Author's notes:

I feel a need to address readers concern that I am taking many characters OOC... The first one in question is Rei.

Rei II is a girl who needs a lot of looking after; even if she seems independent, she is not. Asuka sums Rei up perfectly, a doll. Gendo holds her like a puppet wielding to his liking, however in this point of the timeline Rei II is suffering from depression due to self-awareness. (Not to mention her personality and mood disorders, like "social blindness") Rei II knows that she is just a toy; many of her actions of true independence have been just beginning to surface, i.e. Rei showing concern for Shinji when he was sinking into the Sea of Dirac. Rei shows anger at Asuka for being so cold later on that day of that episode. In addition, Rei's odd yet pleasing mannerism when Shinji awake in the hospital after the Sea of Dirac. To take it to a more current Episode, the very episode the prologue replaces, Rei confronts Touji on the roof of the school. Rei II at this time is more then willing to free her self from bondage but, she needs someone to replace Gendo first, through out the Episodes Rei tries to relate to people with failure before her death. Even when she was dieing she wished to free her self from Gendo. Now has she found that in Hikari, that reminds to be seen.

Other OOC concerns that of Touji and Asuka, this is easier to explain. With concern to Suzahara's actions with Hikari, is it not possible Hikari is giving Touji to much credit.

As for Asuka, she does truly feel she has no friends, yes, Hikari is a friend to her, and Asuka would always say she is if not angered. Hikari to Asuka is just filling a social hole, a small patch for a large hole made by Asuka's personality disorder. When Asuka gets angry and if Hikari or Kaji is not there to calm her, she lashes out uncontrollably. It has been shown many of times even more so in the Extended Edition DVDs.

Thanks for the reviews and keep on sending them! PS I have a writing disability so sorry for the grammar problems.

Neon Genesis
EVANGELION
Finding Paradise

Chapter 1... Ones reality/ Evil in the wings

The morning at Misato's residence comes like any other, however for Misato, a feeling of guilt comes over her as she watches Shinji eat his breakfast. Her inability to tell any of the pilots about the new pilot has been hard for her. Knowing that it is her job to tell them, yet she has the inability to tell them makes it frustrating. Misato sighs as she plays with her beer can in her hand.

"Misato?" Shinji speaks up in between bites of his toast.

Misato looks up with a standard smile still hiding her feelings from Shinji. "Yes."

"Do you think it would be possible if I was able to activate along side Miss Horaki."

The Question completely throws Misato off guard; little did she know that Shinji knew of who it was. "You knew."

Not really, think much of the fact Shinji shakes his head. "Yea, I kinda found out by accident."

"How so?" Misato seems amazed on how cool Shinji is taking it, even if he does not know Hikari that well, Shinji can still work him self up over anything.

'At first I didn't want to say anything..."

Shinji pauses and looks away from his chair that sits over looking Hikari, that rests in a bed, bruised and bandaged. Hikari sleeps to the sound of hospital equipment in the background. Shinji leans back and stares at the Diary in his hand.

'This feels so weird.' Shinji thinks to him self as he puts down his pen. 'Writing in her journal like this.' Shinji sighs as he picks up the pen once more.

"Kaji told me. I walked in on him as he was going over her information." Shinji finishes his toast and takes hold of his cup of tea. "Asuka is the only one who doesn't know."

"Oh..." Misato looks down into her beer can with little pleaser. "Great, that leaves the hardest one to tell, left." Misato thinks to her self.

"Well can I." Shinji asks once more, with some enthusiasm.

"I don't see why not, but why." Misato questions Shinji's reasoning out of pure curiosity.

Shinji takes a minute to think about the question. "Its just that I don't like being all alone when I activate, especially when it was my first couple of times."

'I lied.' Shinji stops as he looks over to Hikari. 'I'm scared to death every time I'm in that thing.'

With a very sound reason presented Misato nods her head. "Well, I guess I can get Unit one over to the test sight, just be ready to leave by eleven." Shinji nods his head as he gathers his dishes and heads to the sink. Misato sighs once more as she stands up. "I should wake up Asuka its almost nine thirty."

