TRUE WAR

CHAPTER 22

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…)

IKARI RESIDENCE

From the depths of his slumber, Shinji heard the sounds of people struggling and jostling. Eager for more sleep, he ignored the disruption and pulled his covers over his head. But the fabric of his blankets weren't enough to stop the loud crash of Asuka and Mana falling through his door and into his room.

"What the hell was that for!" Asuka yelled, totally forgetting that Shinji was asleep.

"Damn it that hurt." The other pilot rubbed her elbow where it impacted the floor.

The two were about to start arguing when Shinji interrupted. "What are the both of you doing?" he said still half asleep. The slight annoyance in his tone caused the girls to think for a second. Neither of them wanted to get on the bad side of Shinji.

"Have you two woken him up yet?" the faint sound of Misato's voice could be heard in the background. When no response followed her request, footsteps came towards his room. Soon she appeared in the doorway, dressed in her uniform ready for work.

"You two are hopeless." She skip pass them and leapt onto Shinji bed.

"How is my Shin-chan this morning?" She cooed playfully pinching his cheeks.

"Stop pinching me." It was too early in the morning to be playing one of Misato's games.

"I'm just trying to wake you up." She chirped and then edged closer to the young man. "By the way, do you sleep in the nude?" The major had caught on that Shinji was shirtless. His blanket came up to his waist so it was the first thing that popped into her head.

"I sleep in my underwear…" Shinji hoped that his casual laid back response would take the edge off some of Misato's lewd behaviour. But this response just earned a mischievous grin from his former guardian.

"How about you give me a little peek for missing out on yesterday's performance."

"Sure… But you will have to come closer." His voice still carried the early morning roughness that oozed sexiness. He sounded like some famous musician at a press conference. Shinji waited until Asuka and Mana closed in as well and then launched his attack. He quickly pulled his blanket from underneath Misato which caused her to tumble off the bed onto Asuka and Mana. After that he grabbed whatever spare clothes he had lying around and sprinted for the door.

"Good morning brother." Rei greeted him in the hallway.

"Hey Rei." He replied quickly as he tried to dress himself and run at the same time. She watched him continue hastily to the kitchen and then turned her attention into his room. Obscenities and yelling came from the pile of humanity underneath the blanket in middle of the floor.

Suddenly Misato's head popped out. "That little smart arse! I'll get him back for that." Her eyes fell on Rei, standing in the doorway. "Where did he go?"

The albino girl just smile and answered by sliding the door shut on her superior and other co pilots.

"Where are you going?" Yui's voice travelled throughout the apartment, chasing a frantic Shinji.

"Gotta go mom… See ya." He already had one shoe on and was half way out the apartment.

"You don't have to go to NERV today… At least have something to eat." The only response was the sound of the front door closing. Like any mother she worried about the health of her child but the frown soon turned into a smile when the sounds of a busy home reminded her what a family was all about.

GEO FRONT CITY

Shinji didn't stopping running until he was across the street from the NERV apartment blocks where he bumped into his former class mates.

"Shinji?" Hikari asked. "What are you doing? Your mother called and said that you were sick. She asked that I stay with you for the day."

It was a good thing the NERV nurse said something because he was still preoccupied with getting away. "Huh? Oh good morning Hikari. Hey guys. Where are you going?" everyone was in there respective uniforms.

"Hey Shin-man. What's up?" Touji greeted him. Kensuke waved to him.

"I was asking you the same thing. Is everything ok?" a concerned Hikari asked noted how poorly dressed and a little out of breath Shinji was.

"Are you guys going to work?" Touji nodded affirmative.

"Cool! I'll walk with you guys." He quickly rushed every towards headquarters and away from the apartments.

"I don't mean to be rude but did you bath this morning?" Kensuke asked Shinji. "You kinda smell."

"Yeah dude you stink." Hikari delivered a timely blow to the back of Touji's head because of his comment.

"I'll have one at NERV. We better get going or we'll be late." But Shinji's words of persuasion were droned by the shrieking call of his name that seemed to echo throughout the city.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – PILOT'S TRAINNING ROOM

The morning's events were a distant memory now as the EVA team gathered together, waiting from the Major to arrive. The girls sat together in the middle of the training room on the padded mats. Touji was laying into one of the many boxing bags around the room. Waiting patiently was never his style.

"I though we had a sync test this morning. What are we doing here?" Mana asked no one in particular.

