Chapter 36: Does It Begin Again?

There came a point where Misato could not keep her eyes shut anymore and she forced herself to slowly open her eyes. Not only was she being blessed with the sight she had before but was given a view of her current situation. Hope as she might, nothing around her was destroyed and she found herself almost face to face with what saved her life.

Zefon's hand was held back by Unit-02's grasp as it used every bit of strength it had to prevent any further destruction. Intent to ensure Misato would no longer be in danger, Unit-02 made a mighty push with both of its hands to send the Angel falling on its back to the ground it paved for itself. Neither the Angel nor the Eva unit were anywhere near Misato's apartment as the two beings stepped away from the area and were forced to face one another for the fate of the human race.

Misato looked in with a resigned look as she observed the thing that saved her life, "This really had to happen? This way?"

Within the cockpit or Unit-02, Kaworu panted as he was forced to face one of his own kind. While he could not save as much of the city as he hoped, he still held on to the hope that he was fulfilling his ultimate goal. He could only know if he was successful by going against the very nature expected of him.

The struggle of facing Zefon made Kaworu give every bit of strength he had into throwing a punch down to the Angel but found Unit-02's fist make contact with an A.T. Field. Before he had a chance to strike again, Zefon fired another beam towards Unit-02 from its core and sent it flying back. The damage Unit-02 took sent it backwards while Zefon took the opportunity to stand up and prepare to either pass its opponent or deal a killing blow if necessary.

As soon as Kaworu saw Zefon make its advance he called out, "Now Ayanami!"

Before Zefon had a chance to continue its attack, Unit-04 hit it from behind with its sonic glaive. Zefon was forced forward as it found itself double teamed by the two Eva units but raised both of its hands to raise AT fields in response to the attacks. It could not advance forward or back but was not willing to surrender at the obstacles it was faced with.

Before Unit-02 could make its way any closer, Zefon fired another beam from its core before directly hitting it in the chest. Unit-02 was more prepared this time as it set one of its feet behind it and found itself sliding along the ground. What little space it was able to make for itself, it eagerly accepted as it diverted the rest of its energy into Unit-04's attempt to pierce it.

Rei was slammed back by the sudden push of the AT Field but managed to keep Unit-04 standing. She kept her sonic glaive in hand and prepared to strike again while Unit-02 ran forward to attack the Angel again. Zefon was prepared for this attack as it summoned another beam of energy and fired directly into the chest of its attacker only to see it struggle to make another step forward.

The back and forth attacking caught the attention of the commanders at NERV as Fuyutsuki contacted, "You will not be able to damage that thing if you do not disrupt its AT Field."

Kaworu acknowledged how much he was holding back as he told him, "Removing the target from its current location should be the first priority. That is my current objective."

Unhappy with the reasoning, Fuyutsuki reminded, "It may be difficult, but you have more than yourself to consider. Fail here and NERV will never be able to answer another threat."

While Kaworu had his reservations about what he should have been doing, the target in front of him was going to keep him from seeing any of his personal desires from being achieved. Zefon was being pushed back and destroying nearby buildings as a challenge for either unit to march forward and face it. Unit-04 remained at a distance as it prepared to find the first opportunity it could take to deal a decisive blow but still had to find an opportunity to break past the AT Field that would stop it in its tracks.

Forcing himself to bear the might of the attack, Kaworu charged Unit-02 forward with its progressive knife as it made a cut down the field upon contact. Zefon saw what sort of danger it was in and raised its other hand in a desperate attempt to force Unit-02 away from itself. Unit-04 saw the opportunity at hand as it charged forward and Rei made it thrust the sonic glaive into its own back.

Zefon was caught unaware as it took the damage and felt the tip of the glaive make its way down its back. Rei only managed to dig a little into the flesh of the Angel before it spun around and threw Unit-04 into a nearby building. The sight was not only alarming for Kaworu as he realized how much danger Rei was in but how much more destruction was occurring.

Seeing the damage being done made Kaworu proclaim, "Shinji. I will not fail you. I will make you happy."

