Disclaimer: See chapter one.

A/N: Yeah so I lied, the new pilots aren't coming this chapter. I had acctually forgot all aboutthe stupid robot the UN made. So this is the JA/plot developing chapter, next time I will acctually introduce the pilots. Sorry Hope you all like.

BTW! I combined the prologue and the first chapter so for you people who have already been reading I am sorry if this messes you up I will post this note in my next few chapters just to make sure everyone sees it.

Italics - Inner Thoughts

Apotheosis

One's descent into heaven in order to become god.

Chapter Eight

False Gods andthe Righteous Servant

The wicked flee when no man pursueth:

but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1

To myself, (so if you're not me stop reading, seriously stop.)

It's been weeks since the fifth angel was defeated, since that night. Everything has been different since then, I actually started trying to talk to Rei. It isn't getting me very far but I'm not trying to go far, all I wanted was to be her friend. I figured after the girl had saved my life by putting hers on the line, friendship was the least I could offer. She at least started answering me back when I drone on to her on the way to and from school. (Even though it's vastly out of the way I've been making it a point to walk with her whenever possible. Which included me getting up way before I had to, just to get to her apartment by the time she left.) All in all I'm not too sure it's working, but it's not for lack of effort.

Things with Misato on the other hand have been a bit rocky. A lot of uncomfortable silences and hurried superficial conversations. But I'd be lying if I said the sweet mental images I have been walking around with for the past few weeks haven't made the whole thing seem absolutely worth it. I mean DAMN! What a fucking body! I have had a hard time trying to look at the girls in school because every time I give one the 'up and down' I can't help but think how inferior they are to her. No girl has any chance of comparing to Misato, she's a woman no doubt about it, they simply don't have the goods. And now that I have seen her face and body writhing in ecstasy, I can't imagine there being a sexier individual anywhere.

But what kinda sucks is that judging by her definitively negative response it doesn't seem like it's going to happen again. So that kinda the kills the hope of anymore of the 'perks' I've been receiving for saving the world. That blows the mighty one if you ask me but hey, at least I got to learn quite a bit before it was over. And if a picture is worth a thousand words the mental video I have was worth millions. It was the furthest I have ever been with a girl, and it had been with a goddess. No amount of awkwardness can ever take that away. Score, one for me. If you count the time with Rei, I guess now it's Naked Women:1 Me: 1. A situation that I'm hoping to rectify in the near future. I'm not so worried about the ratio of the two numbers, rather getting more overall points on the board. For now though I'll have to settle for quality over quantity.

Til I think of more shit to say,

Hinote.

Closing my journal I stared at the cover for a moment, I wonder why I still write my entries in letter form? It's the way that I been taught as a child and I just never changed it. Now it would feel almost wrong not to have it like that. Hell why do I even still write in this damn thing. I know what I'm thinking; why should I write it down? So someone else can find it later and know all of my most personal secrets.

Omar was the only person I had ever really trusted to tell everything to. That wasn't just because he was the only one who cared enough to listen. I knew that the people around me had no concern for me, or what I was doing. Before I had met Omar I literally had no one to talk to about the way I felt, so I started writing it down. Soon it became quite a habit and even when I finally did have Omar as a friend I continued to write in it. Knowing no one else was supposed to read this, I felt the only proper way to do it would be to address them to myself. I always wrote it that way hoping one day I could look back at those sad words and laugh at how pathetic I had been. Only problem is I would have to get to a point where I didn't consider myself pathetic. So again why did I write this all down for someone to find one day? So they could laugh at how pathetic I am?

The truth is I knew exactly why, and it kinda was so someone else would find it. If someone else found it, and read all of my secrets, it would mean someone cared enough to look.

I stood up having depressed myself enough for one sitting and walked out into the kitchen. It was early yet, so I decided to cook something for breakfast rather then just go with something quick like I normally did on a day that Misato was supposed to cook.

I'm guessing that the smells and sounds of the kitchen were enough to stir Misato. In a zombie like state she walked clumsily to the refrigerator, opened it and retrieved her customary can. She then immediately slammed almost the entire can in one tilt of her head. She almost fell forward as she brought her head back down with a sigh of satisfaction. "Now that is how you start a morning!" her voice wasn't carrying the drone like qualities it had adopted over the last few weeks. I finished cooking and brought the food over to the table on two plates. I sat down and looked over towards Misato.

"And here I thought normal people drank coffee." I added playfully hoping perhaps we could actually get something other than an awkward silence going between us.

It didn't seem to be working when see responded with annoyance in her voice, "A traditional Japanese breakfast consists of rice, miso soup and sake."

The smart ass in me answered back before I could stop myself, "Not Japanese breakfasts, maybe Misato breakfasts but not everyone enjoys starting the day with a buzz."

She gave me a dejected look as she sat down across from me, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, is it really necessary to drink first thing in the morning? Doesn't it effect the way you work?"

"Of course it does" she said finally after killing off the rest of her beer. "It makes me able to get through it. Not to mention making it a lot easier for everyone else to work with me." She finally cracked a small smile.

I liked the idea of keeping this joking, "Well too bad it doesn't make you more responsible too, maybe then you would've remembered who's turn to cook it was." I made sure to make the teasing evident in my voice.