"The tests have been rescheduled for this afternoon." Rei answered her. "Since Shinji has declared himself fit he'll also be participating in the tests."

"Really! That's good news." She chirped. "I wonder where he is now."

'I'll have to watch her…' Asuka thought to herself. 'If she thinks she has a chance with Shinji…' the thought made her screw her face up with anger and disgust.

"Is that all you chicks talk about?" Touji asked as he started delivering kicks to the bag. "It's always Shinji this and Shinji that." He didn't have the hindsight to see that he was the only male in the room.

"No one was talking to you." Lying on her back Asuka rolled over onto her stomach. "Why don't you lift some weights, meat head?"

"Are you jealous that my brother has the attention of many of the female staff?" Rei enquired, straight to the point. "Maybe he has stolen some of the spotlight from you. Before he arrived you were the only male pilot for quite a while."

"Shinji's my best friend and I don't care about that crap." He retorted. "Do you think he appreciates being the centre of attention? It's not always about what you want." The unusual intelligent statement from Touji made the girls think for a moment.

"My Shin-chan will be fine as long as I'm there." The comment of Misato broke their thoughts. "Well? Don't you usually stand at attention when a superior enters the room?" Everyone snapped into attention. Shinji's little prank this morning still rankled.

"That's better…" She nodded. "Ok. You can set up the gear in the middle of the room." Misato directed a group of technicians carrying all sorts of crates into the training room.

ANOTHER SECTION OF NERV

"I don't remember the suits being this cold."

"Normally they're not but I your suit was completed about 30 minutes ago." Shinji's comment didn't go unheard by Ritsuko as she waited on the other side the curtain. "I don't want to be rude but could you hurry up please. I still have to run some configurations on your EVA for this afternoon's test."

"I thought we were using the test plugs?" he asked, stepping out showing his new plug suit.

"That is the usual case but the Commander wanted to collect the live data from you. We haven't been able to do that properly." She walked over to him while he was stretching.

'It has been a while since I've been into Unit One and seen Eva…'

"It'll seem a little stiff at first but will naturally stretch out once the material warms ups." He pressed the decompression button on his wrist and it loosen around him. Without really being conscious of it, Ritsuko eyes began to wander up and down Shinji's figure as he pulled the top of his suit down and tied the sleeves around his waist.

"Is there something wrong?" Shinji asked noting her stare.

"What? No! Nothing." She replied quickly, trying to regain her composure after she dropped her ever present clipboard and pen. "We're done here. I'll see you this afternoon."

'Get a hold of yourself Ritsuko… You're picking bad habits from Misato…'

"Strange…but then, what isn't at NERV?" Shinji thought aloud as he watched her retreating form. He walked behind the curtain again to finish getting changed.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – PILOT'S TRAINNING ROOM

"This is so boring…" Asuka flopped herself back down onto the sync training mat. It was the same mat that she and Shinji had used in the living room of Misato's old apartment in preparation for the battle with the seventh Angel.

"That still doesn't change the fact it has to be done." countered Misato. "It's just boring because Shinji isn't here." Her comment caused a light blush from the red head and had the added desired effect of keeping her quiet.

"Speaking of him… where did he go?" Mana asked. "Isn't he supposed to be practicing this sync drill with us?"

"He's finishing off his suit fitting with Ritsuko." The major looked at her wrist watch. "He should be done by now… I wonder where he is."

"Dude! We were just talking about you!" Touji shouted across the room as Shinji walked in wearing a NERV issued training track suit. He acknowledged everyone and tried to gauge the mood the girls and Misato were in. He knew his morning little trick would have some consequences.

"Shinji Ikari." Misato voice was in her military tone. He cautiously changed direction and went over to her.

'She doesn't look impressed…' "Hi Misato. How's it going?"

"What happen to Major Katsuragi?" she asked almost demanded.

'She's not impressed…' "Sorry Major." He said shying away a little.

"It's Major Katsuragi. Now get on your mat." She pointed to the vacant training platform that was setup for him. He quickly went over and the proper physical training began.

"Bow in…Fighting positions!"

AYA'S BAR

Aya screwed her face at the faint mouldy smell as she entered her bar. After flicking the lights on she went straight over to the nearest window to vent out the smell.

"You guys can go back to Tokyo 3." She heard the sound of someone else entering after her. She assumed that it was one of the Section Two agents that escorted her back to her home and work.

"Try again…" The voice caused her to stop.

