Rei's Child

Written By: Jon L

This Chapter follows the events of Chapter Eight

"speaking"--'thinking'--<phone>--=dream=

Ah, the joy of having children, in the beginning it is the best thing in the world to a parent, after the child comes out that is. Then, after a few weeks, it can seem like hell. But for those first few days, it is nice to know that they brought a child into the world. The exception is to Rei Ayanami, a person never meant to give birth, yet somehow has been granted to joy to it, or is it the pain she will feel?

"We have to go back, I must give birth in the tube connected to the dummy-plug system."

"Rei, in case you didn't hear, NERV is in tons of trouble."

"Asuka, either we go back now or I die!"

"What?!"

"I have to go back to where I first became pregnant."

"At NERV?"

"Yes, I have to be in the LCL from the tube."

Hikari begins to become confused, "Wait, why there?"

Shinji decides to step in for a moment, "Asuka, can you watch Rei while I talk to Hikari?"

While Asuka and Rei remain below, Shinji leads Hikari up the stairs and closes the door after they are through it.

"Ikari, what is going on?

"I want to bring you up to date on what Rei is. Hikari, have you ever wondered why she is different?"

"I always thought she was born that way."

"Umm...possibly, but that isn't what I mean..."

"More secrets?"

"Well, I think you have a right to know by now."

"Right to know what?"

"Well, Rei is not exactly like you and I. She is a physical clone of my mother, but has her own soul..."

"Your mother?"

"Yes, she was also apart of the system that almost killed Touji..."

Hikari begins to feel tears swell up in her eyes at the mention of that name, "I haven't seen him...since everyone was forced to go..."

"Hikari..."

"No, Just tell me she was not the one in control."

"Not her herself, but a thing like her. But, my father was the one that was at fault for it."

"I understand...so what else are you going to say?"

"She can't have children, not really..."

"But..."

"Shinji!!!"

They both hear Asuka call from below.

****************

Down in Control, things are looking bleak since the JSSDF has finally made it in on the left wing of the room. Everyone on the high tower has taken cover as armed personnel defend as best they can the MAGI below them. Fuyutsuki has managed to safely make it down to the control level below his lookout point.

"Major, give me that controller in your pocket!"

"Sir?"

"I know you have it, I know it can shut-down the MAGI, and I know you have helped Ritsuko escape to Terminal Dogma! Give me the controller now!"

Misato sees she has been found out and hands it over.

"I will overlook this insubordination since you were trying to protect us, but I am sure you will be demoted later on."

He enters the command for a system shutdown of the MAGI before the lights go out.

"Major, personally, I think you did the right thing..."

****************

"Shinji!!!"

Asuka awaits the arrival of the pair from upstairs as she tends to Rei who appears to be in pain.

"Asuka, we have to go now."

Once everyone is gathered below they all help Rei into the interior of the jeep.

"Hikari, can you get your sister here fast!"

"Asuka, wha..."

"Hikari, can you or not?! Rei says we need to go now!"

She reaches for the cell phone and offers it to Hikari.

"I will try, but what if she won't help?"

She reaches under the dashboard and pulls out a firearm, "Use this to get her attention as a last resort."

"Asuka!!!"

"Look, Rei will die if we don't get..." She hears a beeping noise and looks at the screen on the laptop, "Hikari, we have even less time, either do it or don't. The MAGI is offline."

Hikari sees the dreadful look on her face as she dials the number for her home.

****************

At the Horaki house, a phone rings in a room inside.

"Hello?.."

<Kodama, its Hikari. I have an emergency and need you to come quick.>

"Hikari...it's 3:00 in the morning..."

"But..."

"...Alright, where are you right now?.."

****************

After about a fifteen-minute wait, Hikari finally sees her older sister running up to her in the distance, "Kodama!"

"Hikari, what she going on?!"

"Keep quiet and follow me, the problem is below."

"Below?"

****************

"Rei, just keep calm, help will be here soon."

Shinji does his best to keep Rei comfortable as Asuka tries to find out what she can concerning the MAGI and NERV, "Shinji, I can't..." She stops as she sees the door open above.

"Asuka, I got her to come."

"Asuka? The pilot Asuka?"

"Hello, Kodama."

"But, you are said to be..."

"I assure you I am alive."

"Kodama, it's the person in the back seat that needs help."

Kodama hurries down the stairs and opens the back of the jeep so she can have a look.

"Hey, I know you, you are the other two pilots..."

"Yes, they are." replies Asuka, "Look, we need to get back to Tokyo-3 immediately, and we need you to bring us."

"Wait, I am not going to aid criminals..."

"Kodama, they are not criminals! They are the ones that have saved us many times!"

"Hikari, they are wanted!"

"Kodama, I will tell you everything on the way if you help us, but we have to go now, otherwise that blue-haired girl is going to die."

****************

In the now darkened NERV Central Control room, the JSSDF has managed to finally take out the defensive personnel, though they're few now as well. What is left of the JSSDF that have invaded have begun the process of advancing up to the high tower without much success so far. All paths up have been destroyed by NERV except for the direct way that involves climbing. For the staff that remained, they have managed to pry open the doors and sneak out before they are killed, they advance down a mostly dark hallway until they reach a point where they can move to a different level for now.

As they close up the access door that separates the levels, they let out a sigh of relief.

"Major, I think you know this already, but Ikari has been trying to create a new soldier inside of Rei for a few months now. If she doesn't get back before she gives birth she will die, along with the child."

"Sir, how did you..."

"Well, I had a few suspicions a bit ago when you helped Akagi out."

"Maya, can you restart the MAGI, I need to contact someone badly in Kyoto."

"The pilots, Major?"

****************

"What do you mean 'die'?"

In Kyoto, things are still at a standstill.

"She is pregnant, but the medicine required is in Tokyo-3, without it she dies."

Kodama turns to her sister, "Hikari, this is..."

"Sis, please, these are my friends. I trust what they are saying..."

Shinji calls from the jeep, "Please, do it for the mother of my child."

She has no idea what to say. After several moments pass by she finally decides, "...Open those doors up, otherwise I can't drive out, and be sure you have everything required."

"Thank you...sister."

****************

"Major, do you know their location?"

Located somewhere in a dark hallway in NERV, five people sit while figuring out what to do next.

"Sub-Commander, what do you mean?"

"Major, I had a feeling that something was up after you gave Security your statement concerning them running away. My question is, why risk your life?"

"Sir, I did what I thought was right considering the situation. Asuka has knowledge that is dangerous, Rei is going to have a baby soon..."