The thought of Asuka reminds Shinji of what he was told by Hikari. "Oh, Misato... Horaki, wanted to be the first one to tell Asuka."

Misato stops in her tracks and smiles as a large burden taken off her shoulders. "Really... That's nice of her."

****

Shinji stops as he looks up to Hikari, she awakes, and smiles to see Shinji by her side. 'You brought my...'

Shinji looks down at it and quickly shuts it. 'I'm sorry I shouldn't of...'

Hikari only sighs as she stares at the ceiling. 'Its okay I asked you to help didn't I.'

Still feeling bad for writing in the book Shinji looks away. 'I know but it's your journal.'

With all her strength, Hikari raises her hand, which is covered in bandages. 'Please, help me.' Shinji nods and reopens the book.

****

Far from Misato's apartment at Hikari's house, Kadoma sits in the kitchen with a cup of tea at her side and the phone next to it. The morning breeze blows thru the kitchen window swinging a small wind chime. Kadoma slowly reads a note in her hand. She cannot help but fell somewhat in the wrong.

"Poor Hikari..." She places down the note that has the NERV seal on the letterhead. "Maybe if I didn't work so late we could have talked about it."

The young adult pushes the letter to the side as she looks to her left where the wind chime blows in the air. The sound it gives off is quieting yet pleasant to the ear. Her thoughts go back on what her parents would of done with the same predicament. "Mom would of rushed to talk to her as soon as she got the news..." Kadoma mutters as she stares at the wind chime.

"And father would have ran around like his head was cut off trying to stop it."

Hikari catches Kadoma off guard as she quickly turns to see her in the doorway with her pajamas still on. Hikari slowly walks into the kitchen, her older sister cant help but be surprised by her mannerism.

"Hikari-chan..." Kadoma spats as she watchers her sister, pour her self a cup of tea.

**** 'Hikari-chan?' Shinji questions as he stops writing, Hikari looks away with embracement.

'That is what she calls me.'

****

"So when did you find out?" Hikari asks as she sits down next to her sister.

Not wanting to disappoint her sister but also not wanting to lie, Kadoma thinks of a good answer. "Yesterday before lunch... I'm sorry I should of come home to talk with you."

With a slight shove, Hikari smiles at her sister. "Its no big deal, I understand that you had to work."

"No big deal!" Kadoma looks over to Hikari as if she is crazy. "You could be killed or hurt in those things, its going to be..." Kadoma stops as Hikari rest her head on her shoulder, the gesture easies Kadoma, as she begins to rub her sisters back. "I'm sorry, sis."

Hikari sighs as she continues to think about the day ahead, her sister however does bring her some comfort that things will be all right.

Kadoma gives hers sister a final pat on the back and a kiss on the top of her head. "I'm sure you will be fine, just be careful." She then stands and gathers her things as she goes off.

"Kadoma..." Hikari whispers just barely enough her sister to hear. Kadoma stops at the door way and looks at her sister. "Have a good day at work."

Kadoma smiles before she leaves. "You to."

**** With a smile on his face, Shinji looks up to Hikari.

'That's was nice of her.'

Hikari only smiles back as she thinks about her sister. 'I wish my family talked like that.' Shinji looks back down to see that Hikari has once more closed her eyes.

**** Asuka leisurely walks down the hall with a towel on her head and a shirt and shorts on, she walks into the kitchen where Misato sits in uniform with a beer in one hand and the paper in the other. Asuka raises an eyebrow to Misato's ignoring her entrance.

"What's up Misato." Asuka asks as she sits down.

"Hey, Asuka." Misato does not bother to put down either the beer of the paper.

With slight annoyance to Misato's mannerism, she rolls her eyes. "So what are you all dressed up for?"

Before Misato can responds Shinji comes in dressed and ready for the day ahead. "I'm ready Misato."

Feeling that she's being left out of something, Asuka looks over to Shinji who seems to be the easier pray. "So where are you two going?"

Shinji stops and stands unwilling to answer Asuka. "Um... to Matsushiro..."

"Why go all the way out there?" Asuka can see Shinji is not lying but still cannot help but question it.

