My apologies for delaying this chapter for so long. Though few may actually enjoy, I've kept those few waiting long enough. As usual, reviews and flames are very welcome.

Chapter 05

The Third Child stood at the sink, washing dishes used the meal before. The cold water ran over his hands, washing away the soft bubbles as he meticulously cleaned each plate. The evidence of the meal disappeared as he continued on his routine. His face was solemn, melancholy.

Behind him, Pen-Pen watched as the short stack of plates disappeared. Truthfully, the duty for this chore should have belonged to their guardian, or at least should have been shared between the remaining members. But only two of those members possessed the capability to do it, and only one had the will and the tolerance. 'Better make that two', he thought, as the newly christened member approached. 'After all, a visitor should be gracious to her host.'

Shinji felt a presence at his side half a moment before he heard her voice. It was so soft; he almost mistook it for his own imagination or a message from his other friend.

"Why do you do this?" Rei asked from her position. Her head was tilted ever so slightly to the side but otherwise gave no indication of her thoughts. Her uniform was still clean and unruffled after a full day at school.

"Do what, Rei?" Shinji lost his initial uneasiness when he found out who was the talking to him. Taking one of the rags from the sink, he proceeded to dry the utensils he had already washed. Drops of water dripped from his hand to his elbow and apron but he didn't mind them. They were not unusual to him.

"You clean this apartment as if it were you're designated task. And yet, considering the habits of Major Katsuragi and Pilot Soryu, your attempts are wasteful, inefficient and uncalled for."

Throughout the small speech, Rei did not blink nor did she change her tone even once. Pen-Pen decided that the atmosphere was beginning to become too depressing and waddled over to his refrigerator.

Shinji dried the piece of cloth by squeezing the water out before answering again. His mouth curved in a small bittersweet smile. "I guess I'm just used to it. It's not like I mind it after all."

Rei moved her right arm to grasp her left elbow behind her back. "Such useless activities are harmful to yourself. The toxins alone may incapacitate you, preventing you from piloting."

Shinji continued smiling as he dried the second plate. "Yeah. But I think of it as a kind of maintenance. If I didn't do it, this place would crumble."

Rei considered his answer for several long moments, during which Shinji finished the rest of the dishes. Shinji's cell phone rang just as she was about to respond.

"Could you get that for me Rei? I'll be finished in a sec." The boy was now putting away the plates as he talked.

Rei closed her half-opened mouth and went to the table where Shinji had left his cell phone. Placing the phone close to her ear, she answered with a passive "Hello."

"Rei, is that you?" The voice of Major Katsuragi was clearly audible. "Why are you answering Shinji's cell phone?"

Rei distanced the phone an inch further from her sensitive hearing organs. "Ikari-kun invited me to have supper with him and the Second Child."

"So he finally got the guts to ask you, huh?" The smile was almost discernable in the Misato's voice. "I'll tease him later but right now you better tell him to start packing. Tell Asuka and Pen-Pen to start packing too. The Commander just sent an order for all of us to move to the Geofront. Don't really know what the hell's up with that. Section Two's gonna be picking you guys up in a half-hour. You got that, Rei?"

"Affirmative." Rei replied.

"Thanks Rei." The line went dead.

Rei replaced the cell phone and retraced her steps back to where the Third Child was wiping the sink. He turned around to face her.

"Who was that Rei?"

"Major Katsuragi."

"Misato? Will she be working late again?" He washed the rag under the faucet and then squeezed.

"No."

"What is it then?"

"She said to inform you, the Second Child and your pet to pack as we are moving to the Geofront."

Shinji stopped, the water still rushing through his fingers. "You mean were gonna be moving there? What about Misato?"

"As I understood, the Major is to move with us as well per Commander Ikari's orders."

"I see." Shinji took off the apron, placing it over a chair to dry. "Guess I better wake up Asuka. Hope she's in a good mood." He moved with a resigned expression. It wasn't as if this was unexpected, after all. Briefly, he considered taking back the words he had said earlier. Asuka prided herself on being strong, and by saying what he had said he had inadvertently insulted her.

He walked out of the kitchen. Pen-Pen, who had heard the entire conversation from his refrigerator, came out and opened Misato's fridge. Rei stood still for a moment, then turned around and followed Shinji to Asuka's room.

Shinji stood in front of Asuka's room. Slowly he raised his right hand and softly knocked on the door. "Asuka?"

There was no answer. He decided to try again, this time louder. "Asuka? Misato said to start packing. We're moving to NERV."

When still no answer came, he decided to risk the consequences. "Asuka, I'm coming in." He slid open the door and stepped into the German's room. As soon as his foot touched the floor inside, however, a long white object hurtled towards his midsection. Knowing it was coming, Shinji didn't even try to avoid it.

Asuka's sideward kick caught him in the belly. He doubled over and fell towards the floor, bruising his nose. He wasn't worried, though, at least not too much. The pain would go away and the injury would heal over time. He hoped.

Asuka towered over him, dressed in a pair of dark blue shorts and a yellow stringed shirt. Her arms were crossed over her chest as she looked down her nose at the fallen boy. "What do you think you are trying to do, pervert?"

Shinji considered for a moment whether to answer her or not. Answering right away would probably get him accused of lying, not answering would get him accused of being a pervert. Just as he opened his mouth, another voice answered for him. Rei must have thought him too incapacitated to be able to respond.

"Major Katsuragi has said to inform you of your imminent transfer to NERV HQ."

