Rebuild SKL is Kaiser

ESKK: Well, we're that much closer to the climax so let's start the new chapter now.

(Start NERV HQ Red Earth)

Gendo glared at the massive machine that was now in the final phases of construction. At the moment the face was being welded on as said face seemed very human like in origin. Its topaz eyes matched that of Kaiser's when using Wing Cross but were dark due to being inactive. The Pilder on the other hands looked more like a bird then anything yet for some reason Gendo felt there was more to the design then that. It had the controls from an Entry Plug in place to allow it to be operated as an EVA with added switches for the other weapons.

Most of its exterior armor was pure white with silver between the segments. The boots had a set of wings on it as well as the gauntlets for its rocket punch-based attack. Its form was a contrast to Kaiser in all the ways that mattered it even had retractable wings on its back. Its shoulder armor was noted to bear a striking resemblance to that of Iron Kaiser suggesting that it had its own Shoulder Blasters.

Nearby its weapon to match Kasier's Ganzanto and Breast Trigger were reaching the final stages of construction. This new weapon for this machine would be ready for deployment soon enough. Gendo wasn't exactly fond of it but so long as it can perform as he intended for Unit-13 then he will not openly complain here.

Still most if not all of its weapons were recycled from Iron Kaiser and upgraded using some of Fudo's old notes from when she was originally working on Project Kaiser. Soon his goal will be realized, his wish will be granted, and Yui will finally be back in his arms. All Gendo needed was the 9th Angel that Shikinami has and all that he had worked for will bear fruit.

But soon enough his musings were cut short when he heard footsteps approaching from behind. He did not even need to look as he saw that it was Ryo who had arrived in the room. "So, I see its almost ready." Ryo said admiring the giant that would grant Gendo his goals.

"Yes, thanks to your input, we are well ahead of schedule." Gendo said impressed with how much time Ryo had helped make up. "And since its origin parts had already awoken thanks to the Third Children forcing him into piloting will not be required." Gendo said as Ryo heard this.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you hardwire that EVA to respond to him?" Ryo asked as he found it curious. "I mean surely there must have been other pilots you could have utilized." Ryo said as he was curious at this.

"It had to be him SHE would not accept any other." Gendo said as he glared at the massive machine being built. "It all began with him so it must end with him as well." He added and thus Ryo nodded to this.

"I see, he awoken EVA Unit-01 14 years ago so if anyone can awaken the EVA it had to be him." Ryo said as he saw where Gendo was going with this. "But are you not worried that he will attempt to stop you?" Ryo asked with concern for Gendo.

"I expect him to his personality has changed dramatically but he will not stop me." Gendo said as he bigger concern was Kaiser. "Kaiser is currently our main concern right now." Gendo said and thus Ryo sighed to this.

"The Chimera's we sent will not be able to do the job." Ryo said as he knew that Akira and Kuzo were formidable as pilots. "They have come close but not enough to actually defeat the devil." Ryo said and thus Gendo turned and glared at Ryo.

"What do you suggest then?" Gendo asked accusingly at Ryo.

"The mech may be powerful but the pilots are still only human." Ryo said making it clear what the plan was. "Eliminate at least one of the pilots and Kaiser is useless to our enemies." Ryo said with an amused smiled on his face.

"Assassination." Gendo said seeing what Ryo was implying.

"In Village-3 despite all that they do without WILLE they are vulnerable." Ryo said as he knew this to be a fact.

"Do you have some way to deal with them?" Gendo asked as he wanted to hear what Ryo had to offer. The boy was an ally somewhat, but Gendo did not trust him especially at this important junction of his scenario. One mistake one tiny mistake could ruin everything Gendo had planned to reunite with Yui.

"The Ayanami Units would not arrive in time before decomposing… so I felt it was best we relied on something mechanical to do the job." Ryo said and thus three figured entered the room all three of them were female with red tops, jean shorts, knee high heeled boots, and long blond-haired pull into twin tails on their heads.

"Will they be able to handle the target?" Gendo asked with a raised brow to this.

"Certainly, the Gamia Q will succeed, or they will die trying." Ryo said but he smirked a bit. "But I would not recommend putting all your eggs in one basket either." Ryo said reminding Gendo what had happened during the near Fourth Impact against Kaiser.

"I see… we still have one more Chimera Unit that can be deployed." Gendo said noting that this was the last one before their final unit was built to completion.

"Thank you, I shall have the Gamia Q deploy." Gendo said and with a signal the three androids began to take their leave their mission clear, and their target identified. Gendo was left alone in the room as he glared back at the developing machine. Soon it will be ready and with that Kaiser will be destroyed and Gendo will reunite with his beloved Yui.

