THE MIND OF AN ANGEL

Disclaimer: if you think I actually own Evangelion, then you are wrong! (I don't, 'cause of copyright reasons. No, not ethical reasons)

Proofread by 94saturn, thanks to you I'm still writing, don't you ever quit on me.

CHAPTER 17: THE 16th

Shinji had been distracted the entire day, from the second he woke up to the moment their beepers rang. He knew the angel was going to attack today, and Arael reconfirmed it would indeed be today. Asuka, Misato and Rei all asked him what was wrong. He tried to lie, but he fooled none of the women. Asuka left it alone, Misato kept an eye on him during breakfast, and Rei asked him again. Sitting on his desk, he made up the excuse of being sleepy.

"Shinji, please," She had asked, "Tell me, what is the matter?" She looked at him with those red orbs, and he almost felt guilty for lying. He wanted to tell everyone, but it would look suspicious. How could he know before time?

"I'm just tired Rei, didn't really sleep well…" Shinji found some comfort in the fact that was true, it was the cause of his lack of sleep that was the problem…

The girl continued to look at him, as he tried to casually act tired. It was obvious that she didn't believe him, but slowly turned away. Maybe she expected him to tell her later, but Shinji felt horrible either way.

He was lucky Asuka came to school today, since she took the attention of most of the class. This included the attention of Mana, whom had yet to meet the second child. Both girls chatted for a bit, Mana analyzing anything she could. It didn't last long, as class started soon after. A few hours before lunch, the alarm went of.

Now Shinji was sitting inside his Evangelion, plug suit clinging to his body. Saying he was nervous was an understatement. It wasn't because of the angel; he got that every time, but the fact that he wasn't out on the field. Rei, Mana, and even Asuka had been sent to the surface. Even though they outnumbered it, he couldn't assist if anything went wrong. He hated it when Arael attacked, and he didn't want a repeat of that situation.

On the surface, Units 00, 02 and 04 were positioned in the surrounding countryside. They luckily had a few minutes to hide before the angel came into view. Mana and Asuka were closer to the angel, each one with an assault rifle. Rei was farther back, in position to help provide support with her sniper rifle. The angel had been floating slowly towards them. It looked like a golden halo in the sky, and it seemed to be rotating in place. It made a rather strange hum, which unsettled the three pilots. If it knew they were there, it made no indication.

Misato had wanted to use the Positron rifle again, but they didn't have time to set it up. The plan was to keep radio silence, then open fire on her order. They had given both Asuka and Mana external batteries, which would allow them ten minutes without having to use a power cable. Rei was connected to the main power grid, since she was in the city, but could remove it and join them in as well, since she had external batteries that would engage if she unplugged herself. Misato had wanted to use Shinji as well, but the commander had been very clear that he was to be used only in an emergency.

"The angel is approaching the kill zone, 35 seconds," reported Maya, and Misato nodded. She looked at Hyuga, and he nodded as well. Since they had wanted to keep radio silence, they decided to implement a timer instead of voicing orders.

Soon, all four pilots saw a small digital timer start counting down to zero. Mana and Asuka, both on opposing mountains, put their finger on the trigger; ready to pop out and unload their ordnance Rei began taking deep breaths, and began to contemplate how she would set her rifle on the adjacent building. Shinji, on the other hand, couldn't do anything. He couldn't tell them anything, and he couldn't do anything. He felt useless.

Arael…is it possible that we can kill it with this plan?

Arael contemplated the child's question before answering.

It is possible, but if sister Armisael's field is up, it will be ineffective.

Shinji swallowed, What can she do?

Even we are unaware of the each other's abilities…

Shinji could have sworn he felt Arael was nervous. He looked at his HUD, the timer had 5 seconds left, and held his breath.

Armisael could sense Lilith nearby, her final goal within reach. However, the human guardians must first be defeated. She had been watching her brethren's progress, and knew of their threat. Aware of the red, blue and green ones; and perhaps most importantly, the Berserker, she would not fail. It was simply a matter of time before they would appear and confront her-

"Zero..."

Armisael did not see the two Evas pop out from the mountains next to her, but she did feel the torrent of bullets impact her body. Unable to get her AT field up in time, many of them wounded her, piercing her golden frame. Blue blood fell on the surrounding countryside, as Armisael struggled to raise her field. Soon, she felt a much stronger penetration from the front. The angel could see that the blue one, inside the city, had a larger weapon than the others, and focused her AT field on her front.

