TRUE WAR

CHAPTER 16

BY WONGA316

COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER

I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email – NOTES

This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final two movies / episodes and Touji never lost his limbs during this activation test. Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile. Big thank you and applause to NateGold who proofread.

"…" Normal speech

'…' Thoughts

…- Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean…)

TOKYO THREE – CITY STREETS

The blue Renault was being driven Misato style, namely at suicidal speeds while weaving frenetically through the lunch hour traffic. In the back seat, two young pilots struggled not only to stay upright, but also to keep from throwing up their meals.

"Nice to see that some things never change…. like her driving skills" Shinji drawled sarcastically, all the while maintaining a death grip on the door handle.

"You should have seen her while she's giving me driving lessons." Asuka replied trying to maintain her upright position next to him.

"Driving lessons…from her? God help pedestrians everywhere" In the meantime, Misato decided to remind them she could hear every word. At the next left, she whipped the car hard into the turn causing Asuka to slam into Shinji. Blue eyes stared at their counterparts, faces close enough to feel the other's breath. Both were extremely conscious of the feel of their bodies against each other. Misato, gleefully aware of the position she had manoeuvred them into decided to add the verbal coup-de-gras.

"Oooh, making out in the back seat, eh? If you're that eager, I could always get you a room somewhere." Misato expected that the two would dissolve into embarrassed heaps. However…

"Hey, that's a great idea Misato. Tell you what, when things calm down a bit, we'll take you up on that." Shinji deadpanned while shooting a quick wink at Asuka, who picked up on the hint.

"Yeah, I'm sure you know of a lot of great places for that. Even better since you're paying for it" purred Asuka with a predatory grin. Just to add icing to the cake, she gave Shinji a quick peck on the cheek. The rest of the trip was made in silence, with Misato still reeling from the verbal one-two punch and the possible assault on her bank account.

On arrival at the command centre, the trio were stunned at the sight of near frantic preparations going on. This couldn't be because of an AWOL pilot.

"Hey, Maya! Where's the fire?" Misato shouted as they watched the young scientist hurry across the room while splitting her attention between the data on her laptop and avoiding collisions with other techs.

"Where have you been Major! We have an emergency!" she shouted back as she continued across the room.

"Asuka! What are you doing here and why aren't you in your suit yet?" Ritsuko asked astonished by the trios' sudden appearance. "Don't you know how to keep you cell phone on? We've been trying to contact you for the last twenty minutes!"

"What's going on? I was on my way back to NERV with Shinji and Asuka. I must have driven through a black spot reception area for my cell." Ritsuko just rolled eyes at her friend.

"Angels" The blonde doctor replied flatly. "Asuka! Hurry up and get ready. We're loading Unit Two on a carrier next."

"Angels! Where? When?" Misato went into full command mode, demanding answers to her rapid-fire queries. Ritsuko just glared in annoyance at her friend and co-worker. "The Vice Commander has already devised a plan. Both she and the commander are waiting to brief you by the runway."

"What about Touji? Misato told me that he's missing?" asked Shinji.

"Kaji and Section Two are looking for Touji right now. I think he's in his office."

"Ok. Thanks." Shinji replied as ran out of the control room.

"Hang on, Shinji. It's not safe. We're in the middle of an emergency. You should go back to Yui's place or the hostel." Misato shouted to running form of Shinji but it she was too late.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – KAJI'S OFFICE

"Why does it always seem like you've been running a marathon" Kaji wryly asked a winded Shinji who was had his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.

"Touji…" He struggled to get out. "What's going on?"

Kaji leaned over his desk and pulled put his handgun, checking the action and making sure that a full clip was loaded. After clicking the safety on, he placed it in his shoulder holster. "I was going to find that out myself. Care to join me?"

Shinji just nodded as he followed the head of Section Two out.