Asuka raised an eyebrow at the message. For a few seconds, silence reigned. Then the Second Child turned towards the prone pilot and in an uncharacteristically calm voice asked, "Is this true, Third?"

Shinji nodded as best as he could manage. For a moment, Asuka looked crestfallen. Then she turned her back on the two other pilots. "Get out."

"Asuka?" Shinji managed to ask while getting up. He rubbed the soft spot on his nose where he had fallen. He faced the redhead who still had her back turned towards him, her face hidden from sight.

"Didn't you hear what she said? We're moving. So get off your lazy butt and move." Asuka's voice was raised but without the usual conviction. "Just get going, will you."

Shinji looked at her for a few more moments. Then he turned and walked out. Rei followed. They made their way to Shinji's room. On the way, they saw what looked like Pen-Pen packing two suitcases. One was full of Misato's stuff; the other had a couple of beer, a couple of manga books, and an ice pack. Shinji gave a split-second smile of ruefulness at the sight. It was so brief, Rei almost didn't notice it if it wasn't for her extensive training for observation.

Going into Shinji's room, Rei was almost surprised. The way Ikari-kun had spoken to her, she would have thought his room was more furnished compared to hers. It was, but not really in any spectacular way. It was neater, but aside from that, the room was bare of any inessentials. No photographs, no decorations, nothing that an ordinary boy should have had according to her knowledge. Then again, her knowledge on the subject was limited at best. She surmised to wait before making any conclusions.

Shinji noticed her just standing there. He looked around the room for a way to make her comfortable. Seeing nothing, he gave a defeated sigh. "Umm, Rei? Would you like to sit on the futon while I pack?"

Rei turned towards him, her eyes scanning him as if scrutinizing a newfound detail, an unknown factor. Shinji tried not to shiver. Finally she went to Shinji's futon and sat down drawing her knees in front of her chest, her arms hugging her legs. The Third Child blushed. It had been some time since a girl had been in his bed, the most recent having been the Second months ago, during their training. Pushing the matter to the side of his mind, he forwarded his attention to the closet that held his small wardrobe.

He packed what he needed or wanted into one suitcase and used another for his cello. His few clothes consisted of uniforms, a few casual pairs, and a formal suit he hadn't used. He placed his SDAT and the small collection of CDs between some clothes so as not to crush them. He made a mental note to thank Kensuke for transferring his music files from the tapes. Finally, he finished, just in time to hear a loud ring from the front of the apartment.

Carrying his suitcase and cello, he went out to find Asuka already answering the door, her demeanor quiet aside from a few remarks at the lack of service. Pen-Pen was waiting by a half-empty can of beer. Rei was right behind him, having gotten up when the Section 2 agents arrived.

The black-suited agents came in by twos. "Pilot Ayanami Rei, Pilot Soryu Asuka Langley, Pilot Ikari Shinji, under orders from Ikari Gendo, Supreme Commander of NERV, you are to be escorted towards your new quarters. Major Katsuragi will be waiting there for your briefing."

Asuka apparently didn't like being told what to do. "Schiesse! You make it sound like a mission or an arrest. Don't you know how to show respect towards your saviors?"

The agents didn't bother to comment. They just made way for Asuka as she stormed out the apartment and into the waiting Humvee. Rei, Shinji and Pen-Pen followed, Shinji carrying his suitcase and cello, Pen-Pen dragging two suitcases by the wings and a six-pack in his mouth.

The drive to NERV HQ was quiet. Shinji kept looking around as if trying to find out what was going on. In reality, he was trying to see how everybody else reacted to the news of his or her transfer. Asuka just kept staring stonily at the front. Guilt gnawed at him for not telling the redhead about what to expect. Then again, she probably wouldn't believe him. Rei would, but she might decide to report it to his father and Shinji knew it wasn't time for that. Not yet, anyway. As for Pen-Pen, he probably knew more than he let on, but like Shinji, didn't want to reveal his true nature yet. Or maybe he just didn't care. Being the last of your kind could make you apathetic towards the rest of the world. Shinji himself had seen what happened to survivors of massacres.

They arrived at the Geofront in less than ten minutes. 'Count on Section 2 to be always punctual', Shinji thought. They continued to Car Park Level Three before finally stopping. Asuka, Shinji and Rei got off of the Humvee. In front of them stood a somewhat haggard Misato, with a hand on her hip and a yawn on her lips. One of the agents saluted. Misato nodded, still a bit cranky. The agent dropped his salute then went back inside the Humvee, which drove off.

As soon as the agents were gone, Misato's demeanor changed. She grinned despite still looking a bit tired. "Hey everybody. Glad to see we're all moving to the same place."

Asuka didn't take the red herring. "What's going on, Misato?"

Misato just smirked albeit a bit strained. "I'll tell you guys what I know while we walk. That okay with you."

"Okay", Shinji said, taking a careful look at Asuka. She glared at him but nodded.

"Alright, this way then." Misato gestured with a hand. The three Children followed the Major across the car park into a freight elevator. Misato pushed the button for the Fifth Level Residence Area As soon as the elevator doors closed, Asuka turned towards her guardian.

"Misato. . ."

"Alright, Asuka." The guardian said, rubbing her forehead lightly. "Where should I start? Okay, the reason we're all moving in here is because of recent attacks on NERV and related facilities. The techs think it's the Angels 'cause of detected blue patterns and the way the attackers fought. As of now, two major bases have been attacked." Misato looked at Asuka with an apologetic look. "One of them was the German base."

