The Angels Return

by Avengelith

Where do you draw the line between human and angel? Contains ShinjiRei.

7. Power Struggles

Disclaimer: I lay no claim to owning Neon Genesis Evangelion or anything officially associated with it.

Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay with the release of this chapter. I had meant to get it out earlier but things didn't go to plan. Despite my best attempts this chapter has ended up being even longer than Chapter 6 but hopefully it's all good stuff.

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7. Power Struggles

(Midnight, Somewhere In China)

A large Chinese manor house stood on top of a tall hill. Almost all of the building's lights were on and a variety of tables and chairs surrounded it, illuminated by lanterns and light posts. Many men and woman were either sitting in the chairs or wandering around between the tables, talking and laughing as well as eating from a variety of exotic dishes.

The hill the manor stood on was surrounded by a huge stone fence with a sturdy iron gate across the stone driveway. Two large bodyguards dressed in black guarded the gate, pistols barely concealed at their belts.

One of the guards stepped forward as a teenage boy bedecked in loose black clothing stepped up to the gates, his head bowed. The guard placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You need an invitation to get in here."

The boy looked up and the guard was startled when the light from a nearby lantern reflected off red eyes. "What the he…" He stoped talking and made a strange gurgling noise before going still. A dark, glowing blade extended from his back, blood dripping from its tip.

The other guard swore and drew his pistol but before he could fire the boy's left arm shot out and grabbed his throat, lifting him into the air. The guard struggled to pry the boy's fingers from his neck as his eyes bulged and a gasping sound escaped from his mouth. His feet kicked uselessly for a moment then went still as the last of his breath escaped from his lips. The boy released the man's throat and his body crumpled to ground.

Stepping forward the boy walked resolutely towards the gates. Before he had even reached them they suddenly blew off their hinges and came crashing to the ground. On the hilltop several people turned towards the noise.

One man pushed his way to the front of the crowd. Dressed in a suit he appeared to be some type of Chinese business man. He looked towards the gate and saw the boy approaching. At first he was going to order some nearby bodyguards to apprehend the boy but then he saw wings extend from the boy's back. His eyes widened in terror and he turned to run. He hadn't gotten two steps however before he was unceremoniously thrown to the floor, the air being knocked out of him.

The man rolled over and looked up, seeing the winged boy standing over him. "What…what do you want?"

The boy smiled and raised his right arm, as well as the long black blade that sprouted from its wrist. "I want Seele to die. You are Seele 09 so you must die." He rammed the blade through the man's chest. The man gurgled as blood flowed from his mouth and then went silent, his life blood flowing away along the ground.

As screaming and yelling filled the night air the boy spread his wings wide and took to the sky, quickly disappearing into the night.

(Nerv, Commander's Office)

Gendo sat behind his desk, with Fuyutsuki standing to his left and Ritsuko standing in front of the desk, a very familiar scene. Gendo's office had managed to survive the destruction caused by the Last Angel's impact the previous day but the walls still sported several dangerous looking cracks as well as being spider webbed with smaller, less serious cracks.

Gendo crossed his hands in front of his face. "Have you completed your report doctor?"

Ritsuko nodded quickly. "Yes sir." She consulted her notepad. "The Angel Army was completely destroyed, along with the Angel dropped by Seele's satellite. A follow up attack by the JSSDF destroyed the satellite but unfortunately the signal it was receiving was untraceable. I was unable to determine exactly what happened in Terminal Dogma but it seems that a battle took place there between Nara and the girl known as Xera. Apparently the battle was won by Nara. Central Dogma requires considerable repairs and preliminary repairs will be necessary for continued efficiency. Fortunately Terminal Dogma has remained largely intact."

Gendo's expression was sternly serious. "And what about the Evas?"

Ritsuko flipped the page on her notepad. "Units 16 and 17 have completely repaired themselves and their S2 organs have replenished their energy reserves. Their pilots have regained consciousness. The damaged section of Unit-14's S2 organ has been reconstructed and its body has completely healed."

"And the Eva found in Terminal Dogma?"

Ritsuko flipped another page on her notepad. "We've confirmed that it's definitely Unit-04. As for how it got there, I have no idea. My only hypothesis at the moment is that Nara somehow managed to open a Sea of Dirac and release Unit-04. Unfortunately we have been unable to get any response from it. Rei said that Nara has essentially locked it, meaning that it will respond only to his commands. It will therefore be difficult to move it from its current location but we will begin completing it as soon as possible."

Gendo nodded coolly. "And the others."

Ritsuko flipped another page on her notepad. "Repairs are almost complete and we'll soon have finished the replacement S2 organs. Unit-18 should be operational within the next few days and the others won't take much longer. I've already made the specified alterations."

"Have we received a reply from the UN?"

Ritsuko pulled a thin sheet of paper from the back of her notepad and placed it in on the notepad's front. "Yes sir. They claim that they do not know how Seele received funding for the construction of the engineered Angels."

Gendo raised an eyebrow. "And Seele's Evas?"

Ritsuko frowned slightly. "Apparently they didn't believe it was safe to have all the world's Evas controlled by one man."

Gendo scowled. "Hopefully they've learned from their mistakes."

"It would seem that they have sir. They've authorised funding for Units 20 and 21. They're to be constructed in Germany and America respectively." There was a slight pause. "Sir, why do we need so many Evas? Nara said he would deal with Seele."

Gendo smirked. "I don't intend on using them to fight. They're just part of my contingency plan. In case Shinji decides to betray me. You are dismissed doctor."

Ritsuko nodded curtly and left the room. As soon as she did so Fuyutsuki bent down to talk to the commander. "Are you really going to go through with this?"

"Only if I must."

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Shinji and Rei stood before the broken and battered form of Xera's body. The wound in the body's chest had not healed so the ground around it was soaked in blood.

Rei knelt down and pushed her right hand into the open wound. Moments later she withdrew it, paying no attention to the fact it was now covered in blood. "Her S2 organ is gone." She turned to Shinji. "Do you think Nara destroyed it?"

Shinji shook his head slightly. "No, I think he took it with him. I'm just not sure why?"

Rei signed. "We never got a chance to ask him what was wrong with him, why he was acting so strange."

Shinji looked thoughtful for a moment. "Do you remember what he said just after the two of you assumed your true forms?"

Rei nodded. "He said he remembered…that he was Tabris."

Shinji raised his right hand and pointed its palm at the dead body. "At the time I thought he was just asking if Tabris was the dominant Angel within him, but now I think it was something more important than that. He wanted to know wether he was Nara, or Tabris."

Rei pointed her own right palm at the body. "He will always be Nara."

Both teens fired energy beams that incinerated the dead body whole, leaving a small crater in the ground.

(Nerv, Central Dogma)

Misato had been given a small, dank room to sleep in. The room was located in a relatively undamaged corridor of Central Dogma, along with three other rooms that had been assigned to Asuka, Touji and Kensuke.

Misato lay on the hard bed and stared at the ceiling, a bothered expression on her face. Her apartment and everything in it had been destroyed along with Tokyo-3, but that wasn't what was bothering her. Something was definitely going on that she hadn't been told about. Something that appeared to involve Shinji, Rei, Nara and Unit-01.

All three of the children were important to her and in some ways she was just happy that they were alive. But they didn't seem to be themselves anymore. They had changed, and not just physically. They no longer seemed to be those same kids she had cared about.

She was tired of being left out of the loop. She had been lied to and had been forced to lie to others. Now she was determined to find out what was going on. For now she needed some sleep but soon she would find out, even if she had to threaten the commander with her gun to do it.

(Next Morning, Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Shinji and Rei lay on the makeshift bed they had rigged up from the sheets Ritsuko had given them. The changing of time had no effect on the light here, the same fluorescent lighting illuminated the room as had illuminated it all through the night.

Rei awoke and smiled at the feeling of Shinji's arms wrapped around her. She could sense across their link that he was already awake. "Good morning Shin-chan."

Shinji smiled as he kissed her hair. "Did you sleep well Rei-chan?"

Rei murmured something that sounded vaguely like a yes, moaning slightly as Shinji's fingers began to trace circles on the skin of her stomach. She gasped slightly at a sudden pain in her abdomen but it passed quickly.

Shinji slowly released Rei and rose to his feet. "Ritsuko said she wanted to see us as soon as we woke up." He held out a hand and helped Rei to her feet.

Rei put her arms around Shinji's neck and pulled him into a short but passionate kiss. "We better get going then."

The two teens preceded to pull on their discarded body-suits and exit the room, heading straight for the miraculously intact elevator. Upon entering the elevator Shinji pressed a button seemingly at random and the elevator took off towards the upper levels. It took them several minutes but eventually they reached the Nerv medical bay where Ritsuko was waiting patiently for their arrival.

The doctor had been waiting for almost an hour but she had had plenty to amuse her in that time. The computer in the med bay gave her access to the Nerv database and allowed her to review the files on both the Evas and the pilots.

She looked up as Rei and Shinji entered the room, her eyes focusing slightly more on Rei than on Shinji. Getting up from her seat before the computer, she walked over to the two teens. "It's about time you arrived."

Shinji just smiled slightly. "I'm sorry we're late doctor but seeing as we are don't you think we should get to the point."

Ritsuko hesitated for a moment and then walked back to the computer, motioning for Rei and Shinji to follow her. She was only mildly peeved at Shinji's comment. After all she had dealt with Asuka on a regular basis.

Reaching the computer Ritsuko pulled up a graph on the screen. It showed a jagged yet relatively straight line broken by three large peaks, resembling mountains. "This graph shows Unit-01's AT field at the moment you were first absorbed. As you can see all of your AT fields peaked and shortly after this they fused together into a single AT field." She pointed at a spot on the graph just between two of the peaks, drawing Rei and Shinji's attention to a smaller peak between the two that they hadn't noticed on first inspection. "This is what I wanted to show you. It seems to suggest there was a fourth AT field incorporated into the fusion. I didn't understand it at first but now I think I've got it. It's the only reasonable explanation." She turned to Rei. "Rei, I think you're pregnant."

