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The Girl In White Bandages: The True Confessions of Ayanami Rei

Ch. Blood Bonds

By Sesshy's Girl 00

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Ch. 12 Blood Bonds

Silence, never ending. That was all I had. I had been trapped in this world for what felt like forever. In the back of my mind I tried to remember that it wasn't as long as it seemed but that did little good. The feeling of eternity persisted. And it scared me.

I did not want to be here forever. I . . . I wanted to get out of here. I needed to be free. The strength of my desire for freedom terrified me. It was powerful enough to consume every free thought I had.

Yet I knew that chances were slim that I would ever leave this place. I had almost succeeded when the third entering Unit Zero had distracted Leliel. I was nearly free when Leliel had returned her focus to me and I only had time to retreat to the safety of my barrier in frustration. After that Leliel had kept an even closer eye on me and there was no way I could escape.

I knew now what the other presence was, the third. She had been awakened early, most likely by the Commander's orders because I could no longer fight. It was odd though because I knew that I was not dead. I did not hear the voices or feel the soothing connectedness of being one with Lilith and the Ayanami clones. I wondered how her awakening had happened. Was there a second soul I was not aware of? If that were true it would account for the differences I felt between the two of us.

I wasn't sure how exactly I felt about the third. On one hand I knew that she must be trapped as I had been but on the other she was there to replace me, to make me obsolete. What if she continued to survive after I woke up? Then I would be useless. I would have no purpose anymore. What would happen to me then? Would I die or would I simply be abandoned?

I did not know nor did I care to. However I was sure that I did not want to die, I wanted to live. I wasn't sure when I reached that decision but I knew that was what I wanted.

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I awoke early the next morning. It was my first day of school and I needed to prepare. After my shower I found the stack of papers I had been given and began rummaging though them. I was hoping to find a map of Tokyo III but had no such luck. All I was able to find was my schools address. So I at least had a chance at finding it.

I left my home early with the plan that I would be there on time. The sun was bright and warm in the sky as I set out. It did noting to dispel the slight chill in the early morning air. I didn't think it was bad though; I enjoyed the peace and the opportunity to look for fellow students. I kept a leisurely pace as I walked; not wanting to wear myself before I even made it to school.

I arrived at school shortly before classes started and was told to sit in a chair outside classroom 2-A. It would, for the time being, be my classroom. A few students passed me by and I received strange stares from them. I chose to ignore them and remain quiet. It wouldn't be long until I would be introduced to everyone. At last the sensei appeared at the door with his briefcase in hand. "Miss Ayanami. Enter with me, please."

"Yes, sir."

I entered with him and stood at the side of the classroom while the sensei assumed his seat at his desk. "Stand. Bow. Sit down." Called the Class Rep.

"Class we have a new student with us. Please welcome Reika Ayanami."

I wrote my name on the board with a stick of chalk, then turned and smiled at everyone. Some looked back with confusion and others of interest. I clearly heard whispers from several people about the fact they didn't know Rei had a twin sister. "Settle down." The sensei said, "Miss Ayanami please take a seat."

I took an extra seat behind Pilot Sohryu and class began. Almost instantly I had about twenty messages appear on my computer screen. Some wanted to know my story, other if I needed any help, some asked if I wanted to be their friend and there were a few brave enough to ask if I wanted to be their girlfriend. I wasn't surprised by the interest in me. I looked exactly like Rei except I was attached to an oxygen tank and had a smile on my face. So it must be startling to see me walking around. On top of that my sister had no idea how stunning our looks are, a fact I was just beginning to grasp.

I replied to those who wanted to know my story first by typing out the explanation for my arrival and sending it out to a general reply. Next I replied to those wanting to know if I needed help. I thanked them for their offer to assist me and told them that I would ask them to lend me a hand if I needed it. However when it came time to reply to those who wanted to be a friend or girl friend I had to stop and think. I was not sure if I wanted to have a friend or boyfriend. After all I could not count on the span of my life or the safety of those around me. Especially once I became useless with the second's return.

When I thought about it I realized that I was still human and no matter how long I lived I desired human contact. On top of that a friend might be able to help or at least provide me support. Of course there was always the possibility that they would be in danger by association with me. After all Nerv was rumored to be ruthless. I would have to protect them from danger.

Thank-you for your offer. I would be grateful to have friends in this new city. However I have no interest in a boyfriend.

I sat back and waited quietly to see what would happen. Most of the responses I got were friendly and welcoming. However there were a few grumblings at the fact I was not interested in having a boyfriend. Aida-san was one of them. I decided that I owed him a personal response.

Reika Ayanami: Aida-san, I'm sorry to disappoint you but I have no interest in a boyfriend.