Asuka drew in a sharp breath. "How many dead?"

Misato closed her eyes with a pained look. "No survivors. Sorry."

Asuka blanched and Shinji readied himself to be able to catch her if she were to collapse. Fortunately, he didn't have to do that. Asuka was strong enough. Still, the German Branch had been practically her home since her mother committed suicide. Kaji had been her only family there and with him missing, it wasn't making things any easier. Once again, Shinji's conscience berated him for not telling the girl about the attack earlier when he already knew about it. Even if she wouldn't have believed him right away, he still felt as if he was betraying her.

He looked at Rei. The young half-Angel was staring at Misato with attention, the sort one would expect from a soldier receiving his debriefing. Another worried frown etched itself on Shinji's face. He didn't want to have to fight his sister, but he might be forced to if she chose to follow his father. The new Angels would be hard enough to fight against, even with Shinji's old allies trying to help him. Shinji prayed his Rei would be saved from the fate destined for her.

The elevator reached the Fifth Level and the quartet stepped off. Misato and Rei walked ahead. Asuka marched forward, her grip on the suitcases tightened, eyes hidden behind locks of red hair. Shinji hung behind her. Just in case.

They continued walking along the steel blue hallway until they reached a corridor. At the left side of the corridor, red numbers were painted on electronic doors starting from L00 to L17. Above those doors, a single line of orange text declared "Primary NERV Staff". Above the text was the NERV insignia. At the right side of the corridor, blue numbers on a white background numbering from R00 to R07 were visible. The words "Terra Command" ran above the numbers with the background of interstellar space. Further along the corridor's right side, additional numbers from R08 to R17 in white could be seen. There was no text above those but the insignia of a gold eagle on a blue background could be seen on the door of numbers R08 to R10. All of the paint seemed new, as if they were done just yesterday.

"Wow", was the word that Shinji couldn't help uttering. The corridor was probably the most colorful area in NERV. For a moment he wondered why his father would order such a renovation. Then he remembered the news and let out a low chuckle. 'It really is going to be a reunion. I hope the others get here soon.'

Asuka finally came out of her downcast state at the unusual sound of the boy's laugh. "What's so funny, Third Child?"

A half-smile appeared on Shinji's lips, framing the left side of his face, which was hidden from the redhead's view. "Nothing, Asuka. Do you need help with you're luggage?"

The Second Child raised an eyebrow but shook her head. "Nah, the rest of my stuff is being brought here by Section 2. Too bad I couldn't bring anything else. I might have let you have the honor of carrying my belongings."

Shinji coughed at the memory the sentence brought. Asuka's belongings had been heavy enough when they first moved in. If Section 2 was bringing them, he should make sure to thank them properly. 'Maybe a simple snack, or some painkillers. Yeah, they would appreciate the painkillers.'

Misato grinned. "Now that you've seen our new home, you might as well know your rooms. The numbers correspond to your Eva or pilot number. Rei, you're in L00. Shinji, you're in L01. Asuka, you're in L02. Suzuhara is transferring here and will be L03. I heard the Fifth Child is also coming so I assume he's going to be in L04. I'm in L05, so I'll be right next door to you guys."

Asuka faked a groan and put her right hand to her forehead. "Great, one more stooge. As if we didn't already have enough problems with this one. And why do we need a new pilot?"

Misato continued to grin. "Beats me. Anyway, Aida Kensuke has joined the technical staff. He will also be joining us in R06. Ritsuko's in R07, Maya's in R08, Shigeru's in R09, Makoto's in R10."

"WHAT!" was Asuka's indignant query.

"Who's in the rest of the rooms, Misato-san?" came Shinji's hesitant question, one he was forced to make just to distract the Second Child's building rage.

Misato waived a hand. "Dunno. A few agents, most like likely. Don't worry about your father joining us Shinji, I know for a fact that he and the Sub-Commander have their own quarters in the lower levels."

"Major Katsuragi?"

Misato almost missed the passive voice. Rei hadn't spoke since she arrived, Misato had almost forgotten she was still there. "Yes, Rei?"

"Who is Terra Command?" The First Child focused her attention on the Major.

Misato lifted her eyes and bit her tongue, trying to remember. "Lessee, oh yeah, they're from the other base that was attacked. From what I know, they are still regrouping so they shouldn't be here until early morning. Don't worry, you'll meet them soon enough. Maybe Shinji here can finally find a girlfriend."

"Hah." Asuka scoffed. "The day Shinji gets a girlfriend is the day we have Angels fighting on our side!"

Shinji had to struggle to hide his smile.

Suddenly Misato's face took on a puzzled expression. "By the way, where's Pen-Pen?"

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"Do you understand your mission?" The stern face of a dark skinned man with a beret stared at Zophiel as the blue-skinned Agent looked into the screen of a mobile communicator. His unkempt orange brown hair swayed a bit just straying into his red eyes. Despite the seriousness of the conversation, his mouth had a slight smirk. He always found things amusing even when they weren't. That trait had helped him through most of his trials, where the only way to survive completely intact had been to detach yourself from the situation. And so he had survived intact. Almost.

"Yes, sir" he replied, his voice light and cheerful. It caused his handler to scowl on the monitor. Despite the obvious disapproval, the Agent continued seemingly without a care. "We are to go to NERV. We are to present ourselves as agents for supervision. We are to report to you all things. We are to sabotage Commander Ikari Gendo's attempts for a coup de tat. And we are ensure the artifacts' safety." His lip curled downwards slightly at the word "artifacts" but his handler did not notice.