"What are you doing here?" She recognised the owner's voice and didn't have turn around to see who it was. "I made my feelings quite clear in Tokyo 3."

He didn't reply at first. Aya heard him place a bag on the floor and then walk across towards her. "I said I didn't want anything to do with you! What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm helping my wife." George replied quietly opening the next window.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – PILOT'S TRAINING ROOM

The EVA team filed out one by one, heading for the showers. Breathing heavily and covered in a sweat they dragged their heavy legs along.

"What did you do to piss off the Major?" Touji complained to his friend, wiping the beads of sweat from his face with a towel slung around his shoulders.

"What's the matter? Can't you hack a little bit of hard training?" Asuka interjected. She was also feeling the effects of the Misato's drills but tried not to blame Shinji.

"I guess I should apologize…" a usual Shinji response, deciding to accept the responsibility for the greater good of peace.

"It's alright. I've needed to get a good workout. Since I arrived here I haven't been able to get into my usual training routine." commented Mana.

"Yeah, it shows." Asuka didn't miss the opportunity for a smart arse remark.

"What does that mean?" Touji and Shinji began to slow down their pace as the looming argument began to rise.

"Just that some people have to work hard to… what's the word… keep their body in proportion."

"You're one to talk. Didn't Dr. Akagi have to make some modifications to your suit when she was redoing Shinji's?" Mana fired back with her own attack. Shinji felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Touji silently telling him to stop and look for another way to the male change rooms. He had witnessed enough cat fights to know better than to hang around.

"Are you saying that I'm fat?"

"You said it I didn't." Then a thought popped into Mana's head. "Let's get a second opinion. What do you think Shinji?" She turned around and looked directly at him.

'Shit… Too late…' Touji hung his shoulders in defeat.

'Fine! You want to play that way…' "Yeah, Shinji. Who do you think has the better body?" Asuka had a good feeling that Shinji would pick her if asked who had the better figure. Deep down she knew that she had gained a little weight so that was a lost battle.

"Ah… I'm not sure what you mean?" 'I'm screwed big time…'

"Oh come on Shinji…" Mana cooed, silking her way towards him. She playfully threw her towel around his neck and pulled him close to her. "You just have to tell the truth."

"Ah…"

"Get off him you slut!"

"What's the matter Sohryu? You were so confident not so long ago."

"How do you expect him to make a decision with you hanging off like a lap dancer?" Then Asuka thought of something that would mess with Mana's logic. "I'll say that you're the one who lacks the confidence. You wouldn't be pulling a cheap trick like you are now if you did."

"Touji. Help." The trapped man squeaked. He turned his head to find his friend sneaking off in the other direction.

Asuka's ploy worked and Mana released her hold of Shinji. "Very well played, second." Shinji breathed a sigh of relief for the moment. "But Shinji still hasn't given us an answer…" His moment of calm disappeared instantly.

He looked at both women both in front of him. Each equally attractive in their own right and had the qualities that would make every man in the street turn their heads.

"What do we have here? It looks like a classic case of sexual harassment in the work place." Kaji's voice appeared from behind Shinji. He walked up to the group before continuing. "The only question here is who is doing the harassing?" he scratched his chin, pretending to think.

"You can still be a baka at times…" The appearance of the Head of Section Two at the crucial moment annoyed Asuka.

"Yeah… Well I guess he did kill the mood." Mana began walking away from the group then stopped. "We'll pick this up later Shinji." She finished by blowing a kiss to the young man. Kaji's interruption allowed Shinji to change the subject.

"Are we still on for lunch?" he asked Asuka.

"Sure. I'll wait for you at the front gates. I still have to pay you back for breakfast the other time." Shinji nodded and left, leaving just Asuka and Kaji. She noticed the smirk look that was showing on Kaji's face.

"Don't say a word." She warned him.

"What makes you think that I was going to say anything?" he asked innocently.

"Misato was right to dump you."

"Ooohhh… that one hurt Asuka." He clutched his chest theatrically in pretended pain. "But seriously Asuka…" all playfulness was now gone from his tone.

She knew what was coming from the man and interrupted him. "I've already heard it all from Misato so you can save it. I don't need it from you." Kaji's wore the same look that Misato last night after she got off the phone with Shinji. For the next half hour, she had had to listen to Misato harp on the risks and consequences of a relationship with Shinji.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – PILOT'S CHANGE ROOMS

"Hey Shinji!" he called into the showers. "Do you want to get something to eat with me and Hikari?"