Kensuke Aida: Why not?

Reika Ayanami: I just don't feel ready for that kind of relationship.

Kensuke Aida: Awwwwwwwww.

Reika Ayanami: I'm sorry to disappoint you. I would be happy to be your friend however.

Kensuke Aida: Now, you're messing with me. Oh, cruel angel, how could you . . .

Reika Ayanami: Aida-san I am not pulling your leg. I was being honest when I said I would be your friend."

Kensuke Aida: Then I accept. I would be honored to know the great Reika Ayanami."

A smile crossed my face. Thanks. I typed back.

Of all the people I got to know at school my fellow Pilot, the Class Rep. Hikari Horaki and Kensuke Aida became my closest friends during the next few days. It was not planned but unintentional instead. It turned out that they were the ones who happily spent the most time with me and I liked all of them. Kensuke was comical and completely obsessed with anything military related and Shinji shared my love of classical music. Hikari and Asuka on the other hand were able to show me everything I didn't know about being a girl.

If it hadn't been for the problems my refusal to pilot Unit Zero was causing I would have considered everything to be going well. Yes, because I wasn't doing my job I was in trouble with the Commander. Major Katsuragi had told me it was okay to take my time but I knew the Commander was angry with me. He hadn't said anything yet but he didn't need to, I could tell he was planning to remove me already. This left me with an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I knew that I would have to do something soon if I was to save myself.

There was just one problem; I had no idea how to pilot Unit Zero. I was not sure how to get past Leliel and gain control of the blue Cyclops. The last time I tried had nearly cost my soul. I would not let that happen again. So I had to find a way to keep that from happening.

There had to be a way, I knew. Leliel was not invincible; she would not have survived if it were not for her knowledge of the mind. Was there a way I could use that against her? Maybe. I knew that on my own both Rei and I were too weak but together we would be stronger. The question was; would it be enough? I would have to find out.

Sadly there was only one way to do that. I would have to try it out and see. It was dangerous to enter Unit Zero but that was the only way. This time I did not intend not to be alone. I would have Rei with me. It was the best I could come up with and Rei's only hope. Ayanami cooperation was required to win this fight. The only question was, how was I going to get both of us into the entry plug?

That would require some consideration.

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I was awakened early Saturday morning by the ringing of my phone. I rolled over groggily and felt about clumsily on the nightstand next to my bed for the receiver. After a minute I found it and lifted it up. "Hello?"

"Hi, Reika. Sorry to wake you."

"No problem Asuka. What do you want?"

"Hikari and I are going shopping and we were wondering if you wanted to join us. I think the stooges will be there too. Hikari said something about Sana driving."

Sana, the name rang a cord of recognition but I couldn't place her. "Sure, but why so early?"

"There's a big sale at the mall today and I refuse to miss it."

I laughed softly at Asuka's comment. She was crazy about sales. I sat up slowly and set my legs over the edge of the bed. I was slightly more awake now and I could feel the cobwebs in mind going away. "I see. When should I meet you?"

"As soon as you can. We were going to meet outside of the McDonalds, okay?"

"Sure. I'll be there when I can."

I set the receiver down and yawned sleepily. It was impossible that I was up by seven o'clock. Normally I preferred to sleep in, however I now had a good reason to be up. I made my way slowly to the closet and pulled out my clothes for the day, a striped sleeveless t-shirt and green cargo pants. Then I hurried into the bathroom to shower.

That was when I discovered something I was not expecting to. When I removed my underwear it was stained red. I blinked at it in confusion not sure what it meant at first. Then I recalled the conversation I had with Dr. Akagi on my first examination. She had warned me that this might happen and then told me what to do.

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Ritsuko Akagi handed me a small bottle of pills. "Reika I believe you will start bleeding in a few days. If and when you do I want you to start taking these."

I looked at the pills in question. "What are they?"

Dr. Akagi grinned and turned her back to me. "You will want to buy some pads too. She added off handedly.

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I arrived at the mall first and so I bought some udon soup for breakfast and ate it while I was waiting. The soup both warmed and filled me quickly so I was quite content before long.

It wasn't long before the other showed up. Asuka had the lead, with a huge smile on her face. Hikari was not far behind along with Shinji, Kensuke and Touji. I felt a small smile curl the edge of my lips at the sight of them. I was glad to have friends despite my initial fear that they would be in danger.

"Hey, Reika. You been here long?" Asuka asked.

I shook my head and rose to my feet to meet them.

"You ready to shop?" Hikari asked.

"Of course. That's why I came here. Although I surprised you convinced the guys to come along with us."