She started looking around the round and fidgeting like a kid caught climbing up to the cookie jar. "Yeah.. ummm... sorry?

"It's okay I've gotten used to it by now." I laughed her off. "It's the constant wreck this place is that's starting to get to me. I mean really Misato what would it take to straighten up after yourself?"

"Hey are you trying to say something?" She got playfully defensive.

"Yeah you're a slob." I laughed.

"Hey I resemble, I mean I resent that remark!"

"I think you had it right the first way. You know that has to be the one thing that stops you from being the perfect woman. If you cooked and cleaned there wouldn't be a man in the world who wouldn't want to make you his wife." I had said it lightheartedly, yet as I looked over at Misato I saw that perhaps I had touched upon a sore spot. Maybe after what happened I shouldn't have made a comment like that so I quickly changed the subject.

"By the way, are you actually coming to my school today?"

"Of coarse, it's your parent teacher conferences, after all." She said matter of factly.

"Well I figured you'd be too busy with work, and we both know how important that stuff is." I had mixed feelings about it really. If Kensuke and Toji were any indication once the boys in school got a look at the woman I lived with I would have a lot more people anxious to hang out with me. On the plus side it would mean a chance to meet a lot of new people. On the down side I would never trust a single one of them was actually a true friend of mine, I'd always have doubts. Another factor of course is having the personal satisfaction of every single guy in this school wanting her when I'd practically had her. Because despite the absolutely crushing desire to brag to everyone with a pair of ears about what had happened, I knew what would happen if I did and losing Misato at this point was not an option. In the little time we have spent living together she as already become such a major part of my life. After Omar, I don't think I could take it if my big mouth led to anything disrupting my life in the Katsuragi residence.

"Don't worry about it, besides it's a part of my job remember? Taking care of you is one of my responsibilities."

They were simple words. And I'm sure she didn't mean that, she was only taking care of me because it was her job. But if I know that... why does it hurt so bad and how come I even thought it. "Right. A part of your job." I said as I stood up and went to the sink. After a few minutes and letting her words stir in my head I sighed, "Well, I hope they're giving you overtime for it." I could sense her dismay at my words, she probably knew why I said it. But even if she did with all that happened she's not so likely to start the heart felt talk about how 'it's not like that'. Normally after such a talk she'd just give me a big hug, something I had gotten surprisingly used to over the couple of months I have been here. But not now, she hasn't touched me at all in anyway since that night. Not even a hand shake. So the damned silence returned and even though I could feel her concern it obviously wasn't enough for her to speak out.

After washing the dishes I picked up my back pack up just in time to hear the door bell. I opened the door and was almost knocked over when Kensuke and Toji almost trampled me trying to get a look into the apartment. They chorused, "Hey Miss Misato, we're taking Hinote to school now!" I could see the drool falling to the floor and the sad part was she wasn't even visible from where they were.

When she simply stuck her arm around the corner and waved saying "Alright have a good day!" they almost fainted.

Back in NERV Headquarters the commander got a phone call. Though anyone watching might have thought having the lights turned off just to take a shady phone call might be a tad over dramatic.

"Once again I owe you." If anyone had been listening they wouldn't have believed their ears. 'The commander thanking someone?'

"You're not going to pay me back anyway, are you? Regarding the materials they demanded under the freedom of protection act, I handled it by giving them falsified data. The government is proceeding with legal action, but that will be blocked any day now. So, should I do something about that project as well?" The man on the other side of the phone spoke with a detached yet almost amused tone.

"No, judging for the materials you sent me, it appears there will be no need for that."

"Fine, then I will proceed with the plan." Without the customary farewell pleasantries the man hangs up the phone.

In his office the commander silently stared down at a sheet of paper with the words TOP SECRET stamped on it. The title read, "First Interim Report Regarding The Object Known As 'Angel' And The 'Human Enhancement Project'."

As he looked over the document it amused him to see how little of the actual information found it's way into the report. He of course was privy to the whole truth but it wouldn't suit his, nor their, agendas for the UN council or anyone else for that matter to know all the details. His seat of power was feebly being challenged now and that was by people who knew nothing of the EVAs true nature. His director of operations didn't even know, so why should they? Besides, if they had the information he had, they might have a chance of some where down the line giving him a serious problem. As things were now however, they had absolutely no idea of how far from their wildest dreams the EVAs really were and what really went into making them. They were still playing with toys. Granted, a 100m tall toy with a nuclear reactor. But it was remote controlled and it was nothing more than a machine. His creations however... were so much more.In his eyes hispower of creation was on par with god's.

I was tormented all the way to school with questions about Misato and declarations of both how hot she was and how lucky I was for living with her. Despite how annoying they were, their points and enthusiasm were more than justifiable. Which made it all the harder to object to the comments I had nothing to rebut I completely agreed with them. My favorite was probably Toji saying, "Man what I wouldn't do for just one chance to get her naked."

With a devilish grin I replied, "Believe it or not I might actually be able to arrange that..." I watched as he stopped mid step as if the cosmic pause button had been hit then turn to me with the a glow in his eyes only seen the first time a kid is in a toy store. He took the bait. "but it's going to cost you." I added just to make sure I got the full bite before reeling it in.