At the same time Ryo faced away from Gendo and the Gamia Q smirking as he walked. Gendo may believe he had all avenues considered but even as an Angel Gendo could not hope to command this mechs power himself. Unit-13 simply needs and Angel Core to activate but at no point did anyone say that it needed to be the 9th Angels core. Taking out a personal terminal Ryo smiled as the remains of the Angel that Kaiser defeated was shown deep inside NERV.

Once Ryo was gone Fuyutsuki entered the room as he stood with Gendo. "So, to defeat the Devil we must use another devil." Fuyutsuki said as he watched the construction of their final trump card.

"Kaiser has proven itself to be a formidable foe and a threat to the scenario." Gendo said knowing he had no choice. "At this important stage we cannot afford any more mistakes or even traitors." Gendo said as Fuyutsuki saw the implication of his words.

"You do not trust Ryo." Fuyutsuki said and thus Gendo went silent at that assumption. "I do not trust him either something about that boy is not right." Fuyutsuki said as he had seen very few people like him in the world when he had still been a college professor.

"He will be dealt with the minute he is of no more use to us or if he becomes a liability to the scenario." Gendo said making it clear that he will not take risks with this boy amongst them.

"Of course." Fuyutsuki said as he began to take his leave once more. "But I fear we may have allowed an even greater devil to walk amongst our ranks." Fuyutsuki said as his tone showed a certain inkling of fear. Despite everything though in his most silent of moments Gendo could agree the boy was not well perhaps he had never even been well to begin with. That in of itself was a terrifying notion.

(Scene Break Village-3 Lake Afternoon)

Shinji and Kensuke sat in a boat as the duo were currently out fishing together. "So, Shinji you've changed a lot since that day." Kensuke said as with this peaceful venue everything was at peace.

"Well, it's been 14 years we all had to grow up I suppose." Shinji said as he had his line in the water as did Kensuke.

"You have to admit it's nice to be out here like this." Kensuke said as he smiled a bit.

"Yes, I suppose so." Shinji said agreeing with Kensuke here.

"So, I've been meaning to ask, Akira is yours and Asuka's clone, right?" Kensuke asked as he looked to Shinji.

"Well, I prefer son better." Shinji said as he kept the line in the water.

"Does he know about that?" Kensuke asked while focusing on the water.

"He more or less knows if he doesn't already suspect." Shinji said while the Cicada's echoed around them. Shinji wasn't exactly sure if Akira knew about his parentage yet. Hence why Shinji was trying to form a bond before he does in the event Akira does not know. "I… I missed over 14 years of his life." Shinji said as he felt truly guilty about what Akira endured.

"Shinji you and Asuka didn't know, no one can blame you for that." Kensuke said assuring Shinji that it was not his fault. "Your trying now you both are, that's what matters." Kensuke said knowing Akira was a troubled boy. "Besides it's not all hopeless his personality takes after his mother." Kensuke joked as he knew that Akira uses insults to hide the fact, he likes certain people around here.

"He also found Asuka's game pad she left here." Shinji retorted as he had seen Akira playing it with headphones in his ear several times.

"Speaking of your ears still ringing?" Kensuke joked as there was an incident recently where Akira and Shinji got their MP3 players mixed up. Shinji ended up hearing Akira's metal bands and nearly blew his own ears off. Akira was not too pleased with Shinji's choice in music and snatched back his music playing device.

"Asuka still laughs about it." Shinji responded as the two sat there on the boat.

"I can tell." Kensuke said before moving on to the real reason they came here. "Shinji… I've been meaning to bring this up but it's about Eve and her mom Rei." Kensuke said revealing what he knew from his interactions with the alleged Ayanami child.

"Let me guess… she contradicted herself when she spoke of her mother telling her to live but giving her a life-threatening task." Shinji said as Kensuke then looked shocked when Shinji said this.

"Wait Shinji are you saying that… you already knew about it?" Kensuke asked shocked that his friend was already aware of this.

"Yeah, I was there when she was created." Shinji admitted feeling guilty about withholding this. "If Eve ever found out the truth… it would destroy her." Shinji said almost bitterly as he had to keep this lie for Eve's own protection.

"Shinji you can trust me… what is the relationship between Rei and Eve?" Kensuke asked as he needed to know the truth about them.

"Kensuke… you can't under any circumstances, tell Eve about this." Shinji said making it clear that he did not want Eve to learn of this.

"Shinji whatever it is, she needs to know." Kensuke said but Shinji turned her head.

"She has this idealized image of her mother not realizing that she was using Eve." Shinji spoke and thus Kensuke was wide eyed to this. "Please Kensuke you can't tell her." Shinji said begging as he was worried for his niece and her own wellbeing.

"I… I understand I won't tell." Kensuke said and thus Shinji sighed to this before rubbing his tired eyes.

