Everlasting Coda
By ArchangelUK

A/N: Good news to all those who like this series, and perhaps bad news to those who hate it immensely and want to bash it to death with the severed head of Kaworu (there's bound to be one somewhere). Anyway I now know how many parts this story will be! It's 35... sweatdrops. 4 per Angel then Death & Rebirth and End of Eva but Coda will go on until just a day or so after that. I put a few omake's at the bottom of this one too.

I don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion. However, I do own a copy (#147 of a limited run of 1000) of the Lance of Longinus direct from SEELE War Surplus Ltd. Which sits atop my mantelpiece... and now is moving... and is pointing at me... I.. uh oh... runs

Part 6: Convalescence

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Galatians 5:22-23

And He Said: "The Only Savior Is The One Needing Saving"

It was one of those days, Fuyutski decided.

Gendo was being more anti-social than usual, even snapping back at his second in command. Misato Katsuragi, Director of Operations at NERV was keeping a constant (or as much as her schedule allowed) vigil at the bedside of Shinji Ikari. The latter having slipped into not a coma as such, but was essentially unconscious while his body recuperated from the injuries sustained in battle with the eleventh Angel and reopened in the subsequent 'incident' with his father. SEELE were being nosey about what happened, Chairperson Keel was making discreet enquires with certain people; he had 'interviewed' Lieutenant Aoba, Doctor Akagi and even himself on several occasions. It all spelt trouble.

Then there was the children, there were suggestions coming from various sources that MARDUKE was soon to clarify the identity of the Fourth Child. Something Fuyutski was curious about, as he had not been consulted about what was to happen. Not only that but the Second Child was being... eerily quiet. Asuka was eating, sleeping and working at NERV at the moment. The only time she went to school was when their legal guardian Misato Katsuragi had a day off and she was sure Shinji wouldn't be alone. Section 2 had reported she had been speaking very little to very few, even her best friend the Horaki girl. For a moment Fuyutski wondered if Ikari and Ritsuko were considering her as a way to balance Miss Sohryu's 'unique' personality - but he dismissed this as an old man's crazy thought. Even so, the events were worrying considering the Second's mental condition but more to the point her synch ratio had dropped a whole 6 points below her average.

Fuyutski was suddenly thirsty; he got up from his office chair and walked to a nearby coffee machine. Upon inserting his special silver and red NERV ID card a beverage duly arrived to his own specific specifications, and the sub-commander took it out with him onto the balcony. Not that this was a balcony really, more a grandiose gantry. His thoughts turned to Rei as he looked downwards at all manner of NERV techs, officers, engineers and assistance as they past below on the moving walkways like worker ants in a colony. A fair description, he thought to himself. Rei hadn't been near the NERV medical unit since Shinji was admitted to it not that the Commander would admit it but Ikari had been deliberately filling her free time with synchronisation tests sometimes lasting as long as five hours at any one time. The poor girl was exhausted, but would never say this of course thanks to her upbringing. Though Ikari wouldn't say he could see that Rei was missing Shinji, whether this was simply by companionship or something else he couldn't tell but seeing Rei's face and her gaze even more distant than normal was most disconcerting to him. Maybe it was because she looked so much like Yui.

Oh Yui, what would you say if you had to witness such a thing. What your poor son has had to go through and what no doubt will continue to go through, I miss you so much. I wish you were here now for Shinji's sake, if not for mine or for Gendo's.

"Do you believe Shinji will make a full recovery?" The voice of Ryoji Kaji surprised the Sub-Commander, who upon blinking twice tore himself away from the sublime aroma of the warm coffee to fix the tall and slender agent with tranquil blue/grey eyes.

"Shinji Ikari is perhaps the strongest young man I have ever met." Fuyutski allowed himself a sad smile.

"But, do you think he will survive?" Kaji repeated, joining NERV's second in command on the gangway and leaning with his back against the rail.

"He will survive this, at least I hope he will." The Professor couldn't deny his desire any longer and took an all too satisfying slurp of the black liquid. "Ahhhh."

