to headquarters. the professor, Misato and Marek are standing in a large office with a window overlooking the Eva repair cage where the remains of Unit 00 are being painstakingly brought back to operational status at the insistance of Commander Ikari. Most of the organic regeneration is complete wrapped in bandages, the tiny forms of the repair teams can be seen securing the blue and white armour plates to the enormous body.



Fuyutski- "Hello again pilot Locke, I spoke with your father before you arrived, welcome to Tokyo 3."



Misato is surprised by the change that has come over the boy since they entered HQ, he now stands at attention, head high and chest out, as Fuyutski finishes he snaps a salute which seems to trouble the old man



Marek- "Thank you sir!"



Fuyutski- "At ease pilot, we're not a full military outfit here"



Marek stands at ease, hands behind his back, still facing forward



Fuyutski- "Good, now it is my understanding that your attache will be arriving tomorrow along with Unit 05."



Marek- "Yes sir! That is correct"



The pilot's militaristic manner is obviously starting to annoy the professor who shifts his weight and sighs slightly.



Fuyutski- "And it is my understanding that you have no lodgings for tonight?"



Marek- "Sir, I have spoken with Major Katsuragi; arrangements have already been made"



Fuyutski- "I see, and what might they be , Major?"



Misato- "He'll be staying the night with myself and Shinji."



Fuyutski- "I don't see any problems with this temporary arrangement, I take it that there's no problems with this?"



Misato however is still contemplating the change that has come over the previously withdrawn boy, the sound of Fuyutski's voice startles her for the second time that day.



Misato- "What? Oh yes, no problem!"



Fuyutski- "If that's all arranged I can't see any reason to keep you here. Here are the things you will need for the tests tomorrow."



Fuyutski hands the boy a small transparent bag containing a black plugsuit, his access card, and a small operations manual



Marek- "Thank you sir!"



For some time after the professor has finished, the boy still stands at ease, staring forward as Misato turns to leave, the boy still stands there, much to the annoyance of the Sub-commander who sighs more obviously.



Fuyutski- "dismissed"









The boy stands to attention, salutes stiffly and follows Misato. The pair walk down another of NERVs pristine corridors.





Misato- Jesus, this guy is more tightly wound than anyone else here... buuut, who can blame him? the military lifestyle's probably all he's ever known...



Marek- "Major?"



Upon hearing the young man speak Misato turns slightly acknowledging him with a light tone



Misato- "Yeah?"



The boy looks a little crestfallen as he continues his apology



Marek- "I apologise for today at the airport. I did not show proper respect to your rank. However, if I may offer an explanation, I was instructed by the commander of the Project in England to maintain a civilian profile whilst in public. I'm sorry Ma'am, I thought you would have been informed."



Misato- "Listen, while you're here you won't have to bother with any ranks or titles; at least with me, they're just for show really, NERV is completely independent of any Military organisations so just call me Misato. If there's anyone you're not sure about, just ask! We won't bite!"



Deciding not to tell the boy about the one person who may object to this light hearted approach she turns and grins at the boy causing him to blush and shift his weight uneasily.



Marek- "Thank you Ma'- ... Misato"



Misato- "See, you've got it!"









Back in Misato's apartment, Shinji is still on the floor by the door. As if dragged by some unseen hand he stands and walks out of the apartment closing the door behind him. As the door closes, on the floor where he was sitting, Shinji's SDAT tape player is slowly counting over a track number, a moment later, the begining of a soft string piece can be heard, distorted and tinny through the small earphones.



(Authors's note- Adagio for Strings again here)



Shinji walks slowly down a street he has walked down many times before, his head down lost in thought. He comes to a stop at the edge of the enormous lake, created by the destruction of Unit 00 and watches the sun go down.



A sound of a key moving in a lock disturbs the silence of Misato's apartment, the door swings open to allow Misato to enter, followed by a nervous Marek, as she walks down the hall Misato calls out for her roommate.



Misato- "Shinji?"



Misato- "Shinji? Are you there?"



Misato- He's not here...I hope he's alright.



Misato- "Shinji isn't here, come on in..."



Misato and Marek walk into the apartment, on his way in Marek nearly steps on something, looking down he sees Shinji's SDAT unit slowly playing to itself in the middle of a track. He picks up and studies it briefly.



Marek- "uhhhh, Misato?"



Misato turns and her eyes widen slightly at what Marek is holding. She slowly takes it from him with both hands and switches it off, placing it carefully on a work top.



Misato- Shinji's tape player...



Misato suddenly remembers her guest and shakes herself from her thoughts sound more energetic than she needs to.



Misato- "Sooo, are you hungry Marek? I know they must have fed you on the plane but it can't be as good as a home cooked meal!"



Marek- "Actually Maj- Misato, I'm not hungry, I'd rather take a look around Tokyo 3 before tomorrow. I think I'll be doing tests all day... I'd like to see the city..."



Misato- "Oh... sure, I guess" There's not much left though "you mind if I don't join you? I've had a long day..."



Marek- "Of course not, I understand. I have a map so I should be able to get back"



Misato- "one more thing..."



Misato throws Marek a small key. He misses it and has to retrieve it from the floor.



Marek- "Thanks, see you later...."



After Marek leaves Misato seems to relax a little and leans back in her chair, a relaxed but exhausted expression on her face as she muses to herself.



Misato- "Odd boy..."



Misato closes her eyes for a moment, a feeling of loneliness washing over her.



Misato- Alone again...



As the sunlight begins to fade Marek walks along the cracked paving slabs of what was once a busy street, the remains of housing blocks and shops line one side of the street. He turns his head sharply as he catches a blue haired figure out of the corner of his eye, after seeing nothing there he continues down towards the recently created lake where he sees a lone figure standing.



Far out to sea, silhouetted against the orange sky is a large military ship; in the half light, the words 'HMS Omega' can be seen on the prow. Standing in front of it's large tarpaulin covered cargo a man looks out over the sea, his features are obscured by shadow but he wears the dark blue uniform of The Royal Navy.



Man- "How long?"



Crewman- "We should arrive by morning sir."



Man- "Good"



========Fly me to the moon=========





Misato- "Asuka's condition has driven Shinji to new levels of despair. Combined with his confusion over the arrival of the Fifth child and how it may be related to Asuka's future as a pilot he runs away again- just before the Seventeenth Angel makes its presence known! it's up to an inexperienced Marek and a debilitated Asuka to fight it off... Of course! I'll be giving more fan service..."



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Thank you for reading my little Fanfic, this is intended as the first in a series, while not quite what I originally had in mind I tried to remain as faithful to the original series format as possible, you may notice a few similarities between this and the original episode 24 ;) I had to chop it around a bit to include the arrival of the fifth child whilst having the same impact that Kaourou has but 'introducing him' as a character later on. I also tried to create a situation where Asuka could be 'brought back in' without going too far OOC.

This fanfic had the sole intention of getting a number of character issues out of the way presented in episode 24 that it wouldn't be possible to continue the series with otherwise I hope I haven't done this too drastically. As for the new character (and anything else really, but especially the new character) Constructive criticism, complaints, praise, suggestions etc. is very welcome, I need as much development feedback as I can for this one (I'm new to this entirely).

Thanks again, could any comments or anything be sent to robblindsay@hotmail.com with the subject 'EVAFIC' (I can't stress this enough, it helps me filter useful mail from the spam).





Thanks- Rob