TRUE WAR

CHAPTER 24

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

PROOF READER
Wickerman

DATE POSTED
20060329 - Version 01
20060819 - Version02

EMAIL
Wonga316(at)yahoo(dot)com(au)

CHAT
MSN - Wonga316(at)hotmail(dot)com
AIM – wonga316
Yahoo – wonga316

AUTHOR'S 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.

"…" Normal speech

'…' Thoughts

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

NERV HEADQUARTERS – MEDICIAL FACILITY

After Touji's examination, he remained with Hikari and was currently giving her a massage. All the pilots were given a clean bill of health and she was completing the standard reports after their check. "You shouldn't work so hard. You're all tensed." He said as his hands worked away at the knots in her shoulders

"They have cut back my hours already. My regular duties have been shared around and that leaves me to look after you pilots. Normally, it would be quiet but lately…" She replied enjoying her partner's touch while still tapping away on the keyboard.

"Yeah… It's been pretty hectic. I never thought Shinji would have the gift to get himself in trouble so often."

She stopped typing for a moment and slapped his hand. "Don't say that. It'll bring him bad luck. And it's not his fault in any case."

"I know that. I'm his best friend after all."

"And as his best friend you should know him a lot better." She decided to leave conversation at that and enjoy the massage she sorely needed after a long day. Suddenly the room door slid open and Mana bolted in yelling and screaming.

"Hikari! Hikari!" The young pilot was in a panic. Her clothes a mess and stained with blood.

"Mana? What's going on? Is that blood? The sight of the red stains made the young nurse forget about her tiredness.

"It's Shinji. You have to hurry." She ran back out the door and they followed. Coming down the hallway was Shinji flanked by his mother and Asuka. Rei followed closely behind. They were carefully cradling his left arm which was in a t-shirt turned into a hurried bandaged. The shirt was absolutely soaked in Shinji's blood. A trail of blood droplets could be traced from the entrance to they currently location.

"Hurry we can't stop the bleeding!" Yui yelled down the hall. She was concern that Kaworu's knife had hit an artery or vein in his hand.

Hikari quickly ran to the injured young man. She carefully supported his arm and checked to wound. As she removed the t-shirt to get a better look, his blood seeped out and practically trickled onto the tiled floor.

"Hold you arm up." She gently bent his arm at the elbow so his hand was pointing up at the ceiling. "It'll help stop the blood from flowing down to the hand."

The young nurse quickly turned towards Touji and Mana. "Go to the reception and get them to page the on-duty doctor. Shinji's going to need surgery this." They took off hastily down the hall

"Shinji!" Asuka and his mother called out to him as he legs began to give way from under him. His blood lost was starting to take a toll on him.

"I'm fine…" his voice sounded tired. "I just need to rest for a bit."

Hikari's training took over. She checked his pupils and his pulse. "It looks like a knife wound. Do you have the weapon with you?" She asked.

"No. Why do you ask?" Asuka tried not to sound pushy but answering silly questions while Shinji was bleeding profusely didn't make sense.

"Something could have been on the blade of the knife." She replied.

"Like a poison?" Yui's voice raised a few octaves in fear.

"Sorry to scare you. But we have to take everything into consideration. I'm sure that his fatigue is just down to a combination of exhaustion and the blood lost." Hikari explained.

Soon the doctor and two another nurses came running down the hall with patient cart. They hurriedly placed Shinji on and wheeled him away. Yui went to chase after them but Hikari stopped her.

"We better have a look at the both of you." She said to the mother and Asuka. They were most likely not injured but the sight of Shinji's blood in their clothes made the young nurse think it would be wise check just to be on safe.

TOKYO 3 – INDUSTRIAL AREA

Kaworu materialised from this blue hue and stepped into the abandon factory. He looked around and found the former NERV commander slumped in the corner sleeping with his with knees up and crossed arms. Next he noticed the bloody handle of a knife protruding from his abdomen. Casually he pulled it out of himself, leaving no wound or any sign that it was there.

"You two are more alike than you believe." He said aloud looking at the scar caused from the poorly healed gun shot on the backside of Gendo's hand. "Like father, like son…" he threw the knife and it buried in the wall next to his head. The sound of the knife impaling on the wall next to him caused Gendo to instinctively point a gun at Kawrou.

"I always found human aggression a fascinating thing…" he pondered aloud, showing no signs of panic from the hostile action shown by the former NERV commander.

"Pathetic Angel…" Gendo muttered as he put away the weapon.

"I see that you have been busy researching." Assorted maps and military schedules scatted around the man didn't go unnoticed. Kaworu reached down and picked up one of the sheets.

"JSSDF transportation and cargo schedule…" He read the title of the document. "It seems that you really intend of going down this path."