Asuka and Mana emptied their rifles into the angel, as four more shots from Rei roared like thunder. Both Assault rifles clicked at about the same time, and the girls examined the damage. Asuka saw the Angel bleeding, and for a moment thought they had critically wounded it. Indeed, they all noticed some parts of its ring like body were now stained in blue blood. However, Mana noticed a key element…

The four sniper rounds Rei had fired were floating in front of the angel, as if they had impacted an invisible wall. Its field was still up, which meant it was still alive. They may have wounded it, but it wasn't over yet. Before it showed any sign of movement, Mana drew her progressive knife.

Misato and Shinji both noticed this as well, but Misato beat Shinji to it, "It's still alive! Rei, Asuka, progressive knives now!"

By the time Misato gave the order, Mana's Eva was already jumping over the mountain. Both Rei and Asuka began to draw their knives, but Mana had reacted faster. The green Eva landed close to the angel, clutching its progressive knife. Mana swung upwards, hoping to land a blow in an already wounded area. To everyone's shock, moments before the knife struck, the angel split in that exact location.

Shinji gasped because it happened too fast…

First, there was a blast of some kind and a scream, as Unit 02 keeled over before reaching the angel, dropping its knife. Then, the angel twisted its body to reach for Mana's right arm, which was still descending from the failed strike. Its snake-like frame wrapped around her forearm; smoke began appearing from the armor, as it seemed to fuse with the Eva itself. Mana began to scream, as much from the pain as from the feeling of something else inside her.

Shinji continued to watch in horror, unable to do anything else. Mana's Eva fell to the ground, writhing in pain. He could begin to see what appeared to be nerves forming where the angel was attached to her arm. Rei had unplugged herself and began running towards the angel, as Asuka began to stand up again. Misato began barking orders, but Shinji wasn't paying attention. He was looking at what Asuka was removing from her armor. They were bullets, the rounds from Rei's rifle.

Armisael must have shot the rounds back at the Red one...

Arael, what is it doing to Mana?! He asked, terrified as the girl could still be heard screaming. He was clutching the controls as it was all going down.

I believe Armisael is beginning to fuse with her. Infect her Eva to control it, as Bardiel tried with the blue one.

"Unit 05 is being infected by the angel!" screamed Maya, confirming what Arael had told the young boy.

"Asuka, Rei, try to get it off her!" screamed Misato, as Asuka had now gained her footing again, and had reacquired her knife.

Before Asuka attacked though, one of snake-liked heads began looking at her direction. Six beams shot out at different angles, and quickly converged into a solid one at a pinpoint location. That location was Asuka's upper chest. The redhead screamed as her Eva fell to the ground and went limp.

"ASUKA!" screamed Shinji, as he saw the body of his fallen comrade. The beam, however, did not stop there, as the head soon turned to face Ayanami. Rei had noticed what it had done to Unit 02, and barely managed to dodge the beam. It hit the ground where she was a split second ago as she rolled out of the way. As the dust and debris settled, to Shinji's relief, he saw that Rei had taken cover behind a nearby mountain.

Berserker, we must assist before the situation worsens.

"Misato!" Screamed the third child, hoping they would allow him to go to the surface.

Misato didn't even bother with looking at the commander as she nodded to Hyuga. Unit 01 was launched from its pad, as Shinji felt the G-force as on his body. Fuyutsuki was about to scold the Major on disobeying orders, but the commander signaled the man to stop before he began.

"This time, we must risk it old friend; or we may lose all three of them"

Mana could feel her entire nerve system screaming. Her right arms felt numb, but it still burned. Worse than that, she could feel something else inside her mind, like it was trying to take control. She could feel the numbness start to climb to her upper arm and it would soon reach her shoulder. The brown haired girl barely noticed what had happened. Rei was nowhere to be seen, and Asuka was on the ground, not moving and with steam rising from her chest.

Do not resist child, it will be much less painful. Even pleasurable.

Wha-what? She asked, as the voice seemed to be in her head.

The young woman did not hear an answer, as she felt a new wave of pain. For a moment, she lost control, and the pain faded. As it faded completely, she began to feel something else. Her muscles relaxed and her breathing returned to normal. She could feel heat all around her body, as her nerves began to register pleasure and not pain. Mana began to exhale in delight at the feeling of euphoria, as she squeezed her legs together, feeling herself getting wet from the experience.