Unit-02 thrust its progressive knife further down to cause a split in the AT Field and made a lunge forward to make a killing blow. Zefon and Unit-02 tackled one another across the ground before they both made their way to the ground where Maelstrom made its territory. While destruction of the city was no longer easy, Kaworu knew he would have to fulfill an act that he had never demonstrated before if he was going to achieve his aspirations.

Rei planned to follow up on this opportunity as she rushed Unit-04 towards the struggling forces. Her attack took advantage of the opening as she lunged her sonic glaive towards Zefon's back. Her chance was not as opportune as she hoped as she saw the Angel raise its hand behind it and make another blow to the chest of Unit-04 while holding on to the head of Unit-02.

After enduring so much damage, Rei tried to encourage Kaworu by warning, "We have gained an advantage that we cannot squander."

Kaworu did not need to hear any more from Rei to understand what was at stake but took the opportunity to strategize, "We will both strike it at once. Its field must be weak by now."

Unit-02 turned Zefon over before leaping up from the ground and placing as much distance between them as possible. Zefon saw its target getting away and picked itself up to begin its rush towards Unit-02. It caught up with them sooner than it expected as Unit-02 made a sudden turn around and thrust with its progressive knife.

Rei saw what Kaworu was setting up for them both and rushed towards Zefon to make a mighty downard strike. The fields blocked both attacks again but began to rapidly crumble as the blades came further towards the ground. Zefon tried to fire its beam towards Unit-02 but was caught off balance again as it found the sonic glaive from Unit-04 thrust its way through its chest.

The shot caused a mighty rupture to explode upon the ground as Zefon was forced forward and Unit-04 continued its slice down until making contact with the core. The result was exactly what Kaworu had been hoping to see achieved but felt himself hurt as he had to watch another of his kind meet its demise in front of him. It was not a debilitating harm to himself but it was a struggle that kept him from providing substantial assistance.

Rei did not need any help to deliver the final blow however as she dug the blade of her sonic glaive further into Zefon's core. The Angel tried to push itself forward as its core blinked at the amount of damage being done to it but found itself unable to escape as cracks began to form. It continued to struggle out of its hold as much as possible but its energy rapidly left its body as its core was subjected to the glaive digging itself further within.

It took several more seconds as the glaive's blade dug itself into the core and finally gave one final burst of red before fading dim. The rampage of Zefon was brought to an end as it fell forward and collapsed upon the ground next to Unit-02's feet. The two Eva units looked across from one another as the fallen Angel signified their victory after so many difficulties.

While the onlookers at NERV were thankful they managed to hold off against the recent Angel attack, Misato was not so enthusiastic. Zefon was slain far away from her location and left the remainder of the city standing. There were going to be casualties to account for and she would not be one of them.

Misato fell to the floor as she cursed what she managed to survive before turning her head over to Pen Pen and observing, "It's just perfect isn't it? The one I couldn't take care of and her Eva decides to save me... For some reason I'm supposed to live through all of this... I'm supposed to be special I guess... No idea why that would be the case... It has to be because of you... You don't even care about all this do you?"

Pen Pen stood up as he lifted himself up from the floor and began to look around the apartment as though he was looking for something. Misato continued to be left alone as ever before and had no solid answers about her current situation. She was still alive, but it was all coming to a point where she wondered what difference there would have been if her wish had been fulfilled.

Takeshi took a heavy breath when he saw the Angel destroyed along with the other occupants of NERV. There might have been conflicting aspirations within the headquarters but they were for a previous few moments united in defending themselves. Whether it would be enough to keep such unity or not was a question he was not anxious to discover.

The silence he came to appreciate was broken as soon as he heard Makoto announce, "The Angel has been destroyed, sir. Both pilots are still alive."

Taking command of the moment, Takeshi ordered, "Get those Eva units repaired immediately. I want all available hands working on them overtime."

The personnel of NERV scrambled as they forced themselves to prepare for another invasion. Seeing another Angel arrive like it did left everyone around Takeshi shaken and thankful they were able to survive considering what resources they had but also frightened of what would come after. Takeshi hoped it was a feeling everyone shared but was reminded by Fuyutsuki's observation what preparations measures had been taken by those not under either of their command.

