Heavenly Dao Palace (Happy National Day, Everyone! And While We're at It, Please Send Monthly Votes!)

"What is this?"

Shinji Ikari stared blankly at the white mist spraying down over them. Asuka and Rei exchanged confused looks as well, unsure of what was happening.

However, as he watched the faint silhouette within the mist, Gendo Ikari's expression grew increasingly grim.

"All personnel, prepare for first combat readiness. Target: unidentified life-form. Attack."

First combat readiness?

"But Commander, it isn't an Angel..."

"That is an order."

Gendo Ikari did not care what the people below thought and decisively issued the order. Hearing this, the staff members' expressions shifted several times before they finally lowered their heads helplessly.

Soon, the bombardment erupted once again.

"What exactly is going on?"

By now, Shinji Ikari was completely lost.

"Weren't the Angels already destroyed?"

"They weren't targeting the Angels."

At that moment, Rei Ayanami immediately gave them the answer. At the same time, Asuka and Shinji Ikari watched in shock as the girl floating in the air was instantly swallowed by artillery fire and vanished completely.

"Father, what are you doing?!"

Shinji Ikari hurriedly activated the communications channel and contacted his father.

"That girl saved us! What are you doing?!"

"She is not human. There is no proof that she is our ally."

"But..."

"Unit-00, Evangelion Unit-01, and Unit-02, deploy immediately. Capture the target."

"What?"

Hearing that order, Asuka could no longer remain calm.

"Why? She isn't an Angel! I refuse! Shinji, Rei, which one of you is going?"

"...I'm not going."

Unlike in the anime, Shinji Ikari no longer needed to watch his father's expression before acting. After hesitating only briefly, he immediately gave his answer.

As for Rei Ayanami, she said nothing. Instead, Unit-00 immediately began moving, running toward the girl.

"Wait, Rei, what are you doing?!"

Asuka instantly exploded when she saw this.

"If you dare attack her, I'm