Things are looking up for this story, as for the vote? Asuke Langely Shikinami has won due to the reviews you all sent in. So we'll see where that goes when Unit 02 arrives, in the mean time, please enjoy this little chapter before Ramiel shows up.

4: Ramiel Approaches

"You can't be serious," Shinji said, looking at Rei's apartment. As it had before, Rei's apartment was a decrepid, rundown apartment complex just partially demolished. Looking back on it, Shinji wondered just how Rei ended up in such a place in the long run.

"Yes, this is where I live," the girl said in her normally emotionless tone. Keeping his act up, or trying to, Shinji shook his head. He'd never understand why she lived in such a desolate place.

"You do realize that you can live in a better apartment?" He said, taking out his NERV ID, "These things keep us pretty well financed. More than enough to keep you in comfort until the angels are gone."

Rei looked at him curiously, "But what purpose would that serve? Commander Ikari said that the bare necessities are needed to survive, such as food, and water and a roof over one's head. This provides those."

"Yes," he sighed, shaking his head again, "But that doesn't mean you have to live in a hovel like this. I live in a nice place, considering I live with a slob, but this? This is a health hazard!"

"My health is always steady if that is your worry, Shinji," she said, "I'm rarely sick except for the times I've been injured inside the Evas."

"That's hardly the point," Shinji said, walking around her apartment, which was devoid of any color, or light, "I don't mean to offend you or anything like that, but this isn't fit for human habitation. Especially since its marked for demolition." He looked at her over his shoulder, "Why don't you come to my complex, and find your own place. That way we'll be closer if you need me or have any questions."

"This would be conveinient," she muttered, "But Major Katsuragi would have to go through a great deal of trouble to allow me to move."

Shinji laughed, "Trust me, if I brought her here, then she'd insist that you come live with us, in our tiny little apartment."

Rei nodded, "I would find that agreeable. Could you arrage it?"

"Huh?"

xXx

"And that's what she said," Shinji explained some hours later to a stunned Misato, after talking things out with Rei, "She'd like to live here with us since it's easier than going through all the red tape of getting her own apartment."

Misato, for her part, took in the state of the complex in front of her, seeing the half-destroyed buildings, and heavy equipment. She'd heard that Rei lived alone, but had no idea of the living conditions themselves. She'd taken Shinji in because she had felt pity for him when the commander refused to take the boy himself. Now she viewed him as a sort of surrogate son.

With Rei, things were slightly different. She knew the girl well enough to see that the commander had imprinted it into the girl to be obedient to a deadly fault. If the man told her to live somewhere like this, then she would, without question.

"Misato?" Shinji said, bring her out of her thoughts, "What do you think?"

Misato looked down at the boy, sighing, "I admit that these conditions are horrible, but the commander might not like this. It's one thing that you're living with me, but Rei's a different story. The commander and Ritsuko always seemed to have her coming in for some sort of test."

No kidding, Shinji thought, The dummy plug system is something I'd like to avoid this time. "She's still just a fourteen year old girl," he pointed out, "living here is dangerous to both her health and her body. What if some maniac decides to follow her home one evening and take advantage of her?"

Misato flinched, "You have a point. Alright, I'll speak with the commander."

xXx

Shinji's plea hadn't gone unheard. Abraham had been listening to the conversation between him and his quardian, and the idea of the young angel hybrid living in such squawler had been unnerving to him. "This commander Ikari reminds me more and more of a devil with each passing day." He said to himself. "I suppose I can influence him a little more. It's not like I'll be punished, since this is my project."

Saying this, the angel followed the two humans too NERV HQ where they planned to speak with said commander.

xXx

"So, now you two are full members of NERV, and as such, sworn to secrecy on matters outside this facility." Gendo said to the two boys in front of him, who stood rigidly as he spoke. "Also, you're both to undertake a synchronization test for compatibility with Unit 01, in case Pilot Ikari is incapasitated."

"S-sir," Touji said, raising his hand, "W-we haven't heard anything since they put us through the first tests, but shouldn't we have our own Evas?"

Gendo repressed a grin. The boy's already feared him, a fact which pleased him. "That is correct, and they are still under construction, but they won't be long in coming. As it stands, Unit 02 and its pilot will arrive first, then Unit 03 will arrive shortly after that. We're hoping that Unit 04 won't be as long after that."

