All the references to the Council, the Dark Lord, the Nova Empire, are all part of a story that I started a very long time ago. Anyone that wants to read what I have so far, I can email you a copy of the first draft of some of them, but since I wrote them a while back their quality isn't as good as what I write now. Anyways, if you want a clearer explanation, I can send them to you. But trust me, my later drafts of the stuff are far better.

Chapter 4: The Truth

Shinji didn't react to Drake's words for a few seconds, as if unsure of whether it was true or not. However, a few seconds later he nodded.

"I assume you want your stuff back."

Shinji thought about it for a few seconds, searching in his memory to see what Drake was talking about. It didn't take too long to figure it out.

"Of course. I assume my sword is still in good shape?"

"Have some faith in me," Drake replied, "Come with me."

Light enveloped Shinji and white armor appeared on him. The armor was composed of solid light and protected every part of him except for his head and neck. The armor was not fluid-like, but instead was straight and with angular features. There was also a spot for a sword, though no sheath or clip was present to show it.

"I assume the entire fleet has been kept at full strength," Shinji said as the four walked.

"Of course," Drake replied, "The Council has been waiting for your return for a full fourteen years, Adam."

"I expected as much. How has the Council been doing?"

"The advantage has shifted to the Lord Alexi Angel," Drake filled him in, "Currently we're just waiting for Blade to make his move."

"Good, cause I'm not ready to resume my position as Council Member until the situation on Earth is rectified."

"Fine by us. The Council will wait."

They entered Drake's room and Shinji saw the white sword held up by a stand. Drake stood aside and Shinji walked up to it. He could feel the power within the sword and knew it was his. Shinji took hold of the sword and lifted it off the stand. It was light as a feather and beautifully crafted. The sword was actually just a very long blade with the handle cut into the side near the bottom of the sword. Shinji placed it on a part of the belt and the sword stuck there.

"What shall you do now?" Drake asked Shinji.

"I plan on returning to NERV. It's time I started disrupting my father's organization from the inside out."

"We had an agent inside NERV, but his cover was blown so he was extracted. However, he was able to set up some things for you."

"Kaji?"

"Of course. I'll arrange a shuttle to take you back and rooms arranged for you. If Major Katsuragi allows you to move back with her, take her offer. For now, try to lay low."

"And if NERV questions me?"

"Don't show them your real powers."

"Very well. Thank you for all your help, Drake."

"What are friends for?"

============================================================================

"Major Katsuragi."

Misato looked up and saw two Section 2 agents at the door into her office.

"What is it?"

"We have reports that an apartment has been rented out in the name of Shinji Ikari."

"What!"

"Agents are watching the apartment and will notify us if it is really the Third Child. If it really is him, we will apprehend him."

"Hold on. If it is him, I'll take care of it."

"Very well major."

The two agents left and Misato slumped down into her chair. What the hell was going on? She had seen Shinji get into that car and explode, but now he was alive. Misato wrapped up her stuff and found the address where a Shinji Ikari was living. She left Central Dogma and headed to the surface. Perhaps Shinji was alive, though how he pulled off that explosion was still a mystery. Either way, Misato was going to hug him first, and then wry his little neck, providing it was the real Shinji.

"What the hell have you been doing," Misato muttered to herself.

============================================================================

Shinji was about to board the shuttle and Amanda and Drake were there to see him off.

"We'll secure the Lance of Longinus and make sure NERV or Seele will be unable to retrieve it," said Drake.

"Thanks. What kind of support will I have on the ground?" Shinji asked.

"Not much. We have two regiments of heavy infantry and they should be able to take down whatever Seele or NERV can dish at you, except for an EVA," Amanda informed him, "There's also a light armor detachment."

"Light. A light armored detachment should be able to destroy half of the city without trying."

Amanda cracked a smile. "You're right on that one."

Just then Evelyn appeared, carrying a suitcase.

"Evelyn? What's that for?" Shinji asked.

"I'm coming with you," said Evelyn, "Didn't you know? I'm supposed to watch over you and make sure you settle in nicely. I'm also to offer you some protection."

"I doubt I'll need it," said Shinji.

"Don't be too sure," Drake informed him, "Your body isn't conditioned to use your powers yet. You'll need a few weeks before all of your powers awaken and your body adapts enough to be able to use it. Don't overexert yourself."

"Of course. I'll see you later, Drake. Amanda, it's been a pleasure."

Suddenly Ryan appeared.

"Hey. Going to leave without saying goodbye?"