The man in the monitor did not change his scowl but nodded anyway. "Very well. Since you understand you're mission, you understand that failure is not an option. Anything amounting to such will result in you termination. Those are your parameters, Agent. See that you meet them." The screen blinked off.

A grin appeared on Zophiel's face as he turned to his companion. His sister was sitting beside him in the passenger of a first class VTOL transport jet. Designed for combat on the outside, the jet had been fitted for comfort on the inside. Therefore, it the VTOL had comfortable white seats and service, a far contrast to the ones used by regular troops. Three columns of seats, one on the left and two on the right, lined the main body. Above, twin rows of luminescent light gave a bright glow that contrasted sharply with the black attires of the occupants. There were no windows, perhaps for security.

"You alright with this mission, sister?" he continued to grin as he studied his sibling's profile. She still wore the same black dress she had used on their earlier mission in Germany and Belgium, except for the light coat. Now the upper part of the black dress just hugged her chest while leaving her arms and shoulders bare. Lower down, the material split just a third of the way down the front of the thighs, revealing a short skirt and lengthened around the back, giving it a flowing appearance. It gave a nice contrast to her light skin and pink hair, the latter released from its usual ponytail. Zophiel almost snickered at the thought of why she liked the dress so much. It had been designed based on her former dress so that it was exactly the same, even the color. The espionage technicians had been puzzled, but since the dress followed most of the rules, they let it slide.

He wasn't complaining though. The sight was something to be appreciated and he himself had chosen a suit to compliment her attire. He had left the cowl and frock behind and settled on a black one-piece tight suit, the kind infiltration agents might wear. It was one of his jobs, after all.

"Well, Shizel?" he prodded. It wasn't necessary information, just an attempt for humor. Though his sister never did have a very good sense of humor, at most just smiling, and even then for only her closest companions. It wasn't that she didn't want to laugh, as he understood it. It was that she couldn't.

Shizel turned towards him, meeting his expectant eyes with her own red ones. Careful not to let herself be seen by observers or surveillance equipment, she used a complex set of subtle signals combining facial expressions with a few slight finger and hand motions. "You already know."

He grinned again. "Yeah, I do, don't I? I think you already knew about this mission even before I did, didn't you. Probably looking forward to it, as well. What did he tell you about our new hosts there?" he continued to pry, tilting his head to one side.

She turned forwards again, a slight smile, barely detectable, playing on her lips. He groaned. It meant she wasn't going to tell him until they were almost there. She did have a sense of humor after all, albeit twisted. Probably she got it from that soul link of hers. Then again, who was he to complain? He'd been accused of having an unusual sense of humor himself.

He turned towards her again and watched as she settled back into her chair for a slight nap. It was a mark of how much she trusted him that she slept at all. Alone or with any other aside from her few companions, she wouldn't sleep for days until she was in an absolutely safe place. As she closed her eyes, the slight smile was still on her lips. Probably, she was thinking about meeting the others again.

He dropped his grin. With his sister asleep, he could focus on worrying about her. She was strong, he knew that, but whereas she didn't trust most people, she placed an intense amount on those whom she had come to consider her intimate friends. 'I hope you're strong enough for this.' Zophiel thought as he continued to watch over his sister. 'Both of you.'

Over the intercom, the Captain announced the beginning of their eight-hour trip to Tokyo 3.

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"Lord Abel, the other Fallen have been assembled."



Abel awoke from his light sleep to meet the piercing eyes of Xephon. The spear-wielding Angel waited patiently as his master stood. Red eyes, the characteristic of all True Angels, had a gaze that would probably be interpreted as irritation by most, but which Abel knew to be nothing more than deep seriousness. Xephon still wore his helmet, one designed with a style resembling the ancient ones used by the Romans. His spear thrust upwards was as tall as he was. His hair, had a deep shade of teal and was let loose shaggily around his shoulders. He wore a white tunic, a relic that he would never think of discarding despite its outdated fashion. It was the same he had worn as an Angel of the Creator, and the same one he had worn when he first became a Fallen and cast down into the Abyss. Now the Abyss was his home.

Letting go of his thoughts about his Second in Command, Abel stood up and began to dress in his usual silver tunic. Xephon stood guard, just in case anybody actually tried to reach them. After dressing, Abel turned towards the covered bed in which he had slept, and closed the curtains. Then turning swiftly around, he strode out of his private chambers, Xephon following silently behind him.

They marched forwards in single file, Abel setting the pace with his long strides. They passed corridor after dark corridor, sometimes coming along groups of lesser Angels, technicians and warriors. These groups always stepped aside and bowed down on bended knee to Abel.

Finally they arrived at the Great Hall, the same one where Arael and Armisael had been kept and died. The giant doors opened, their carvings glinting in the light from beyond. Once the doors were fully opened, Abel stepped forward and into the massive room beyond. There, six other Angels, the leaders of the Fallen, awaited.

They turned towards him with their red eyes signaling different emotions. Abel strode into their midst while Xephon took his place in the space between two of them. Only then did Abel begin to speak, his lithe voice clearly filling the room.

"Welcome everyone. I'm sure you're all excited to start. And also excited to hear what we have to report. But first, I'd like to thank each one of you for the part you played in our campaign and the parts you have yet to play."

