From the translators (-=B1ackD0g=- b1ackd0g@rambler.ru):

    Hello to all you people over there not speaking Russian. This fan-continuation of CoaEG has been written and translated by fans for fans. We hope you enjoy it.
    Now let's hear out what its author has to say.

    Warning.
    Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.
    (c) Mark Twain

    Finishing other's work, especially on request, is ungrateful. Talking about such a significant novel as CoaEG, with all its potential, requesting deserving development and conclusion – twice ungrateful.
    On half-way to the end of the chapter I've already known what I would be criticized for. And I'm not going to clear myself or complain about strictly “ordered” type of work, hard time limitations and constant pressure. What's done is done. My attitude towards my work is simple: this alternative chapter is just an adventure story, continuing if not the plot then the line of events of CoaEG. I intentionally refused to attempt to dig in characters' inward and their relations; refused to look for deep philosophical meaning in what's happening. In other words, I'll leave the right and duty to tell about those to the authors. Guess it's better to do it this way then to write some nonsense based on one's ideology and concepts. In general count this chapter is just a fanfic (or unofficial omake if you wish). And when the authors finally do conclude CoaEG – then we'll talk about ending.

Alex Kaiten (Alexey Grishin)

    Dedicated to K

    Chapter 24.
    On The Last Frontier.

    Darkness surrounded Him, but He felt no fear or confusion being in this sticky cold void. He knew his time would inevitably come and no matter how long it will take – He's got the whole eternity on hand. He'd been waiting for a long time but felt no impatience. Sooner or later when the stars line up His time will come.
    He felt calls for Him, dim calls of pathetic creatures inhabiting the world named Earth. He had been given plenty of names in that world: Cthulhu, Oannes and more. But none of them was His true name. He was worshiped, He put fear in their hearts. He knew some were hunger for His arrival and some were terrified by it. He didn't care. Thoughts, feelings, deeds of mankind were meaningless. For their days on Earth were counting down.
    The stars parade has come.

    The sound of Scimitar engines was heard on the bridge and in the cabins only as a muted din but here, in engine-room, it sounded like a roar of a giant steel beast. In spite of wearing protective headphones technical staff preferred not to linger near powerful engines but to monitor their state with devices in special control room. Therefore chief engineer was greatly worried when he saw a person bending over the right engine. Besides, he was unable to recognize the man from the back although stranger was wearing a technician uniform.
    -Any troubles? – he asked and approached the man – Is everything okay? Hey, who the hell are you? You're not one of ours!
    -You're right, - the man confirmed. He straightened, green eyes blazing. Steel of a weapon glittered in his hand - I'm not one of yours.
    -Oh God, no! – the technician raised his hand to protect himself. But God deprived him of protection.

    -Well, flight is going normally so far, - said Misato. – Children had nightmares but I'll look into this later, but everything else seems rather fine. We'll be arriving at our destination in approximately eight hours.
    -Very well, - Dr. Himmelfarb replied. – Everything is normal here too. The fleet is on full alert.
    -Good. We're crossing the ocean now. It is calm, - Misato said uncertainly.
    Doctor Himmelfarb turned back in fear when noticed Ritsuko fainted.
    It didn't make Misato feel more confident.
    -Umm, well… On the whole everything is fine here.
    -I'll take her to the sickbay, - said Maya, while helping Ritsuko to stand up and walk towards door.
    -Let me know… - Misato was interrupted with a sudden explosion from behind. She turned around. – What the…?
    Link went down; screen was filled with static noise.
    -What's going on? – asked Fuyutsuki.
    -We're trying to find that out, - replied Makoto and requested via intercom – All units, report in.
    -That sounded like an explosion, - Misato made a guess, - Are we under attack?
    -Doesn't look like that. We would've found that out in advance. It's most likely an accident or…
    -Or what?
    -… a diversion.
    -I'll bring Children, -Misato decided immediately, - They'll be safer here.
    -Get guards to the bridge, - ordered Fuyutsuki, - secure all key posts.
    The sweat stood out on Makoto's forehead.
    -I can't manage to restore communications. Looks like something happened to either equipment or antenna. Intercom is dead too.
    -It is possible that it was the explosion that caused this. Let technicians look into it. Katsuragi-san I believe you shouldn't be leaving bridge now. Rules forbid…
    -Screw rules, - Misato checked clip and put the handgun back to holster, - Never read them…
    She ran out the door before anyone could oppose. A minute later a few men from damage control in blue uniforms entered the room. They paid no attention to anyone and started to check devices and equipment.
    Fuyutsuki looked at Makoto. After Misato left he became the senior officer on the bridge excluding Commander.
    -Are we going down? – Fuyutsuki asked quietly.
    -No, sir. Lifting force remains if…
    -If what?
    -If it was the only explosion.
    -We've lost contact with German base and they have no information on what happened, - said Fuyutsuki, - they may assume that Scimitar was shot down and start acting referring to this. First thing we need to do is to contact Commander Weiss.
    Makoto took out his cell phone.
    -Good thinking, - agreed Fuyutsuki. He took the phone from Makoto, - And Commander's number…?
    A gun barrel suddenly appeared at Fuyutsuki's eye level making him stop on half-word. Hand that was holding the gun was belonging to a not tall swarthy man wearing tech-personnel uniform. Fuyutsuki peered into his face:
    -You?
    -Me, - answered Abdul Kanephren.
    He snatched out the cell from Fuyutsuki's hands and threw it away, pointing the gun at Makoto. Lieutenant was the only one armed on the bridge and had nothing left but to obey. He slowly pulled out his gun and put it on the floor.
    -What is the meaning of all his? – Fuyutsuki rebelled. It was just now that he understood how suspicious repair team appearance on the bridge a few minutes after the explosion was. Especially if no one summoned them in. If only Misato had left a minute later she'd probably discover the trick. But what's the use of being sorry now?
    -First of all, - Kanephren stepped to a wall opposite the door, keeping an eye on Fuyutsuki and Makoto, - I'd like to warn you against rash actions. I would not have come here with a gun only, - in confirmation he unzipped uniform jacket and showed bales of explosives attached to his belt. He was holding some sort of switch in the left hand, - You've heard about “dead man's hand” rule, hadn't you? As long as I hold this switch pressed explosives won't detonate. But if I take away the finger not only charges on my body will go off but so will a powerful bomb installed in engine-room. Scimitar will be doomed. “Now, you – Kanephren beckoned one of three technicians he came with, - take the gun and stay out the door. If anyone comes near – shoot”. Kanephren's accomplice didn't suspect he was simply used as bait. He picked up Makoto's handgun and went out. Two remaining technicians from maintenance staff were puzzled but didn't attempt to interfere.
    -I demand explanation, - repeated Fuyutsuki, - what are you going to do?
    -If you obey my demands unquestioningly no one will get hurt…
    -Was it you who caused the explosion?!
    Kanephren nodded.
    -Yes, I disabled the antenna and I really don't want you to call German base with a cell phone.
    -What do you plan on doing? There are several dozens of soldiers on Scimitar, not mentioning that Children are here. You don't stand a chance against them!
    -It doesn't matter. If they try to interfere everyone will die. Change course immediately. We're going to these coordinates, - Kanephren spelled the numbers.
    Fuyutsuki checked with map and said surprised:
    -There's nothing but ocean there. What next?
    -Just do it, - Kanephren started to rise his hand with the switch gripped in it, - or there will be no “next” for you.
    Makoto shrugged his shoulders and entered new course into navigation computer. Scimitar engines droned harder turning the giant airship.

    Misato looked into Shinji's room which was closest to stairs but it was empty. It was already late in the evening so Children should've been in their beds. Misato grew cold with terror. What if she was late? What if Children were captured? Of course any of them could take on an army but it isn't always about force only. They could've been deceived or intimidated or twisted around their fingers and used. Who knows what these SEELE bastards are capable of?
    When Misato approached Asuka's room she pulled out her handgun and disabled safety catch. She slammed the door wide open and rushed into holding the gun in outstretched arm. Surprised Asuka bit her tongue and since Shinji's tongue also was in her mouth his tongue got bitten too.
    -Umm… - moaned Shinji and tried to get free with lesser damage.
    -Just stay calm, - Misato was relieved, - but I think we've got a problem.
    -Thath's thrue, - answered Asuka. She finally put out her swelling tongue and now was anxiously touching it.

    US Navy “Seawolf” class submarine was slowly and silently moving through water column while patrolling South Pacific. Three-mile deep abyss below. With no islands or reefs around. Far to the south from all navigational routes. In other words this was an unexplored area of Pacific Ocean concealing much more mysteries than one could imagine. Under ordinary circumstances this area wouldn't be much of an interest. Nevertheless the submarine was heading south making complex zigzags to enlarge its search zone.
    The submarine hadn't surfaced for two days already so crew members were unaware of what was happening. Last captain's order was to explore area with specified coordinates to report on encountering any anomalies or unidentified objects and to avoid detection.
    Since then submarine crew was on quarter-bill although no one including captain even imagined what were they looking for and what they were about to encounter.
    Everything at central station was calm. Endless hunt for nothing kept people tensed leaving them no chance to relax. The only sounds were beeps from working equipment and soft clicks of buttons being pressed. Two acousticians were carefully listening to sounds coming from their headphones. Since submarine was moving deep underwater it was the only reliable way to observe surroundings.
    Time slowly passed by. Suddenly on of the acousticians flinched and raised his hand cuddling headphones closer.
    -Contact! Bearing course 210. Six mile range approximately.
    -What is it? – asked watch officer lieutenant Paxton.
    Acoustic only shrugged his shoulders.
    -The signal is too faint, sir. This might be a whale or a shoal or other submarine on noiseless run.
    -There should be no “other” submarines in this area.
    -If you say so, sir.
    -Approach, - ordered officer, - set course 200, half-speed.
    The submarine barely began to turn and increased its speed when unidentified object started moving.
    -Bearing course is changing rapidly, sir, - reported acoustician, - It's moving …bearing course 220…230… It's moving hellish fast.
    -I estimate movement speed to be about 80-90 mph, - added second acoustician.
    -Nothing is capable of moving at such speed underwater! – shouted Paxton, - Get captain here immediately!
    -Constant bearing course. Sound's increasing. Distance five miles but rapidly decreasing. This thing is going straight on us! And this surely isn't a whale!
    -Dammit! Battle alarm! Prepare torpedoes! Enable active sonar!
    Ping.
    -Jesus Christ! – someone shouted when reflected waves draw shape of the object on the screen, - What the hell is it?!
    -Starboard! – ordered Paxton, - Start evasive maneuver!
    -Distance two thousand yards, quickly decreasing. Constant bearing course. Whatever that is it's following us!
    -Prepare yourselves for impact!
    Powerful hit shook the submarine. Even those who were holding on to the banisters fell down shouting. Lights went out. Grind of metal could be heard. After a few seconds later crew members heard the most dreadful sound for submariner – sound of water flowing into bays.
    Paxton hardly rose to his feet.
    -Immediate surfacing!
    But damaged submarine deeply lurched and slid into abyss entailed by something huge live and deadly.

    Makoto was sitting closest to the door so he was the first to feel cold suddenly spreading from the direction of hallway. Although at first he didn't pay attention to it. Fuyutsuki shivered but remained silent. Kanephren pricked up his ears. He called his man from behind the door but there was no response.
    -Hey, you! Open the door. – he ordered to one of technicians, - Whoever's out there, you better not trying to do something that would force me to blow up Scimitar!
    Technician approached the door carefully and pressed the button next to it. Door was opened. Kanephren aimed at the doorway without noticing the air-gate behind him was red-hot and arching out. Makoto's eyes widened for a bit but he immediately shifted his gaze to a screen in front of him not to give out his emotions. Did Children know (and Makoto had no doubt it were them trying to enter the bridge this way) about the explosives and the “dead man's hand” rule? The only thing left for him was to hope they did.
    Opened door revealed frosted body of Kanephren's accomplice frozen to the wall. He had surprised and frightened expressions concurrently stuck on his face as if he didn't manage to realize what happened. The gun in his hand was covered with an ice crust.
    -What the…? – started Kanephren. But at this moment flowed air-gate crashed on floor. He turned around simultaneously pulling the trigger. His three bullets stopped by AT-field hanged in the air for a moment and fell down as melted metal drops. Asuka grinned. Flames were dancing on her stretched out palms. Air in the room was heating fast.
    -Freeze! – shouted Misato from behind Kanephren.
    She stayed in the doorway aiming at him. But it was like she directed it to Asuka too. Second Child stopped but yet stared at her enemy with glare full of anger. Rei and Shinji slipped into past Misato.
    Rei was able to kill Kanephren as fast as she killed that man in corridor, so was Asuka. But Misato didn't want to take any risks while there was a danger for safety of other people and Scimitar.
    -Don't shoot, - asked Fuyutsuki, - He's got explosives on his body. Kanephren, I'm sure we can work this out if you…
    -Time for treaties is gone, - snapped out Kanephren, receding to the center of the room and lowering his gun ‘cause he knew it wouldn't be of any use, - All treaties are terminated. The one who I serve will grant me eternal life when I fulfil his wish. I have no fear of death but what about you? Are you ready to die?
    Following Kanephren Misato made a few steps ahead. Toji and Hikari followed her entering the bridge. Children unintentionally formed pentagon around opponent as if they were fighting an Angel.
    -Stay back! – ordered Kanephren, - Don't you come any closer! Otherwise I'll blow up Scimitar!
    -Bomb in engine-room is already disarmed, - said Misato, - Rei, show him.
    Rei unclenched her fingers and demonstrated short silver pencil-looking detonator lying on her palm to Kanephren. It was removed by Misato with all due care after Rei had frozen the bomb.
    -I can get him, - Shinji said quietly. He was ready to throw sticky web fibers to Kanephren but Misato shook her head. Too dangerous.
    -And why do you think there's only one bomb?
    -You're bluffing, - said Toji, - Give up while it's not too late.
    -Don't come any closer, I'm telling you! We're almost there, - uttered Kanephren. He looked on the screen with Scimitar coordinates for a moment, - Soon… Cthulhu fhtagn…
    Kanephren focused attention on Misato and Children and had left out of account Fuyutsuki that was standing very close. Fuyutsuki never considered himself as a hero but when he got a chance he couldn't possibly restrain himself. He made two fast but silent steps behind Kanephren's back and gripped his hand that was holding the detonator. Without a shadow of doubt Kanephren fired point-blank twice at Fuyutsuki's chest. The man moaned and started to subside on floor yet not letting loose the trigger. At the very moment Misato fired her gun, fibers of spider's web wrapped up two grappled men, fire and ice struck traitor's dead body.
    -No! – screamed Misato seeing that fire and ice also hit Fuyutsuki. She put her gun back into holster and rushed forward with the intension to knock down flames. But it was too late already.
    Makoto sprung up looking for a fire extinguisher because fire was burning hard and was threatening to transfer onto walls and equipment. He remembered of detonator in Kanephren's hand but was hoping that Fuyutsuki's hand would keep the button pressed until something else catches the device. Unfortunately real life is not like Hollywood thriller and hero gets in time far from always.
    Bodies covered with fire fell to the floor and Misato saw a small device with a trigger slipping out of Kanephren's fingers. She hadn't even managed to take a breath to yell.
    “God forsook us”, - was her last thought.

