Echoes of Angels5 an Eva fic by AngelDragon

Disclaimer: Don't own them, but I could catch them on Pocket Bishonen dot com ^_^

Warnings/Notes: End of Evangelion stuff starts here, so if you haven't seen the movie, DON'T READ YET! Also: Kaoru learns how to say 'no', more secrets are shared and a little throw-down w/ Gendo occurs! Drama, shonen-ai and angsty bishis, what could be better?

On with the show!

Chapter 5: Rebellion and Revelation

The next couple weeks were sheer bliss for the pair, now free to see each other over at Shinji's place and elsewhere. Though they were discreet in public, they relaxed at home; holding hands, cuddling up to watch TV or play video games, even sneaking playful kisses with each other, Misato not minding at all.

They still did routine tests at Nerv Headquarters and Shinji went to what was left of school while Kaoru was allowed to go with him. He was very shy and quiet while there. He would think a lot about Shinji as the teacher droned on. I'm playing a very dangerous gamehe thought, biting his lower lip. I've been ignoring reporting to Seele and not fulfilling my destiny. I don't care anymore. I used to think the plan was everything, until the dreams began.

He turned his head to watch Shinji write, catching his eye and giving him a wink. And until I met Shinji.The destroyer of all who came before me and the one who taught me about love. Shinji blushed a little and winked back, causing Kaoru to smile. Now, he'd come into his own and Seele wouldn't ever be able to hurt him or use him again. I will spend the rest of my life with Shin-chanhe thought, finally content with his life.

Nerv had found Asuka and were keeping her in their private hospital in the Geofront.She'd been catatonic in the bathtub of a ruined building, naked and now was still out of it in a secure, private room, monitored constantly. She would never pilot again.

Misato was beginning to come to grips with her life again and was behind Kaoru and Shinji all the way, even as she continued in Kaji's quest for the truth in all things, especially all Nerv's dirty little secrets. She didn't trust Gendo Ikari one bit anymore.

It was also revelation time for Shinji.In a night of private time with his koibito in Shinji's own room, Kaoru had finally gotten enough courage to tell him of his past with Seele, his other identity as Tabris and his visions of Shinji and the others dispatching the previous Angels.Shinji had been afraid at first, trying to decide whether to tell Misato or something, but faltered when he saw Kaoru's handsome face become afraid. He felt him clutching his hands and saw his deep, crimson eyes over flow with tears.

'Please, koi, don't hate me! Don't be afraid of me, I would never, ever hurt you! And, I - I hope that you won't kill me..'Kaoru begged softly. He squeezed Shinji's hands, praying he hadn't just shattered everything to pieces.

Shinji saw genuine love and fear in Kaoru's eyes and wiped the tears from his pale cheeks as he pulled his Angel close to him and let him cry himself out against his neck and shoulder, rocking him back and forth to console him.

'Ai shiteru, Kao-chan, Angel or not. Your secret is safe with me, always. It's brave of you to say no to them, to refuse to be like the others.'Shinji sighed.'I wish I were as strong as that.'

Kaoru, relief and newfound love for his unconditional young lover flooding over him, looked him in the twin oceans of his deep blue eyes. A melancholy look slid onto his face.

'You are stronger than you know, my love, much stronger. Look how you're standing by me now, despite what I've told you. Your father, among others, would have had me destroyed without a second thought, heedless of my change of heart or love for you,'Kaoru said, sniffling.

Shinji smiled at him and squeezed him affectionately with a kiss on his scruffy, gray head. 'Well, I'm not my father, or anyone else,'he began.'I'm who I'll always be; myself. And I'll never be them, ever, so don't be afraid, okay? We'll watch out for eachother, Kao-chan.'He smiled reassuringly at his closest friend.

Happy again and warm in Shinji's embrace, Kaoru relaxed as Shinji's hands gently roamed his body, sending soothing waves of pleasure flooding through him. He sighed and closed his eyes.

A couple of days later, Kaoru and Shinji were at the new seashore again, this time for weekend fun. While Shinji played around in the surf in his swim-trunks, Kaoru walked the surf in shorts, orange T-shirt and bare feet, enjoying the cool sand squishing between his toes. It's so peacefulhe thought, the sea breezes playing through his hair. He knew it was too good to last.