"As you probably know the Ayanami clones can't live long without being submerged in LCL on a regular basis." Shinji spoke as he got down to it. "Rei is no exception to that rule." Shinji added which got Kensuke worried. "But when you're stuck inside an ageless realm where anything can be made real… you decide to tinker a bit." Shinji said as Kensuke listened to Shinji. "I don't know what it was curiosity in motherhood or maybe a hidden ambition, but Rei knew she would possibly die if separated from the EVA." Shinji said which got to the worst bit.

"I was leaning towards her wanting to experience motherhood when she made Eve." Shinji said recalling when Eve was born. "She spent almost a year working on her and when that little girl formed when I looked at how small and innocent, she was… I just knew I had to do what I can to protect her." Shinji said as this got to why he made such a promise then. "But Rei… as soon as Eve could walk, she began her training." Shinji said recalling those days. Eve was pushed through a gauntlet of lessons, combat lessons, war strategies, espionage, and much more. "She was turning Eve into a weapon to stop NERV and punish WILLE." Shinji said as he knew at the time, he had to stop it.

"Kensuke, she made Eve from her own genetic structure and used the Gate of Guff to fix the imperfections that causes her body to revert to LCL." Shinji said and thus Kensuke put the pieces together.

"So, your saying that Eve…" Kensuke trailed off realizing why Shinji hid this.

"Yes… she's an Ayanami Clone a perfected one the kind of clone my father had tried and failed to make for years." Shinji said revealing what he knew. "And Rei wanted her to be a weapon a tool… for me." Shinji said as he was appalled over what Rei had done then. "Eve doesn't even realize this, or she does but is repressing it." Shinji said revealing what he knew about Eve. "We argued about it she said it was for the greater good, it was to clear my name, but I argued that Eve was not a tool that she was just a child regardless of her origins." Shinji said and in turn Kensuke knew what this meant.

"So, she thinks she was born, and she thinks Rei was a loving and warm person." Kensuke said seeing what this was here. "But the truth is that Rei… was and still is using Eve." Kensuke said realizing that Rei had crossed a line with her own offspring. "Shinji… she has to know you saw what WILLE's lied did to Asuka it may hurt but she needs this." Kensuke said but Shinji sighed.

"No… I can't put that sort of pain on her." Shinji said trying to protect his niece from that betrayal.

"Shinji you should have a little more faith in Eve. She's a strong, resourceful, and confident girl." Kensuke said knowing Shinji was just trying to protect the girl from this. Shinji knew the pain Eve would face if she knew the truth about her mother. "She'll find out the truth one way or another it would be better if it came from someone she trusts." Kensuke said assuring Shinji that Eve can handle the truth.

"But what if that's what causes her to break?" Shinji said his voice showing that he was worried for her.

"Then be there to help put her back together." Kensuke said as he looked to Shinji with a smile. "Besides, she may not realize it, but she's surrounded by people who do care for her… and one guy who currently has huge crush on her." Kensuke added knowing that Junior was head over heels for Eve. Ironically, enough Eve is completely oblivious to this… or doesn't even know he exists.

"Kensuke." Shinji said as he playfully pushed Kensuke a bit.

(Meanwhile with Akira and Asuka)

Akira had the hood popped open for one of the trucks in the Village as he had a few tools nearby. As Akira worked, he was showing himself to be a proficient mechanic surprisingly enough. During this Asuka watched as she saw her son taking part in all of this. It was strange that he was actually helping out for once instead of lazing about. It was a welcome change of paste for the boy.

Still there was one other issue she had to concern herself with, particularly their new arrival in Honey. Needless to say, that girl had thrown her for a loop when they had interrogated the pilot. The woman's revelations she got that night was still stuck.

(Flashback Suzuhara Residence Dining room)

Akira, Kuzo, and Eve were in the room as they surrounded Honey just in case, she tried something. Shinji was off to the side while Asuka glared directly at Honey with her one good eye. Of course, Honey was very forthcoming with the reason for her presence in the Village.

"So let me see if I got this right." Asuka began as she glared at Eve. "You were sent here by the UN to investigate WILLE and their operations?" Asuka asked as she raised a brow at Honey.

"Yeap." Honey admitted with a smile on her face not at all bothered.

"You're not exactly a good spy if your revealing this information to us, assuming that your words are truthful." Eve said as she had already screened Rei-Q in case Honey was actually NERV's spy. So far Rei-Q confirmed that Honey was not with NERV, but Eve had her doubts.

"Because another reason for my presence is to apprehend Misato Katsuragi and bring her in for questioning about the Near Fourth Impact." Honey said and thus Shinji shot up.

"Misato had nothing to do with it!" Shinji snapped as he glared at Honey.

"That's not for me to decide that's for the UN." Honey said as she looked to the group surrounding her.