"Sooner then you think according to the timetable, but she has to be here for it."

"What?"

"Ikari made it so if she refuses she will die anyhow along with the child."

"That bastard!"

"I assure you, I don't agree with it either, which is the reason you have not been killed already."

"So what are you going to do about it?"

Maya decides to intervene into the conversation for a few moments, "Sirs, I don't mean to interrupt, but we still have the problem of the JSSDF finding us here."

"Miss Ibuki is right, we can't remain here and bicker over the children, I believe we should head down to Terminal Dogma and figure out what to do next."

****************

Finally, after quickly packing anything they may need, Shinji, Rei, Asuka, Hikari, and Kodama have headed out on their way to NERV.

"Okay Asuka, I have agreed to this, now it is your turn to start talking. Tell me the reason this has all happened?"

"Kodama, I will tell you now that not everything you know about NERV was all good. Rei, Shinji, and I have been pilots the longest, Touji as you may know was a pilot for one battle, but the Fifth Child I have read was also an angel, I am not sure what happened with that battle."

"Hold up, how did you become pilots in the first place?"

"It seems that there could be a connection between the fact that all pilots do not have mothers."

"Okay, go on."

"NERV may have seemed like a good place at one point, but they have withheld much from public eye, most of it I am still not sure of. Rei is one thing I am sure of, she is a secret that the public has seen."

"I don't get it."

"Rei here is a clone, to be more precise, a clone of Shinji's mother. I haven't seen what he has of her, but I have been told that she isn't meant to have children."

"How did this happen then?"

Rei fills in that part, "Insemination. Please, go faster!"

The jeep is sped up as Asuka reads the last info on the screen, "I don't get it. If the MAGI have gone offline and the transmitters are down, how can I still read the data remotely?"

"Asuka, didn't you say you had the highest access level?"

"Yes, Shinji. But what does that ha..."

"Wait, why is NERV after you anyhow?"

"Well, the Commander needs Rei for something, Shinji is his son, and I know how the hack the MAGI. They don't want us to fall into the wrong hands I guess..."

"Wait, how is it you know about something that you are not directly tied to?"

"Rei's Child has the ability to talk to us because of some kind of link."

"Well, you haven't really helped much, but I guess if Hikari feels this strongly about you being innocent that I will trust that."

"I am glad you see it that way sis."

Asuka continues to see why she is still able to read the logs from the morning's happening, "This just doesn't make sense, I still have a connection, yet the MAGI is down..."

Kodama begins to think about Asuka's dilemma while she continues to drive, "Asuka, you said that you still have access, right?"

"Yes."

"How did you gain this access in the first place?"

"It was set up for me before we got shipped to Kyoto, and I do mean shipped."

"Do you know how it was set up?"

"No, only that the chief technician that maintains the MAGI set it up in case needed for this situation."

"How high is this access?"

"Highest, even higher then MAGI."

"So, you may have a back door connection?.."

"What?"

"Well, I ended up reading about pre-SI computer systems that had back door access systems in case in an emergency. Is there a fourth MAGI?"

"No, but there is a computer known as IA in the basement of NERV."

"IA?"

"Inter-Access"

"Is that the highest level system?"

"Yes, why?"

"Then it is still on, you can bring the MAGI online."

"But I...wait, the book. Hikari, hand me that red book!"

Hikari reaches into the back and pulls out a book she gives to Asuka next.

"Ritsuko sent this with for some reason, now I know why."

She starts looking through the manual until she reaches the start up codes, "Shinji, Rei, I think everything will be fine, but you owe me for this, remember that you still promised to take me with you next time, and this trip doesn't count." Asuka begins to enter the commands for basic startup of the MAGI.

****************

Now, down in the IA room in Terminal Dogma, the five persons left alive are thinking about what to do next.

"Okay, the United Nations can't restart the MAGI without coming here first. But to ensure that they can't turn it back on, I say we turn this system off and disassemble it."

"Sub-Commander! This is the only way Asuka has the ability to see what is going on!"

"Major, I know you..."

He stops the moment he hears the sound of a gun click come from a corner, "Fuyutsuki, I can't let you do that."

"Doctor?"

Ritsuko steps out into the light with the gun in her hand she was going to use on Gendo. The moment everyone sees the blood on her coat they realize that she is in bad condition.

"SEMPAI!!!!" yells Maya as she and Makoto rush up to her and help her sit down close by.

"Doctor Akagi, why can't I turn it off?"

"Because Asuka has been trying to figure out what is going on here."

"But if the JSSDF..."

The computer begins to beep as he begins to speak. Misato walks up to the screen and reads the info coming in from a remote location.

[REMOTE CONNECTION SENDING DATA]

[ID - SPECIAL960]

[]

[MAGI RESTART HAS BEGUN]

[LEVEL ONE RESTART COMPLETE]

They hear the sound of a few systems turn on.

[AWAITING LEVEL TWO RESTART COMMANDS]

"Ritsuko, what is happening?!"

"Asuka, has brought the MAGI online via remote. I gave her a full access connection."

"What is Level One?"

"The computers themselves and power for the towers, but the controls will not work until the third level is *cough* reached."

"What is second level then? Why is it waiting?"

"Second is power to all systems, and if it is waiting then she has found the notes left in the book and is going to limit startup."

[SPECIAL LEVEL TWO STARTUP COMPLETE, SELECTION OF SYSTEMS HAS BEEN SET UP]

"Maya, can you give me a link to Asuka?!"

Maya signals for Shigeru to take her place and hurries over to the mass of wires running up the walls, "I don't know..."

"Maya, the red ones are patches meant for communication, *Cough cough* use them..."

Maya doesn't waste time in making the connections and offers Misato her laptop she brought along, "You have a text link set up, Major."

Misato sits down and begin to type a message to Asuka.

****************

Back in the jeep, Asuka is monitoring the startup of the MAGI when she sees a line appear that catches her attention.

[ASUKA, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!]

'What the...'

She types in a feedback line hoping that her answer will be revealed.

WHO IS THIS?

[MISATO]

HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO TALK LIKE THIS, WHAT IS GOING ON?

[FIRST YOU, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! THE MAGI WAS TURNED OFF SO THE JSSDF CAN'T GET TO IT!]

MISATO, WE HAVE TO GET BACK INTO NERV RIGHT AWAY

[WHY, WHAT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE RISKING BEING FOUND AND KILLED?!]

REI IS GOING TO HAVE THE CHILD SOON, AND WE HAVE TO COME BACK NOW!

[HOW THE HELL ARE YOU GETTINE HERE, RUNNING?!]