Mana began hearing the people on the bridge debating, but her attention wasn't focused on that. It felt amazing. She felt heat building up inside her, as she began to hear something about being unable to disconnect her from the Eva. Another voice ordered to that the arm be detached immediately. There was screaming, someone said that Shinji was almost there. The cold toned voice repeated itself. That's all Mana understood, as she felt the numbness approach her shoulder. She was breathing rapidly now, the heat and pleasure rising to its peak.

Then she felt it, the worst pain she had ever felt in her life. It was if someone had cut her arm off. She screamed, reaching for her right shoulder. Her arm was still there, but it didn't feel like it. Her entire arm was on fire, as tears of pain streamed down her eyes. She could feel that she was blacking out, as her screams turned to whimpers. The last thing she saw was the person responsible…the coldhearted bastard himself.

Rei looked in horror as she saw Unit 05's arm come off. Mana's scream pierced her eardrums, as memories from her experience in the same situation came flooding back. She instinctively reached for her right shoulder, as if reliving the pain. She understood why, she heard the conversation, and even Mana's…moans…but it was still painful.

Rei peeked from the mountain to observe the angel. It dropped the arm on the ground, and looked at the now de-activated Evas before it. It looked as if it was debating whether fusing with either one would be worth it. It kept alternating between looking at Unit 02 and 05. Soon, however, both the angel's and Rei's attention were focused on the newly arrived Unit 01.

"Shinji…" She whispered, but feared that that may have given too much information.

The angel looked at where Unit 00 was hiding, and at where Unit 01 was standing, as if it had made the connection. It seemed, however, to remain completely still, its attention focused on Unit 01. This went on for some time, and Rei began reaching for her dropped knife.

Shinji looked at the terrible sight. The angel; a golden, floating snake, was hovering in between Unit 02 and Unit 05. Unit 02 had a hole in its front armor, whether it had gone deeper than the armor he didn't know. Unit 05 lay on the ground, without an arm. Both Asuka and Mana had been defeated in seconds. Neither Eva was moving. He had seen it happen, but he almost couldn't believe it. This angel was definitely powerful, and could also fuse with the Evas. Arael had explained that it would corrupt the Eva's and the pilot's mind in any way possible. Mana almost seemed to willingly submit to it…

Arimasael looked at the purple avatar before her. This one was different, unique from the others. Its stance was different, and it had an S2 organ. The heart of Zeruel, which the Eva had devoured not long ago. Armisael remembered watching in horror, as Zeruel almost succeeded. Then, it was replaced with the greater horror of the Avatar's rage. This was not a machine, not an angel, but a beast. Armisael could do nothing but to marvel at their greatest defender, the Berserker.

Yet, something was amiss. Armisael sensed something in him. It may have been the S2 organ, but it felt too familiar…

Hello, sister Armisael.

The serpent cocked its head in curiosity

Is that…

It is I, Arael

So, Tabris was right, you did not die.

Shinji gulped nervously, as he heard both angels' voices. The 16th's was soothing, almost like a woman's.

-but, why are you present in the Berserker's body?

Arael was quiet, but Shinji could feel that the angel was nervous. Perhaps Armisael had intimidated him as well.

It is a sad excuse of prolonging your existence. You failed brother, and there is no way you can succeed, why do you remain?

Arael still didn't answer, and Shinji was getting extremely tense.

Unless…You are here to assist me? You will incapacitate the Berserker?

There was some hope in the angel's voice, as if it genuinely feared him. Shinji still couldn't get past the idea of these things fearing him. Arael kept his silence, and Armisael's hope died as she continued.

Then why, why do you remain Arael? To observe Humanity's end and life begin anew? Surely you would not want to-

The Angel stopped abruptly, as if it finally understood.

You are here to stop me from succeeding.

Yes… Answered Arael rather solemnly, as if he himself was not proud of what he was doing.

Arael…you are willing to kill your own brethren?

We are not brethren. Our ambitions are individual, not collective. We never assisted each other before, for we wanted the others to fail. I have failed…then I will not have others succeed.

Shinji began to notice both of their tones were getting angry, and Shinji gripped the controls tightly, ready for the fight to begin.

Arael, does that mean you are now my enemy?

Arael didn't answer.

So be it.

The snake's head pointed at Shinji, and he could see the six beams begin to shoot out in different directions.

BERSERKER, AT FIELD NOW!

Shinji's first reaction was to try and dodge, but he trusted the angel within his head. He raised his arms to try and deflect the blast, and focused on his AT field. A second later, the beam focused on his chest, but it actually broke up in front of him. The beam was being deflected into many directions, destroying the surrounding countryside. Shinji screamed and grinded his teeth, as his feet began to screech against the earth below him.