(Meanwhile, Somewhere In Russia)

A man sat alone on the balcony of a cavernous mansion, looking out at his lush tropical garden. Seele 11 had a good life. The destruction caused by the Second Impact had caused little damage to his uranium mines. In fact he'd managed to profit from the disaster. As one of the richest and most influential men in the world he had been inducted into the secret organization known as Seele to help in the gathering of resources. Ever since that day his money reserves had only increased and he'd been able to play a key role in the fate of the entire world.

The man took a sip from his champagne. But that was all over now, Seele had been defeated and now he had nothing. His vast fortune drained away to pay for Seele's expenses. Even his house would soon be taken from him. Inside, all the furniture had already been removed.

He heard a flap of wings and casually turned back to the garden, wondering what type of bird it was. Instead he found himself face to face to a boy with dull grey hair and dark red eyes. He opened his mouth to talk and then froze, his eyes widening in shock.

The boy lowered himself to the garden and walked towards the mansion's side gate. Behind him Seele 11 feel from the balcony and landed spread-eagled on the ground below, blood pouring from where his stomach had been cut open.

As the grey haired teen excited the gate he was aware of a figure standing to his right. "You wish to ask me something?" He didn't turn as he spoke.

A silvery haired girl stepped out of the shadows. Like the boy she was dressed in loose black clothing. "You confuse me Nara. Why did you allow me to regenerate?"

Nara sighed. "Because Xera, of everyone in this world, you're the only one I think may actually be able to understand me."

(Nerv, Medical Bay)

Rei smiled at Ritsuko and placed her left hand on her stomach. "I know."

Ritsuko blinked in surprise. "You know…but how?"

Rei continued to smile. "I can feel it inside me."

Ritsuko nodded slowly. She'd never had a child herself so she didn't know if this was normal or a result of Rei's 'special' condition. "Rei would you please take off your suit and get on the gurney so I can give you a scan." She motioned to a rather uncomfortable looking gurney in the center of the room.

Rei complied with the request without protest. As soon as the girl was laying on the gurney, Ritsuko picked up a strange sort of stick which when activated emitted a faint beam of light. She ran the stick over Rei's abdomen several times then plugged it into the computer and waited for the results to be computed.

Behind her Shinji leaned down over Rei and kissed her softly on the lips. "I was wondering how long it would take her to find out."

Rei smiled up at him. "She has been busy with other things."

Ritsuko cleared her throat and interrupted the two, giving them a slightly annoyed look. Shinji turned to look at her and Rei lifted herself up on her elbows so she too could look at the doctor.

Ritsuko looked highly confused. "I don't understand this. According to these readings the foetus is almost seven months old but it didn't appear at all on the scan I made of you before your transformation and that was only five days ago." She motioned at Rei's flat stomach. "And another thing, the foetus is the size of a seven month old foetus and yet you're not showing any signs."

Rei smiled and swung her legs over the side of the gurney, rising to a sitting position. "The child was conceived five days ago, not long after my transformation but we knew I wouldn't have time to carry it for nine months so..." She smiled at Shinji then looked back to Ritsuko. "I accelerated its growth. It should be fully matured in just under two days." She placed a hand gently on her stomach. "As for why I'm still flat. I don't really need any of my internal organs so I simply minimised and moved some of them to make extra room."

Ritsuko blinked and then nodded slightly. "That actually makes a surprising amount of sense." She quickly reviewed in her head what Rei had said. "So you're going to give birth within the next two days?"

Rei nodded slightly. "Yes, I believe so."

Ritsuko thought the situation over quickly. "Will this be a normal birth?"

Rei shook her head slightly. "No, it will be much easier."

Ritsuko nodded, seemingly in understanding. Although in truth she didn't fully understand. "The scan seems to suggest it's a girl but some of these readings are very strange so I can't be positive."

Shinji was the one who responded. "Our child is a girl, but she is also one of us. In other words, she isn't human. That's why you're getting odd readings. You'll find the readings are similar to the ones you've gotten from scanning us."

Behind Shinji, Rei pulled her black body-suit back on. "It is sad. Naoki will never get a chance to be normal." She smiled slightly as she once again placed a hand to her stomach. "But we will love her."

Ritsuko blinked. "Naoki? Is that what you plan to call her?"

Rei nodded. "Yes, that will be her name."

(Nerv, Central Dogma)

Asuka strode down one of the remaining intact corridors of Central Dogma. She had no real destination, she just needed to stretch her legs and clear her head.

No-one was telling her anything about what was going on and it was frustrating and angering the girl no end. She had been told that Unit-01 had been destroyed and yet yesterday she had seen it, of that she was sure. And then she had seen Nara, a boy she had been told by Misato was dead.

Asuka frowned as she considered Nara's 'condition'. He had hardly even looked human and before she could fully take in his presence he had departed, actually flying away. She had begun to doubt wether he was Nara at all when she saw Unit-01's entry plug eject and her other two supposedly dead friends had emerged. Rei, Shinji, Nara, all of them were supposed to be dead and yet she had seen them all well and truly alive. Changed, but alive nonetheless.

Before she had able to find out more she had been ordered to get out of her Eva and was practically dragged off to her new room in Central Dogma. By the time she had been able to emerge Rei and Shinji had disappeared and she still hadn't been able to find anyone of significance besides Touji and Kensuke and those two hadn't even seen anything.

Asuka finally found herself outside Nerv, standing in the wasteland that was all that was left of Tokyo-3. Signing she sat down on a small nearby boulder and lent back, resting her head on her arms. "What the hell is going on here?" She closed her eyes and considered.

Once Asuka had cared only about being the best. That had been before she met her friends. Asuka may not have been the best at being friendly but she had generally enjoyed being with her friends. Spending time with Hikari was fun and even the three stooges could be good company when they weren't being stupid. She had even grown use to living with the baka Shinji, actually enjoying his presence on occasion.

Then that strange attack from the UN had happened, something which had never been fully explained to Asuka. After that Shinji had disappeared along with Rei, though at the time Asuka hadn't cared about the latter. When they had returned several months later they had brought Nara with them. Nara had not made a good first impression on Asuka, acting far too similar to his sister for Asuka's liking. He seemed to exhibit the same thing she hated most about Rei. He ignored her when she tried to insult him.

That had always been what she hated most about Rei. Whatever she said the girl just never seemed to care, always just giving her that same empty look. It infuriated Asuka no end that Rei didn't make her the center of attention when she yelled. Everyone else would pay attention when she did so.

Then Misato had held a party at the apartment. The first thing that surprised Asuka was that Rei wore something other than her school uniform, actually turning up in a dress. Then at dinner she had called the girl a doll and for the first time ever Rei had responded angrily. The usually reserved girl had actually yelled at her. It soon became apparent to Asuka that Rei wasn't the same person she used to be and had become more forthright in her manner. Shinji too had changed becoming slightly more introverted and far less shy. Nara had seemed to mimic the two in their manner.

After that day Asuka had been highly confused about her feelings towards Rei and Nara. It seemed that her main reason for hating Rei had disappeared and her main reason for hating Nara along with it. She could no longer figure out why she should hate them.

Then the 18th Angel had attacked and Rei and Nara's entry plugs had been crushed. Asuka had been so sure they were dead and even when she found out they were alive she had been sure they were terrible injured. She had decided then that she didn't hate them. She wanted them to be okay and she wanted them to be her friends.

Miraculously the two had survived relatively unscathed, to Asuka's extreme bafflement. Still the important thing had been that they were okay. From then on Asuka had tried her best to be their friends.

Things had gone well for awhile but then Shinji had self-destructed his Eva against the 19th Angel. Asuka remembered trying to comfort Rei after the incident but the girl had seemed inconsolable. Then Nara had dragged his sister off to Nerv for no apparent reason. The next time Asuka had seen them Rei had seemed much calmer but they had been forced into a battle before she could question the blue haired girl. Asuka was still unsure of exactly what happened in that battle but at the end she had been told by Misato that both Rei and Nara were dead.

Asuka slowly opened her eyes. "And now they're back."

(Several Hours Later, Somewhere In France)

Nara stood on a tall concrete wall, uncaring of the barbed wire crushed beneath his feet. Below him was a UN military compound. The compound was comprised of several large hangers and a multitude of smaller buildings, many of them appearing to be barracks of some kind. Military vehicles ranging from jeeps to huge tanks filled the compound.

Nara considered the compound. According to the information he had pulled from Seele 09's mind before killing him this was the location of Seele 06, an interesting hiding place.

Nara was amused at Seele's security measures. No-one within the organisation new the location of all the other members, making it difficult to track them all down. It was a delaying tactic, nothing more. It wouldn't save them from him.

Xera had only known the locations of Seele 08 and Seele 09. Nara had chosen to leave Seele 08 for awhile because he was still deciding exactly what he wanted to do to the man. From Seele 09 he had discovered the locations of Seele 11, Seele 12 and Seele 06. Seele 11 and Seele 12 had already been eliminated and he had learnt the location of Seele 10. Now he was going to eliminate Seele 06 and hopefully learn the locations of more of the members.

He glanced sideways at Xera, who stood beside him on the wall. "Seele 06 is the commander of this base." He clenched his right fist and generated a blade. "Let's go find him."

Xera only nodded slightly and the two jumped off the wall, running towards the central buildings of the compound. It didn't take long for the alarm to be raised and soon gunfire rang out within the compound.

(That Night, Nerv, Central Dogma)

Misato checked her pistol one last time and then slowly crept from her room and into the dark corridor outside. She quickly checked the corridor for any inhabitants and upon finding none crept down it towards a juncture with another, parallel corridor.

She reached the juncture and turned right. She was about to head down the new corridor when she noticed a figure standing a few meters down the hallway. The figure appeared to be facing her but made no movement of recognition upon her appearance. Misato eased her pistol out of its holster.

It was then that a soft voice broke the silence. "Misato, is that you?"

Misato signed in relief and holstered her pistol. "Asuka, what are you doing here?"