Silence strikes the kitchen, with no one willing to respond to Asuka's question. Even Misato looks away from Asuka when she turns to her. Luckily for everyone around Asuka, the doorbell rings.

After a second ring, Asuka notices she is the only one willing to do something. "God what's with everyone?"

Asuka goes over to the door shaking her head. "What's with them today."

****

'Thanks again for not telling her...' Hikari's voice seems to strain as she shakes off the local anesthetics.

Surprised by Hikari voice, Shinji blushes. 'I'm just glad you showed up when you did.'

Hikari slowly sits her self up in her bed to help her stay awake. Shinji makes a gesture to help, but decides not to in the end.

**** The door slides open and standing in the doorway with a small bag is Hikari dressed in shorts and a hoody with its sleeves rolled up. Asuka steps back not expecting to see her. "Hikari, what's up?"

Hikari looks down still up set with Asuka from the day before. "Hi, Souyu"

"Souyu..." Asuka looks at Hikari with some question to he attitude. "What's wrong, your not acting your self."

"Can we talk?"

Asuka scratches her head on why, but nods her head. "Sure."

Unknown to Hikari and Asuka, Misato and Shinji both peer around the corner watching them. Hikari steps back to allow Asuka to move forward, as she does the door shuts with Asuka and Hikari both standing out side.

"Asuka, I need to know..." Hikari stutters as she speaks trying not to show weakness. "When you said, that you don't have any friends, did you mean that."

"Err..." Asuka chocks a bit as she looks back vaguely remembers saying that. "What do you mean, I never said that!"

"And you also said that you would hate the new pilot no matter what."

Once more Asuka chocks as she feels that her conversation yesterday as been betrayed. "Well I did say that. Look Hikari you're my friend, who ever told you that your not disserves a beat down."

Seeing Asuka look at the door, makes Hikari think that she is ignoring the issue. "But you hate..."

Feeling that Shinji is the cause of Hikari's action, Asuka mind drifts away, on to the need to beat up Shinji for repeating her out burst. "Look what ever Shinji said to you is total crap! I would never say I had no friends."

"Asuka..." Hikari whispers as Asuka begins to fume about Shinji.

"I will tell you what, I'm going to make him pay for saying such lies."

"Asuka..." Once more Hikari goes unanswered as Asuka begins to storm off to yell at Shinji. "Asuka it wasn't him!" Still Asuka ignores her as she goes to open the door but is stopped when Hikari grabs her arm. "Asuka listen to me!"

Finally, Asuka turns to Hikari for yelling at the top of her lungs. "What?"

****

'Maybe I should have waited till after...'

Hikari slumps and looks down and rubs her arm. Shinji sees the pain in Hikari's eyes but does not know how to react to it.

'I think it was right, if not think what would have happened if you didn't.'

Seeing Shinji is a least trying to comfort her brings a smile to her face.

****

"I'm the Fourth Child!"

"Huh..." Asuka shakes her head as if she heard her wrong. "What was that?"

Hikari pulls on Asuka's arm as she desperately tries to get through to Asuka "I'm the Fourth Child, Asuka! I am the new Pilot!"

All that Hikari receives for her honesty is laughter. "Your joking right?"

With tears in her eyes, Hikari shakes her head. "No I'm not, I'm the Fourth Child!"

"That's not possible you can't be!" Asuka shouts in disbelief. "You can't be a pilot!" Asuka stares at her friend as Hikari bows her head in silence. Asuka then steps back as if Hikari had the plague. Asuka forces Hikari to let go of her arm as she grabs her head, and runs off visibly upset.

"Asuka!" Hikari goes to chase her but stops.

"I'm sorry." Hikari turns to see Misato standing at the doorway. "I should have told her." Hikari only looks down in sorrow. "Look she will be fine... it's just a shocker that's all."

Still unsatisfied with what happened Hikari walks to Misato disheartened. Misato lets her pass as Hikari walks in she sees Shinji standing in the entranceway.

"Sorry." With a whispering tone, Shinji watches as Hikari goes in side and sits down in the kitchen. Shinji looks back to Misato who still stands at the door.