"Xephon!" he said turning towards his Second in Command, and bodyguard. The Angel nodded and smiled.

"Sam'mael, who has paved the way for us with his capture of the German Lilim Base." Sam'mael raised his head, and then bowed low. The shape-shifting Angel was taller than Abel, with light blond hair and a young Aryan face. He wore a red tunic with gold and white stripes diagonally across the center. His black boots clapped on the floor while his rapier hung at the side. He could have passed for a very handsome human if it weren't for the red eyes.

"Apollion, for opening the gates." The said Angel was a sickly looking man with mottled gray hair. He wore a much fuller white robe than Xephon, his robe covering his entire body and reaching down to his ankles. In both hands he carried the Golden Key of the Abyss, the item that at any instant could start the giant sphere. He was both primary gunner and pilot of the Abyss. He smiled wanly, and then bowed.

"Af, for his exuberant duties." The red-haired Angel of Anger sneered his enthusiasm at being thanked for his part on the attack on the space station. He wore an orange uniform with black and red chains crisscrossing the front and back. His black cape floated behind him.

"Not at all, milord." Af replied, still sneering. "My fighters and flagships did their work against the Lilim craft. Their starships were no match against my Wraith fighters." He blatantly ignored the fact that his losses were far greater than the Lilims'.

Abel smiled before continuing.

"Shalgiel, for her stifling power." The Angel of Ice smiled a frosty smile, her long blue hair drifting down her back. A silver headband kept the strands from flying in from of her eyes. The loose blue tunic and platform sandals she wore weren't much protection from the cold, yet that didn't bother her. A black top under the tunic covered her chest. It had been her job to make sure the Russian weather didn't agree with the Lilim, preventing their nearest bases from answering the German call for aid.

"Shatiel, for her vigil." The dark-haired Angel of Silence tipped her head in respect but did not reply. A black figure-hugging suit was all that she wore, with black slippers and slips of the material down her arms and legs.

"Last but not least, Rasiel, for her noble sacrifice." The Angel of Calamity stopped glaring at Af and bowed towards Abel. She wore a dark green dress that matched her light brown hair. Other than a few bracelets, she wore no other accessories and walked barefoot. She was still in rage over the needless sacrifice of her warriors aboard the space station. In her opinion, it had been a mistake to let Af take the helm in that mission. Of course, since it was Abel who ordered the mission, she was not about to contradict.

"Now, the time has come for us to proceed to the next phase." Abel's closed his yes and curled his lip, envisioning the plan as he had outlined it. Opening his eyes again, he turned to Sam'mael. "Now Sam'mael, please tell the others of the Lilims' attempt at defense." He went outside the circle.

Sam'mael bowed and then walked forwards, taking Abel's place. His rapier swayed from front to back as he walked and his face showed only grim determination. "The entire Lilim staff in NERV, Germany has been eradicated. The Lilim are struggling to find out the cause and nature of the attack. Meanwhile the remnants of their space force have regrouped and entered Asian air space. The entire fleet will arrive at NERV HQ in three more hours, with the advance guard and flagships arriving first."

"For the fleet to dock and prepare would take about five hours. This would be the ideal time to attack them, as they would be busy preparing their ships. However, we expect them to expect us, as the entire city is already evacuating its citizenry and bringing in additional heavy weaponry. They are also building barricades along the mountainous borders to the north as well as the sea to the east and south."

"They know of our position?" Af interrupted. "Why do they have this knowledge? Who betrayed us?"

"Fool!" Rasiel scorned Af, earning her a vehement hiss from the Angel of Anger. "We attacked their bases in Germany and Orbit, yet NERV HQ did not detect our passage. They deduced that the only way for that to happen is if we were positioned somewhere east of their location. They are not all unintelligent, unlike you."

Af didn't take kindly to being insulted. "Ha. The fact that you praise them shows just how unfit you are. Only weak ones such as you would need to gather information on them. I say we attack now, while they are still unprepared."

Abel grinned from his position. The spat was interesting, to say the least. "Since you are so eager Af, I just might grant you the chance to eradicate these Lilim. You will attack them this afternoon, just as they finish docking their ships." He shifted his eyes over to Rasiel. "And you, Rasiel will go along to. . . advise him. Make sure that he does not launch too soon an attack."

Both of the mentioned Angels startled at the orders given to them. Af, as always, managed to find his objections first. "But sir, surely you can see that I serve you better without this misfit." This caused Rasiel to turn her head. Before she could fire an insult, however, another voice joined in.

"I honestly think the two of you would fit together on any mission."

"Be quiet, Shalgiel." Rasiel snapped at the Snow Angel. Shalgiel just lowered the temperature and raised tempers further with her devious smile.

And so did Abel, who continued to grin as he once again turned to face Sam'mael. "Any other tidbit for us, Sam'mael?"

"No, sir." The red-garbed blond replied. "Except for the fact that Tabris is rumored have been transferred there."

"Rumored?" Abel raised an eyebrow.

Sam'mael bowed again. "My apologies Lord Abel. The Lilims have tightened their defenses considerably. It is proving difficult for my warriors to acquire new information."

Abel considered his options for a moment. A lack of information could prove incapacitating to them. Still, he was confident the Lilims would not be able to stand up to an assault. "Go ahead with the next phase. Af and Rasiel, prepare for your departure."

"Milord." Both Angels bowed while still fuming with each other.

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"And so it begins."