"I'm having lunch with Asuka." A loud crash followed his response. It sounded like someone falling over. He quickly turned off the water, wrapped a towel around his waist and went to investigate. When he rounded the corner Touji was muttering something under his breath while picking up his toiletries he dropped.

"What happen?"

"Did you just say that you were having lunch with Asuka?" Shinji nodded.

"Damn… I'm just shocked… You don't waste any time. You're already on a date with her."

"It's not a date." Shinji replied as he started drying himself. "It's just lunch between friends."

"Asuka doesn't show it but she has it bad for you. Are you sure that it's just lunch as friends."

"I think so…" Touji's theory on the situation made Shinji think twice. 'I thought I was pretty clear about keeping things platonic for a while last night on the phone… Did I give her the wrong impression?'

NERV HEADQUARTERS – MAIN ENTRANCE

Asuka waited impatiently just inside the main doors. A NERV escort waited them in the drive way. She didn't feel like sitting in the car with the agents assigned for their personal safety.

'What's taking him so long?' She checked herself in a nearby window again. 'He's worse than Misato…'

"Kind of heavy on the perfume, don't you think?" Misato's voice interrupted her little touch ups.

"What are you doing here? Don't you have a meeting or some reports to write?"

"Lunch with Ritsu." Her former guardian replied. "So… do you have a plan of attack…or are you just planning to attack him?

"I though you were against this. Why are you asking?"

"I never said I was against a relationship. I just want you to be aware of the consequences if things don't turn out."

"That's not going to happen." Asuka was adamant and it brought a smile from Misato. "What are you smiling at?"

"It's nothing… but don't you think the mini skirt is a bit over doing it?" Misato pointed to the short fabric around Asuka's petite waist.

"It's not that short compared to some of the stuff you have in your closet." Instinctively she pulled at the hems.

"Sorry I'm late, the MAGI was being temperamental and…" Ritsuko rushed up to them and then spotted Asuka's attire. "… looking good Asuka but don't you think the perfume is a bit much." The blonde doctor also picked up the strong fragrance from the young women and caused a giggle from Misato. "It's nice but a little too heavy for the daytime."

"See I told you so." The major's childish remark brought about a low growl from Asuka.

"Let's go Misato. I only have half an hour for lunch. I still have to finish the prep work for the test this afternoon."

"Fine. fine." Misato started following her friend outside but turned back. "Don't get nervous Asuka-chan!" she couldn't help herself and had to get one last cheap shot in before leaving.

'Old hag… She really needs to get laid…' She was busy berating Misato to hear Shinji's running footsteps towards her.

"Sorry I'm late." He said between breaths with his hands on his knees. "Touji was…" Shinji stopped short when he caught sight of what Asuka was wearing. His eyes traced her legs up to her waist and then to her chest. 'WHOA!' was his only coherent thought

"That's alright. What did the stooge want?" She struggled to suppress a grin when she noticed the way Shinji was staring. "Hey, I'm talking to you."

"What! Oh… Sorry…" he apologised quickly, making proper eye contact with her.

"Come on, we're already running late." She led the way towards the car. 'I always knew that he was a pervert…and for once, I'm glad!'

TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS

The car ride went without any major problems. It mainly consisted of idle chit chat and Shinji trying not to stare. But it was mainly, Asuka that initiated the conversation. His short answer told her now wasn't the right time to ask the things that were held within her heart.

"Are you ok Shinji?" She asked.

"Yeah…" he sounded distant and uninterested. 'Is Touji right? She is all dressed up and…' he gently sniffed the air. 'I've never known her to wear perfume…'

"Then why are you so quiet?"

"Sorry… I'll try harder." He turned his attention towards her. "So, where are we going? Where's the restaurant?"

"Actually we're not going to a restaurant."

"Huh?"

"We're almost there." The car travelled through a narrow road which led to a gravel car park. The driver pulled over and the second agent exited. Shinji followed and found himself in a park. A massive lake occupied the majority of the area with a small path running around the edge. Cherry blossoms with small pots of hedges were placed in a natural yet practical formation.

"This is…"

"Yep. It's the lake that Unit Zero made when it self destructed. But it's only partially completed." Asuka pointed out to the far side of the lake where there was much bare ground. "You know it was actually Rei's idea to do all this."

"Really?" She came from around the back of the car carry a cane picnic basket.