Shinji couldn't believe he had held, but he felt stronger. It couldn't have been him, or the new S2 organ. It must have been…Arael. The angel was adding it's own AT field to help him defeat Armisael. He couldn't believe it.

Then he heard a scream, and the beam seemed to weaken. He adjusted his arms to see what was happening, and saw that Rei had come and struck the angel's body with her knife. More blue blood splattered on the earth, as the angel twisted to look at the attacker. The beam ended, allowing Shinji to charge at the angel as well.

The angel was trying to dislodge Rei's knife, which was halfway buried in its golden frame. Rei continued to try and dig it in further. Before the angel tried to strike Rei, it felt Shinji approaching, and raised its AT field. Shinji swung his knife down, and it seemed to quiver for a second as it penetrated the angels AT field like paper. The angel barely had time to react, as it was wounded once again.

Both pilots were welcomed by a pitching scream, as the angel began to writhe in pain. Shinji was surprised at how he had penetrated the angel's field, but then he remembered Arael's assistance. Convinced he had no time to thank him; Shinji began to raise his knife to strike again, as Rei continued to drive her knife deeper into the angel.

Shinji, however, briefly saw six dots form in front of him. He raised his AT field, expecting another beam. He didn't expect six smaller ones shooting into him like a shotgun blast. His AT field held, but he was thrown backwards into a nearby mountain. His knife left his hand, as he felt his back contact the mountain. Wind leaving his body, the boy groaned, as he tried to get back up.

Child, we must not allow Armisael to prevail!

Shinji cracked his eyes open, to see the angel still writhing. Rei, however, couldn't keep her hold on the knife handle, and the angel managed wrench itself away from her. The angel turned to look at Rei, her knife still in its body. Rei barely gasped as the angel came at her like a torpedo. It ripped through her AT field, and bulls eyed the middle of her chest.

Rei groaned in pain, as she felt not an impact, but a penetration. The angel was beginning to fuse with her. The girl could feel a hot pain forming in her chest, and it was slowly spreading. She tried to grab its body, as the knife was too far, to try and pull it out. She cursed her stupidity, as she felt the angel fusing with her hands as well. The pain was immense, as it spread slowly through her chest and forearms.

Shinji stood up out of sheer will, finding energy at hearing his girlfriend scream in pain. He felt a heavy pressure on his chest, since the pain from the shot was still there. He breathed in deeply and stridently as he slowly began to approach the angel. It was now fusing with Rei, as he could see some nerves spreading underneath Unit 00's chest. He approached it to try and strike it, but saw no knife in close proximity.

Berserker, on her body! Indicated Arael, as Shinji saw the still half-buried knife in the angel's body. The angel, however, was moving too much for him to reach for it safely.

He knew the Evas had armor on the soles of their feet, so he reached to stomp one end. The young boy hoped it would not have the same effect as their hands, as he quickly slammed his foot down on the other end of the angel. He couldn't feel anything, but it trying to wriggle its way out. He exercised more pressure, and reached for the knife. As he clasped the handle and pulled, he was shocked to hear two screams: Armisael's and Rei's.

Shinji realized something; they must be sharing each other's pain as well.

Try Berserker, for my wounds will affect your beloved just as harshly.

Shinji froze in place, as the angel continued to try and wriggle itself from his grip.

Berserker, we cannot stop now!

Rei felt the wound, and she concluded what was happening. She also concluded what Shinji would do. More specifically, what he wouldn't do…With the last ounces of her strength, she began to reach around her seat. She barely stood up, but it was enough to reach her destination.

The Eva's self-destruct system.

Misato, and the entire bridge, watched in terror as the angel fused with Unit 00. Misato had been giving orders to both Rei and Shinji, but neither even seemed to acknowledge them. The woman understood though, they didn't have time to follow orders. It was the worst position a commander could be in, not being able to do anything but watch.

"Rei activated the self destruct mechanism!"

Misato's head whirled to the brown-haired tech, which was looking at her computer nervously. Ritsuko dashed next to Maya, looking at the computer and typing in a few commands. Misato expectantly looked at Ritsuko, who raised her head and nodded gravely. Misato cursed, as she screamed.

"Rei, why did you activate the self-destruct?"

"It is the only way…" Responded Rei feebly, as Shinji suddenly joined the conversation.

"Rei, Don't do this! W-we can still defeat it!" Shinji was frantic, considering the situation he was in, it was to be expected.

"Goodbye Shinji…" She added weakly, as the screen began to give out to static.

