A.N. Well, yet another pointless chapter for those of you out there reading this. I promise the next chapter will be much better. -grins eveily- big plans yes . . .

As some of you have noted there are no schedual with this, really should work on that . . .maybe . . .

I don't own Evangelion or Inu Yasha! Happy?

Chapter 12 What Rei Ayanami Found

Hikari stood near the new entrance to Nerv trying to balance a baby in on arm and keep a hold of the twins in the other. Her stomach was just beginning to show the signs of a bulge indicating the child she carried with in. As Hikari looked round she still couldn't believe what had happened. Kaworu had showed up and announced he'd found a way back into Nerv.

Since then there'd been a growing flurry of activity as the remaining former Nerv employees ran in and out. Even Touji had gone in there. Kaworu had asked that all four pilots and the two Evangelions be moved to the Eva Cage below. He had been vague about why but Touji had gone in an instant. Hikari had wanted to protest but when she saw how eager he was she had used all her resolve to bite her lip. She ended up letting him off with a promise to be careful and he had kissed her, assuring his return.

Asuka and Shinji had also decided to go as well so Hikari was now watching their three month old daughter, Nari for them along with the now two year old twins Ukito and Haru. The twins were gaining strength and curiosity everyday as the tottered about on wobbly legs with wide eyes. Hikari found them and increasingly difficult task to handle but she loved them dearly.

Haru had dark hair like her father held barely restrained in a short braid. Ukito on the other hand had lighter hair and freckles which Hikari thought was cute. Both were currently tottering around her on the surrounding rocks and concrete.

Hikari heard footsteps heading her direction. She turned to see Yuka Hanabishi coming her way. She hadn't seen the tall girl in a while and she was amazed at how good she looked. Clearly she'd been getting plenty to eat and had been taking care of herself. Dressed in a pair of faded hole filled jeans with a baggy t-shirt and tennis shoes she looked like she was on a mission. Yuka smiled and waved to the other girl. "Hello, Hikari. How are you?" She asked

Hikari smiled back, more out of reflex then anything else. "I've been better but things could be worse. What about you?"

"I've been doing well. I've been trying to get settled with my mom."

"That's good to hear. So what brings you out here? I didn't know you had an interest in the Eva's and Nerv."

Yuka blush and looked away. "Well, it's not so much what's there as it is who's in there right now." She murmured softly.

Hikari understood what Yuka meant. She was standing here waiting for someone as well. The two girls stood in silence for a few moments before with spoke again. By then Hikari had an inkling of which one she was waiting for but she wasn't sure. "So, who are you waiting for?"

Yuka rocked back on her heals while keeping her focus in the distance. "I . . . I don't know. It's kind of silly, you know. I'm not sure if he feels anything for me. Yet, I can't stop myself from wanting to see him."

Hikari smiled realizing the Yuka was in love with whoever it was. The only logical choice was the only unclaimed man their age down in Nerv at the time. She though it would be an interesting match the question was of what Kaworu's feelings was. Hikari grinned deciding to find out for herself. If for nothing else for Yuka's sake. "Hikari, can you tell me about Kaworu?"

Hikari looked over at her companion to see she was very intent on the answer to this question. Hikari decided to try her best to answer this question. "I'm not the best person to ask that question to, Shinji's his best friend."

"I know but surely you must know something about him."

Hikari nodded. "Yes. When I first met Kaworu he was the new kid in the class and the recently appointed fifth child. I thought he was strange not because he acted weird but because unlike the other pilots he didn't act peculiarly. He was kind, open and seemed like a regular guy. I never guessed he was one of the angels Asuka and the others had been fighting all this time."

"Then what?"

One day he went away and he never came back. I only saw Shinji sporadically between Kaworu's disappearance and the end of everything. Then when I woke up on the beach here he was, smiling and whistling along like nothing had changed."

Yuka smiled as she sat down on the ground. "You know I think smiling is the only thing he knows how to do. It's how he expresses his pain."

"Express his pain? Well, that's an odd way to do but if it's what he chooses . . ."

"Do you think I'll see him soon?"

"I don't know. It depends on how well what they're doing down there goes."