HIKARI AND HER OLDER SISTER ARE HELPING US

[HOW?!]

WE FOUND A JEEP IN THE BASEMENT OF THAT WAREHOUSE

****************

Misato reads the last line sent back from Asuka, "Jeep?"

"Major, is something wrong?"

"Rei is going to have the child very soon by the looks of it, and they found a jeep..."

"MARDUK, you sent them to Kyoto. I must say, that was a good idea."

"That wasn't my idea, I only helped Ritsuko pull it off, she chose the place."

"Well, I think they found Ikari's old jeep in the basement, but how are they coming here in it?"

"Asuka had a friend that I contacted the day after sending them away, I asked her to watch the pilots for me. It looks like she and her sister are helping."

"Well, I must say, you and the Doctor did the right thing..."

"Hey, we did it for their own good! You and the Commander have been messing with Rei, and Asuka was at risk of being used since she knew about IA and how to use it!"

"Major, I assure you I had no say in the plans. But this isn't good, you have to tell them to stop now!"

ASUKA, NERV HAS BEEN INVADED, JSSDF WILL KILL YOU ALL ON SIGHT!

[MISATO, REI HAS NO CHOICE IN SURVIVAL!]

BUT YOU WILL ALL DIE!

[BETTER TO DIE FOR ONE THAN TO LIVE WITH THE GUILT OF NOT TRYING]

ASUKA, I ORDER YOU TO TURN AROUND!

[NO, WE ARE COMING, I HAVE A REMOTE LINK AS WELL! THAT IS FINAL]

ASUKA, DON'T BE STUPID!

-Text Not Sent-

-Connection To Remote Has Been Block For This Terminal-

"SHIT!!"

"I presume they are not going to listen?"

"She has blocked my communications..."

****************

"Asuka, what was the about?" asks Shinji.

"Hikari, Kodama, I forgot to tell you this. There is a chance you could be killed if you help us. So, if you wish to bail out before we get to NERV, then I will bring us the rest of the way."

Hikari leans forward and puts a hand on Asuka's shoulder, "You are my friend, if I die, it will be because I chose to help my friends."

"Kodama, what about you?"

"I don't want to die yet, I don't want Hikari to either, but the way I see it, the moments father wakes up and sees us gone, we will be in deep trouble anyhow. I will remain, besides, I doubt you can drive this thing safely anyhow."

"Thank you, you are both very good people, and Kodama, just in case we don't make it out alive...I am sorry I left early that one time during the date you set up. I was arrogant at that time..."

"Well, it was mean, but then again, that kid was a bit boring anyhow."

"Asuka, I am surprised." says Hikari, "You have changed over the past few months..."

"Hikari, I finally realized that I was hurting myself, and I have Rei and Shinji to thank for that, along with my mother and Rei's kid..."

"I am glad you have opened up a bit, Asuka."

"Now, Misato has told me not to come to Tokyo-3, so we are going against her orders. Shinji, Rei, you know that we can get in a lot of trouble for this, but I say the hell with it."

"We have at lest another 45 minutes before we arrive, if you can, get some sleep. Ikari and Hikari, Asuka and I will wake you when it is time."

****************

"Misato, they know the risk in entering the city right now..."

"Ritsuko, they are all we have as pilots!"

"True, but we have taken their freedom over the past year, at the least, and in doing that we have given them a sense of responsibility. I think Asuka knows what she is doing..."

Ritsuko's situation is slowly growing worse as she starts to grow tired from loss of blood.

"I know...I guess I just don't want them to die like this..."

"Major, I know that this won't mean much when the time comes to deal with you, but I think you have done the right thing."

"Thanks, Sub..."

"Kozo will be fine. I have never liked Sub-Commander really."

"Well, Asuka is coming, so I guess all we can do is wait then..."

"I am sure Ikari will be waiting for Rei's arrival in the room holding the Rei clones..."

****************

Up in the control center, the enemy has made it up to the high tower finally and some have gone in search of the people that have escaped while the rest that remain try to figure out how to work the few workstations that are online.

"Sir, I am unable to get any access to the Super-Computers."

"Keep trying, I am sure there is a way in."

Little do they now, the only reason they are even able to see what is happening is because those stations are connected to a power source that is powering the MAGI.

"I am getting no response."

The leader of this group sent in grabs his radio and relays the situation to higher ups waiting on the surface, "Sir, we have found the MAGI, unable to gain control."

"High tower."

The officer waits as his superiors analyze the situation. It isn't too long before a reply comes back, <Locate a Doctor Akagi, she is the one that knows the system and continue with current search for Gendo Ikari, he is to be terminated on site.>

"Understood."

"Sir, what are your orders?"

"Continue attempting access, I want two men to do a search for this Akagi. Also, the termination of Gendo Ikari is still in effect."

"Understood."

****************

Located somewhere far away from NERV, a meeting has begun.

1 "We have gained access to the one place that is required for our plan to succeed."

3 "The MAGI has been tampered with, securing it is proving to be harder then first thought."

5 "Gendo has prepared well for us, but has he really taken all into account?"

7 "The First Child, Rei Ayanami, has yet to be found as well."

1 "Ikari has been one ready for any situation for a while now."

9 "It appears he has decided to deviate from our plans."

11 "For that he must be punished in the end."

6 "What about Eva and Lilith?"

8 "Their locations have not been uncovered as of yet."

10 "The location of Adam has yet to be revealed as well."

12 "It appears we have underestimated Ikari's ability to deceive."

1 "Never the less, his plans will fail. His toy soldier will not change his fate."

4 "We could have taken NERV by now if that last angel sample had been given to us."

2 "What is the purpose to denying that item for our research?"

1 "Ikari has known about the MP Units now for a while, he knows how the dummy plugs work as well."

5 "But he hasn't been informed of the use for Tabris!"

8 "He has done this much without us being able to stop him."

1 "We have underestimated his knowledge, but he has taken us as fools, for that he will fail in his plans."

****************

Down in IA, Everyone waits for the children to arrive soon as they try to figure out how to regain control of what remains of NERV. Ritsuko's condition hasn't improved any as Makoto and Shigeru do their best to keep her conscious. Maya does her best to find out exactly what is accessible to her since most systems remain offline, and Misato and Fuyutsuki have moved to another room to talk in private.

"Kozo, what is Ikari up to really?"

"What are you..."

"Fuck the 'I don't know' crap!!! You are the one that he talks to the most, you have also been informed of many more secrets here, and you have even attended some of the committee meetings! What the hell is he trying to do?!"

"Major..."