"Black, two sugars right?"

"How did you know that?" Fuyutski gave a curious smile and Kaji grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"You pick up a few things here and there."

"You pick up more than a few things Mr. Kaji, you should learn to be more discrete." Kaji nodded, the warning was a friendly one unlike one he might expect from the likes of Ikari. As such he took the warning at its face value and inclined his head in acknowledgement while Fuyutski had drunk some more of his coffee. The sub-commander was so unlike Ikari, one could easily describe them as chalk and cheese - at least in Ryoji's opinion. Thinking of Ikari never seemed to do his mood any good though, and Kaji soon found he was frowning strongly at the thought of him behind his desk, gloves and damned tinted glasses. Fuyutski was quick to pick up on this. "He'll be the death of him."

"Huh?" Kaji was taken aback. Fuyutski sighed, slipping his hand more around the NERV branded mug not so as to strengthen his grip the elder man thought that would be a most - 'Ikari' thing to do. He did it so as to help warm his hands, which were oddly cold for a building that had its heat internally regulated by the three most powerful computers in existence, the MAGI.

"Ikari, he'll be the death of his son. Not physically, mentally though, certainly emotionally."

"You sound so sure."

"I am. He is more like his mother than his father thank God." Fuyutski briefly looked upwards, "He wears his heart on his sleeve, but...

"But what?"

"He tends to go into things shoulder first."

Kaji looked downwards and rolled his tongue around his mouth. "Or gets pushed into things shoulder first."

"That would be a more accurate description." Surmised the sub-commander, while swirling his drink around. "Worse awaits him I'm afraid."

I know. "I can only imagine."

"I'm sure." Fuyutski said, an almost invisible glint in his eye. "The only one who can save Shinji is... well... Shinji."

"Are we being monitored?" Kaji said suddenly, realising it was unusual for Fuyutski to be so willing to discus things or be away from Ikari. He looked around, trying to make it as casual as possible whilst looking for telltale red lights, out of place power supplies and other things Section 2 might use.

"No." Kozo replied with a stoic face. "Ikari is busy."

"Rei's synchronisation test?"

"Yes." Of course that wasn't wholly true, Gendo was with Rei while she synchronised and her memory patterns were updated in the event that one of her 'sisters' suddenly needed to be employed.

"I see." Kaji mused, "That means Ritsuko will be busy too. A pity."

"You had business with her?"

"No, not exactly." Kaji scratched his stubbly chin with a thumb, "I've been invited to the wedding of an old college acquaintance of ours. I was going to ask if she and Katsuragi are going."

"Why don't you ask Katsuragi yourself?"

"I kind of get the feeling she wouldn't like knowing I'll be going." Kaji said, his face downcast, Fuyutski chuckled and left Kaji alone downing the last of his coffee as he went. The younger man watched the sub-commander of NERV walk away and couldn't help but smile, if SEELE or Ikari had their own agendas in all this Angel business at least there were decent people such as Fuyutski who would look out for those designated as unimportant. He was confident in that, and emboldened by the hope of at least one high ranking NERV official looking out for the children Kaji returned to his office. More 'research' was needed...

Evangelico Italiano

"Rei."

Commander Ikari's cool voice cut through the LCL like a shard of glass through soft unblemished skin, it was only Rei's emotional training that prevented her from jumping in fright. This realisation instantly was brought into question - was she afraid of the Commander or was it something else? She was... disturbed by the feelings that had begun to emanate deep inside her. Slowly she opened her eyes to see him standing below her, those deep eyes hidden partially behind tinted lenses both looking upwards at her.

"Yes sir." Her voice did not waiver despite her inner turmoil. THIS was the man whose actions had resulted in Shinji being hurt and in hospital, yet he was also in many ways her father. He was the one who created her and he was the one who gave her purpose, to pilot her Evangelion. Without this man she would have to purpose. Without this man Shinji would be conscious and playing his song. Without this man the thing known as Rei would not be. Without the Instrumentality and the bonds that generate the thing known as Rei would not be. This was the man who had all but blackmailed her into leaving Shinji's side, the man who had prevented her from journeying to see the Third Child. Not that her own anxiety at seeing him injured or Pilot Sohryu's harsh words were not also barriers to overcome before she would even consider stepping into the medical unit again. This was the man who had brought her back from the dead. This was the man who had sought to bring her back from the dead.