The pair sat in the slowly sinking sun talking and waiting for the person they wanted to see appeared. As the sun was finally disappearing a dark shadow appeared in the door way and Touji appeared still dressed in his plug suit. Hikari ran to him instantly and wrapped her free arm around him. Her head lay against his shoulder and she breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't smell like LCL which meant he hadn't gone in there. For that Hikari was grateful beyond words. She never wanted him in there again. Not after he had nearly died the last time. She would do anything to prevent that.

Slowly the pair of them walked along heads bowed close together; Touji's arm around Hikari's waist. "So," She asked "What happened down there? Did everything go okay?"

Touji shook his head and took a moment to collect his thoughts. "It was so weird. When we got down there Unit Zero and Three were there waiting for us, like nothing had ever happened. The creepiest part was Unit Zero's eye. It was glowing blood red, it was awake. We stood there watching it for a while and then the entry plug came out; just like that."

"What? It came out without warning? I thought they couldn't do that?"

"I know. So did I. The mot bizarre part was what was inside."

"What was in there?"

"Well, Shinji and I climbed up there to open it up and inside, inside was Ayanami laying there in her plug suit. We helped her to her feet and got her outside to a stretcher. She's sleeping down there right now."

Hikari's face displayed her shock and surprise at the news. "Rei's back?" She said.

It sounded like a question but it was more of a statement; an attempt to convince herself of that fact then anything else. Touji squeezed Hikari's hand reassuringly. "It's okay. She doesn't bite. I should warn you she's a little different now."

"How so?" Hikari asked.

"Well, it seems she's the . . . the second one. She died during the battle with the sixteenth angel. She doesn't remember anything that happened since then and her personality, it's different."

"So we're still missing Ayanami, right?"

Touji nodded. "From what I understand the one who is missing is the third."

"Let's go say hi to her." Hikari suggested.

Touji agreed and the pair prepared to enter into the Nerv complex. Hikari turned to Yuka and suggested that she join them. "Who knows you might find Kaworu down there."

Yuka blushed and said softly that she would be glad to go along. With that made the five of them made their way into the maze like complex that was Nerv. Touji led the way to the room where Rei was resting under the gaze of Shinji, Asuka and Kaworu.

--

I awoke to an eerie dead silence. I lay in a Nerv hospital bed dressed in my plug suit. I sat up carefully checking for signs of physical damage or pain. There were none. I felt like I had awakened after a long sleep, a Rip-Van Winkle so to speak. The room had a slightly musty smell to it and there was a feeling of un-cleanliness to the area. I wondered as I looked around what had happened. The last memory I had was of Unit Zero erupting into a ball of white light and fire all around me.

This didn't feel right. It was dark but I knew it to be daylight. Something had happened since what I assume what was my death. Third Impact . . . had it actually happened. Had the Third me done it?

I turned at the sound of the door opening. Ikari-kun stood there dressed in a dirty, stained t-shirt and torn jeans. His hands were rough and scared from hours of hard work. He smiled and I felt a sense of overwhelming relief. "Ikari-kun."

"It's been a while. How do you feel?"

"I feel fine."

Ikari-kun nodded seeming relieved. "A lot's happened but I'm sure you can already sense that."

"Yes. Tell me did it happen? Was Third Impact completed?"

Ikari-kun got a strange look on his face. He motioned towards the bed. "I think you sit down to hear this." He suggested.

I sat down quickly feeling unsure of what was to come. "After, you died, you showed up again but you were different. Everything went crazy after that and then we were attacked not by angels but by humans. Asuka nearly died and I wouldn't do anything. You, no the third, tried to help me but I wished for everything to end. So she was forced to end everything for me."

He looked away and I saw him rubbing tears from my eyes. "I'm sorry Ayanami. I couldn't do anything but watch you blow yourself up. Then I forced your reincarnation to destroy everything because of my stupid, selfish wish."

Ikari-kun's form began to tremble and tears fell from his eyes. I placed my hand on his trying to comport him. "It is okay Ikari-kun. I forgive you."

Ikari-kun smiled back at me trough the tears. "Thank-you, Rei. You don't know what that means."

I was left in my room while Ikari-kun went to find me some clothes to wear. I was told to prepare myself to meet the others that had returned after Instrumentality. I found the prospect daunting. I promised myself that I would talk to them and do this the best I could.

There was a knock at the door and Asuka entered. She was carrying some clothes for me in her arms. She set them beside me with a smile. When I didn't move to pick them up she motioned to them. "Well, Wondergirl are you going to put them on or not?" She demanded.