Misato's hand is a blur as she reaches for her gun and digs it out, "I have also found out about Adam, Lilith, and Second Impact. I am not in the mood for more lies anymore. Five children are coming here to possibly die, Ikari has run off, Ritsuko is dying, most of NERV has been taken over, hundreds have died to save NERV, and those other three techs are all that we possibly have right now. Add to that I saw hell first hand many years ago and ended up totally paralyzed for years after, and you see that the only thing I want to hear right now is what I ask for."

Nothing is said for several moments as Misato's gun remains aimed at his head.

"Major Katsuragi, when I say I don't know, you will have to believe me. Ikari was never the same after his wife died. All I do know is that he is trying to shape the final outcome in his favor concerning Third Impact."

"Wait, Third Impact?"

"He is unsure if Rei will betray him or not, so to be sure he came up with a plan to replace her by using Rei as the carrier. I have informed him of my objections but haven't had the power to stop him."

"So you just went along with what he did?"

"I had to, otherwise it would have meant my death."

She lowers the gun again but still tries to get more out of him, "What ever happened to Adam anyway?"

"Adam was reverted back to an embryo during Second Impact and frozen in Bake-lite for safe keeping. Kaji Ryoji was the one that brought him here after the battle with the sixth angel occurred. Soon after Ikari had Adam grafted onto his right hand for when the time comes to use him, for what I am unsure, but I believe it is to trigger Third Impact when the time comes."

"So, he has been using all of us to trigger TI!"

"It is said that whoever controls Third Impact is the one that will decide humanity's fate. I think Ikari has done this just so he can see his wife again."

"The selfish bastard. He used everyone just so he can see his wife again!"

"Something I highly am against since it could mean the end of everything we know. I do not wish to go back to the egg."

"The egg?"

"The dark moon, or Lilith's egg. Once everyone's AT-Field dissolves all that will remain is a puddle of LCl, except for the soul, that would be sucked into the egg after it has risen out of the ground. What Ikari wishes to do soon is use Eva Unit-01 and Lilith to summon the Lance of Longinus after he has merged with her."

"How could you allow this?!"

"I had no choice..."

They hear a distant rumble as the first signs of the JSSDF starting to descend become known to them.

"Major, I believe we are running out of time."

"What do you believe we should do about it, we don't have control?"

"The only thing we can control is the self-destruct. The committee wishes to invoke Third Impact as well so they may be freed from their existence, but they have their own version of happenings."

"So, if we allow this place to stay, they will have control..."

****************

Twenty minutes from the city, Asuka and Kodama can see the smoke in the distance from the fires that are burning in the city. Hikari has decided to get some sleep but Shinji remains awake to care for Rei who is in greater pain since the time is drawing closer for her to give birth.

Asuka has been working on the order everything has to happen once they enter the city limits by programming the IA system and MAGI to activate the needed systems at the right time, "Okay, the second we pass the outer marker being the city limits, I will begin the count. We are going to use a launch shaft to go into the Eva cages, from there we can proceed along the service routes inside the complex until we reach the few shafts that can take us down to Terminal Dogma where you will drop me off at this location..." She points to a location on the small map inside the book, "After that, Hikari will have to monitor this program, I set the delay for the door release at 20 seconds the second you drop me off."

"Wait, Asuka, why are we going to drop you off?"

"Shinji, I am one of the few that can help fight the JSSDF, I will be needed in the fight to keep you all safe."

"Oh..."

"If I am right, Misato has retreated to that location anyhow."

"Asuka, I...thank you, thank you for your help, thank you for caring..."

"Stop it...I owed you and Rei for what you have done for me, I just want things to be even."

"Oh..."

"Asuka, 15 minutes to go, I am guessing we are within range of being spotted."

"I know...now our fate is in the hands of one."

****************

Far ahead, those who remain to watch over the invasion see a brief flash of light off in the distance to the north, they think nothing of it at first since it is possible that it was just an illusion until they see it again a few more times.

"Sir, object approaching from Zero Zero Five degrees of north."

"Monitor it and see what it is the moment you have a good visual."

"Understood."

"What is the status of the search for Akagi and Ikari?"

"Still searching sir, Seventh division is attempting to proceed down right now."

"What about the Eva's and the MAGI?"

"Eighth division is attempting to gain control to cages but the process is slow, the MAGI still remains locked without change."

"We are running out of time, abandon the MAGI until the location of Akagi has been confirmed."

"Right, sir."

"What about the status concerning the rest of NERV?"

"Everything above Level 17 has been secured along with a few isolated sections below, the lowest section being 322 on Level 11. Casualty percentage is 65%, injuries are another 10%."

"So, we have only a quarter left of what we had at first. What about NERV?"

"82% of its people have been found and killed in total, other high rankings not among them are Major Katsuragi, Ibuki, Hyuuga, Aoba, last three being the techs that run the high tower, and Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki."

"Understood, they have possibly retreated together to a more secure location. Continue searching out ways to proceed down, and remind everyone that any techs sighted are to be killed no matter what."

****************

Located in another room in Terminal Dogma, a man sits in front of a tube, awaiting the arrival of one that he knows will come to him for the final phase of the birth. He wears no expression on his face as he sits there, staring off into the darkness.

'Yui, the day we imagined is approaching fast, you and I will see each other soon. Seele has been following through with all that I have given to them, the old men have been fools, never expecting me to deceive them until now. I have waited a long time for the chance to see you again..."

He turns around and looks at the many bodies floating in the tank holding Rei's sisters.

"Rei, you have served your purpose well, but I cannot allow you to betray me when it comes time. Please forgive me."

****************

"Sir, I have identified the object as a vehicle heading in the direction of the city at high speed."

"Fire a few rounds off close by to the object and see if they stop."

"Understood."

They watch as several meters to the left two streaks of light are sent flying in the direction of the vehicle. Soon they see two fireballs in the distance as the projectiles reach their targets.

****************

The jeep is rocked as two fireball appears in front of it a few hundred meters ahead.

"Asuka, I think they want us to stop!"

"Kodama, now is the time to bail if you want with Hikari."

"No, she would tear me apart if I did that."

"Then remember, there is no turning back now."

Another fireball explodes in front of them, this one being closer, as the jeep is shook hard enough to awaken the only sleeping occupant, "What's going on?"

"We have been sighted and are being fired upon, Hikari."

"Can't you do something?"

"Asuka, I remember the city having defenses to take out the angels, can't you use those?" asks Kodama.

"Most have been destroyed or cut off...except for one..." Asuka reads the data concerning the only working defense system left that holds one live round in it, "There is one round left in a working system, but I can't tell where it is pointing right now, so if I fire I do it blind."