The girl stepped forward, making her features clearer to Misato. Asuka had a determined caste to her face. "You're going to find out what's going on here aren't you?"

Misato looked wary now. "Asuka, I…"

"I'm coming with you."

Misato stared at the girl in disbelief. She wanted to come with her? "Asuka, I don't think…"

Asuka shook her head violently. "I'm coming Misato. If you try to stop me I'll tell everyone what you're doing." The girl signed slightly. "I want to find out what's going on as much as you do."

Misato signed in defeat, she had lived with Asuka long enough to tell she wasn't going to win this argument. "Okay Asuka, you can come. But promise me you'll be careful."

Asuka smiled slightly. "Don't worry Misato. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."

Misato nodded slightly in resignation and walked passed the girl, keeping to the shadows as she made her way through the twisting corridors. Asuka followed silently, surprising Misato with her stealth. Of course they were allowed to wander Central Dogma at will but Misato didn't want to draw anyone's attention in case they were followed and their real destination was revealed.

Misato knew that Nerv's elevators were under constant video surveillance so avoided them completely. Instead she traversed between the levels of Central Dogma through a series of stairwells, Asuka right behind her the whole way.

Misato was not completely sure how she felt about Asuka's presence. She was worried that the girl might be hurt or worse killed but at the same time she knew Asuka deserved to know what was going on.

Misato had lived with the fiery redhead for almost two years now and had formed a deep attachment to the girl but she was still constantly aware that there was so much about Asuka she did not understand. Asuka had always seemed so confident and yet recently she had seemed sad and confused. She covered it with a veil of anger of course but Misato knew her well enough to see through that.

Misato was broken from her thoughts as she and Asuka finally reached a large steel door that had Terminal Dogma written on it in large capital letters. Misato pulled open a small keypad next to the door and began fiddling with the wires behind it. "This could take awhile Asuka so just be patient."

Asuka just nodded in response.

(Nerv, Control Room)

Ritsuko sat alone in the control room. She was running a diagnostic test on the three MAGI, checking for any damage that may have been caused by the advents of the previous day. She didn't expect to find any damage, since the MAGI were protected by their cases. Still it was a necessary test, as the MAGI formed an integral part of the Nerv complex.

As Ritsuko ran the test she was distracted by a security alert popping up at the bottom of her screen. Curious, she clicked on the flashing icon. She frowned slightly, it seemed that one of the door's to Terminal Dogma had been breached and yet the main alarm hadn't been triggered. All this alarm was telling her was that the door was now open. She attempted to get a feed from the camera overseeing the door but all she got was static. The camera system had yet to be reactivated since the damage caused in the Angel attack.

Ritsuko growled and grabbed her coat from the back of her chair. It was probable just a fault in the wiring caused by the cracks in the wall but she still had to check it out. Grabbing a nearby flashlight she headed for the specified Terminal Dogma entrance.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Rei shifted as she struggled to get to sleep. Technically sleep was unnecessary for her but as the foetus inside her grew she was feeling increasingly drained of her energy. The child was consuming a considerable amount of energy from Rei's S2 organ in order to fuel its rapid maturation.

It wasn't easy for Rei to sleep however. The child was growing at an incredible rate, a process which caused Rei a large amount of physical pain. Her internal organs were constantly being shoved aside to make way for the foetus and the skin on her stomach had begun to stretch outwards, giving her a slight bulge. Rei had attempted to keep the womb within the usual parameters of her body but its width had now exceeded those parameters, making such a task impossible. Rei groaned slightly as the womb stretched minutely, the pain of the movement coursing through her being.

Her groan subsided quickly and she smiled slightly as she felt Shinji's arms tighten slightly about her chest. She felt her link to Shinji open and accept some of the pain she was feeling. This ability was a mark of how strong their link was, allowing them to share even physical sensations.

Rei was deeply in love with Shinji though she still wasn't exactly sure why. All she knew was that he made her feel complete and that she loved him with her entire being. She could feel his mind across the link and knew that he thought the exact same thing about her.

(Meanwhile, Somewhere In Africa)

Xera followed Nara as the boy flew through the air before her. She flew with her body horizontal to the ground, the ground below her whizzing past at incredible speeds. As usual Nara had not deemed it necessary to tell her where they were going, he'd simply ordered her to follow.

Xera had been highly surprised when Nara had allowed her to regenerate, even lending her some energy to fuel the difficult process. She had expected the boy to just crush her S2 organ as soon as he had absorbed the information he wanted.

Evidently Nara had decided his ripped body-suit was too damaged for its use to remain practical and had changed into loose black clothing. Where the boy had acquired these clothes Xera did not know but he had given her similar attire.

To Xera's extreme frustration she had found that her link with the boy allowed him to do more than simply read her mind. He had been able to exhibit a degree of control over her. She had found that she was unable to bring herself to attack him, despite very much wanting to. Further more she had been unable to argue with him when he ordered her to follow him and assist in the destruction of her former masters.

Nara had already begun his slaughter of Seele before allowing her to regenerate and had killed several more since. He was always the one to kill the members, even if Xera assisted in apprehending them.

As Xera watched, Nara veered to the right and flew lower to the ground. Increasingly frustrated at her apparent slavery, Xera followed the boy's path.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Misato carefully hit the open button of the door in front of her and watched it slide open. She peered into the room, tightening her hold on her pistol as she did so. The woman was disappointed however as she found yet another empty room.

Signing, Misato closed the door as silently as she could and continued down the hallway to the next door. Asuka followed close behind her.

Terminal Dogma's twisted passageways were even more confusing than those of Central Dogma and to make matters worst the vast majority of the rooms were simply empty. Misato was beginning to wonder if they would ever find anything down here.

Reaching the next door Misato keyed it to open, expecting to find another empty room. She was surprised therefore to find that the room wasn't empty. Against the far wall rested three cylindrical tanks that appeared to be full of LCL, each one fitted with a small computer terminal.

Asuka stepped into the room behind Misato and walked passed the woman, resting a hand on one of the tanks. "What are these things?"

"I'm afraid Asuka that that's classified information."

Both Asuka and Misato whirled around to face the speaker. Ritsuko stood in the doorway, she had her arms crossed and she was leaning against the side of the doorframe.

Quick as a flash Misato raised her pistol and pointed it at doctor. "What are you doing here Ritsuko?"

Ritsuko smiled at the major. "Shouldn't I be asking you that major?" She noticed that Misato's stance didn't relax at all. "Relax Misato. If I wanted to stop you I would have done it when I had the chance."

Misato didn't allow herself to relax, continuing to point her pistol at Ritsuko's head. "Surely you're not suggesting that I trust you."

Ritsuko glanced at Asuka then back to Misato, she deliberately didn't focus on the pistol. "What do you have to lose Misato? I am unarmed, so what could I possible do to you?"

Misato slowly lowered her pistol, keeping her hand on its handle so she could draw it quickly if needed. "I still don't trust you Ritsuko but perhaps I could be persuaded to if you agree to show us around." She pulled some handcuffs from her belt with her free hand and threw them to Asuka. "Put these on her."

Asuka complied with the order silently, securing the doctor's hands behind her back. Oddly perhaps, Ritsuko made no move to stop her.

Once her hands were secured Ritsuko briefly pulled on the handcuffs, testing their strength. "You're always prepared aren't you Misato?" She signed. "Will you trust me now?"

Misato smirked. "I'll trust you when you prove to me that you are worthy of my trust. For now we need a guide, so I'll tolerate your presence."

Ritsuko nodded almost imperceptibly. "That will have to do I suppose." She allowed a slight smile to cross her features. "Where do you want to begin?"

Misato still hadn't loosened her grip on her pistol. "You can start by telling us what the hell you did to the children."

Ritsuko still wore the same smile. "What children?"

"Don't bullshit around with me Ritsuko. You know who I mean." Misato gritted her teeth as she spoke.

Ritsuko looked at Asuka. The girl seemed to be in a similar mood to Misato, an angry expression on her face. The doctor looked back to Misato. "I didn't do anything Misato. The 'children' are responsible for their own condition." She looked briefly between the two and signed. "It began with the Third Impact…"

For almost an hour Ritsuko talked to Misato and Asuka, explaining everything she knew about the advents of the Third Impact. Neither of her two audience members had ever even heard of the adverted Third Impact, they had always thought that day was comprised of an attack by UN forces and Seele's mass production Evas, nothing else. Ritsuko didn't know the full story of what transpired that day but she knew all the major points. By the time she had finished explaining everything, both Misato and Asuka were quite speechless.

Ritsuko eventually turned to the tanks in the room, nodding towards them. "Rei, Shinji and Nara were left unconscious and completely unresponsive by the events. Rei and Shinji appear to have had difficulty in assimilating Adam and Lilith, and it is likely this that caused their comas. At the time Nara had never yet been conscious but it can be assumed he was suffering similar problems."

Misato couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Are you saying they're…they're Angels?" No, Ritsuko had to be lying. Why would the children do such a thing to themselves?

"Haven't you been listening Misato?" Ritsuko shook her head in frustration. "Rei and Shinji haven't been human since the Third Impact and Nara never was. They are the embodiment of the seventeen Angels."

Asuka stepped forward, drawing both women's attention to her. "What about the others? The Angels we've fought recently?"

"They were not real Angels but creations of Seele instead. You should know that Seele are all very powerful individuals, capable of draining the economies of entire nations if necessary." Ritsuko shrugged as best she could. "Still I guess we don't have to worry about them anymore."

Misato was still finding it difficult to believe that Rei, Shinji and Nara were actually Angels. The Angels were evil entities intent on destroying mankind, how could those three possible be them? "You still haven't given me a good reason to trust what you say."

Ritsuko signed. "What would I gain from lying to you Misato? If I wasn't going to tell you the truth it would make much more sense to simply tell you nothing."

"Then show me the truth."

"I can't do that Misato." Ritsuko gestured around them with her head. "This part of Terminal Dogma contains nothing of vast importance, so its security system has not yet been repaired. But the main part of Terminal Dogma has had all of its security systems reactivated. The commander would know the second we set foot in there and it is the only place where I can show you the truth."