NARITA RUNWAY

The old Narita International Airport was taken over by NERV for Eva testing and deployment purposes. Rival organisations like the Jet Alone Project had also used the facility. The normally quiet half empty area was a hive of activity today. Four loaded planes carrying Unit Zero, Two, Three and Four sat ready for take off. All they needed now were the EVA pilots.

"Are you sure the Evas are combat ready? The repairs weren't even quarter way completed." Fuyutsuki asked gazing at the sight before him.

"I don't like it either but what choice do we have? I personally rather be in a half damaged Eva than a shelter." Yui replied.

"Hmmm… Pilot status?"

"Rei and Mana are all ready in their plugs. The major and Asuka should be arriving shortly."

"What about Touji?"

"I suspect that he will be with Misato. I spoke with Dr Akagi moments ago and she had just left headquarters." Yui's cell phone began ringing. "Excuse me sir. Ikari here."

Commander! We have a problem. – Misato spoke through her cell phone

"Where are you been Major? We are just waiting for Asuka and Touji before we can launch."

Touji's missing! Kaji and Shinji are trying to find him now.-

"What do you mean missing?"

TOKYO THREE – CITY STREETS

The radio in Kaji's SUV constantly blared out updates from other agents assisting with the search. Shinji sat in the passenger seat, his eyes scanning the sidewalk for any sign of his friend. Kaji reached over to the radio and turned down the volume.

"What are you doing?" Shinji asked.

"Going deaf isn't going to help us find Touji." Kaji answered smartly. "Do you know what could make Touji run away?"

"I don't know…." He replied. 'Did he and Hikari talk about the baby?'

"You always were a lousy liar, Shinji. If I can understand why, I'll have an easier time finding him."

"He can't be that hard to find. After all, he had how much of a lead? Two or three hours?" Shinji avoided Kaji's question in order to honour Hikari's request to keep the baby a secret until she had a chance to discuss it with Touji first.

"You are forgetting that I wasn't able to find you in five years. Time is not a luxury we have at the moment."

Shinji thought a moment before deciding. "Alright… I do have an idea why Touji might have run away but you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"Fair enough, Shinji" agreed Kaji. "Oh sorry. Just hang on." He released one hand from the steering wheel and fumbled in his pocket for his cell phone. When he found it, he placed it in the hands free car kit.

"Hello Kaji here."

Kaji. It's Misato. Have you found Touji? Is Shinji with you? - The major demanded.

"Hey Katsuragi, it's been a while since I've heard your sexy voice." Kaji gave a wink to Shinji knowing that his comment would rile up the woman.

We're in the middle of a crisis you bum! I don't have time for your smart ass remarks. Have you found Touji yet?-

"You didn't say please"

"You really shouldn't push Misato's buttons." Shinji said to Kaji.

"But it is good let off some steam now and then. I'm doing her a favour."

Is that you Shinji? - Misato asked her voice changing instantly. –Listen Shinji I know you hate piloting but if we can't find Touji…-

"You want me to pilot again?" he asked interrupting her.

I'm afraid so. The plan we have requires four Evas, we can't do it with only three.-

"I understand…"

"Ok. So I'll drop off Shinji at Narita and continue with Touji's search. By the way Misato, can I ask what are you wearing?" Kaji's answer was the engage tone from Misato's end. "Well, that was pleasant. I really have to sit with you some time and find out how you manage to get that woman wrapped around your finger."

"Yeah… whatever…" Shinji didn't really want to talk as his mind started to wonder about piloting Unit One again.

NARITA RUNWAY

Fuyutsuki, Yui and Misato waited outside the mobile command centre for Kaji and Shinji to arrive. Her heart and mind was torn in two as she nervously clicked away on her retractable pen. She watched Unit One get loaded in place of Unit Three.

"Do you think Shinji will be angry with me?" Yui asked the commander.

"I think he's not angry with you personally but he does hold a lot of resentment against NERV and the Evangelions. After what he has been through you can not blame him for that."