"What was that Zima?" a short young woman asked her considerably taller companion. Her dress consisted of a long black slit skirt dress and straps. The slit extended upwards until her belly but was compensated by plain black shorts beneath. The straps covered her upper body in lines providing barely-decent attire that still showed her belly and shoulders but hid a body one could mistake for a child except for the comparative height. Still, she did not look much older than a thirteen or fourteen year old. Black boots completed the image, making her maroon eyes and dark red hair shine. She cast an inquisitive glance at her taller companion.

"Nothing Dita, just the Fallen attempting an attack here. I managed to intercept another one of their coded transmissions. Nothing for us to worry about now." He smiled and gave his partner a reassuring look, which of course she didn't buy considering his nature. He wore a cloak that resembled Dita's right to the straps, but outfitted for a male body. It still showed his belly, though he wore black pants instead of a skirt, and his sleeves extended into gloves, covering his arms entirely. His shoes looked more like black leather than boots. His dark hair stood straight, a couple of bangs hanging over his maroon eyes.

Dita gave him a stern glare for the weak, in her opinion, attempt at humor. "If it was nothing for us to worry about, you wouldn't have suggested going here in the first place." She turned to look forwards at the bulking metropolis that was Tokyo 3 and the Geofront from their vantage point atop a tall tower.

'We do have an affinity for tall buildings. Maybe my reception capabilities are turning me into an antenna.' Zima decided to drop the intriguing thought in favor of finding a suitable excuse for bringing them to Tokyo 3. Finding little that would convince his life long partner, he opted to tell the entire truth. "The Fallen, NERV, and SEELE are on a collision course with each other. Chances are, the forces will meet in this city. I wanted to come here to make sure none of them succeed."

"And to make sure the young ones are safe." Dita finished for him. She folded her arms, and tilted her head to look at the incoming Terra ships just beginning to dock inside the Geofront. "You always did have a soft spot for them."

Zima flashed his teeth for a moment and closed his eyes. "How can I not? They repaired us after our previous masters tried to punish us for failing them." He lifted a hand under Dita's chin and turned her to look straight at him. "Do you mean to tell me that you feel nothing for them?"

Dita averted her eyes, unwilling to give any indication. It was a foolish notion considering that they both knew each other well enough to find most illogical patterns. The knowledge of when the other was being serious was probably the only reason that Dita had agreed to go here without knowing why. After a long silence during which Zima continued to hold Dita's chin, she finally spoke.

"If you will help those children, then I will too. My purpose is your safety."

Zima chuckled and moved his hand to cup Dita's cheek. "You still believe that, even after our original purpose was deleted? I know you know better than that Dita. Between the two of us, you've always been the logical one."

A faint reddening appeared on Dita's cheeks before she pulled away from Zima's grasp. "If we're going, then let's go."

Clothes fluttering in the early dawn breeze, Dita jumped off the roof of the tower to descend into the sprawling city, now full of armada and almost empty of its people. Zima followed her as the guardians of Tokyo 3 began to awake to a new day and the rise of a blood red sun.

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In the early morning light, one can usually see silhouettes of persons or objects. However, inside the Geofront, little natural light penetrated. Because of this, even the dawn was a complete darkness to NERV's inhabitants. It was in this lightless state that the occupant of room L01 awoke.

Ikari Shinji rubbed his eyes, mentally complaining from the effects of a five-hour sleep. Normally, the Third Child chose to go to bed early but Pen-Pen's antics the night before caused him to be awake until eleven. The warm water penguin had sidetracked to the Third Level Cafeteria almost immediately after leaving the Humvee and had then proceeded to exhaust NERV's supply of alcohol, usually in reserve for tired soldiers.

It had taken almost an hour for Shinji to capture the delinquent penguin by himself. Rei had gone immediately to her room since she did not care about the penguin. Asuka had screamed that it wasn't in her place to be a babysitter and bird collector. Misato had been worried, but somehow Shinji had known she wouldn't be the one running after the penguin under tables, ventral ducts, pipes and chairs. That particular duty had fallen to the ever dependable, ever coercible, and ever forcible, Third Child.

'At least I was able to talk to her in my dreams', Shinji thought wearily, leaning back his neck and stretching his cramp muscles. He reached for the light switch beside his bed and turned it on. The light revealed his room, which was hardly any more luxurious than his previous room in the apartment. The walls and ceilings were painted a midnight blue. There was a medium sized cot served as his bed, a little too large but comfortable. There was the dresser with his necessities such as his toothbrush and. Well, not much else. His SDAT lay on the dresser as well.

He swung his legs over the side of the cot and stood up without bothering with the slippers. His hair was a bit messy but still in place. His plain white shirt gave a sharp contrast to the soft black material of his pants. He walked into the one-person refresher at the corner of the room and splashed water into his face. Rubbing off with a towel, he headed back to his bed and sat down to contemplate the coming meetings. 'I miss them. That's not unusual. She said she missed them too even if she does have her brother with her. I hope they get along with Asuka, Rei and Misato.'

He chuckled silently at the thought. Most of them were so sure of themselves, so confident, that he wasn't sure if their personalities would blend or clash. He frowned as he thought of his father. When the time to introduce them came, his father would surely be angry. 'If he is, I can't do anything about it. I just hope he learns to accept it and change.' Shinji took a deep breath. 'Father. I wish I could tell you about Mother. Then we might not end up hating each other. And Rei could join us, too. And Misato and Asuka, though I'm not sure if she would agree.'