His head shook slow and he was almost in a daze as he said, "I don't even care, you name the price anything is worth that chance."

I smiled casually and smoothly added, "Well I'll just ask my standard fee for this sort of thing,.. your soul."

It took him a second to catch on, but soon enough I was being chased. He chased me all the way to school, or at least he would've but about half a block away we passed Hikari and suddenly I wasn't being chased anymore. Rather Toji was being held by the ear and being quite harshly yelled at. Though if I wasn't mistaken I saw a small grin on her face whenever she was sure Toji wasn't looking. I kept going figuring that it would be safer for me if Toji didn't catch up until I was in class. And when he did I got a threatening fist in my face but both me and Toji know how that one would go so I neither of us really took it to heart.

The day was mostly a copy of all the other's, that was of course until Misato got their. Every guy in my class flocked to the window. The gorgeous, hot sexy beautiful, blah blah blah, Ikari's so lucky, yata yata yata, comments were being thrown around like tater tots in a food fight. I thought how much respect I would get from them all if they knew what had happened between the two of us. But then as the comments quickly rose up from the girls about how perverted they all were, I wondered what would be the chance of any of them wanting anything to do with me after finding out that same information. Not much of one. And since it looked like Misato had no intentions of ever doing that again, it looked like I would need to find one of these girls to repeat the experience with. So pissing them off and ruining that chance was not an option. Instead I just stayed in my seat as the class went into an uproar. The one thing I did notice was that though everything was happening, the teacher didn't seem to notice a thing, in fact he was still lecturing. This absolutely shining example of intuition and intelligence is supposed to be our teacher? No wonder people say public schools are doomed.

Kensuke and Toji came away from the window, Misato must have been out of sight by then. "Man she is so gorgeous, I wish she were my girlfriend." The two of them said in unison.

"Man you wouldn't say that if you knew how much shit you'd have to put up with. The woman never cooks or cleans up after herself. She's a total slob."

"Man you're clueless!" Kensuke said sitting down.

Sitting on the other side of me Toji added "Yeah man you have no clue how lucky you are."

"I don't know if seeing her at her worst makes me lucky."

"Man you just don't get it..." They chorused, "Fine you worry about saving the world, and we'll take care of Misato." They slapped me in the back almost sending me out of my seat.

Yeah right, I'm clueless. Hence why I was using saving the world as an incentive to 'take care' of Misato.

After school it was time for another sync test. I sat in the entry plug like I did every other time, trying unsuccessfully not to let my mind wander. Luckily this time however it wasn't my father that my mind wandered to. Instead I found myself in the EVA thinking about EVA.

Saving the world huh? That's why the EVAs were created right? Well it's what they're used for now. Shit, it's what I'm used for now. Used by Nerv and by my father. But to my father I bet the EVAs are considered far more of an asset than me. Hell I bet he considers them more like his children then me. I mean he spent all of his time overseeing their creation and development while leaving me at the first available stop.

But when it comes right down to it for all I know about the EVAs all the operating procedures and the thousands of manual codes and other nonsense, I really don't know anything about how they are made or should I say what they are. Because after some of the shit I've seen you can't tell me that this is just some ordinary machine. Besides the tangible evidence there are some weirds things that I have noticed that have no logical explanation.

Like how come the entry plug smells like blood? And how come even though it does I feel completely comfortable here? Why am I suddenly at ease whenever I look into it's eyes? Why do I have to be directly connected to it's nerve impulses in order to pilot, couldn't they have just make controls? And why the hell does a machine have nerve impulses'?

What the hell are these things, and why do I feel like I've seen them before? I can't escape the feeling that I should fear this machine. Yet at the same time I feel drawn to it. How and why did it move to save me that first night without any power?

I mean WHAT THE FUCK is going on around here? And why wont anyone tell me anything? Misato blows me off when I ask but the way she does makes me think she doesn't know the whole story either and at NERV I simply get the stone wall of 'you don't need to know'.

But despite all that; When push comes to shove by piloting the EVA, the two us combined have the power to save the world. And that isn't something I can just ignore... hey wait a second. When did I start thinking of the EVA like a person? I just thought 'the two of us'... hmm. It feels right though. "So EVA, it looks like we are going to be partners for a while"

"What did you say?" Ritsuko's voice came over the comm.

"Oh nothing."

That night when I got home I decided to take a walk. It was a nice night and Misato was working late, so being inside kind of felt wrong. The streets were vibrant, but I was not. I still had alot of questions running through my head. I was kind of in my own world for the most part. Which was why I was almost startled when I looked up to see Hikari Hakori not three steps in front of me. And even more startled when a strange sounding voice said, "Hey Hikari, what's up?" It sounded strange because it sounded like it had come from me. Yet I didn't seem to remember willing myself to say anything.

What's up with me? Maybe I'm just lonely.

She seemed quite surprised be my forwardness, "Um, Hello Hinote." She said with her gracious class rep smile. "What brings you here?"

"Even now I couldn't figure out why I had started this conversation. What could I possibly have to say to Hikari? Well for now there was the simple way out "What about you?"