I turned to face Asuka and squared my shoulders as best I could. "Please. Don't call me that anymore." I said a firmly as I could.

Asuka looked taken back by my seriousness. But before I could see more then a hint of it she covered it up with her usual confident expression. "Just put on the clothes." She snapped.

With that she turned and walked out. After she was gone I began to unfold the clothes I'd been left with; a light blue t-shirt, jeans, socks and shoes along with the appropriate undergarments. I took off my plug suit and put on the pieces of the clothes I'd been given. Once I was dressed I glanced at myself in the mirror to see what I looked like. I was not neat looking in these clothes but I was acceptable. I made for the door and wrapped my hand around the handle. Before I could turn it, the handle turned in my hand and the door opened. Ikari-kun stood on the other side with Kaworu beside him. "Ayanami, are you ready?"

I nodded and they lead me from the room. I followed them upstairs trough the maze that was Nerv. Before long we had made our way to the entrance/exit and I blinked in the bright afternoon sun. I raised my hand to shield my eyes and I looked around. I felt my stomach do a dive into my gut and I nearly fainted. It had been horrific, worse then I had imagined or expected.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Ikari-kun looking at me, eyes full of concern. "Rei are you okay? Is it too much?"

I took multiple deep breaths to calm my nerves before I responded. "I am . . . okay."

We walked slowly from there on. I think it was for my benefit, so that I had time to take everything in and adjust myself to what I saw. The destruction was massive and horrible. I had the impression that I was standing in a war zone. It seemed impossible that all of this had happened in such a short amount of time. It was upsetting and uncomfortable to know my part in this whole disaster. Yes, I had my part in this catastrophe. It had been my memories that had caused the third to do this, to destroy everything. I didn't have to be told to know that.

There were shouts and footsteps coming from behind us and we turned to see Touji, Hikari, and a girl I didn't know, three children and in the far back Asuka coming towards us. "Shinji, Rei, Kaworu!" Asuka called.

They neared quickly and our two groups combined. "Glad to see you out and about Wondergirl." Asuka said.

The girl I didn't know was introduced to me as Yuka. She seemed to be trying to get close to Kaworu. I had the impression that she had feelings for him but as to be expected Kaworu remained unreadable. Hikari handed the smallest of the children a baby to Asuka. She took her gently seeming uneasy and unsure of what to do. I remembered her saying that she had never wanted children but now she was a mother herself. Shinji, who was standing beside her, was smiling along trying to be helpful and comforting to Asuka. This seemed to help her a great deal and she relaxed slightly.

They seemed so happy together, a fact that made me feel much less troubled. I wonder if I would find such happiness this time around. Would anyone accept someone like me who wasn't quite human . . . It didn't seem possible but I hoped it would happen eventually. Slowly we made our way on. I was squished in the middle of the group trying to listen to everything I heard as well as saw. It was overwhelming and a large part confusion, however I tried my best.

After a time we approached what appeared to be a small city. The refugees moved about at various named at staying alive and keeping clean. I could smell the pungent odor of various foods being cooked over open fires. Despite the sense of overwhelming destruction I also had a feeling that there was hope and a resolution to live on.

As we journeyed on I passed a house where Kaji and Misato were living. I watched as Kaji appeared in the door holding a squirming, crying bundle in his arms. He attempted to hand it to Misato who was cooking over a fire. "Kaji, don't hand me that. I have no idea what to do with her." Misato insisted.

"Come on, sweetie. You're her mother and she's hungry. There's nothing I can do for her."

Misato gently gingerly took the baby from Kaji and held her in her arms looking almost as uncomfortable as Asuka had. "Relax, Misato. She's fragile but she's not as delicate as glass. You can't break her that easy."

Misato sighed. "I'm sorry Kaji. I'm just not ready for this. I'm afraid I'll mess everything up. She's so sweet and defenseless I'm afraid all I'll do is hurt her. She doesn't deserve a mother like me."

Kaji smiled and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You'll do fine. The fact you care so much shows you'll do the best you can for her."

She smiled and placed her hand on top of his. "Thanks Kaji. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go inside. Watch the pot for me will you?"

Kaji smiled pleasantly. "Sure sweets."

Misato smiled back and disappeared inside carrying the baby with her. We approached easily and joined Kaji at the fire. He looked us over and I felt his gaze focus on me. "So it would seem we have a new member in our midst."