"Oh, it wasn't too hard. They are stooges after all and we'll need someone to carry our stuff, won't we?" Asuka pointed out.

I looked over at the faces of the guys to see that while they looked content for now, they weren't nearly as thrilled about being here as we girls were. It shouldn't be too bad though; we were at a mall after all. Everyone should be able to find something to his or her liking.

Myself, I was interested in books and music, things I didn't have. Some jewelry would be nice too. I wasn't so worried about clothes because I had bought myself enough for now.

I followed them out of the food court into the rest of the mall. Asuka took the lead, directing our path through the mall. Kensuke pulled out his video camera from his pocket and began to film us as we walked. "Here we have our valiant group off on yet another mission. On my right is the lovely Reika Ayanami."

I turned to look at him, fixing his camera leans with my red eyes. "Akkkkkkkkk. She's glaring at me!" Kensuke cried.

I smirked at him and turned back to talking with Hikari while trying not to laugh. I signaled for Hikari to continue our conversation on books but found it impossible due to my barely contained mirth.

"Our mission," Kensuke continued, "It to please the women in our company with the items of this here shopping facility."

Shinji shook his head looking highly amused. Touji meanwhile had begun to blush and exchanged odd, meaningful look with Hikari. Kensuke seemed rather pleased by his running commentary and kept it going as he followed us through the mall.

We went to the music store first.

All the shelves and racks were filled with crisp, shining, cellophane enclosed packages. I had never seen anything like it before. "Reika, are you coming?"

I blinked and looked over to see both Hikari and Shinji looking at me with concern. I smiled at them reassuringly. "Yes, I am coming."

"You looked shocked. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. I've never been in a music store before."

Both of their faces displayed their surprise at my confession. They must have thought I had said the most horrible thing ever. Who had never been to a music store before?

Well as for my part, I had forgotten that my alibi said that I had lived in Hokkaido. I had never been there but I imagine that there must be plenty of music stores. So it would be strange for someone to have never been to one. "I meant one this big. I lived in a pretty small town in Hokkaido."

This released the tension and I quickly followed them inside before anything more could be said. I wanted to enjoy this day and that wouldn't happen if I ruined it. Do not to blow my cover, I told myself sternly.

I tried to remain calm and cover up my lack of recognition as I flipped through the various CDs. I used the other comments and the occasional question to figure out what I would be interested in. It wasn't perfect but it kept me occupied, giving me something to do.

I didn't like to think too much now days. That usually led me to a dark area where I did not like to go. I would be reminded of my own weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The reason's I would have to fight for my life.

The next stop was the bookstore.

I like this place the moment I entered. There were large heavy shelves lined floor to ceiling with books and thick over stuffed chairs sat in a circle at the center of the store. The employees looked comfortable and at ease too.

I set off into the depths of the store and began to brows through the book selection. I was able to be a good impression of what to expect by reading the back and glancing at the first few pages.

Soon I had a small collection of reading material and had taken over one of the arms chairs to go through it all. As I was reading the first few pages of a book called Socrates in Love, Hikari appeared and set a small stack of manga on top of my pile. "Reika, are you okay? You look a little pale."

"Thanks for worrying but I'm fine Hikari. So what have you brought for me?"

"Well I noticed that you hadn't gone through the manga yet so I brought over some I thought you would like."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Just take it easy, okay?"

"Sure thing."

I turned over the first volume of manga in the pile and read the title, Ayashi no Ceres. There were some good books here. I grinned knowing I would have plenty of reading material by the time I left.

"Hey Reika. Sitting down already?"

I looked up to Asuka approaching me. "I can't stand all the time. Not in my condition. Beside these chairs are too comfortable not to sit in."

Asuka smirked at me. Then she waved and walked off to search for more books.

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Blood, screams, death, fear, hate, darkness, eternal darkness . . .

"Reika are you listening?"

"Hu?"

I turned to Kensuke as I tried to shake away the thoughts that had been troubling me. "Sorry. What did you say?"

"I asked if you knew when Unit Three was going to arrive in Japan?"

I had heard about Unit Three two days ago. She was being flown to Japan from America after an accident with Unit Four. "She's going to arrive sometime this afternoon." I told him.

Kensuke grinned excitedly. "Really. Do you know who's going to pilot her?"

I shrugged. Unlike my sister those in charge of Nerv did not trust me so I was not told anything that wasn't important for me to know. I had not been told about the fifth child yet. "Do you, do you think I could be chosen to pilot her?"

I straightened my black pleated dress and the straps of my orange shirt as I attempted to find the words to answer him. "I wouldn't know. I have no control over who is selected as a pilot."

"Can't you talk to Misato or something?"

I shook my head again. As much as I liked him I could not help him become an Eva Pilot. "Aida-san..."