Attempting to make himself seem in control of the situation, Takeshi accused, "You and the Commander seem to have known more than you were letting on. The Maelstrom Angel was supposed to be the last one but you had us all fooled."

Despite the danger behind the observation, Fuyutsuki remained indifferent, "I know about as much as you do General. He only saw to it that I knew everything I needed to know."

Takeshi found himself struggling to remain calm as he stood up from his seat and pointed out, "And withheld how many Angels we would have to face? I find information like this to be too vital to be in the hands of one individual!"

Fuyutsuki kept himself seated as he looked up to Takeshi adding, "It is also why he wanted to make sure that I would not be exploited in a scenario like this one."

Falling back into his chair, Takeshi saw the reasoning behind Fuyutsuki's ignorance but let out a groan of frustration before demanding, "Being prepared for any incoming Angels is what will make sure the remainder of the human race will be able to answer for such threats. We were getting ready to have those children begin to live their lives again. All you did was leave us with our guard down."

Takeshi did nothing to appeal to Fuyutsuki's sense of humanity and was told, "Consider it a test of your ability to respond to this situation. I am sure there will be a future for NERV."

Displeased he was not getting anywhere with Fuyutsuki, Takeshi sat up from his seat and made his way towards a gathering of NERV personnel who were held at gunpoint. He was pleased to see the remainder of the headquarters was kept from falling into chaos but being presented with the newest challenge forced him to find any way he could to come off as stalwart in the face of disaster. Until he received word from any of his superiors he was forced to remain the voice of command that would make sure the greatest hope of humanity could remain the impenetrable fortress it was supposed to be.

When it came to working with the crew below the tank of Fuyutsuki, Takeshi had a feeling of assurance that he could take command as he announced, "We have duties to take care of out here. Find every remaining personnel and make sure they don't disrupt anything."

Turning his attention to the screen above he heard Shigeru announce, "The Eva units are approaching the cages now. All assigned personnel are now prepared to fulfill repair duties."

Takeshi took the opportunity to command, "Bring the pilots here, I need to hear from them directly."

Shinji could not accept any explanation of what happened other than miraculous timing. It seemed by all accounts that Misato should have faced her death the moment the Angel came within striking distance. He had no idea who piloted the Eva units that saved Misato but he wanted to give them both his absolute gratitude just for saving her.

Shinji knelt atop a mountain of rubble and remained fixed on Misato's apartment complex while Hajime called to him, "It seems like she'll be fine. You might have a chance to see her after all."

The suggestion only yielded a lingering silence as Shinji continued to stare at the apartment complex in the distance. He lay there with hope that Misato would survive but neglected to think any further ahead. Possibilities lay in front of him but he found himself faced with the same shame and sorrow he had before that he was afraid to confront.

While Hajime could not hear any of Shinji's thoughts, he tried to remind him, "I'm sorry to say that I don't know if that was the last Angel either. This city can always be faced with another day of danger when we least expect it."

His warning still did nothing to shake Shinji where he sat and Hajime was left with silence again. He had almost no context of what sort of drama pulled Shinji away from Misato but it was still lingering enough to keep both of them apart. The silence not only served as a reminder of how little he managed to uphold Kyoya's last wish and was left wondering how much of NERV would still be around.

Resigned that he would not be able to reach out to him, Hajime told Shinji, "There's a reason I had to evacuate from the area. That Angel was headed in my direction. I have a feeling it may have destroyed my apartment and there won't be anything to return to. If you want to return with me, we'll have to find another place."

Hajime was prepared to turn away and leave Shinji but found himself surprised as soon as he heard him respond, "Miss Misato is still up there."

It was not a proclamation of hope but not a dismissal either. It was simply Shinji laying atop the mountain of debris looking for one possibility his life might be going. The image of him looking on with uncertainty was a better image than Hajime could recall but wondered how much further he could push Shinji down the path he would want to take.

Making his way up the small mountain, Hajime stood behind Shinji and told him, "I would have done everything to help you and the other children. You are not the only one who wishes they could have done things differently."

Shinji felt little assurance as he focused himself on the present claiming, "What am I supposed to do now though? Miss Misato will never forgive me."