Gendo replied with one of his patent emotionless stares.

"Ah yes, your famous and revised schedule." The young Angel was mocking him. 'Too bad it doesn't fit with my schedule…'

"By the way… I decided to visit your son." His words still didn't cause a change in response or emotions from the former commander.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – MEDICIAL FACILITY

The operation on Shinji's hand was successful and relatively simple. He had been wheeled out and into a recovery room. His mother and his friends were by his side. The medical checks showed that everything was fine. The doctor entered the room to explain the situation to everyone.

"Surprisingly, the knife managed to miss all the major nerves and tendons in his hand. It did however sever some of the blood vessels which explain the large amount of blood lost. The blood work also showed that there was nothing on the knife."

"So he'll be fine?" Yui asked a little anxiously.

"He'll make a full recovery and have full functionality of his hand in no time." The doctor's words cause a sigh of relief for everyone in the room. "In my report to the Commander, I'll recommend that he been taken off the pilot roster for the next three weeks."

"Thank you, doctor. When can I take him home?" Yui was feeling a little relaxed now. In fact she was a little pleased, her suspension and Shinji being taken off the piloting roster meant that she could spend some time with her son away from NERV. He probably wouldn't be able to do much but just knowing that he's safe and away from danger was enough for her.

"He should be able leave when he wakes but I'll like to keep here over night for observation just in case." Everyone thanked him. He gave a short bow and left the room.

"Why don't you girls get cleaned up?" Yui told the female troop of pilots. Rei didn't have a drop of blood on her but her clothes showed that she had been running around in a dirty back alley. Asuka and Mana were the worst with Shinji's blood still on their mattered clothes.

"I want to stay until he wakes." Asuka's words weren't said with the same fervour that she was known but she still had a lot of fight left.

Yui looked at her and everyone else in the room.

'My Shinji is very lucky to have friends like these…' her thought brought a small smile on her face. She stood up and gave him a motherly kiss on the forehead.

"In that case, I think I'll ring Misato and let her know how he is." She said to everyone before leaving.

TOKYO 3 – CITY STREETS

Misato and Kaji had remained after the event to begin investigations. Ritsuko and her team had arrived and they were already busy taking samples.

"Why don't you go see how he's going?" Kaji suggested to the Major. He could tell that her mind was preoccupied with Shinji and he could handle things here.

"Why? And leave you here to stuff things up again!" she snapped back at him. Misato blamed Kaji for everything that happen and felt that she couldn't trust him with the investigation for the moment. Her cell phone began to ring and the cranky Major walked away to answer it. Kaji saw it as a good time to see how Ritsuko was doing with her work.

The head of Section Two just sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He knew that it was a mistake to take Shinji gambling but how was he to know that Tabris would make an appearance and attack them.

"Did you find anything?" he asked walking up to the blonde scientist who was kneeing on the ground where Kaworu had disappeared.

"I'm afraid not." She just shook her head. "It's just like the first time he appeared. Not a trace of anything left behind."

Ritsuko was at a dead end with things on the Angel Tabris. All the other Angels had some sort of physical body and left some traces of their presence but Kaworu was different. From eyewitness accounts, he had the ability to phase through and form solid objects. All her current scientific knowledge told her that this wasn't possible.

"So are you sure he disappeared from his spot?" She thought she might double check with him again on the position and Kaji just nodded.

"Sorry. I had to ask." She then changed the subject. "You really stuffed up this time lover boy."

Both of them looked over to where Misato was standing. She was talking on her cell phone; the woman seemed pleased and relieved about something.

"Yeah…" Kaji ran his hand through his long hair. "The old man is going to chew me out for this stunt."

"The Commander is the least of your worries. I'll be more worried about Yui and Misato." Ritsuko wouldn't show or admit it but she enjoyed watching Kaji squirm.

"That was Yui. Shinji is going to be fine." Misato had finished talking on the phone and walked over to the pair. She delivered with another death stare at the former top secret spy which caused Ritsuko to laugh lightly.

NERV – MEDICAL FACILITY

Yui re-entered the room and took the same spot next to Shinji's sleeping form.

"How is the Major? How are the investigations going?" Rei wondered if Ritsuko had anything to report on from the scene of the attack.

"Not too well…" Yui paused for a moment. "They haven't been able to find anything of use. Misato was glad to hear that Shinji was alright. She still sounded a little angry."

"That's an understatement. I wouldn't be surprised if we find Kaji lying in the next room when she done with him." Asuka stated. She herself was little upset that Kaji would put Shinji in such a situation. After she mentioned his name, Yui instinctively began clenching her fists like her son would in tense situations.