"Please. I know that between you and Shinji, Misato can be convinced to make me an Eva Pilot."

"I'm afraid we can not."

Kensuke frowned, looking disappointed. "Isn't there anyway for me to become an Eva Pilot?"

Before I could answer my phone began to ring. I quickly dug it out from my bag. "Reika, you are needed at NERV. Come immediately." Instructed the voice of Ritsuko Akagi on the other end.

"Yes, ma'am."

I put my phone away and turned to Kensuke. "I need to go, I have been summoned to NERV. I'll see you tomorrow okay?"

"Sure thing!"

I left Kensuke and made my way to Nerv. I felt nervous about the abrupt summons because I had no idea what to expect. Would the Commander try to force me to Pilot Unit Zero? Would I be subjected to some horrible test? It was hard to say.

When I arrived Dr, Akagi and Commander Ikari were waiting for me. They looked surprised when they saw what I was wearing but said nothing. I was taken down into the lower levels of Nerv where the dummy plug and Rei clones were stored. I understood when I saw them what was going on. The Commander wanted to turn me into a dummy plug too, so that he could at least get some use out of me once I was dead. This struck me as suddenly quite hilarious and I had to quickly suppress my laughter. I would not be here long enough to be of use to them.

Commander Ikari ordered me to strip and enter the tube in the center of the room. "No."

I saw a hint of annoyance cross his face. Clearly he did not like it when people talked back to him. "Why not?"

I met his eyes with my own level stare. "I do not want you to see me naked. I have a sense of modesty."

I knew that I shouldn't have protested but I could not stand the thought of him looking at me undressed. I waited to see what the Commander would say to me. His jaw was tight and his fists were tightening at his side. It looked like I would be in trouble. After a long pause he turned around. "I trust you can handle set up, Doctor?" He asked.

I hadn't been watching Dr. Akagi but when I turn to look at her I saw her visibly relax as if she had been holding her breath. Then she nodded calmly. "Yes, sir."

Commander Ikari nodded and left. I waited until the door closed behind him before I began to strip out of my clothes. With Dr. Akagi's help I entered into the glass tube. The LCL rose quickly to cover me and I breathed deeply enjoying the ease with which I could do it. I wondered if I would always feel more comfortable in LCL then out in the air.

From the other side of the glass I could see Dr. Akagi walk over to her control console. She sat down in one of her chair and typed something in. "Okay, Reika. You're going to feel funny here for a minute okay?"

I had no way to respond but to nod so I did.

I tingling sensation started in my back, right between my shoulders. It spread throughout my body. My sight began to blur as my body went numb. Then everything began to fade out. Right before I lost consciousness I saw the Commander reentering the room.

From somewhere in the distance I could hear feminine voices but I didn't understand what they were saying. I tried to get closer to them but it was impossible. The voices seemed to move farther away from me. I frowned, wondering who they were. Were they the other Rei's?

I reached out to the voice and felt synchronization with my sisters occur easily. I occurred to me that if I could reach the other Rei clones that I might be able to reach Rei in her hospital. I tried again and could feel the others respond even more strongly to my call except the one I wanted; the second remained silent. I tried again to reach her. This time I got a response.

It was little more than an impression in the back of my mind but it was what I wanted, the second's reply. I focused all my attention on it and slowly it became clearer and sharper. Gradually I could make her out in front of me. She was trapped, I realized, in a bubble of her creation. I knew without being told if she moved one finger beyond its boarder Leliel would attack her but as long as she stayed here she'd never wake up. "Hello, sister." I greeted her.

She looked dazed as she raised her head to look at me. "Why are you here?" She asked.

"I've come to ask for your help. Leliel won't let me pilot Unit Zero."

"Why me? I can't even feel my own body. I can't be of any use to you."

"Yes you can. You can face Leliel and keep her busy."

She looked at me with big stunned eyes. "Can I? I have failed before."

"Yes, you can. I believe in you. Will you do it?"

After some hesitation she answered, "Yes, yes I will, no I can."

"Thank-you, my sister."

I opened my eyes as I felt my mind rise from the darkness. The battle was about to begin; I needed to hurry. Bardiel was here.

I grabbed my oxygen mask as the LCL drained away. I breathed deeply letting the transfer take place. Commander Ikari was standing not far away frowning disapprovingly at me. However he did nothing but walk out of the room, Dr. Akagi typed away at the computer for a minute before the tube rose up and I was allowed to leave. "There are showers in the next room," She said, pointing to a door off to the left.

I made my way through the door to find that my clothes were waiting for me on the bench along with a plug suit. The only other thing in the small room was a shower where I was to clean off. I looked inside to find a bottle of cheap all purpose body wash and shampoo on the floor.