"Shit happens..." Misato shuts the door and looks over to Shinji. "Gather you thing and lets get going Unit One should already be there and three is on its way."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Shinji goes off to do as he was told, as Misato stares at the door thinking to her self. "I hope Asuka can get over the fact that she's a pilot..." She looks back to see Hikari standing next to Shinji as he puts on his shoes. "Because she's going to be a lot more then just a pilot."

****

'The drive to Matsushiro, seemed to take forever.' Shinji looks up in some disagreement to Hikari's statement.

'It seemed pretty fast for me.' Shinji points out as he taps the pen in his hand.

Both think for a bit before finding a new place to start.

****

By one thirty Misato, Shinji, Hikari, and Ritsuko stand on the flight line all waiting the arrival of Unit Three. Shinji takes a sip from a soda he has been milking since entering the base. Hikari stands next to him head down and crestfallen. Misato cannot help but tap her feet as she leans against a jeep.

"Its hear." Ritsuko announces as a black dot crests the horizon.

As the Eva Carrier comes closer, Misato spits onto the ground. "I never waited for anyone this long in my life."

Shinji looks up as the Eva becomes clear; its unique position hanging off the carrier disturbs him. "Why is it on a cross..."

Misato looks over to Ritsuko for the answer. "Edwards Air Force Base doesn't have a proper loading station for the Evangelions yet."

Ritsuko explains as the carrier flies overhead at low level. The roar of the engines forces both Shinji and Hikari to grab their ears. The carrier then releases the Evangelion letting it fall into a massive lake. The splash reaches nearly a thousand feet into the air. Eva Unit Three rises to the surface as the water begins to calm down.

"And that is why we have to test all the way out here in Matsushiro."

Both Hikari and Shinji nod at the same time, a light drizzle form the Evangelion's landing begins to rain on them. Misato and Ritsuko both begin to leave with Shinji and Hikari not far behind.

Before long Shinji and Hikari find them selves in serpent lockers. Hikari stares at her Black and Blue Plug suit with some concern. "Not very friendly looking..." She says as she begins to undress. Once in her Plug Suit she looks at it with distaste, seeing that it is way to big for her.

****

'I was so nervous I forgot to read the directions.' Hikari chuckles a bit before she looks over to Shinji who seems to also laugh.

****

Hikari walks out of her locker room trying to not to trip on her Plug Suit. As she walks down the halls, she sees Shinji already, and waiting by the elevator. Since his outfit fits perfectly Hikari slowly walks over a bit embarrassed to ask for help.

"Ikari..."

Quickly Shinji turns to see Hikari in her Plug Suit that drapes over her body. He cannot help but laugh at the sight.

"Its not funny Ikari!"

Shinji puts his hand over his mouth to calm him self before talking. "Your suppose to push your air release switch.

Hikari begins to examine the suit for such a switch. Shinji watches as the nervous Hikari cant find it. Shinji steps forward, and takes hold of Hikari's hand activating the Air release. The Plug Suit instantly conforms to Hikari's figure as it releases the air in the suit.

Shinji smiles as the elevator door opens. "See much better."

Hikari stares at the form fitted Plug Suit, it is that the same style, as Unit Zero's only Black and Blue. Shinji holds the Elevator as Hikari takes some time to examine the suit.

****

'What's wrong?' Shinji asks as Hikari stops dictating.

'Nothing it's just those Suits.' Hikari cringes at the thought of them.

Not understanding Hikari, Shinji shrugs his shoulders. 'What about them, was it uncomfortable.

To embarrassed to tell Shinji, Hikari looks away. 'No it was very comfortable, it felt like the wet suit I wear in Okinawa.' Hikari shies away from the question. 'Look it no big deal.'

****

The elevator door opened to show the base of Evangelions Units One, and Three. Shinji steps out of the Elevator, not really impressed with the sight, seeing he sees it very day. Hikari however cannot help but be awed by there size. The magnitude of such a thing is unbelievable to her. Her steps are slow so she can gaze at them with out movement. Shinji stops to see that Hikari is completely transfixed on the Eva's.

"Um... Class Rep..." Shinji mutter not to disturb the girl in front of her.