    UN Security Council promptly summoned one day after the attack on NERV bases and Scimitar disappearance didn't bring in any clearance. It was vice versa: representatives of all countries incapable of coming to an agreement even in peaceful times turned into throng of frightened and confused people who were concerned more of their own security than safety of the entire world. Disturbance in room continued until JSSDF General Ushijima Mitsuru rose onto podium. After putative death of Commander Fuyutsuki, Weiss and Misato Katsuragi he was the person in charge. General called on all representatives by raising his hand. Tensed silence was interrupted only by anxious whispering and paper rustling. Everyone fastened their eyes on the man who was rumored to be effectively defending Japanese islands for the past few hours and then took a fighter to Europe to participate in the meeting.
    -Fist of all, I'd like to say… - General was speaking Japanese and a few conference interpreters were translating his speech on world's main languages, - That the situation is under control now. Far as I can tell no other bases except for NERV-Germany have been overrun due to the measures taken.
    On-wall screen visible from every place of auditorium was turned on. Last news broadcast was being transmitted.
    / -We're leading our report from outskirts of Hanover that was attacked by Deep Ones just as other coastal cities, settlements and military bases, - with that word a lovely girl with microphone in her hands appeared. In spite of disarranged hair and slight negligence in cloth she spoke and acted like a real professional. Background was filled with peals of gunfire, fussing men in military uniforms and passing by army trucks and jeeps. At the bottom of the screen appeared subtitles: “Megumi Kanzama. Japan Today”.
    -Fortunately, the military managed to stop enemy's advancement and by the time of dawn to force the enemy out of the city and back to the coast, - continued Megumi, - As soon as the gatherings of Deep Ones were localized and blocked up aviation and artillery joined in. Behind me you can see an airdrome from which bombers continuously take off to strike the area occupied by enemy. We have an opportunity to ask a few questions to one of the pilots who just arrived from an operational flight. Herr Flugzeugfuhrer! – Megumi ran to head off a tall handsome man in flying gear holding helmet in his armpit, - Hey! Hey you! I'm talking to you! Can I ask you a few questions? Do you speak English? Into TV camera, please. Here!
    Pilot nodded a bit embarrassed.
    -Introduce yourself, please, - started Megumi.
    - Lieutenant Wittman, German Air Forces.
    -What can you say about the course of action?
    -I can only say one thing – a dozen more flights and this plot of land will just tear off and sink in the ocean. We beat it to pulp. No one would be able to survive in an inferno like his. When our infantry gets to the shore they'll have a lot of dirty work.
    -What do you think about a possible Angel encountering? Will conventional weapons be effective enough against him?
    Lieutenant frowned a bit then declared:
    -If it's mortal – we'll destroy him. And if it's not – we'll destroy him anyway.
    -Danke schon, lieutenant. I wish we'd all share your confidence. This was Megumi Kanzama from battle zone ashore of cold sea. Hanover, Germany. /
    -American and European military are successfully repulsing the attacks of creatures that are called Deep Ones according to NERV data, - continued general Mitsuru after the record ended accompanied by weak applause, - to forestall I'd like to admit that these attacks do not look like organized or planned actions. They are probably to distract our attention from something or to demonstrate our enemy's force.
    -That's hell of a demonstration! – someone shouted from the auditorium, - And what about the NERV-Germany?
    -Unfortunately I have to admit that the base in Germany is captured and controlled by Deep Ones. It was the effect of surprise that allowed them to seize the base.
    -How come that Deep Ones struck in the heart of Europe and we hadn't known of their existence until now? – spoke US representative.
    -The existence of Fishmen civilization was known from time immemorial.
    -Myths and legends!
    -Which turned out to true!
    It became noisy in the auditorium and Chairman had to call upon order. General continued:
    -It's too late to bemoan our fate. We didn't take seriously the threat which even our ancestors knew about. But now we have no time to find out who is to blame. We have more urgent problems.
    -What is known about the fate of NERV Command, pilots and others that were situated on Scimitar?
    -The area of presumed fall is being explored. Search and rescue operation is being held but to no purpose for now. It's deeper than three kilometers in there so it is assumed to be impossible finding remains of Scimitar or EVAs.
    Not long before its disappearance from radar screen Scimitar changed course deeply but we don't know if it is connected with the accident occurred. For now the fate of neither crew members nor Children is unknown. They are assumed to be dead.
    -Is there any possibility that someone on Scimitar was a traitor and caused the accident?
    -Anything could take place, - General continued, - but I am certain that NERV Command in the persons of Fuyutsuki Kozo and Katsuragi Misato was not involved in it. As well as the Children.
    -You declare this after the incident when one of pilots betrayed others and almost caused defeat?!
    General's face grew gloomy and he looked hostile at the man that asked the question.
    -Pilot Anna Unruh had NEVER betrayed neither humanity nor her comrades! – objected Dr. Ingrid Lessard that was present on the meeting too, - That creature you all saw and whose deceitful words you've heard has nothing to do except for appearance with her. So we should not accuse that innocent victim of circumstances of what has happened!
    -But where are guarantees that nothing like that could have happened to other Child?
    The question hit the mark. Times of guarantees were long gone.
    -So what are you going to do in view of NERV-Germany base capture? – asked Russia representative, - It is intolerable that top secret research results and unique equipment had fallen into enemy's hands!
    General Mitsuru nodded.
    -Measures are being taken. You will be informed of results. Large-scale operations in Pacific and Atlantic Ocean are undergoing preparations too. As well as recapture operations of islands and coastal territories seized by Deep Ones.
    -Seized by Deep Ones? And what about these territories' population? What are you going to do to save them?
    -Far as we know conquerors aren't soft on those they capture, - General snapped back, - We don't have contact with a few island countries but the latest news for there is distressing.
    Bermudas representative turned pale and started to intensively drink water from the glass.
    -We admit that Japan has a great experience fighting Angels and other creatures offending our world, - said US representative, - But does it matter when Children and EVAs are lost? Isn't it better to search for non-military ways to solve this problem? Besides until now military had encountered only disciples of the last Angel. Are they capable of defeating the Deep Ones leader?
    -Humanity has committed a heavy sin trying to liken to gods and to subdue mysteries of life, - answered General Mitsuru, - Today we pay for this in blood. But does that mean that we must resign ourselves and kneel before the threat we think is inevitable? I'm not going to sit and wait for these bastards to come to my town, to destroy my home and to kill my children! Even if our army and our fleet will be useless we at least have to try it! And we will do everything we can.
    Auditorium was filled with noise.
    General Ushijima Mitsuru turned to the Chairman and added:
    -I think it is time appeal towards nation.
    -Which nation, General?
    -Towards every nation on the planet. And may the God help us in this battle if there are no other defenders left.
    But the God was deaf to his call.

    This morning millions of people gathered near their TV and radio sets were stunned by dreadful news. UN Security Council Chairman was confused as never. His speech was heard in all corners of the Earth. It was translated to dozens of languages. No one could remain indifferent hearing these terrible words:
    “- … in this darkest hour we must unite to confront a common threat. With deep regret I must admit that we apparently lost our powerful defenders, The Children, and their Mechas thanks to which previous Angels were defeated. But now we have to rely only on our Fleet and Army. Salvage operations in the area of NERV flagship, Scimitar, disappearance continue but odds of success are small. I'm far from exaggerating and representing things more terrible than they are but I am sure that the only alternative of our victory would be horror, death and chaos spreading over Earth. We must fight because we simply have no other option. We're all standing on the last frontier and have nowhere to step back. I declare after a great man that twenty five years ago led his nation to the victory over the greatest threat of that time: “We will fight them on the ground, we will fight them on the sea, and we will fight them on the streets for every house. We will never give up! And may the God help us!”
    But God wasn't hurrying up to help.

    Ritsuko opened one eye in a fear of what she might see. It was pitch-dark around her but a few seconds she was able to discern walls and vault of the cave covered with dim shining moss or something like humid shaggy mold. As she was coming to her senses she felt that she was lying on the back in a shallow pool in a way her gills were underwater but face remained above the surface. Ritsuko felt something soft under her head, felt that someone was carefully holding her head over water. Although lately Ritsuko wasn't feeling any discomfort while diving into water fully. Her fear and hatred against the ocean and everything connected to it were fading as her physiology and appearance changed. Its place was taken by the feeling of unity and affiliation with this element.
    The last thing Ritsuko remembered was a fierce fight on the territory of NERV-Germany. Not without pleasure she refreshed in her memories the scene when she cut the throat to one of the attackers with a scalpel. “Never would've thought that I'd gain satisfaction from something like this”, - she thought. Ritsuko was really surprised to find herself alive after remembering details of that attack. The Deep Ones surely aren't merciful.
    Oh, no… Is it possible that she's been captured by those creatures? This thought itself caused Ritsuko to flinch so she tried to rise on her feet.
    -Senpai? – said familiar voice, - You're finally awake!
    Ritsuko turned. On the edge of the pool behind her was Maya.
    -Thank God, you're awake, senpai! – Maya exclaimed, - I was afraid that they would kill us both if you don't come to your senses.
    -They? So, we've been captured by those ugly half-toads? – sighted Ritsuko.
    Maya nodded.
    -Where are we? – Ritsuko's eyes fast became accustomed to darkness; or maybe it was her new appearance that assisted her in night vision. Now she was able to see surroundings clearly as well as fear and despair on Maya's face.
    -Apparently somewhere on the bottom of the sea, - said Maya, - Possibly on one of Deep Ones' coastal bases.
    -But we were far away from the coast!
    -I fainted away soon after you, - Maya shrugged her shoulders, - And awoke only here. I don't know neither how long we have been unconscious nor how we got here. It's a long way to go to the sea coast.
    -Why are we still alive?
    Maya shrugged her shoulders once again.
    -I think it is because of your appearance, senpai. You're in some kind … similar to them, - Maya chuckled hysterically, - They doubt if you are their friend or foe. I can't find any other motives.
    Ritsuko nodded. She stood up and walked around their custody. It didn't take much time. Crude stone walls formed solid monolith with no holes or openings. The only exit from the cave was blocked with a round stone that didn't even tremble when Ritsuko pushed it.
    -It's useless, senpai, - uttered Maya, - I've already tried it. And even if we get out of here – we still have to swim up to the surface. That's not a problem for you, though…
    -What happened after I fainted? – asked Ritsuko. She found something hard in her pocket while squeezing her smock; but paid no attention to it. A pen wouldn't be much of a use in a situation like this. She turned over to the pool and moistened her dried out gills with a handful of water. It was becoming harder for her to stay on the air; and the tailor-made device supplying her gills with water was lost during the battle.
    -I can hardly remember anything, - answered Maya, - They've captured the base but most of ours managed to get out of there for sure. I'm sure Dr. Himmelfarb, Commander Weiss, Ingrid and others are safe.
    -Where the hell did those creatures appear from in the heart of Europe? – asked Ritsuko.
    Maya didn't answer. Ritsuko had a brain-wave. She licked her wet palm.
    -We're not underneath the ocean, - she declared, - The water is fresh. Those bastards' base was right under our noses all the time. We're somewhere near Rhine, few miles away from NERV base probably.
    -Can it help us?
    -We'll wait and see. They aren't going to hold us here forever, are they?
    Maya's eyes already widened ‘cause of darkness widened even more.
    -Senpai! And what if they immured us here?!
    Ritsuko shook her head.
    -They wouldn't be capturing us alive to doom to starvation. But who knows what those creatures were thinking of?
    She stopped on half-word and stared at one point. Maya carefully touched her shoulders.
    -Senpai?
    -I… I think I feel, - whispered Ritsuko.
    -Feel what?
    -Hush, Maya. Wait a minute, - Ritsuko concentrated, closed her eyes and said, - I can feel them. They're coming. Approaching. I think I can sense their brain-waves, too bad I can't read their thoughts though. It might be that all Deep Ones communicate in this way. I think I'll be able to…
    She was interrupted. Round rock blocking the entrance rolled away with hollow rumble. Three Deep Ones stepped into the cave armed with spears. Ritsuko and Maya saw enough of those not to feel disgust or tremor seeing their toad faces and goggled eyes full of anger. Corridor looming up behind them was lighted up with something like phosphorescent aquatic plants swimming in stone bowls along the walls.
    One of Deep Ones pointed at Ritsuko then showed on exit.
    -Looks like he wants you to come with them, - said Maya, - And what about me?
    -I'm not going anywhere without you. I won't leave you; - Ritsuko shook her head and took Maya by her hand.
    Deep Ones exchanged a couple of phrases on their guttural ear-hurting language. Two of them with no excess roughness but strongly grabbed Ritsuko and pulled her away from Maya. The third one walked between women and threatened Maya with his spear.
    -You ugly bastards! – shouted Ritsuko while she, jibbing, was dragged towards the corridor, - Let me go! Maya, I'll come back for you! I promise I will come back!
    Fish-men left the cave putting the rock back where it belonged. Maya was left all alone in the darkness. She burst into tears, fell on a rock and started to punch it crying:
    -Senpai! Senpai! Oh God, why? Why?!
    But God didn't answer her.