No else spoke after that as Kaji's black SVU pulled into the Narita complex and parked a safe distance away from the mobile command centre. Yui saw two people exit the car, being Kaji and her son. As they approached, Shinji stopped and half turned towards Kaji. They spoke for a moment before the older man returned to his car and drove away. Shinji then turned his attentions towards the purple mecha and watched the technicians perform the final checks prior to mounting it on the carrier. Yui was first to approach him.

"Shinji… I'm…"

"It's alright… it's not your fault." He replied still not facing her. "I asked Kaji to keep looking for Touji. I figured that he's not really needed here and I'm starting to worry."

"That's fine." She walked towards him. "Shinji, I want you to know that if I could have…"

"I know." He spoke simply as his eyes were still fixed on Unit One.

"Please look at me." Shinji sighed at her mother's request and slowly did so. Yui closed in and pulled him into a hug, neither of them saying anything.

The Major and the Commander watched the scene from afar. "I hate to interrupt these moments but I better brief Shinji on the plan." Misato told the commander her thoughts and went to act when he pulled her back.

"You can brief Shinji in the air. Just let them be."

"Do you think Shinji will be all right?" Misato asked her commanding officer.

"I have little doubt that Shinji will be fine. He's a lot stronger than anyone thinks. I'm more concerned for Yui and the rest of you."

15 MINUTES FROM DROP ZONE – BATTLE GROUND

The face of each Eva pilot appeared in front of Misato in the mobile command centre. Below each a constant stream of information on their life signs scrolled by, relayed by sensors in the plug suits. Everyone's readings showed nominal except for Shinji who, still without a plug suit had flat line readings. She had to keep reminding herself that Shinji was fine

"Ok listen up everyone. We have two angels, each of them going to Sendai and Yokohama harbour. We are splitting you guys into pairs. Shinji and Rei. Asuka and Mana."

How come Rei is paired up with Shinji? - Asuka asked a little upset of the fact.

I'll also like to know why that is? - followed up Mana.

"Well, Shinji and Rei worked together with the first fifth angel. They were successfully able to defeat the angel on that occasion. You, Asuka have battle experience against the sixth so naturally you are going there."

But Shinji helped during the first battle with the sixth.-

"We have deemed the fifth angel more of a threat than the sixth. So it would make sense that Shinji and Rei deal with it." Misato noticed Asuka grumble something in German under her breath before continuing. "You may have noticed the additional carrier accompanying you. Rei, your extra carrier has the new JSSDF positron rifle and the shield. We are going to use the same plan that worked with the fifth last time."

What of the power supply for the weapon? - The albino asked.

"The new version uses new nuclear cell technology to generate the energy for an attack. Similar technology was used with the Jet Alone Project. But because it's still in experimental stages, you only have one shot before the cells break down."

Is there a risk of nuclear meltdown?-

"No. The rifle is made out of the same material as the Eva's body armour and will contain the radiation." Misato then turned Shinji's monitor. "Shinji, the shield is the same as the one Rei used before but has a couple more layers of extra protection. We estimate this we give you about four to five more seconds in front of the blast."

My shoulder is…-

"Don't worry. We have taken this into account and we have modified the shield for one arm use." Shinji just nodded. "Asuka, Mana. The carriers are going to drop you off over the industrial side of the harbour. You'll find your umbilical cables and two N2 mines there as well as some pallet rifles. Just like the first, we want to you to place the mines inside the angel before we detonate."

Are our Eva's equipped for combat in aquatic environments? - Mana asked.

"Unfortunately we didn't get enough time to fit the required gear. So you'll have to lure the angel into the shallows before attacking."

Great! Is there anything else you want us to do in seven minutes? - Asuka asked sarcastically.

"If you get into trouble VTOLs will be in the vicinity. So just eject and we'll pick you up."

Jeez, sounds like NERV actually gives a damn about us for a change. - Asuka still had more sarcasm to throw around.