Pocketing his hands and trying to determine everything he knew made Hajime answer, "I don't like to assume things about anyone, but I'm sure Misato isn't the sort of person who would turn away anyone she cared about. She probably even still wishes Ritsuko was not who she turned out to be."

While he was able to comprehend the sort of pain that Misato was going through right now, Shinji struggled to imagine either of them deserving forgiveness. They both willingly entered a relationship that may as well have been doomed from the start in more ways than the most obvious to onlookers. All of it stemming from both of them in despair and resorting to one another only to find themselves even worse off than before.

Wondering what sort of hope he had left made Shinji ask, "When is anyone supposed to give up on anyone?"

It was not an easy question for Hajime to answer but he decided to turn the table on Shinji by asking, "That's for them to decide. Try telling me this, if you didn't care about Misato anymore, what were you worried about her for?"

Accepting that Hajime would not be leaving him alone any time soon, Shinji lingered before managing to answer, "I couldn't live with myself if she did die. She did so much for me and everyone else. I should have been up there instead of her."

The reasoning seemed consistent with one of Shinji's earlier claims and made Hajime ask, "I think you said earlier that you think you never made anyone's life better. Out of everyone you can think of, you don't think anyone would mourn you if you died now?"

There was no doubt in Shinji's voice as he confirmed, "Nobody."

Breathing a heavy sigh from the silence that followed, Hajime reminded, "Well here's my reminder, you're still a kid. The world is falling apart all around us and things are barely getting any better, but we still have something resembling civilization out here. Where you are now doesn't have to be where you'll stay."

While there was indeed a future that Shinji could imagine behind Hajime's assurance, he remained unconvinced as he asked, "And what if everyone's better because of it?"

Hearing such persistence was disheartening for Hajime to hear but he held on to his original conviction reminding, "Honestly I don't think Misato would look at it that way. If I think back to all the gossip of her and Mitsuru, I only remember a few times she was happier. If you're worried about how you're being looked at, the whole world's not against you on what you did either."

While he did not have the will to dismiss Hajime, Shinji tried to understand what sort of hope he had by asking, "You really think it's okay for me to be with Miss Misato like I was?"

While he knew Shinji was past the point of being encouraged, Hajime revealed his guess, "I wouldn't be surprised if there were people who thought it was necessary." Believing he had gone as far as he would be able to, Hajime stepped up to Shinji's side and knelt down and handed him a few bills, "I'll be further downtown if you ever want to talk to me again. I might have to keep up with whatever is happening at NERV though. Whatever happens, just know that the whole world isn't against anyone."

Shinji drew his knees close to his chest as an attempt to keep himself shielded and protested, "If anything is happening after this, I really don't want to be part of it."

Realizing he would not even look at him, Hajime let the folded bills down next to Shinji and told him, "That's what we have been trying to change for a long time. I only hope we're a little closer now."

Shinji could not imagine how he was supposed to feel better about anything that came to pass recently as he asked, "And you think I should be talking to Miss Misato like this?"

Hajime stood up as he gave one last look towards Misato's apartment complex and told him, "Take as long as you need Shinji. Just try not to take too long or you might never have the opportunity again. It's hard for me to say which is better but that's only because of where things have taken us."

Shinji drew his knees to his chest as he sought to deter against what uncertainty was still tearing away at his mind by asking, "How do I know I won't take too long?"

Hajime tried his best to find a definitive answer that would assure Shinji by accounting, "New Angels always seem to arrive after three days minimum. I know it's hard to think about, but they'll probably give you that much time at best. Well, I hope I'll see you soon."

With that parting message, Hajime left Shinji atop the mountain and made his way down to the streets that were not touched by the destruction. He no longer had anyone to talk to but it was the perfect opportunity for him to sit and contemplate what his proper response should be. The great question of if Misato was better with him in her life or if he should do everything to keep her from being hurt by him again.

Keeping his gaze focused on the complex across from him he asked, "Miss Misato... Would you really want me now?"

Shinji could not tell if anyone was watching him from across the streets and had even less care as he was left with a lingering question that took hold of him. The kindest fortune was that he was not being watched by a mysterious third party who was planning to take advantage of him. Rather he commanded the attention of the very individual he was struggling to determine if he was worth going through all the pain and hardships for.