"Why would a spy reveal herself like this?" Asuka asked and thus Honey then smiled to her.

"Honestly, I know just about everything about everyone in this house and the Aida Residence." Honey said and thus pulled out a few photos from her person and showed them to everyone. "Like for example how Hikari here is a master of the Nunchaku mainly because she used to be Kekko Kamen." Honey said showing a picture of a nude girl with a red mask, gloves, boots, and a long red scarf but nothing between it all.

It was followed up by a picture of Hikari a bit younger as she was taking the mask off. "Wait what?!" Hikari gasped when she heard this and saw the pictures in question. Hikari was beet red in the face when she saw her dirty secret so casually exposed.

Eve however was not impressed as she crossed her arms at Honey. "That's hardly impressive I learned that during my first visit to this household." Eve said and thus Hikari was even more shocked.

"WHAT?!" Hikari asked and thus she grew fearful that just about everyone in town knew that she used to be Kekko Kamen after Third Impact.

"Hikari we'll talk about your pervy secret later." Asuka said as they had to focus on interrogating Honey right now.

"Did you know that you have blind spots in your sensory relay." Honey asked challenging Eve who heard this revelation. "It was actually through those blind spots that I managed to parachute in and land on Akira here." Honey said gesturing to Akira with a smug smile on her face. All eyes went to Akira who was now whistling innocently at being caught with this.

"I will have to rectify this." Eve said as she did not like being caught unaware by such security breaches.

"You're telling us this but you're not telling us why the UN is investigating WILLE." Asuka said and thus Honey smiled playfully at Asuka.

"Isn't it obvious?" Honey asked and thus got down to it. "The UN doesn't trust WILLE or the ones in command of it." Honey revealed as this surprised the group.

"Why wouldn't they trust WILLE?" Kensuke asked as this didn't make sense to him. "I mean they were the ones to fund WILLE provide them with equipment." Kensuke said as if they didn't trust WILLE then they would not have put their hat in with them.

"They trusted and supported Gendo and NERV and look what happened." Honey explained and thus it was clear what the UN's view of WILLE was.

"The UN Security Council are concerned that WILLE is just a rebranded NERV." Shinji said stepping forward on this one.

"Exactly the UN trusted NERV and it bit them in the ass." Honey said getting down to it. "They don't plan to make the same mistake with WILLE." Honey said which got everyone worried here. "The UN have reason to believe that WILLE is either NERV rebranded, Katsuragi's attempt to take over Gendo's plans, or is in fact acting under Gendo's orders to keep the UN unaware." Honey said with a calm tone of voice. "The fact that WILLE's command staff is comprised of former NERV personnel doesn't help that." Honey explained and thus they all knew that the UN is clearly preparing themselves if or when WILLE becomes a threat to the human race.

"Ok I may not be a fan of WILLE but that is all sorts of fucked up." Akira snarled as he glared at Honey.

"It's the truth, humanity can't afford for the UN Council to blindly trust WILLE." Honey said as she can agree with the sentiment on their concerns. "Especially now after the Near Fourth Impact." Honey said showing that the UN was making a move against WILLE. "Part of my investigation is to find evidence to either disprove or confirm WILLE's role in it." Honey said but then glared at Shinji. "You've been tagged as a primary witness, Ikari-san." Honey said and thus Shinji was surprised by this.

"Primary witness?" Shinji asked almost shocked by this.

"Yes, for Misato and Ritsuko's role in the Near Third Impact when Misato all but gave you the order to carry it out." Honey revealed and thus all eyes where widened in shock. "That is another reason why the UN does not trust her, if anything they are fully prepared to have her arrested and tried for crimes against humanity." Honey said and thus they all knew that Misato was in legal trouble with the UN Council.

"Just give the word and we'll hide the body." Akira said as he had his dagger out while Kuzo just glared at Honey.

"No… cut her loose." Asuka said as she saw there was no way out of this one.

"Wait what?" Shinji asked shocked by those words.

"Shinji if Honey here does not report in the UN will know something is up and may jump to the wrong conclusion." Asuka said as she was being smart about this one.

"She's right." Kuzo said while holstering his gun. "Killing her will only cause us more problems down the line." Kuzo added making it clear that for now Honey will live.

"I hate to say it but your right." Eve said knowing that this was check.

"Dammit." Akira said clearly not liking this.

"Glad you all see it my way." Honey said as she got up. "I'll be around town if anyone needs me but until then be on your toes." Honey said before she began heading off and left the house. Once she was gone everyone began to leave as well as Asuka directed her attention over to Hikari.

"Now… about this Kekko Kamen." Asuka said as she wanted details about that adventure and why Hikari hid it.

(End Flashback)

What had followed was a long explanation of why Hikari was the hero Kekko Kamen. Needless to say, Asuka was both impressed and disappointed with her friend and her one act of carelessness. Still, it kept the Village safe long enough for law and order to take hold so Asuka could not complain about it.