Asuka's eyes flashed dangerously. "Are you suggesting we simply give up?"

Ritsuko shook her head. "I will show you Asuka, both of you, just not know. It is already late, return to your rooms. Tomorrow night I will hack into the security systems and create an opening in which the commander will not be alerted to our presence. All I ask is that you be patient until then."

Misato laughed slightly. "You know that patience has never been my strong point Ritsuko and neither has trust. How do I know you won't simply go tell the commander that we were here?"

Ritsuko shrugged. "You don't. You'll just have to trust me. As I already said, without my help you will be caught and when you are you will be killed. With my help you may just survive."

At first Misato did nothing but eventually she walked over and undid Ritsuko's handcuffs, releasing the doctor from her bonds. "If you betray me Ritsuko, I will kill you."

Ritsuko rubbed her sore wrists. "I know."

(Dawn, Somewhere In Australia)

Nara's wings folded to his back as he rose from his half-crouch, pulling his fist from the chest of the man below him. The guard's heart had been pulverised by Nara's attack and his body was quickly being surrounded by a spreading pool of blood.

Beside Nara, Xera pulled her blade from another guard's head, her own wings folding to her back. "So you've finally decided what you want to do to him."

Nara stared ahead at the hanger like structure before them, ignoring the dozen dead guards that littered the ground around them. "Yes, it is time for Seele 08 to meet his fate." He lashed out with his AT field, smashing open the hanger's reinforced door.

As the door swung open a large tank began to roll out of the hanger and towards the two teens. Its main cannon fired, sending an artillery shell hurtling towards the trespassers. At the same time its co-axle auto cannon began to spin, sending out a constant stream of bullets.

The artillery shell hit Nara head on. Exploding on impact it generated a large cloud of dust that completely obscured both Nara and Xera from sight. The bullets from the auto cannon streamed into this cloud, followed quickly by another shell from the main cannon. Two missiles rose from the tank's tracks and fired into the maelstrom, generating large fireballs that only added to the dust cloud's size.

After almost a minute the tank finally stopped firing, its operator thinking the two teens had been killed. Before the dust cloud could even clear however an arm shot out of the cloud, snaking towards the tank. The arm smashed its way through the front of the tank, colliding with and crushing the operator's head with its fist.

As the dust finally cleared it revealed that neither Nara nor Xera had been even remotely damaged by the seemingly devastating assault. The arm tore free of the tank and returned to its natural length, coming to rest on Nara's right side.

Nara didn't seem at all bothered by the attack he had just endured. "These foolish Lilim, they still believe they can stop us." He began to walk slowly towards the hangar's gaping entrance. "Perhaps I should have killed them all when I had the chance."

Xera followed him slowly. "If you had done that you wouldn't exist in the form you do now."

"Do you seriously believe that is something I would miss?" Nara didn't turn. He just continued to walk towards the hanger.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Shinji lay awake, lying on top of his and Rei's makeshift bed. Rei lay curled up against him, wrapped up in his arms. The girl was still asleep, heavily fatigued from the energy drain caused by Naoki's growth.

Shinji gently kissed the back of Rei's head and brought his hands to rest on the increasing bulge of her stomach. Rei stirred slightly but stayed asleep. Across the link Shinji could feel the life form growing within her. Naoki was fast approaching her time of birth. It wouldn't be long now until she would have to be removed from Rei's body. Shinji was looking forward to the birth and he could sense that Rei was as well.

Slowly releasing Rei, Shinji rose to his feet. After Naoki was born there would be precious little time before preparations would have to be made. Preparations for the goal that both Shinji and his father were intent on reaching.

Neither Shinji nor Rei trusted Gendo at all and Shinji was sure his father had to be planning something. Gendo wasn't the type of person who would willingly work alongside someone. He always wanted to be the one with the power. This didn't worry Shinji however. He knew what his father was capable of and he knew that nothing the man could do would stop him.

For what must have been the thousandth time Shinji checked his link with Nara. He signed when he discovered that the link was still closed, he could sense that Nara was still alive but little else. Nara had not opened the link since he left, stopping both Shinji and Rei from being able to feel his emotions or know his thoughts. Signing again, Shinji picked up his black body-suit and began to pull it on.

(Australian Secret Base)

Nara raised his hand and blasted the top off the elevator shaft that stood in the center of the massive hanger, destroying the elevator itself in the process. As soon as his blast had dissipated he jumped into the shaft, Xera following close behind. The two sped down the shaft, heading towards the underground facility that lay below.

This was the facility where the majority of Seele's research and production took place. It had been constructed in the months after the Third Impact and since then had been Seele's main base of operations. This was where Seele's more recent Evas had been produced, along with the majority of its engineered Angels.

This had also been were Xera was created. By the same man who had been largely responsible for Kaoru's creation. Seele 08, the overseer for this entire facility.

Nara had known the location of this base ever since he had read Xera's mind but had held off attacking it. He had taken time to consider what he wanted to do to his old master. The man who had sent him to Nerv. The man who had sent him to his death.

The two teens finally reached the bottom of the elevator shaft, slowing themselves down with their AT fields so that they touched down gracefully. Before they had even reached the shaft's floor they had been aware of loud alarms coming from the base and they were now almost deafening.

Tearing open the shaft's entrance, Nara stepped into the base. He quickly generated a blade and beheaded a nearby guard. A nearby female scientist screamed in terror and began to run away but was incinerated by an energy beam fired by Xera.

A loud computerised voice boomed out over the base's loud speakers. "All security personnel report to the entrance chamber. Engage invaders on sight. Deadly force is authorised. All civilian personnel are advised to return to their quarters."

Nara noticed a squad of guards running towards them and promptly blasted them into nothingness, incinerating an unfortunate scientist in the process. Xera used her AT field to crush another guard attempting to sneak up behind them.

Ignoring the scurrying scientists and maintenance crewman attempting to get out of their road and the useless attempts of the guards to stop them Nara and Xera took off at a run, beginning their search for Seele 08.

They ran through the bases corridors, killing anyone who got in their way. Nara took the opportunity to pull directions from a frightened maintenance crewman's mind before killing him.

They soon found themselves in a cavernous chamber, containing multiple tanks full of some sort of dark blue liquid. This chamber had been used to grow Angels, one of many littered throughout the base. Almost all the tanks were empty but a handful contained half-formed Angels, replacements for those that had been destroyed.

For the most part the Angels were still dormant but in one nearby tank the form of an 18th Angel shifted. Lights around the tank's base immediately came on and the Angel's eyes sprung open. The shackling holding it in place released and the Angel reached for the rim of the tank.

Before the black Angel could get anywhere however it was obliterated as both Nara and Xera fired huge energy beams, rupturing several other tanks in the process and sending the dark blue liquid spreading across the ground.

Uncaring of the spreading liquid the two teens took off again, heading deeper into the base.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Rei's eyes slowly opened as she woke from her restless sleep. The first thing she noticed was that Shinji was not beside her. Her fears were alleviated quickly however as she noticed him standing nearby, looking down at her. She smiled slightly and Shinji smiled back.

Rei slowly rose to her feet, noticing as she did so that her stomach had expanded in size while she slept. It now stood out considerable from her body, her body-suit stretching to incorporate the increased bulk. Rei had to smile slightly as she looked at herself. This would probable be considered a downside of pregnancy but personally she didn't see the problem. It was just another sign of her daughter's existence and approaching birth. Still she supposed that it might grow frustrating for women who had to deal with it for months.

Rei signed slightly as Shinji stepped forward and put his arm around her, helping her to stand. She knew any normal pregnancy wouldn't fatigue her at all but this was no normal pregnancy. The foetus within her was far from normal and the gestation period was much, much shorter than normal. This pregnancy drained even her, and would have killed any normal woman.

Turning slightly Rei bestowed a deep kiss on Shinji's lips, relishing in the feeling of his lips on hers. She didn't try to speak to him, she was happy with him just being there. Rei smiled into the kiss as Shinji put his arms around her waist, holding her gently and being careful not to put any pressure on her womb.

When they finally broke the kiss, Rei lowered her head and rested it on Shinji's chest. "She is growing fast, it won't be long now."

Shinji looked down at her, smiling slightly. "Do you know when?"

Rei smiled up at him. "Tonight I think. It seems she is very impatient to be borne. It will not be very late when the time comes."

Shinji stroked her back gently. "Good, the sooner the better. Don't you agree Rei-chan?"

Rei laughed quietly. "Believe me Shin-chan, I am in full agreement."

(Several Minutes Later, Australian Secret Base)

Seele 08 activated the console before him and began to type a series of commands. The last security report he had received had claimed that the two intruders had already penetrated the first ten levels and he'd lost all contact since then.

That the intruders were from Nerv, Seele 08 had no doubt. It appeared that they were immune to conventional weapon fire so Seele 08 guessed it was probable Shinji Ikari and another like him, perhaps Xera had turned traitor.

Who they were wasn't important though, that they had certainly come to kill him was. Seele 08 had no doubt that these intruders intended to kill him. Over the last couple of days half of Seele had been slain. Only he and the Instrumentality Committee were left now. It appeared that he was to be the next to die.

Seele 08 heard the faint sound of the computerised door behind him sliding open. His assistant again no doubt, like he actually needed someone to tell him they still had no contact with the rest of the facility. "What is it now?"

"It is time for you to meet your fate Brandon."

Seele 08 slowly turned, knowing his death stood behind him. The boy he found himself facing was not who he expected, it was not Shinji Ikari. And yet he was clearly one of them, with grey wings extending from his back and dark red eyes. "Who…who are you? How do you know my name?"

The boy smiled wickedly. "Surely you remember me. I'll be hurt if you don't."

Brandon noticed Xera enter the room behind the boy, it appeared she really had betrayed him. He quickly brought his attention back to the boy. "I've never seen you before in my life."

The boy laughed mirthlessly. "Yes, well you see I've changed. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Tabris."