"The Commander will surely decide on an appropriate punishment for his digression." Rei saw that her mother was beginning to get riled up again. She placed a comforting hand on her arm.

There was a knock on the door and someone entered. It was the Commander. Everyone instinctively stood to attention as it was appropriate.

"That's fine. We are off duty after all." He told everyone to relax.

"Is he still sleeping?" Fuyutsuki asked and Yui just nodded.

"I hate to do this but I just got off a conference call with the President of the United States, his chief of staff and my NERV counterpart for the North American Region. They believe that they have discovered the next Angel." His news was a shock to the system to everyone in the room. If they counted the battle in the park and Kaworu, that was three angels in the space of no more than twenty four hours.

"I'll convene a meeting in half an hour. That'll give you time to gather your things and your thoughts." The old man was sympathetic to their situation but still had a job to do.

No else said anything, as the familiar cloak of fear and uncertainly fell upon the group.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – CONFERENCE ROOM

By the time Yui and the other pilots entered the conference, the commander and the bridge crew had already prepared everything for the debriefing. Misato and the others shortly arrived after cutting their investigations short in the alley way.

As soon as Kaji entered, everyone notice Yui instantly snapped her head towards him. If looks could kill then the man would already be in a body bag. Fuyutsuki saw the tension and defused it quickly.

"The events and consequences of the past few hours will have to be placed on hold until we deal with the issue at hand." He clicked the remote control in his hand to bring up an image on the projector. It was an aerial shot of the large land massive with what located like to be a mountain or volcano in the middle.

"The angel is located in an active volcano, in the north west region of Alaska. This is an aerial shot taken by scientists conducting routine research." They could see the volcano surrounded by other mountain ranges. Vegetation was bare due the snow covering the landscape.

"The scientists had detected minor tremors from the volcano and feared an eruption was imminent." Fuyutsuki scanned through progressive aerial shots which showed slight changes in the snow coverage surround the area. As the temperate increased the snow melted and revealed more of the surface of the land.

"They conducted a thermo scan to check the lava flow and found this." Undetectable from the normal scans, was as large object in the centre of the volcano. It's higher temperate from the surrounding lava where it was situated made it easily visible.

"Our own satellite scans confirmed these findings and the MAGI have returned a positive result of type orange."

"It's Sandalphon." Yui said with a hint of disgust.

"I'm afraid so…" The Commander confirmed her thoughts.

SHINJI DREAMSCAPE

The next time Shinji opened his eyes he saw an endless red sea gently lapping against a shore. Lying down he felt something soft acting as his pillow.

"It's good to see you again, Shinji." The familiar voice said tenderly as a hand stroked his hair.

"Eva?" he turned his head away from the water to look up at her. Noticing that she was naked he immediately panic and leapt to his feet.

"Is there something the matter?" she asked innocently unaware that her nakedness was an issue for him.

"Yes…. Can you put some clothes on?" he shielded his eyes away, trying to do the right thing.

"I adopted this form because it is what you are most comfortable with." She was confused why her pilot would find her appearance uncomfortable. She had remained in her adult form minus any clothing.

"How do you know what I'm most comfortable with?" She just lightly tapped the side of her head, reminding him that she could read his thought.

"Fine… In any case, you better have this." He started taking his own shirt off and handed the garment to her.

"You are aware that the shirt you are giving me isn't physical."

"I know. Just put it on please." Shinji said still trying to look away.

"If that is what you wish." She graciously accepted the garment. When she was done putting it on; they sat down on the beach next to each other. His shirt wasn't working, occasionally Shinji found his eyes wondering in her direction. The garment only came down just pass her hips and her luscious legs were difficult to not stare at.

"What's going on? Am I in Unit One again?" he said trying to get his mind from wondering.

"I'm afraid not… You have been hurt again…" She said sadly and took Shinji's hand where Kaworu stabbed him.

"Hurt?" Shinji thought for a moment and then the events of alley came rushing back.

"KAWORU! The others! Are they safe!"

"Everyone is fine but they are very concern for your well being." His relief disappeared in an instant when he realised that he had made them worry about him again. Eva sensed the self pity within Shinji and wrapped her arms around him.

"There is no need to feel guilty. All of this is not your fault."

"That's not what he said." He replied still in her arms.

"You mustn't listen to his words." She placed a hand under his chin tilted his head up.

"You are stronger than he is. All you have to do is believe in yourself like I believe in you." Her words did little for the self doubt still washing over Shinji. She sensed this and decided to change the subject but it wasn't good news.

"Shinji… Another Angel approaches."

"What! Another one!" His shock and surprise were evident.

"I'm afraid so but you have no reason to fear. You will have you family and friends supporting you. And I'll be with you."