Still focusing on Akira Asuka sighed and made her way over to the clone to her son. "Akira, I have to admit your pretty good at this." Asuka said praising her son for this.

"Thanks." Akira said not even bothering to look over at her.

"How did you even learn to do this?" She asked as Akira reached for a tool only for Asuka to pass it to him.

"It's just like stripping machines for parts just in reverse." Akira said as Asuka was reminded of the boys violent upbringing.

"Well, it's nice to see you participate for a bit." Asuka said as Akira finished up his task.

"Don't look to deep into it." Akira said slamming the hood close. "I'm only doing this because I had nothing better to do." Akira said defending that he was not helping because he wanted to or something.

"Give a guy a compliment and he's still an ass." Asuka bemoaned as she rolled her eyes at Akira's rudeness. Akira stepped into the vehicle and activated the ignition and when they heard the car rumble to life it was a clear sign that Akira had managed to fix it. "Impressive." Asuka added when she saw Akira succeed at this.

"Like I said it's like stripping a machine but in reverse." Akira said clearly boastful with his auto work skills.

Asuka stood there for a bit as Akira went over to confirm the truck was fixed to the owner. Watching as Akira interacted with others Asuka saw how he was just straight to the point about it. The man was thankful but all he got from Akira was a grunt before he walked off to rejoin Asuka so they can leave. Seeing this Asuka sighed as she made an apologetic gesture to the man who waved it off just happy his truck had been fixed so he can continue to make all his deliveries.

(Later)

The pair were walking down the road as Akira kept his hands in his pockets and a scowl on his face. Walking through the town Asuka could not help but feel somewhat peaceful about it. She began to picture life here now ever since she had arrived in the village with Kaiser after the near Fourth Impact things had changed. IT started with Kaiser ironically enough the day she found out she had a kid running around and kicking ass. But she supposed if she had not known what she does now about her origins Asuka would not be here.

Asuka had been changing and honestly speaking this change was a good one. Asuka was growing up learning to live not just for herself but for those who sacrificed everything to make sure she lived. She wanted to kill Misato and Ritsuko still the two who stole away her life with their lies and deception. But looking at Akira, looking at her son; Asuka had doubt because of his upbringing. Akira tries to push everyone away, but the truth was he hated being left alone.

Asuka knew this because she was the same way. Dammit she really was growing up if she noticed such things. Of course, Akira began to take note of Asuka staring at him before his scowl returned to his face.

"Take a picture it'll last longer." Akira snapped as Asuka just sighed doing her best to control her own temper and stay patient with the boy.

"Don't get snippy with me." Asuka responded as she kept close to Akira as they made their way through the village. "I can still pull rank." She added but Akira rolled his eyes and kept walking to their intended destination. Asuka looked the mountain area around the village and then glanced back over to Akira. She then sighed before making her choice with the boy. "Look Akira… I was thinking." Asuka began as Akira stopped to look towards his mother.

"Yeah?" Akira asked as he raised a brow wondering what Asuka wanted.

"Tomorrow, we don't have much to do, I was thinking that you, me, and Shinji can go for a hike." Asuka offered as she walked close to Akira but not reaching out towards him be it fear or otherwise. Asuka didn't know herself if she truly wanted to go through with this… but she knew what it was like to feel like to be alone in the world.

"Maybe we'll see." Akira said plainly much to Asuka's surprise. "Eve and Kuzo plan to head out with Honey to do some work on the mechs tomorrow." Akira said as he began to walk away. "We'll see then." Akira said as Asuka expected as much. Akira will probably end up joining defending that he had nothing better to do as his reason for joining them.

"Yeah, we'll see." Asuka said seeing right through the boy.

(Meanwhile over with Eve)

Eve was currently at one of the fields as she had a scanner in her hand. After Honey had successfully snuck past her sensor relay, she had been hard at work looking for a blind spot. As Eve was making her way through the fields she glared around as she knew she was close to the blind spot. She had already found several others and wanted to find all of them.

'How can I be so careless.' Eve mentally scolded herself as she had prided herself in her abilities in preparations. So, to find out that others have found holes and blind spots in her work was a hard hit to Eve's pride. But while she was looking for the blind spot she failed to notice where she was walking towards.

She soon came across a peculiar sight that caused Eve to pause for a moment. Eve was then met face to face with a small tree clearly still in the process of growing to maturity. "Huh?" Eve asked as she looked to the tree. Judging by the dirt around the base this suggested the tree had been planted here recently. But what was it doing here when it clearly was not here before? Did someone plant it for some reason or was this simply just a small project in agriculture.