Brandon's eyes widened to an extent that seemed inhuman. "Ta…Tabris? Are you saying that you are Kaoru?"

The boy laughed again and shook his head. "Kaoru died a long time ago, when you sent him to his death. In essence I am him reborn. If you must assign me a Lilim name, you can call me Nara." The boy raised his hand to stop Brandon from responding. "But I tire of this pointless conversation. I have come here to get my revenge on you. Prepare yourself."

Brandon's façade of composure broke and he looked desperately to Xera. "Xera, I am your master, you must defend me."

Xera looked back at him coldly. "I no longer owe any allegiance to you." She smiled slightly. "I believe I will enjoy watching you die."

Nara raised a hand and Xera fell silent. "I'm not going kill him Xera."

For a moment Brandon regained some of his composure, thinking that perhaps he was to be spared. He soon lost it again at Nara's next statement.

"I have something far worse in store for him."

His courage completely deserting him, Brandon turned and began to run. He didn't get far however, Nara's arm snaked out and grabbed him by the back of his head. With a savage yank Nara pulled the struggling man back and forced him to his knees.

Nara smiled at the man's predicament. "Death is too good for you Brandon. I was going to just kill you at first but after some consideration I think I've devised a far more fitting punishment. I think I'll make you suffer for eternity. Suffer for the part you played in my death. Or should I say deaths."

Brandon would have responded but he was currently rendered incapable of speaking due to his mouth being held shut by Nara's AT field. He could only look on with fear as a shadow extended out from Nara's feet, turning the ground below both of them pitch black.

Xera tilted her head to the side in thought. "You're going to put him into a Sea of Dirac?"

Nara smiled at her, though not warmly. "Yes, I will leave him floating in an infinite expanse of nothingness. I wonder wether he will lose his mind, before he starves to death. It is a worthy punishment don't you think?"

Xera bowed her head slightly. "I have no objections."

"Good." Nara released the still struggling Brandon and watched as he began to sink into his shadow. Thanks to his AT field Nara was able to stand atop the shadow but Brandon did not have that luxury. Before the man had completely disappeared, he was released from the grip of Nara's AT field and he let out a bloodcurdling scream. The scream was cut off quickly however as his head finally fell below the surface of the shadow, which promptly disappeared.

As soon as it was done, Xera stepped over to the room's computer console and reviewed Brandon's most recently entered commands. "He was trying to activate the base's self-destruct, he almost finished too."

Nara pushed her out of the road and bent over the console. He considered for a moment then hit several keys. Alarms immediately rang out all around them and the computerised voice boomed out once again. "Self-destruct sequence activated. This base will self-destruct in twenty seconds. All personal are required to report to the entrance chamber for evacuation."

Nara focused his AT field and blasted upwards, sending a huge cross-flare crashing through the floors above, making it all the way to the surface before dissipating. He turned to his female companion. "Let's go. I'd rather not be here when that timer hits zero."

Xera nodded and both she and Nara took off up the hole, heading straight for the surface. They rocketed past the base's many levels and emerged on the surface.

Nara didn't wait to witness the base's destruction. He had far more important things to do. It was time to destroy the Instrumentality Committee. Turning he took off towards the horizon, Xera following right behind him. Behind them a flash of light turned the sky a blinding white.

(Several Hours Later, Nerv, Commander's Office)

Gendo held out his hand to receive the data disk held out by the man in front of him. "You have done well Shadow."

The man known as Shadow placed the disk in Gendo's hand. "I got this just in time. Less than an hour after I left that base it was completely destroyed. It's nothing but a crater now."

Gendo smirked. "Good, I wouldn't want this information to become widespread." He looked down at the disk.

"Do you require my services at present?"

Gendo shook his head and motioned to the door. "No, you may leave now. I will call you when needed, if you are needed."

Shadow bowed and spun on his heel, quickly departing the room.

Gendo flipped the data disk over in his hand. He had sent off Shadow two days before Seele's final attack but it had taken the assassin longer to find Seele's hidden base than Gendo had originally expected. Still, the man had succeeded in his mission. Gendo now held the design notes on Seele's engineered Angels, showing him how the Angels had been created. With this, he could complete the final part of his plan.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Rei was walking down one of the corridors of Terminal Dogma. Currently neither she nor Shinji were allowed outside of the central area of Terminal Dogma and Rei was not enjoying the feeling of being cooped up. She was aware that in her current condition it was probably for the best but with the speeds she was capable of moving at she could cross the length of this place in bare seconds. Such speeds tired her however, so instead she spent much of her time walking around lazily.

As always Shinji walked beside Rei, constantly monitoring the pregnant girl. He was well aware that Rei's pregnancy posed no real threat to her but at the same time he couldn't help feeling a little anxious. It was beginning to grow late and Rei didn't think it would be long now until Naoki demanded to be freed from her mother's body.

Shinji turned his attention to one of the many security cameras that hung from the ceiling. The security camera turned to follow their path as they walked passed it. Shinji gave the camera a small smile, amused that his father thought keeping them under surveillance was going to do him any good. Shinji had already destroyed the camera in their room. He didn't appreciate anyone watching what went on in there. For some reason, Gendo hadn't commented on the camera's destruction.

Shinji's attention was abruptly brought back to Rei as the girl groaned loudly and bent over slightly, her arms going around her swollen stomach. "Rei, what's wrong?"

Rei looked up at him, and smiled widely despite visibly being in pain. "It's time Shinji. Our daughter is ready to be born."

Shinji smiled back. "I'd better get you back to the room then." He easily scooped Rei up into his arms and ran off down the corridor at such speeds that all the cameras were able to record was a black blur.

(Air-Space over JSSDF HQ)

Nara floated high above the rebuilt headquarters of the Japanese-Strategic-Self-Defence-Force. The base had recovered completely from the utter devastation caused by the 19th Angel's attack and Unit-01's subsequent selfdestruct.

The JSSDF had successfully lobbied for sufficient funding from the UN to get the base rebuilt. In the end they had received enough money to fund the construction of an Evangelion Unit, and they had used the money efficiently.

Below, several tall structures split open and a Jet Alone stepped out of each. There were eight in total, each with machine guns attached to their arms. The large nuclear powered mechas raised their arms and fired a storm of massive bullets into the sky.

Beside Nara, Xera pointed her arm at one of the mechas and prepared to fire. Nara however motioned her to stop. "Ignore them, they can't hurt us. We're here for Seele 05. Nothing else is of consequence."

Xera let her arm fall to her side, completely ignoring the bullets that exploded against her AT field. "It would be simpler if we simply blew up the whole base."

Nara shook his head. "This is a military base Xera, there's likely an entire network of bunkers. I want to make sure I get her." He pointed towards a two-storey building which was roughly in the center of the compound. "That's the command building, it's our best bet." A stream of bullets collided unnoticed with his AT field.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Rei groaned loudly as Shinji laid her down on their shared bed. Naoki had reached her time of birth and was unfortunately still growing, threatening to rip Rei's womb apart. Rei knew that Naoki meant her no harm but the child didn't know what was going on, she just wanted out. Shinji had helped Rei to remove her body-suit before laying her down and she now lay there naked, arching her back in pain.

Shinji leant down next to her and placed his hands on Rei's stomach. "Okay Rei, we'll do this the easy way."

Rei laughed as best she could through her pain. "I just wish there was a painless way."

Shinji gave her the most reassuring smile he could muster. "I'll make this as quick and painless as I can Rei-chan."

Rei merely nodded in response. For a moment Shinji's hands simply lay on top of her stomach, then they slowly began to sink into her. The hands sunk in by inches until even the wrists were buried below Rei's skin.

Inside Rei's womb, Shinji's hands slowly closed around Naoki. One of his hands gently twisted the umbilical cord and tore it in two. The other gently holding the child, who nevertheless tried to twist away from the unwelcome intrusion.

Both Rei and Shinji groaned loudly, the pain transmitted across the link almost blinding in its intensity. Rei had the worst of it but Shinji had his fair share as well.

(JSSDF HQ, Command Building)

Nara kicked down the door before him and stepped into the command center that lay behind it. The officers who filled the room immediately turned to face him. These men and women were not cowards and stood resolute, showing only a hint of fear.

Nara ignored them all and looked straight at the woman who stood at the head of the large table that dominated the very center of the room. This was the commander of the entire JSSDF. This was Seele 05.

Xera entered behind Nara and unlike him she looked around at the surrounding officers, her look was slightly approving as she noticed their stalwartness.

Nara bowed slightly to Seele 05 and raised his hand, spreading his fingers and directing his palm towards the woman. "You realise I've come to kill you?"

Seele 05 looked back expressionlessly, her face set. "Yes I know. If you're expecting me to beg for my life, then I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed."

Nara looked suitable impressed. "I most say it's nice to meet a member of Seele who doesn't cower in fear when they see me. I'm almost sorry to do this." He fired a thin beam of energy that put a small hole straight through Seele 05's head.

Nara turned to the man who appeared to be the base's second in command but just as he opened his mouth to talk, he suddenly closed it again and grabbed the sides of his head. Nara let out a soft but inhuman roar as his link to Shinji and Rei exploded. Even the attempts he'd made at closing the link were not enough to stop him from feeling a burst of intense pain. In this moment of pain he was unable to maintain his grip on his link to Xera.

Xera suddenly felt Nara's presence in the back of her head dim and the control he held over her weaken. She didn't know what was happening but she wasn't going to miss this opportunity, this was her chance to finally be free of Nara's control. Generated a blade from her right wrist she drove it towards Nara's back.

Nara recovered quickly however. Still visibly in pain he swung around and grabbed Xera by the neck, slamming her against a nearby wall. He re-established his hold on Xera's mind and neutralised her AT field. "Don't think to betray me Xera. I have not grown so attached that I wouldn't kill you for such insolence." And with that he forced his lips on hers.

It was a rough kiss and a little painful. At first Xera tried to struggle against him but she eventually became still. It wasn't so bad really. He wasn't a terrible kisser, just a little rough.