"Yeah, we brought Rei back."

"Back?"

"She was trapped in the Eva."

Kaji nodded along with a smile on his face but his eyes read with worry or was it just concern? I wasn't sure. We sat there for a long time just relaxing and talking. I listened to what was said and gradually I began to piece together some of the specifics of what had happened since my death just over four years ago. I even got to meet another angel in Lilum form when Arael showed up looking for Asuka. I noticed they seemed close like best friends who know each other for years.

From what I remembered of Arael she had been more interested in understanding humans then attack and destruction. Unfortunately her powers with the mind were great and for her gentle was more then enough to destroy an already weak child's mind. I didn't hold it against her though. She was doing her job as the fifteenth and nothing more.

By the time things were over it was late and everyone was tried including me. So slowly people began to leave to drift home. I was unsure of what to do but my dilemma was solved when Kaworu asked me to go home with him. When this offer was made I noticed a strange look flash briefly on Yuka's face. I attempted to decline but he insisted. So I was reluctantly compelled to agree.

I followed Kaworu over the ground to the small structure he called his home. He kept his hands in his pockets the whole way smiling. I wondered if he would speak to me or continue to ignore my presence. "So what do you think of what you've seen?"

"The people here are very strong and brave. I am amazed at how they continue to fight survive after all this time."

Kaworu nodded and paused to look around. "The Lilum are remarkable creatures. They continue to preserve despite all the odds."

I had to agree with him. "Now do you mind if have another question for you?"

"No."

"What do you intend to do, now that your back? Do you want to get close to Shinji?"

"I would, like to be a sister or at least a friend to him. He already has Asuka so I can't ask for more nor do I want to take that away."

"I think that is a worthy goal for you. Shinji would be glad to have you as his sister and friend. So I take it you already know of your origin."

I nodded.

We reached the door to his home and Kaworu opened the door for me. I paused unsure of what to do but I decided to enter. I took a seat on one side and waited for Kaworu to enter. A few moments later he had and was sitting beside me. "Should we get some sleep. It's late and I imagine tomorrow will be a busy day."

"I . . . sure . . ."

We both lay down on the futons and I closed my eyes. I stayed in that position for a long time unable to fall asleep. Behind me I heard Kaworu's breathing slowly even out indicating that he had fallen s sleep. Still I felt restless unable to relax. Carefully I sat up and walked outside. I leaned against the wall and stared up at the full moon that hung brightly in the night sky. Why? Why am I so edgy?

My legs became tired after a time and I was forced to sit down. The next thing I knew Kaworu was gently shaking me awake. "Good morning. Did you sleep well out here?"

I shook my head in the negative. "The ground is not very comfortable for sleeping."

"I would agree. Come, let's get ourselves some breakfast."

That sounded like a good a idea so I allowed him to lead me to where the food was being made. This happened to be in the center of the town where a single building stood. It was larger then many of the others and a variety of smells drifted from the entrance. Inside several people were busily moving about cooking food. One of them was lining up bowls of ready food along a ledge. He smiled and waved when he saw us. "Good morning Kaworu! Want some breakfast?"

Kaworu waved back. "What do you have today, Kimwa?"

Kimwa laughed. "You ask that everyday but the answer is always the same my friend."

Kaworu smiled back and took two bowls, one for each of us. "So who's the new girl? Is she a recent returnee from the ocean?"

"Um . . . Something like that . . ."

After saying goodbye to Kimwa we wondered off to find a place to eat. There was a large piece of concrete that looked much like a bench in a park. We sat here eating what we had been given. It wasn't the best I had ever had but it wasn't terrible. Once we had finished we returned our bowls to be washed and then set off for the day. "What am I to do?" I asked as we wondered towards Nerv.

Kaworu shrugged. "You are free to rest for a day or two so you have some time to figure that out. I however must return to Nerv for the day. Dr. Akagi should be waiting for me."

"She's in charge of Nerv?"

"No, but she's been in charge of Eva care and maintenance since she returned three months ago."

"I see. Do you think she would mind if I would accompany you today. My assistance might be useful."

"You know Unit Zero the best, right? I don't think she'll mind too much."