Walking over just to be safe Eve began to inspect the newly planted tree. She was being cautious that was all it was, or so she was trying to justify. Yet something about this tree stirred an emotion deep inside of Eve a warm feeling. She looked like she was practically admiring the tree even though it had not fully reached its full maturity yet.

Just then a new voice cut in catching Eve off guard. "Oh, miss Eve." Came the voice of Kaji as Eve reacted and pulled out a side arm on him. "Wait I'm unarmed!" He cried out raising his hands in the air surrendering to her.

Eve saw this growled and proceeded to lower her gun. "Don't sneak up on me like that." Eve said as she holstered her weapon. "I could have killed you." Eve said as she was clearly not happy about the surprise.

"Sorry about that." Kaji said as he put his hands down once, he saw that Eve had lowered her gun. "So, I see you noticed the tree I planted." Kaji said gesturing to the tree.

"This was you're doing?" Eve asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah, I plant trees every now and again… for those who are lost and those who are yet to be." Kaji said as he looked to the tree he had planted. "We're going to need more of these if we're going to retake the world." He added which got Eve's curiosity on the boy.

"You're the Suzuhara's houseguest are you not?" Eve asked and thus Kaji would have face volt if this was an anime.

"I actually live there." Kaji said and thus Eve had a question mark over her head about what he said.

"Oh, pardon me you seem to vanish a lot, so I saw no need to look deeper into you." Eve said adding the fact that she marked the boy as a nonthreat to her allies. Of course, this put a cloud of depression over Kaji when Eve spoke so bluntly.

Even the looked to the tree which most likely was the youngest that had been planted. "So how many of these trees have you planted?" She asked and thus Kaji regained himself on that one.

"A few this one is the newest and as you can guess is far from ready to bear fruit." Kaji said as Eve looked to the tree in question. During their conversation Eve looked at Kaji as she swore, she had seen him somewhere before but could not recall where for the life of her. "Anyway, what are you doing, Eve?" Kaji asked curious as to why Eve was roaming out here with her scanner.

"Scanning for a blind spot." Eve announced clearly going back to what she was doing.

"A blind spot?" Kaji asked a bit curious about that.

"Before the last battle, an agent of the UN managed to infiltrate the Village slipping passed my sensor relay undetected." Eve said as she was looking for the blind spot she may or may not have missed. "I need to find out how she pulled it off." Eve added as she kept looking for the hole in her sensor array.

"You seem obsessive about this." Kaji said with concern for Eve.

"If she managed to do it, so will NERV and I cannot allow that to happen." Eve said and thus continued her search. "I've already located five different holes and had since sealed them." Eve said as she added a few more sensor relays to cover those blind spots.

"Then maybe you found them all." Kaji offered but Eve begged to differ.

"I don't work on maybe's." Eve said showing that she wanted to be thorough with her check. "I work on evidence and facts." Eve said making it clear that she wanted to hold the cards out here.

"I see." Kaji said and thus he had another idea to get Eve to ease up on her current task. "Here." He said as he pulled something from his bag and presented it to Eve.

Looking at it Eve saw a round red fruit was being presented to her. She had seen images of it in books she had found in the Red Earth and during her lessons with her mother. "Sorry I just felt you needed to keep your energy up and." Kaji began as Eve took the fruit in hand before she cut him off.

"An Apple." Eve spoke as she held the apple in her hand. "A prime source of Vitamin C, commonly associated with the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and is most noted to be the interpretation of the Forbidden Fruit from the Creation Tale of Adam and Eve." Eve spoke spouting out a few facts she knew about the Apple. "The Apple was also noted to be the fruit that grants immortality in Greek Mythology and has been a symbol of immortality in Celtic Mythology." Eve said giving factoids about the Apple in several mythologies.

"Oh, uh sorry if you didn't like it I could." Kaji began but Eve cut him off again.

"No… it's just… I've never seen an apple outside of a book." Eve said reminding Kaji she did not have a traditional childhood like other children would. "Did you need my help in harvesting the seeds to plant an apple tree?" Eve asked wondering why Kaji would be offering her an apple.

"No, I just wanted to make sure you ate something was all." Kaji said trying to win Eve's affection. Eve took a moment to look at the apple in her hand tilting her head a bit almost inspecting it.

'From the texture it feels slightly moist suggesting it had been washed off as most Apples are before consumption.' Eve thought as she looked at the apple. 'But probability of this apple being tainted from this show the percentage of 0.000005%.' Eve calculated in her mind as she looked at the apple. 'The offering of this apple without poison however may suggest ulterior motives reasoning for motives remain unknown.' Eve noted as the girl gave the apple a near mechanical stare. 'Resolution consume the apple.' She mentally said and thus moved the fruit to her mouth before taking a bite out of it. When she did her eyes widened as her tastebuds were introduced to a new sensation she had never felt before.