"Better then doing nothing!"

She keys in the command to fire the last projectile in the air as she and everyone else watch the streak of light rise and fall until it reaches its target, being a long line of launchers positioned on a ridge on the west end of the city. They watch as a huge fireball spreads across in both directions as the vehicles explode.

"Whoa, that was pure luck..." replies Asuka at the sight of her work.

****************

"Sir, Third division has been destroyed. Offenses down to 23%!"

"Regroup the remaining offenses and destroy that object!"

"Understood!"

****************

"Asuka, I guess this is the reason why you are an Eva pilot."

"Hikari, that was just luck. Kodama, the moment you reach the second intersection take a left, then go two blocks and take a right."

Seven minutes outside of the city, the occupants of the jeep stare at the fire that continues to burn where the missile hit.

"We are closing in on the outside marker. Kodama, I know they are going to try and destroy us, so I hope you can drive like our guardian Misato."

Asuka is proven right as streaks of light can be seen coming from the spot to the left of the destroyed line.

****************

Down in Terminal Dogma, Maya watches as one of the surface defense systems goes online and launches the remaining missile inside of it, "Asuka just fired a missile..."

Suddenly she hears gunshots come from the hallway shortly before Misato, carrying a radio, and Fuyutsuki enter the room again. Misato turns it on and listens to the happenings on the surface.

<Sir, we have been hit! Third division has been wiped out! Offensive capability down from 58% to 23%!>

She turns off the radio, "Maya what has just happened?"

"Asuka activated the only working defensive system and launched the last missile in it."

"That missile has just taken out a huge chunk of the offenses, thus increasing the chances of everyone getting through. Asuka should be on the defense payroll."

"Major, what happ..."

"A scout was sent down to look at the layout of the area, meaning more may be on the way if they have found a way down."

"The Major is right, we have to be ready for incoming troops."

****************

One minute outside, Asuka, Hikari, Kodama, Rei, and Shinji have been dodging projectiles fired at them for a few minutes now, "Reaching outer marker real soon here, Asuka!"

Asuka prepares to start the program that is to be used for the descent into NERV. The moment the city limits sign is passed she hits return, causing the screen to flicker before displaying the status of the affected systems and two timers in the lower right corner. The first timer showing time remaining between each step and the second one showing total time remaining for the program.

"Asuka, after the right turn, what next?"

"Okay, one minute until we have to be on top of the platform. Once you take the right go eight blocks and go right again, continue on until I say stop."

"Understood."

When Kodama has just taken the second right, Asuka spots the marking on the road and waits for the right moment, "Stop!"

The moment they have come to a stop they see an explosion about fifty meters ahead, "That would have been way too close, Asuka!"

"Standby for descent in 7...6...5...4...3...2...1...GO!"

The jeep begins to fall rapidly as the lift below them speeds down to the bottom. Everyone can feel the rush as they speed down the shaft, "I don't know if a told you this yet Hikari and Kodama, but this next part is going to hurt when we stop."

The moment they are a few hundred meters from the bottom that brakes slam on, rapidly bringing everything to a halt as they feel the pressure weight down on them until the platform has stopped.

"OUCH!" cries Hikari as Kodama grunts as well.

"I should have warned you first, sorry..."

"Asuka, your timing is something that needs..."

"GO!"

Kodama doesn't get to finish as she sees the few soldiers that have managed to break in start to the launch area running up to them, firing their guns.

"Run them over now!"

Kodama slams her foot on the gas as Hikari begins to whimper and covers her eyes at the sound of gunfire and bodies hitting the front of the car, "I can't watch, I can't watch."

Shinji reaches over and puts a hand on her shoulder, "Just lay down, Hikari. Asuka and your sister will keep us safe."

"Kodama, turn right at the next junction, time left is at the10 second mark the moment we pass the next junction!"

"Right."

Seconds later they reach the launch area for Terminal Dogma and drive up to Shaft Three.

"2...1... GO!"

The jeep drops again as the second descent begins, this one being a bit slower and less pleasing as they see the shaft has been invaded. Blood has begun to streak the walls once they are about two-thirds of the way down, "Not the best sight..." replies Kodama as she opens the window to throw up.

After they have reached the bottom Asuka points in the direction to go in, it being the way to IA. After a minute has passed by Kodama sees two people standing in their way before Asuka signals for her to stop.

"This is my stop, just keep going until you reach the fourth door on the left, that should be the right room, the moment this thing beeps the door will open. Good luck, Rei."

She hurries out of the now dented and damaged jeep before it speeds off, "Misato, we made it."

"You got lucky with that missile."

****************

After a minute has passed the remaining four arrive at the door specified moments before they hear a beep, signaling time is up.

"Hikari, Rei isn't conscious anymore, I think the descent has knocked her out!"

"Ikari, help me get her out and into the room."

They both carefully lift Rei out of the vehicle that has served as the means for the trip and bring her through the open door into the same room that a man sits in, "Father!"

"Ah, you have arrived, I have prepared the tube already for her."

"How did you know we were coming?"

"Because I knew she would die if not brought here."

"Mister Ikari, what next?"

"Bring her up here and hold her up while I raise the first part."

Shinji and Hikari don't argue as they bring Rei up the stairs to the tube. When she is in position the lower half of the tube raises up and they back away. The second half lowers down as it fills up with the same bluish-green LCL that Rei, Shinji, and Asuka have seen in the dreams.

"What is this stuff, father?"

"Modified LCL, the same stuff that was used the last time we did this test."

Moments later they hear a click come from behind them before they turn and see Gendo pointing a gun at both of them, "Mister Ikari?!"

"I am sorry my dear, but you should not have come."

"Father, what are you doing?!"

"Shinji, I have no more use for you once the child comes, nor do I have a use for Rei either."

"But we are pilots!"

"It does not matter, the child will suffice for the last angel."

"What?"

"I am sorry, but..."

A gunshot is heard from the doorway as Kodama walks in with the same gun that used to be in the jeep, "You little bastard, you dare hold a gun to my sister!"

****************

"Asuka, why did you get dropped off here?"

Misato has led Asuka into the IA room to find out what is going on.

"Because I am the only person that can help fight the invasion. I didn't know if Hikari or her sister would have been of help!"

"Pilot Soryu, why are you here?"

"Sub-Commander?"

"Misato, *Cough* he has a gun..."

"Ritsuko?"

"Major, I believe Ikari will kill everyone unless someone hurries to stop him!"

"Shit!!"