After about ten seconds Nara broke the kiss, though he continued to grip Xera's throat. "You are mine Xera." He pushed her viciously to the floor. "You would do well to remember that."

Nara slowly turned his back on the girl and walked towards the door. "Come on, we're going back to Nerv." As he stepped through the doorway he turned and looked back at the assembled officers. "Your commander was fearless in the face of death. And because of that I will let you live, but I warn you, get in my way and I'll kill you all."

With that he departed, Xera slowly rising to her feet and following him. She offered not a word to the room's other occupants. She had a slightly bewildered expression on her face and she held one of her hands to her lips.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Shinji gritted his teeth in pain as he pulled his hands back through Rei's skin. His hands were not empty this time though. They brought with them a struggling baby girl. Naoki struggled slightly as she passed through the wall of her mother's womb but quickly calmed down as she emerged into the outside world.

Shinji finally managed to pull Naoki completely free of her mother and Rei thankfully sagged to the ground, completely exhausted by the process. Shinji too was worn out but he was still able to keep himself upright. He looked at the pale skinned baby held in his hands. She was remarkable silent for a newborn, staring with wide red eyes at her father. She looked more bewildered than anything else.

Rei held out her arms, feeling an instinctive need to hold her daughter. She was hers after all and it was only right that she get to hold her. Rei had been looking forward to this moment for a long time and she wasn't going to let anyone ruin it for her, not even Shinji. She was too tired to speak but she knew that speech was unnecessary.

Shinji responded to Rei's silent request without hesitation, placing Naoki into her arms. Upon receiving her daughter, Rei immediately cradled the little girl to her body. In seconds Naoki's expression turned from one of bewilderment to one of utter contentment and she rested her head against her mother's warm breasts, letting out a happy sort of signing sound.

Shinji knelt down next to the two and looked Rei in the eye. "How does it feel Rei?"

Rei smiled up at him, her arms wrapping themselves around Naoki's small form. "It feels wonderful Shinji. I don't think I can describe it in mere words."

Shinji returned the smile and lay down next to the two, draping his right arm over both of them and running his left hand through Rei's hair. "I think it would be best if you two got some sleep now. You're still low on energy."

Rei didn't respond verbally she just closed her eyes and allowed Shinji to draw her closer to him, making sure she kept a secure hold on Naoki. For her part Naoki fell asleep almost instantly, supremely comfortable in her current position.

Shinji smiled down at the two as Rei drifted off to sleep, deciding that right now he couldn't be happier. He slowly allowed himself to drift into a sort of half-sleep, a state in which he could rest but remain aware of the world around him. He wanted to be ready in case it became necessary for him to protect Rei and Naoki.

(15 Minutes Later, Nerv, Central Dogma)

Nara lifted the massive boulder blocking an entrance into Central Dogma and threw it away, giving him access to the base below. The boy casually walked into the corridor, motioning for Xera to follow him.

The first person they met was a Nerv scientist who took one look at them and ran back down the corridor she had come from. Nara couldn't help but smile slightly. "Am I really that scary?"

"Do you really want an answer to that Nara?" Ritsuko stepped out of a side corridor and stood in front of the boy. "What are you doing here? Have you killed all of Seele already?"

Nara shook his head slowly. "I still have to kill the last four members of Seele. I'm only here now because I felt something odd happen to Shinji and Rei."

Ritsuko's attention focused on the silver haired girl behind Nara. "This is Xera? Why did you allow her to live?"

Nara growled slightly. "My reasons are my own Ritsuko. They're none of your business. Now tell me what happened to Shinji and Rei."

Ritsuko signed. "I'm not sure if you already know this or not but Rei is pregnant. I suppose it's possible she might have already given birth."

Nara actually looked surprised. "She was pregnant? I didn't know that." He turned to Xera. "You're coming with me, but I warn you, don't do anything without my permission." The two teens walked off down one of Central Dogma's many corridors, Ritsuko following them.

Nara considered this event as the three of them stepped into the base's main elevator and he keyed it to take them to Terminal Dogma. Why hadn't Shinji and Rei told him that Rei was pregnant? There didn't seem to be a reasonable explanation for it. He was now certain that the burst of pain he had felt across the link was a result of Rei giving birth. Shinji and Rei were going to have to answer some questions. He kept his link to them securely closed.

(Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Shinji roused himself to full wakefulness as he heard footsteps in the corridor outside. There was the distinctive sound of Ritsuko's heeled footsteps along with some softer footsteps that were barely distinguishable.

Shinji released Rei and Naoki and rose to his feet, turning to face the door just as it slid open. The first person to step into the chamber was not someone he had expected. It was Nara. "Nara, what are you doing here?"

Nara didn't answer at first, his eyes looking pass Shinji and focusing on the sleeping form of Rei, or more particularly on the sleeping baby Rei held in her arms. "Why didn't you tell me she was pregnant Shinji?"

Shinji glanced back at Rei and Naoki, considering putting himself directly between them and the boy. He mentally scolded himself for the thought. Nara was one of them, he could trust him. "We didn't want to bother you about it. It seemed like your thoughts were occupied with something else. We were going to tell you after the Angel army had been destroyed but you took off before we could." For the first time Shinji focused on the two figures who had entered the room after Nara. One of them was Ritsuko as he'd expected. The other was Xera. "So you decided to let her live."

Nara glanced back at the girl. "Do not worry Shinji, she is not a threat. I have full control over her."

Shinji nodded. "Yes, I can sense the link. It is strange. You haven't given her any control over it."

Nara was about to respond but was interrupted as Rei stirred. She had felt Shinji's increasing apprehension and it had roused her to wakefulness. She slowly rose to her feet and turned to face the new arrivals, Naoki still clutched to her chest. Her eyes scanned over Ritsuko and Xera and focused on Nara. She smiled brightly at the boy and held Naoki out in front of her, though still quite close to her body. "It's good that you're here Nara. I want you to meet my little Naoki."

The child in question stirred in her mother's arms and slowly opened her eyes, blinking and squinting cutely. Her red eyes regarded Nara with a strange sort of intensity. Her head was covered in a light scattering of light blue hairs.

Nara couldn't help but smile slightly at the baby. "She's very nice Rei."

Rei continued to smile and brought Naoki back to her chest. "She's so beautiful don't you think?" She heard Naoki make a happy gurgling nose and felt the baby clutch at her skin with her small hands. "And she loves me."

Shinji smiled at Rei's actions, while keeping a wary eye on both Ritsuko and Xera. He was glad Nara no longer seemed angry that the child's existence had not previously been revealed to him.

Ritsuko had been keeping quite this entire time but now chose to step forward and speak up. "Why did you not inform me that the child had been born?" She tried to keep her attention away from Rei's complete nakedness.

Shinji shrugged. "There was no reason to bother you. Everything went well with the birth."

Ritsuko shot the boy a rather annoyed look. "That doesn't mean I don't still have to look her over." She began to advance towards Rei and Naoki.

Rei however took a step back and clutched Naoki tighter. "She's fine. You don't have to check her."

Unperturbed, Ritsuko took another step forward. "That may be true Rei but I still need to scan her for any problems."

Rei was unimpressed with the doctor's explanation and took another step backwards. "She is linked to me. I know there is nothing wrong with her." Simultaneous to this statement Shinji stepped forward and put a restraining hand on Ritsuko's shoulder, applying just enough pressure to inform her that he meant business.

Ritsuko signed inwardly but kept her face expressionless. "Okay, I won't touch her. Just tell me Rei, is she still growing rapidly?"

Rei nodded slightly, still noticeably wary of Ritsuko's proximity and still holding her daughter tight. "Her accelerated maturation rate will ware off eventually but not for a few hours. By that time she'll genetically be a few weeks old."

Ritsuko nodded in understanding. That was acceptable. A few weeks of age weren't important to the doctor. "How are you going to feed her?" According to the scan she'd earlier made of Rei, the girl did not have the ability to breast feed her baby.

Shinji answered instead of Rei. "She does not need to be feed Ritsuko. Like us she has an S2 organ and it can provide her with all the energy she needs."

Ritsuko turned her attention to the boy, frowning slightly as she did so. "You told me once that it was not necessary for you to sleep and yet that is exactly what Rei was doing when I entered this room, Naoki as well."

Shinji opened his mouth to respond but was beaten to it by Nara. "Sleep is mostly unnecessary for us Ritsuko, but not completely so. Our S2 organs do not have a completely infinite amount of energy. Occasionally even we feel drained. While sleeping our bodies use less energy so it allows our S2 organs to recharge faster. Just because we don't need to sleep, doesn't mean we can't."

Ritsuko seemed to accept this answer and took a step back, causing Shinji to release her shoulder. She turned and prepared to leave. Her exit however was blocked by Xera who still stood in the doorway. The silver haired girl just stood there, making no motion to move.

Nara turned to look at the silent standoff between the two. He smiled slightly as he noticed Xera's clear intention to stay exactly where she was. "You can move now Xera, Ritsuko's presence here is no longer required."

Xera spared Nara a brief glance then looked back to the doctor. She slowly stepped aside, allowing Ritsuko to exit the room and head back to Central Dogma.

Rei looked at Xera curiously. "What have you done to her Nara? Last time we met she was intent on killing Shinji and anyone else who got in her road." She walked forward slowly, only a little worried at Xera's apparently peaceful presence.

It was Xera who responded. "Do not mistake my lack of action for kindness. I hold no love for you or yours but Nara has made himself my master and I do as he says, for now at least."

Nara smiled maliciously at the girl's statement and turned his attention to Shinji. "Ritsuko has assigned us a room down the hall. We'll be going there now." He glanced sideways at Rei. "I am sorry that we woke you." He and Xera departed the room, leaving Rei and Shinji alone with Naoki.

Rei watched the doorway long after the two had departed. "Something's wrong with him. He doesn't act like he used to."

Shinji responded quietly. "I know, but what can we do. I don't think he wants our help." He looked back at Rei and noticed that Naoki had fallen asleep in the girl's arms. He smiled and motioned towards the child with his hand.

Rei looked down and smiled. Naoki looked so cute when she slept. "I think we should get some more sleep Shinji. After all, it is late."