"Oh well I was on my way home from the basket ball game that was tonight." I couldn't help but noticed Hikari was blushing, almost as if she was hiding something. But I didn't know what.

Unable to think of what it could be I let the conversation flow naturally, " Oh yeah, isn't Toji on the team?"

Now I thought that comment was innocent, but when I saw all the colors that Hikari's face turned I knew better. "Ummm, yeah... but... I mean... it's not like that's why I went."

She may have been trying to hide it but she was busted, "Wow that had to be the single most obvious denial in history. So you've got a thing for Toji huh?"

She was about to start another round of refusal when I shot her a sideways glance that said it wouldn't fly. "Yeah, I have for a really long time. But you have to promise me that you wont tell him." Her face went from embarrassed to absolutely terrified. The thought of her crush becoming common knowledge was a scary one for her. "Please if he, if everyone found out... I-I... I don't know what I would do.

"Relax Hikari, your secret is safe with me." Suddenly A light bulb appeared above my head (No not literally). And with it came the small mischievous voice of the being who sat on my left shoulder. "Well that is of course unless I convince you that you want me to tell him."

She was dumbfounded, "No way! There is no way that I would ever want you to tell him!"

I raised one eyebrow and gave her a sideways smile, "Oh really? Now of coarse, you wouldn't want me to just blurt out, 'Yo Toji, HIkari wants you!' But... there are other ways of letting him find out."

She was so flustered she almost passed out. "Oh my no... You... you can't. What... How... NO!" She was frantic. She was waving her hands in front of her and looked almost ready to cry.

I was almost dejected, I thought for sure that she would've caught on by now. All evidence showed her to be a fairly intellegent girl. Maybe she does realize and she just doesn't trust me. That was the thought that pulled me out of my mischeivous mood. When I opened my mouth this time my voice wasn't so light hearted. "Tell me something Hikari, is there any reason why I should have anything against you?" It was quiet and direct I stared into her eyes when I asked to question. Not so much to read her as to let her read me, and how serious I was.

She was quite taken back by what I said. It obviously wasn't something she had expected and a puzzled look covered her face as she tried to figure out where I was going with this. "Umm, no... why?" She responded weakly.

"Do you have cause to consider me a malicious person? Or maybe some other reason not to trust my intentions?" There was a small trace of anger in my voice. I may be being a little over sensitive, but her reaction earlier had offended me just a little.

And while she didn't see where I was going with this she did quickly pick up on my change in attitude and where it came from. "Oh no no, I didn't mean... I'm really sorry I didn't mean to imply that..."

"Hikari let me finish. But I'll take that as a no." I smiled at her to show her that I wasn't going to stay mad. "Then why should you think that I want to do anything but help you?

The polite class rep shone through, "Oh no, it's not that it's..."

I grabbed her by the shoulders, gentle enough for her to pull away if she was uncomfortable, but firm enough to show sincerity. "I know, when you have feelings for someone they become a delicate subject. Same reason why you're such a sore spot for Toji." I stared at her and watched it slowly dawn on her what I had just said. Suddenly she was smiling brightly."

"Did you just say..." She started.

"Yes!"

"Did you mean to say..." She was fluttering like many young girls due in such situations, completely unable to stand still.

"Yup!"

"But I saw him today drooling over that woman everyone said was you're guardian. He's never looked at me like that." She said with the jealousy transparent in her face.

"You mean Misato? Everyone including Toji knows he'd never get her in a million years. That's a fantasy at best. Besides you're wrong, I've seen him stare at you plenty of times?"

I watched as she blushed with a smile before she could help herself and muster up some indignation. "What? That pervert stares at me when I am not looking? Oh, am I going to have a word with him!"

"Oh stop the act. I saw the red on your cheeks, you know you like the idea. Anyway, that's not how it was at all. I've caught him watching you when we sit on the roof for lunch. You should've seen the look on his face when I caught him. Hell you should've seen his face while he was watching you, he looked like the stupid male lead in a romantic play. I could almost see the two of you running through flower filled fields in his eyes. Like a love struck puppy."

"So you're telling me..." Now along with the bouncing came high pitched shrieks of joy.

"Uh huh..."

"Oh my god, so he..." She began to nearly hyper ventilate.

"That's right."

"You're absolutely..."

"Positive."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Yes." I watched her face change from blissful delight to horror. Before she noticed me laughing at her.

"Really?"

"He really likes you, I swear."

"So that means ... ... ..." Yes, she finally get's it... "Wait, are you totally sure " DAMN! So close...

"I'M COMPLETELY FUCKING SURE! HE WANTS YOU!"

"Wow I can't believe it, Toji Suzahara actually likes me."

"Now you're catching on." Holy Shit! Took you long enough.

"Hinote do you think I could ask you a huge..."

"Favor?" Her whole face lit up as her head frantically nodded. My god, I hope things aren't this difficult with Toji.

The next morning was going along pretty routinely. I had gotten up, taken a shower, gotten dressed and made breakfast. Now me and Pen Pen were starting our breakfasts.