"There so big." Hikari whispers as she reaches the feet of Unit Three.

Not willing to argue such a fact, Shinji nods. "Yea, they are impressive."

Whispering once more Hikari reaches out and touches the foot of the Eva. "To think there's a soul in here..." As soon as she touched it, she pulls away.

****

'It as if a devil was reaching out to me.' Hikari begins to shiver in her bed as she thinks back to when she touched it. Shinji only watches her distant in his own thought. 'I should have told some about it.'

****

"What wrong?" Shinji asks Hikari who rubs her figures with fright.

Slowly Hikari steps back from the Eva. "Nothing."

They both go over to a service elevator and ascend to the upper levels of the Eva's. Hikari continues to rub her hands as the two come closer and closer to the top. Shinji fixes his gaze on Hikari to see that she is extremely edgy as she rubs her hand and shivers from fright.

As the elevator reaches, the Umbilical Bridges Shinji goes to open the cage door. "Its okay, Hikari I will be right here."

Shinji words do not seem to help as she exits the elevator, and on to the narrow span that passes between both Evangelions.

****

'The rest is really a blur...' Shinji rests the pen in his hand as Hikari says that.

'We can stop if you would like.'

Hikari shakes her head. 'No Shinji you go on, I want to remember it.'

Not to enthusiastic on the suggestion, Shinji tries to talk her out of it. 'Are you sure, it might hurt.' Shinji says quietly as he reflects on to his own philosophy.

'Even if it hurts Shinji.' Hikari says with a smile. 'Its best to know and learn from it then it is to run away from it.'

****

Inside Unit One Shinji finds him self also a little nevus. "It must be rubbing off on me." Shinji shakes his head and looks up to Unit Three's Vid screen, where he watches Hikari get into her Entry Plug. "She's so strong, kinda like Asuka, but nicer." Hikari looks over to Unit One and gives thumbs up. Shinji smiles as her Entry plug closes and all of the Crew Chiefs leave the area.

Shinji goes over and brings up Unit Three's Plug Vid screen. He watches, as Hikari looks around extremely jittery. Shinji also listens into Unit Three's Communications.

"How are you feeling Pilot Horaki..." Ritsuko asks with little care.

In the background, Misato can be heard. "Total control of Four Eva's... You know if I wanted to I could take over the world."

"Okay we will now fill the entry plug, remember that you can breath LCL." As the plug fills up Hikari squirms as her head goes under. Shinji can't help but laugh, as she finally releases the air in her lungs."

"This taste is disturbing..."

Misato chuckles at Hikari, as Ritsuko goes over the next step. "Okay ready the A-10 never connection."

Shinji watches as she actives, he to begins his activation, which is much quicker, then hers. As she approaches Absolute Borderline, Shinji cant help but feel as if something is wrong, looking into the Units eyes he sees blood.

Over the communications, a technician yells out. "Doctor Akagi we are getting I large energy patter inside the Eva!"

Shinji's Eyes widen as Unit Three Roars at him, his thoughts immediately goes to defense as he raises Unit One's hands in front of Three and spreading his AT Field to full. The Angel with in Unit Three awakens with an all out AT Field detonation. Unit One AT Field deflects the blast away. As his Field becomes visible, Unit Three disappears in a bright light.

Unit One is finally knocked from its feet and hurled into the air landing like a cat just out side the complex.

"Misato!" Shinji yells as he looks at the demolished base.

His fears are spared as a small sound only transmission comes from her. "Shinji... Get out of here!"

The signal goes dead as Shinji screams out only to see Unit Three standing on the other end of the base. Unit One stands to meet the challenge. Inside Shinji looks over to see he is on standby power. Unit Three Roars so thunderous that it echoes into Shinji's ears. Unit One is caught off guard as Three charges. All Shinji can do is parry the Eva's attack. Unit One stumbles a bit before running away.

Inside Unit One Shinji goes over a map on a vid screen. "Come on where's the closest Umbilical cable!" Shinji screams, finally the map reveals what he is looking for. "Its nearly ten miles away!" Shinji looks behind him to see that Unit Three is missing.