    Pieter Haarbeck was leading his small squad through the sewers going from the Schwarzwald to the NERV-Germany base. The stink surrounding them was almost tangible and the dirt squelching under their feet was knee-deep. Soldiers tried not to pay attention to it, moving forward as fast as they could.
    “I'm getting too old for this shit,” – thought Pieter puffing.
    It was almost two years since the time he was teaching a pilot to come, Asuka Langley, hand-to-hand fighting basics and was her bodyguard. In spite of fact the girl was talented and energetic student practicing with her couldn't replace full-fledged physical trainings. Pieter felt he was wearing himself out much faster then five young soldiers of his squad. “I hope I don't let those boys down,” – he thought.
    He recalled with deep concern that most likely he won't be able to see Asuka who disappeared alongside with Scimitar any more. Anger and hatred strengthened him. He swore to himself to do his utmost for those bastards to pay for everything they did. No matter whom they were.
    After they passed the outer perimeter and found themselves being under main buildings Pieter pointed flashlight on the ceiling looking for shafts and hatches leading to buildings' basements. Under every hatch they were installing small but powerful thermobaric charge that everyone including Pieter was carrying. From time to time a noise sounded from behind the hatches making soldiers to move and communicate quietly.
    When squad set up half of all charges it reached the bifurcation. Pieter checked with the map using his flashlight.
    -Only one to go – the Command Post, - he said and pointed at one of the corridors with his flashlight, - This way.
    Soldiers kept splashing through the sludge. Pieter was trailing. He tried to reach commander a few times using the radio to report about soon completion of mining but all in vain due to all the ground and concrete above them. Lack of communication was the mission's number one problem. No one really knew how long it will take to install all the charges under the base because no one ever thought it would be of any use. So time constraints of operation depended on Pieter's squad returning if they were to return. In case of right placement and synchronous undermining of the charges the success was considered unquestionable.
    Pieter suddenly stopped when beam of his flashlight snatched out of darkness a pile of stones blocking the tunnel. No, this is no cave in… someone intentionally immured the tunnel with large rocks; somewhere debris of concrete plates could be divined. All doubts were gone when Pieter's flashlight beam came across a flat surface of one of the stones. There was the Elder Sign painted on it with something yellow and an inscription in an unknown language.
    -Scheisse! – swore Dietrich.
    -Looks like we can't go any further, - said Pieter; but that was clear anyway.
    -We can try to take this obstruction to pieces, - suggested corporal Hicks.
    Pieter turned his flashlight away from the Sign and inscription for his soldiers not to see them. Those were too much like a mocking threat or a promise of a soon carnage.
    -No time for that, - he said, - Place last charges here and let's move out.
    He saw a small ventilation shaft on the ceiling leading upwards. It was worth a try. Pieter extended his radio antenna thrusting it in the vent-duct as far as he could.
    -“Maulwurf” to “Hammer”, come in. Do you read me?
    Through interferences he heard a faint reply.
    -“Maulwurf”, this is “Hammer”. Cease your operation immediately and retreat!
    -What's the matter?
    -Satellite image shows that enemy is suspiciously active. They might have discovered our plan. Our only chance is to attack as soon as possible. Get back here immediately!
    -We've placed almost all the charges, - reported Pieter, - except for those supposed to be installed under the Command Center.
    -Good work. But we even can't wait for you to return to the Black Forest. As soon as you clear out and will be able to contact us – give a signal for blowing up. This is of a great importance; we count on surprise effect. In case we don't receive signal from you in fifteen minutes – we will be forced to set off charges. Hurry!
    -Roger that, “Hammer”, - answered Pieter, - When we contact you next time – blow up the charges.
    -Roger, “Maulwurf”. Good luck. And may the God help you.
    -May the God help all of us, - Pieter turned off the radio and turned to others, - It might be a trap. We're falling back.
    Squad left remaining charges and all the equipment except for rifles in the dead end and headed back. At the bifurcation soldiers stopped for a moment and listened in. Pieter thought he heard someone splashing through the water. He understood that encountering enemy in such a narrow tunnel would be fatal in spite of fire-arms they had. They only hoped to outrun their pursuers so Pieter ordered to move on.
    Pieter let all his comrades ahead and was passing the bifurcation when he spotted movement in one of the tunnels with the corner of his eye. Now everyone could hear footsteps and guttural inhuman voices. Pieter was running as if he was hunted by the legions of hell. It wasn't that farfetched though.
    He spun and fired into the darkness while running. The darkness answered with high-pitched cries. Suddenly the ceiling of the tunnel collapsed burring two soldiers who were running ahead of all. Now Pieter's squad consisted of only three members and they had no way back.
    Pieter breathed in stench air and fired several times at darkness. Breach in the ceiling was letting in the light – the radio signal would be able to pass. But what's the use? Even if the back-up was sent it wouldn't make it in time.
    -Dietrich, Hicks, - to that wall! – ordered Pieter, - Waskes stay close!
    They scattered across the tunnel, kneeled and aimed at darkness. Flashlight beams were enough for soldiers to see only about 30 feet. Deep Ones were coming. They were not pushing on knowing that their enemy is trapped. There were lots of them coming out from darkness and crowding in the tunnel like a giant moving mass. Almost all of them were armed with short spears tipped with something like glass or ceramic pieces.
    Pieter felt regret for he and his squad had probably shown their enemy a way to move and attack unseen. And when he saw a familiar cylinder of a thermobaric charge in the arm of one of the Deep Ones' he gave himself up to despair. They understand what the bomb is! They managed to remove it so they might guess how to use those against people! These were Pieter's thoughts when he shouted:
    -Fire! Wipe out these bastards!
    Rifles roared. Shooters were blinded with flashes of gun-fire but it was really hard to miss. Bursts of fire instantly mowed down front lines of attackers but most of them hid behind bloody but yet still convulsing corpses of their comrades.
    -Eat this, scum! – shouted Hicks; he tore the grenade off his belt and threw it into the crowd of Deep Ones. Blast wave scattered them but soldiers hardly kept their balance too. When ears stopped ringing Pieter heard rustle from behind; when he turned he saw great number of creatures coming through the breach.
    At that very moment they were attacked from the other side. Before Pieter's very eyes his soldiers were dying unable to dodge spears speeding towards them. They were dying one by one, swearing and firing last bullets down the tunnel. Narrow tunnel left no opportunity hide at all. Pieter screamed as one of the spears plunged into his hip. He grabbed the radio and shouted:
    -Set off the charges! Now! Blow them up!
    With his last ounce, paying no attention to approaching creatures Pieter limped to the light coming from the collapse. He kept his eyes glued on this tiny bright spot. His last sincere wish was to die looking at the sun but not in those ugly mugs that looked as if they had emerged from a nightmare.
    But God didn't hear his plea.

    -Some more and my hands will tear off, - mumbled Shinji. But Toji heard it.
    -Hold out, man! – He bawled at Shinji, - I feel exhausted too, but do I complain? Ha! After surviving that explosion on the Bridge I won't ever complain of anything.
    Asuka lost her temper:
    -Shut up, goon, and fly! Don't you understand? Because of us people have died! Fuyutsuki died, and everyone one else on Scimitar…
    -What do I have to do with it?! – snarled Toji, - Anyway, it's not our fault that some cultist weirdo slipped onto Scimitar.
    -He was SEELE, - said Rei, - They would do whatever it takes to stop us.
    Asuka looked at Rei with resentment but remained silent. They were supporting unconscious Misato from both sides so they had to tolerate each other against their will. From time to time their wings were colliding with a loud clap. Slightly further Shinji and Toji were carrying unconscious Makoto in the same way. Hikari was flying from one couple to another helping and replacing those strained themselves to breaking point.
    On the horizon slight smoke trail left by falling Scimitar could be discerned. But all of its remains including the EVAs secured in its cargo hold were now absorbed by the sea. Most of all Asuka was regretting about not having reached her EVA-02, even if she would have to dive for it to the sea-bed. If she or any of other Children were in their EVAs perhaps they would've saved much more lives. But the alternative was either to save Misato and Makoto by dragging them out of the Central Post ruined by the explosion or to fly to one's EVA. Asuka knew she made the right decision but it wasn't stopping her from getting upset and regretting about lost opportunities.
    -Hikari, you tell her! – argued Toji.
    -Tell her what?
    -That we've done all that we could.
    -Asuka's right, - sadly said Hikari while replacing Shinji for him to massage his numb arms, - We've forgot how vulnerable our intimates are compared to us. Scimitar crew members paid with their lives for our arrogance.
    -Should have we let that insane do what he wanted?! We could've not done it in any other way. And there is no our fault in what has happened!
    -Although we are responsible for not preventing the explosion.
    -But we saved Misato and Makoto! –snapped back Toji, – And we survived by ourselves. It's too bad about Fuyutsuki though…
    -I still don't get how we managed to do that, – said Shinji gripping again Makoto's hand, - I hadn't even thought about holding the blast with the AT-field. It happened so fast…
    -Too bad, we weren't fast enough, - reminded Asuka.
    Toji spitted discontentedly refusing to resume the quarrel. Spittle swept away by cross-wind almost hit Asuka causing her to start a new series of humiliating retorts. Toji, of course, couldn't remain calm; so he told Asuka everything he thought about her not restraining himself.
    -Quit arguing already, - interrupted them Shinji, - We still have a common enemy that would be very happy with us quarreling till the sparks fly even before we met him.
    For some time everyone kept silent, remembering the details of what happened after the explosion. Most of the blast wave was retained by AT-fields that appeared as if by magic and protected Children with Misato and Makoto from fragments. The bomb in the engine-room didn't blow up but the second bomb beneath the fuel tanks shattered rear of Scimitar. Fragments riddled both helium tanks. Spilled fuel had started a fire. Scimitar began to lose height rapidly. The moment Children picked up bodies of two NERV officers, grew wings and took off, blazing airship was already headlong falling. A second later it crashed into the water causing a huge fountain of splashes reaching even Children rising in the sky. Scimitar wasn't designed for an emergence splash-down so the moment water filled its inside airship went down in an instant. Signs of Scimitar wreck were fading away influenced by wind and waves. It was now only the mirror-like ocean surface up to the very horizon. With no signs of land; no single mark on the horizon that could be considered as ship. Nothing.
    -What do we have to do now? – Hikari hesitatingly broke silence.
    -Survive, - growled out Asuka.
    -No, - calmly rejoined Rei, - We must complete our mission.
    Asuka violently eyed all over her.
    -Are you totally nuts?! We've lost our EVAs and all of the support team. We have two wounded that need help and are flying over the ocean uncertain if we would find salvation or fall down exhausted. We're not in the shape to fight anyone!
    -We will, - said Rei.
    -Like hell! – shouted Asuka, - We must take care of ourselves!
    -Where are we going, anyway? – asked Hikari, - Does anyone have any ideas where earth is?
    -Right beneath us, - answered Rei and started to descend despite Asuka's resistance.
    -Is this some kind of a joke? – asked puzzled Shinji; he looked down and stopped on half-word.
    He saw a huge stone monolith rising from the deep. Slippery muddy lumps of monstrous city of R'Lyeh appeared in the sunlight. Millions of years ago it was built by aliens from distant stars. For thousands of years it served as a prison, castle and a crypt for the Great Cthulhu. Enormous stone citadel arisen in the centre of the city aroused involuntary terror and disgust.
    -What…? What the…? – Toji almost let Makoto lose in surprise, - Damn me if I land there!
    - Cthulhu fhtagn… - Rei repeated Kanephren's last words, - and unexpectedly to herself continued, - Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'Lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn.
    Asuka instantly translated it realizing meanings of the words as if it was her native language:
    -“In His home of R'Lyeh dead Cthulhu will arise when the time comes”.
    -The time has come, - nodded Rei, - The stars parade.
    They descended on the emerged island, cutting with their wings through foggy fumes surrounding it, and landed on the roof of one of the small buildings.

    Major Alan Shepher was standing on the shore, watching the quiet ocean. He was fully covered with Kevlar armor defending him from all varieties of cold steel. He put his heavy machine-gun on the shoulder. The scorched earth around him was all dug up with bombs and missiles. It would take years for the nature to cure those terrible wounds that humans made.
    -Clear! – shouted one of the soldiers.
    /Alpha-zero, do you copy? Over/
    Major pick up field-radio receiver held over to him by a signaler.
    - This is “Alpha-zero”, we've reached the coast. No resistance met. No signs of the enemy. What? No, Sir, we didn't find any bodies. They apparently took corpses with them. Neither human nor creatures'. There's NOTHING here, Sir.
    /Mission accomplished, move out/
    -Wait a minute, Sir…
    /What is it?/
    -I'm only asking for one minute, Sir.
    Shepher passed the receiver to Hawkins and turned away looking at the waves once again. They were softly rolling on the tormented shore; and in their quiet rustling major heard singing. It was a call… a call of the ocean. It whispered something to him but major was unable to understand the words.
    “They are luring us, provoking, forcing to concentrate forces on certain areas, - thought Shepher out-of-body as if it wasn't happening to him, - What for? To destroy us all at one go with something damn powerful… Sly creatures… If this keeps up – they will eventually win”. Strangely enough these thoughts provoked no fear or alarm in him. He felt himself as if he was going to find the answer to the main question in his life.
    -Sir, we've examined everything around here, - reported Sergeant Dylan, - We've got nothing to do here; enemy has fallen back. Should I signal to return?
    Major didn't answer; he raised his hand asking for silence.
    -Sir?
    -Be quiet, Sergeant, can't you hear it?
    Sergeant glanced at the ocean surprised. He heard nothing except for waves splashing, but it looked liked as if water was receding and every following wave was smaller than previous. Strange, they began the operation at full sea, didn't they?
    The ocean was calling, it was impossible to resist this captivating call. And there was no stopping Sergeant:
    -Are you alright, Sir?
    “Alright? No, it's not all right. It is not all right with this world”. Now he heard it clearly. The waves were whispering: “Kill… Kill… Kill them all”. Dylan was asking for trouble. If only he would listen in… Alan Shepher slowly turned, looked into Dylan's eyes and said:
    -Cthulhu fhtagn… - he shouldered machine-gun and fired a burst blowing Sergeant's head off.