So went together into Nerv ad made our way to the Evangelion cage. I stood before Unit Zero staring up into the single Cyclops eye. I was aware that unit the day before I had been trapped within her massive form. Now I was free and I could pilot her again if I so chose. Or I could leave her and never pilot again. The choice was mine. I wasn't sure what I would do yet I had decided to wait and see until after I had attempted synchronization at least once.

As I stood waiting Kaworu returned along with Maya and Ritsuko. They were looking over a collection of papers on the clipboard. "So, Nerv has only .01 of its Pre Third Impact power supply. I see. That's not very much." I heard Kaworu said.

"I know." Ritsuko replied. "We barely have enough power to restart the magi in it's' most basic mode and we don't have the supply to power even one Evangelion Unit."

"Then we will still have to supply the Evas the way we have been by linking them to our cores."

"True but this seems risky and I want you to continue to use caution."

"Of course."

"I heard that you were having success with Unit One."

"Yes. Shinji had found the strength to activate the core and then deactivate it when he is done. He doesn't need our assistance as long as he remains conscious."

"What about Unit Two."

"Ah. She is a much trickier case. Asuka feels best when Arael is her power supply however her mother hasn't forgiven her for what she did to Asuka. Therein lies the problem."

Ritsuko looked like she was about to say something but then she saw me. Her face became very pale and her hands began to shake. I saw her mouth what I could only assume was my name several times before she said it out loud. "Re . . . Rei?"

I tried to smile back at her. "Yes, Dr. Akagi . . ."

She turned sharply and started walking in the opposite direction. "Dam. I need a cig." I heard her mutter as she left.

I tried to say something but no words came. So I stood there helplessly watching her leave. Would everyone react to me like this? It must be because I looked my reincarnation/ twin sister who had started Instrumentality. That didn't seem fair to me but there wasn't much to do about it. It was my word against my memory.

Kaworu came up to me with a look of sympathy. "Rei, are you okay. I'm sorry about that. I should have warned you that not everyone will be happy to see you again."

I nodded trying to be brave about this but inside I felt unsettled. "I will do my best to deal with it."

"That would be wise. If you need help let me know."

"Okay."

I looked around and decided that Unit Zero or not this was probably not the best place for me. It would be best if I went back to the surface and returned to my temporary residence. "I should leave. I'm going back to your place." I informed Kaworu.

I turned to leave but Kaworu stopped me by grabbing my wrist. He starred back at me unwilling to let go. "Are you sure you want to do that? You'll be giving up on Unit Zero."

"I don't want to go but my presence it not desired here. What should I do?"

"You need to figure that out for yourself."

I sat down Indian style on the catwalk and starred vacantly into the distance with a calm expression on my face. It was strange looking I know but it was the only way I knew how to concentrate. I had to sort out my confused thoughts.

"Kaworu! There you are! Where's Dr. Akagi!" I heard Kensuke call.

"You just missed her, but I don't think you'll find what you want. All the Evangelions have pilots."

"But Touji doesn't want to pilot. That means I have a chance to take over for him, right?"

"But the Eva has already chosen her pilot what makes you think you can take his place?"

"I don't know but the Eva pilots are about the coolest people around here. They get such cool weapons. I want them too."

"I'll see what I can do but I can't promise you anything."

--

Shinji was thirstier then he had ever been in his life. Small, pasty chunks of saltine crackers, the only thing he had left to eat, clung to his dry lips. They had run out of water hours ago but Shinji had had none for two days now. Despite the cover they were under did nothing to relieve the heat of the stagnant, humid air. Everything stank including them; they hadn't changed or washed their clothes in nearly two weeks. Shinji sighed and leaned back hoping to find some relief in the surface of the concrete and trying to ignore the groans from his partner.

Despite Shinji's best efforts Asuka's injuries had gotten infected and a fever now raged through her frail body. Shinji had tried everything he could think of to bring down the fever but it was useless. There was nothing he could do for her. Asuka was dying.

Shinji could only hope death would be quick and painless for her. Despite how mean she had always been so mean to him, Shinji felt nothing but sympathy for her. No, more then that he realized that deep down he loved her. He had wanted to share his left with her but now it would seem he would spend it alone. Death would not be as forgiving for him. With the limited amount of food and water he had been able to find, he could probably stay alive for a long time.

Shinji sighed wishing that they had something, anything to drink. Their last bit of water had gone to make tea for Asuka. It was supposed to be good for fighting illness but it didn't seem to have done any good. Still Shinji did not regret his use for the last of their water supply. His only regret was that there wasn't more.