"She complained that she never had anywhere nice to sit and read. So the Vice Commander pulled some strings with the local government. I guess it's nice to have a mother with that kind of influence."

"I guess… here, let me take that." He didn't wait for an answer and took hold of the basket.

"I was wondering when you were going to start acting like a gentleman." She released the basket and led him towards to lake. The agent waited until the both of them where far enough away before contacting someone on his cell phone.

"They have arrived Vice Commander."

(Very well; thank you the update.)

TOKYO 3 – STREET CAFÉ

Yui closed her cell, placed it back in her pocket and then continued with her coffee. She sat at one of the street side tables enjoying the sun and fresh air.

"And you say that I'm nosy." Misato stated between bites of you sandwich. "That reminds me! I still have to pay him back properly for this morning little stun."

"I'm just a concerned mother doing her job." Yui replied casually.

"It's a misuse of NERV resources if you ask me." Ritsuko took another long drag from her cigarette. "But it does save Misato from running around in her camouflage gear and paint hiding in bushes."

"Yeah, that stuff is really hard to get off."

TOKYO 3 – LAKE

Asuka led Shinji the way. They headed towards the body of water and she decided on a position underneath one of the cherry blossom trees.

"What about here?" she asked surveying the almost completed parkland.

"It's alright…" Shinji didn't really see any difference with spot she chose than the rest of the surrounding area.

"Well?" She spun around and began tapping her foot impatiently. "Do you expect a lady to sit ground and get her clothes all dirty?"

'Where else does she expect to sit?' It then dawn on the young man. He looked into the basket and found a rug neatly folded. He quickly took it out and spread it out on the grass.

"Thank you Shinji." She smiled politely. "I'm glad to see that all your manners haven't disappeared. Will you pass me the basket?" he did so and soon before him laid a moderately size sushi platter accompanied with traditional Japanese tea in a vacuum flask.

"Wow. Did you do this all yourself?" He seemed quite impressed with the spread. His enthusiasm was also buoyed by the fact he skipped breakfast this morning.

"Why so surprised? Is it that hard to think that I could do something like this?" 'He doesn't have to know that ran out to an all night sushi joint last night'

Her comment got him to back peddle. "No! I didn't mean that! I'm sorry Asuka."

"Why are you apologising? Here eat up." She held up a piece of food close to his mouth. His nervousness and hesitation amused and caused Asuka to giggle slightly. "You don't have to be shy Shinji."

"Mmmm… It's good." They began to enjoy their lunch together. Shinji's mind was still plagued by what Touji said to him and found comfort in the food. Unknown to him Asuka would occasionally glance his way.

"You never told me what you were up to when you ran away." Asuka decided to test him with a semi difficult question.

"What? What do you mean?" he replied nervously.

She just rolled her eyes in response. "Why are you so nervous?"

"Sorry…"

"I guess that part of you will never change."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing." She turned to face him and spotted something on his face. "You have something. Hang on." Asuka reached over and picked the grain of rice from the corner of his lip. Her actions further embarrassed the young man.

"Thanks."

"It's a nice day isn't it?" Asuka wanted to get Shinji comfortable and decided to change the subject.

"Yeah… Beautiful." He stared out at the scenery before him. "How come there isn't anybody else here?"

"Officially the park hasn't been open to the public. Since it has only been partially completed the authorities are worried about public safety."

"I see. So how did you manage to get access?"

"Once again your mother's influence helped out there. Besides, you should be glad that we are some of the first people to enjoy it." She stood up and stretched her limbs. "Do you want to go for a walk around the lake?" Asuka extended her hand.

"Sure." Shinji went to take hold when the earth that they were on gave a massive shunt. The violent moment cause Asuka to tumble over. Shinji managed to catch her safety.

"Are you alright?" He asked her with in his arms.

"Yeah… Thanks…" 'That was a pretty convenient earthquake…'

"What was that? An earthquake?" After initial shake everything went back to normal but it started up again. This time for a more prolonged period. Instinctively, Asuka tightened her hold on Shinji.

Through all the commotion, the distinct sound of gun fire could be heard. They looked around and saw one of the Section Two agents yelling and firing his weapon towards the lake. The unmistakable body of the seventh Angel, Israfel reared out of the water.

NERV HEADQUARTERS

All necessary personnel were paged immediately when the earthquake and alarm system detected Angel activity.

"Where is it?" Misato didn't have to ask what it was they were dealing with.

