I'm sorry for this delay in the updates… I've been busy, and on top of that my computer's been giving me trouble.

Anyway, there are a few things I'd like to comment on before getting on with this chapter. Firstly, I would like to respond to a few reviews.

"Uhh, this story is mediocre at best. Rather amateur-ish, sorry to say. Can't offer much of a review except check out w.evafics.org and www.darkscribes.org and maybe get some writing pointers from the stories posted there. Just remember to maintain your own style." - Dao

I would have like to respond to that earlier, but Dao, being as generous as he is, did not leave an E-mail address. Frankly, I am aware of the quality of my fic in comparison to other stories, and yes, I am also a regular patron of DS. Now listen to me, I am not trying to compete with anyone. This is meant to be a lighthearted fun to read story, not something that I'm trying to win an award with. If you don't like it, I really am not forcing you to read it. Perhaps you might enlighten me with some of your own work so that I can validate your obvious superiority? *Sarcasm*

On a lighter note, I'd like to thank all of my other reviewers, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a review from the master Otaku D-Man. Really, you are too kind.

And now, on with the story!

-Chapter 26-

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The Evangelions.

Humanity's ultimate weapons and the only defence against the onslaught of the Angels.

Units 00, 01 and 02 stealthily made their way around the battle ready Tokyo 3. The streets were eerily devoid of all sound, save for the low thump of the occasional gigantic footstep.

The reports of the Angel had come in on short notice, as the holy messenger had somehow slipped passed the observation centres and had made it's way in to the great city. The three Evangelions had been deployed in order to meet this new threat.

The angel did not look threatening. Although quite big in size, the three pilots had seen bigger ones. The large black and white-striped sphere glided at a snail's pace amongst the city's rooftops. It seemed un-aware of the three bionic mechas as they began to surround it from all sides, concealed buy the jungle of concrete and glass.

"This is unit 01" Shinji's voice echoed through the comm. "I'm in position." He paused for a moment. "I have a clear shot of the Angel."

"Do not engage it yet Shinji." Misato spoke in reply, "wait for the others to get in to their positions."

He fell silent and waited, but very uncharacteristically of himself; he found his patience wavering.

"Asuka, Rei, are you in your positions yet?"

"Not yet." The first child stated.

"Shinji…" Asuka sighed. "You know an Eva can't move that fast."

Turning back to the main view screen, Shinji began to flex his fist as he intensified his glare. He had a clear shot; he didn't want to miss this opportunity.

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*FLASHBACK*

Shinji had just received the news that he had surpassed Asuka's sync ratio.

"Well done Shinji. I knew you could do it!" The German girl said calmly.

The boy was taken aback with this. "Aren't you angry?"

"Why would I be?" Asuka said light heartedly. "Besides, a girl expects her boyfriend to be able to protect her when the time comes!"

*END FLASHBACK*

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Suddenly full of resolve, Shinji decided to strike while the opportunity still presented itself.

Willing his Eva from behind the cover of the skyscraper that was concealing it, he unloaded three high velocity shells at the Angel. Everyone gasped when the Angel vanished from sight mere meters before it was hit.

"AT Field detected!" Makoto shouted over the line. "Patter Blue! It's right underneath Unit 01!

"What?!" Shinji looked down in fright as a dark shadow enveloped him from below. "W-What is this? A shadow?!" He started firing at the dark circle, but it didn't slow it down as it consumed him.

"Shinji MOVE!" Misato yelled at him. "Get out of there now!"

Unfortunately her plea fell on death ears.

"Rei, Asuka - Rescue Unit 01, now!"

Unit 02 sprinted towards the Angel; where-as Unit 00 opened fire with the Sniper Rifle.

"It's no use!" Rei exclaimed.

By this time Unit 01 was almost fully submerged in the shadow.

"Misato! ASU-" The transmission was cut as the tip of its horn, the last part to remain visible to the outside world, was taken in to the Angel.

"NO! Shinji!" Asuka increased the pace of her run in order to get to him faster.

"Asuka, watch the Shadow!" Misato's voice brought her back to reality.

When the red haired pilot looked down she saw that streets were starting to succumb to the same darkness that had consumed Shinji.

Jumping aside, Unit 02 managed to escape the clutches of the Angel by tearing through a side street.

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*NERV Control Room*

"Rei, keep your distance from the target!" Misato shouted as the feed from Unit 00 appeared on the screen.

None of the techs noticed as Commander Ikari silently made his way on to the bridge.

"Major Katsuragi, I believe a tactical retreat is in order."

She turned to look at him. "Sir?"

"Just follow your orders."

"Yes Sir." She muttered, and the turning to the main screen she said aloud. "Asuka, Rei, retreat to the fall back positions."

The feed from Unit 02 came in, and on the screen was the angry expression of the second child.

"Are you insane?" She questioned. "We have to save Shinji!"

"I am the one who decided what you have to do, pilot Sohryu." Said Gendo coldly. "Report back immediately."

"Screw you!" She yelled as she resumed her run.

"Cut all connection with Unit 02 and it's Pilot." Gendo said and the turned to the feed from unit 00. "Rei, retrieve Unit 02."

"Yes Sir."

The giant Red Evangelion ceased its motion mid step and tumbled forward, crashing to the ground. It wasn't long before Unit 00 came up from behind and lifted it over its shoulder.

"Damn it Rei, let me go!" Asuka shouted, but her plea never got across.

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*NERV Control Room*

"Major Katsuragi."

"Yes Sir?"

Gendo looked back at her before stepping on to the small elevator. "I will be expecting to see you in the briefing room in 20 minutes."

She watched him as he descended out of sight, and then turned back to the holographic display that stood at the front. 'What has he got planned?' She wondered to herself.

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-To Be Continued-

This wasn't where I wanted to end this chapter, but it has been too long since I updated last. I know it was boring and didn't really deviate from the real show by much, but I promise something better with the next update.