In fact my fork was on it's way to my mouth for the first time when Misato's bedroom door slid open and I stopped mid bite and stared in utter shock. Pen Pen himself dropped his fish from his mouth. There stood Misato in full dress uniform. A black, collared, long sleeve jacket, with a very fine white trim on the collar and cuffs, a full length black skirt to match. Even though it showed absolutely no skin in any way, the way her curves filled out the uniform was something to be admired.

But that was not nearly as surprising as the fact that Misato was 100 alert and oriented. And by the look in her eyes without a single sip of alcohol. Using a very formal voice and with a stern look on her face she said, "Good morning!"

I responded by deepening my voice to make it sound manly and serious, and return her "Good Morning", with a salute, barely containing my laughter.

She didn't seem to lighten up though. And I noticed something else, her movements were different then normal. She was moving like a soldier would standing with her arms at her sides and her feet together. Her movements were even and linear, I was beginning to think an evil robot or alien had switched places with Misato.

She walked into the kitchen, as if she was responding to the look on both me and Pen Pen's face she said, "I am going into Old Tokyo today on business." She walked into the hallway that lead to the door and we followed. I noticed a brief case and a travel bag next to the door. "I'll probably be getting home late tonight, so have something delivered for dinner." Her voice still sounded programmed. She picked up her bags and for the first time that morning I saw the Misato I knew when she gave me a weak yet warm smile looking over her shoulder and said, "See ya."

On a plane somewhere over the Pacific Ocean a small quiet conversation isn't happening. Because like so many of the decisions made arbitrarily for the entire world. One of the men not involved in this conversation is in a position of great power and the other, doesn't exist as far as anyone knows or any database can prove. And of course powerful men don't talk to themselves so this talk wasn't actually taking place. So any words that might mysteriously be heard if anyone was in the area to hear them would be figments of an overactive imagination.

"Everything went smoothly, in and out, not even a suspicion. I heard the military announce the moving of their pet to the testing facility from it's 'secret and secure location'. Ignorance is bliss they say." The non-existing man spoke as if he was reading off a weather report.

"And what about the budgeting problems?" The commander of NERV seemed not to care.

"Oh the US, Germany and many over the other European countries have already passed the bills to finance the productions of Unit's five through eight. And the supplementary budget to your branch has been approved too, though not through the official channels. The committee put it through themselves."

He grinned, "Of course, the old men aren't about to be frugal when it's their lives on the line. The destruction of the Angels comes above all else. Even those relics know that."

"My thoughts exactly, but they still want the majority of the money to go towards the Human Enhancement Project." The imaginary man added.

"Of course they do. But onto something more immediate. All the arrangements have been made and approved, correct?"

"Yes he will be brought over without his unit, since they are still trying to fit it with the new engine you recovered."

"Indeed." The white gloved man said.

"He should rendezvous with the other one en route. They'll briefly have a chance to meet before your party arrives, a day at most."

"Are you certain the profile is what we're looking for? This is not an opportunity that I can afford to waste and I need to know it's going to work before I incorporate it into my scenario. Finding out after the fact that it didn't work would be disastrous."

"Positive." The man stood up preparing to leave. "They'll see each other as brothers by the time it comes to an end. Now if you'll excuse me." the man walked off leaving Gendo to his own thoughts.

"Excellent" Was all he said as he mentally began reworking scenario after scenario to incorporate his newly discovered tool.

On board a transport jet headed for the military testing site, were NERVs Director of Operations and Director of Technical Divisions. Coincidentally two women who, current professional obligations aside were pretty good friends. Silently each had reservations about the other, but their differences were what made them compatible for a friendship in the first place. So despite the official capacity that they were currently traveling in with each other they were rather at ease. Misato's uniform jacket was undone and she was slouched over the railing in front of her. Or they would've been if they weren't flying over one of the abandoned districts. The very tops of some buildings could still be seen just above the water line. They were the only markings of what was part of the biggest mass grave in history. Misato looked down at the morbid sight as Ritsuko studied her VIP briefing release on her laptop.

"It's hard to imagine that this place used to be the flourishing capital known as Tokyo." She said looking down.

"We're here." A voice came over the small speaker. The jet turned and Misato saw the huge facility that had been literally built on top of the ruins.

"Why are they having it in a place like this?" Misato didn't need any reminders of the destruction that was caused by Second Impact. She knew better than anyone in the world knew the hell that was September 9th, 2000. She hardly wanted to be surrounded by it now. "Is the DF getting involved?"

Her traveling partner finally acknowledged the outside world, "The Strategic Self Defense Force? No they're not allowed to interfere."

Misato gave weak laugh, "I see, so that's why they can do whatever they like. You know they invited us here to try to show us up and then rub our noses in it right?"

"Of course," The blond closed her laptop as she felt the jet make it's vertical descent. "But I doubt they'll manage to show us up, after all they don't have any idea what they are dealing with. Besides the fact that they will never be able to duplicate the AT field the way they control that thing. Even if they did know about it." She sounded almost defensive and a long time friend couldn't let that go unnoticed.

"I don't know, they might have something here.." She stopped as she saw her friend turn to her with fire in her eyes. "Just kidding! But you better calm down, otherwise they'll get under your skin. And I know you Ritsu, you'll be the first one with questions when they open the floor. And they won't be nice, encouraging questions either. They'll be the condescending and patronizing questions that will make them want to respond with answers I'm sure they have waiting just for you, designed to turn the question around and make you look stupid in front of the world."