"I have confirmation that it's the seventh. It appears that the seismic activity was due to its emergence. It's within the city limits. The MAGI are still calculating the exact location." Maya replied from her usual terminal.

"What about the EVAS and the pilots?"

"Dr. Akagi and Mr. Aida are in the bays right now. Units Zero, Four and Five are launch capable." Hyuga reported from his station.

"Good. And how are the civilian evacuations?"

"Slow. The Angel caught everyone by surprise. It's taking longer than expected." Aoba's machine had a direct feed to the shelters and government departments.

"Alright… Start analysing the new Angel. When Ritsuko and Kensuke get back they have less to do. Don't commence launch sequences until ninety five percent of the population is under cover. Also get the weapon caches to suitable locations."

"Major! Shinji and Asuka are still outside!" The Vice Commander shouted from her podium above the floor.

TOKYO 3 – LAKE

The water from the lake rained down on the two pilots as the Angel continued to grow out of the lake. Soon Israfel could be fully seen. Appearance wise, it didn't seem all the different from the first time they battle.

"Lets go now!" The agent didn't wait and grab Asuka by the upper arm, pulling her to her feet.

"LOOK OUT!" Shinji notice the circular dial in the chest of the Angel twitch and turn in their direction. From the ground, he instinctively knocked Asuka forward just before the beam attack came their way. His quick thinking and actions saved her and the Section Two Agent.

"SHINJI!" Asuka knew what had happened and instantly feared the worst. She looked backed but was blinded by a wall of light cutting through the earth before her.

"Let's go!" The agent finally got his head together and began pulling her towards the car.

"What! No! Shinji is…"

"We can't help him. Let's go!"

"NO! Fuck you! We're not leaving Shinji!" She screamed while trying to resist his hold.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE

The attacked was registered at headquarters. "High energy source detected from the Angel."

"What did hit? Any damage?"

"Negative. No buildings or structures were targeted."

"Aoba, how are the evacuations? Can we launch?" Misato feared the next attack would have some purpose.

"They are eighty seven percentage complete. A power issue in one of the shelters is causing the delay."

"We are launching in five minutes. We can't risk the chance that another attack won't be on target.

"Have they returned yet?" Yui asked stilled concerned for her son and Asuka.

"Yes! The escort is on route to the back to headquarters."

"Excellent. We'll launch Unit One and Two as soon as they get here. Do we have any images on the Angel yet?"

"Satellite image is coming up." Hyuga fingers rushed over his keyboard and soon a bird's eye view of the Angel and surrounding area appeared on the main screen.

"Can we get a better resolution?" Misato complained about the graining images on display. The bridge technician entered some more commands and the live feed zoomed in for finer details. It appeared like the Angel was looking for something in the immediate area around and not really attacking.

"Is that the new park they are restoring?" Misato asked anyone.

"It looks like it or what's left of it…"

"Good thing Asuka and Shinji got out of there just in time." Maya commented.

"Huyga, what is that?" Yui asked about the minute dotted colour moving about. He controlled the zoom of the satellite lense to get a better picture.

"My god. Is that a person?" The picture wasn't clear enough to make any details but everyone could see four limbs and a body. Yui's heart skipped a beat as the possibility that the person on the screen could be her son. She quickly picked up her phone and dialled the security escort assign to Asuka and Shinji.

"I want to speak to my son." She almost yelled into the receiver, not waiting to see who it was on the other end.

'We were unable to retrieve Pilot Ikari. His status…' before the agent could finish replying she had dropped the phone piece to the floor.

TOKYO 3 – LAKE

Shinji had just managed to escape losing his legs but ended up with a nasty graze along his ankle. The beam attack had scorched through the top of his trainers and the small wound began to sting. The stinging pain distracted him from the real issue be fronting him. Israfel took a step and the shaking earth reminded him.

He picked himself up and ran in any direction away from the Angel. He happened to be heading towards a tree line on one side of the park but another beam attack cut off his escape. It hit the trees and set them a blaze causing a wall of fire to block his escape. He was well away from the blast but the force generated from the attack knocked him flat on his back. The earth shook as Israfel's giant leg shifted in Shinji's directions.

The circular dial where the blasts were coming from turned towards him. It glowed and pulsed readying for the final blast when a number of multiple explosions hit the side of the Angel. Shinji covered his ears from the deafening noise. The explosions were caused from the shells of Touji's palette rifle.