Shinji smiled and walked over. The two shook hands, each gripping firmly.

"Maybe I'll see you someday," Shinji said, "Tell the others goodbye for me."

"I will."

Shinji and Evelyn boarded the shuttle and it pulled away. Drake allowed a small smile appear on his face before walking off. After this was all over, he'd be able to go home. And as people said, home is where the heart is.

============================================================================

Several cars pulled up in front of the apartment, an oddity that caught the attention of the Section 2 agents on lookout. Out came several men carrying large bags and the person they were interested in. Shinji Ikari, originally presumed dead, was now standing in front of the apartment. They made the call.

Shinji walked into the apartment and found that it was very much like that of Evelyn's back on the moon. He set his sword in his room and plopped down on the couch and turned on the news. It was more of the false information the UN was broadcasting. However, apparently their TV also received channels from the moon. That was a relief.

"NERV knows I am here," Shinji said.

"Of course. Did you really think we would hide you? NERV is going through many interesting things right now and I don't know how long they will survive."

"When do you expect the next Angel to come?"

"That all depends on you," Evelyn answered, "You're the one that can call them."

"Hmm. Arael was meant to break Asuka, wasn't she?" Shinji asked.

"She's one of your daughters," said Evelyn, "Shouldn't you know about them than me?"

"My memories are still a bit fuzzy," Shinji confessed, "For now I want to keep NERV out of my activities."

"Very well. I'll make sure no NERV official gets within a few feet of you for now. But what if your former guardian comes?"

"No one," Shinji said coldly, "The pilots are another matter. But for now, I think I'll go back to school. It has been arranged, right?"

"Of course."

"Good. Cause lunch will be ending soon and I'm going now."

Shinji stood up and shimmered, disappearing from the room. Evelyn smiled and shook her head.

"Shinji, don't do anything reckless."

The doorbell rang and Evelyn answered it. Outside was Misato Katsuragi.

"I'm here to see Shinji Ikari," she said in a serious tone.

"He just left."

"Oh? I didn't see anyone go."

Evelyn moved aside. "You can look around if you want but Shinji won't be back for a while."

"Really? And who are you?" Misato asked.

"I am his current guardian," Evelyn answered, "Is there something you wanted?"

"I need to speak with him. Please have him call me once he gets back."

"I'll tell him you came."

Misato eyed the woman and left. There was something strange about her, as well as the fact that Shinji was even alive. How had he managed to pull off that trick with the car? Well, once she saw him she would be able to confirm whether he was alive or not. Misato pulled out her phone.

"Shinji Ikari isn't here," she said, "Check the usual places. If he isn't found, I'll return to check the apartment again."

"Yes ma'am."

Misato closed her cell phone and walked away. She needed answers and she needed them now.

============================================================================

"This is so annoying," Asuka whined, "Ever since Shinji left I have to cook my own meals. Misato cannot be trusted with anything in the kitchen!"

"Isn't Shinji dead?" Hikari asked.

"What? Well, I don't know. The MAGI keep detecting him inside EVAs and such. Humph! Probably trying to steal all the glory after I do all the work!"

"Well, class is about to start soon. Let's go back."

The two teens got up from their spot and walked back to the classroom. When they opened the door, both gasped. Shinji was sitting with his legs up and reclining back on his chair, his eyes closed. Asuka didn't know what to say and simply stood there. Hikari regained her senses and walked up to him.

"Hello Ikari. It's nice to see you well."

Shinji's eyes opened and he looked at her. Instead of the usually lonely and lifeless eyes she had seen so many times before, his eyes seemed to sparkle with life. Hikari found herself almost lost in them.

"Hello Horaki," Shinji greeted, "It's been a while."

"There were a lot of rumors running around about you," she said cautiously.

"That I was dead? Yeah, but as you can see they were merely rumors," Shinji said, chuckling.

Hikari was too surprised to reply. She simply nodded and went back to where Asuka was still standing at the door.

"Hikari, was that really Shinji?" Asuka asked.

"I, I think so. But he was laughing!"

Just then Kensuke appeared. When he saw Shinji he nearly started jumping for joy.

"Shin-man! You're alive!" Kensuke screamed.

"Of course. Was there any doubt?"

"From the rest of the class, yes. But not from me!" Kensuke said proudly, "Anyways, where have you been?"

"Classified. But I did bring some souvenirs."

Shinji pulled out a bag and opened it. First he took out a box that had a picture of what looked like a spaceship on it.