"Is it him?" Eva knew and didn't have to ask if he was referring to Kaworu.

"It's my sister. She is far away but your scientists should have detected her by now." She shook her head and was glad in way it wasn't Tabris. Shinji had been through enough for the moment and another encounter was something she didn't want him to go through.

He stood up and moved away with his back to her; he looked out towards the red sea. Confused by his actions, Eva started to show some signs of concern for her pilot.

'I have to do this… I can do this…' he repeated him his head trying to make the all the self doubt and uncertainty disappear from the recesses of his mind and soul. Shinji eventually took a deep breathe and looked back at a worried Eva.

"I can't fight that Angel from here so shouldn't I be getting back?" Shinji asked her with new found confidence which quickly washed away any concerns she had just like the small red wash lapping up on the shore they stood on.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – CONFERENCE ROOM

"NO!" Yui was standing on her feet and had slammed her palms onto the table. She objected to proposed plan that Fuyutsuki had formulated.

"Vice Commander, technically you are still on suspension and your presence here is not required." His words weren't intended to further infuriate her but that's the effect they had.

"I'm speaking as a mother!" Her hands hit the table again causing everyone in the room to flinch except for Fuyutsuki.

The old man had outlined the conditions issued by the US Government; they wanted Unit One for this sortie. They had seen recent and past footage Shinji's piloting and the relative ease that he showed was able to defeat the Angels.

A US presidential election was looming and his advisors thought that if they could align themselves to the purple mecha savoir, it would help their campaign immensely. They had also reminded NERV of the lost of the Nevada branch and Unit Three during the first Angel War. The US pointed the finger at Japan and both items were still a sticking point between the two nations.

"I'm aware of Shinji's current condition. That's why Mana will lead this attack and Unit One will accompany them as a gesture of our good will." Fuyutsuki had hoped that just Unit One's appearance would please everyone. He had wanted to send Asuka and Unit Two but her grounding prevented that. Mana had proven herself during her short time at NERV and he was confident that she could handle the situation.

"Do you have any problems with this pilot Kirishima?" Mana looked at everyone around the room before answering.

"No sir." She answered with confidence.

"Commander." Misato decided that it her turn to voice her opinion. "Don't you think that we should send Rei and Unit Zero as well? I don't doubt Mana's piloting abilities but it may be a bit much for her even if Shinji was there piloting."

"I understand your thoughts Major but we can't afford to live Tokyo 3 unprotected." He had a point. Rei would have to stay in Tokyo 3 in the event of a surprise attack.

'Old fart! Just let me go kill that thing and then we wouldn't have to wasting air talking about it.' Asuka found it hard to keep her mouth shut but was doing well so far.

"I have already ordered Unit One and Five to be prepped for flight. I leave the rest of the details to you Major." The commander gave his final instructions and everyone stood to attention as he left the room.

SOMEWHERE OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

"How are you feeling kiddo?" Misato asked Mana through the video comm. She and Ritsuko were riding the support VTOL which was leading the two super carriers for Unit Five and One respectively. To save preparation time, the young and newest pilot was in her EVA Unit.

(I'm fine.) Mana replied through her comm. sounding a little less jovial than usual.

"Are you thinking about Shinji?" Misato joked trying to lighten the situation. She sensed the tension in her newest pilot.

"Leave her alone." Ritsuko said while still tapping away on her console. The rapid response by NERV didn't give her enough time to properly configure and run a pre check on Unit Five but flight time to Alaska meant that she was able to making up for it in the air.

(I was actually.) Mana stated as matter of fact. (I was wondering why Tabris would attack him like that.)

"Well…" Misato was caught a little off guard by her question and was unprepared for an answer.

"You have access to the case files. Didn't you read them?" The Major deflected the question by one of her own. What Shinji was asked to do to destroy the 18th Angel still weighted heavily on her conscious.

(The case files only detailed the battle and nothing else. It was the way they spoke. It seem like they were friends once.) The two older women in the VTOL looked at one another and Mana caught onto this.

(Something did happen.) Mana asked again. There was an awkward pause before Misato answered.

"I think that's something you should ask Shinji yourself." Mana thought she noticed a flicker of anger flash across the Major's eyes. It was hard to tell through her display unit but the female pilot was sure that it was there.

"But don't worry about that now. We have more important things to focus on." The Major bushes off the pilot's question and quickly changed the subject.

"We should be reaching the Alaskan coast soon…" Misato went on to detail the mission parameters before they would reach the target.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – MEDICAL FACILITY

Yui quickly made her way towards her son's room after the meeting. Asuka and Rei followed closely behind. They walked in silence as none of them particularly felt like talking after what had happen in the conference room.

The mother reached the room and lightly tapped on the door to signal that they were coming in.