Shinji nodded and the two teens lay back down on their bed, moving into the same comfortable position they had been in earlier. Rei quickly drifted off to sleep and Shinji returned to his state of half-sleep.

(1 Hour Later, Nerv, Central Dogma)

Misato was woken by a light tapping on her door. She got up immediately and hastily pulled on her normal assortment of clothes. She knew who it was that was knocking even before she opened the door. Sure enough Ritsuko stood on the other side of the door, dressed in her lab coat as always.

Ritsuko turned from the door and motioned with her head for Misato to follow. They headed down the corridor a few meters and Ritsuko carefully knocked on another door. The door opened quickly, revealing Asuka on the other side. The girl was wearing the only change of clothes she had in her possession. A pair of long dark blue jeans and a black tank-top. She didn't speak. She just steeped into the corridor and followed the two women as they headed towards the end of the corridor.

They eventually reached the elevator that would take them to Terminal Dogma, pausing in the shadows as they watched the still active security camera observing the elevator's entrance.

Misato opened her mouth to speak but was silenced by a hand gesture from Ritsuko. The camera made another sweep of the elevator's door and was about to swing back again when the red light near its front suddenly went off and it stoped moving altogether.

Ritsuko looked over her shoulder at Misato and Asuka. "Okay, we have three hours starting now. If we're not out by then, we're going to be caught."

Misato eased her pistol out of its holster. "Okay, let's go."

The three of them got into the elevator and Ritsuko keyed it to take them to Terminal Dogma. "I hope you're ready for this Misato. I really do." The doors shut and the elevator began to descend.

As always the elevator descended slowly, illuminated by passing lights at regular intervals. None of its occupants talked as it descended, the silence almost suffocating in its intensity. Ritsuko stood right in front of the elevator's doors, waiting for them to open. Misato stood behind her with her pistol held loosely in her right hand. Asuka stood in the corner, leaning back against the elevator's walls and keeping a wary eye on both women.

Ritsuko watched as lights whizzed past the elevator's doors. She was wondering wether or not she was doing the right thing. On the one hand this little expedition might get all three of them killed. On the other hand both Misato and Asuka deserved to know exactly what was going on here. Ritsuko had followed Gendo's orders for long enough, she just couldn't stomach that man's malevolence any more. Perhaps with Misato's help she could bring his plans crashing down around him. Asuka too could be a powerful ally, if she could be convinced to betray the commander. A feat that Ritsuko guessed would not be too difficult.

Misato kept her eyes glued to Ritsuko as the elevator descended. She still didn't trust the women. Sure she was one of her oldest friends but that didn't mean she trusted her. Friendship and trust were two different things in Misato's book. She couldn't shake the feeling that she might be walking into a trap. The only thing that stoped Misato from pulling out of this expedition right now was that Ritsuko had already had several chances to betray her and hadn't taken them. And besides, she needed to know what was going on. For now she would give the woman the benefit of the doubt, but that didn't mean she trusted her.

Asuka watched the two women silently. She wanted, no needed to get some answers about what the hell was going on in this place. The girl had never been so confused before in her life. It seemed like nothing was as it should be now. No-one was as they should be. At the moment Asuka didn't trust anyone, not even Misato. After all, the women had lied to her about Nara and Rei. Asuka's number one reason for being here was to find out what happened to her three friends, all other concerns were secondary.

The elevator finally reached its destination and the door slid open with a minimal amount of noise. Ritsuko was the first to step out, followed quickly by Misato and eventually by Asuka. The door slid shut behind them with as little noise as it had made opening.

Ritsuko spared her two companions only a brief glance before heading off down the corridor. "Come on, there's a lot to show you."

Misato followed without comment. Asuka grunted slightly but followed all the same. The three wound their way through the many twisted corridors. Where Ritsuko was leading them neither Misato nor Asuka knew, but they followed her all the same.

The three eventually arrived on a gantry in the middle of a cavernous chamber. What the chamber contained none of them could see as there was not a single source of illumination in the entire chamber.

Ritsuko pulled a flashlight from her lab coat's pocket and flicked it on, providing a pitifully small beam of light. She aimed the light beam at the wall, just next to the door they had entered through. The light illuminated a small keypad which Ritsuko quickly began typing on, entering a series of commands.

For a moment nothing happened and then lights began to come on all over the place, quickly illuminating the chamber. What the lights revealed left both Misato and Asuka in a state of temporary shock.

The room was full of Evas. A quick count would reveal that there were sixteen in total, sixteen massive Evangelion Units. The Evas almost filled the huge chamber, despite its significant dimensions.

Against the far wall were the nine Seele mass-production Evas that had been deployed during the Third Impact. These Evas were well and truly dead. Many of them had holes in their stomachs were their S2 organs once resided. One of them was in two halves which lent against each other for support. All of them sat slumped against the far wall, unmoving and seemingly forgotten.

In front of these nine Evas and closer to the gantry were seven others. These Evas did not lie slumped but where instead supported by networks of metal and pipes that held them in a standing position. Everyone of these Eva's had a hole in there stomachs, where their S2 organs had been removed. These Evas however were being prepared for replacement S2 organs, so that they could live again.

On the far left stood Unit-18, the Eva seemingly undamaged except for the hole in its chest. All damage from its impalement had been repaired and it was ready for S2 organ installation.

Beside the green Eva stood the form of Unit-15. The blue Eva was not in as good a condition as its neighbour. Its arm had been reattached and its chest was almost entirely repaired but its head was still a shattered mess, held together only by a lattice of metal that surrounded its entire cranium. It was not a pretty sight.

To the right of the two Nerv Evas stood five Evas that were almost identical to the ones at the back of the chamber, except that these ones were slightly larger and sported shoulder baffles. Asuka and Misato remembered these Evas well. These were the Seele Evas who had attacked at the same time as the 20th Angel. Like Units 15 and 18 these Evas were being rebuilt. They were in various states of repair. Two of them were mostly intact, save for the hole in their stomachs and another was in a similar state of repair, though its head had a split down the middle that was only partially repaired. The last two however weren't in too good a shape. The one with the letter D written on its shoulder had numerous small bullets holes covering its face and body, many of them had been almost fully repaired but some of them were still oozing fluid. The last on the five Evas, one that sported the letter B on its shoulder was the most damaged of all. It had a split running all the way from the top its head to its hip, passing through the hole in its stomach. Only the frame that surrounded it held it in one piece, though attempts had obviously been made to repair the wound and it showed some semblance of being able to hold itself together.

Misato quickly recovered from her temporary shock and turned a curious and somewhat angry gaze at Ritsuko. "What exactly is going on here Ritsuko?"

Ritsuko ignored the look she was receiving from Misato but answered nevertheless. "The commander ordered these Evas reconstructed for use in his 'plan'. It was deemed unnecessary to reconstruct the original mass-production Evas but we've been working almost non-stop on the others. We're building replacement S2 organs so that they can be reactivated and on Gendo instructions I have altered all of them for compatibility with IDPS."

Misato seemed confused by the answer. "What's IDPS?"

"It stands for Internal Dummy Plug System. It's a completely inbuilt dummy plug system that allows us to control an Eva without the need of giving it a soul. It would be difficult to explain it to you fully but basically it's a replacement for the Eva's core." Ritsuko spared Asuka a brief glance, wondering why the girl was keeping quiet.

Asuka was keeping quiet because she was still carefully studying the Evas in front of her. Five of these Evas had once been her enemies and three of them she had destroyed herself. So why was Nerv rebuilding them? What did they need them for? On the way back to Central Dogma the previous day and on the trip here today, Ritsuko had explained the recent transformations that Rei, Shinji and Nara had undergone, as well as the origin of the recent Angels. The last thing Ritsuko had told them was that Nara had departed to destroy Seele and put an end to the flow of Angels. So what could the commander possible want with so many Evas? "So what is this 'plan'?"

It took a moment for Ritsuko to realise that Asuka had spoken and the girl had to repeat herself before she understood what had been said. "Even I'm not sure of that Asuka. All I know so far is that it involves these seven Evas as well as two more. Units 20 and 21 are currently in production overseas and will be transported here upon completion."

Asuka only nodded slightly in response, not really satisfied with the answer. It appeared she'd have to figure out some things for herself. Her eyes drifted to eight long red objects leaning against the wall to her right. "What are those doing here?"

Ritsuko looked over at the spears. "Those are all the Longinus Spears we have left. We original had nine, taken from the original mass-production Evas. So far four of them have been destroyed and another two have been sent overseas to equip Units 20 and 21. The other five are those that the more recent mass-production Evas were armed with. Gendo wants all of these Evas to be armed with Longinus Spears, I do not know why. Probably it's simply because they are highly effective weapons."

As Asuka returned to her silent study, Misato turned to Ritsuko and asked the question she had wanted to ask for awhile. "Why are you showing us this Ritsuko? Why are you telling us this?"

Ritsuko signed. "Because you deserve to know, and because I might need your help, if Gendo takes this too far." She turned back to the chamber's entrance and keyed in the command to turn off the lights before heading out the door. "Follow me. I still have much to show you."

(Elsewhere, Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Xera moaned loudly as Nara slid deeper into her. She wrapped her arms and legs around the boy's athletic body, holding herself slightly off the ground. Her moan was cut off as Nara caught her lips with his. The grey haired boy quite literally clamped her mouth shut, bruising her lips slightly with the intensity of the kiss. There was pleasure in this certainly. More pleasure than she had expected.

Xera experienced a sudden burst of pain as Nara's member broke through her as yet intact barrier. The pain was almost unbearable, overwhelming the feelings of pleasure she had experienced previously. She released a pained moan into the now even more intensive kiss, fighting off the urge to break away from the boy. The pain wasn't completely unbearable and she wanted this as much as Nara did.

Expecting to have to endure the pain alone, Xera was surprised by Nara's next action. Her link to him flared into life and he took something from her she had not expected. He took away her pain, all of it. The red eyes of her companion immediately opened wide and he broke off the kiss to let out a gasp that seemed to personify the pain he had just experienced.