Shinji's stomach grumbled loudly reminding him of the fact he hadn't eaten anything but crackers for two days. He had tried to find more but he could not find anything within the area. Shinji refused to go too far from Asuka in case she needed him. So he was stuck sitting in a hot cramped shelter of concrete with Asuka slowly dying beside him.

Shinji's vision began to blur and he felt himself drifting off. He tried to pinch himself into staying awake but it was useless. The call of sleep was too strong and he was too tired to resist much longer. Shinji heard something or someone headed their direction, the feet making crunching sounds when they hit the ground.

He looked around and spotted a young woman standing before him. She was tall, lean and tan. Her eyes were red and her hair was almost perfectly bleached white. He had a strange feeling from her, almost like he had seen her before somewhere. Yet, Shinji couldn't place her to anyone he knew. She smiled at him and then turned to Asuka. She leaned over the sick girl, placed her finger to her forehead and whispered something incoherent. Almost instantly Asuka become quiet and seemed to drift off to sleep.

The girl turned back to him and then left silent as a ghost. Shinji thought in had all been an illusion. Shaking his head he turned back to Asuka to see the German girl was fast asleep. Shinji decided that he should take a tip from her and do the same while he could.

--

"You helped the girl. I'm impressed." Kaworu said as Arael returned.

"It was nothing." She said stiffly.

"No, it is good. You're getting in touch with your lilum side."

A second form appeared. An older woman who looked angry, hard and cynical. "What are you talking about Tabris? We are angels not humans. We're supposed to be perfect. Therefore we have nothing in common with the lilum."

"Yet you are not the same as you were before your fight with Rei. She touched your mind didn't she? She left you with a touch of the lilum pain."

"No."

Armisael turned and stalked away obviously still angry. "What I don't understand is why we were allowed to leave the Room of Gauf. Why we are here? She kept us tied up in the room during the events of Instrumentality, forcing us to listen and hear everything. Then when it ended she let us out like that."

"I believe she wanted us to learn empathy for the lilum and help them when they returned to rebuild."

"Help the lilum?"

"Yes. She wanted us to be the shapers of the future."

--

Shinji awoke abruptly expecting to see the concrete ceiling of his memories above him. Instead he was greeted by the sight of his bedroom ceiling. Carefully he sat up and looked around. That's when he noticed her, Rei. She was standing in front of the window looking out over the landscape. Her attention was completely absorbed and she didn't notice him getting to his feet. "Rei, what are you doing here?"

Rei turned to look at him with her usual black expression on her face. "Good afternoon Ikari-kun. Did you sleep well?"

Shinji blinked; wondering what she was talking about. Had Rei said it was afternoon? Shinji looked outside over her shoulder to see the sun was indeed high in the sky. Shinji was shocked; he had slept well into the afternoon. This was not like him normally he was one of the first ones up. How had this happened? "Rei, is everything okay?"

"Yes, Asuka gave orders that you were to be allowed to sleep in because you were not getting enough rest recently."

Shinji thought back and realized he hadn't spent much time sleeping for the last several weeks. He reluctantly was forced to agree that he had needed the sleep and he was glad he had he had gotten it. "So, everything is okay?"

Rei nodded. "Then why are you here?"

"I was asked by Kaworu to keep an eye on you until you awoke."

"Thanks. Do you know where Asuka is?"

Rei had to think about this question for a moment before she remembered. "Asuka is overseeing a supply search effort on the west side of the city."

Shinji nodded and found a shirt from the closet. After throwing it on he took the bottle of water from the counter. "What will you do?"

--

"I am supposed to be in Nerv assisting with Unit Zero but my presence was disturbing to people so I am to wait until Kaworu had a talk with them."

Ikari looked uncomfortable as he searched for something in the kitchen area. "Have you been warned about Leliel? Apparently she doesn't like your sister because she blames her for Zeruel's disappearance. She might go after you if she believes you're her."

"Yes. I have been warned to use caution."

I had seen my cousin Leliel before I had left to come here. She was currently lying in a comatose state. I could tell this was forced on her by the others and not her idea why. So that was why she was kept as she was.

He turned and made for the door but then stopped. "You shouldn't stay hidden in here. You should get out and go walk around."