I am I... I am I... I am I...

"We're finished here." The Commander glanced over at Doctor Akagi and Rei noticed the blond haired woman nod in agreement before busying herself with some form of notes. The bespectacled man gave her a half smile, "Let's eat." Rei, though she did not wish to, saw fit to ingratiate Gendo Ikari with a small smile. Ritsuko scoffed then made out like she was coughing instead.

"Yes sir."

Rei changed into some clothes, a thin black turtle neck jumper and black trousers. She did not like the clothes much but these were the 'dining clothes' that she knew the Commander liked. Not that he had commented on this directly of course, but in his roundabout way of doing things the First Child knew he thought she looked 'nice' in them.

Thursday night was Italian night by tradition and the NERV limo arrived at what could be classified as Rei's favourite Italian restaurant. Then again, she realised, it was the only Italian restaurant he had ever taken her in her entire life so she didn't have much choice in the matter. Their usual table was waiting for them of course; the restaurant had a private room for the respected Ikari party whenever they "Graced the presence of Tokyo-3's humble Bistro Italiano." As the manager had once gushed, unsurprising seeming as their mere presence within his establishment often trebled his weekly income. Gendo Ikari was a rich man though he chose not to show it generally, he did not buy much but when it came to a dinner with Rei he certainly pushed the boat out no matter of the occasion.

"How is school?" Gendo asked (as usual),

"No problems." Rei replied (as usual), but her eyes were cast downwards. She prodded at the ravioli in front of her with her fork, slightly uncomfortable with the different eating implement and half-wondering if it would be more efficient to use chopsticks.

"Is something wrong?" Gendo said curiously, fully aware Rei was most definitely not her usual self.

"I," She paused for a second not sure whether she should say the truth, but to be misleading would be to lie and Rei had been taught never to lie. "I have been unable to check the progress of the Third Child for some time."

"Oh?" This was not what Gendo wanted to hear, being in Rei's presence had blissfully taken his mind off his son and his and Rei's recent interaction. "This bothers you?"

"I would like to know of his present condition."

"He is recovering sufficiently, you needn't concern yourself with that."

"As you wish Commander." The fork sliced through the pasta to penetrate what lay underneath with adequate precision. Both turned back to their respective meals, yet work was still the topic of choice.

"The pilot crossover synchronisation tests that were abandoned will be rescheduled as soon as Pilot Ikari has recovered."

Rei visibly became anxious, "I... will be piloting Unit One?"

"Correct."

"Understood." The whole idea of piloting Shinji's Evangelion seemed very unsafe to her for some reason. She much preferred the interior of Unit 00 than anything else; Shinji was bonded to his Evangelion, Sohryu to 02, and Rei to 00. "What of Pilot Sohryu?" She asked calmly, doubting the pocket firebrand would take kindly to all this Evangelion swapping yet at the same time Rei knew Asuka would be angry if she was left out.

"She is not a part of this exercise. She will participate in an additional synch test at the same time." Gendo said simply, understanding what Rei had meant "I understand you are not on good terms at present."

"She is... difficult."

"How?" Commander Ikari generally looked interested in this, though Rei couldn't entirely fathom why. The history or lack thereof between First and Second Child was well documented, even if there had been the temporary start of a possible friendship recently. Rei had decided during her previous synching that it would be best to keep as far away from Sohryu as possible. That way... maybe...

"I do not know."

...She wouldn't be hurt like that again...

"I see."

...And maybe Shinji would be okay.

Rei looked over to the piano and suddenly saw herself sitting with Shinji on its stool, him smiling and carefree. The young Ikari diligently teaching his pupil, proud of what she had achieved, that is what should be occurring now. Instead Shinji was unconscious on a hospital bed, with only an unfamiliar ceiling to greet him if he did ever see reality again.