"A model I'm sure you'll enjoy," Shinji said, "This is a model of the Spartan-class cruiser. And no, you've never heard of it so don't even start. I'm sure I'll be able to provide you with more info later."

"This thing looks sweet!" Kensuke said, "Where did you get this?"

"I have my sources. How have things been?"

"Well, you know about Toji," Kensuke began hesitantly.

"Yeah. He's fine last I checked."

"How do you get this information?"

Shinji smiled. "Well, let's just say some things have changed."

"Are you still an EVA pilot?" Kensuke asked.

"Hardly," Shinji replied, "Officially, I resigned from NERV and am currently living in Tokyo 3 using my own money."

"Dude, you are not that rich."

"No, but my friends are. I'll tell you more sometime later."

It was at that time that Asuka had worked the nerve to approach him. Kensuke backed away, slightly scared at the unsure look Asuka had. Normally he would have loved to poke fun at it, but something told him this wasn't the time or place.

"Hello Asuka."

Asuka replied by slapping Shinji hard. His head didn't jerk from the impact but there was a red hand mark. It quickly disappeared though. Asuka then ran out of the classroom, her eyes starting to tear up.

"Asuka!"

Hikari started after her but their teacher appeared. After explaining the situation, the teacher nodded and Hikari ran after her friend.

"What was that all about?" Kensuke asked.

"I guess she's still mad at me for leaving. Damn, that's going to be hard to fix."

Just then Rei walked into the room. She stared at Shinji for about five seconds before walking to her seat.

"Excuse me," Shinji said to Kensuke.

He walked over and stood in front of Rei's desk. Rei looked at him but said nothing.

"Hello Rei. Been a while."

"Ikari. I see the report regarding your demise was incorrect."

"In more ways than one. Mind if we talk after school?"

"I have no conflicting appointments."

"Good."

At this time the bell ran and everyone filed in. Many people looked over at Shinji, all hearing rumors regarding his death. It was a surprise that he was back and when people tried to ask him about it using the chat room system they found he wasn't even logged in. He was doing someone on his laptop, but it was on another website in an English website. This only puzzled the class even more.

The final bell rang and the class filed out. Rei walked over to Shinji as he finished packing up.

"Walk with me," he said.

The two exited the building and headed towards Shinji's new apartment.

"How have you been?" Shinji asked.

Rei made no reply. Shinji cracked a smile and tried again.

"I assume you have encountered no trouble since I left."

"We faced another Angel," Rei said.

"I know. I was there."

"I was not aware of that."

"Of course not. My father is probably trying to re-plan his scenarios and figure out what I'm up to. Besides the Angel, has there been any other problems?"

"No."

"Good. Rei, why do you live in that apartment?" Shinji asked.

"Where else would I live?"

"I'll show you."

The three were almost to the apartment when several Section 2 agents appeared.

"Shinji Ikari, please come with us."

Shinji ignored them and continued walking. One of the agents took hold of his shoulder.

"That wasn't a request," he said coldly.

Shinji looked at the man's hand and then into his eyes. A second later there was a scream and the man was on the ground, clutching his broken hand. The other three agents reacted quickly and pulled out stun batons. One advanced but Shinji moved like lightning. He ran next to the agent and elbowed him hard in the chest, knocking him several feet back. Another charged but Shinji jumped and kicked him in the head, sending him spinning. The third tried to be more careful but before he knew it Shinji had shouldered him in the jaw. He too collapsed, joining his three colleagues.

"Let's go," Shinji said.

Rei looked at the agents and then at Shinji. He had changed greatly and she was a bit unsure why he had become this violent. However, he did not seem to wish her harm so she followed.

Some ways off Misato looked up from her binoculars. She was too stunned by what she had just witnessed. Shinji had just taken down four Section 2 agents in the blink of an eye. Was that the only thing he was capable of? Misato went downstairs and headed to the apartment. It was time to find out.

The streets looked pretty abandoned except for the four agents limping back to base. Misato walked up to the apartment but suddenly ran into two men.

"I'm afraid this is private property," the one on the left said, "You'll have to turn around."

"I am well aware of that. However, NERV officials have authorization to go anywhere inside of Tokyo 3."

"Not here," the other man said, "You can try all you want but you will not get in."

"Don't be too sure of that," Misato said.

She took one last look at the building and walked away. These people obviously didn't know how powerful NERV was. They would soon learn.

============================================================================

Rei looked around the room, a bit unsure of herself. Shinji on the other hand was in a state of total shock. His mouth hung open and he could do nothing but stare blankly at the room.