He stopped suddenly and looked around, a chill running down his spine, then winced, feeling the familiar press into his mind of Seele's communications link. He closed his eyes and concentrated on shutting it out and gasped as he felt it break through. Opening his eyes again, he saw them all around; the faceless black slabs that were the digital fronts of Seele's directors.

No one else could see them right now; it was directed only at Kaoru, who was surprised they could force their way through his block. Standing tall, he faced them, heart pounding, prepared for this inevitable confrontation between Angel and 'masters'. I won't let them see me afraidhe thought, taking a deep breath.

'We are very disappointed in you, Kaoru.You have failed to report to us, despite our many attempts to contact you,'one of the slabs said in his mind.

'We will have an explanation, now. Why have you not yet penetrated Central Dogma and located Adam, who was stolen from us?'another questioned.

Kaoru's crimson eyes narrowed, as he looked them over. I won't be intimidated anymore. I will end this now. he thought.

'Because I don't want to anymore, I have my own plans now. My life and my will are my own, as I am the Angel of free will, after all. I won't explain myself any further,'he replied steadily, a slight flash in his eyes as the winds picked up and rustled his hair and loose clothes.

The slabs were silent for a moment; a couple of them disappeared. Then the first one spoke. 'We see. Do you understand what will happen now? If you will not complete your destiny, to live forever in the wake of the Instumentality, we will be forced to act against you.'

Kaoru refused to fear them, pushed all of it away and stood his ground. He was no longer a young Angel-child naïve of emotions, or their experiment, anylonger. Freedom was his, at last.

'I understand completely, but I won't be cowed. I accept the consequences, but I am an Angel.I may have been brought into being by you, but I won't answer to any Lillim, save one.'Shinji's sweet face flashed into his mind, giving him further defiance. I'll be damned if I'm going to be the one responsible for snuffing out his lifehe thought.'Do what you will.'

The slabs disappeared and Kaoru felt his mind freed of the uncomfortable invasion. He clenched his eyes shut and shook his head, massaging his temples.

'What's wrong, Kaoru-kun?'Shinji called. He was splashing over to him through the surf, concern on his ocean- spayed face. He had a light tan going, which Kaoru found attractive. He had his own little tan starting, too, thanks to him and Shinji going outside more often these days, even with the increased heat.

'It's alright, Shinji-kun, it's just a little headache. Must be the heat. Let's sit in the shade a while.'He put an arm around Shinji's bare shoulders and they sat in the shadow of the broken angel statue, leaning against each other.

The next day, Kaoru felt uneasy. He sat Shinji down in Misato's kitchen and told him what he was sure Seele would do and what he thought the two of them should do about it. Shinji wanted to tell Misato but Kaoru wasn't sure of how she'd react to him being the Final Angel.Shinji's lover was one thing, another species was a totally different ballgame, he'd thought.

Shinji went along with him, understanding his reluctance. They'd need to work together to stop them, it was too much for Shinji alone. So, over the next few days, they tried to prepare, mentally and physically, staying on their guards for the alarm to sound. They stayed at Kaoru's to be close by when the final bell would toll.

They made love each night with such passion and enthusiasm, pushing their stamina to the limit, treating each supreme encounter as if it were their last. They told each other each day, in one way or another, that they would win, that they had to win, they were the only ones who could. Ayanami hadn't been seen in days and Asuka was still catatonic. Hope and faith in their own abilities were the only things they had now, besides their eternal bond.

One night though, Kaoru found himself unable to sleep, despite having been with Shinji almost an hour previously. Shinji was deep in exhausted sleep, lying next to Kaoru on his belly. Kaoru was on his side, head propped on an arm, and idly playing with Shinji's mussed-up hair and watching him sleep.

He ran a hand over Shinji's exposed back and butt, sighing, casting his eyes over his innocent form. I know I've made the right decision, in my heart. I know that this was meant to be. he thought, feeling the warmth of Shinji's skin and his heartbeat through his gentle touches.I know I would walk through Hell and back for him,if need be.And Hell indeed would be what they would face together,when Seele's destroyers came.