"Wouldn't I be in the way or make them uncomfortable by my resemblance to the Third?"

"True there will be some that don't like you but there will be plenty more that do."

I nodded and the two of us walked out together. We went together a short distance down the hallway but then Ikari-kun turned so he could head out the back entrance from this building. I made my way out the front into the warm sunshine. I wandered aimlessly through the makeshift homes observing the people. Most paid little attention to me but a few gave me distrustful, even angry stares.

I tired my best to ignore them but I had to wonder if someone would try to hurt me. It seemed possible considering some of the stares I had received. They left me with chills. I walked towards the far side of town continuing my aimless observance of the people around me.

I turned the corner and nearly ran into a young girl with white hair. 'Wait.' I thought 'White hair?' That meant she was . . . an angel? I watched her as she ran off back into the crowd to join the other children who were playing with a ball. "She's half cousin." A voice said behind me.

I turned around to see Sahaqiel standing beside me. She had a large thick boned body with pale skin and white hair. Her eyes where red as well but seemed full of mirth unlike many of the others. "She is your daughter?" I asked.

Sahaqiel nodded in response. "She is the first naturally created half angel-half human. I call her Mariko."

I watched her move with surprise. The first naturally made half angel- half human. I couldn't believe it. I guess part of me had never expected me to see someone like that. Looking back I guess I was being unrealistic. I was also feeling. . jealousy towards her. I had never liked my position and had always wondered if thing would have been different if I hadn't been a clone. I guess I would never know. I shook my head trying to clear my mind. It would not do to dwell on maybes and possibly.

"Are there any more hybrids?"

"Not yet, you, your sister and my daughter and the only ones right now. However Gaghiel's girlfriend is expecting a child soon. That will make four. As far as I knew that is all I am aware of."

"Four." I mouthed the word like an oath or curse.

I seemed almost shocking. Four people who were parts of both worlds. I imagined it wouldn't be easy. Not for any of us but I imagined we would do our best. That was the only option we had. "What about the other angels? Are there any new pure blooded angels?"

Sahaqiel shook her head. "Not yet but we suspect there is something between Shamseland Ramiel."

I shook my head trying to add what I had learned to everything else I had gathered since my return. I felt so lost and behind in everything. Trying to catch up was overwhelming and confusing. "Relax cousin. It will take time but it will get easier as you go along."

I nodded my thanks to her. Before more could be said however Kaworu called. Rei it is time. We need you down at Unit Zero.

I'll be right there.

I said good-bye to Sahaqiel and made my way towards Nerv. I knew I had to be ready for whatever was waiting.

I made my way back down into Nerv. I used my memories of the layout to navigate my way to the Eva cages. Kaworu was waiting for me in front of Unit Zero. I looked around expecting to see someone else but there was no one around. "What's going on?"

"I convinced Ritsuko to let you help her analyze Unit Zero. She should be down in a minute; she had to finish Maya with the Magi."

"I see. I'm surprised. She left me with the feeling that she would rather do anything then get close to me. She was afraid of me, no she hated me."

Kaworu shrugged. "The human mind is a strange thing. Apparently she had some inner strength that let's her face you."

I nodded and took a seat on a large piece of concrete to wait. We had sat there for a long time, neither of us moving or speaking. Either the Magi were taking longer then expected or Ritsuko wasn't going to show. I glanced over at Kaworu and noticed he was sitting up straighter like he was listening to something. I however saw and heard nothing. Kaworu stood with a smile on his face. "Rei do you mind waking Leliel up and bringing her down here?"

"Yes, but what's going on?"

"Someone she's been wanting to see is about to show up."

I hurried off up stairs to the old medical rooms where Leliel was. I opened the door and entered as quietly as possible. I don't know why I felt the need to create as little noise as possible. I made my way to her bedside. I placed my finger to her forehead. My mind slowly linked with hers and I could feel the layers of suppression that kept her asleep. I broke the first one setting off a chain reaction for the rest to break one at a time. I stepped back and waited.

Leliel's eyes opened within moments. Her vermillion eyes looked around blankly. She wasn't yet fully awake, which was good for me but this would not last long. Gently I helped her to her feet. I took her good hand in my own and let her down the hallway. She followed, docile as a lamb. She was in a stupor but I could tell by the way her eyes flickered back and forth that consciousness was coming back to her. By the time we had reached the Eva cage she had already regained much of her mind but was too confused to do anything.