"Who the hell decorated this room!" he finally screamed.

"I did."

The two turned around and saw Evelyn standing in the doorway with a smile on her face. The entire room was covered in light-blue wallpaper and that color basically covered nearly everything, with white in some spots.

"What the hell were you thinking!"

"Well Rei is a girl so I thought something like this would be suitable," Evelyn answered with a smile.

Shinji looked at the room again. He was assaulted by the bright blue color and was surprised he didn't lose his eyesight from it.

"Evelyn, I am going to seriously hurt you one day."

"You'll thank me. So Rei, how does the place look?"

"The color is rather bright," Rei observed.

"That's the idea," said Evelyn, "From what Shinji said about you, I thought maybe you needed something to brighten your mood. And once everything settles down, there is something Shinji wants to tell you."

"Shut up already!" Shinji screamed, "Are you trying to ruin the surprise?"

Rei looked at the two arguing figures and tried to understand what was happening. Shinji didn't seem angry. His tone was more playful than one would assume. Why was he like this now?

"I hope you don't mind the color," said Shinji, "The papers will be processed and as of now this is your home."

"Is that an order?" Rei asked.

"Officially, not yet. But it will be. Oh and Rei, later on, don't be mad at me for this."

"Why would I be?"

"You'll see," Shinji said, "For now, it might be a good idea to get some rest. Tomorrow you're going to be very busy."

Not knowing what he meant, Rei took his advice. As long as it became official, she saw no harm in doing this.

============================================================================

Not many things could cause a reaction from Gendo Ikari. His son coming back and literally stealing Rei did. Instead of the impassive look he had always maintained there was an image of cold fury on his face.

"How is this possible?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.

"The paperwork has already been filed and approved," Misato replied calmly, "Whoever ordered this has higher authorization than you and they aren't afraid to use it. Also, all NERV agents are banned from going into that apartment complex. I've seen several guards positioned on the rooftop and around the building on the streets. The ones on the rooftop are equipped with some kind of rifle. The ones on the street most likely have handguns of sorts."

"Is it Seele?" Fuyutsuki suggested.

"Unlikely," said Gendo, "They would not attempt something as foolish. But now Rei has been taken from us. Major, make sure the Second Child is also not abducted."

"Yes sir."

"What is the progress on locating the Fifth Child?" Gendo asked.

"One has been found and is being sent to us now," Ritsuko said, "He will arrive in about a week."

"Good. Our resources are severely drained right now and with Shinji's interference we may not survive the next Angel attack."

"Understood," said Misato.

She left the room, leaving Ritsuko with Fuyutsuki and Gendo alone.

"Are we sure this is Shinji?" Gendo asked.

"We have been unable to attain a biological sample to match with our records," Ritsuko replied, "However, we're pretty sure it is him."

"The only question is what is he trying to do," said Fuyutsuki, "There might be a way to contact him."

"What?"

"Call him. The order is that we may not enter the premise of the complex. But we can still call him."

"Do it then."

"It might be a better idea if you called," Fuyutsuki said, "You are his father after all."

"And what difference does that make?"

"It means you are family," said Ritsuko, "That might be the only thing that moves Shinji enough to actually talk to us again."

Gendo frowned but saw a valid point, though he didn't want to admit it. He picked up the phone and got the number for Shinji's apartment. He then dialed it and put it on audio. It was picked up promptly.

"Hello?" a woman answered.

"I need to speak with Shinji Ikari," Gendo said.

"Just a sec. Shinji! Someone from NERV is calling you!"

Fuyutsuki frowned. "How did they know that?"

Before anyone could say anything they heard someone shouting to the phone.

"If it's my father you can tell him to go screw himself. If it's Misato tell her I'm busy figuring out how to destroy NERV. If it's Asuka, tell her to come over if she wants to talk to me."

The woman got back on the phone.

"Umm, who is speaking?"

"Never mind," Gendo said and hung up.

"That was rather unexpected," said Fuyutsuki, "I do believe he knew we could hear him."

"It seems we will be unable to attain any answers yet," said Gendo, "We'll wait. If we must we'll storm that building."

============================================================================

Shinji was using his laptop screen as a mirror to check out Rei. Asuka had returned and said she needed to talk to him during lunch but Shinji knew for a fact there wouldn't be much of a lunch. He simply nodded and then class began. Rei seemed to be struggling with something and Shinji knew what it was. Rei was waking up from her life. She was becoming herself again. Shinji smiled. This was what he wanted, and he knew that deep down Rei was doing everything she could to try to wake up.