I stepped inside and turned the handle being careful to stay out of the way. A blast of ice water came from the showerhead I turned it up until the water was warm then stepped under. I scrubbed down quickly and dressed in the plug suit. I knew that it wouldn't be long now before Bardiel revealed himself and I had things to do if I was to be ready.

I stuffed my clothes into my duffel bag and slung it over my shoulder. I exited the room to find it deserted and dark. It appeared that I would have to make my way across by feeling. I stepped cautiously one foot at a time until I found the stairs. I made my way up them and out the door. From there on it was an easy but long walk to the pilot's lounge. I had decided to eat and wait here until the alarms went off. I needed Nerv distracted by the angel before I implemented my plan.

There was no sign of Major Katsuragi or Dr. Akagi. I suspected that they had probably just left for Matsushiro for the testing of Unit Three already. So for now I was free to do what I wished, within limits of course.

It was barely an hour later when the sirens began to sound within the walls of Nerv. I stood and took one last swig of the canned lemon aid I was drinking. Then I made my way to the medical center. It was time to go get my sister. When I reached room 202-256-1 I stopped. I pulled out my I.D. card and swiped it, the lock flashed green. I opened the door and stepped inside. "Hello, sister. Are you ready to go?" I said.

The second lay unconscious on a bed under the window dressed in a hospital gown. On the table beside her were her unopened get-well cards and two bouquets of various assortments. I went to the closet and opened it up. Inside I found what I had come for, the second's plug suit and a wheelchair. I took the plug suit off the shelf and went over to the bed. I closed the window and proceeded to put the plug suit on the second. It was harder then it looked moving around all that dead weight so it took me several minutes to accomplish this task. Once she was dressed I took out the wheelchair and set it beside the bed. I wrapped Rei loosely in one of the sheets from her bed and then placed her in the wheelchair. I left my bag in the closet, and then we hurried off down the hallway.

A few minutes later found us in the Eva docking bay. The other two Eva's had already launched and were long gone but Eva Unit Zero was in her cage, waiting for us. We took the elevator up to the launch deck and I carried Rei into the Eva. I ordered the computer to configure Eva Unit Zero for us and then the LCL began to fill the tube. As synchronization began I could feel my sister restraining Leliel blocking the connections she could use to get to me. Only one thing left to do, get permission to launch.

I pressed the communication button to find Major Katsuragi there wrapped in some bandages. I was surprised because she was supposed to still be trapped in the rubble at Matsushiro. Why was she still here?

I shook my head deciding not to question. "Captain Katsuragi, permission to launch Eva Unit Zero?"

Major Katsuragi's face did not appear pleased. "Reika what is Rei doing in Unit Zero?"

"She's providing me with back up."

"Are you sure? Rei's unconscious you know." She asked tentatively.

"I know but the Eva can still sync with her. So she's helping me.

There was a long moment of silence before she sighed and answered me. "You don't have to if you don't want to."

"We'll be fine."

"Okay. Good luck!"

A few moments later we were placed on the launch pad. "Evangelion Unit Zero, lift off!" Major Katsuragi cried.

With that we were shot off towards the surface. When I arrived everything was quiet. A quick scan showed me that the action was about four miles from my present location. Naturally that's the way I went. It didn't take me long to find evidence of the battle, about half way there I found Unit Two face down with a giant piece of concrete on her back. I seized it and with all my strength rolled it off. "Pilot Sohryu! Pilot Sohryu! Can you hear me?" I called to her.

"Mein Gott!" Pilot Sohryu replied after a moment" Is that you Wonder Girl? They sent you out too?"

"Yes, they did. What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Where are they now? That thing's going to pay."

I pointed in the direction of the battle; as if to confirm what I had said a shock wave hit at that exact moment. Pilot Sohryu and I looked at each other then hurried off. Ikari-kun was probably in trouble.

When we arrived Unit One and Bardiel where engaged in a battle of progressive knives. Asuka whipped her own out and charged in but I held back in surprise. I had learned that Bardiel would take Unit Three but it was one thing to know it and another to see it. I closed my eyes as a sickening feeling settled in my stomach. This would not be pretty. Touji was still inside. Touji was the fifth child.

While I had been distracted with my own horror Bardiel had knifed Unit One in the shoulder. He stumbled back in pain and Bardiel turned to face Unit Two. Asuka forced him to the ground. The two wrested violently before Bardiel grabbed her and cracked Unit Two over his knee. Asuka screamed and went silent. Bardiel tossed her across the ground and she rolled several times before she came to a stop. Meanwhile Pilot Ikari was back on his feet and ready to go. "Reika," He said, "Let's pin him down and get him together."