"Finding suitable pilots is a lot harder than building an Eva now days. But seriously, I want you all to be careful and promise me to you'll all come back alive. It might be a silly thing to you but it would make me feel a lot better."

Asuka bit back the caustic comment she had been ready to fire on seeing the expression on Misato's face. The worry and caring there was almost painful to see.

"Okay, will do…Mom." The red head signed off, but not before seeing a suspicious hint of moisture in the Major's eyes at this acknowledgement of the deep bond they shared.

See you all soon, everyone- Mana signed off. Rei just gave a simple nod. Shinji was last.

"Do you promise Shinji?" Misato asked nervously.

Sorry Misato, but I learned a long time ago not to make promises I might not be able to keep. Ikari out. –

The flat admission sent a chill through anyone within earshot.

TOKYO THREE – LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL

The security guard hired by the high school noticed someone on the basketball courts. "Damn kids…" he complained as he went to investigate. As the guard got closer, he noticed that the intruder wasn't one of the students but a young man. He was on his own, casually shooting some hoops.

"Hey buddy! You can't be here! I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave." The guard told the intruder but he continued shooting baskets.

"Hey! Are you listening? I don't know who you are but if you don't leave things are going to get ugly." After sparing the guard a brief glance the intruder reached into his pocket and pulled out an ID card. The guard looked closely at it, blanched and quickly backed away. It was a NERV ID.

Touji had not been able to sink one basket since he started. He tried desperately to think things through. Basketball was his high school passion and outlet. It also helped him think but this time it wasn't helping.

"What am I going to do?" Touji asked himself as he watched another one of his shots rim off.

"You should bend your knees more and follow through with your shooting arm." Kaji said from one of the side benches.

"How long have you been there?" Touji asked as he went to retrieve the basketball.

"Not long."

"I'm sorry I made everyone worry but I really wanna be alone right now."

"I'm not entirely sure what has gone on but I think things will be better if you talk about them." 'He doesn't have to know that Shinji told me about him and the baby'

"I don't feel like talking."

"Not with me." Kaji said getting up from the bench. Touji was confused by Kaji's action and turned around. He saw the back of Kaji walking away and Hikari standing nervously behind the bench. "Don't be mad at her. It was Shinji's idea that I contact Hikari. Anyway, I'll leave you guys to it. I'll be waiting in the car."

Silence fell between the two. The basketball bounced towards Hikari and eventually rolled almost beside her. She ignored the ball and continued to stare at Touji. Touji finally moved towards her. Bracing herself for every possible scenario from her long time boyfriend, she was shocked when he picked up the ball and returned to the court without saying a word or acknowledging her presence.

15 MINUTES FROM DROP ZONE – BATTLE GROUND

The dull whine of the carrier engines accompanied Shinji as he viewed the drop zone via his VDU.

'Damn… my head hurts' He released the control yokes and rubbed the side of his head with both hands 'I wonder if I'll see Eva again? The last two times I was in Unit One she appeared.'

'Shinji! You're in danger! It's not safe here!' Eva spoke into his mind-

"Eva?" he said aloud but then his dull headache turned into sharp unbearable pain. The cockpit of Unit One was filled with the anguished scream of the pilot as he thrashed about a vain attempt to free himself.

NARITA AIRBASE – MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

"What's wrong with Shinji!" Misato demanded from the bridges crew as young man's muffled screams could be heard.

"We don't know! Unit One's figures haven't changed" Huyga shouted back.

"What do mean! That's not good enough! Disengage his connectors and tell the pilot to return to base." She ordered again.

"We've lost communications with Unit One and carrier." Maya responded. "I'm detecting something else. It's coming from… NO! It can't be!"

"What! What is it!"

"Pattern orange from Unit One. That's all we can be sure of for now."

"If it's not Unit One then what is it?" the major asked.

"The Pattern is orange." Huyga said sure of himself. "That all we can be sure for now."

"Rei! Can you see what's happening to Shinji?"