Misato runs out the door as Asuka walks up to the terminal Maya has been watching this whole time, "So, you like this spot?"

"Asuka?"

"Well, I thought you could be of some help in fighting."

"No, I can't kill another!"

"But..."

"I can't do it..."

"Then, stay here, control the stuff you can from here!"

"Asuka walks up to the laptop still connected and begin to bring the MAGI fully online again, "Ritsuko you remember what I said about if the parameter files are mess..."

"Yes, I see what you are doing. Maya, listen to Asuka, she knows what to do..."

"Yes, Sempai."

Asuka finishes the process and is greeted by the sound of alarms going off, "Wow, not much left to use..."

****************

Misato runs down the hallway in the direction the jeep took, hoping to arrive before anyone is killed.

'Damnit, I knew that bastard would try something like this the moment this war began!'

Several moments later she hears the sound a gunshot and speeds up as she sees the vehicle ahead. By the time she arrives she sees that Gendo has a gun pointed at his head by an unknown person.

"Just who the hell do you think you are deciding who lives and who dies!"

"It does not matter who I am, only that my plans proceed as follows."

Misato speaks up as she nears the scene in front of her, "Is that so?"

"Major, please take this person into custody on charges of attempted murder and trespassing."

"Why should I, you seem to be letting everyone else die to save you."

"Misato, how did you..."

"I will tell you later, Shinji!"

"Major, in disobeying my orders you are looking at a long sentence."

"Your name is Kodama, right?"

"Yes, why."

"Thank you for helping out in getting the children back, I owe you a huge favor for this."

"Considering I came really close to dying, and the fact that my father is going to panic, I would say so!"

"Don't worry, I will make sure you get back safe, Hikari as well. And I will cover for you since I know NERV is viewed as a bad place now..."

"Well, you are welcome."

"Major, in letting..."

Misato takes out her gun and slams it against the back of his head, "Would you just shut up!"

****************

Down the hall, things are starting to fall together as the IA system is being used to make the modifications needed to hopefully turn the tables and drive the JSSDF out.

"Asuka, how is it you knew how to control everything, yet never read about the MAGI itself?"

"Maya, it's a long story, one I don't have time to tell. What is the current status of the controls?"

"30% are still at normal."

"Change the second directory to an auxiliary one."

They both continue making changes to the MAGI as the enemy inches closer to them.

"We have weapons down here, right, Shigeru?"

"Yes, there is a room three doors down that was once used for storage of them, but I am not sure how many remain."

Fuyutsuki stands up from where he is sitting and walks up to Asuka, "How do you expect to win? They outnumber us by at least ten times our numbers."

"I am hoping the MAGI still has working sensors that can be used to close off sections that are being invaded, the ones that are coming are still armed as well, but if we have the firepower we may be able to take them out."

"And you have this all planed out?"

"No, I leave that up to you. All I can do is scare them away."

"I understand then, are you going to assist?"

"Only to protect the people that are innocent. Maya, how is it coming?"

"94% ready, I can't get past the damaged area in Control yet."

"That is because the terminals were damaged, try bypassing the circuits to the right wing."

"Done, the system has been reprogrammed."

"Ritsuko, can you walk?"

"Barely, why?"

"Because this honor belongs to you since you helped create the MAGI."

Asuka picks up the laptop and brings it over to her.

Ritsuko does her best to remember the startup command as she types. The second she enters the last few characters she hits enter and watches the screen flicker as all goes quiet before a confirmation tone is heard signaling that the MAGI is ready.

"Pilot Soryu, I must say, well done."

I only bought us some time, I am sure that it won't be enough to matter if anyone is passed the sixth level. What are your orders, Sir?"

****************

Misato has tied up and dragged Gendo to the doorway while the other three watch the progress of Rei's situation inside the tube.

"Ikari, how can she breathe?" asks Hikari.

"LCL contains oxygen in it. It is the same stuff I breathe in the Eva."

"But, doesn't it burn?"

"No. LCL is blood, but it is..."

"Shinji, I think it is best to let me tell them in the hall. This is a special time for you and Rei, so I think you should be alone with her."

"But..."

"Besides, I need to get back to that room Asuka is in, so these two ladies will have to watch the hall outside of the doorway."

"I guess so..."

After the door closes Shinji walks over and sits down on the steps to wait for the situation to show a need for him to do something.

About two minutes later he hears the sound of tapping and turns to see Rei has regained consciousness again, "Rei?" He gets up and walks up to the tube, "Rei, you have awoken."

She points to the small control panel a few meters away and does her best to indicate the intercom switch. He walks up to it and pushes it.

"Shinji, we have finally come to this point."

"Rei, I don't know what to do?.."

"I have read about birth, do not worry."

"I can't help it, I mean, you said that you may die..."

"Do not worry, if I do, it will be while you are here with me."

****************

Misato has just finished giving a brief explanation on what LCL is and is now running in the direction of IA. When she arrives she is greeted to the sight of a small meeting being held by Fuyutsuki.

"Major, you have come back, I presume everything is okay?"

"I tied up Ikari for now, but I know this will mean my job in the end..."

"It could mean your job anyway. We were just about to plan an attack to regain control of NERV, Soryu and Ibuki just finished making a few changes to the MAGI."

"So they are online again?"

"Yes, but they may be of some help in winning this battle."

"Proceed then, I am open to anything at this point."

She sits down with Makoto, Shigeru, and Asuka while Fuyutsuki begins the meeting.

"Okay, thanks to the work of Asuka Langley Soryu, we have an advantage now, but we still need to keep the enemy out of Terminal Dogma. The only option we have is to proceed upward and kill whatever non-NERV personnel remain and grab any personnel that are NERV for combat. I won't lie to you, there is a good chance we have signed the death certificate, but I think that if we are going to be terminated we might as well do it fighting. Asuka and Shigeru will proceed up the shaft that is accessible right now and kill any troops that fire upon you, Misato and Makoto will proceed up the evac elevator to the fourth level and try to search for as many people that remain as possible. I will take the main elevator up to the level for Central Control and do what I can from there. Any questions?"

Maya speaks up, "What about Doctor Akagi and I?"

"Maintain the MAGI systems until you are contacted or are killed."

"I understand..."

"Ibuki, you know that if we fail that you will be one of the few left and that the JSSDF will find you, but at least you are safe for now."

****************

"Sir, we have regained power to NERV somehow, attempting to regain control of the MAGI."

<Understood. Report your progress when you are in.>

"Hai."

"Sir, I am in but unable to gain control to certain areas."

"Name them off."