"Alright let's go!" I replied.

We charged Bardiel and pinned him to the ground. He struggled fiercely but we held fast using the combined power of two Eva's to overwhelm the possessed unit. Unexpectedly a sound only connection appeared. "Someone please stop this thing. I can't control it. I want out of here. If anyone one can here me, HELP ME PLEASE!"

The link went dead. "Suzuhara . . ." I murmured.

"Father!" Screamed Pilot Ikari "I thought you told me the pilot had been ejected! You liar! He's still in there!"

Bardiel's hand got free and swung his progressive knife at Unit One. "Pilot Ikari!" I screamed as I caught it.

Bardiel overpowered me and threw Unit Zero with all his strength. I flew through the air and crashed into some nearby rocks. Groaning I brushed off the dust and stood up. Bardiel looked at me and I realized he could feel Leliel. "Sister, keep her quiet." I pleaded to the second.

"Bardiel." Came Leliel's horse whisper.

Bardiel roared and charged at me. I pulled my progressive knife and prepared to meet him. We clashed and Bardiel overpowered me and seized my arm. The ooze flowed from his mouth assimilating into my arm. I winced as the acid like pain went deeper and become more powerful. Leliel voice became stronger and stronger until it was ringing from every direction. "Remove the arm!" Shouted the Commander's voice.

"But sir the nerves are still connected."

"Do it."

Seconds later the arm detached and unimaginable pain shot through my shoulder. I screamed in pain and fell to the ground in agony. I cut the links and ejected the entry plug. I grabbed my oxygen mask and breathed deeply, whimpering in pain. "I was safe. I was safe. "I told myself over and over.

Slowly my nerves came back under control and I began to relax. I looked over at the second; she was still silent. I took the oxygen tank from the shelf and peaked out the entry plug door. Unit One had removed Bardiel's left arm but he refused to give up. I hoped Ikari-kun would win quickly, things could become bloody if he didn't. I looked up at Unit Zero. . . And she looked back. I gasped. It was too late Leliel had taken control. "Crap." I muttered.

I hurried back in and Rei unto my back before hurrying from the entry plug. Unit Zero please, do not move. I pleaded mentally. I moved as fast as I could which wasn't very. I was gasping before I was barely a hundred feet away. Behind me I heard Unit Zero rise to her feet. She crushed the entry plug underfoot as she followed after me.

I paused to breathe deeply, wondering if there was anything I could do to save myself. I bit my lip knowing that was about to do. There was no way for me to out run an Eva. Run.

I blinked wondering who had spoken. There was no one there. Run. Fly.

I started to move and I felt my body gain strength with every step I took. Before I knew it I was running over the ground. The mysterious voice hummed in my ears pushing me on. I darned not to look back or slow down. Not even when my lungs screamed for air. It wasn't long before it became a struggle to move but I knew that I had to keep going. It didn't matter that Unit Zero was toying with me; this was the only hope I had.

Out of nowhere a hand grabbed me by the throat. The next thing I knew the second was holding me in the air laughing. "You're pathetic sister."

I clawed at her hands but I couldn't get free. "Let me go!"

She smirked and threw me to the ground. "You know I could just slip this mask from your face and you'd be history."

I looked at her trying to figure out what she was thinking. "Please sister." I said, "You can fight her."

Leliel snickered, "I could squash you like a bug . . ."

Her face suddenly contorted and the second returned, "It's so hard to contain her . . ."

"You can do it! You can beat her! Don't give up!"

"I won't."

"Thank-you."

Her face contorted again and Leliel returned. Behind us Unit Zero began to move as well. "Do you want to know my plan? I intend to take your sister then you then father and Lilith. Sound like fun?"

I rose to my feet ignoring the pain and my body's protest. "Hardly, sounds like a foolish plan to me. Why do you need us anyway?"

"Because you're Ikari's favorites. He'll do anything to keep you safe. Besides I like using you. It's much more fun to watch you struggle against me than ordinary humans. They're so pathetic."

'They're not pathetic. Maybe by the physical abilities yes but their hearts are as strong as ever."

"We'll see when final judgment comes, cousin. That will be their ultimate test. If they make it you win if not . . . I believe you can fill in the rest."

Her face contorted and the second spoke, "I know. I'm trying." She hissed through gritted teeth.

"Yes, I know. You can do it!" I insisted.

I grabbed Rei's hand and pulled her off in the direction of Nerv, away from Unit Zero. I had to get us out of there before Unit Zero started moving because once it did there was no way for me to stop her. "Hang in there sister." I told the second "You're doing good. Just keep talking and stay with me."