A Hot meal was well and good, she, Akira, and Kuzo had saw to that while out in the Red Earth near Hachiryokaku and the domains of the warlords. But this was a different sensation. Biting into the apple Eve chewed savoring the taste of it as it was mixing with her tastebuds. From the way she chewed as her normally cold face began to split into a smile Kaji noted the smile.

"Well looks like someone is enjoying that apple." Kaji joked as he saw how Eve's facial expression had finally changed. Eve then swallowed her bite as she felt the sweet juices flowing down her throat to her stomach introducing her body to such a treat.

"It's juicy… but it's also sweet." Eve said as she looked at the apple at the point, she took the first bite of it from. "My body seems to present a positive reaction to it." Eve said as she wasn't sure how to process this.

"That means you like it." Kaji said explaining to Eve that she enjoyed the apple.

"I… like… it." Eve trailed as she let the words sit on her tongue for a bit. "Yes… apples I like them." Eve said as she then began to smile. "I like apples." She repeated before finally taking another bite out of the apple that Kaji had given to her.

(Scene Break Wundur in Paris)

Misato stood in the command deck of the Wundur as they were preparing for takeoff. They had gotten everything that they needed from Paris and had managed to cut time on repairs to at least make their getaway. Supplies were low and they needed to leave before another one of NERV's weapons tries to attack.

"Engines are hot and ready." Sayaka reported as she got the call from the engine room.

"Let's get out of here before one of those things show up." Makoto said knowing they were on the verge of rationing what food they have left onboard.

"Keep an eye on the scanners and have our guns primed we won't get a second chance." Misato said and thus they got ready to launch. The Wundur was humming to life as it began to ignite the engines and its AT-Field to make its escape. The exterior showed that the Wundur had been suffering a great deal of damage thanks to NERV's constant attacks and in the hanger even the EVA's were worse for wear.

The beat one and a new one showed up improving on the last. The recent attack was too close for comfort meaning they had to depart now or else the Wundur and her crew won't survive against another attack. They had to leave Paris before NERV could attack them.

(Outside)

The Engines ignited as the Wundur began to leave Paris with the city having taken major damage from NERV's attacks on the massive vessel. As the Wundur flew it took to the skies with its fleet and despite the damages the vessel could still fly. Taking to the skies they ignited their engines leaving behind anything they no longer needed or could not salvage in the hopes of getting away and putting distance between themselves and NERV's next attack on them.

Once the Wundur was high enough the vessel sped up and flew to the distance. They had to leave now or else NERV will finally eliminate WILLE instead of the other way around. The Wundur eventually breached the clouds and made its intended escape from Paris and NERV's attacks.

(Back in the command deck)

"We're airborne nothing on radar yet." Sayaka reported as Misato and several others made a sigh of relief.

"Get us to Village-3 but have all hands ready in case of an attack." Misato said as they needed to leave, resupply, and plan their next move. "This is going to be a long report." Misato sighed feeling her hands cramping up just from the thought of all that paperwork she would need to do. "But until then we're going to need is a little fire power and a lot of luck." Misato said hoping they can reach Village-3 before NERV can catch up to the Wundur.

"Misato, this should be good enough for now." Ritsuko said assuring Misato that they will be able to make it.

Misato gave Ritsuko a cold look before sighing to this. "Very well I need to go make a phone call, Ritsuko take over." Misato said as she took her leave and left for her office. Misato was late on her regular calls to her son and needed to call and let him know she was on the way to the Village to restock their supplies.

As Ritsuko saw Misato leave she wondered how long she could hide the DSS Chokers from Misato. She had already gotten a full set made and had even prepped an alternative trigger device for them. Misato will understand Ritsuko knew that she will come back around and see that the DSS Chokers were needed especially now that Miki was piloting her own EVA. With Miki they now had a means to control Akira and Kuzo and by extension control Kaiser.

Assuming that Akira and Kuzo were still alive they needed this means in order to control those two mercs. Once NERV has been dealt with only then will the DSS Choker no longer be needed. But it would not be a moment sooner until NERV has in fact been eliminated. Thus, keeping her focus Ritsuko prepared herself for any surprises that NERV would try as they travelled back to Village-3.

(The next day at Village-3)

In Village-3, a lone man was seen driving off to work. It was a wonderful afternoon as he drove sun was bright and his day was lovely. However, when making a turn his day would begin to turn sour. Driving by the road he was caught off guard when all of a sudden three girls jumped out into the road in front of him and struck a pose that spelled one word in Kanji, Gamia.

The man went wide eyed at this as he hit the brakes and turned the wheel to avoid hitting the trio. Driving off the road he was fortunate that he had not ended up in any form of collision that would undoubtedly result in someone dying or being injured. Still, that did not help the case that these girls just jumped out of nowhere into a clearly dangerous situation.