"Major… I…" Rei watched helplessly as Shinji's screams echoed through her entry plug. Her many attempts to make radio contact with her brother failed. They were almost at the drop zone when huge explosion rocked the plane and Unit Zero. She turned on her display to see a fireball that was the carrier and Unit One plummet toward the ground.

SENDAI HARBOUR – ENTRY PLUG OF UNIT TWO

Asuka and Mana had successful landed at their destination. They were prepped and ready for the combat.

So Asuka, do you have a plan on how we are going to beat this thing?- Mana asked through the comm.

"What's the matter rookie? Are you scared?" the reply from the red head came.

No. I just find it amusing that the great Asuka Langey Soryhu has no plan to defeat the Angel that's approaching.-

'That bitch!' Asuka seethed then activating her radio. "Hey Misato, we are all ready here and still no sign of the angel. What's happening with Shinji and Rei?"

All she got was silence and it annoyed her. "Hey, woman! Are you listening!"

Not now Asuka! We have another situation-

"What's going on? It's Shinji isn't it?" she asked half knowing that any 'situation' usually had Shinji in the middle of it.

Asuka, just concentrate on the mission- Misato ordered.

"It has been nearly ten minutes and my sensors aren't showing anything." Asuka responded. "Something has happened to Shinji, hasn't it?"

No response from Misato came. "Damn it! Answer me!"

What's going on, Asuka? – Mana's face appeared on Unit Two's console. –I've tried hailing Shinji on the radio but all I get is static.-

Asuka, Mana. Your carriers have been sent back to pick you two up. The mission objectives have changed.- Misato's voice was different this time and Asuka automatically knew that something was wrong. –Your target has changed its headings and is now going towards Sendai harbour. Something has happen to Shinji's carrier…-

SENDAI HARBOUR

Burning wreckage lay in a straight path from where the Unit One's carrier first impacted the ground to the beach side. Surrounding trees and low shrubs flickered with flame, fanned by a stiff sea breeze. Rei monitored the situation from the safety of her carrier high above the crash sight.

Rei, has there been any change with Unit One since it has gone down? -

"No." she answered plainly. "Major, requesting permission to land and check Unit One."

I'm sorry. It's too dangerous.-

"Shinji is in danger."

We just can't take the risk. Asuka and Mana are on their way.-

"I'm sorry. I can't do that." 'I'm coming brother' Rei reached for the release handle but stopped when Yui's voice came over the radio.

Rei if you go down there and the Angel arrives you will be at a disadvantage. You can't help Shinji while that Angel is still active-

"Understood…"

NARITA AIRBASE – MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

"Are you sure about this?" Misato asked again.

"Yes major. Just prior to Unit One going down I detected a foreign pattern, type orange." Maya answered despondently.

"Could it be that your instruments are picking up Unit One's field?"

"Negative. This orange pattern is showing variations as opposed to the Evas." Aoba added. His comment gained the attention of everyone on the mobile command. "All we can say for certain is that there is possibility of a third angel out there."

"Have Ritsuko and Kensuke managed to find anything?"

The doctor and her apprentice were back at NERV providing support. -Not yet Misato. We are running possible scenarios through the MAGI. Unfortunately, due to the lack of data it's taking longer then expected to complete- The blond doctor replied over the comm.

"Major." Fuiyutsuki called out. "I don't want you to inform the other pilots about this." He ordered.

"Sir?"

"If they get distracted out there, they will die." He stated flatly.

WITHIN UNIT ONE

The taste of the gritty white sand didn't agree with Shinji's mouth and woke him to see his new surroundings.

(Not this again…)

He didn't know how long he was lying face down on the beach but if was enough for him to begin spitting and brushing the sand from his face and mouth. The shattering headache he was experiencing had subsided somewhat and only a dull ache remained.

"I tired to warn you but you didn't listen." A female voice said. He looked around to see mature women stand a few feet away from him. Scraps of a school uniform barely covered her body as she stared at the bloody horizon.