"How long will that take?" Kensuke asked clearly, unlike the larger boy, "I don't mean to sound impatient, sir, but I'd really like to see some action soon."

"That attitude will not help," Gendo said, "As you've seen, you're well below the level of Pilot Ikari as you witnessed the previous battle as I did not. But from what I heard, he preformed something akin to a miracle. If his skills inside his Eva are that far ahead of any of the other pilots that have had prior training, then I have no qualms about putting him in command of the Eva fighting force. You will follow his and orders, and above that, you will follow mine, or Major Katsuragi. Disobey, and there will be consequences. Put them in danger with reckless behavior, and the world will burn." Both boys paled at his words.

"It seems you understand," Gendo went on, "That is a good thing, because I won't tolerate failure. Both of you may have decent sync rates with Unit 00, and will most certainly do better with the new units, but that means little if you cannot, or will not follow orders. Pilot Suzuhara, not only are you protecting Japan, but I understand that you have a younger sister." Touji nodded, "Then you should understand that by following our orders and piloting the Eva as instructed, you are protecting her as well.

"Pilot Aida, I understand your father works in the lower branches of NERV, and seeing as this will be ground zero for what's to come, you must feel that fighting to protect this place also means protecting him as well. If one of the angels get's past NERV's Evas, then this base is set to automatically set to self destruct, sending us all to meet he who sends these beasts to us." Kensuke gulped, but nodded as Touji clenched his fists, "You may think this harsh, but the reality is this; you are no longer mere children. You are both adults in this facility, and will be treated as such, and not be coddled. You already have you're IDs, and know what priveligdes come with them, but you are expected to act responsibly, or they will be taken aways just as easily they were given."

"Yes, sir," both of them droned out, while Kensuke snapped a salute with Touji imitating him a second later.

"Good," Gendo nodded, "Now, as to your living arrangements - "

"Commander, Major Katsuragi and Pilot Ikari are here to see you."

"Send them in," he sighed at being interupted. Touji and Kensuke grinned when the door opened to reveal their friend and his guardian, while, unseen, Abraham floated alongside them behind Shinji. "What is it that you want?"

"Sir," Misato said respectfully, "Are you aware of Rei Ayanami's living conditions?"

"I am," he said as Abraham floated over to him, "What concern is this of your's?"

Misato nodded, "The building has been deemed unfit for human habitation as it is to be demolished. Pilot Ikari and myself feel it would be safer for Pilot Ayanami to stay with us until she finds a more suitable place to live."

"I do not think that is necessary," Gendo said, seeing his son's eyes flash with slight anger.

Abraham grimaced as Misato spoke again. "But sir, surely she would be more comfortable - "

The angel leaned over and started whispering to the commander again. "It is unecessary because I was just discussing living arrangements with Pilots Suzuhara and Aida. I believe it would be more practical for all pilots currently under our care to live under one roof." Gendo parroted, shocking all present, "There is a sizable flat here in the Geofront, which I believe is large enough to house multiple people if needed. And seeing as the Second Child will be arriving in a few weeks, I thought it best to prepare. All I need to do is purchase the house as the land is already owned by NERV."

"W-w-wha-what?" Misato stuttered, completely stunned by the show of kindness as was Shinji.

"Who the hell are you, and what have you done with my asshole dad?" Shinji found himself asking.

Gendo grimaced as Abraham's control slipped when a small laugh escaped him, "You're welcome to find a place of your own, Pilot Ikari." In truth, he hadn't know what possessed him to do such a thing, but figured it must have been on his mind since he'd brought it up.

Shinj bristled, but Misato intervened when she sensed a fight brewing, "That's very kind of you, Commander, I'll be sure to pass this on to Rei when we pick her up. When will the children be able to move in."

Abraham grinned and started whispering again. "You will all be able to start by this evening, including you, Major."

"Me?!" Misato yelled.

"Yes, effective immediately, you are the acting guardian for all pilots within our branch of NERV."

"Bu...I..."

"Say thank you," Shinji hissed.

"T-thank you, sir!"

Abraham grinned, "That was easy." He floated toward the door, "Now they won't be as cramped and lonely. Now we just have to deal with Ramiel when he arrives."