The scientist stood up and looked over, "They day anyone can me look stupid, anywhere, is the day I give up science." She started to walk away.

"Ritsu, you forgot to zip your skirt." Misato called ahead.

Ritsuko gasped and her hands flew to the back of her skirt as she stopped mid-step, but she found nothing wrong with her zipper. Her face twisted with anger as she heard the giggling of a certain lavender haired friend of hers.

The press conference went almost exactly how Misato said it would with a few major exceptions though. First off Ritsuko went a lot further then even Misato thought she would. Secondly, it turns out they know about not only the berserker incident but they know about the AT field too. And when it was all said and done Misato was the one kicking a locker while Ritsuko quietly burned a copy of the program book she'd received. Misato wondered how she had kept it so well together in here after she had been taken apart out there. Come to think of it, Ritsuko has given me better argument's then that. I wonder what's going on with her.

Now they were standing on the observation deck of the control center. All the VIPs were there, they were mostly in small circles conversing with each other. Politicians from almost every country in the world, wearing fake smiles and saying fake words to one another, basically doing what politicians do. And generals from every country that's military is big enough to be noted. They were either telling old war stories, loudly boasting their respective military power, or quietly speaking about how these new 'mechanical monstrosities' were taking over the world and should be stopped. But they dared not say that out loud or in the wrong circle for fear of the wrong people hearing. And for the obvious reason that no one wants to complain too loudly about the one saving their ass.

The two female representatives were some how the odd men out. They stood towards the back of the room and watch with smug smiles on their face. And why shouldn't they, they were the kings, or rather queens of the hill. All these people could say and do whatever they wanted but when it came right down to it nothing could beat an Angel, except EVA. Neither woman gave this new competition much of a fighting chance. So when the project head who had earlier been the one to debate Ritsuko began his little announcements they paid no attention. They just looked at each with their smug smiles intact and stayed back. The rest of the guests were offered binoculars and given a spot to watch the tests from. Of course they all eagerly complied lining up with their noses near pressed against the glass of the windows, seething with anticipation.

The funny thing about anticipation is sometimes you get more than you bargain for.

Going to school that day was almost pointless. If it wasn't for the fact that Misato would immediately be notified by section two when I didn't leave the house, I probably would've just skipped. Hell I almost skipped anyway, but then I remembered a promise I had made to a certain brunette from my class. I was so amused that even my inner voice sounded sarcastic, I would really hate to disappoint Hikari. Besides I am going to have so much fun with Toji. I'll be laughing about this for weeks.

That was the very thought that got me through the school day. I was starting to wonder if our teacher had alzheimer's. That would at least explain why he told the same exact story everyday. But it went quick enough and I got a chance to tell Toji I needed to talk to him. Kensuke got up to follow but I told him that this was kinda something only for Toji's ears. So I led him to the room and sat down with my back against the fence.

"So what's this all about huh?" He stood with his arms crossed.

Well Toji certainly isn't a patient one. "Well I need to ask you something, I've been doing a little bit of thinking. How come you've never asked Hikari out?"

He shifted uneasily and his face showed that he wasn't ready for this. "What? How is that any of your business?"

"Well you're right," this should be good, "but I know for a fact you like her. She is pretty hot and as sweet as they come. So chances are you aren't the only one with a crush on her. So it's only a matter of time before someone asks her out." I let that hang in the air for a moment and sure enough his eyes told all as his mind raced. "Now your lucky, since I have no interest you still have a chance." I smiled as he glared at me with a fist raised. "And better still, you have my help."

My taunting paid off and Toji responded, "Oh yeah and why would I even want your help? That is of course if I even wanted to go out with her." He turned around so I couldn't see his face but I could tell I was getting to him. He was losing his cool.

"Well I happen to be privy to a small bit of information. Also I have no problem talking to her for you if you want." I stood up smiling.

He turned his head to look behind him out of the corner of his eye and with a raised eyebrow he said, "What kind of information?"

Bingo! Hook, line and sinker. "I happen to know she has a thing for a certain jock, and she is often seen at the basketball games watching him." I embellished a little so I wouldn't have to give away that she told this to me directly.

"Are you serious?" He said almost sounding angry.

"No, I am making this all up to make you look like a fool. And it's working already. YES! I'm serious!"

He turned around and grabbed me by the shirt, "Don't mess with me..."

"I'm not."

"Really?"

"Really?" Oh no...

"So you're telling me..." He loosened his grip.

"Uh huh..." I interrupted.

"Oh my god, so he..." He started pacing nervously.

"That's right." This is fun.

"You're absolutely..."

"Positive." Wow this is like deja vu.

"I can't believe it" He walked up to the fence and looked down at the court yard.

"Well believe it already." Because I'm tired of this.

"Oh god, what should I do?" He started pacing again.

I just smiled, "Leave that up to me, but you are going to owe me one. Big time." I was mischievously rubbing my hands together thinking of my plans when my cell phone went off. Only two people ever called me on my phone, Misato and Ritsuko and they only called me from NERV. This probably wasn't good, but the Angel Alarm wasn't blaring so I still had a little hope.