Xera leant her head back to look into Nara's eyes. "Why did you do that? You didn't have to."

Nara looked down at her, red eyes meeting red eyes. "Because I wanted to. Seeing you in pain, is not something I enjoy."

Xera looked back at the boy silently. Perhaps he did feel something more than lust for her. She was still unsure of her feelings towards him. Just a few hours ago she would gladly have killed him if given the chance, but it was amazing what difference a few hours could make. She wasn't sure if she wanted to kill him anymore, in fact she was almost certain she didn't, but the why of it still eluded her. Did she feel something for him? Something other than the lust she was now giving into.

Nara of course knew the girl's mind. He could read her thoughts with absolute ease, without the need of causing her pain as he had before. He thought they were a strange mimic of his own thoughts. What did he feel for the girl? Was it simple lust or something deeper? Nara wasn't sure if he wanted to know the answer. He allowed himself to push deeper still into Xera, eliciting another moan of pleasure from the silver haired girl and giving himself pleasure as well. For now at least the question was unimportant, this was what mattered now.

(10 Minutes Later, Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Ritsuko had led her two companions to the central chamber of Terminal Dogma, taking the time to explain more about the events of the last few days. Here the battle between Nara and Xera had all but demolished the surroundings. There was not a single pillar left standing and huge sections of wall had been damaged or in some cases completely incinerated by stray energy blasts or physical attacks.

The three females stood on the edge of a particularly large hole in the chamber's wall, one that led straight to a mostly demolished corridor of Terminal Dogma. There attention was focused on the silver form of Unit-04, which dominated the very center of the chamber. Like the other Evas this one was surrounded by scaffolding but unlike them it didn't have a hole in its stomach, although it did appeared that the armour on its stomach had been only recently completed. This Eva appeared more or less complete and ready for combat, although its left arm only reached to just below its elbow and it lacked shoulder baffles.

Misato gave the Eva an expressionless look. She wasn't really surprised to see yet another Eva, though she did wonder why Ritsuko hadn't mentioned it earlier. "A new Eva? You built it pretty quickly."

Ritsuko chuckled slightly, a sound that didn't help her gain Misato's trust. "Actually Misato it isn't new. In fact its one of the oldest Evas we have. This is Unit-04." When she noticed the confused expression on Misato's face she signed and continued. "Remember I told you that Nara had a battle with a girl named Xera, an Angel made by Seele?" She waited for her friend to give an affirmative nod. "Well during that battle Nara apparently used his powers to open up a Sea of Dirac, like the one opened by Leliel. This Sea of Dirac must have been the same one that absorbed Unit-04 more than a year ago. As such he was able to pull Unit-04 back into the real world."

Misato only nodded slightly, trying to comprehend what she had just been told. It wasn't that Misato was stupid or anything, it was just that she had difficulty understanding some of the scientific and mathematical concepts Ritsuko seemed to use in everyday conversation. Right now she was trying to remember exactly what the doctor had told her about these Seas of Dirac when they were battling Leliel.

Asuka processed the information much faster than her guardian. Having listened in on the conversation she chose this point to put her own question to the doctor. "This Eva, you didn't mention it before. Does that mean it's not a part of that assholes plan?"

Ritsuko smiled at the expletive. It seemed it wouldn't be a difficult task at all to turn Asuka against the commander. "I'm not sure Asuka. We can't actually get it to work. It seems that Nara is the only one capable of piloting it. So I'd have to say no."

It was Misato, not Ritsuko who was the first to turn away from the chamber. The major walked resolutely back down the hole. "Come on Ritsuko, you still have to show us the children." In a way she was dreading seeing the teens who had once meant so much to her. She couldn't figure out her feelings towards them now. Ritsuko followed silently, Asuka taking one last look at the colossal Eva before doing the same.

(Elsewhere, Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Nara slowly pulled on his shirt and pants from his seated position on the edge of the random assortment of sheets he and Xera had been using as an improvised bed. His eyes were focused on the wall but it was clear that his mind was miles away. Behind him, Xera laid spreadeagled on the sheets, her eyes open and staring vacantly at the ceiling.

Slowly and carefully Xera rose to a seated position and watched as Nara pulled his shirt over his head and down his back. She slowly focused on the link she had with him and attempted to get a read on his emotions. She was not surprised to find him a mass of confusion and uncertainty just like she was.

Near the end of their love making Nara had done something that Xera had never, ever expected him to do. He had released her from his mental control and had re-established the link between them so that she had just as much power as he did. When Xera asked him why, he had not answered, and despite the liberties she was now able to take with the link she could not read his thoughts. They were so jumbled that she doubted even he could make sense of them.

While Xera was thinking about Nara's actions the boy in question turned his head and looked at her with his left eye, he signed slightly. "Get dressed Xera. We still have to finish off the remainder of Seele. When we've done that we can return."

Nara's soft voice broke Xera from her thoughts and she nodded quickly, beginning to pull on her clothes. Before she was even half-way through dressing though Nara opened the door and stepped out, muttering something about being back soon.

As soon as he was outside Nara headed straight for Shinji and Rei's room. And now he supposed it was Naoki's room as well. He reached the room's entrance quickly enough and slammed his hand on the opening mechanism, causing the door to slide away into the wall. Aware that Shinji was now undoubtable aware of his presence, Nara stepped into the chamber.

He was met almost immediately by Shinji, who had risen from where he had been lying next to Rei. The black haired boy blinked slightly upon noticing who it was who had entered the chamber. "Nara, what is it?" He spoke in a half-whisper so as not to disturb Naoki or Rei.

Nara spared Rei and the baby she held in her arms a quick glance before looking back to Shinji. "Our link Shinji, I need you to sever it." He spoke in the same half-whisper.

Shinji blinked in surprise. "Our link? What do you mean?"

"The link that I have with you and Rei, I need you to sever it."

Shinji looked surprised by the request. "Why would you want me to do that?"

Nara signed quietly. "I'm sorry Shinji but I just can't be linked with you anymore."

Shinji nodded slightly in understanding. He could feel the change in Nara's link to Xera. The boy had finally allowed her equal control. Perhaps that was the reason for this decision. Regardless, even if the link wasn't severed Shinji felt certain that Nara would continue to keep it closed so it made sense to simply sever it.

The two didn't speak another word to each other. They simply went about the business of severing the link. Both of them focused their attention on the link and began to force it to close. Shinji made sure to close the part of the link that connected Rei first, so as not to wake the girl when the link was severed. Once the link was closed they made it fold in on itself until it was hardly perceivable and then it disappeared altogether, as if it had never existed. The link between Shinji and Rei remained as it always had but Nara was no longer connected.

Satisfied the grey haired boy turned to leave. "I'm leaving now Shinji. I'll come back once I've finished Seele. Say goodbye to Rei for me." He walked out the door, which slid shut right behind him. Shinji didn't say a word as Nara left.

Nara was unsurprised to find Xera waiting for him outside the room. He had expected that the girl would figure out where he had gone. "We've got one more stop Xera and then we're leaving." The girl only nodded in response and the two headed quickly towards the elevator.

(1 Minute Later, Nerv, Terminal Dogma)

Ritsuko motioned for Misato and Asuka to wait as she headed further down the corridor they now inhabited and pressed the opening mechanism on a nearby door. The door immediately slid open but the room behind it was empty, save for a pile of sheets that appeared to be slightly soiled. So Nara and Xera had already departed. Ritsuko wasn't really surprised. She hadn't expected the two to stick around for long.

She turned back to her two companions, motioning with her head for them to follow. She turned right into a new corridor and headed to a door halfway up its length. She paused in front of the door but did not open it. Behind this door were Shinji, Rei and Naoki. She wasn't sure if Misato and Asuka were ready for this. She didn't know how they'd react. She didn't know how Shinji and Rei would react either. She signed quietly as the two came to stand behind her. "This is it."

Misato knew what Ritsuko meant. Pushing the woman aside she slammed her hand on the opening mechanism. As the door began to open she briefly considered what she was going to do. These children, especially Shinji, had once meant so much to her but if Ritsuko had been telling the truth then they were the embodiment of the Angel's she hated so much. Was she supposed to love them or hate them?

Asuka watched as the door opened. It seemed she was finally going to see her friends again. Well maybe not all three of them. As far as she could tell from what Ritsuko had said Nara would not be here. Still, she would be seeing Shinji and Rei. Two people who, until recently, she had thought dead. Her emotions were a crazy mix of anticipation and apprehension. How much had they changed? Would they still act the same? Would they still remember her? Would they still be the friends she had known?

The door finally opened completely.

(Nerv, Commander's Office)

Gendo's office was full of a suppressive kind of darkness. It filled the entire office, broken only by a single overhead light that had been turned down to minimum illumination. The light revealed the dim outline of Gendo's desk and the figure seated at it. Utter silence ruled the room.

As the figure moved its head, its glasses caught the minimal light and reflected it, creating a slight flash. Gendo's cool voice broke the silence. "Are we in agreement?"

There was a long pause, during which time Gendo stared resolutely into the abyss that seemed to extend from the edge of his desk onwards. He could not see the room's only other occupant but he knew he was there.

Eventually a quite voice issued forth from the darkness, easily heard despite its lack of volume. "Yes, I agree." The voice sounded a little sad but determined nonetheless.

The lack of light hid the smile that crossed Gendo's face. "Good." There was no further response from the darkness and after a moment Gendo heard the sound of the door opening. "Leaving so soon Nara?" The boy did not respond, he simple stepped out of the office and closed the door behind him.

For a moment silence returned to the room but it was soon broken by the low and haunting sound of Gendo's laughter. His plan was finally coming together. It wouldn't be long now. Soon he would achieve his aims.

---

End Notes: Well that's it for Chapter 7. I hope you enjoyed it and please review if you have anything to say. I don't mind constructive criticism, even if it may seem a little harsh. As long as I can tell it has been given with good intentions. Oh, and Chapter 8 probable won't be up for a couple of months. Sorry about that.