"What the…" she uttered words in disbelief at what she saw in front of her.

It was an empty bed where her son should have been. The covers had been tossed aside and leads to monitoring equipment dangled over the bed edge towards the floor. Fear began to well up in the pit of her stomach at this sight.

She turned and went back out the door. A nurse was walking by and she forcibly grabbed her arm.

"Where is the patient in this room?" the suspended Vice Commander demanded.

"Patient?" The poor nurse was taken back by Yui's directness and didn't understand what was going on.

"Patient!" Yui's voice grew in volume and anger as the nurse's response indicated that she cared little for her son's well being. She pulled the attending nurse into the room where her son should have been and showed her the scene. Yui didn't give the nurse any time to register or think about a response. She particularly tossed her aside and looked at Asuka and Rei.

"We'll split up and look for him. He can't have gone far in his condition."

ALASKAN AIR SPACE

Misato rubbed her eyes. It was a long flight and she wasn't use to working in these conditions. Surprise attacks by Angels was something that she could handle but concentrating and preparing a joint international collaboration of resources in a cramped VTOL cabin for eight hours wasn't the of best conditions.

"It's no wonder you failed college." Her blonde friend commented. Ritsuko was more accustom to working long hours and in all sorts of conditions. It was one of the reasons why she became one of the leading scientists in Japan and the world.

"Shut up." Misato responded in her usually manner. She then turned towards the head of the aircraft.

"How much further do we have to go?" Her question was almost childish and comical if not for the situation.

"ETA is forty minutes." The pilot shouted back down the cabin.

"We have to fly over the volcano to reach the airstrip." Ritsuko added. The US NERV branch had setup a temporary landing strip in the only area large enough to accommodate the two carriers and all the equipment such as Mana's umbilical power cable and weaponry.

"Hey Mana." Misato contacted her. The young pilot appeared to have just woken up. The Major told her to get some rest since it was a long flight but she and Ritsuko didn't actually think that she would be able to sleep in the LCL.

"Wake up sleepy. We're almost there." Misato forgo the NERV Major routine. She never liked acting the stereotypical military officer and felt that it made her less human. Mana stirred and instinctively rubbed her eyes like she would normally wake from a nap.

"Mana." Dr. Akagi opened up her own comm. channel to Unit Five.

"I'm sending you a live feed from the volcano as we pass over. Included is some information on the terrain and weather conditions as well. After we land we'll get your EVA into the heat resistant suit and commence the operation."

(Roger.) The young woman finished with a small yawn. The prospect of facing an Angel alone inside a volcano didn't show on her. She was about to say something when the video from her entry plug got disconnected and her image was replaced with static. Her audio was still running and a terrified scream was heard coming through. Misato immediate rushed to the window of the VTOL to see what was going on.

A plume of smoke and ash rose from the volcano's opening as well a number glowing red hot tentacles. It looked like a giant sea anemone with its tentacles waving in the air like it would in the sea currents. One of the Angel's appendages had caught onto the wing of Mana super carrier and stopped it in mid flight. The powerful turbines of the super carrier offered little resistance.

"Shit! We have to help her!" Misato yelled out.

"We have to land! The ash is starting to affect our engines. If we stay up here any longer then we'll loose them completely." The pilot noticed the slow drop in power from his aircraft and the gradually difficultly in controls.

"No! We have missiles on this thing! We are going to help her!" She knew that the missiles on the VTOL wouldn't be able to cause any damage but it may be enough to distract the Angel enough to release Mana and the EVA carrier.

"But ma'am…" The pilot began to protest.

"That's a direct order!" she screamed back at him. The VTOL suddenly dropped sharply to the right side and both women quickly grabbed onto something to stop themselves from falling over.

"Be reasonable Misato!" Ritsuko shouted while clinging onto the arm rest of the chair.

"Unit Five can take much more punishment than we can!" Misato tried to find fault in her friend's assessment but couldn't. After all the years and battles she had been through with the Angels, she still found it hard to keep emotionally detached. The continuous screams of Mana coming over the airwaves didn't make things easier.

(Misato…) A familiar voice came over the radio through another channel and through the chaos. It was loud, clear and unmistakable. The Major and lead scientist both stopped still as they tried to digest who's voice it was.

(Misato… I can help her…)

NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE

Yui burst through the doors with Rei trailing closely behind. Maya and the bridge crew were busy calculating feasible options they had left since it looked like the Angel had taken the initiative against Mana.

"Is this patch in to Misato's VTOL?" the suspended Vice Commander demanded as she picked the first microphone in front of her on the console.

"Yes but why are you…" Hyuuga couldn't finish before the irate mother ripped the microphone from its base on the console.