    -So that's the plan, - drawled Toji resentfully, - Again you are going take all the fame and leave me and Hikari behind?
    Asuka rolled up her eyes.
    -Weren't you listening? Jeez, why do I have to tolerate such a jerk?! You will remain here alongside Hikari to look after Misato and Makoto and defend them against possible attack. And three of us will scout the area. Their lives depend on you! Is that clear, you idiot?
    Toji frowned but decided not to argue. Someone should've stayed with the injured and Misato's company always seemed better to him than weighting heavily on mind presence of the red-haired German. More over, Asuka, Shinji and Rei had much more smell of powder and were surely able to take care of themselves.
    -But still, maybe we shouldn't divide? – asked Hikari hesitatingly, - We'd better wait for help. Surely we are being looked for already.
    Rei shook her head.
    -Cthulhu is close to awaking. We must finish him now before it is too late.
    When Rei said this, Misato trembled and looked at her blear-eyed. He had just awakened and now was sitting leaning against a moist stone parapet. Heavy concussion was causing her to feel giddy every time she tried to stand up; not mentioning the constant headache that dreadful that even the worst hang-over of hers was nothing compared to it.
    Makoto was lying near; still unconscious. He was hard hit by the explosion because he stood closer to Kanephren than the Children. Therefore he wasn't covered by AT-field as fast as the others. His pale face was sown by sweat beads; coarse breathing was bursting from his opened mouth. Hikari took off the remains of her jacket torn by the wings folded it up and put under Makoto's head so it wouldn't touch cold stones. She didn't want to think what could be waiting its hour hiding under the stone vault of the building they were on.
    -But what can you do without EVAs? – said Misato faintly, - EVAs are gone and without them…
    -After all, we've disposed of the Violator without our EVAs, - reminded Shinji.
    -And you what that resulted in.
    -It no longer matters now, - Asuka said frowning, - If we win – it doesn't matter what happens next.
    -You can't win, - Misato shook her head and closed her eyes because of a sudden pain, - If there would be another way out, I'd do everything to persuade you not to go… But one can't win the war avoiding the fight.
    -We have the power of the Elder Gods, - said Rei, - Not the EVAs. They only were to aid and serve us. But it was not the EVA that determined the result of each fight. No matter how strong our enemy is; it is only about our strength. And we will succeed if we believe in victory.
    -Don't try to defeat him with something he excels you in, - reminded Misato, then paused for a moment rummaging in her memory for the appropriate quotation, - Beat the enemy with the weapon he doesn't have. Something like that. Gosh, I'd like to go with you…
    -It's getting dark soon, - said Asuka, - I don't wish to stay here in darkness. We gotta go, - she turned to the sinister citadel in the center of the island, grew her wings once more, and took off. Rei shoot upwards after her.
    Misato called up to Shinji who was already going to follow the girls. When he squatted down near her, Misato touched his cheek.
    -Take care of yourself, Shinji, - she said, - And protect Asuka…
    -What about Rei?
    Misato absently blinked.
    -Anyway, do come back alive. All of you.
    She took her gun out of the holster and passed it to Shinji. Surprisingly she didn't lose it during the flight.
    -I don't think it would be of any use but who knows. The clip is almost full. Try not to lose it, okay?
    Shinji nodded, put the gun behind the belt and rose to his feet. A second later he grew wings and fled after Rei and Asuka. Three of them were making their way towards their destiny.
    -I hope they get back, - said Hikari.
    Toji hemmed.
    -Of course, they get back. They are gonna crush that Cthulhu like a slug. If He hadn't awakened yet… - this moment he realized how stupid he was and tried to fix it, - I'm sure they'll crush Him anyway.
    Misato sighted and covered her eyes. Her heart got clenched with fear. She was unable to think clearly now but somehow Misato felt that she saw one of the Children for the last time. “God, please, let it be not Shinji, - begged Misato, - Just not Shinji… and not Asuka”. She felt remorse as if by these thoughts she sentenced the First Child. Misato tried to put this nonsense out of her head but still she was tormented by the fear. Maybe it were the depressing unimaginably old crypts of R'Lyeh that caused it. She wanted to believe in that.

    -Sir, our positions on the north coast are under attack! - anxiously reported Ingrid to General Mitsuru, - A great number of wounded and killed.
    -What is the strength of their army? – asked Ushijima Mitsuru frowning. Since recently he was to act as the Commander of the Eurasian UN Military. Last days were hard on him; General was trying to be literally everywhere, he had very little sleep and hadn't eaten much. Although no one could accuse him of incompetence or cowardice he was backing up the NERV operations and handled all sorts of supportive tasks before the tragical death of Commander Ikari and the disappearance of his successor, Fuyutsuki Kozo. The main weight of fights with the Angels was carried by the NERV and, of course, the EVA pilots. But now it was his responsibility.
    He, who had never seen an Angel with his own eyes, and whose Angel-fighting experience consisted only of holding the perimeter during and after the fight, was now waiting for the moment he would lead his army against one of those creatures with trepidation. Luckily he had advisors like Ingrid Lessard. Unfortunately, those who could've been more useful then the General or could've taken his place had vanished alongside the Scimitar.
    -You won't believe this but the enemy is avoiding the open confrontation. Strictly speaking the enemy is not detected.
    -Then what is the meaning of all this?
    -Our soldiers are going mad and for no reason they are firing at their comrades. This goes on now. I constantly receive reports on these accidents. All soldiers that had betrayed their comrades were killed on the spot so we had no chance to interrogate any of them or to discover the reasons of their madness. The main problem is that no one knows how, when or who will go mad next. People are starting to get nervous, they disobey orders. A few cases of desertion have been reported. Moreover we've lost a number of airplanes that were crossing the ocean. Unchecked data shows that the UN Pacific Fleet has encountered madness cases among sailors. These facts make us think about the recent cases of mass insanity and other bizarre disturbances in the coastal towns. The only difference is that our men have guns and they don't hesitate to use them. I'm afraid to think what happens if the entire staff of a heavy-bomber or a missile silo goes mad… luckily nothing like that had happened yet. The Americans have just deigned to inform us of the disappearance of one of their subs patrolling the South Pacific. It was carrying atomic weapons and we hope the sub drowned before the enemy was able to capture it. Besides, if it keeps up our north forces will be panic-stricken. What should we do to avoid it?
    General thought over what he just heard:
    -All of those accidents took place either in the open sea, in the sky above it or on the shore of it, right? – he asked finally.
    -That's right, Sir.
    -Unfortunately we can't call off the ships of the Pacific Fleet as for the others… Get your men away from the shore as soon as possible. Now for the recapturing of the NERV-Germany base…
    Ingrid got embarrassed.
    -If I understood your recent report correctly – we literally blew up our own base and then recaptured what was left of it just to find out it was already abandoned by the enemy; plus we suffered casualties.
    -Yes, Sir. I've received the final report just now. Thermobaric charges placement in key-points was disrupted and the special team – destroyed. We've attacked right after we found that out, - Ingrid passed her finger over the map on General's table, - From the South and North-East, cutting the enemy off Rhine. Unfortunately most of them got away through the underground tunnels. We've filled them with napalm when we recognized our mistake but it was already too late.
    -So, they're gone… - mumbled General Mitsuru, - They abandoned the base they captured with heavy casualties and went back to where they came from. What made them to capture the base if they weren't going to hold it?
    -They possibly planned to find there Children and their EVAs, - assumed Ingrid.
    Mitsuru shook his head.
    -I don't think they acted without thinking. The attack was planned perfectly, but possibly it had another goal. This is a distractive maneuver however. But where will their main strike be? Is that all?
    -One more thing, Sir, - said Ingrid, - We receive strange reports concerning natural anomalies. I don't know what to think…
    -What is it?
    -Water seems to be leaving as in a low-tide. But I receive these reports from the areas where a high-tide should be now. A strange phenomenon and it seems to be connected to what is going on.
    -Water is leaving off-shores? Are you sure?
    -Yes, Sir. In some areas water-level already decreased by several feet and continues to decrease. These facts are marked both in the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
    -Ingrid, have you ever been to Japan? – asked General Mitsuru.
    -No, Sir, - answered Ingrid, confused by the sudden change of theme, - But I know much about Japan, take interest in its history and culture. Many of my friends… - she frowned, - … were Japanese.
    -Then you probably know the word “tsunami”, don't you?

    Dark stone walls untouched by corals and drift weed despite the centuries-long staying underwater were mounting over them, rising to the sky and disappearing somewhere in haze. Looking at this cyclopean construction built by those unfamiliar with Euclidian geometry it was hard to imagine that it was made by creatures that have anything in common with humans. Walls covered with bas-reliefs were fantastically bending forming ledges and hollows, connecting under any angles but right. Either unknown builders weren't experienced in architecture or they've seen the world different from what we see.
    Three pilots without their EVAs were standing in front of the entrance, on the brink of the shadow of the building. It was uneasy to take even one step into this sinister, almost touchable and sticky shadow. Although it was the first and the easiest of the challenges awaiting them.
    -That's not our territory, - whispered Shinji, he grabbed Asuka's shoulder so hard that she trembled, - Until now we've always fought on OUR ground, even when we were getting into hell knows what caves, or that time in the temple… But this city is different… This is not the city at all. NO ONE can live here. Everything here is strange… unfamiliar… inhuman… I can't… - he shouted, - I simply can't go there, Asuka!
    Rei took two fast steps towards him, glanced at Shinji's eyes and slapped him in the face. He stared at her, surprised, carried his arm to the face and rubbed his cheek.
    -Hey! – angered Asuka, - Don't you..!
    But Rei had already stepped back. Not turning back, not saying a single word and not giving out her emotions she headed to the citadel doors. Asuka clenched her fists and took a deep breath.
    -You are afraid, - she said to Shinji, - Me either. Even she is afraid though you can't judge by her look. It is natural, only fools fear nothing. But we should fear not what is behind this door but what is hidden within ourselves. And we can deal with our fears – we can win.
    -We're going to die, don't you get it?! – shouted Shinji, - We don't have the slightest chance to win! And I don't want to die!
    Asuka hugged Shinji, nestling close to him. The touch of her warm elastic body and breasts (constant wing growing inflicts irreplaceable damage on the wardrobe) made Shinji to forget about his fears for a moment. Her lips touched his ear, tickling.
    -I'm tired, Shinji. I'm so tired, - whispered Asuka, - Tired of constant feel of danger, of constant waiting for a strike… Anyone will break. But we're on the last frontier now. I want all this to end, otherwise I can't take it… I don't care now whether we live or die. But if we die – we die as heroes. But if we stay outside – no one will remember us. Don't give up! You hear me, Shinji? We will never give up, whatever happens! Are you okay? Or do you need another slap?
    -You're good at calming people, - answered Shinji, sniffing, - If you're going – I'll go too.
    -That's good, - Asuka wasn't eager to let Shinji go, - And what is that? Hell hard…
    -It's… a gun, - answered Shinji.
    -Hmm… the most useless thing you can imagine in a situation like this. Be careful not to shoot off anything.
    -Are you going or not? –Rei's voice came from the direction of the door.

    Caves and tunnels system that Ritsuko was taken along was fantastically large. It was an underground city, spreading on many miles. Although, surely, these caves could not have been artificially created. Deep Ones populated and used ancient caverns, filled with stalactites and stalagmites, where no human had ever stepped. And even if they came in – these people never returned to the surface to tell about their miraculous discovery.
    Ritsuko started to have doubts if they really were near Schwarzwald after all. It was hard to imagine that these enormous voids are placed under familiar landscapes, maybe even under human cities.
    As they walked they came across Deep Ones many times, in groups and on their own. All of them showed no curiosity to Ritsuko (looks like this trait in not usual for their race); they only bowed to her in some grotesque curtsey and carried on with their businesses. Ritsuko remained silent.
    Finally she was led to a huge cave with some kind of an altar or sanctuary in the back. The air was so humid due to the fountains places alongside walls that Ritsuko's gills felt no discomfort and she was able to speak and breathe normally.
    -Long time no seen my daughter. You are so much like your mother.
    Ritsuko turned on the sound of the voice. She was ready for everything, prepared for the worst, but she had no idea that she would see HER.
    -Mother? – asked Ritsuko hesitantly, staring at coming woman.
    The woman was absolutely naked but her nudity seemed not shameful but rather natural. It was hard to imagine her dressed. Her body was so perfectly fit that Ritsuko felt prick of envy. Even the brown-green color of her skin, tiny silver scales on her hips, shoulders and her back, and membranes on her hands and feet could not ruin the impression on the whole.
    -Yes, it's me, Ritsuko, - answered Naoko Akagi, - Don't you want to come and hug your mommy? It's been so long since we met last time.
    -I'll pass, - said Ritsuko coldly, moving away from her mother's open arms, - Now I understand why I was spared.
    -What are you talking about? To kill the daughter and the heir of the Dagon high priestess – none of those, - Naoko pointed on two Deep Ones guarding the door, - would've dared to do that! They honor their priests no less than their gods.
    -I thought you've turned to a monster, - said Ritsuko hesitantly, - But now, looking at you, I can't tell who was lying to whom and what really happened?
    -Haven't you passed the same transformation stages? You were in pain as you thought you're mutating into a monster, just as I did. But have patience and it'll pay you back. You will be awarded with new abilities, health and longevity, with honor and respect. And beauty as well. Of course, with corrections in habitat and surrounding society. Your criteria will soon change, but even humans would've considered you astonishing.
    -Oh, yeah, - Ritsuko grinned, - “astonishing” is the right word.
    -And the most important, - continued Naoko, - You are destined to take almost the highest place in the New World society. No matter how long I'd live – I need a successor, with the same qualities as me, able to serve Dagon right.

   -Wait a minute, - interrupted her Ritsuko, - I think I see where you're heading. Did you really think you can kidnap me, drag to some godforsaken cave and say: now, my daughter, you will be the priestess of this “Dagon”. Who do you think you are? In case you didn't know – I've spent half of my life helping people to fight creatures like that; and now you want me to serve one of these bastards?
    Naoko Akagi winced.
    -Such a nasty tongue. If you won't think what you say – you'll be the first dumb priestess of Dagon, - at these words she mimed scissors.
    -Why do you think I'll agree?! – shouted Ritsuko into her mother's face.
    Guards at the door strained themselves but the priestess gestured them to stop.
    -Why do you think you have choice? – asked she calmly, - And you dare blame me in kidnapping? Just look at you, listen to what you are saying. You were returned to where you belong. Anyway you would not have survived on land if our soldiers hadn't found and rescued you – you would've either lived in a small aquarium observed by ichthyologists or ended your days on the vivisection operating table.
    By the way, I've heard you killed one of those who were trying to help you. Not good, not good at all. Well, priestesses are above the law so you shouldn't be afraid of retribution.
    -Screw you! – snapped Ritsuko, - I guess it's useless to demand our liberation, but it doesn't mean I'll agree to become a bedding for some overgrown toad.
    -Priestess, - corrected her Naoko, - We don't usually have sex with gods. Our sizes don't match so to say. But there's one thing you're right about – you won't be freed. But do you need that freedom? Do you want to return to the world that will kill you? You're destined to take after me, you will submit to it eventually. Don't you see that you are granted with an opportunity no other human on this Earth will ever have? Moreover, I haven't finished. The world you had lived in is doomed
    -Your toads have no chance, - answered Ritsuko, - The attack on NERV-Germany Base only succeeded because of the surprise effect. I'm sure it has been recaptured by now.
    Naoko laughed.
    -Attacking on military bases and human cities is just a distractive maneuver. Deep Ones are numerous and a few thousands of killed is not a big deal. Moreover they think they give their lives in the name of their god and are happy with it.
    -You talk as if you don't believe neither in Dagon nor other so-called gods. Are you fooling those toads around?
    -Of course not, but believing in Father-Dagon or Mother-Hydra is simply ridiculous. It's like believing in the ocean. They just exist, from flesh and bone, as real as you and me. And it shall be they to deliver a blow that will erase the humanity off the Earth while their servants distract and lure humans into coastal areas.
    -And what do they have to withstand the UN Army and the Fleet? – asked Ritsuko as distrustfully as she could.
    -The Power, that is much more powerful than any human created weapon. The power of the retributive punishment of the ocean.
    -I don't get it, - mumbled Ritsuko.
    -The waves, like those crushed on the land after the Second Impact, will wipe out this pathetic in its worship of science and tech race, preparing the world for the arrival of the Great Cthulhu. And Cthulhu will come to rule us in the world free of humanity. And then our race will leave the ocean and inhabit land. Maybe we can't last long without water but our descendants will change and inherit the Earth.
    -Had the sea salt eaten out your brain after you've submitted yourself to the ocean? – the situation started to amuse Ritsuko after she realized that nothing threatens her at the moment, - Children will crush Cthulhu, than they are coming for your gods, then – for you.
    -Children are dead, - said Naoko, - No one except for them is able to resist the Great Cthulhu. Soon he will awake and even here we will feel all his power and strength.
    -You're lying! – shouted Ritsuko not to let fear in her heart, - They're alive! They will do it!
    -You're even more stubborn than I thought, - admitted Naoko and called up one of the guards using their guttural language and then explained it to Ritsuko, - You will be taken to a more appropriate apartment, but you will remain under watch. Don't try to escape – it's senseless. You will have time to think it over.
    -But… what about Maya? – remembered Ritsuko.
    -Who? The girl that was captured with you? Do you have feelings towards her?
    Ritsuko remained silent.
    -When Cthulhu is awakened she will be sacrificed as our first gift to the Master. She doesn't belong here, she must die.
    Ritsuko didn't answer, only her widened eyes were giving out her panic. Naoko turned away and gestured to guards.
    -But if you decide to change your point of view, – added Ritsuko's mother, - perhaps I will change mine too.