"REEEEIII!!" Screamed the boy, unable to do anything.

Misato couldn't believe it; the girl was actually sacrificing herself. She didn't know if it was bravery or stupidity, but there didn't seem to be another way…

"Shinji, try to get as far away as possible and…" Misato stopped as she realized something. Shinji might be able to escape the blast, or even survive it with his AT field. Asuka and Mana, however, were still unconscious nearby. Shinji wouldn't be able to…

"Cancel the countdown, do it now!" Maya and Ritsuko looked at her, an expression of shock and confusion on their faces. The Commander, once again, coolly interrupted.

"Major, I do not wish to sacrifice a pilot either, but what do you suggest we-"

Misato didn't give him a chance to finish, "Mana and Asuka are still out there, and we'll lose three of them with this!"

Maya and others gasped, realizing they had forgotten about the other two pilots. Ritsuko and Misato looked at the Commander, who for just a second seemed shocked at the realization. Fuyutsuki looked nervous as well, as if unsure what the decision would be.

He nodded, "Abort the countdown"

Misato sighed, "Shinji, hold tight, we're aborting the countdown"

"Wh-what?" Asked Shinji, as if he couldn't believe it himself.

Misato turned to look at Ritsuko and Maya, and her hope left her entirely. They were typing, but their looks were desperate.

"Rits, what's going on?" Misato walked towards the monitor, and still saw the countdown; it was at twenty-five seconds now. The screen was flashing red all over, and she looked at her friend for an explanation.

"It won't abort" Ritsuko stood up, trembling slightly, "We don't know why b-but it won't abort…"

Misato's eyes were glued to the monitor as she realized they would lose all three. Maya began to cover her face and cry. Ritsuko was still trying to type something, but the numbers wouldn't stop.

"Mi-misato?" Shinji began to get nervous, "Misato what's happening?"

Everyone looked at the monitor, as Shinji seemed to be pleading, "Misato, did it stop?"

Misato was at the border of tears, and couldn't bring herself to tell him directly, "Shinji…run…"

"NOOOOO!!" The Eva was looking around franticly, and it was obvious that Shinji was trying to find a way out of this.

"Shinji…" Shinji stopped at the voice, it was Rei's, and it was weak.

He turned to look at Unit 00, which was now almost covered by the angel's nerves, "Shinji…farewell…"

"Rei don't…please…" Shinji began to cry, as he realized it was over, there wasn't anything he could do to save her. He lowered his head, unable to say anything.

Berserker….you must raise your AT field…

"Countdown aborted"

Shinji immediately looked up, "What?!"

On the bridge, Misato turned to look at the Maya and Ritsuko, who looked just as confused as she was. Maya looked on the monitor in disbelief, and Ritsuko was typing into the keyboard. She stopped and looked at Misato.

"Did you do that?" Asked the purple haired woman, as the rest of the bridge began to look at the scientist.

"I wish, I have no idea of what happened," remarked Ritsuko, but then another window popped up. Misato didn't understand it, but Ritsuko's and Maya's wide eyes were enough of an indicator. It couldn't be good.

"Akagi, status report." The Commander was just as confused, as the others of what had happened, though he had an idea.

Ritsuko swallowed, as Maya began trying to explain, "Th-he angel-"

"The angel shut it down," finished Ritsuko, as she had noticed that Maya was having problems, "It has corrupted the Eva and the pilot enough to block our own signals."

"Does that mean…it's controlling Rei now…?" Misato looked at her friend, hoping that the answer wasn't yes.

"Not yet, but it will soon," Ritsuko removed her glasses, and leaned on the console, "We can't do anything from here, it's entirely up to Shinji."

Rei was shaking in her seat. The pain, it was unbearable, she had almost been wishing for the detonation to end the pain. She could barely bring herself to look at her body, which was covered in many areas by what seemed to be protruding veins. She continued to groan and scream in pain, now knowing this would not end. The angel had cancelled the countdown.

I can't have my doll destroying itself so quickly, now can I?

Rei grinded her teeth at the comment, but couldn't bring herself to even form a thought. The pain was slowing screeching its way to her neck and lower abdomen, her arms and chest now covered in these veins. She didn't know what they were, but she understood what they did. Her muscles were numb where they were present, and she couldn't do more than simply thrash in her cockpit. The angel was taking control of her.

There is an alternative to pain child. Submit yourself, and the pain will be replaced…by pleasure.