"Misato! Is Shinji up there in Unit One!" she shouted into the device.

(Yui? Yeah! But how did you know!) The Major replied. The bridge crew gasped at the news of Shinji being in Unit One.

"You tell the pilot of that carrier to return to Japan this instant!" Yui was border line distressed and irritate.

(Mana needs help…) The familiar voice of Shinji came through after hers order for Misato.

ALASKAN AIR SPACE

(If I don't do anything she'll die.) As Shinji and his mother argued about going after to save Mana, the VTOL dropped sharply again. The ash in the air was really starting to affect the aircraft's engines.

"Major! We have to land now!" The pilot shouted back at her; his voice a mixture of fear and urgency. Misato ignored him as she was still listening to Shinji's conversation.

(The risk is too great! In your condition we don't know what will happen if you attempt to sync with Unit One. We don't even know how battle effective you will be.) The mother tried to reason with her son.

(That's a risk I have to take. I can't sit by and do nothing.) He replied calmly.

(It's your job as a pilot to follow orders!) Yui didn't want to pull rank on Shinji but it was for his own safety that she did. (Sometimes that involves doing things that we don't want to do but they have to be done.)

(NO! STOP HIDING BEHIND YOUR ORDERS AND PROCEDURES!) He had never raised his voice at Yui before and everyone was shocked that he did.

(THIS IS HOW IT IS! MANA IS GOING TO DIE IF I DON'T DO ANYTHING.) There was silence after his last words but Shinji wasn't going to wait any longer.

(Misato… listen to me… I can do this. I know I can. But I need your help to release Unit One from the carrier. Will you help me?) He spoke more calmly this time. Misato turned away from the console and kicked the side of the VTOL cabin in frustration. Ritsuko looked at her and for once didn't envy the position her friend had. Being in charge of the five most powerful EVA units on the planets did have some down sides.

(Remember the first time I piloted for you and asked me to promise to come alive. I didn't that time but I promise you now. I can defeat the Angel, save Mana and come back alive.) Through all the noise, static and Yui's frantic yelling, Shinji's words came to her clear and concise.

"You promise me…" Misato whispered to Shinji.

(I promise…)

"You swear!" In the background Yui's voice could be heard yelling and threatening Misato from a Vice Commander stand point. The Major looked at her friend who just looked back at her, Ritsuko knew what she said wouldn't matter or change her friend's decision.

(I do… I will come back…)

"Evangelion Unit One – launch." She spoke those words that would nominally be yelled and smashed the emergency release on her console. After, both women quickly rushed over to the windows to see the giant purple mecha drop from its carrier.

"What's Shinji doing?" Ritsuko asked half concerned and curiosity as she notice the Eva's hand reach up on the underside of the carrier and grab an object before he began free falling towards the volcano.

"That's it! I'm landing us now!" The pilot of the VTOL banked to the left and gradually made its way away from the immediate danger. Misato watched helplessly as Evangelion Unit One hurdle toward the target.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND CENTRE

"DAMN IT!" Yui was frustrated and angry. She ripped off the microphone from the console and threw it aside, not caring where it went or who it could have hit. Shinji had disobeyed her as a commanding officer and a mother. Slowly the anger and frustration turned into hurt.

"Mother…" Rei said solemnly. She approached and placed a comforting hand her mother's shoulder.

"Trust in Shinji. It was you who said that we can trust him."

"I do trust him… I just don't trust someone else…" Yui replied sounding exhausted and everyone wonder who she was referring to.

ALASKA – BATTLE GROUND

Shinji tucked the N2 under his arm as he tried to guide his forty three tonne EVA into a favourable position. Technically the N2 wouldn't detonate until it was primed which it wasn't but dropping a weapon of mass destruction from a bombing altitude could set it off.

Unknown to everyone else, Shinji and Eva had a plan but it required perfect timing and a great deal of luck.

'NOW SHINJI!' Eva spoke to him directly into his mind.

Shinji willed Unit One to eject the progressive knife from his shoulder holster. He flipped the N2 mine on its end and ploughed the progressive knife into the bomb.

The next part was where the timing and luck came in. Shinji threw the N2 mine with progressive knife this in it towards the volcano opening with Sandalpon's tentacles still protruding from the opening and Unit Five with carrier within its grasp.

Shinji's target was the volcano's opening. His task was made difficult with him hurdling towards the earth at break neck speeds and the numerous appendages of Sandalphon protruding from the top. But the god's must have been looking down on Shinji and the N2 mine landed right where he wanted it.

Just as the N2 mine splashed down into the lava and Shinji practically tackled Mana from the grasp for the Angel. He hit the ground and immediately went into a roll to lessen the impact to both him and Mana. The two EVA units collided with the earth with force that they caused a massive crack in the side of the volcano to appear. Their bodies acted like a giant plough digging up the ash covered soil. As a result lava began to seep to the surface and flow out.