Caution and warnings alarm go off in Unit One Shinji slides the Eva a stop as Unit Three lands in front of him. With out the ability to waste time Shinji charges Unit Three slide tackling it to the ground.

Shinji continues to run away, as a Vid screen appears from headquarters, Shinji doesn't take the time to see who it is but the voice sums it up to be his father. "Shinji what are you doing?"

Unable to respond Shinji prepares Unit One for a jump over a hill as he does he looks to see his battery power is down to less then a minute. Unit One lands on the other side with Unit Three right on its tale. With one more hill, remaining Shinji uses every ounce of willpower to leap over the small mountain. Just as Unit One leaps, Three flings its arm at One just missing the Eva as it clears the mountain. However Unit One's landing is less the graceful as it feet hit the top of the hill forcing the Evangelion to roll to the bottom. Shinji although shaken is not deterred as he forces his Eva to move once more to avoid form having Unit Three land on him.

Just before Unit One runs out of power Shinji reaches for the Umbilical Cable pulling it out of it's housing on the mountain side plugging it in. Unit One stands back up with its life giving energy charging through her body. However, Shinji is now frozen unable to fight Unit Three.

**** Gendo looks on with disappointment, as Unit Three reaches up out to grab Unit One. Shinji dodges its attack and falls back.

"How long till Unit Zero and Two arrive!" Gendo shouts to his bewildered battle staff.

Hyuga however looks up to him to respond. "Twenty minutes!"

**** Inside Unit One Shinji tightens his grips on his controls as he stares at his target.

"I cant..." Shinji goes to let go of his controls in defeat of his own morals until Unit Three's Vid screen appears.

All it shows is static Shinji cant help but stare at it; once more, he is caught off guard and attacked by Unit Three. The Angel throws Shinji to the ground. Shinji remains mesmerized on the Vid screen as he begins to see Hikari's face and over the static can be heard a faint voice.

"Help... me..."

Shinji once more stares at the vid screen as he ignores the Vid screen from Command.

"Help... me..."

Shinji looks to the target and jumps back in time to dodge an attack. Shinji shuts down all communication as he draws his Progressive Knife from his left shoulder hard point.

As if threatened Unit Three roars at Unit One for drawing a weapon. Shinji cannot help but scream back as he charges Unit Three. With both Eva's charging, Three stretches its arms out to attack Unit One deflects the attack by driving the Progressive Knife deep into the Units arm. The Knife finally breaks off at the elbow. Shinji turns and readies him self for the next attack, shaking the knife to extend the extra blade. Shinji strikes down onto Unit Three, who parries the attack with its good arm. The attack pushes Unit Three back, with an opening spotted Unit One swings the blade across the targets chest slicing through the armor.

The attack spins the target around to show its back. Shinji grabs Unit Three by the back of the head and shoves it face first into the mountain side. Unit One stabs in to the back of the Eva and rips out the Termination Plug exposing the Entry Plug. To keep the Angel at bay Shinji smashes the Termination Plug over its head, this also frees his blade for combat. However, Shinji takes a more delicate approach as he stabs the blade directly parallel with the Entry Plug. Slowly wiggling the blade forcing the Entry Plug to pop out far enough for Shinji to release the Eva's head and pull out the Plug. However with the Angel released from its pin, it head butts Unit One with the back of the head.

Unit One stumbles back dropping the Entry Plug. Shinji screams out as the plug cashes to the ground and rolls to a stop inches away from a Viaduct. Shinji maneuvers Unit One to defend the Plug by charging Unit Three, his attack is short lived as the Angel digs its arm into the ground and brings it up just in time to trip Unit One. Shinji's luck could not be any worse as his Progressive Knife lands butt first on to Hikari's Entry Plug; luckily, it strikes the front end away from the pilot inside.

To Shinji however it is all the same as he stands up engaging his second Knife from his other hard point and charges once more stabbing the target in the chest. Unit Three desperately pulls away using its feet to kick Unit One to the ground. Just as Shinji can stand his Eva back up Unit Three tackles his Eva. As the two struggle for a bit, Shinji takes his Eva's Knife and drives it into the skull of Unit Three. The Angel retaliates with a bite on to Unit Ones neck. Shinji grabs that part of his neck and screams out kicking the Angel off.