"The main elevator shaft, launch shafts for Terminal Dogma, door controls for levels below ten, and visual systems."

"Those systems are of no matter, unlock as many directories as you can and open a connection to the UN."

He raises his radio again, "Command, we have control of most systems, a few have been disregarded for now, attempting to unlock directories."

<Understood.>

****************

Asuka and Shigeru have arrived at the launch shaft that will bring them to the cages and prepare for the ride upwards, "Shigeru, I set the speed to 25%, but we will still feel a rush."

"I am ready."

"She enters a command on the controller she holds and feels the lift instantly start up as Shigeru has his gun at ready. They see a few NERV techs a ways up and bring the lift to a halt as they jump on, then start up again.

"You, do you have any weapons?"

The few personnel that have joined withdraw firearms given to them days before.

"Those will do fine as weapons."

Asuka sees a few people at the top of the shaft with guns pointing down, "UP HIGH!"

Shigeru sees them and begins to fire.

****************

Misato and Makoto have arrived on Level Four and are greeted to gunfire coming from the end of the hallway.

"Major, they have us stuck in here."

The doors suddenly close as the lift goes up one level for an unknown reason then opens again, "What the..."

They step out as they see a few techs have escaped the searches and ran to the evac lift.

"Do you have any weapons?" asks Misato.

The techs shake their heads, but lead the two armed officers to a room holding more people.

"Makoto, I believe we have a nice army in here, what do you think?"

He nods.

****************

Fuyutsuki has arrived on the floor that will take him to the control area where he will attempt to regain what he can for the next phase of his plan. As he comes closer he hears two men talking inside.

"Sir, I am unable to get into the core directories."

"Keep trying, the UN needs the data in them."

He moves into the doorway and speaks up as the men have their backs to him, "Excuse me, can you tell me the time?" Before they even get their guns out Fuyutsuki fires two round into their bodies and watches as they fall. He doesn't expect a sniper to be above him as he feels a bullet hit his shoulder. He raises his gun and fires many round up as the person falls to the ground below.

****************

"Rei, how much longer?"

"I am not sure, the pain has decreased some."

"I hope everyone else is okay. We came close to being killed ourselves on the surface, but down here I would think avoiding the enemy would be harder."

"I am sure Misato is doing everything she can to keep us safe."

****************

As a matter of fact, Misato and Makoto have run into a couple new ways to keep everyone below safe as she addresses the NERV techs that have avoided being killed.

"Okay, I know many of you are injured and maybe don't even want to fight right now, but at this point all we can do is fight, but if we fight, we fight to stay alive, not to protect one man like we have been told to. Right now I have another reason to fight as well, and that is to protect two pilots that I care for a lot, I hope you will help me in doing that job. I won't force anyone to fight, but I will ask that if you are going to die you do it at least fighting for them if not to fight for your lives."

Makoto lets out a smile as about half of the 22 techs stand up ready to fight.

"Good, we have some of the enemy below us right now, they will be the first to be killed. I hope we are successful, because in the end we will still have our lives."

****************

Asuka, Shigeru, and two tech have managed to find a spot to take cover from the three men that are firing upon them from one level up.

"Okay, we still outnumber them, but they have better guns, so if we are to survive we have to go at the same time firing all we have."

"Asuka, shooting blind won't help!"

"Then what should we do?"

"Two of us provide cover while a third person runs to the door and sees if they can spot a weapon close by. One tech person and I will provide the cover while the other tech runs. You are still a pilot and should avoid being killed if possible."

"I understand..."

"Look, I see you as a risk here, but we still need people to fight, don't worry, if they get all of us you can get out through the vent here, you are the only one that will fit."

"Got it."

"Okay, 1...2...3!"

The three techs emerge out of hiding and begin firing at the men above. Asuka watches as the tech helping provide the cover falls after being shot several times. Soon the gunfire ceases and Asuka comes out and hurries behind Shigeru to the door.

As they reach the hallway they stop and see the mass casualties that line the hall in both directions, Asuka falls back into the room as she finally sees what a real battle for survival is about, "All these people...killed just because of us..."

"Asuka, they died trying to protect NERV. This isn't the best way to go but at least they died fighting by the looks of it..."

"But..."

"Asuka, we will have time to grieve later, right now we need to drive the JSSDF out of NERV so we may finally be able to relax."

****************

"Okay, Makoto, you go out with the first group and provide a short offensive position, I will go with the second group to try and kill whatever is still alive."

"Understood."

Misato's team of 13 has taken the main elevator down one level to see if they can cut off the advancing troops before they reach it. She pulls open the inner doors and gets ready to hit the key to open the outer ones.

"Makoto, on 3...2...1..." The doors are opened and he and two others hurry into the hall and fire at the men at the other end before pulling away around the corner as the men begin to advance, not expecting the rest of the group to emerge and begin firing, killing everyone that was not on their side.

****************

"Sir, we have lost contact with Control, 18th, and the remaining men of the 25th divisions."

"What?"

"Unable to contact them for a minute now."

"What is the status of the 20th, 26th, and 14th special?"

"14th has reached the second level, 20th and 26th are still..."

"What is it?"

"The 26th has reported they have come under fire, 20th are descending down to second level right now."

"Have the 14th hold their position until the 20th arrives."

"What about the 26th?"

"Tell them to fall back to a location they have an advantage at."

****************

Fuyutsuki has managed to find a chair and begin restoring the controls for the communications systems. He has been hit in his left shoulder and done his best to stop the bleeding for now but is not sure if he will ever be able to use the shoulder again after this day.

'To think that NERV was built to save mankind, we sure have made a mess of it...'

As soon as he finishes he picks up the radio lying on the floor about a meter away and starts the next part of his plan.

"To anyone who is listening, NERV is not going to give up without a fight, we are ready for anything you throw at us. If you are near a terminal you will see we have a group of heavily armed personnel on Level One awaiting my orders to advance to the next level up. You have ten minutes to surrender yourselves to NERV. You will not be killed if you surrender unconditionally."

****************

"Shinji!!"

"Rei?"

"The child is coming."

"What do I do?"

"You must keep me calm."

"But how?"

"The same way you kept me awake in the park."

****************

<...You will not be killed if you surrender unconditionally.>

"Sir, contact has been established with NERV, they are insisting they are ready for us on Level One."

"Let me talk to them."

The radioman hands his unit over to his superior officer.

"This is the JSSDF, please identify yourself?"

"The UN is prepared to destroy NERV if needed."

"What is it you want?"

"NERV refused to hand over operations."

"I am not authorized to make deals."