For a second, the pain disappeared, and she could feel all of her nerves glow with heat. It was quite comforting, even pleasant. It soothed her muscles, and they seemed to ooze at this. Rei moaned quietly, as she enjoyed a moment of respite.

Then, the pain returned like a hammer, clinching her muscles again. She hissed as she arched her back, and her limbs were stiff.

What will it be?

Rei knew that if she submitted to it, it would be over. She wanted nothing but to stop the agony, but she also knew the consequences.

"N-no…" She managed to whisper, defiant to the end.

So be it.

Rei screamed as the pain pierced her body like daggers, and began to spread.

Shinji was in shambles. He couldn't breathe well, he couldn't do anything to the angel without hurting Rei, and he had just had the scare of his life. Rei had tried to sacrifice herself to kill the angel, but the countdown had aborted itself, with only seconds to go. Shinji cringed as he heard Rei scream, it was getting worse, he could tell. He was patiently waiting to hear what had happened, but the voice that he heard was not Misato.

Berserker, Armisael stopped it herself. The blue one is heavily infected.

Shinji's jaw began to drop.

We have no choice, it must be stopped now.

I-I can't.

What?

I can't do it. If we kill it, it'll kill Rei.

You do not kno-

You don't know either! He screamed, as the tears began to form. He couldn't bring himself to hurt Rei…

Berserker…have you already forgotten?

Shinji didn't know what he meant, as Arael began to tell him…

"Shinji…If you ever, ever again find yourself in a situation like the thirteenth…"

Shinji's face turned to that of concern, waiting for Toji to finish.

"I want you" he continued, "To promise me, that you'll do the right thing"

Toji was almost crying now, Shinji couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Even if it means killing a friend" his voice was starting to crack up "Promise me!"

Shinji swallowed before answering.

"Yes Toji…I promise"

Shinji sniffed as Arael finished reminding him. It was true…all true. Toji barely lived, and Shinji had jeopardized the lives of other simply because, he couldn't fulfill his duty…

Not this time…

He swallowed harshly, knowing that this was not going to be an easy thing to do…

He took a hold of the knife again, much the surprise of Armisael, and quivered there for a second.

Berserker…together…

Shinji nodded, as he began to pull it down, deeper into the angel's flesh.

He heard Rei scream, but focused on Armisael's. He had to kill the angel. Kill it before it controlled Rei. If it killed both of them…he would have to live with that.

Rei couldn't believe she was still conscious. After she felt the new wave of pain, she trembled and screamed. She thrashed in place, as if it would make a difference. This meant Shinji was willing to hurt the angel. Shinji would win. Even if she may die in the process. She could still feel the angel trying to fuse with her, but it was weakening as Shinji dug the knife deeper and deeper.

Child, do you continue to resist me?

Rei knew it was getting desperate, but she didn't bother answering. She rejected the angel's question, unable to say anything due to the pain.

Child, you may resist me…

…but you will not resist…him.

Shinji continued to dig the knife into the angel, and it was almost through now. He had drowned out Rei's screams, which the angel almost seemed to be broadcasting to him, in a feeble attempt to stop him. He continued to dig the knife through with all his strength, until…

Shinji only saw them briefly, but he saw six dots appear once again. He raised both arms and his AT field to block, which was exactly what Armisael wanted.

The boy suddenly felt a jolt on his foot, and realize the beam hadn't fired at all. It had been a distraction. Before he could react, he felt something jam his foot forward. The angel's tail had wriggled enough to free itself slightly, enough to wrap itself around its foot. He began to fall forward, but stopped himself from hitting the ground.

As he was about to twist to free himself, he felt the wind being knocked out of him. The angel's tail had dug itself into his S2 organ, and he began to groan in pain as his abdomen began to burn. He was on his knees, unable to stand. He had moved his hands to try and pry it out, but remembered that it would infect his hands as well. He franticly looked for something, anything to help himself. There was nothing nearby, and when tried to reach for the knife in the angel's body, it lurched into his abdomen even harder.

Berserker, do not submit!

Shinji could feel the pain slowing. Was it Arael? It was still no use, his chest and abdomen were in shambles. He could barely breathe, and his strength began to leave him.

Soon, however, the pain seemed to disappear. It was too sudden, so it could not have been Arael. Shinji then noticed something; a relaxing heat was replacing it. He would have fought against it, knowing full well what the consequences would be, but he felt something else…

"Rei…?"

Rei had been perplexed at what the angel meant, but one moment she was screaming from the pain of the knife, then she felt something. It was another presence, like when Armisael had fused with her. Except, it felt familiar. It wasn't even doing anything, and the pain seemed to be draining away.