"Eva? Is that you?"

"You can't be allowed to live. You must die so we may survive." The innocent voice was gone. She turned around to face Shinji and revealed her other side, now infected with the eleventh angel. It seemed to crawl, pulsing blood red and black as Eva raised her left arm and motioned in a sideways swing. An invisible hammer blow slammed into him, throwing him back into the still water.

SENDAI HARBOUR

Two flashes on her VDU alerted Rei of Asuka and Mana's arrival. She had been circling Unit One's crash site for the past ten minutes. Then each of their faces appeared.

"What happened?" demanded Asuka.

"I'm not sure. Shinji began yelling and screaming then Unit One began to activate while still in flight."

"Oh my god! Is he alright?" Mana asked her voice full of concern.

"I have not been able raise him on the communicator."

"Then what the hell are we doing up here? Let's get down there!" 'Damn wonder girl! What the hell are you doing!'

"My request to investigate the crash site was denied. I have been monitoring the situation from here, awaiting your arrival. No movement has been detected from Unit One."

Everyone is to standby until we can analysis the situation properly. Don't forget we still have the two original Angels to deal with- Misato's voice rang out on all three's comm. devices

"You can analyse this!" Asuka fired back. "We're here now so let's go! Is everyone with me?" both Rei and Mana nodded. Their carrier circled the area once more to begin the drop approach when a huge flash and explosion from the crash rocked the entire area. All three carriers had to abort the drop and climb to a safe altitude. The blast cloud could be seen for miles and the immediate area was turned into a dust bowl.

"Shit! What the hell are you doing?" Asuka shouted at the pilot of her carrier. "Get me back down there!"

Are you insane? That explosion had almost as much kick as a N2 mine. - The experienced pilot answered. -The shock waves would rip us to shreds!-

"I don't care! I'm dropping from here."

Asuka, wait!- It was Mana. –At this height it would be suicide. I want to help Shinji too but getting ourselves killed isn't going to achieve anything-

Misato interjected. -Mana is right. I'm sure Shinji is fine. His entry plug was built to withstand a much larger blast-

"How can you be sure of that? No one has been able to raise him on the comm. He could be dead and everyone here doesn't care!" The red head's answer caused an uncomfortable silence between everyone. Eventually, it was Rei who broke the silence.

Check your monitors- Every one gasped at what they saw. In amidst the dust cloud and debris, the eyes of Unit One burned through. They held no colour, no life. They were just black.

WITHIN UNIT ONE

"What's the matter third child?" the woman sneered. "I would have thought that the great angel slayer like yourself would be able to fend off a feeble attack like that." Shinji didn't answer her. He was more preoccupied with expelling the water from his lungs.

"Don't you like the way I look? I've used your clone and peered into your mind. This is what you envisioned your perfect woman to be. The human mind is such a weak thing."

"What are you?" he managed to sputter out. "What's going on?"

"It doesn't have to be this way." The woman walked towards Shinji in the water. When close enough, she knelt down and delicately cupped his face. "Just stop fighting and join me. I'll show you pleasures unknown to mortal man." She finished by sadistically licking the side of his cheek.

Shinji violently slapped her hands away. "Who are you and where's Eva?" Shinji's response angered her. She whipped Shinji around and threw him back on the beach. He landed on his back and had the wind knocked out of him.

"You're a fool! I offered you all the pleasures of paradise and you have the nerve to ask about that clone!" The woman shouted. She began stalking towards Shinji. "You had your chance. Time for you to die" She grabbed Shinji around the throat with one hand and hoisted him into the air. Shinji could see that she was enjoying this as she squeezed his neck.

He was just about to blackout when she released him. He fell to the ground again, sucking in the air while she buckled over, clutching her head. "What are you doing! This can't be!"

MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

"What is that? Is that Unit One?" Misato demanded.