He admired his delicious, reluctant warrior. He is possessed of great spirit, far more than he realizes yet. he thought.'Yea, though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death,I will fear no evil..'he whispered softly, stroking Shinji's hair. Feeling restless, he quietly climbed over Shinji and got out of bed. Shinji mumbled,'K'-chan..'and reached for him, hand brushing Kaoru's bare abdomen. Kaoru's stomach fluttered in response, a pleasant sensation and he knelt by the bed, catching Shinji's hand as he did.

'It's alright, go back to sleep, Shin-chan,'he whispered. He kissed his hand and tucked it back under the pillow, then stood and pulled the blanket over him.

He brushed the dark bangs from Shinji's forehead and gave it a gentle kiss, then dressed quietly and left the secure comfort of the darkened room they'd shared so often. He felt pulled to the Central Dogma area, so he turned off the security cameras as he went with a thought, so he could glide, Angel-style, though the corridors in privacy.

Gendo Ikari was impatient. It'd been more than enough time and it had yet to happen, so he would just have to initiate it. Soon, Yui.. he thought. He found Rei in the private room he'd secured for her in the Geofront.

'Rei, it's time..'he told her as he entered it. Bathed in the fluorescent lighting, she turned to him, appearing almost ethereal, with a blank stare and all-seeing red eyes.

'Yes, Sir,'she said, following him out without even a backward glance. What is there for me now? she thought.

Eventually, Heaven's Door was opened by Gendo and he and Rei entered to stand before the great form of Lilith.He looked upon the silent, deformed giantess, then Rei.

'Now, take me to Yui, Rei,'he said, plunging a hand, deformed by Adam's grafted flesh, into her naked chest and stomach. She jerked and cried out in pain as he felt around inside of her.

'Stop right there, Ikari!', an angry female voice rang out. Ritsuko Akagi stood a few yards away, holding a remote control device in her hand, anger twisting her normally lovely features. Gendo removed his hand from Rei and turned to face Ritsuko, a sarcastic smirk on his bitter face.

'And just what do you expect to do with that, Dr.Akagi?,'he asked, looking at her with disdain.

'I'm stopping this insane plan of yours, that's what! Yui is DEAD! All you'll do is kill us all, don't you see? The Instrumentality is a joke!'she laughed bitterly.

'The old men in Seele only used you, fueling your delusion further than it should've gone. The prophesized Seventeenth Angel never showed, so now you'll damn us all with you?! At least with this,'she said, brandishing the remote controller at him,'I can take you, that doll and this monstrosity with me. There're just enough power connections to self- destruct the whole Central Dogma core. See you in Hell, Gendo!!'

She pressed the button, but nothing happened. Shocked, she pressed again and again. 'Did you really think I would allow you access to the core systems anymore?'He pointed a gun at her.

Utter disbelief on her face, she staggered back, dropping the useless controller into the LCL lake.

'H-how?! I programmed those myself!!'she cried. 'Heh, you fool. I over-rode any changes you made yesterday! And by the way, the Seventeenth HAS shown himself, but I don't believe he'll be a threat,'Gendo said, enjoying the look on poor Ritsuko's face.

'What do you mean? No, you CAN'T mean - Nagisa?! That boy, an Angel?'She just stood there, staring.

'Yes, the Fifth is the Last.Ironic, isn't it? Seele sent one right to us, but their toy refuses to be used, so now, instead of him, Rei will begin the Rebirth!'Gendo said forcefully.

Ritsuko looked on him with disgust. She couldn't believe she'd shared her body with such a heartless, cruel bastard. Why wouldn't the Angel perform? she thought.

As if reading her thoughts, Gendo said,'You see, he's apparently developed a bizarre affection for my son and is so love-struck that he won't do anything to harm his precious Shinji!'He cocked the hammer of the gun and fired.'But that won't save you, Doctor.Give my love to your mother. You'll see Hell before I do.'

There was a sickening splash as Ritsuko's mortally wounded body floated facedown in the amber LCL, waves of it splashing over the edge of the platform he and Rei stood on. He turned to Rei, who looked at him with uncharacteristic horror and jerked away from him.