Gendo Ikari noticed her glance and sombre sigh and surprised a growl, it seems his son's influence still caused him problems even when he was incapable of interaction. He would have to monitor this influence on Rei, it was already being problematic, should it become stronger it might become dangerous to his plans, himself and to Rei. That would be tomorrow though, he had a marvellous meal to still consume and Rei seemed to have adapted to using a fork well enough now. The meatball that he had been holding on his fork for five minutes suddenly fell off and rolled down into his lap, saturating his suit with bolognaise sauce as it went. The evening for Gendo Ikari was a complete success, and he accordingly summoned the bill.

A Sight Beyond Sight

Asuka Langley Sohryu hugged her knees to her chest, it had been a long evening she had spent it sitting as she was now out on the balcony of the apartment she shared with Shinji and Misato. Of course it had only been Misato these last few days, and it was at that precise moment that their Guardian slid open the front door and announced simply -

"I'm hooome!"

"Hi Misato." Asuka smiled as Pen-Pen who had been for some reason keeping her company on her moonlit vigil waddled over to Misato and warked a welcome to her. The probable content Asuka guessed probably contained the question 'You've got my fish right?'

"Tsk. Men (!)" Asuka mumbled, rolling her crystal blue eyes and tossing her mane of red hair in mock defiance at the penguin and his gender.

"What was that Asuka?" Misato looked up from petting Pen-Pen, who having had a sneaky look in the shopping bag Misato had brought in with her and being satisfied with both it's contents, quality and the fact Asuka wasn't alone now, wandered off back to his fridge for a nap.

"Nothing Misato." Asuka sighed, "Shouldn't you be at work?"

"If you mean with Shinji he'll... be fine alone for one night. He's under 24 hour surveillance, even if it is from the nurses and Section 2."

"But... I thought one of us was always gonna be with him." Asuka tried to sound angry, though inside she was wailing - he was alone! She'd left him alone! Part of Asuka's mind started to plan the quickest (and subtlest) exit of the conversation and travel arrangements to get to NERV as fast as possible.

"I know Asuka, but he'll be okay - I, needed to speak to you." Asuka's heart jumped into her throat.

"Shinji-baka's gonna be okay isn't he?" She squeaked, mentally cursing her open lapse in disinterest.

"Yes Asuka, touch wood." Misato rubbed the table next to her. "I just need to talk to you about something though. Okay?" Misato looked uncomfortable, Asuka shifted from one foot to another.

"Okay... I suppose." She slumped into a chair, the last time they had had 'a talk' she'd been informed of Shinji breaking rules to save her. Folding her arms Asuka quietly wondered what this was all about.

"Asuka, you didn't go to school today did you?"

"Huh, and leave Shinji-baka alone?" Asuka tossed her head again, this time her red hair falling and bouncing down around her shoulders.

"You knew I'd be there Asuka." Misato opened a beer can and took an almost cautious sip, looking at Asuka suspiciously, the young pilot sighed.

"I did go to school, it's just that the reason I went wasn't to learn exactly." Asuka's eyes suddenly thought the carpet was the most interesting thing in the world.

"Asuka, I'm up here."

"You know you should really change the colour of this."

"Asuka..." Misato's voice became stern as she looked over the top of her Yebisu can, Asuka humphed.

"Alright! Alright! Jeez, I went in to see if Rei was there - okay?"

"Why?"

"What is this, 20 questions?"

"Why?" Misato repeated.

It was such a simple question yet Asuka didn't seem to have an answer, she just seemed to sit there motionless as Misato finished her beer and moved onto her second. She was close to midway through her third can before Asuka said anything.

"I wanted to know."

"Wanted to know what?"

"Why she left him..."

"You mean why she left us when Shinji collapsed?"

"I know why." Asuka said, a low growl coming from the back of her throat catching her by surprise. "The little bitch was following the Commander as usual, the doll was obeying its master."