    -Contact! Gotcha, Scheissekopf! – Asuka shouted and threw fireball off hand. Once a little sun in her hands it flew to the center of the hall, fading and shrinking, and finally it split into separate flames that died instantly, not reaching the target.
    -What a…?! – surprised Asuka was readying for the second throw.
    -Don't, - asked her Shinji, - Save your powers. Better give us some light.
    Everything except for the giant statue in the far end of the hall, which unclear contour provoked Asuka to attack, was covered with darkness. While the fireball flew Shinji managed to get a quick look on the bas-reliefs on the walls. Although he wasn't eager to see those ugly figures and scenes again but moving ahead in complete darkness was even worse.
    Asuka sniffed confusedly, lit a pair of flames on her palms barely lighting the surroundings. Rei was walking first, straightened and measuring her pace like on a parade. It seemed that she was sure they were safe for now. Asuka and Shinji were followed her, examining bas-reliefs appearing in the faint flaring light, puzzled what perverted imagination could've generated such pictures. Or were they real? Apparently yes. Asuka suddenly discovered that she knew some of the scenes and figures from her visions and dreams.
    They came to the center of the hall. An ordinary man would've experienced a heavy shock at first sight at this huge stone monument, but Children that have dealt with creatures no less terrifying felt only disgust and enmity. No doubt it was the monument to the Cthulhu itself; who else would you expect to find inside the main citadel of the mythical city that had arisen from the see bottom? This was just a stone, but where was the one that inspired the sculptor? The hall was enormous but almost empty not counting the monument itself and a dozen of columns supporting the stone vault unseen in the darkness.
    In an effort to deal with her apprehension Asuka threw a fireball up to the darkness, but barely the orange ball had gone off her palm it started to fade and disappeared in the air.
    -What the hell?! – repeated Asuka, filling with anger.
    She lit improvised torches again, but with increasing irritation and fear she understood that no matter how hard she tries she can't make the fire as strong and bright as she wanted. Flames in her hands were fading as they were closing to the statue of Cthulhu.
    -This place has its own field that is suppressing our abilities, - explained Rei.
    -That's what I was afraid of, - answered Asuka, - And how should we fight? With bare hands?
    Rei shrugged her shoulders.
    -Why not?
    -Scheisse!
    -Well, I don't see anyone to fight with; - said Shinji, - It was ages ago, maybe this Cthulhu had crumbled to dust?
    -… or turned into stone, - said Asuka cautiously.
    All three looked at the statue. Approximately 50 feet high, made of a solid, without a single joint monolith; it was a primitive but pretty realistic image of an anthropoid but much nastier creature, squatted down. Similarity to the human being was only in the fact of having two upper and two lower limbs, and in the shape of the body. The monster also had a head, where every single nightmare ever born in dreams, thoughts or delirium left an imprint. Cthulhu was also called “octopus-headed god” , but telling that his head was like an octopus is like mentioning that R'Lyeh is not the best place for a summer vacation. Many tentacles, hanging down from the head to the floor, looked elastic and moving despite the fact they were made of stone. Above them was a row of eyes… empty but yet all-seeing. All this looked awfully disgusting.
    -What do you mean? – Shinji hesitantly broke the silence, - That this is Cthulhu himself? Looks pretty… umm… dead. Could it be that he died on his own, because of the time?
    -I wouldn't have relied on that, - answered Asuka, - Maybe we should hit him altogether while he hadn't awaken yet? Let's…
    -No, - interrupted Rei, - While Cthulhu hasn't awakened from His sleep we can't damage Him.
    -Hey, you! – angered Asuka, - I see, you're posing as the smartest around here! It seems that you know ins and outs of this “Cthulhu”.
    -What? – asked Rei.
    Asuka waved off, she knew it was better to avoid idioms and stuff when talking to Rei because she would've understood them literally. Shinji explained:
    -How do you know all that?
    -I am the daughter of ADAM, - answered Rei calmly, - As my sisters, that I've killed by my hand. I am closer to Angels than to humans; so who is it if not me to know about their nature? You can say we are blood-related.
    Asuka and Shinji were standing astonished and silent. They had never realized before how much is there in Rei from the aliens and if she can be considered as a part of the humanity. They were glancing at the statue and the delicate girl as if trying to find anything in common between them.
    -Cthulhu's awakening is coming, - continued Rei, - He is invulnerable while he sleeps, because he is outside our world. But we can't take on him when he is fully restored. The moment of awakening when he is on his way from one reality to another – this is our only chance. Only then he is vulnerable. No sooner no later.
    -So when he's going to wake up? – said Shinji, - If we are to wait…
    -It is not necessary. We can speed up the process. We only need right words that we know and … a bloody sacrifice.
    Asuka's eyes widened, the thought shocked her from the inside.
    -What?! You… Isn't it enough what you've done to me? And now you have ensnared us here to sacrifice?!
    -Asuka, calm down! – interfered Shinji, - Rei didn't mean anything like this. Am I right, Rei?
    -She's one of them! She's just like them but with human look! We can't trust her! NEVER!
    Rei shrugged her shoulders and approached the monument. Quietly but then louder she started to speak Aklo in a sing-song voice:
    -Ph'nglui mglwnafh Cthulhu R'Lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn! – Rei slashed her left wrist with the nails of her right hand. She hadn't trembler despite the pain and stood waiting for the blood to gather in her palm.
    Asuka grabbed Shinji's hand and pointed at Rei:
    -Look! If you don't believe me – than believe your own eyes! I'm telling you – she's one of them! The blood of Angels flows in her veins! And blood calls to blood! – Asuka was breathing hard, her eyes were literally emitting flashes of lightning, her fists were clenched so hard that the tongues of flame slipped between her fingers, - Shinji, we must stop her!
    -Asuka, I don't think…
    -I will think for you! Look, dummkopf! Don't you see? She's CALLING him!
    In the meanwhile Rei had already gathered some blood in her palm. She waved her hand. Dark drops fell on the stone, and where they touched it – the monolith began to crack. Low thunder-like rumble appeared. The floor trembled.
    -Hurry up, Shinji! – Asuka ran to Rei, - You're either with me or against me!
    -Asuka, wait! – shouted Shinji, but she hadn't heard him.
    Asuka bend down while running and hit Rei in the back with her shoulder, throwing her on the giant stone foot. Rei was bleeding. Without turning to furious Asuka, Rei rose on her feet, wiped the blood off her face and shook it on the stone. Rumble was increasing; the building trembled as in an earthquake. Dim light which seemed to be coming from the air itself filled all the room around them. Pieces of rock started to tear from the monument and were falling to the floor. In their place there was a grey-green ectoplasm morphing into something like flesh.
    -He's coming! – Screamed Rei ecstatically, demonstrating not typical to her wild emotions, - Great Cthulhu is now among us again! Cthulhu fhtagn! Come and rule us, your loyal servants!
    Asuka pulled Rei's shoulder, turning her so they stand face-to-face, and lifting her arm to strike. She was leaden by blind hate, richly spiced with fear. Rei grinned and put her hand towards, stopping Asuka's fist with open palm. She swiped Asuka on the face with the other hand, throwing her back. Asuka cried and fell on her back, hitting the stone floor with her head.

    Under burning sun of another world doomed to fall and join those already conquered by their race, on the ground still wet from the blood of their enemies they were judged by the Great Prince. One – a loyal follower blindly fulfilling the will of the Master, ready to give her life for the one she serves to. Another – that rebelled and challenged the Great, dared defying Him, doubting His power.
    First – with a proud calmness and feel of coming retribution was spreading her wings; Second – emitting anger and fear, not yet broken, ready to continue senseless fight, but doomed, was standing with arms folded on her chest. She knew she was doomed for it is not possible for a slave to fight the one who gave him the power. The One that makes earth trembling by His walk, the One that oversees going centuries, born and fading civilizations and dying worlds; the One that is forever.
    The voice unheard by ear but filling up the head made one of them to tremble in excitement and the other – to freeze in terror.
    They were to listen and answer three questions of the Master, and to accept their fate. And shall His judgment be served, punishing the guilty and praising the loyal. And there was no place for lie or pretense in front of the Master.
    -IS YOUR MIND CLEAR?
    -My mind is clear, - answered Rei, - For I discovered the truth and believe in the existing god. I have neither doubts nor other fate but serving You.
    -No clearness is in my mind, - heard her voice Asuka, - For the truth is hidden from me. But I know one for sure – serving you is not my way.
    -WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?
    -There is no other goal in my life but to serve my Master and protect Him, - answered Rei.
    -If I could've rebelled seven times, and if I were defeated, died in pain, and was reborn again as a slave - said Asuka, - I would've rebelled at eighth time, hoping to win one day.
    -IS YOUR BLOOD PURE?
    -My blood is pure for I am serving loyally to You, - Rei slashed her right wrist with nails and raised her arm, letting pitch-black drops of blood freely fall on the ground near her feet. And the earth was burning with colorless flame where these drops fell, - I swear in blood to loyally serve You, Master.
    Asuka trembled and put her arms around her.
    -My blood is pure! – she shouted defiantly, - For even the thought of serving you is disgusting to me! Damn you, bastard!
    First it was silent but then verdict was spoken:
    -THE ONE THAT WAS LOYAL TO ME SHALL GET WHAT SHE EARNED AS WELL AS THE ONE GUILTY IN TREASON. IT IS BY MY WILL EITHER TO PUNISH OR TO PRAISE. BUT MY TIME IN THAT WORLD HAS NOT YET COME. ONLY AFTER REGAINING THE FLESH AFTER MY THOUNSAND YEARS' IMPRISONMENT SHALL I HAVE POWER AND STRENGTH IN THAT WORLD. AND YOU, - glowing halo surrounded Rei, - SHALL SERVE ME AND PROTECT ME. BE MY PUNISHING FIST, YOU, WHO SWEARED TO ME IN BLOOD, WHILE THAT WORLD AVERSES ME.
    -Oh, Master, please give me power to render justice by your will and by your name, - pleaded Rei, - Give me a chance to prove my loyalty. Let me punish the one that dared challenging You. I am weak but with Your power I will put fear in her heart, I will crush her in the name of You as well as any other who would dare threatening You. I'm asking You for this favor for it is the highest honor for me to fulfil Your will.
    -YOU SHALL GET WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR. BUT REMEMBER – YOU ARE ONLY USING MY POWER BUT NOT POSSESSING IT. IT IS NOT YOU WHO PUNISHES THE RENEGADE BUT ME, B YOUR HAND. LET MY POWER FLOW THROUGH YOU, WHILE I HADN'T COME TO THAT WORLD IN FLESH. BUT USE IT WISELY FOR I AM VULNERABLE THROUGHT YOU.
    -I won't fail You, - shouted Rei.
    The flow of invisible but sensed energy poured into Rei's body, filling her with the power greater than any Angel had. Rei arched the back, moaning in the depraved ecstasy.
    In a desperate effort to save herself Asuka took off on the fiery wings, but Rei caught up with her, grabbed Asuka and threw her on the ground. When approached wounded and groaning from the pain rival, Rei closed her hands on Asuka's neck, crushing and tearing her warm flesh, enjoying terrifying death-rattle, feeling the red impure blood, defiled with something called “faith”, “kindness”, “sympathy”, “love”, splashing on her face. Rei threw away bloody wet red hair and dipped canines into soft neck, to the place she loved tickling with lips and tongue before.

    Asuka awakened, screaming, realizing that the syncope was only a few seconds long. Rei still stood near the monument, but it wasn't that lifeless stone statue. It was more like the stone shell that was rapidly cracking to reveal the form that Cthulhu had chosen in this world. Shinji stood there thunderstruck, staring at the awakening monster, not able to move.
    Rei took a step forward and smiled.
    -Stand up, - she told Asuka, - And receive the punishment you deserve.
    The air around her was glimmering; Asuka could've sworn she felt unseen flows of energy coming from Cthulhu to Rei. Like a puppet master he held her on strings on primal force, which he was yet unable to use, but could transfer to her.
    -For how much have you sold humanity, bitch? – hissed Asuka rising on her feet.
    -How could I betray someone who had never been my people? I was loyal to my race and my true Master ever since my birth. And now I received a chance to prove that I'm trustworthy.
    Asuka took fighting stand, vaguely understanding how stupid it was. Rei was so much energized that she could destroy Asuka by simply snapping her fingers.

    Shinji was shocked so hard that he could only stand there and watch Rei and Asuka fiercely fighting. He couldn't have made him believe Rei betrayed them. The thought itself seemed absurd to him. Wasn't Rei the first pilot called on to protect the Earth at the times when Shinji had no idea about the threat? Hadn't Rei played important role in all their fights with Angels? It was she who had crushed the Violator with bare hands; and though it led to a series of horrible and tragical events, she was still one of them, their friend, NERV pilot.
    But with it, Asuka was the one he loved, whom he had sworn to care and protect. And now Rei was going to harm her.
    Rei that was confusedly smiling when she wasn't understanding their jokes; Rei that was standing on her knees praying Asuka for forgiveness, checking with manga volume and patiently enduring her beating; Rei that was with them in all those ordeals, when he and Asuka trusted their lives to her; …Rei that raped Asuka… no, don't think about it… Rei that was undoubtedly killing everyone standing in her way, with no regret and no remorse… no, this can't be! No man in the world could've said for sure what was hiding behind these seeming indifferent red eyes. Who knows what she was thinking of, what she dreamed of, what she was afraid of?
    Shinji slowly lowered his hand on the hilt of the gun, gripped it and put the gun out. Its weight made him feel more confident.