The words that came through the phone soon crushed my hopes. "Hinote we need you to get here now where are you?" It was actually one of the bridge crew, Lt. Ibuki this time; but the tone was unmistakable.

I hate it when this happens.

There isn't much that I considered out of the ordinary nowadays. If nothing else my life in Tokyo-3 has taught me a few things, one is that ANYTHING can happen and ANYTHING will happen, to me at least. The otheris to never think thingscan't be worse because the second you do they inexplicably can. But thisis one of those moments where those lessons seem really far away.

I was high above what was once the original Tokyo, flying in an EVA transport carrier. The first among my wonders; They have a plane... that can airlift an EVA? What the fuck? I mean DAMN, this thing is huge. It's wingspan is almost a kilometer, and I thought the Eva was big. Compared to this thing it looks like a toy.

The other was Misato told me that the U.N. had built a robot called 'Jet Alone' to replace the EVAs. Calling it their mechagod. A nuclear powered, remote controlled 300 ton action figure... sweet. But if anyone thinks a soulless machine can possibly do the things that me and Unit 01 can, they are sorely mistaken. I mean it would be nice to have it go out and fight instead of me.ButI have pretty much bought into the hype, I now officially believe that we're the only ones that can save the world. I mean really, they don't even have an AT field, so how are they going to get through the angel's? They would miserably fail and I would just have that much less time to defeat the angel. And for some strange reason they seemed to be coming directly to Nerv. It might be because they know this is where we are and simply want to go after the only possible threat. Or it could be something else, I don't know. But the last one was coming right for us no mistaking it. So what makes these guys think we need a replacement? I have no intentions of dying anytime soon so fuck them, I'm just going to have to show these guys what I can do.

Both my confidence and arrogance were running really high right between when I heard all about how the J.A. had gone crazy and when I found out the plan to stop it. Misato sat across from me in the giant carrier wearing a bio hazard suit. I don't like this already. "Misato, why are you wearing that?"

Her face was absolutely stern, "I'll get to that. We can't allow it to get any closer to a populated area. So you are going to air drop from the carrier then run along side it and place me on it's back. Then restrain the target as best you can."

Wow, now I really don't like this. "Wait a second, I'm going to air drop with you? Where exactly are you going to be during the fall?"

She flashed here patented determined smile, "Well you have to place me on it's back right? The only way I can do that is if I'm in your hand."

OK this officially sucks! "Are you serious? That's a huge fall, I'm trusting the EVA to keep me safe because I'm inside. You're going to get killed if you're in the EVA's hand! You have got to be joking."

"You're trusting the EVA to keep you safe right?" She waited for me to nod, "Well I trust you to keep me safe, and I'M betting my life that you can."

My confidence long since shattered and suddenly I felt extremely helpless. The thought of Misato dying because I couldn't protect her ran through my head. I was almost shaking, and now The room was spinning. "But... I... Misato..."

She cut me off by taking my hand in hers and in a low voice said, "Hey there, I know how gentle you can be. I'm not afraid," She squeezed my hand her voice suddenly had absolute clarity, "you can do it."

I raised my eyes to look at hers and she gave me a warm smile, so warm in fact I felt it's effects creeping into me as I started to think about how I was going to keep her alive. Hell I even started to think that I could. But there was a small voice somewhere deep inside me tugged at that hope. Haven't had the best of luck keeping people safe have you? What makes you think this time will be different.

I continued to feel the turmoil inside even as I got into the entry plug. The last look I got of Misato she was on the catwalk headed towards the hand, she walked quickly and her steps were heavy and steady. Her walk had the swagger of someone on top of the world. It was almost as if she was excited.

Who the hell is this woman? If I didn't know better I'd say she's Wonder Woman and G.I. Jane all wrapped into one. Just... damn! The kind of figure you only see in anime and manga's, absolute determination, a will that they haven't created a metal to compare to, and despite the common opinion that she was an airhead she came up with these incredible plans on a moments notice. Before I get the phone call Misato has the plan, the impressive part of that being, they ALWAYS work. If it wasn't for the fact that outside of work she was an utter wreck I would think she was perfect.

I got into the EVA and waited for the big drop. My mind ran the scenario a thousand times, and every time I had Misato goo dripping between my fingers. The only thing that I knew for sure was that I had to absorb as much of the shock from the fall as possible without my hand feeling it. How exactly I was going to do that was still a bit beyond me. The best I could come up with was to hold my hand as high as possible and as I hit the ground let my arm to continue falling and slowing it down a little more gradually. My best idea and it's not even a good one. Shit!

The order came sooner than I would have liked, but then again I was hoping it would never come so I was shit out of luck on that one. The EVA released automatically and I started to fall. I had been expecting it but as I entered free fall my heart couldn't help but start to race. For a spilt second the thought of how fun this could be crossed my mind and I said to myself, if I survive the angels I am going to have to do this without the EVA.