"Sir, what should I do about my sister?" Touji asked, "My dad works a lot here at NERV, and it's hard for him to look after her by himself."

"He will be given a more lenient shift so he can properly care for her," Gendo said, "He does good work, and is due for a promotion."

"Thank you, sir." Touji bowed.

Gendo sighed, "If there is nothing more to discuss, I suggest getting ready to move your things to your new residence. And be sure to inform Rei. Also, Shinji, if you preform as well as you did in the last battle as I've heard, then I'll be making you ranking captian of th Eva squads once we have our numbers up."

Shinji, a little taken aback, nodded, "I-I'll try not to disappoint you, sir."

"See that you don't," he said coldly, "Now get leave, my generosity has run dry for the month. Enjoy the house."

xXx

Rei stayed with Misato and Shinji that night, finding that spending time with the two was more than enjoyable. She even met Penpen, who warmed up to the girl almost immediately, she spent the evening with the friendly bird in her lap, stroking his feathers while she watched her half-brother cook their dinner.

This proccess had the girl's head spinning. Like Misato once had, Rei relied on instant foods for her meals, but there was nothing like that here. Shinji was a blur around the kitchen as he chopped vegetables and fried up dishes of rice, and chicken.

The smells assaulting her nose made her mouth water, even though she felt uncomfortable eating meat, she wouldn't mind it this time. Watching Misato argue with Shinji over her consumption of beer was amusing. As her new guardian, she had expected Misato to be more than capable on and off the clock. This proved to be false when she downed one can after another until Shinji stepped in and stopped her after five.

"Why can't you drink healthily?" Shinji groaned as Misato whined like a child when he took the can from her. Instead it was replaced with a cup of Oolong tea. He then passed one to Rei. "Sorry, you get used to her after a few days."

"This is fine," she said, excepting the cup, "For some reason, this situation feels natural." Penpen squawked at her from her lap. Rei smiled, setting her cup down to resume petting him.

Shinji smirked, "You're going to spoil him rotten."

"Spoil?" Rei said, "I didn't realize that a penguin could rot before death?"

Misato sputted as Shinji chuckled, "That's not what I mean. I meant that if you keep given him so much attention he'll take it for granted and come to expect it. Just like I expect Misato to realize that she's cutting back on beer," he cast a glance in her direction, "whether she likes it or not."

"Hmph!" Huffed Misato, "You sound more like my guardian."

This caused a bubbling sensation in Rei's chest that burst forth unexpectedly. She laughed. Shinji smiled at her, "That's a cute laugh, you should do it more often when you feel like it."

I've never laughed before, she thought self consciously, It...it felt nice. "Shinji, I'd like to ask you something."

"Ask away," Shinji said, returning to the stove.

"Why do you not trust your father?"

Misato looked over at the boy in interest. This was something she'd wondered more than enough over the month and half she'd come to know him. Shinji, still tending the food, smiled sadly. "If you'd asked me something like that a year ago, I probably would have said something like it was because he abandoned me for most of my life. I realize he couldn't have me around while he directed Japan's branch of NERV, though I wish he'd have at least taken time to write a letter to me. But seeing him after so long, with the same eyes as mine were back then. Lonely, cold, unfeeling, just like I was." He turned to Rei, looking into her crimson eyes, "Yes, we're alike in some ways, but other than that, I know nothing about the man I call my father. In that sense, I don't trust him anymore than I'd trust a total stranger."

"I see," Rei said, unconsciously biting her lip. A motion that he noticed.

"I know you've know him longer than I have, and probably seen some good things about him." He said, remembering the story of how Gendo had jumped in to help Rei when her Eva had gone berserk and lashed out at all present, even burning his bare hands on the super-heated hatch. "But he's shown me nothing to gain my trust, and until he does, then this is the way I'll stay."

Rei nodded, still absently stroking Penpen's head. "Thank for answering me."

"Of course," Shinji said, "I just hope I haven't upset you. I already know he means alot to you. I've seen the way you speak to him. It's more animated, and natrual, unlike you are now."

I'm sorry."

Misato piped up, "There's nothing to apologize for, that will come over time when you know us better, as well as the other pilots. But you need to know," she smiled at the girl, "Me, Shinji, Touji, and Kensuke are your friends."

"Wark!" Penpen squawked, flapping his wings.