We hadn't gone far when Rei collapsed unable to move another step. I caught her before she hit the ground. "I'm sorry . . .," She murmured.

She sank into unconsciousness and would not be awakened. I looked back to see Unit Zero beginning to move. I grabbed the second in my arms and ran. Crap, I thought, we were mincemeat. Unit Zero was berserker.

--------------

Meanwhile Shinji had cornered the angel. Even after severe damage and the loss of a limb it refused to give up. There was only one way to stop it, Shinji knew. He seized it with all of the brute force he could muster and removed the entry plug. The unit fell silent and Shinji let it fall to the ground. "Now what?" Shinji thought.

If he squeezed it he could seriously injure or kill the pilot but if he didn't he couldn't kill the angel. He groaned to himself not liking the answer to his dilemma one bit. It required he to squish the entry plug and he could not, would not harm one of his best friends. "Shinji what are you waiting for?"

Shinji looked up to see his father's face in a conversation box. "What are you waiting for Shinji? Do it."

Shinji's fists clenched in anger. How dare that bastard ask him to hurt Touji? He must be insane. "NO! I won't!"

Gendo Ikari's face didn't move at Shinji's response. "Why not?"

A stray tear rolled down Shinji's face. "Touji's my friend and I can't . . . I can't do it. I can't end his life."

Gendo calmly adjusted his orange tinted glasses. "You must defeat the angel."

"I won't kill Touji."

"Then we will make you do it."

Shinji's breath caught and his eyes widened slightly at the threat. "You wouldn't."

Gendo smirked slightly at his rebellious son causing Shinji to set his jaw. The feeling war was strong. "I will only say this once more. Do it now."

Shinji's lips quivered as tears threatened to come from his eyes. How could his father ask him to do this, to take the life of someone else? It wasn't right. He couldn't do it; it was too horrible . . .

Shinji looked helplessly from his father's face and Unit Three entry plug. He was trying to come up with someway, anyway to get himself out of here. He didn't want to have to make this decision.

A look of absolute revolution crossed his face as Shinji looked away. He squeezed Unit One's massive hand shut and gently as he could. Shinji bit his lip lightly as the yellow orange LCL flowed over his hand. It made him feel sick.

Shinji closed his eyes and buried his head in his arms as he struggled not to cry. He hated everything and his only hope was that Touji was okay.

Misato's face appeared. "Shinji . . . I . . . I" She stammered.

"Shut up! I don't want to hear it!" Shinji snapped.

Misato opened and closed her mouth several times but was unable to say anything. "Finally, nothing to say, huh? As I thought, you're as bad as the rest of them, cold and heartless! You're just pretending you care about me." Shinji screamed.

"Shinji . . . I . . . ah-uh . . . I know you think I'm a horrible person and you have every right to feel that way but I'm really truly sorry about all of this. I never meant for things to happen this way . . . any of it . . ."

Misato bowed her head and bit her lip as she struggled not to cry. "I'm so, so sorry. So very sorry Shinji."

Suddenly Shinji heard alarms going off on the other side. "Major . . . its, its Unit Zero!" Maya exclaimed.

"Let me see."

Her face disappeared for a second and the instant it reappeared she was so agitated Shinji couldn't make out what she was shouting at him. It took several tries for her to repeat herself so that he could understand. "Unit Zero's gone berserker! She's after Reika!"

"What!"

Shinji looked rapidly around. Not far from where he stood was Unit Zero's severed arm and crushed entry plug. There was no sign of the blue unit at all. Off in the distance he spotted her. The one armed blue cyclops was disappearing over the horizon. She was headed in the direction of Nerv. "What are you doing? Ritsuko and the medical team are on their way. Reika's the one who needs you help now! Move it!"

"Hai!"

Shinji took off for Eva Unit Zero. She was farther away than he first thought. In front of her he could see Reika running as hard as she could, trying to stay alive. The ends of her hair were soaked with sweat and her knees where torn and bloodied. In her arms was something he couldn't identify. As he neared Unit Zero she tripped and hit the ground sending the thing in her arms rolling. Unit Zero tried to grab her but she rolled out of the way and dodged her however whatever she been caring did not.

Unit Zero picked it up. Shinji paled, it was Rei. She hung limply like a puppet or rag doll between Unit Zero's thumb and forefinger. Unit Zero turned and faced him. She seemed to be using Rei to taunt him. And Shinji could almost swear there was an intelligent consciousness behind her cycloptic eye not the deranged madness of berserker.

"Unit Zero," Shinji called on his external speakers "What are you doing?"

"You want to know?" Said a mocking female voice in the back of his mind "I'm getting my revenge."