That small instant felt like forever, I had time for several strange thoughts, Like how high we looked from the plane window and how it didn't seem so high now that I was in the EVA. And how quickly the ground was approaching despite how slow things seemed to be moving. And how absolutely retarded the J.A. looked. The EVAs even look more bad ass then this thing. But the last and only thought what ran through my mind as I readied for impact was, Misato better be okay or I will never forgive himself.

The EVA hit the ground with earth shaking force. The feet themselves made small craters as the concrete beneath them shattered like glass. I took as much of the shock as possible going into a near feral position as I landed, but my one hand remained just for the ground as it came to a slow halt. I froze for what was one of the longer seconds of my life, which as of late that was really saying something. Then I felt a small tap on my palm and I turned my hand and opened it palm up and sure enough there stood Misato with her fists to her hips in the classic super hero pose. I pilot the most sophisticated and powerful weapon man has ever made, yet I think Misato could probably beat it single handed if she really had to. In the words of Omar... That woman is Gangsta, with a capital G.

Her suit had a radio in it so she quickly began to bark orders, "OK catch up to it and then use the handle looking thing to stop it."

I saw Jet Alone marching at quite a quick pace, one almost equal to a jog. I ran to catch up being very careful that the hand with Misato in it didn't bounce at all. I grabbed it like I was told and I planted my feet. It dragged me for just a second before the EVAs feet dung into the ground and Jet Alone came to a stop with it's arms still flailing. Misato yelled as me not to hesitate, and I responded quickly placing my hand against the part of it's back that had the handle. She climbed on and with only one close fall (which I had my hand ready to catch her just in case) she was inside the J.A.'s access hatch.

I let go for a brief moment but it only got to take one step before I positioned myself in front of it and grabbed it by the shoulders halting it completely. I could feel it strain to continue forward, but if I had wanted to I could have thrown it onto it's back like a paper doll. That was how incredible the power difference was. In fact it was more of an issue to keep from pushing it backwards then preventing it from advancing.

If Misato wasn't inside I would tear this thing to pieces just to prove the point of how inferior this piece of shit is. I mean what fucking genius decided that a reactor was a good idea in something would be fighting hand to hand? One wrong hit and this bitch goes nuclear, and causes more destruction then all of the previous Angels combined. Not to mention that the Angel itself would survive the blast so we'd be all around fucked.

All these thoughts were in a failed attempt to try and prevent me from thinking about what could be happening inside. They had told me it was flooded with super heated radiation and that the only way to stop it was the internal processing unit. She had to input a code, ironically enough it was 'Hope'. I personally found it ironic for two reasons, first that if this thing was our hope we're all dead. The second was because in my mind that is exactly what Misato herself personified. Never ending, unwavering hope.

Mine was almost starting to fade as the voices from the control room got increasing more panicked, "Meltdown imminent! Core breach in thirty seconds!"

As the count ticked down I braced for the blast, I wasn't sure if the EVA would completely protect me from a nuclear explosion but I was sure that I wasn't leaving Misato behind even if it meant my life so I hung on, holding my breath waiting to see what would happen.
Nuclear disaster averted. All people alive and accounted for. The good guys win again...

Damn if we could tell people about what we did just think of the head lines...

"To be honest I don't know why you were even a little worried ." Misato's head tilted back as she slammed down a well deserved beer. We had finally gotten home and now we were sitting at the kitchen table eating some hastily retrieved take out. "You should never have doubted me for a second."

I playfully smiled, "Are you kidding? I was scared shit less for you. I have alot of confidence in you Misato but not even you are invincible." To be honest I'm not totally sure she's not but I am hardly going to help her head get any bigger than it was right now.

"Am I kidding? Are you kidding? You should know it's going to take a little more than a broken 'toy' to get rid of me." The sarcasm in her voice was only overshadowed by the arrogance.

No self respecting smart ass in the world could let a remark like that go. "Oh I know, you're as tough as they come Misato. The only thing I was worried about was whether or not you knew how to spell hope."

I couldn't hold back the laughter as her face flashed red with anger. She threw one of her empties at me but I ducked letting it careen harmlessly against the wall. She laughed and shook her head at me. "I'll get you for that." But then her face suddenly got really serious and she looked for to the side. I knew her well enough by now to tell that something was wrong.

"What is it?" I asked trying to be considerate.

She tried to brush it off, "Oh nothing." But she stopped that when I crossed my arms like a parent who caught their kid in a dumb lie. "You have to keep this to yourself, and I mean it I didn't even write this in my report." I silently nodded and when she was satisfied that I got it she began. "When I was inside J.A. I tried to input the code three times and it didn't work, it had been changed."

My mind of course went to the first logical conclusion, "You mean to tell me those bastards gave you the wrong code? At a time like that those idiots decided to hold back, what if you would have died? If I found out about that... I'd..."

"No, they gave me the right code and I checked it against the hard copy files and it was correct." Her voice seemed to drift off as if she had another thought.

"That doesn't make any sense, how the hell could it have changed on it's own?" As the words came out of my mouth dots started to connect in my head and it just started to form a picture when Misato spelt it out for me.

"Unless someone did it on purpose and the whole thing was staged."

"But who would do that? Who would possibly risk a nuclear meltdown just too..." I didn't even have to finish the question before the answer rang in my head and echoed in Misato's eye's.

Father.

End Chapter 8