Misato could not tell what words were exchanged between Shinji and Hajime as she saw the boy she cared for resigning himself to the elements. It was a sight that ignited a newfound sense of dread that she found herself losing track of and ended up questioning every decision she made before. She was supposed to be completely resigned to the notion that no one who knew her would ever miss her fi she was gone but was given a direct refutation of that argument just from the sight below.

"Why though?" Misato asked herself.

Many more questions rushed through her mind as she tried to question what she deserved and what she would be resigned to. Just moments ago, she believed her life was unsalvageable and found herself asking what she would have to gain by continuing. More immediate to her now was the question of how she would even take the boy she longed for back into her life.

Did she have more to offer than for her to take? Would she ever be able to call herself a good person if she allowed him to go through the same wallowing she had resigned herself to? Could she even bring herself to reveal long neglected details that would inevitably boil over sooner or later?

Questions like these were the hindering factor that made Misato turn away and struggle to keep herself from crying. Confusion warped her mind before finally falling to the soggy floor she created for herself. One action was all it would take for her to bring the boy she wanted back into her life. She also remembered all the pain and difficulty she endured before that would be back at the forefront if she made that choice.

For all the degradation Shinji might have been willing to put himself through, Misato could not make the argument that she was any better than him. Neglecting to reveal everything to him, declaring his intentions to be selfish, and never developing the strength to even try to bring herself back into his life. How could she ever see the two of them finding happiness within the arms of one another?

Answering the question she indirectly gave to Shinji a while ago, Misato summarized the confusion and struggle to consider ever looking Shinji in the eye again by describing herself, All you have to come back to… is a quivering mess…"

Takeshi saw one of his men make his way up to him and report, "Sir, we just received message from the Prime Minister in regards to our current occupation. He has determined that you are the best choice to take up leadership of this facility."

While Takeshi was not enthusiastic about his newest placement, he acknowledged, "If there is going to be any sense of leadership around here it is going to have to be my responsibility. Has he said anything about what we are supposed to do with Commander Ikari?"

Takeshi received a report, "He is to remain where he is and there will be no further tampering with his area. We cannot risk triggering destruction of this city."

Indifferent to the decision to leave him alone, Takeshi stood up dismissing, "He can remain where he is for all I care. Taking hold of what he valued so much is going to be a perfect act of spite against him." Stepping up to the rails, he announced to the crew below, "I want you all to understand that I did not have any plans for a day like this one to happen. I was against the idea of this organization from the beginning and I still find its secrecy to be an even better case for this place to be shut down. Unfortunately we still have an Angel threat out there and we are going to have to stand against who knows how many more. Since your former commander is not willing to face judgment, it is time that I replace him. Anything that happens here today or afterwards is going to get through me before anything else. And I will not accept anything being withheld. Is that clear?"

A chorus of, "Yes sir," made its way through the command room before returning to their duties. It was not completely assuring to find himself so easily accepted but it was the least he could have hoped to see recognized. When he turned to see Fuyutsuki remaining indifferent to the announcement, Takeshi found himself uneasy when he still had one high ranking official who was not so ready to accept his placement.

Attempting to focus his attention on where he was now, Takeshi asked, "Who has not been sent through interrogation yet?"

Another one of his men announced, "The highest ranking official we cannot find is the Major. Everyone who was not a casualty has been accounted for with only a few missing."

Displeased with the report, Takeshi lamented "Misato Katsuragi is still nowhere to be found? What did that woman feel the need to escape this place for? There has to be some clue of her working for this SEELE if anything."

Fuyutsuki spoke up to warn, "It is possible that you might end up wasting resources trying to find her. I am sure there are some here who never wanted to be with us this whole time."

Takeshi laughed as he revealed, "Well you are at quite a disadvantage Fuyutsuki. Seeing as it was because of her that we had such a crucial moment to stage this occupation."

This show of authority left Fuyutsuki unfazed as he countered, "If that is the case then you should not even need to search for her."