A sudden sound pricked at his hearing and he turned it towards the source. It was coming from just outside his door, as if people were conversing in the hallway. Wondering who they could be, Shinji reached out to the electronic lock beside his door.

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Among the myriad starships landing in NERV was one 777 Jet. It was white and gray, with occasional black lines. Compared to other jets in its series, the 777 was rather small. With the VTOL engines attached along the fuselage and wings, it had the maneuverability of a fighter, and the capability for stealth modifications under emergencies. On it's side could be seen the familiar logo of a blue eagle on a gold background.

The jet was just taxiing off the runway and into one of the massive hangers of NERV HQ. Section 2 agents lined the tarmac in a show of security. At the back of the hanger, Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki stood waiting for the passengers to get off the plane. As the plane stopped in the hanger, one of the side doors opened. A ladder cart was rolled towards the plane.

Three figures appeared at the top as the ladder came down. The first one was a blonde man dressed in a blue business suit. The two figures behind him were female, the first one a tall woman with a gray office dress, her hair in a bun and, Fuyutsuki noted, the badge of the UN International Police pinned to her right shoulder. The second one was a teenage girl in the black suit of the USSF. Fuyutsuki blinked, then decided his age was playing tricks on his eyes. There was no way a teenage girl would be in the USSF. He shrugged it off as some tactic to mislead attackers. All three of the new visitors wore dark square glasses.

They walked down the stairs towards Fuyutsuki who extended his hand. "Welcome to Tokyo 3, Japan, Ambassador Masters. The UN Council told us of your arrival."

The blonde man smiled smoothly and extended his own hand. Grasping Fuyutsuki's palm in a firm handshake. "Thank you. . .Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki, right? As I understood, it should be the primary commanding officer's job to welcome delegates?"

Fuyutsuki retracted his hand from the other's strong grip and offered an apologetic smile of his own. "Unfortunately, the Commander is rather busy at the moment, dealing with his own duties. As you can see, you're coming has been timed most unfortunately. We are still receiving survivors from the other bases. However, we have prepared quarters for you and", gesturing to the women, "your subordinates."

Ambassador Masters' smile didn't leave his face. "I guess that's okay. Anyway, Sub-Commander, I would like to negotiate the ownership of the MP Evangelion Units while I am here. My country feels that she needs additional protection from what just happened."

Fuyutsuki didn't change his expression either. "Well, I can see your need but that would have to wait until the Commander is finished. Until then, may I assign an escort to your quarters?"

Masters closed his eyes, then opened them again. His smile, if possible, grew even smugger. "In this case that would be very welcome. Now, if I may introduce my subordinates." He gestured to the two females behind him.

"This is Lt. Li from the International Police, Hong Kong Division. She worked under us as a transfer from her country, under the DC Treaty. Because of her background, she would also report back to her country when we are finished."

Lt. Li was the tall woman with the gray business suit and the wrapped hair. She bowed slightly to Fuyutsuki, and then saluted, a double greeting for both posterity and humility. Fuyutsuki returned the gesture with a slight bow, ignoring the fact that Lt. Li had just been announced as a public spy. She couldn't go anywhere into classified matters but neither could she be legally touched, and what she sees could be damaging enough.

"And my other subordinate, Lt. Kasugano of the USSF. I think it's obvious why she was chosen to go along with me."

Apparently, Kasugano was the agent that Fuyutsuki had earlier mistaken for a teenager. She was a little short, about the Children's height, with dark brown hair. The dark glasses she wore hid her eyes, and the black suit she wore just added to her overall appearance. She was petite. She was chewing gum. Fuyutsuki blinked again. She grinned at him. Fuyutsuki noticed a note of familiarity in that grin but it disappeared before he could figure it out. Deciding that the USSF agent was just eccentric, he turned his attention back to Masters.

"Interesting subordinates, Ambassador."

"Yeah! I think so too." And Masters grinned again. "But I think they're getting impatient now. What did you say about those quarters?"

Fuyutsuki tried not to scowl. 'Typical American arrogance.' He thought. Motioning to four Section 2 agents, he gave them orders for the American guests to be showed to their new quarters. The four agents responded with a salute and then turned to Ambassador Masters and the two female agents. Masters gave a nod and said, "I'll see you later, Sub-Commander" before following the Section 2 agents. Lt. Li and Lt. Kasugano followed behind him. Fuyutsuki watched them until they disappeared around a corner.

They were led to the same corridor in where Misato had been transferring the Children several hours earlier. The Section 2 agents guided them to the three doors with the eagle logo, then saluted and left. Masters opened the door to R09. He looked inside the room and grinned at the mildly luxurious accommodations. He turned around to speak but Lt. Li stopped him with a finger to his lips. He raised an eyebrow but complied. The Chinese lieutenant stepped into the room and attached a small device to the door. She then opened rooms R08 and R10 and attached similar devices just inside the door. The other two just watched.

When the rooms had been to her satisfaction, Lt. Li turned to them and beckoned inside the middle room. They followed her lead without a word. Only inside did she speak in English only slightly affected by a Chinese accent. "You can talk now."

Lt. Kasugano grinned and stretched her arms behind her back. When she spoke, it was in Japanese. "You knew they would bug us."

Li nodded. She sat down on the single bed in the room, a double bed with a blue mattresses and a white headboard. She replied in Japanese as well. "I thought I did. But apparently they did not. Those jammers I placed were just for precaution."