The other fourteen angels were waiting for us. They stood together in a rough circle heads bowed together so that they could hear what Kaworu was saying. As we approached them the talking ceased and they stepped back to admit Leliel to their midst. I caught a flicker in her eyes as Kaworu and Armisael gripped her hands tightly in theirs. "Zero." She hissed low and dangerously under her breath.

I stepped back quickly not wanting to be where she could get me. I could see Kaworu and Armisael's hand tighten on her wrists preventing her from going anywhere. "Why do you restrain me?" She demanded angrily.

I could see the blood dripping from the wounds they were inflicting in each other. I had to be painful but none of them seemed to care at all. Armisael replied in a voice that was clearly annoyed. "That girl is not the one you think she is. That is the Second Ayanami, Rei."

"Zeruel has been found and is about to return. Stay so you may welcome him back."

Leliel's body relaxed almost instantly. "Zeruel, you found him?"

"No," Replied Arael "The Third Ayanami did that. You should be thanking her."

Leliel's face looked astonished. "She did that, for me . . ."

There was a resounding affirmation to this statement from the others. Leliel seemed to loose all her anger in one instant. I felt a sense of release at her reaction. She would leave me alone now. I heard a noise and saw that some of the humans were watching. Most were former Nerv employees and people I knew. Misato, Kaji, their daughter, Shinji Asuka, their daughter, Nari, Touji, Hikari, their twins Ukito and Haru, Hyuuga, Aoba, Maya, Ritsuko and Yuka were all among the faces present.

I felt a shift in the air as the angels started their work. I could feel all of their power concentrated on one point, the center of their circle. Their tightly held hands, keeping everyone in the group linked, assuring them of keeping the pressure equal. The pressure began to build to enormous levels. I could feel it pulling the fabric of space and time apart.

A fissure began to appear in the air. A cold wind blew in from the other side taking all the warmth out of the air. I shuttered as it went past me. I saw a shape appearing in the middle of the black area. His shape became larger and larger until I could see it clearly. It was a young man, large and muscularly built. He had pale skin, white hair and red eyes. Somehow I didn't need to ask who this was. The proud Angel of Might had returned.

"Zeruel!" Leliel cried as he stepped out of the void.

She ran to him and put her arms around him. He seemed taken aback and unsure of what to do but he did not resist. Leliel pulled him away while the others focused on closing the hole behind him.

"Awwwwwwww. Wasn't that sweet? Young love. There's nothing more precious." I heard Misato say.

"Always the helpless romantic, eh, Katsuragi." Kaji teased.

Misato blushed and focused on taking care of the baby in her arms. The others began to break away in groups and return to where they were. Yuka was the exception. She came down the stairs, past me and went to Kaworu."

"Are you okay, Kaworu?"

"I'm fine. That really wasn't as hard as it looked."

"But your arm, doesn't it hurt?"

Kaworu looked at the wound in his arm, "Not too badly."

Yuka pulled on his arm attempting to lead him upstairs. "Come on, let's get your arm looked at."

I watched as they disappeared down the corridor. I shook my head in disbelief. I was reminded of how completely lost and behind I was. Was the seventeenth falling in love with her or not? It was hard to tell what he was thinking. Either he was hiding it or felt nothing at all that was my only explanation.

I turned to go myself but found I was looking into Armisael's eyes. "I know we don't have the best history together, what do you think? No hard feelings between us."

"That would be agreeable."

"So cousin what did you think of that?" She asked.

"Quiet impressive."

"Indeed it was. Yet, I noticed the same effect could be created with less energy."

"What are you getting at?"

"I believe I have just found the way to bring your sister back from the other world where I accidentally banished her."

Okay for any of you that care here's a teaser for Chapter 13: My Secret Mission

There was a long silence while the two Inu Youkai glared menacingly at each other. Finally Sesshomaru turned and started walking away. "I'm going. Good-bye!"

I got the feeling that those last words were meant for me and not his mother. I watched him go. I wanted to call him back, to do something to make him not so angry. However I was forced to watch silently as he stalked away.

"I never should have let you marry Haruna!" Lady Ririko screamed after him "If I had know how you felt about her I would have mad sure to keep you apart. She was a horrible influence on you. If it wasn't for her you wouldn't have this foolish notion of a relationship based on love."