"We don't know. No AT field detected and no response from Unit One either. Foreign pattern is still orange." Maya answered the major. "WAIT! I have a high energy reaction being detected from Ramiel"

"Damn it!" Misato forcibly grab the microphone. "The Angel is preparing to attack! Take evasive action!" She then turned back towards Maya. "What's the other Angel doing?"

"It hasn't changed its course or speed. At this rate it'll be within Sendai harbour in approximately seven minutes." The bridge staff replied.

SENDAI HARBOUR

The three pilots watched helplessly as Ramiel prepared to fire. From corners on top and on each side, energy flashed out, converging on and being focused and amplified by an A-T field lens. The resulting blast ripped through the air, ocean water flashing instantly into steam and turning the momentarily exposed sea bottom to molten rock. Beach sand fused instantly into Trinitite, the green glass found at atomic bomb sites. Finally, the blast reached its target – Unit One

Rei and Asuka screamed as the Unit took the full brunt of the blast in the chest. The purple mecha reeled backwards until it hit the closest mountainside. The force pushed the Eva so far into the mountain that it could be almost be said that it was buried in there.

MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

Yui's echoed the girl's screams as she collapsed on her knees in the middle of the mobile command. She tightly clutched onto the technician's jacket that she had given Shinji as a replacement. He had taken it off and thrown it carelessly onto the airport tarmac before entering Unit One. Yui's motherly instincts kicked in and she picked up the jacket.

"Shinji!" Misato gasped as she watched Unit One take the direct hit and disappear into the mountainside. "What's his status?"

"We still have no telemetry from the Eva One" Aoba replied. He then displayed the flat lines that were showing from Unit One on the main display.

"Rei! Take the rifle and kill that thing! Asuka, you are to take Shinji's place with the shield. Mana, remain in the air and monitor the second angel approaching." The Major's orders were clear but she was struggling to keep her emotions under control.

What about Shinji!- Rei demanded. It was a rare display of emotion from the young woman and took everyone in the mobile command by surprise except for Yui by surprise.

"We can't risk a rescue while the other angels are still alive. The quicker you destroy the others, the quicker we can rescue Shinji." Misato replied.

WITHIN UNIT ONE

Shinji watched the woman buckle at the knee while clutching the sides of her head. She began yelling at someone. "You inferior clone! I can't believe you have the nerve to fight back but you can't keep this up. I know my brothers have already inflicted some damage." The women gave a sadistic grin before collapsing unconsciously onto the sand.

Shinji regain his breathing to a somewhat normal rate and sat up on the sand. His mind debated whether to check on the women who had just tried to attack him, when suddenly, she rolled over and a familiar voice came out.

"…Shinji…" It was weak and barely audible but Shinji recognise it as Eva and rushed to her side.

"Eva!" He cradled her head and she opened her eyes. The death and hatred were gone. "What's going on? Are you all right?"

"You… you… have to… leave. Ireul… has… taken over… Not safe." Eva whispered weakly.

"What's an Ireul?" he asked. "Hang on! I have to do something about those sores." Shinji gently placed her head on the sand and rushed to the waters edge, dunking his shirt and making a cool wet compress.

"No… Shinji… you have to get out."

"Hold still." Shinji told her as he began patting the sores with his wet shirt. "I'm sorry if this isn't helping. It's the best I can do."

"Ireul has almost taken over my physical self. You have to leave."

"Ireul is an angel?" Eva nodded at Shinji's question.

"Tell me how to kill Ireul." Shinji demanded.

"You can not. It's a part of me now. The only way to destroy Iruel is to destroy me." Eva's statement stunned the young Ikari for a moment. Then the solution occurred to him.

"If Iruel had someone else, would he leave you alone?" Eva turned her head away unable to look at Shinji. Tears started to flow from eyes. Shinji tilted her head back towards him. "If the angel infected me then would you be safe?"

"No… Shinji… you can't… do this." She pleaded.