"Shinji…?"

Armisael had done it, and there was nothing Arael could do now. Both of the pilots were now connected, and their wills were her playground. She knew neither would resist for one simple reason: they had an affectionate connection. Something she knew was a human weakness, which she was not afraid to exploit.

Rei and Shinji began to sense each other, but not simply physically, but mentally. They could feel the other's presence, which calmed both of them. As a comforting heat enveloped their bodies, it felt like the heat of the other's body. They could hear each others labored breaths; they could smell the other's LCL covered bodies. Their bodies were soon not so much their own, as they were each others.

They could feel what the other felt, which at this point, was pure pleasure. They were naked in more than the physical sense, as they were bare to each other. Soon, their breaths became fast and harsh, as they began to feel stimulation in every part of their bodies. It was nearly impossible to describe, but it was euphoria. For all intents and purposes, they were having a sexual experience.

Arael couldn't believe what Armisael was doing, and it was working perfectly. The children forgot all about the angel, and their will to resist melted away. Arael could no longer contact the boy, as Armisael was controlling them to such a large extent. Arael could do nothing, as both pilots were beginning to fuse with the enemy angel.

The fifteenth would have to think of something…but nothing came to mind…

"Ritsuko what's going on?" Screamed Misato, as she watched the angel fuse with both
Evas, offering no resistance. Shinji had found the courage to fight the angel, then her hope was destroyed as it performed a perfect fake out on the young pilot.

"Misato, the angel is infecting the Evas at an alarming pace." She stated, looking at the numbers, graphs and various images on her monitor with Maya, "It seems like they're no longer fighting. As if they've submitted to it…"

"What?" Shot Misato at the scientist, as if she couldn't believe that the boy and girl would willingly submit to the angel, "Why would they do that?"

Ritsuko bit her lower lip, "I think I have an idea…"

Ritsuko had heard the audio from the cockpits first, and immediately turned it off afterwards. The blonde, however, needed to show the Major. She typed a few keystrokes into the computer, and Misato was greeted by the moans, gasps, groans, and other less appropriate sounds coming from the two pilots. Maya seemed to be surprised at the teenagers making such sounds, while Misato understood.

"It…it sounds like they're having…sex…" Remarked Maya, as the teens continued to… express themselves…

"Turn that off…" Ordered Misato, and Ritsuko complied immediately. Misato didn't know what to do, without the Evas, all they had was conventional weaponry.

"Doctor Akagi," Began the Commander, as all eyes turned to him, "Are the Evas now unable to fulfill their duty."

Ritsuko swallowed, trying to say something. Instead she simply nodded.

The Commander turned to his subordinate, "Kozo, request an N2 strike on the angel, preferably their largest payload available"

"Commander I must object," Interrupted Misato, barely stopping herself from screaming, "A payload that large would eliminate the Pilots and part of the city."

"I am aware Major," Stated the Commander, "But I see no other option."

"But…we are sacrificing the pilots for nothing!" Retorted Misato, desperately trying to look for any excuse, any other way… Normally the Evas could, hypothetically, withstand an N2 blast. However, it depended on their AT fields. They were all incapacitaded, and almost right next to the angel. There wasn't any doubt that the pilots would die…

"The N2 is only a stopgap, it will give us the time to prepare for the actual counter-strike" He explained, pushing his glasses back up.

"Sir, what counter-strike? The only other Evas in service are the Mass-production series, and they're in Europe. You aren't suggesting we keep bombing it until they arrive?" Asked Misato, who was trying to follow the Commander's logic. Granted it was better than nothing, but Tokyo 3 would be a crater by then…

The Commander stood up, as Fuyutsuki was coming back with a phone, "We will use the only other conventional weapon stronger than and N2 mine," He paused as he grabbed the phone.

Stronger than an N2 mine? Thought Misato, as the commander began to talk into what she assumed to be the UN.

"Yes, proceed with the strike as soon as possible. Yes, 'Hand of God', situation: Dead Bird" The Commander passed the phone to his stunned friend, who preceded to continue talking. As the Commander had said this, Ritsuko had gasped, causing Misato to look at her.

"Rits, what did he mean?" She was familiar with 'Dead Bird', it meant Tokyo 3 and NERV had failed and should be considered useless and/or lost, "What does 'Hand of God' mean?"

Ritsuko turned to her purple-haired friend, shock in her expression, and remarked quietly, "Hydrogen Bomb…"

Misato immediately turned towards the Commander, "Commander, you cannot be serious!? A Hydrogen Bomb would destroy the entirety of Tokyo 3!"