"Sorry, you too, Penpen." Misato laughed. Rei, a little overwhelmed by their words, felt her cheeks heating up just a little. So new were this feelings around these people that called themselves her friends. And her brother.

"Enough drama,"Shinji chirped, bringing his steaming skillet over to the talble, "Dinner time, and it's chicken and rice stir-fry!"

xXx

Across Japan, Abraham had taken flight toward the western sea, sensing a forboding presesnce. "He's early." He said to himself as he flew, his wing carrying him fast than a plane could fly. Miles away from Tokyo-3, and several hundred miles out to sea, a gigantic blue diamond floated slowly toward the land.

The imposing figure loomed over the smaller humanoid angel that now floated in front of him. "Ramiel, stop, you must listen to me!"

"Move aside, brother," the booming voice of the angel said, "You know that I cannot stop my advance once I have begun. Your champion awaits my judgement, and it is my duty, as it was before, to test his heart, and see if he still has the strength to carry on doing battle with the angels of destruction."

"Why must it be this way, brother?" Abraham asked sadly, "Who is it making you to do this?"

Ramiel slowed his advance, "You know that my brothers and sisters, and myself, are draw to Lilith. The second angel calls for the destruction of the Lilin until her dying breath. As to who is aiding me in my advance, that must remain a secret until the final battle...if the children live that long."

"They will!" Abraham growled, "You didn't see the look in the Third's eyes the day everything ended! He was devestated, alone, helpless! He cannot become the new Adam of this world, brother."

Ramiel chuckled, "Yet he has the will and strength, thanks in no small part to you." The angel chuckled again, "If I didn't know you as well as I do, then I would call you mad."

Abraham laughed at that, "Perhaps I am. But I wish to see where humanity goes after Seele's fall back plan of the EMP blast."

"There will be much trial for them this time around." Ramiel said, "Offer a prayer that they are ready for what lies ahead of them. For where you see happiness, I also see pain and anguish."

"Where there is dark, afterward always comes the light, brother." Abraham said, shrugging. "I must go, now, Ramiel. My champion needs to know of your advance."

"Prepare him well, Abraham, for when the time comes, he will be tested beyond perhaps even Tabris." Ramiel said as the smaller angel nodded and flew away, "This, I know, is good-bye, brother. May we meet again at the gates of paradise."

xXx

Shinji lay in bed when he felt sleep tugging at his mind, and a familiar warm of something drawing his soul away from his body. Knowing what it was, he didn't feel any fear as he opened his eyes to see the crossroads between life and death. "Abraham?"

"Here, brother," the angel said from his usual perch on a boulder by the side of the path, "And I fear that I bring bad tidings from my younger brother, Ramiel."

"He's coming," Shinji said, fear leaking into his voice, "isn't he?"

"Sooner than I'd expected," Abraham nodded, "And he's stronger than before as I feared. You will have a difficult time with him. Much more so than the first. And he knows about the past."

"He remembers?" Shinji gasped, "Then will the sniper rifle work?"

"It will, but he will be harder on you than he was last time...he wants to test you, to make sure that you have the stomach to relive all of this."

Shinji, stunned by this, clenched his fists, "I don't have the stomach?! Why would I come back to this time if I wasn't prepared for it?! If I'm not careful, I'll have to watch most of the friends I've made, and my sister, die right in front of me! And he thinks I don't have the spine to go through with it?!"

"Calm yourself, Shinji," Abraham said, "You must realize that Ramiel is one of the few angels of destruction that can communicate if he so choses, and while he may not heed you, he will listen. I tried to stop his advance, but he merely told me to prepare you to the best of my abilities. So I'm going to further unlock the abilities of the Eva, making Unit 01's AT-Field more resistant to his energy attacks. It will not be like last time. You can do this, Shinji Ikari."

"Even if I wanted to run," Shinji smiled at the angel, "I couldn't, I have too much to fight for now."

Abraham smiled, "So you have a solid reason to fight? What is it?"

Shinji smiled back, "To live a happy life along side the people I love."

Again, not one of the best chapters, but Ramiel's battle is now approaching, and the angel of thunder plans to put Shinji through the proverbial ringer as Abraham gifts his Eva with one new strength. Keep reading to find out how he will be tested.

Please don't forget to review!