The small point Takeshi had over Fuyutsuki was lost as he found himself wondering what would have made Misato so reluctant to meet him face to face. He already had multiple cases he could classify as mistreatment of staff in the base with no discernable unifying force behind who was leading them. Having so little context behind such a high-level official being defended made his suspicion of her grow with what little time he had to contemplate the reasons.

His suspicions were interrupted as he heard one of his men announce, "Sir, they are here. Rei Ayanami and Kaworu Nagisa."

Turning to see the two children standing across from him, Takeshi had an initial sense of unease as he saw the two remaining Eva pilots standing at attention. Despite his principle of helping children, he felt his cause challenged as he saw these two standing at attention and listening to him. With everything that had been uncovered by Japanese officials he found it amazing to think that no one would have suspected there was anything off about them.

"Does anyone even recognize their eyes?" Takeshi wondered under his breath. He kept himself from being suspected any further as he asked them, "This is going to be the only time I will ask. Do either of you children know where NERV personnel might be hiding?"

Rei answered first, "I do not."

Kaworu had more to say as he asked, "Misato Katsuragi is it?"

Takeshi focused on Kaworu as he confirmed, "Very observant. Do you have any idea where she might have gone?"

Kaworu revealed what little he did know about Misato, "I would assume to the one she cared for the most."

The assumption made Takeshi sigh as he tried to find a way to build in the lead. The situation with Misato was not something he expected to have to discover and had no information that could lead him to an answer. Discovering if this boy was involved was the only way he knew for sure he would be able to have a real answer.

He allowed Kaworu to have leeway against him as he asked, "I only know a little about her personal life. Has anything changed ever since the death of Ryoji Kaji?"

Kaworu remained compliant answering, "The rumors I have heard were the most I have ever learned."

Recalling the few rumors he heard about her affair with Mitsuru, Takeshi was left disappointed as he reasoned, "I see. So you couldn't have assisted her or whoever she was actually involved with."

While he was not willing to divulge the full truth, Kaworu revealed the nature of his previous encounter with the Legion controlled NERV personnel, "Not knowingly."

Despite being a cryptic answer, Takeshi accepted the answer telling him, "That is probably more than I am going to get from most people here." Prepared to instruct them again, Takeshi explained, "Your cooperation is appreciated as is your continued willingness to eradicate the remaining Angels. That is why I am going to have to ask you to continue for as long as it may take."

Rei accepted the conditions, "I was prepared for such a life."

Kaworu agreed, "There are those I care for that I must be ready to defend."

While still uneasy with their presence, Takeshi accepted the dedication of the two Eva pilots dismissing, "The MAGI Technicians all have their preparations for your continued sorties. Prepare to hear from them in a few minutes."

Both Kaworu and Rei accepted their new assignment in unison, "Of course General."

Turning away from the two and making his way to the area where Gendo sat to overlook the personnel below him, he heard Fuyutsuki observe, "You were once so skeptical of this organization's purpose but now have a hold of it."

Takeshi was still uneasy with the responsibility that was placed upon him but remained dedicated and defiant to Fuyutsuki's elusive nature telling him, "This was far from what I hoped for. All I can hope for now is that serving under more stable superiors will make you realize how ineffective your methods have been."

Content with the new leadership in place, Fuyutsuki praised, "I respect your dedication General. Your ability to face such challenges will be the only way you will demonstrate which of us is right."

Turning to face the screen, Takeshi dismissed the praise, "We have work to do around here. More importantly I want the Prime Minister to receive my conditions for continuing the defense of this city. I want the evacuation to begin as soon as possible."

Overhearing this command caught the attention of Shigeru as he held on to the pile of papers he had in hand before asking, "Uh… Sir? You have that sort of authority?"

Takeshi brushed away the concern as he reminded, "Son, I'll have you know that you are working with a proper military official now. For the good of the people and even this idea of humanity you all profess to be fighting for, you're going to see many changes around here and there are not going to be any more lives needlessly put at stake."

Fuyutsuki watched the exchange from afar warning, "You will only be able to change what is within your grasp General…"

Many who once considered themselves the masters of the overarching plot behind NERV were given a sense of humility with the recent attack. The idea that everything they had been setting up was being challenged created a sense of unease among those who were loyal to SEELE and its hopes. All except for one individual they believed to be a crucial ally until now.