'NO!'she said, defiance and fear in her voice.'I won't be your doll anymore!I will live for myself,by myself!'she yelled, glaring at him.

Dumbstruck, Gendo just stood there, staring.'What do you mean, NO?! This is your purpose, your ONLY purpose!'He started towards her, intending to grab her.

Her light red eyes narrowed as a soft glow came off of her nude body. Her pale blue hair flowed as if propelled by an unseen breeze. That stopped Gendo cold.

'I will find my OWN purpose! It is not yours and neither am I!'she said, forcefully and low. At that point, Kaoru had entered, floating a few feet above the platform and looking around in sad confusion. He spied Ritsuko's corpse and looked at Gendo's speechless face, his deep red eyes narrowing in anger.

'You've been a bad boy, Ikari.You've killed Dr.Akagi.'He cocked his head to assess further.'And after what you've put that poor woman through?'

This shocked Gendo back to reality. He swung the gun to point it at Kaoru, who had a soft glow of his own emanating from him as he floated on nothingness.

'What would YOU know?! You're not even HUMAN! Rei will fix all this and you'll be erased!'Gendo yelled, shaking with rage.

'Didn't you hear the young lady? She won't obey you anymore, so give up, Ikari, before you get hurt.'He turned to Rei.'You know what will happen if you merge, don't you?'

She nodded.'Lilith showed me. I won't allow that to happen.'She turned to look up at the huge, masked face.'Forgive me,'she pleaded softly.

She closed her eyes and raised her hands to chest level, palms together, then opened both. Kaoru held his breath as she brought them together twice with two loud, ringing claps. On the second clap, the very air vibrated in resonant waves from her and shimmered out over the crucified giant, dissolving her into a wave of LCL, which flowed into the lake below her.

The great mask clanged down, half in and half out of the lake, vibrating the platform Gendo and Rei still stood on. Kaoru nodded in approval. Seeing his foolish dream dashed to nothing, Gendo yelled in rage and fired the gun at Kaoru, but it never hit him.

His incredibly strong AT field had been raised, causing the bullet to ricochet back to Gendo, hitting him in the head, and killing him instantly. His body fell to the platform with a dull thump, the gun slipping from his lifeless hand.

Rei ascended as Kaoru looked down in pity. This was the man who made my Shin-chan? he thought. He'd cared nothing for his fragile son and ignored the trauma he'd put him through over the years. He snorted in disgust. Shinji and I indeed have much in common in this area. he also thought. He looked over at Rei, who calmly looked back at him.

'What will you do now, Ayanami-kun?'he asked her, levelly. 'I will go discover who I really am, Nagisa-kun.Yui.. she says to take care of Shinji-kun.She believes you have a good soul and will protect him in the trials to come,'Rei told him, floating in mid-air,also.

Kaoru nodded.'I will. He and I are bonded for eternity. I hope you find your peace of mind, Ayanami/Yui-kun.Shinji is my peace.'He smiled sadly.'You know what is to come soon?'

'Yes.I can't help you, other than to destroy Unit 00 before I leave. If you are victorious, I may be able to do more. But for now, I will simply compress my Eva into nothing, so it won't explode or harm anyone,'Rei told him, gazing down at their reflections in the slowly calming down LCL.

'I understand and thank you, for what ever you can do. I must go back to Shinji-kun now, he'll miss me,'Kaoru said softly, giving Rei a small bow.

'Of course. Farewell and good luck to you both, Nagisa-kun,'Rei said, nodding in return. Rei then rose from Central Dogma, soon out of sight in the darkness of the high-domed cave. Kaoru sighed as he went back to his and Shinji's little nest, many floors up. If only the final battle would be so easy, and then all would be right with the worldhe thought. But, as the Lillim say,'hope springs eternal..'

Ooo, another long one! I do love my chapters, what can I say? Well, feed the author, review the writing! It'll get even more exiting in the next chapter, with a nice surprise for all who wish Kaworu had gotten more air time in the series! I aim to please, so enjoy, Kaworu and Shinji worshipers!