    Rei only once let Asuka hit her. Asuka's fist ran into her jaw, Rei's head shook but she was still standing. Rei grinned as if she realized how weak and unthreatening her opponent is.
    All following Asuka's attacks were stopped by invisible ice wall, and then Rei hit back. Asuka was thrown a dozen of steps away; she fell on the back but managed to topple over head and jumped onto her feet again. She tried to create a fire wall in front of her but was unable to create anything but faint illusory membrane, which Rei passed without stopping even for a second.
    Rei kicked Asuka in the block she set, and sent her upwards. Asuka fell back and moaned in pain and despair. Tears welled up on her eyes. The thought that Rei will not only finish her off but will do it easily, mocking her was unbearable for Asuka. God knows what Rei will do after the victory.
    Rei had bended, then grabbed Asuka by the hair and raised her on her feet. Asuka's arms were hanging loosely, her eyes were shut, she hadn't tried to resist. One moment, when their faces came real close, Asuka heard Rei speaking in low-voice:
    -Don't give up, - instant hit in the stomach made Asuka bend groaning.
    She had almost suffocated with pain, and Rei was already lifting her elbow over Asuka's undefended neck
    -Rei, no! – shouted Shinji.
    Rei turned around and saw a gun pointed at her face. She shook her head, continuing to hold Asuka by shoulder, not letting her fall on the floor. Shinji was hesitating; his finger on the trigger had gone white because of tension. He met with Rei's red eyes and didn't know what to trust. Should he trust what he sees or what he feels?
    And what he felt was a barely noticeable unreality of what was happening. All this fight between Rei and Asuka despite the seeming probability looked like a staging, something like show fight of wrestlers. Of course, Asuka's bleeding nose had nothing to do with red paint, but still… If Rei wanted to kill Asuka she would've done it with the first strike, she wouldn't have been stopped neither by the weak resistance of the Second Child nor by bullets from Shinji's gun. Rei, no matter whom she served, would've never played cat-and-mouse with her prey. She never understood the point of that. She was only able to kill fast and effectively.
    But still he wasn't attacking at full strength, giving Asuka a chance to catch her breath after hits; she was doing her best to prolong the fight. It means that Rei was pursuing some sort of purpose - she never did anything “for nothing”. All this flashed in Shinji's mind in a split second, but it were not his thoughts that convinced him. When looking into her red eyes, he saw there neither the cold rage of a killer nor cynical indifference of an alien from the stars to whom everything human is nothing. He saw sympathy and hope and the sorrow of a person who endured much in life. Shinji bit his lip till it bleed and turned the gun aside.
    Rei barely noticeably nodded him and smiled, but at that moment Asuka sprung out and hit her in the chin. Then Asuka punched her in the belly, knocked on the floor, saddled and started to throttle Rei. Asuka felt a rise of strength, but at that time she didn't care to think of its source. She hadn't thought why a few seconds ago she couldn't lit a slightest flare but now felt the power of a forest fire within.
    The only important things to her at the moment were that – the pain was gone; the fire inside her was raging, threatening to burst outside; and Rei's throat gripped in her hands. Asuka shouted and concentrated fire on her palms where they were in contact with Rei's neck. Rei was blocking the fire with cold, simultaneously trying to unclench Asuka's hands. The Fire and the Ice met in a fatal fight.
    Shinji suddenly heard loud rustle coming from behind. He turned and stared terror-stricken. Cthulhu was slowly approaching them, throwing off the last pieces of his stone shell. His skin started to shed slime, disgusting tentacles surrounding his head were restlessly moving; his eyes were blazing yellow. With no further thinking Shinji aimed at him and pulled the trigger.
    First shot went to waste – the bullet was stopped by the AT-Field. But surprisingly, second and third shots went through the defenses and pierced into flesh, slurping. Shinji aimed at one of the Chtulhu's eyes and pulled the trigger. Blinding white light beam came out of the gun barrel (well actually it came out of Shinji's hand holding the gun, but he didn't notice it), it pierced through the AT-Field and left a bleeding wound at the place of the eye. Cthulhu's roar spread throughout the hall, he stepped back, touching the wound with his tentacles. Shinji glanced at Misato's gun with fear and delight.
    In the meantime fight between Asuka and Rei reached its apogee. Rei was losing, and if Asuka's nose hadn't been blocked with blood, she would've felt the smell of burning flesh. Asuka was winning not thinking of the source of her incoming powers.
    And then she heard a loud mental roar of Cthulhu, addressed to Rei, but spread through energy link she made to Asuka and Shinji, and even faint echoed to Toji and Hikari, who remained outside.
    -STUPID BITCH, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! HOW DARE YOU SHARE MY POWER WITH OUR ENEMIES?!
    -I do what I must do, - answered Rei mentally, - You are my enemy… our enemy… And now you will die!
    -HAVEN'T YOU SWEARED TO ME IN BLOOD?! – roared Cthulhu, trying to break the connection; but Rei kept him firmly like a fish on a hook. Unseen but sensed link was pulsing, draining energy from Cthulhu with every beat of Rei's heart and transferring it to other Children.
    -I lied to you, - answered Rei calmly.
    It was only now that Asuka started to realize what is happening. She unclenched her arms and looked at the burns they had left, terrified. Had she made a mistake… again… by almost killing Rei? But she had betrayed them and attacked first, hadn't she? Asuka rose on her feet and left Rei lying on the floor; she shook her head trying to scatter the chaos in her mind. Now she wasn't able to tell whom to trust and what should she do.
    -FOOLS! – Cthulhu's shout-thought stroke their minds, - DID YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT ME USING SUCH PATHETIC TRICKS?!
    As he said that he used the link connecting him and Rei to send a powerful pulse, almost burning Rei's mind from the inside. She hardly managed to break the connection with Asuka and Shinji, so they didn't suffer from that energy wave. But with it they felt that the flow supporting them dried out. Cthulhu again and again was whipping Rei with energy pulses, not allowing her to use or share that energy with other Children. He took another step and leaned over lying Rei.
    Shinji shot twice, but although the bullets had hit the target, those were only pieces of metal, but not the miraculous beam. Moreover, Shinji saw that the wound he made before was healing before his very eyes.
    Asuka stepped back to the wall, and was gathering her strength before the decisive attack, although she knew it won't be very effective. “Could it be that all was useless? – she thought, - Did Rei sacrifice herself for nothing? Shall we lose when the victory is on our hand?” She had no answers. But everything was to be decided there and then.
    Cthulhu paused for a second and then lift up his clawed foot intending to crush motionless lying Rei. And then Rei, tormented and burned out by the bursts of energy that caused her unbearable pain, did the only thing she could. She played her last trump card.

    Makoto is real bad, - Hikari was worried, - I fear he is…
    Misato opened her eyes, hardly focused her sight on Hikari; then she looked at Makoto. He was still lying unconscious, deathly pale. The breath was so faint that it could barely be heard.
    -Shit, - grumbled Toji, - He needs a doctor, and we're stuck here. And it seems that for long.
    Misato began to think; she was supporting her cheek with the palm and her sight was wandering between Hikari, Toji and Makoto. Finally she decided to speak out her thoughts:
    -Why don't you try to… heal him?
    Toji and Hikari stared at her, surprised.
    -Do I look like a doctor? - asked Toji.
    -I'm afraid we can't help him, - added Hikari, - We can only wait and hope.
    -Oh, sure, - Misato said disappointedly, - You can do things that I've only seen in anime before. You grow these damn wings and fly as if the laws of physics were made not for you. You can stop bullets and you were able to stop the explosion on the bridge, but what's the use of that if he, - Misato pointed at Makoto, - will die? Can't you do anything?
    Hikari cast down.
    -Do you remember what has happened when I was trying to help Akagi-san? – asked Toji.
    Misato nodded.
    -When I saw her last time she wasn't looking well but at least she was alive.
    -Well, she was feeling herself better even though she has changed, - agreed Toji, - But the point is that the result of the experiment was unpredictable. She could've died or turned to a monster like some of those injured in Germany injected with EVAs' blood.
    - Moreover, - said Hikari, - when Toji's blood was being transfused to Ritsuko, he himself had no idea what to do. And even if we decide to take the risk, we've got no medical equipment here.
    -All right, - Misato decided to change the subject, - I wonder how are They? It's been half an hour already.
    -Maybe I can fly there and try to find the things out? – suggested Toji and started to rise on his feet, - We're safe here anyway and I don't get the meaning…
    -But I get it, - snubbed him Misato, - No one is flying anywhere until I say it's okay. Whatever is happening there, - she pointed at the huge citadel rising in a distance, - It should be dealt by those who were following this way from the beginning. It is their duty… and their right.
    -You could've said it straight that it's not for second-rate losers like us, - said Toji offended and sat back onto parapet, - It's not our fault that we were called on later then others.
    Hikari looked at him reproachfully.
    -You are wrong, - said Misato, - I'm just feeling that it should be three of them. Three is a magical number but that's not the point. They will handle it. And your interference can ruin everything.
    -And what if they need our help? – objected Hikari. But Misato wasn't paying attention to her. With confused impression on her face she was bending over Makoto.
    -He's… he's dying…, - whispered Misato, - I think he's not breathing. Please, do something!
    -Shit, - shouted Toji, - I will do anything to save him, but WHAT should I do?!
    Misato panicked and started to clap Makoto on his cheeks as if trying to bring him to his senses.
    -Don't you even try dying, - mumbled she angrily, - Wake up, damn it!
    Then Misato understood that Makoto doesn't hear her, and even if he did – nothing would've changed. Misato lowered and started the artificial respiration.
    Toji and Hikari were standing there, confused and frightened. They had witnessed many deaths since that incident in Peru. Hikari lost her parents, and both of them lost many classmates and friends. But never before they had witnessed so closely how life was fading away from a person. Just standing there doing nothing was unbearable. Hikari touched Misato's shoulder cautiously.
    -We… we could try…
    Misato didn't answer. She shook off Hikari's arm and leaned over Makoto again. Breathe in - breathe out, breathe in - breathe out… check the pulse… faint, very faint heartbeat, any of its strokes could be the last… breathe in - breathe out, breathe in - breathe out… Com'on, breathe! No use… Once again – breathe in and breathe out in cold dry lips… check the pulse… one second… two… The heart is not beating! God, no!
    Misato moaned in despair. And at that moment an invisible pulse came from the Citadel and touched minds of Hikari and Toji. They and their friends inside Cthulhu's crypt were now miraculously connected by one-side link. Hikari felt the fire starting inside her, yet not burning, but warming one. She started to feel herself very clear-minded, confident in her abilities and knew what to do.
    -We'll try, - she repeated to Misato; then she turned to Toji, - Come closer. You will help me.
    -What are you going to do? – Toji couldn't hide his emotions. He watched as Hikari lowered near Makoto and put her hand on his forehead.
    -Play God, - answered Hikari.

    Waves of energy were spreading around Rei. The air was thick and objects were changing their colors and shapes. Ghostly lightnings were dancing over the walls of the room, melting them on impact. One of the pillars cracked and leaned to the center of the room. Its foundation was cracking. Asuka glanced on it, shifted her gaze on Cthulhu and back to the pillar. It took her not more than a second to see her only and probably the last chance. She ran to the column and hit it with her body, screaming from pain. The stone barely trembled, and started to crack slightly faster. Again and again Asuka was throwing herself on the black smooth surface of the stone monolith. She was beating it with all her strength, in despair, causing her fists to bleed.
    “God, help me!” – prayed Asuka. Not because she was counting on His help but because she believed – not everything is lost yet.
    Slowly, very slowly the pillar started to lean over Cthulhu. Few more seconds and he will see the danger and step aside. And then… It will be the end. But the center of gravity of the pillar had already shifted and the large-tonnage monolith was approaching Cthulhu like the Damocles' sword. Asuka shouted triumphantly. With a wet-slimy slap, muffled by sound of the top of the pillar crashing on the floor, column hit Cthulhu across his back, crushing his huge, ugly but vulnerable body.
    Cthulhu cried. It was a cry filled with emotions, the Great Cthulhu had never experienced before; with fear and pain. His body, pressed against the floor was convulsing, emitting floods of black oily liquid, his tentacles were raging and beating the plates of floor crushing them to pieces. Asuka and Shinji were watching the agony of the beast, astonished.
    Little by little Cthulhu fell silent, only his tentacles, feebly starched out, were twitching and the wounds were bleeding, staining the floor with black blood.
    -Is it over? – said Shinji and tried to take a breath.
    -Nothing is over! – answered Asuka, - Nothing is over until I say it's over!
    Shinji guessed what she meant. He already got used to the final, the culmination of each fight, when powers of the defeated enemy were flowing into EVAs, flowing into them. He felt nothing like that now. He knew he was right when Asuka picked up a huge, sharp piece of what used to be a pillar and started to move towards Cthulhu.
    -Asuka, wait! – he tried to stop her, but Asuka paid no attention to his words.
    She jumped on the part of column that was pressing Cthulhu against the floor; then slowly, reveling in close triumph, mocking at her opponent, she walked along it and jumped on monster's back. Tentacles trembled, and for a moment Shinji panicked that it was only a trick, that Cthulhu was luring them into a trap and now he would arise to crush those pathetic slimes, who dared challenging him. But the monster was remaining still, even though its life, if those processes undergoing in his body could be considered as life, was not yet over.
    Asuka stopped over the smooth skinny skull of Cthulhu, took a deep breath and crushed the stone onto the beast. Again and again… sobbing and mumbling something, crying and laughing at the same time. She was fiercely beating Cthulhu's head with that stone not noticing that Shinji had joined in and was helping her, working with a hilt of Misato's handgun. At each strike black liquid, similar to LCL, was splashing around, covering the faces and bodies of the Children with a terrifying pattern. But was not important to them. They threw away their weapons and started to tear apart the bleeding flesh of a monster with their hands, getting deeper, tearing the jelly-like mass filled by black moving worm-like veins that served the alien from another world as brain. And finally life had faded from this crushed ugly corpse. Angel of Waters, Great Cthulhu, whose name put fear in hearts of those devoted to him for ages, whose life was longer than the time itself, had died.
    Asuka jumped down to the floor, presuming what will happen soon. Shinji followed her example, and now was kneeling in the pool of rapidly thickening blood. He was shaking. But not because of fear or cold. The air in the room thickened, and the floor trembled… Shinji felt as his hair started to bristle, even though the nature of the power filling the room was far from the regular electricity.
    -Ja… - sighted Asuka and leaned backwards with outstretched arms, - da kommt…
    “She's so… godlike”, - thought Shinji looking at her. Even though the sight of Asuka, half-naked, covered with black slime, with bleeding nose, hands covered with blood and uncombed hair, slightly moving in the energized air would've scared him in other times. But now he felt unthinkable, abnormal lust; he felt that if he won't have wild furious sex with her right now – he would simply blow from the inside. Asuka met his gaze and lustfully licked her lips in anticipation; probably she felt something like that too. Shinji was trying hard to restrain himself fearing that if he falls to that primal lust they will lose control over themselves and commit something they will regret afterwards. Barely did Shinji realized everything is over a new wave of energy emitted from Cthulhu's body overflowed them. Shinji lost himself in the blinding shine that flashed in his head. Asuka, with a mixture of fear and supernatural delight, felt that the power inside her is looking for an exit,… no not looking, but bursting out, tearing her body and mind apart. She could've done nothing but to wait the end whatever it'll be. She saw a ghostly light, similar to the AT-field, but born by the force beyond her control, surrounding her hands. Asuka only prayed that if she is not destined to live through this enormous overdose of energy – that may her death be quick and merciful. Blinded by the light she continued to feel the power erupting from her with the roar heard only by herself, through every pore of her skin, through her mouth, ears, nose… God, her hips were burning like fire. “I am dying, - thought Asuka fearlessly but more like wishing for it, - No one can live through something like that. Mom, dad, I'm coming to you…”
    It ended as unexpectedly as it began. Barely was Asuka able to see and think clearly again she felt regret that that ecstasy that no man ever had experienced was gone.
    Asuka looked around. Shinji was lying with his eyes closed, rolled into a ball, silently moaning. Cthulhu's corpse was collapsing, it was becoming just a grey dust. He was dead, no one can look like THAT and yet still just play dead. At least his earth form was now headed to the land of the eternal Hunt, or wherever dead Angels go.
    Rei was lying in a distance. She didn't move but Asuka saw how her chest was moving as she breathed. Totally worn out she headed to Rei. To end what was started.