Shinji blinked once then twice then blinked again. He knew that voice. It belonged to the last angel they had fought. It didn't make sense though Dr. Akagi had assured him he'd destroyed her but he was positive it was her who had spoken to him. "Hehehe!" She giggled. "You nearly did destroy me but your friend here became a most reluctant but obliging host allowing me to survive in the core of Unit Zero."

Shinji was too shocked to say anything. Ayanami had been host to this angel. That meant, dear god no. . . . If you have any compassion at all please don't make me do this. "You want the girl spared do you? Then you'll have to do what I tell you. Let me into Nerv and give me safe passage to do what I will for one day."

"But . . . I . . . I don't, I have no authorization for something like that!"

"Then get it my dear boy."

Shinji gulped and opened a link to Nerv central. "Father . . . Unit Zero . . . she's been posed by and angel and . . . demands access to Nerv for one day… she's got Rei and she says she'll kill her" He said shakily.

Shinji heard gasps and curses from just about everyone on the other side. "Tell her if she hands over the hostage to you we'll meet her demands." Gendo Ikari replied.

Shinji turned to Unit Zero and relayed the message. The angel laughed, "You think I'm just going to turn over my hostage to you!" She exclaimed. "Not on your life! You meet my demands then I'll turn her over."

During the distraction the Reika had tried to get away but angel spotted her. "I don't think so cousin," She said.

Eva Unit Zero lifted her foot and swung it in Reika's direction. The shock waves knocked her hard to the ground. Unit Zero picked her up before she could react. "My, my, the stakes have been raised." The angel's voice said.

Shinji stared in horror as Reika squirmed and writhed in Unit Zero's hand. He tired to come up with something to say or do but all he was drawing was a blank. He felt as helpless as she looked. Pinch yourself, he thought, you got to stay focused. "Look," He said to the angel, "Hand over one of them to me; you only need on of them."

Reika jumped on his idea. "Let him have the second," She pleaded in a weak voice, "She's injured and you don't need her."

She watched Unit Zero with a pleading desperation in her eyes. For what felt like an eternity the angel gave no reply. "No," She said, "I think I'll keep her. You've got till tomorrow."

Unit Zero turned to leave when Unit Two rose up behind her and stabbed her in the back with her progressive knife. Unit Zero roared and dropped both Rei and Reika. Shinji rushed foreword and caught them in the palm of Unit Ones gigantic hands. Behind him he heard Unit Zero fall to the ground. Asuka roared and drove her knife deep into Unit Zero's chest and the blue cyclops went silent.

Shinji was gasping as he stared at Unit One's hands. Both Rei and Reika lay unconscious on her giant out stretched fingers. To his great relief Rei began to move. She slowly got to her feet and crossed the distance between her self and Reika. She seized the girl by the throat and began to strangle to her. Shinji leapt to his feet in horror, scrambled out of his entry plug and dashed over to them.

Shinji grabbed Rei forcefully by the shoulders, surprising her enough to cause her to release Reika. Rei's eye's shone with deep terrifying crimson hate. She growled and fought back against his grip trying to get free. Shinji however was stronger and his hold on her was too strong. Gradually and carefully he wrapped his arms around Rei and held her tightly as she struggled in vain against him. After several long moments a voice rang out in the silence. "Be free, child."

Slowly, very slowly Rei became still and stood silently in his arms. She seemed to be completely exhausted and fragile. He was afraid that if he let go she would crumble and collapse. The rain began to fall running down their bodies in little streams. Rei turned to look at him and for a minute Shinji thought she was crying until he realized that it was merely the rain running down her face causing that effect. Or was it?

"Rei?"

There was a long oppressive silence before Rei answered in a soft uncertain voice. "Hai, Ikari-kun?"

"Is it over?"

Rei shook her head. "No." She stated quietly but firmly.

For several seconds everything was still and all they could hear was Reika's ragged breathing. Shinji kept his arms around Rei, continuing to hold her tightly.

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Author's Notes:

Hello all. Sesshy here once again. Sorry I haven't updated recently. School has been a pain in a butt to say the least. . I'll try to keep updating as regularly as possible. I will not abandon it! .

Please Review, they are highly appriciated. I'll admit to being addicted to each and every one of them.

I don't own Eva!!! Nuf said.

And last of all, the teaser:

"Dr. Akagi?" I asked, my voice coming out in a soft whisper in the large room.

Dr. Akagi turned to face me a slight frown on her face. She was fidgeting slightly and her body was tense. Was I distracting her? "Yes, Rei? Make this quick I'm quite busy." She said irritably.

"Where is Reika? Her room is empty."

"She's dead." She snapped as if I should already know.