****************

Ritsuko and Maya remain in the IA room awaiting the end result to be delivered to them.

"Maya..."

"Yes?"

"I am sure I won't have a chance to say this again, but...*Cough cough cough*"

"Please, don't talk like that."

"No, I have lost too much blood...and I don't think I will make it to the Medical Ward..."

"But..."

"Maya...I just want you to know...you have been a fine pupil, my mother would have been proud..."

"Sempai..."

****************

"Umm...come on, stay calm, Rei."

"I don't think it will work like that, Shinji."

"Rei, I can't do it, I can't. At the park I was able to help you, but this is different!"

"Shinji AAAAH, don't...try, just AAAAAH do it!"

"Umm...why is it you are always in control!"

"Shinji?"

"You been through more pain then I have, yet you are able to stay in control!"

"It is because I learned how to cope with the pain, even redirect it when possible."

"But..."

"In order to control pain you have to learn what pain really is AAAAAAAHHH."

Blood begins to show up in the LCL as she balls her hands into fists.

"Rei, what is wrong?"

"I am having trouble pushing."

"What?"

"The child may have grown too much AAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"But I...wait, channel your pain!!"

"What?"

"You said that is how you deal with your pain, so do it!"

****************

A phone rings inside of Central Control.

"Hello?"

"Yes."

"I agree to those terms."

"I will meet the person at Access Tunnel Five."

****************

"Rei, how is it going?"

"I believe I will be able to do it now."

"Good, I am looking forward to seeing our child."

Rei feels a sharp pain as the child kicks inside of her

****************

The Sub-Commander has made it to the meeting point at last and sees that two people await his arrival, "I thought it was agreed that no one else would be present?"

"I assure you that this person is required, and that he is not armed."

"You have the paperwork?"

"Yes, even a pen, I assure you this will be over quickly, at that time we will give the order to withdraw and the JSSDF will leave peacefully."

****************

Come on, Rei. You can do it!"

"I feel it coming."

"Push!"

****************

"All the papers have been proofed?"

"Yes, Sub-Commander, we made sure to leave nothing out."

****************

"Push, Rei."

Shinji watches as a head appears.

****************

"Then I will ask that you be the first to sign before I sign."

"A reasonable request."

The first man signs the paper.

****************

"Push!!"

Next come the arms.

****************

"I will sign next."

He leans down and signs his name.

"And to wrap this up my assistant here to be the witness to this event."

The second man seals the deal the moment he finishes.

****************

"Almost done!"

All that remains is the legs to come out as Rei gives one last push.

****************

"Kozo Fuyutsuki, I am glad you have been willing to cooperate with this agreement."

The first man extends his hand as Fuyutsuki does the same and they shake hands.

****************

"Rei, the child is out!"

"I know, I can tell. I will need to be let out for this final part."

Shinji hurries over to the controls and hits the button that will release her from the tomb. He watches as the LCL quickly drains and the glass slides open. Rei hurries out and grabs a sharp object lying nearby so she can sever the cord. After all is said and done, she walks over to Shinji so he may see the child as well.

"Did you pick a name?"

"Yes, I will name her Kei."

"Kei...I think it is a nice name..."

"I am glad you like it as well."

****************

"We have given the order for our people to withdraw from NERV without incident, we hope that you will be ready by the time the last angel comes."

"Well, your men have given us a lot of work, but our pilots will be ready, I assure you."

"Glad to hear it."

****************

"Shinji, I think it is time to alert Hikari and Kodama that the child is here."

"You wait here, I will tell them."

He walks to the door and sees his father still has not awoken yet.

As the door opens he sees that Hikari and Kodama have fallen asleep. He thinks first before waking them but feels that it is best if he does.

"Hikari, Kodama, we have a small surprise for you in here..."

He hears them moan as they begin to wake, Kodama is the first one to speak, "What is it?.."

"The child has come, you may come see it if you wish."

They both get up and walk in to the room to where Rei has sat down. They see that she is holding a newborn baby girl and smile.

"Ikari, congratulations, you are a father now." says Hikari.

"Hikari, I think it would be best to give them a ride to that one room where Asuka is."

"This place seems a bit cold. Shinji, how about you take the child while we help Rei to the jeep. These clones can see the baby later."

The parents nod as Shinji takes the child while Rei is helped to the car by the Horaki sisters.

****************

A few minutes later, Maya hears the sound of a vehicle stop outside of the door and the sound of doors closing before the door to the room is opened.

"Who is it?"

"Shinji, Rei, Hikari, and her sister, plus someone new."

"Who?"

Shinji walks up to Maya who has been taking care of Ritsuko during the whole ordeal concerning the birth and final attack, "It's a she?"

"Yes, her name is Kei."

Ritsuko smiles as she sees that everything has worked out, but the smile quickly fades as she looses consciousness after a few hours.

"Sempai?"

"Maya, what's wrong?"

"Get Rei back in the jeep, we have to get her to the Medical Ward anyhow, but Ritsuko was shot over an hour ago!"

Hikari nods and quickly helps get Rei out the door before she and Kodama rush in again and bring Ritsuko out the door as well. Once everyone is in Maya grabs the laptop and begins and enters the base command for the third lift to return to the bottom.

****************

Close by the Eva cages, Asuka and Shigeru hear the sound of the lift begin to lower back down to the bottom, after a few minutes they see it return with a jeep on it, "Wha?.."

"Asuka, get in, we need to get to the Medical Ward fast!" yells Hikari.

After a quick but rough trip through the ruined hallways of NERV, the jeep pulls to a stop once in reaches a dead end. The jeep has now gone through a few walls and thus is almost unrecognizable because of it. The spot it has reached is the Main elevator where they can ride the remaining few floors to the level that will allow them access to what remains of the Medical Ward inside of NERV.

When they have found a room to set Ritsuko down in they lay her on a bed and exit the room as Maya does her best to attend to the injuries.

Asuka reaches for the computer that still remains and does her best to see what is going on concerning the attack, what she finds out is the attack has ended, and that those that have been found have gathered in Control. She wastes no time in sending a message to them alerting them to the situation, hoping that they are able to see it still.

To Be Continued…

Dang, not much left to ask...

What will happen to Ritsuko now?

Will Control see the message?

What will happen to Gendo?

Well, the final parts are coming soon, so look for Rei's Child, Chapter X

----

Yes, Omakes

Omake 1

"Rei, the child is out!"

"They all are."

"What??"

"Shinji, I was not the only one giving birth."

Shinji doesn't understand at first until he looks at her sisters and backs away, "I am not changing all those diapers."

(You knew it was coming, admit it.)