They were at the base of the volcano and the fiery red tentacles of the angel continue to flail around from the opening. Unknown to Sandalphon the N2 mine continue to sink deeper and deeper into the volcano. Until it reach a depth and temperature where critical mass could be reached. Shinji's impaled progressive knife would help this along.

"Are you sure that this is going to work?" While still cradling Unit five, Shinji asked if the plan his Evangelion advised him was going to succeed. He had his doubts at first but he didn't really have time to debate.

'Activate your AT field now the explosion is imminent.' Just as Eva had finished a massive white flash appeared behind them. Following that was the noise and blast. All the dust and ash from the initial volcano eruption instantly evaporated into nothing as the heat from the N2 mine blast combined with the volcano's own heat from the earth's core washed over to entire area. It was like a tidal wave inferno from the depths of hell making its way through the Alaskan landscape.

Shinji braced himself as firestorm washed over him while protecting Unit Five from the direct blast. His intensified AT field help protect much of the heat from reaching him but it was still an uncomfortable experience. The roar of the rushing wind and electromagnetic pulse from the N2 mine played havoc with Shinji's instruments. He had no visual indications to what was happening outside but it wasn't like he needed any.

It was a good ten minutes before things started to settling down. Unit One's instruments and displays began to go on online again. Shinji shook his head to get his focus back and get the cob webs out but his mind was still very much on the job.

"Eva! The Angel!" he called out.

A ghost hand appeared next to him and pointed to the side monitor of the cockpit. Shinji's heart first skipped a beat because he didn't know that Eva had the ability to form inside his entry plug.

"Don't do that!" he almost berated her for scaring him. All he got was a small smile from the figure.

The display unit showed and devastated and scorched landscape. The beautiful greenery covered in fresh winter snow that should have been there was gone. All that remained were was grey lifeless countryside. But something stood out that shouldn't have been there. It was the body of Sandalphon. Its tentacles flailing like an octopus out of its water.

'Out of its favourable environment she doesn't stand a chance.' Eva commented about her sister. Shinji thought it was almost comically the way the eighth Angel floundered around on land, suffocating under its own weight without the support of the lava.

(SHNIJI! SHINJI!) Misato's frantic voice came screaming through the radio next. Shinji looked to his side where Eva first appeared to say something to her but she had disappeared.

SOMEWHERE IN JAPAN – SECRET LOCATION

"Damn it! Watch where you are driving!" the sergeant yelled at his driver and subordinate. The truck they where riding in had hit a pot hole in the road and caused the man to spill his cup of tea.

"Sorry sir. The road is a little rough. It's not our normal route so I am…" The corporal explained while concentrating on guiding the semi trail truck along the narrow back country road.

"Just try to be more careful." The sergeant told him while wiping his trousers.

"Yes sir. Can I ask why are we taking this route?"

"Well if we kept running our cargo the same route, it's too predictable and a security risk." The sergeant tapped the back of their cab after mentioning the precious freight they were running.

"If that's the case then where's our usual security escort?"

"The egg heads thought that if we ran under the pretences of a commercial truck then no one would suspect us." The older man pulled his cap forward and leaned back into his chair.

"Wake me when we get there. And don't forget to radio in our position when it's time." Content that nothing was going happen and he decided to get some sleep. He enjoyed his sleep and getting paid for it during JSDDF time was a bonus.

He was just about to fall asleep when the corporal slammed on the brakes hard causing the trunk to skid and the wheel to lock up. The semi trailer almost jacked knifed across the narrow two lane road. They both jolted forward from the sudden braking and the sergeant almost hit his head on the dash in front of him.

"What the hell?" he yelled angrily at the driver and was about to tear him a new one when the young man pointed to something in the middle of the road. Someone was standing in the middle of the road blocking their way.

"Get out of the way you idiot! Do you wanna get yourself killed!" the sergeant rolled down the window and stuck his head out to begin shouting abuse at the lunatic in front of them.

"I'm terrible sorry. I've lost my way and was wondering if you can help me?" The young man in the middle of the road replied calmly. He didn't seem phased by the military man's threats.

"Damn freak! The guy is probably high on drugs." He said reaching down to pull out his side arm. The young man's blood shot eyes were a clear indication that he was on some sort of substance of abuse. Before he had his pistol out of the holster, two loud bangs rang out which was followed by shattering glass. The sergeant was leaning forward and could feel the sharp tiny shards rain over his back and some flew down his shirt. The dead body of his corporal slumped to the side and against him. His blood ran freely onto the cab floor of the trunk.