"I'm sorry Eva. Someone else can always pilot but if you die then we not only lose Unit One, but this war as well. If you die then my family and friends will die. I can't let that happen. You have to survive to protect them."

"Don't… I beg you… Don't sacrifice yourself for me." Eva pleaded again as Shinji moved his head closer to hers.

"Forgive me… Promise you'll protect them." Those were his last words before leaning in and placing a kiss on Eva's lips. The infection slowly disappeared from her body and began to transfer onto Shinji.

SENDAI HARBOUR

Rei had dropped Unit Zero onto the beach and was preparing to fire the latest version of the positron rifle. Asuka was crouched down beside her with the shield in hand.

Rei, hurry up and take the shot! These batteries won't last forever.-

"I will not fail!" she said with a savage expression twisting her face. She squeezed her trigger and the entire immediate area around Zero and Two rocked from the recoil of the shot. As the blast flew across the water, the angel returned a volley of its own. The two attacks were on a collision course. When they met, the wind pressure it caused created strange crater with walls of water and sea bottom as the floor. The positron shell ripped through the centre of the angel's attack and continued to its intended target. It was a direct hit that caused the whole side of the diamond shaped angel to crack and shatter.

Rei didn't stay to watch the angel keel over and slam into the water. She dropped the over heated rifle and began walking away. –Where the hell are you going? - Asuka demanded.

She only answered with one word. "Shinji."

Mana watched the attack from the air. –Asuka! Go with Rei and check Shinji. I can handle the other.-

I don't take orders from you and what makes you think that you can take down the other angel-

Shinji could be seriously hurt and you're still here arguing with me. You have to help him! – 'Stupid! She doesn't deserve someone like Shinji.'

Mana's reply stunned Asuka. She had let her pride and arrogance get the better of her again. She had lost focus and temporarily forgotten about Shinji. Asuka gripped the yokes tightly and willed her Eva to catch up with Unit Zero.

Mana watched the water based angel leap out of the water. Using its fins like wings, it flew on a collision course with her carrier, razor sharp blades snapping from each leading edge. She watched Gaghiel intently and timed her drop perfectly from the carrier. She plummeted toward the water with a palette rifle in one hand and a N2 mine in the other. The success of her plan depended on the Angel reacting in a certain way and it did. Gaghiel changed direction and lined itself up directly below the falling EVA, mouth opened wide in anticipation of an easy victory. While still in mid air, Mana fired several shots at the core in order to weaken it. With breath-taking precision she latched onto the angel just outside its jaws, stretching them wide before using the rifle as a wedge to keep them open. She was running out of time, as both Eva and Angel were getting closer to the water.

"Bon appetite, you bastard!" she screamed as she rammed the mine down the angel's throat. She jumped off the angel and willed her Eva to land as close to shore as possible. Fortunately she managed land in the shallow section of the harbour. Well, it was shallow for the Eva. The water only came up to the Eva's ankles. The shockwave of the mine detonation followed by chunks of angel told Mana that she had completed her mission.

"Shinji." She whispered before rushing to Unit One.

WITHIN UNIT ONE

The tears continued to flow as Eva felt her body and soul reunite. When she regained enough strength, she pulled away from Shinji and began checking him. Her heart and soul ached for the young man that sacrificed himself for her. His body twitched and convulsed as his body fought to reject the Angel nano machines slowly infecting his body. The older Eva pulled Shinji close to her in a vain attempt stop the infection.

"Your friends are coming now. They will be able to help you. Please ask your mother to forgive me. I could not protect you." She pulled Shinji closer to her body. "I couldn't protect my pilot…"

TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Thank you for all the reviews (good and bad). Keep them coming. I do take them into consideration so don't think I just ignore them.

I hope I didn't rush things with 3 angels attacking in one chapter. It seem like a good idea at the time ;)

The next chapter will focus more on Touji / Hikari and the investigation of Unit One's contamination will reveal some secret agendas for certain characters. But the big question is - will Shinji survive his encounter with Ireul?