NERV HEADQUARTER – COMMAND CENTRE

"Touji! Shinji could still be in the area! Don't just go firing at will." The smoke from the burning cherry blossoms and gun fire made the satellite image useless to the major.

"Major!" worried about the inexperience of Touji just added to Yui's fears. She saw Misato's control on the situation was slipping.

Misato only ignored her. "Asuka!" she yelled into her comm. device. "You are Rei are to engage the target as practiced. Touji will be support and Mana will go in a rescue Shinji. Hey Asuka, are you listening!"

Asuka had ignored everyone including Dr. Akagi and Kensuke as she bolted from the change rooms to her Evangelion. While she sat in her entry plug she continued to ignore Misato's commands. Her mind kept playing back what had happened. She could still feel heat from the Angel's blast and her was sore throat from yelling Shinji's name.

"Shinji…" was the only thing she spoke to herself as the final restraints were released and the final stages of her launch preparation were under way. The LCL hid the few tears shed.

TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS

Touji eased off the trigger when his clip clicked empty. He willed his EVA to duck behind a building and proceeded to change the magazine.

(Touji! What are you doing!) Mana's voice blasted throughout his internal speakers.

"My shots aren't doing anything. Damn AT field is too strong. I'm pretty sure that he's within the Angel's barrier." What he said was true. It only seem like his attacks were on target. "If we can't hit it, how the hell are we going to get Shinji?"

(We must lure it away from the area. If we get the Angel far enough away, then Shinji will be outside the AT field and we can attempt a rescue.) Rei calm and level headed voice didn't reflect what she was feeling on the inside.

(Good plan! Touji and I will lure it away and when Rei will get Shinji out.) Mana confirmed the makeshift plan to rescue Shinji and everyone agreed. She removed a giant battle axe from one of the opened weapon cache and moved into position with Touji. Everyone was ready to move when the two rails from an EVA launch shot out of the ground. The unmistakable red form of Evangelion Unit Two followed.

(Asuka! This is the plan…) Mana was about to inform the pilot of the new rescue plan for Shinji when the red mecha leap forward, clearing all the obstacles in it path. It was a well timed jump because it landed directly on top of the Israfel. It would have done some damage if the AT field was not at fully strength.

Shinji climbed to his feet with his eyes fixed on the battle before him. Each of Unit Two's eyes burned with anger as it clawed and bashed against the invisible AT field of the Angel.

'You can help…' someone spoke directly into his mind. It scared him half to death at first and he quickly whipped around to see who it was.

'Quickly Shinji! You must destroy the Angel's core.' The familiar voice spoke again.

"Eva? Is that you?" He couldn't believe what was happening. "Are you…"

'I'll explain later. They may shut me down and then I'll lose contact with you.'

"Shut you down?" He shook his head, trying to focus on the task at hand. "All right, what should I do?"

'The core is not on the Angel itself but fl…' Eva was cut off mid sentence.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDER CENTRE

"Asuka! Pull back! That's an order!" Misato screamed. She couldn't believe what was happening and to top things off Unit One had decided to self activate again "What's going on with Unit One?"

"Dr. Ikagi had to disengage the entry plug to power the unit down. It seems to have worked."

"Tell her to reinsert the plug and that'll be down there in five minutes!" Yui rushed down from her position and out of the commander centre.

TOKYO 3 – LAKE

"Eva? Eva!" he shouted frantically 'What the hell did she mean?' he was about to give up when he notice a strange orb floating in the middle of the lake. It looked almost like a strange cerulean coloured buoy with a red beacon in the centre.

"Could that be?" deciding it was better than doing nothing he ran down to the water. Before that he remembered a small serrated knife in the picnic basket that Asuka brought along and grabbed it along the way.

He dived into the lake, ignoring the coldness of the water. Israfel disturbance made the conditions like a swimming in a washing machine. Shinji wasn't the strongest swimmer so that just made the task more difficult. Eventually, he made it to the floating core with half a lung full of water.

Surprisingly, he managed to cling into the object without any interference. Shinji had expected some sort of resistance like the form of a weak or miniature AT field protecting it.

NERV HEADQUARTER – EVA HANGER BAY

"Vice Commander!" Kensuke stood between the ejected entry plug with his arms in front of him.

"We have a serious situation and currently I'm the only person capable of piloting Unit One. I won't ask you again to stand aside." Her voice was stern yet she didn't shout at the young man.