So, stepping out of his vehicles he made his way over to the three girls. Though he did have to admit were very attractive to any hotblooded male who saw them. "Are you three insane I could have run you over!" The man snapped as he glared at the three attractive beauties who only stared directly at him with blank expressions. "Hey, are you three deft say something!" The man demanded getting frustrated with the three.

"Akira Langley Ikari." The first one spoke in an emotionless and cold tone as she looked to the man.

"Where is Akira Langley Ikari?" The second spoke in the same tone as the first one.

"I'm not sure but…" The man began but then recalled what he was doing. "Hey, don't change the subject if my truck is damaged how do you expect to compensate me for it!" He yelled as the three girls hardly responded to his continued yelling. Just then they turned and began to walk away from him causing the man to get furious with the triplets. "Hey, I'm talking to you!" He yelled as he roughly pulled one of them to turn and face him. The next thing he knew their blond hair glowed, their pigtails followed and began to move before all he saw was the eternal silence of death.

(Scene Break Hachiryokaku Aila's chambers)

Aila glided through her personal chambers as she looked out the window to her domain. Looking out into the land below she saw the woman who called this place home tilling the soil, guarding their fellows, and simply living as best they could out here. With the defeat of Slum King, Kiba, and Death Star things have been looking up.

As promised Hachiryokaku was visited by the UN and after much debate and trade discussions she and her people were allowed to govern themselves. From what she understood since her people had the sole access to the purest water and most fertile of soils the UN did not wish to make an enemy of them especially with Kaiser originating here.

Aila took no pleasure in using such intimidation tactics, but she knew that the world of mans ruling bodies was a world of power, greed, silver tongue vipers, and politics. But this fact was one she had prepared for a long time ago, no what troubled Aila was recent events. She had been kept aware of WILLE's movements via Hurricane, Misty, and Flash and so far, they seemed to match up to a vision she had a premonition of events yet to come.

Aila recalled the images clear a fortress of grief and loneliness hiding a terrible evil within. A boy broken by the world seeking to end it all. A girl broken by the world yet seeks to heal herself and the world. And a boy broken by the world but took that pain and made it into power.

The First Boy a child of Lucifer his pain shall turn the world to ash. The girl the holy maiden whose fate shall decide if this world shall be saved and destroyed. And finally, the boy immaculate is his birth yet furious and powerful he may be his bloodlust hides the scared child within him. From this place of sadness Aila had seen a massive dark figure rising from it casting a shadow across the world.

In her vision Aila had seen two spears that shall clash in the hands of two. One a destroyer disguised as a savior and the other the savior disguised as a destroyer. Despair shall clash with hope as two devils will rise to decide once and for all if this world is worth living.

"Lady Aila?" Came a voice behind her. Looking to it Aila saw her attendant had entered the chamber. "The UN Council has contacted us they are requesting your immediate presence." She said and thus Aila nodded to this.

"Very well I shall meet with them." Aila said as she took her leave to meet with the UN Council. She was fearful whatever the future may hold she cannot actively dictate it, nor can she work to manipulate It's outcome. Whatever will result from it will happen with or without Aila's meddling so all she can do is act as the spiritual guide and hope for the best outcome of the important events yet to come.

(Meanwhile over with Minerva X)

Minerva was still walking through the Red Earth when her eyes gazed upon the pillars in the distance. She had gotten all the more closer to her goal and with-it her confirmation if the Seed of Zero exists here or if Armaros will arise here. The mysterious and strange gynoid currently had her battle mask on to help protect her face from the cruelty of the Red Earth's bitter winds.

Standing there for a moment the wind blew as her cloak billowed with her eyes scanning the pillars. "The Pillars that create the wall of Jericho." Minerva said as she continued her approach to Village-3. "Mazinger Zero… Evangelion Armaros." Minerva said as she made her way through the Red Earth. "Two of several near divine entities that exist in countless worlds touched by their powers." Minerva said as she recalled it all.

"But who is it that I seek?" Minerva mused to herself but focused on her mission. "Kabuto Koji-kun or Ikari Shinji-Kun." Minerva said as she knew that when it came to Zero or Armaros those two were always at the center of it. "The Seed of Zero or the Seed of Armaros which seed if any shall descend upon this worlds judgement day." Minerva said stopping to look to the sky high above.

"Red Earth, Red Sea, yet still a blue sky." Minerva said looking upward before continuing her path to find the answers of this world.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well, here we are Chapter 16. Originally it was supposed to be longer, but I had to cut it in half. So, by this time tomorrow at the earliest chapter 17 will be published. Remember if you want to read this but with pictures head to Ao3 you'll find it there. So, until next time be sure to leave a review and as I always say on here, ja-ne.