Masters shrugged and took off his sunglasses to reveal his blue eyes. He began to take off his tie and his blue suit. Underneath, he wore a red shirt that showed some bulging muscles. "They probably realized that we don't have any information for them. Or they just decided we're not worth the trouble. Ahhh. . . Man, was it hot in that suit."

Kasugano giggled. "You're still not used to those suits, Ambassador Masters?"

Masters didn't know whether to be annoyed, irritated, or amused. "Call me Ken, Sakura. You're the only one I know who can make my name sound like an insult."

Kasugano Sakura leaned back on the wall and removed her own glasses to reveal soft brown eyes. "That's just for all of the times you called me a kid. What about you Chun Li? What do you think of our new rooms?" She looked at the Chinese brunette.

Chun Li looked around. "It's okay. At least we've got an air conditioner. Now I think we better get to our own rooms before Ken here decides to try something."

The blonde shot her an annoyed look. "Oh, ha, ha. I'd take you if you wanted but do you really think I'd do anything with a fourteen year old?" he asked, jerking his head towards Sakura who was already heading out. Chun Li smirked at the barb but chose not to reply, following Sakura out.

In the corridor, Sakura was already going inside R08. She asked one last question before going inside. "Hey Chun Li, where do you think everybody else is? I heard the Pilots were here too."

Chun Li lifted her palms in a shrugging manner. "Probably sleeping. It IS four in the morning here right now. You better get a few hours of sleep as well Sakura."

"Never mind that I already got enough sleep on the plane to last three days." The younger brunette muttered to herself. To Chun Li, she said, "Alright. G'night Chun Li." After which Sakura entered her room.

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Hakuhoin Ayano Elizabeth tried not to shiver as the gaze of Ikari Gendo passed over her figure. The tall, intimidating Commander of NERV was watching over them. To her, it felt as if the Commander was trying to pry into all her secrets. Ayano prayed that she wouldn't be recognized.

Ayano looked at Yoko who seemed as confident as ever. Only Ayano could see that the lead pilot was fisting her hands inside the large trench jacket she wore. Ayano herself had insisted upon Yoko's attire to make sure that the NERV Commander would not recognize them as of yet. Aside from the jacket, Yoko now wore shades and a gold trimmed cap. She would have looked like a man if it weren't for her long brown hair. The outfit had aroused the curiosity in her squadron but they let it go after a few questions. After all, right now there were more important things than their leaders' dress code.

Such a thing was the ongoing conversation between Admiral Leon, their commanding officer and Commander Ikari, the commander of the base they had come to. Throughout the conversation, Commander Ikari had been stoic and so far very hard to read. He had also glanced at the Terra pilots a few times. Ayano silently wished that she had the power to read minds. It would have definitely helped in their situation. The girls had kept a respectful distance from the two high ranked officers so they couldn't hear what was being said.

Finally, Admiral Leon stood up, bringing a sigh of relief from the four girls waiting for her. She turned around and walked towards the four pilots, her uniform giving her a picture of honorable dignity unlike the image of fear that Commander Ikari imposed. The Commander kept standing where he was.

When the Admiral reached the group, Madoka was the first to speak. "So are we staying or what?" she demanded, her mantis bangs swaying.

"Madoka, can you be at least a little respectful." Momiji chastised. Madoka bit her lip but didn't make any comment. Then Admiral Leon spoke.

"Well, we are staying here." She continued before Madoka could turn her immediate smile into a yell. "However, we have a price to pay for this accommodation. According to the good Commander Ikari" and a tinge of sarcasm touched her voice "we stay on the condition that he is in control of the fleet. Which means that I report to him now."

"What!" Madoka exploded. "But you're an Admiral! You outrank him several times! Why should we-" and then Yoko clamped a hand over her mouth to shut her up.

"If that's okay with you, Admiral Leon, then it's fine with me" the green-eyed girl announced.

"Yoko-san?" Ayano tried to understand why her best friend wasn't putting up a fight.

"Hey, Yoko. Are you sure about this?" Momiji interjected. The tomboy was looking at her team captain with a worried expression. And well she might. Yamamoto Yoko wasn't known for backing out of a battle and it would be worrying if she started now.

"I'm sure Momiji. And you shut up mirrors, I'm not dumb." The last part was directed at Madoka who was struggling to yell her conversational donation. Yoko didn't say anything to Ayano but gave her an answering nod, which promised for all questions to be answered later.

"Well then. If you're all in agreement on this, I'll take our decision to our gracious host. Go on to your rooms." Admiral Leon fully ignored Madoka's still squirming form and turned back to Commander Ikari. The girls turned towards a Section 2 agent standing nearby. The agent saluted and turned around. With a bit of hesitation, especially on Madoka's part, the girls followed him out.

As soon as they were in the bustle of workers and technicians working in the airfields on their way to the main buildings, Ayano turned to Yoko and whispered her question in English. "Why did you let him do that?"

Yoko smirked and whispered back. "It wouldn't have done us any good if he had gotten suspicious. So I'm going along with him for now. When we're deep enough in this that he thinks we have a use, then we'll resist him."

Ayano thought it over and decided her best friend was right. If they were going to have a chance at winning, they had to play along for now.

"Besides," Yoko added, a dark smirk over her face, eyes hidden behind her shades. "We can't let Uncle Rokubungi know about us until we've met up with Hotshot and the others."

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End of Chapter 05