It land right behind Hikari's plug knocking it partly into the river. Shinji readies for his final assault as he charges the Angel once more driving Unit One's fist into the wound he made earlier, Shinji then grabs the Eva by the neck and pulls as hard as he can lifting into the air like a rag doll. After nearly a minute of struggling Unit Three seizes to thrash about and falls limp in Unit Ones hands, in frustration Shinji tosses the lifeless Eva into the mountainside before his Eva collapses.

"Hikari!"

Seeing that his Eva is inoperable, Shinji swiftly releases his Entry Plug as it opens he opens the Canopy door before the LCL could drain. Over by Unit Three's half submerged Entry Plug Shinji runs over to it coming to a stop by slamming into the top of the plug. With no thought to the matter, Shinji slides down the side of the Viaducts splashing into the water.

This knocks Shinji back to his senses as he remembers he cannot swim. He quickly grabs part or the splintered Entry Plug. With his determination, not wavered Shinji gathers his thoughts before diving into the water. Using the Entry Plug to guide him, he reaches the Emergency Exit Hatch. After multiple pulls on the handle, Shinji rushes back to the surface for air.

"Its Jammed!"

Shinji holds on to the plug as he gains his composer and dives back into this time going past the EEH and down in to the crushed part of the Plug were he slips in through a crack. Almost out of air Shinji struggles to get past a thick white slug that is in the plug, Shinji reaches up and finally pulls him self into a air pocket. Shinji orientates him self as he looks up to see Hikari unconscious covered in the white slug. Shinji struggles to get to her, as he uses the Eva's control handles to pull him self up to her he stops to catch his breath.

"Hikari! Damn it!"

Shinji reaches above Hikari's head; Shinji looks down as water begins to touch his feet. He reaches once more flipping the panel down to expose a yellow and black handle. As he goes to pull the handle, Shinji slips and falls onto Hikari lap. The Plug begins to moan and strain as water begins to reach Hikari's hips. Shinji gives one final push and grabs the handle pulling it out. Shotgun type explosions blow off the main canopy door the rush of water begins to fill in to the Plug. Shinji grabs Hikari and pulls her out both floating to the surface.

Jetting to the surface by riding the air pocket, Shinji splashes around dragging Hikari to the Viaduct edges as he pulls her out using the parts of the Entry Plug to get to the grass. As he pulls her to the grass Shinji looks up into the sunset to see multiple NERV VTOL VA-101 Griffin's in the air. Shinji falls to the ground as he hears the rumble of Units Zero and Two in the distance.

"There almost here, Class Rep." Shinji pulls Hikari to his side he looks down at her lacerated right hand. With his little first aid training, he knows he raises her hand above her head.

**** Shinji stands, with Hikari's diary in his hand. He looks over to see she is fast asleep. Shinji looks over to a clock to see it is nearly eight at night. He puts her diary to her side and then tucks her in with her blanket. With a smile Shinji leaves, he walks down the hall with a kind of optimism he has never had before.

****

Else, where Misato sits on a stretcher in the Hospital with a doctor at her side placing stitches near the back of her head.

Well it certainly took you guys..." Misato jests as the doctor works on he scalp.

"It's called a Triage ma'am..."

Misato laughs at the logical yet funny responds. She stops when Kaji comes around the corner.

"There you are." Kaji jokes as he pulls a flower from his back.

Not to pleased to see him, Misato quinces at the pain from the stitches "What brings you out here."

"You should be lucky." Kaji says with a more serious tone. "If it wasn't for the fact Unit One activated his AT Field you might be dead.

"Tell me about it." The Doctor finally begins to bandage her head. "What about Unit Three."

Kaji nods as he sits down next to Misato. "Unit Three is salvageable, Unit One took light damage."

"And the pilots."

"Shinji is fine, the pilot of Unit Three received a bad laceration to her hand and a concussion." Kaji pauses as the doctor finishes up. "One hell of a day."

Misato gets off her stretcher and grabs her coat. "Shit happens."

To be continued...