His passenger side door swung open and the young man standing in the middle of the road moments ago was there with a handgun drawn. At close up, his red eyes weren't caused by some drug; they were his natural eye colour.

"Life and death are not always the same…" Kaworu's victim didn't have any time to contemplate his bewildering words before two more shots were fired into the cabin of the trunk. Tabris stoic expressed remained unchanged as the sergeant's blood spray onto him.

"It is done." Kaworu called out behind him. From behind a rock formation, the former commander of NERV stepped forward with his patent sadistical smile.

ALASKA – NERV FIELD HOSPITAL

The low drone of machinery woke Mana from her slumber. She slowly opened her eyes and found that she was lying in a military cot in what looked like a makeshift medical tent. Various medical supplies lay around her. This prompted her to check for herself for injuries. Mana found no visible injuries to her body except for a few bandages around her head.

"Ouch!" It was tender to touch and she guessed that she must have hit her head when the Angel had her Unit. Her soft yelp caused someone sleeping in a nearby chair to stir. Shinji rubbed his eyes with his uninjured hand and looked at her.

"Oh, hey sleepy head." He said to her while sitting up properly in the fold out chair.

"What happen?" Mana half groaned as the headache caused by bump on her head started to intensify. She didn't seem surprised by his appearance before her.

"You should get some rest." Shinji slowly stood up and walked over to her. He sat in the edge of the cot and gently coaxed her to lie back down. As Shinji pulled the sheets back over her she started to remember recent events leading up to this point.

"You saved me and destroyed the Angel." She stated more an asked while noticing Shinji's unusual attire of army fatigues and his bandaged hand. When he snuck from his hospital room into Unit One, he wasn't really concern about what he was wearing and it wasn't until the battle was over that Shinji realised that he was naked except for a scant hospital gown.

"Don't worry about that. You took a nasty bump on the head. Ritsuko thinks you might have a concussion." Shinji avoided the question. Mana was quick to pick this up and decided not to push the issue any further.

"You look tired…" She also noticed that dark shadows and weariness across Shinji's features. Then reached over and took his bandage hand, the one Kawrou recently attacked.

"I've had a few hours sleep. Misato is arranging a VTOL to take us back to Japan. It won't be long now." Shinji gently pulled his injured hand away and walked back to his seat.

"They didn't give you a bed?" She asked noticing that he was leaning back into the chair like he was going to for a nap.

"Not enough room." Shinji pointed out to Mana that with all the medical equipment in the tent, her bunk and the chair there was barely any space left.

"Come lie with me." She sat back up and reached over to him again.

"Don't worry about me. You need it more than I do at the moment." The young man smiled politely and declined her offer.

"I'm scared Shinji… Will you please hold me?" Mana whispered barely above her breath with a slight quiver. Sandalphon attack had really shaken her up. At the mercy of the Angel's tentacles she thought she was going to die. All the training sessions and simulations didn't prepare her for that moment. When she looked up, Shinji saw the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. He knew that look very well and felt for the girl.

Shinji stood up and walk over to her. She shuffled over to make room for him and he managed to squeeze in with her in the cramp little bed. It was impossible to avoid any contact with each other but the situation was different. Shinji felt Mana's body loosen up as soon he came into contact her. Her breathing was relaxed and steady as she rested her head against his chest.

"Thanks… Shinji…" She whispered as he moved his arms around her almost frail like body.

END OF CHAPTER

AUTHOR'S NOTES
Massive apologies delayed in update. Had a case of the flu that decided to hang around for a couple of weeks and worked on my other NGE fic "everyday".

First of all I have some bad news… my proof reader NATEGOLD had to bail due to personal and family reasons. I'll like to thank him for everything he's done. I hope everything works out for him and wish him all the best!

Now for the good news… WICKERMAN has stepped in as proof reader. So give a big round of applause for the lad.

I got a review saying that I may have mixed up the EVA units and pilots. I apologies for this so to clear things up this how I have them setup.

Unit 0 - Rei
Unit 1 - Shinji
Unit 2 – Asuka
Unit 3 – Touji
Unit 4 – Disappeared with the Nevada base
Unit 5 - Mana

I think I may have unit 3 and 4 mixed around but to fix it up I have 23 chapters and over 120,000 words to go through. So I'm taking the lazy way out.

For the action fans, sorry about the battle sequence where nothing much happen but I figured that Eva would be more inclined to win a sortie in a way that was the less dangerous and stressful on for Shinji.

I also made up the weight of Unit One. 43 tonnes was something I just plucked from the air and I hope sounds right.

One last thing, I did a little scene at the end for the Mana fans. I hadn't done thing between those two and thought it was time.

Thanks for reading, Wonga316