Misato shook her head sadly and finished her third can, she crushed it and with one swift and fluid motion threw it behind her. It bounced off a wall onto the top of Pen-Pen's fridge then slid down into the wastebasket; at least that was her intention. Misato's aim actually managed to place the can into the sink via clanking off the cooker. For a moment she grinned sheepishly at her own ineptitude before shaking her head again much more vigorously and recomposing herself.

"I thought that was the problem, but, if you knew..."

"...Then why bother asking her?" Asuka interrupted, "Well, I wanted her to tell me. Tell me why she deserted the stupid Third Child. I wanted to hear the reason from her own mouth, to see if there really is anything beyond that exterior of hers. To tell me, prove to me I was wrong."

"You are." Misato said quietly, "That's why I wanted to talk."

"What could you possible know that I don't? I WAS THERE!"

"But I saw something you could not Asuka, it's important you listen to me."

And so Misato told her everything, everything she needed to know about what had happened and some she probably would not have wanted to hear. She told Asuka about what Commander Ikari had done, what Rei had done so that Shinji could get help. Then Misato told her young charge about where Rei had been ever since, the fallout of Asuka's outburst by Shinji's bedside. Asuka seemed to freeze, she didn't move not even for breathing but inside her a voice she had all but forgotten from her dream the night before suddenly began whispering in her mind.

How will he react if he knew what had happened?

What if he already knew?

And Asuka bolted out of the door before Misato could ask what was wrong.

The All Too Familiar

Two eyes opened and the final red mark on a computer display of vital signed disappeared, being replaced by a soothing and all too welcome green light.

"An unfamiliar ceiling... another unfamiliar ceiling."

Shinji raised his head with some difficulty and looked around, finding he was alone his head dropped back down onto the hard feather pillow. He sighed, remembering the events of what he only believed to be the previous evening.

"Asuka. Rei. Misato. Father... What are you afraid of?"


To Be Continued...

ArchangelUK 0:o)

Omake

Gendo smirked, "Rei... We're finished here."

"Yes sir."

"Let's eat."

"Understood." Rei stoicly replied as the LCL began to drain from the tube, the Commander turned to leave.

"I will let you dress."

" You require the usual Commander?"

Gendo stopped as if thinking, "No... The French Maid uniform tonight."

Rei sighed in happiness, "Yes sir."

...And Ritsuko collapsed...

Omake 2

Fuyutski changed his grip on his mug and it slipped out of his hand, plummeting downwards. A scream came from below, as they both looked over the balcony to see the poor un-named non-descript NERV tech that had be drenched in piping hot coffee. He was already being treated for burns by some medical staff, but he was not the only one. For a certain Lt Ibuki had been walking past as well and had been knocked out by a falling mug. Fuyutski looked over at Kaji and uttered three simple words; that handful of words and the look on Fuyutski's face would haunt Kaji until the end of his days.

"That was fun."

Omake 3

The restaurant was busy, Gendo turned his head towards his dinner partner "You want desert Rei?"

"Yes."

"Oh? You don't usually."

"I thought it best to... experiment."

"Hmm." Gendo mumbled, openingly planning the best way of getting the spaghetti sauce out of his best trousers. The sweet trolley arrived and Rei selected an entire lemon torte.

Gendo blinked, "Are you sure about this?"

Rei didn't answer but instead stood up and raised the torte above her head.

"Rei?"

"I wish to experiment by flinging this in your face and observing the reaction, Pilot Sohryu suggested this was a classic example of humour."

"R-Rei..." Gendo was silenced by the sudden rapid application of the torte to his face.

Rei tilted her head, "This is humorous... I do not understand. But I... feel something."

Gendo gave a muffled reply of "What?"

"I feel like I enjoyed it. I also feel I want to say something..."

Gendo folded his hands despite having a torte attached to his face, "And that would be?"

"I feel like saying - 'That's for hurting Shinji you bastard.' and doing this." She proceeded to tips a gravy boat full of pasta sauce over Gendo's head, "An odd sensation... cheque please."