"What you are suggesting is highly dangerous and we don't know that it will even work." Kensuke stood firm but his resolve was starting to wave under the glare of the Vice Commander.

"And what would you do if you become trapped within Unit One again?" Ritsuko offered her usual sound and logical advice.

"That's a risk I will have to take."

"Fair enough but are you willing to risk Shinji and Rei well being on a snap decision that you made in the heat of a moment?" Yui wanted to scream. She knew what she was doing was wrong and Ritsuko was right but couldn't stand by helplessly and watch.

TOKYO 3 – LAKE

Given the size of the lake and the amount of water, the swells from Israfel's flailing made it feel like a storm at sea to Shinji. He struggled to keep his grip on Israfel's core and the small knife, deciding that he wouldn't get a better chance, his arm wielding knife lifted above his head ready to strike down upon its target. At the same time, the Angel had gotten the upper hand against Asuka. Its razor sharp claws managed to wrap around her throat, using its leverage to drive the EVA into the ground. Shinji found himself thrown from the water before splashing down awkwardly. Although dazed, he somehow managed to retain his hold on the core.

With a new clip loaded in his rifle, Touji continued to unload on the Angel after it had disposed of Asuka.

(I've got it occupied. Mana, get Asuka. Rei, see if you can find Shinji in there.)

(Got it/ Roger!) Unit Five and Zero sprung into action. Rei manoeuvred herself so the Angel had its back towards her. She was close enough to run a thermal scan in the area. Apart from the heat expelled from the Israfel's first few attacks she hoped that the only other heat source would be from her brother. Her first scan showed nothing resembling in a human.

Mana had done well to slip close enough to the Angel and Unit Two. She was just about to grab her when Asuka kicked the legs from underneath Israfel. Combined with the hail of bullets from Touji, it arced backwards and slammed into the ground. With the momentum back with the EVA team, Asuka grabbed the battle axe dropped by Mana and swung it down onto the target. She had completed severed the Angel in two from the waist.

At the same time, Rei watched in horror as the Angel crushed everything where it landed including sections of the park and lake. Water and muddy debris spewed into the air from the two impacts. Within that mix was Shinji and her thermal scan detected him. Her hand shot out and gently cradled her catch. She brought it back close to her body and activated the external speakers.

"SHINJI!" her internal camera zoomed in on her mechanical palm.

Shinji had felt like he had been through a series of natural disasters. He was caked with mud, dirt and anything else that would stick to his body. Progressively his name got louder and louder bringing him back to his senses. When he opened his eyes, it was the first time he had been glad to see an Evangelion. Then remembered what he was about to do.

"Rei!" He shouted, not sure if his sister could hear him. "The core! It's not on the Angel!" Shinji looked around for the core and then crawled over to the edge of her palm.

Unsure what his brother was doing and more concern for his safety, Rei began to retreat. "Try to stay still. I'm going to take you back to NERV where medics check your condition." Her voice echoed through the external speakers.

The lull in the battle had allowed Mana to monitor the situation with Rei and Shinji. She had picked up on the fact that he was trying to tell them something but the message wasn't getting to pilot of Unit Zero. Her view encompassed a larger area than Rei and her eyes spotted something unusual lying on what would have been the edge of the lake.

"Is that…" The way Shinji was acting confirmed her thoughts. She ejected the progressive blade from her shoulder hoister and threw it. Israfel sensed what was happening and tried one last attempt. The two halves quickly morphed into a pair of smaller versions of itself. One lunged at Mana while the other went to deflect the blade.

(Asuka! The Angel!) Mana didn't have to tell her twice as she reached out and tackled one half of the Angel. The other had begun a short wrestling match with Mana but it didn't last long as her knife throw was dead on target and pierced the core straight through the middle. Both newly formed halves arched their backs as they sent a howling scream into the sky. When it stopped their bodies went limp and collapsed.

(Looks like we won.) Touji walked over and peeled the limp form of the Israfel half off Mana.

(Shinji! Is he alright!) Asuka's broadcast was the first time she had used her radio throughout the whole battle. Rei relayed the message externally and he answered by wearily giving a simple thumbs up before collapsing back into the Unit Zero's palm.

END OF CHAPTER

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Sorry for late update. I'll just like to give special thanks for the guys who actually sit down in front of their monitors and read this FIC from start to end. It really means a lot. Once again, thanks to NATEGOLD who proof read.

BTW, I'm on MSN Messenger now – If anyone wants to chat about this FIC or just normal stuff ;)