"I am aware of the effects of said weapon Major, but we lack an alternative" He began to descend his section towards the crew section, "Using the N2 will buy us some time to evacuate the city, but we cannot be sure of how quickly it will regenerate."

He stopped in front of the crew, and addressed them all, "The Evas are lost, and we cannot risk a rescue of any kind. We will begin evacuating the city, and the Geo Front as soon as the N2 disables the angel." He began to walk out, but was stopped by Misato grabbing his arm.

Everyone looked at the two, not knowing what to expect. They were all incredibly nervous, as this battle has tested their wills.

"Please sir," Began Misato, pleadingly, "We cannot do this…thousands will die…we cannot bomb our own country with…with…" Her arm was shaking as it gripped the Commander's jacket.

The Commander, amazingly, removed his glasses and gently removed her arm from his, "Misato," He said, addressing the woman before him with her first name in God knows how long, "If we do not do this, billions will die."

He put his hand on her shoulder, and gazed at her sternly, "Would you prefer Rei and Shinji become its toys?" Misato began sobbingly quietly, as the Commander walked off, and Ritsuko came in to hold her broken friend.

Misato continued to cry, knowing that she had failed. Not only were her chargers going to die, but also were the people she had been tasked to protect. Ritsuko was whispering something, but she wasn't listening…

The Major fell on her knees, crying as her friend tried to comfort her.

Awaken!

Silence.

Do you not feel the danger you are in? The infection?

Nothing.

You must awaken spirit, you must save them!

A groan, Arael knew that was its weak point.

If you do nothing, the child will die!

Another groan, this one louder.

Fulfill your purpose, protect humanity…and your child.

Arael relaxed as he heard a roar echo through. There was hope…

"Sir, the order has been confirmed. A B4 stealth bomber will be scrambled with the N2 payload. The ETA is approximately 4 minutes seconds." Fuyutsuki relayed the information to his old friend, who only nodded.

Gendo sighed as he took in the entire situation, he wished there was another way. Regardless, the plan would continue as planned, unless SEELE inter-

"Wait, Commander abort that order!" screamed the brown-haired tech as she looked at her monitor, which was flashing violently.

"Lieutenant Ibuki, explain yourself." Ordered the Commander, as Ritsuko rushed to see the monitor. Everyone looked expectantly to see what was going on.

"Sir…Unit 01 has gone-"

Shinji found himself in what could only be described as heaven-like euphoria. It had lasted for some time, but he was surprised when it was interrupted. Shinji had blacked out a long time ago, and only heard snippets of sounds of what was happening…

He felt something crashing into him.

The severing of the connection with Rei.

Rei screaming.

A screech.

And a sound he had hoped to never hear again…

Unit 01…eating...

AN: So, thats the chapter for ya. Oh yeah, this was always meant to be a 'climax' of sorts, i had this pretty fleshed out WAAAAAAY back in the beginning. I got to my first checkpoint, and trust me when i tell you, this will have large effect on all the characters. I had had ideas fleshed out in the beginning and middle, and NOW it gets interesting, trust me.

As for my early April date, I actually did try, but i missed 2 days at school. Now, i have no idea how, but every important assignment of a school quarter was assigned in those 2 days and blah blah blah. I am sleep depraved. The OTHER reason is simply, it turned out to be WAAAY longer than i expected. I originally meant it to be a 2 parter, then i made it into one. I thougth: Ehh, it'll be like 8 pages, ill get it done quick. Quick my ass, this is by far the largest chapter i have made, and in the shortest span of time.

Also, in that time, passed the 2 YEAR anniversary of my story. YAY, I AM A LAZY FUCK! Not to mention my birthday will be on Saturday.

I am now writing the travelogue, which will be LONGER than i expected it to be. Why? Well cause i love yo- who am i kidding, JAPAN ROCKED! Again, i am offering the travelogue to everyone. It will be done before i begin writing for the 18th chap, so there's always that. Just drop me your e-mail, AGAIN if possible so i can double check and what not. As for the next chap...ehh, id say late may at least.

Many thanks to Saturn, who continues to help and kick my ass. Seriously, read his story. It has delicious WAFF and Limes...mmm.

Leave reviews people, come on!

Peace,

Squirrel

PS: Oh what happened in the end you say? Well, before Armisael corrupts Unit 00 and 01 completely, Unit 01 go-

Just wait ya bastards, thanks for reading.