    Maya decided that as soon as she starts to lose her mind – she'll drown herself in the pool in the center of the cave. But she had no experience is such stuff so she didn't know how to determine the coming madness. Yet the thought itself that she had some kind of exit made her feel a little calmer.
    She had no watch so she was not able to determine how much time had passed since those bastards took Ritsuko away, leaving her in complete loneliness in the darkness of this cave. Had felt no hunger and no one seemed to hurry to bring her any food. She couldn't sleep for there was no peace inside her soul. She could only think of getting out of here alive…. Or dead.
    Few minutes earlier she felt an invisible wave coming through the stone. She felt that something important has just happened. But what was that or how will it influence her life she didn't know. Maya trembled; she squatted down and put her arms around her knees. The feeling disappeared just as it came.
    She was sitting for some time, trying to calm down. She rose on her feet and walked along the walls of her prison touching the cold stone for a hundredth time probably. When she reached the rock blocking the exit she hit it in despair. To her surprise the rock started to move away. She took a few steps back but then she saw the white smock in the opening.
    -Senpai!
    -Yeah, it's me, Maya, - Ritsuko answered from behind the rock, - Could you lend me a hand and push that damn rock a little? It's really heavy…
    Maya grabbed the edge of the rock and pulled it as hard as she could. Couple of seconds later the route was opened and Maya fell on Ritsuko's neck crying.
    -We don't have much time, - warned her Ritsuko, - We gotta leave while they're in confusion.
    -What happened, senpai? How did you manage to get free? How are we going to get out? – Maya was really excited.
    The she saw a Deep One lying next to the door. His bloody eye-socket was pierced by something looking very familiar.
    -Original “Parker”, - Ritsuko followed Maya's gaze, - Golden pen. Lifetime warranty.
    -Oh my God… - Maya covered her mouth with hand, - You killed him… with a pen?
    -I didn't really have a choice, - answered Ritsuko, - He was guarding the entrance, the one of us had to die. Would you prefer me breaking this big guy's neck with my bare hands? We need to hurry, while toads are in panic.
    -Panic? What has happened?
    -It seems their God had suffered a Tod, - grinned Ritsuko while trying the spear of the dead guard. It seemed too big for her so she threw it away.
    -What?
    -Don't ask me what this word means. It's probably German. I've heard it once from Ingrid and I can tell it suits the situation perfectly. You should've seen how they were running all over the place, shouting something like insane. Everyone seemed to have forgotten about me so I slipped here. By the way I discovered a way to the surface.
    -That's great, senpai. I had never lost hope that you'll be back for me.
    -Of course, Maya. I promised you. Only… - Ritsuko paused, - How long can you hold your breath?
    -Well, I guess a minute, - Maya wasn't sure, - I've never trained that.
    -Ok, let us hope it'll be enough.
    They passed the corridor to where it joined the larger one. Screams and footsteps could be heard. Ritsuko cautiously looked behind the corner. Maya took off her shoes to attract less attention.
    -This is how the things are, - whispered Ritsuko, - At my sign we turn right. If we get lucky – no one will see us. And even if they do – they're not in the condition to do anything. When we reach the opening in the floor – we dive. The tunnel will take us straight to the surface. But it's flooded.
    -Is it long? – asked Maya worried.
    -No, not really, - Ritsuko was lying. Clearly she had nor time nor opportunity to explore it. But since Maya hadn't had her lungs full with water when they arrived here, Ritsuko thought she will be able to take on a return route. Yet she didn't take in concern the difference in speed between the Deep Ones and Maya; they were swimming much faster than Maya could.
    -Ready? – whispered Ritsuko.
    Maya nodded. Just as they were going to go, a huge crowd of Fish-men ran along the tunnel. By the slapping sound of their steps Ritsuko guessed they've used that flooded tunnel.
    Ritsuko took her breath and waited for a couple of seconds before saying:
    -Let's go!
    Without turning back, trying to walk as quiet as they could they were approaching the hole in the floor, flooded by the dark water. No light from the surface was reaching this point, so Maya stared to get worried. Ritsuko couldn't let fear take over Maya so she pushed her in the water and jumped into there herself.
    Maya took a deep breath, diced and started to swim along the tunnel. It was pitch-black there but Maya was smart enough to swim while touching the wall with one hand. Ritsuko soon caught up with her. She grabbed her other hand and started to pull her ahead. She already discovered the tunnel was too long to swim it through on one breath but it they had no choice but to continue to swim ahead.
    Seconds passed as they were swimming ahead, still without a slightest light. Ritsuko felt Maya pulled her hand. Ritsuko turned back and saw despair in her eyes and bubbles of air bursting out of her closed lips. Maya was lacking air, but how far had they gone? Half-way? Hardly.
    Ritsuko herself was just breathing with her gills. Suddenly the solution came to her mind. Wasting no time she embraced Maya and closed her lips on Maya's. It took some time for them to match the rhythm of breath-in – breathe-outs. Ritsuko was trying to take short breaths so the air wouldn't get filled with carbon dioxide, and it worked as if Maya was breathing through her gills.
    Together they continued to swim like this. Not once did Ritsuko share air with Maya before they had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Near the surface Ritsuko let Maya free so they could swim on their own.
    After a few hours they spent in gloom sunlight seemed blinding. Soon their eyes got accustomed to this light and they were able to see a steep wooded shore in a distance.

    -Rei, why? Why did you do this?
    -There was no other way…
    -Forgive me Rei. I've lost my mind, I was wrong…
    -I forgive you, Asuka… but will you be able to forgive me?
    -Yes, Rei. I forgive you. I'm no longer angry at you.
    -Thank you, Asuka… We could've become good friends…
    -We will, Rei. You will make it, I'm sure. We will be friends ALWAYS!
    -No, my time has come... I'm dying, Asuka…
    -No, please, Rei, don't say such things!
    -I am dying… but I have one last wish…
    -Anything, Rei. For you – anything you want. But you won't die… No…
    -I don't want to die defeated by Angel… It hurts me the most… even more than the fear of dying… And I am afraid to die… Asuka… - crystal-clear tears were glimmering on her cheeks. She was looking like an ordinary girl, suffering from fear and pain.
    -No, you won't die, - mumbled Asuka, - Don't just stand there, Shinji, do something! Aren't we able to help her?! We must help her!
    -She's… - Shinji paused for a moment, hesitant, - She's too badly injured.
    -Bullshit! We will help her. She won't die.
    Rei tried to rise but moaned from pain and descended back to the floor.
    -Asuka… please… finish me…
    -No-no-no! – Asuka stepped back, covering her ears, - I'm not listening, I haven't heard that!
    -Please, I've come in this world to spread death and pain… I've been killing people… Perhaps, I've deserved the pain I'm suffering from… but if you have mercy – do as I ask. I don't want to die as a victim…. I want to go with the sense of our victory… Please, Asuka…
    -God, no… how can I…? – Asuka covered her face with hands, - I can't…
    -I'm in pain, Asuka, - said Rei, - If it keeps up I'll lose my mind because of pain, I'll start to scream and writhe in agony… Is that what you want? You want to see it? I beg you, finish me!
    -I CAN'T!
    -I trust you… I know you'll do it right… I want you to free me from this torture… to free my soul… If I have one… And you, Shinji, be a witness… And don't blame her…
    Asuka was crying and hear tears were falling on Rei's pale face, mixing with her tears. But now these were just tears, they weren't trying to turn into anything, they were just slipping down Rei's cheeks. Shinji put his hand on Asuka's shoulder.
    -Do it, - his voice was trembling, - She's suffering…
    Rei coughed and a blood erupted from her mouth.
    -Please, - she whispered, - Do it…
    Do it, Asuka! – Shinji clenched her shoulder, - Do it FOR HER!
    -Don't look, - asked Asuka, - For God sake, don't look!
    Shinji turned away but didn't let go Asuka's shoulder. Asuka touched Rei's cheek whipping the blood that was dripping from her mouth; then she covered Rei's mouth and nose with her palms. Rei didn't try to resist, her eyes were losing sensible look, languishing. Asuka closed her eyes and pushed her palm against Rei's mouth. A few convulsive pulses, a dim moan. Rei's hand faintly grabbed Asuka's wrist.
    Asuka hated herself for doing that but she knew there was no other way. A couple of minutes after Rei stopped moving Asuka opened her eyes, unclenched Rei's fingers and took her hand off Rei's face. The blue haired girl was lying so peacefully and so calm as if she was sleeping. It seemed that the death was truly the blessing for her.
    The moment life was leaving Rei's body Asuka and Shinji felt a faint pulse. Rei was almost empty; those few drops of life power had now dissolved in the space.
    Shinji pulled Asuka closer and was now stroking her, mumbling something calming. Asuka had already cried all her tears out and now was sobbing dry, choking like a little child. It seemed that this would last forever.
    The sound of the rock crushing the floor a few steps away from them brought Shinji back to reality. The citadel was cracking. As if the rocks realized that the citadel was useless after the death of its master.
    Shinji made Asuka rise on her feet and started to pull her towards the exit…
    -No… - mumbled Asuka resistant – We won't leave her here! No way!
    Some more rocks had crushed the floor smashing to pieces like frags. Two or three columns were ready to fall.
    -No, Asuka! We must go! – said Shinji, holding her hand firmly.
    -I want to die! – shouted Asuka.
    Shinji slapped her in the face.
    -Rei sacrificed herself not for this! She gave her life for us to live! Do you understand what that means?! This is her wish, her will…
    Asuka gave him a mad look. Shinji would not have been surprised if she would've hit him. But Asuka just glanced Rei farewell and followed him. Dodging the falling rocks they ran for the exit. Few seconds later the vault of the citadel that was no longer supported by columns crashed.

    Ritsuko picked a place where the shore was flat enough and helped Maya to get ashore. She herself wasn't hurrying to join her although Maya was lending her a hand.
    -Senpai?
    Ritsuko shook her head.
    -This is where our paths split up, Maya. From now on each of us will go his own way.
    -But… why? Why can't we be together? I love you the way you are and I don't care what others think…
    -The problem is not in you, - said Ritsuko gently, - But my mother was right, I no longer belong to this world. I can't survive on the ground.
    -I'm sure we can help you, senpai! – exclaimed Maya, - We'll surely find a way!
    -Is it worth trying to fix something that is probably natural? Humans had interfered enough in the ways of nature already. All this story with the Angels – isn't this an example of how humans tried to make the world better while making one fatal mistake after another? Our children are paying for these…
    -I guess, you're right, senpai, - said Maya, - But what will happen to you?
    -Don't worry about me, - answered Ritsuko, - Whatever happens I'll be much safer in my natural environment than any other place… But now we must think of something else. The war has not yet ended. I found out that the disciples of Cthulhu are intending to cause huge waves threatening the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts, mostly to Europe and Japan.
    Maya's eyes widened.
    -Wh-what? H-how?
    -It's a long story. Listen carefully: as soon as you get in touch with the ones, heading the operations at the moment, tell them to figure out the centre of the tsunamis. With our surveillance and monitoring equipment it won't be a problem.
    -And what next?
    -All we have to do next is to strike there with all our powers. It is possible that it is there where Dagon and Hydra are located. And they are vulnerable to ordinary weapons. I was hoping that after Cthulhu's death the Deep Ones would drop their plans, but better safe than sorry. Oh, by the way, they definitely should do something about the caves we were held in. We can't leave such a rat nest right in front of our very eyes.
    She felt a prick of conscience for a moment because her mother was still there. But Ritsuko had already came to terms with the fact that her mother was dead or had vanished long time ago and she wasn't willing to change anything… especially the way Naoko Akagi wanted it to be. “I don't have a mother, - Ritsuko said to herself, - And screw everything”.
    -Do you think Children were able to defeat Cthulhu after all? – asked Maya, - Are they alright?
    -I'm not a fortune teller, - answered Ritsuko, - But I felt Cthulhu's death as clear as if I were there. I don't know how, but he was defeated. Nobody except Children could've done this. But still the danger remains.
    Maya nodded.
    -I'll pass this to the Command. We'll stop. Be sure of it. But… could it be that we won't ever meet again, senpai? I'll be missing you…
    Ritsuko thought for a moment then answered:
    -When it's over come to the creek of the Rhine, where it merges with the sea. Make some sort of sign so I could see you from the distance. If I still live at that time – I'll appear surely. Ok? Now go!
    Maya nodded. Her eyes were glimmering.
    -I… I love you, senpai, - she said and burst into tears.
    Ritsuko climbed onto the shore, pulled Maya closer and kissed her in the lips.
    -I love you too, Maya. We'll meet again, I promise.
    -Promise?
    -Yes. And I keep my promises. Don't waste time, Maya, the fate of the world is at hand, - Ritsuko slid back into the water and removed the entangling clothes.
    The goodbye was as hard for Ritsuko as it was for Maya. She had no idea nor where to go nor how to live from now on. But she was certain in one – she will soon find that out. Now the sea is her world so she will live through this anyhow. If only the war would've been over – and then things will get better.
    Ritsuko waved Maya goodbye and swam along the troubled waters of Rhine. Maya was standing there for some time, watching Ritsuko, even after she had dived.
    Half an hour later, an all wet, dirty girl, in something that probably used to be a military uniform ran on the road right in front of the UN Patrol Jeep. Desperately waving her hands she ran towards the car so the surprised soldiers almost shot her. But the girl saluted and mixing English, German and Japanese reported to the sergeant leading the patrol:
    - I am the NERV officer, Maya Ibuki. Take me to your Command, I have a message of the great importance. As soon as the sergeant heard the magical “NERV” word – he silently pointed at the back seat, and the rest of the soldiers crowded together freeing some room for Maya. Barely had she seated that the sergeant pressed the gas.