Gendo Ikari, the commander of NERV, sat in the center of a circle of holographic monoliths as they tried to take account of everything that happened. It was easily determined that he was the cause of all the disruption that had just occurred in the last week and was still as passive as he had ever been. Such a display was frustrating for the onlookers of NERV but it could not be made apparent as the members of SEELE tried to comprehend where he cornered them.

The 01 Monolith began by demanding, "You will tell us everything if you intend to achieve anything Ikari. This demonstration of recklessness almost cost us everything."

Gendo acknowledged what he had set up explaining, "You forced me to play this hand. Your desperation to discover the endgame made me take every precaution necessary to keep our operations from being compromised. And now here we are."

The 02 Monolith corrected, "We did not send in the Japanese Strategic Self Defense Force, there are clearly elements among your personnel who informed them."

The 03 Monolith agreed, "Such an oversight forced us to utilize our last resort as a defensive measure."

While they were able to determine how their current situation came to be possible, the 06 Monolith was the first to realize, "It is convenient to believe that you are still working with us Ikari, but it seems more accurate that you allowed all of this to occur willingly."

Gendo corrected the suspicion, "It is what kept me from being captured by all of you. I will say that I did not anticipate them reacting this soon. I now have to keep myself here if it means our best means of achieving Instrumentality can one day be realized."

The 08 Monolith was forced to accept the situation by reminding, "We have tried all we could to discern Ikari's motives to beginning Instrumentality on his terms. All we can accept now is that we have no other options."

The 07 Monolith added, "If we cannot bend him back to our will, it would seem that cooperation is the best hope we have."

The 01 Monolith was reluctant to accept the current reality but agreed, "The ends are what we must prioritize. It would seem you are willing to accept where things are now Ikari. As such we will leave you where you are. The new General should be a better shield against future Angels. However long it takes, we will ensure that things continue as they have."

Gendo hung his head in acceptance, "This will do for now. It was only a matter of time before you saw things my way. How the pieces shall be handled now is for us to anticipate."

A/N: So there it is, pieces have been set, the greater conflict has been established, everything is set to move towards the end in sight. Our main leads have better context of what the other went through and what they might be feeling now but still have their uncertainties. How will the world react when they discover the truth about them?

Well, this chapter will mark the end of what I dub to be the third cour of this story. Effectively since the first 26 episodes of the show were a pair of cours, that's how I decided to measure how far along this story has gone. Chapter 10 was the end of the second and this one is the end of the third. So this means I'll be moving forward with a goal to write 26 more chapters to wrap up this final one.

Believe me, this story turned out to be a lot longer than I thought it would have been. I actually thought it was going to end here but I just ended up getting more ideas and more stuff I wanted to see. I effectively took command of the anime's narrative and ended up finding a lot of angles that I came to realize would serve a purpose to the one I came up with.

So what can you expect from this final set of chapters? The most crucial thing I aspired to in Chapter 1, working towards the happy ending. I felt like I needed to build up enough drama and hardships between the two main characters before they were ready to reunite and now I think I'm ready to take in the final challenges in this very messed up setting. And even then I realized there is more that I have to do to make this story turn out the way I want it to.

Just getting back together after a breakup does not always mean that things are instantly going to get better afterwards. There's still lingering doubts, concerns, and even resentment that is going to be formed because of what drive two individuals apart in the first place. There may not be many new characters but there will be another 13 episodes of my attempt at Eva while working towards that grand finale.

Also I want to apologize for forgetting last time but there was a reason I posted the previous chapter early and that was something I wanted to celebrate. As of almost two weeks ago, this story hit 150 followers and I want to give a big thank you to everyone who gave their support in that way. I hope you look forward to seeing how things go forward into the year of 2024 and I am very confident to reveal this much: You will be seeing the end of this story some time that year. Now it's just my hope that this long journey turns out to be a worthwhile one if you're still following along.

That's my elevator pitch for everyone who got this far and I hope you all look forward to what lies ahead. I hope to see you then.