Note: This isn't my first attempt at fiction, but it is my first attempt at a fan-fiction. I'm pretty hopeful for how this will turn out.

I own a Neon Genesis Evangelion box-set. In no way do I claim ownership of Neon-Genesis Evangelion, or any of the characters.

Chapter One:

Shinji Ikari awoke on a hot summer day. Not to say that this day was hotter than most. After the Second Impact, the entire world had been knocked off of its axis, causing the world to have only one warm, humid season. Still, the world continued on, as did he. Today was Wednesday, which meant at 11:00 AM, Shinji had an appointment.

Therapy was Rei's suggestion. He had decided that he didn't want to at first. Opening up to another person was still terrifying to him. Until Rei told him that it likely wouldn't be like a relationship with another person. It was more akin to visiting a doctor that dealt with emotions, rather than physical ailments. After some careful consideration, and more than a few days spent completely avoiding the issue, Shinji had decided that he should find some professional help.

He had been going to weekly sessions for over a year and a half now. His therapist, Doctor Tachiki was a kind man. One that Shinji was comfortable with talking to. Shinji tended to look forward to his therapy appointments, as it offered some of the only positive interaction left in his life after leaving Tokyo-03.

Shinji rose from his bed. He got dressed in his usual summer attire. That being a white t-shirt and whatever shorts he could find, and threw a glance at his clock. 9:13 AM. "I slept in again," he muttered.

Shinji opened the door of his room. He walked through the hallway and down the stairs of his home to the kitchen. No lights were on in his home, but it was well enough lit by the sun outside. He walked towards the corner that housed the kitchen, however just before he walked in, he heard a soft voice from his right.

"Good morning, Ikari-kun," the pale girl sitting down in his living room said. His head swiveled to his right. Though not surprised by her being there, he was still caught off guard. "Ah. Good morning, Rei." Shinji said. "Have you already had breakfast?"

"Yes," she said, returning her attention to the book she was reading.

He smiled, then looked away and continued into the kitchen. Shinji was glad that Rei had decided to come with him after leaving Tokyo-03. 'It would have been strange for him being so far apart from my own sibling.' he pondered.

He reeled at the thought for a moment. He didn't like thinking about his departure from Tokyo-03. Partially because he didn't understand a lot of the events leading up to it. Shinji had been at his lowest after he killed the final angel. His friend. It had not helped that he was forced to attend a war crimes tribunal for both his father and the man's superiors not long after.

So much had happened just before he had left. In those same tribunals, he had learned that the girl he had fought alongside on many occasions was in fact his own flesh and blood. A clone of his own mother, created by his father to end the world.

"I don't want to think about that today," he thought to himself. So instead of further dwelling on the subject, Shinji finished cooking his breakfast. Eggs and sausages. A meal he remembered making several times for his old roommate.

Taking his plate to the table, Shinji sighed and pushed the thoughts out of his mind. He placed his meal down and noticed two letters lying on the wooden surface.

"What's this, Rei?" Shinji inquired.

"They were sitting on the step. Neither of them were addressed to me, so I decided not to open them." Rei replied coolly.

"No stamps either. Any idea who they could be from?"

Rei looked up from her book. She stared intently at the table for a few seconds. Then returned her gaze to her book.

"It is beyond me," she shrugged. "Perhaps you should read them?"

His eyes returned to the envelopes. "Yeah. I think I should."

Shinji reached over to the first envelope. He flipped it around to the back, finding only his address, and the words 'Confidential' stamped in black ink.

His curiosity officially piqued, Shinji tore open the first letter and reached for the paper inside.

His eyes widened at the paper. At the logo in the bottom right corner. Bold red text, and a fig leaf. His eyes had immediately darted to it. Almost missing the text on the page.

'THIS IS AN OFFICIAL SUMMONS OF SHINJI IKARI.

ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE JAPANESE SECURITY COUNCIL, THE JAPANESE STRATEGIC SELF DEFENSE FORCE, AND NERV.

YOU ARE TO REPORT TO CENTRAL DOGMA IMMEDIATELY.'

"Rei?"

"Yes?"

"Put on your shoes. I have a feeling I know what's in that other letter."