    Makoto has cautiously opened his eyes fearing they will fall out. Once he made sure that they won't – he tried to look around. He felt as if he was electrocuted with two or three millions volts and was honestly surprised to find himself alive and apparently ok. Not considering the horrible headache, pulsing in his head with his every movement.
    -Makoto! – shouted a familiar voice, - Are you ok?
    -No, I'm not, - honestly replied Makoto. Then he recognized Misato Katsuragi, his immediate boss and the woman towards who he had feelings.
    -That's good, - she smiled.
    Makoto saw Toji and Hikari and realized that he was lying under the clear sky, on the roof of some building. But he remembered only how Misato and the Children busted onto the Bridge, and then… Or was it just a dream? Makoto shook his head trying to clear his thoughts but it only made the headache worse.
    -Where are we? What had happened to Scimitar?
    -It's a long story, - answered Misato, - By the way, hadn't you seen any long tunnel and the light in the end?
    Makoto shook his head.
    -Sorry, I didn't. Was I supposed to?
    -She, - Misato pointed at Hikari, - Pulled you from the other side. That was a real miracle, even better than in movies. Makoto looked at Misato hesitantly, then shifted his gaze at Hikari. She faintly smiled and nodded. She wasn't looking well as if what she had done had exhausted her to the end. Even Toji looked exhausted. He felt the headache but with it was happy it remained on his shoulders after all. Toji was ashamed of the thoughts of Hikari he had a minute ago but wasn't anxious about them. Not that anxious. Luckily Hikari didn't seem to notice anything. Children were sitting near the stone parapet surrounding the roof and were looking at the huge dark building that was rising a mile away from them.
    -Thank you, - seriously said Makoto to Hikari.
    -That's not my achievement, - she answered.
    -What was that? – moaned Toji covering his head with arms.
    -I presume… - Hikari paused, ...That Cthulu had been defeated. They made it. And what we felt was the last outburst of his powers that spread in the space.
    -As the ones after the deaths of other Angels? – asked Toji, - But this was a way stronger.
    -Yep. I don't think we were able to consume that much energy. At least I didn't. I felt as if I was trying to drink the sea.
    -Maybe it's better, - admitted Misato.
    -Listen, - said Toji, - If the Angel had died, then where are Shinji, Asuka and Rei? Why aren't they coming back?
    -Now it's time to find that out, - said Misato, - go there and…
    A sound of the rumble came from the direction of Citadel, and as they looked it began to fall to the ground.
    -Oh, shit, - mumbled Toji.
    Others said nothing, mesmerized by the sight. When the rumble faded away, Makoto said hesitantly:
    -I hope they're ok. They were there, weren't they?
    Toji didn't answer. He simply ran to the edge of the roof, instantly forgetting about his headache. A second later Hikari followed his example.
    -You won't even blink an eye as we get back!
    Toji froze and looked on his back. Then he looked at Misato:
    -I can't… Those damn wings are growing. What about you, Hikari? Let me take a look, maybe I'm doing something wrong.
    But Hikari's back remained just an ordinary back though she tried hard.
    -It looks like we've lost our powers, - assumed Hikari, - That energy wave must hace caused this… Or maybe…
    -No, no, no, I don't want to hear a single word! – angered Toji, - What's the use of us if we had lost our powers?! – he tried to make something unusual, to generate an AT-Field at least, but nothing came out of this, - Damn it! And I only got used to being all cool! Man…
    -Makoto, can you walk, - Misato asked him.
    -I guess, “no” would be a wrong answer.
    -Yes.
    -Why don't you two stay here? – suggested Hikari.
    -No way! We'll go together! I want to see… whatever I see there. I must know… After all it is now our duty to protect you but not vice versa.
    Hikari didn't argue. She was afraid that their friends were possibly dead, and she was eager to know the truth no matter what.
    Fortunately their building was not very high and its walls were slanted so they were able to get down pretty easily.
    Streets paved with stone were covered by the silt but it was already dry so one wouldn't have to worry about sticking in mud. Not thinking of various dangers hiding in this sinister city and the angry shouts of Misato and Makoto, Toji and Hikari made a run to the remains of the Citadel.
    Cornering the dark stone buildings along the way they could only think of one thing: if their friends were alive. Toji and Hikari imagined themselves finding only the pile of stones burying the mystery of the final battle of this war.
    So when they ran to the opening in front of what was left of Cthulhu's Citadel they shouted in excitement. They saw two embracing figures belonging to Asuka and Shinji. Although the excitement was soon replaced by fear as they had realized that there were only two of the winners.
    -Shinji! – shouted Toji rushing towards the friend, - Are you alive there?! Hey, Langley! Are you ok?
    Shinji had quietly waved him like saying: “it's ok”, while Asuka was sitting still, hiding her face on Shinji's shoulder. She hadn't reacted even when Toji slapped her on her naked back in excitement.
    -Man, you trashed the whole thing! I imagine what you've done to the owner. Come on, Shinji, spill it out! How did it all go? Have you nailed the bastard? Oh, what am I saying, of course you did…
    -Rei? – said Hikari quietly making Toji stop.
    -She's not with us anymore, - answered Shinji in the same tone.
    Asuka sobbed and raised her head. Toji and Hikari shivered when saw her face covered in blood.
    -Yes, she's gone! – shouted Asuka, - It's because I killed her! You hear?! I KILLED HER!
    -Don't listen to her, - said Shinji, clasping Asuka to his bosom, - Asuka is a bit thrown out of balance.
    -A bit? – mumbled Toji.
    -We had defeated the Cthulhu, - continued Shinji, - But Rei had died. She sacrificed herself to save us. We've tried to help… Asuka tried to help her… But she didn't manage. Now she's blaming herself in Rei's death. Which is not true, I'm telling you. Be easy at her, ok?
    Toji and Hikari nodded. Hikari came closer and hugged Asuka, feeling her trembling. Asuka didn't cry, she was now just staring mindlessly at one point. Toji clapped on Shinji's shoulder.
    -That's too bad about Rei… But we won. You two not hurt?
    Shinji shook his head.
    -Nothing the time doesn't heal. But where are Misato and Makoto? You left them there?
    -They're gonna be ok, - said Toji, - I guess they'll be here in a moment. We're no use now. Why do you think we came here on foot?
    Shinji gave him a puzzled look, then raised his hand and snapped his fingers as if trying to create something, but with no visible effects.
    -Are wings growing? – he asked turning so Toji could se his back.
    -Nope. We've lost our powers too after that energy outburst.
    -It seems we've lost them either, - We've fused like some damn bulbs that experienced too big voltage. And you know what? – he paused looking at clasping Asuka and Hikari, - I'm glad. Really.

    The fading sun made an orange-red path on the water but the few people who had the opportunity to witness this beautiful sunset didn't really care about it.
    -It would be stupid to die now, - mumbled Makoto climbing over the parapet onto the roof of one of the buildings near the debris of the Citadel.
    Misato and Toji grabbed his hands and pulled him up. Makoto turned and took a look at the scenery in front of him.
    Foam and turbid waters were loudly flooding the streets of R'Lyeh. Sharp edges of the buildings were splitting the stream, but even divided into dozens of streams it hadn't lost its strength and speed. It was fed by the immense ocean, it was not questioned what will win in this battle between the water and the rock. R'Lyeh was now going were it belonged for the past thousand years – into the depths of the ocean none of the living creature dare to visit. Moans and howls of those living in drowning stone crypts were filling the air.
    -We've got a few minutes more, - said Makoto, - Any ideas?
    -You sure you're not able to fly anymore? – asked Misato.
    Toji shrugged his shoulders.
    -Who would've known…?
    -Yes, I wish it would've happened at another time.
    The silence was interrupted only by the sound of the water. Everyone knew that after the island goes down they will have no chance to survive. The fate was laughing at them, providing them with one ultimate challenge after another and letting them overcome those only to doom them to inevitable death once again.
    But even the fate might give a chance.
    -Look! – shouted Hikari, pointing at the tiny spot moving across the darkening sky.
    -A ‘copter! – exclaimed Toji, - I knew it! The cavalry always arrives when no hope is left!
    -Don't rush it, - frowned Misato, - It doesn't seem to go any closer. And it might not see us in the dusk. The sun is setting; he might be called back any moment soon.
    The pilot of the helicopter sent from the USS Enterprise to search for the Scimitar crash site was very surprised when he saw something looking like a mountainous black island on the horizon. For there was supposed to be no piece of land hundreds of miles around. When he approached it he couldn't believe his own eyes. The island was all built with the ugly but definitely artificially created buildings forming some sort of city. The cautiousness took the lead so he didn't follow his wish to fly over the island and inspect the landscape. Instead of that he was slowly moving along the coast maintaining the distance. Second pilot at that time was informing the aircraft-carrier about what they had just seen.
    It appeared that soon only the pilots' testimonies will confirm the existence of this island. It was rapidly drowning, consumed by the waves. The helicopter crew members had even forgotten about their mission for a moment mesmerized by the sight of what was happening.
    -It'll pass us soon, - said Misato, estimating the ‘copter's course, - And if the pilot won't see us they won't get back to this area. Toji, shut up. He won't hear you, anyway. And you're getting on my nerves.
    -I just wanted to help, - said Toji embarrassed, - We've got no other way to signal them.
    -I wish we had our powers, - sighted Shinji, - Asuka would've fired such a firework they would see even with closed eyes. Eh… what about this? – he pulled out a gun and passed it to Misato.
    She grabbed it and winced with disgust.
    -My God, what have you been doing with it?
    Shinji shrugged his shoulders.
    -Well, I hadn't lost it, had I?
    Misato pulled back the breech-block to ensure the bullet is in.
    -Now, everyone, stay quiet and pray to yourselves.
    -Hurry, Misato, - suggested Makoto, watching the water level rising, - We'll get washed away from here soon.
    Misato stood in the classic shooting pose – legs on shoulder's width, left hand is supporting the right one with the gun gripped in it. She took a deep breath.
    -Is she going to shoot the helicopter? – whispered Toji to Makoto, - Is she nuts?
    -The pilot won't hear a gunshot because of the engines and won't see the flash, - answered Makoto, - But a direct hit would definitely attract his attention.
    Misato hushed angrily.
    -Pray, - she muttered indistinctly, - Not for me to hit it. But for me not to hit its fuel tank.
    The helicopter turned its right side to them was slowly moving in approximately two hundred feet from them. There was no chance that the pilot had noticed them in darkness. A few seconds more and the helicopter would start to move away. Luckily the remaining sunlight was still lighting up the helicopter.
    -Hurry up, Misato, - asked Shinji.
    The waves were already crushing over the roof.
    Misato aimed at the helicopter, estimating the distance and the wind. She fired. An empty shell clinked as it fell on the stone. A second later followed another shot, then the third one. The bolt of the gun remained open signaling the clip was empty.
    -I think I hit it, - said Misato hesitantly.
    When something hit the cockpit windshield and dinted the pilot was so surprised he had almost lost control.
    -We're under attack! – shouted his partner instantly.
    -What?! Who? Where? Did you see the flash?
    -Three.
    Pilot increased speed and banked; It was the toughest bank in his flight practics.
    -Oh, shit… take a look at this! Do you see what I see?
    -Looks like we've spent all that fuel searching the ocean for a good reason. We've found them.
    -Report to “Enterprise” and make them call in the rescue squad. The roof will be flooded soon. Damn, I wish we could take them aboard.
    The helicopter hovered in a distance from the survivors not to let the blast from the vanes to knock them off their feet. The water was already knee-deep and waves were eager to drag them in the deep. The second pilot opened the cockpit door and shouted:
    -You from Scimitar? –his voice was muffled by the noise of propeller.
    -What? Can't hear you! – shouted back Misato, - Get us outta here!
    The pilot pointed northwards, then tapped on his watch and raised two fingers.
    -Two hours? We can't wait for two hours, don't you see?! Hurry!
    Pilot retreated to the cabin for a second and then threw out a large yellow package. When it reached water it started to unfold turning into a small life-boat. Almost instantly it began to move, blown away by the blast of wind. Toji wasn't eager to let it go so he jumped into the water and grabbed the side of it.
    In less than a minute everyone was in the life-boat. Even though it was very crowded at least they were relatively safe and, finally, sure of the salvation.
    The helicopter turned northwards and soon disappeared in the thickening darkness. The full moon was shining on the night sky, lighting up the water surface. The life-boat was lightly shaken by the waves when the Crypt-City went underwater, but then the peace was restored. Only the peaceful sea waves were still swinging the boat gently so that each passenger of it embraced his neighbors on the right and on the left. It was getting cold so Makoto and Misato took off their uniform jackets and covered the shoulders of half-dressed soaked girls with them. Shinji gently cleaned Asuka's face from blood with his palm and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled back softly. There was finally peace, darkened only by the grief for those who didn't make it.
    -Two hours… - reminded Misato, - What are we gonna do before the assistance comes?
    -Let's sing songs, - suddenly suggested Asuka.
    A naughty spark peculiar to her appeared in her eyes for the first time since Rei had died.
    -Why not? – supported her Shinji, - It'll be more fun.
    -Does anyone remember “Fly me to the moon”? – asked Asuka.
    -I know the words, - responded Hikari.
    -I can whistle the melody, - suggested Toji.
    -Alright, - said Asuka and began in the high-pitched shivering voice:

    Fly me to the moon
    Let me play among the stars
    Let me see what spring is like
    On Jupiter and Mars
    In other words, hold my hand
    In other words, baby, kiss me…

to be continued; please wait