It was at eleven when the alarms went off. The phones for the EVA pilots ran and Rei and Asuka left while everyone else headed to the shelters. Shinji waited until everyone else was gone and walked out of the room. Making sure no one was around, he shimmered to get a better view.

Shinji stood atop a tall hill and looked down upon the Angel. It was basically a huge loop and was floating towards NERV headquarters.

"Well Armisael, you finally came."

It wasn't long before Unit 00 appeared. Rei took up an ambush position some ways off and waited with a rifle in hand.

"I'm sorry Rei, but you won't stop her," Shinji said sadly.

============================================================================

"Rei!"

The Angel suddenly disconnected at a point and turned into a string-like thing. It charged at Rei and punctured through the AT-Field as if it was nothing.

"The Angel is attempting to merge with Unit 00!" Maya said frantically.

"Asuka, once you're launched go and rescue Rei."

Unit 02 was shot up to the surface and the building opened up for it.

"Unit 02, lift off!"

The EVA stood there, doing nothing.

"Asuka! Go! What's wrong?"

"They sync rate is barely over the starting point," Maya reported, "She can't move!"

Inside the EVA Asuka started crying.

"It won't move. It just won't move."

"Asuka!" Misato screamed, "Retrieve her. She'll get killed out there!"

"Activate the dummy plug on Unit 01," Gendo ordered.

"Yes sir," Maya said.

The dummy plug was inserted into Unit 01 but again it failed.

"The EVA rejected the dummy plug again!"

Gendo frowned. It was in fact Yui rejecting him. But why? Damn it, this was the worst possible time for such an occurrence.

Rei screamed out in pain and the sound was echoed throughout Central Dogma.

"Rei!" Misato screamed.

Suddenly the Angel seemed to notice something and pulled itself out of Unit 00. Rei stopped screaming and fell unconscious.

"The entry plug is ejecting!" said Makoto.

The back of the EVA opened up and the entry plug shot out. It landed hard on the mountainside.

"Get a retrieval team out now!" Misato ordered, "Where is the Angel going to?"

The Angel had stopped in front of a hill and the sensors magnified the image. Standing on top of the hill right in front of the Angel was Shinji.

"Shinji! Get out of there!" Misato screamed.

For some reason the Angel didn't try to harm him. It simply looped around him once and suddenly sped off towards NERV headquarters. It passed the silent Unit 00 and the entry plug and headed straight for the city.

"What was that about?" Ritsuko asked.

"I'm not sure," Misato replied.

"The Angel is cutting down into NERV headquarters!" Shigeru suddenly said, "It's bypassed all of the armor layers. My god, it's right on top of us!"

The Angel stopped moving and settled down. Without warning, it self- destructed. What was left of the inside of NERV headquarters started breaking apart at the force of the explosion. The pyramid was shattered at the force of the explosion and crumbled once the shockwave struck it.

The lake boiled and vaporized and anything still living in the garden was burnt to a crisp. By the time the explosion had subsided, everything on the Geofront was ruined.

Several techs inside NERV were thrown around as the shockwave struck the main office. Anyone standing was knocked off their feet. When the shockwave subsided they got back to work.

"Status?" Misato asked.

"The Angel was destroyed," said Makoto, "Wait, we're getting a reading. It's an AT-Field from the outside. Triangulating. The MAGI are analyzing. Wait, it's gone."

"Was it another Angel?" Misato asked.

"Unknown. The MAGI say there is a 58% chance it was a type blue, but they aren't certain."

"So the last Angel has already appeared," said Gendo, "Very well. We will maintain level one battle stations."

============================================================================

The cell phone rang and Shinji answered it.

"That was reckless," Evelyn said immediately.

"I know. But it's time they learned a lesson."

"Perhaps. Just don't do something as stupid again."

"I'll keep myself in check until the next Angel appears."

Shinji hung up and put his cell phone away. He shimmered and disappeared from the hilltop with a smile. He was well aware that NERV had caught him doing that, but didn't care. It was time they learned the painful truth.

============================================================================

Misato was stunned when she saw Shinji shimmer and disappear.

"Shinji?" she said.

"It would appear Shinji is the last Angel," said Gendo, "We will have to dispose of him."

"But he's your son!" Misato said.

"Irrelevant. We will wait until the Fifth Child arrives. Then we will strike."

End of Chapter 4

Just need to know this. Of the people reading this, which couple do you like better? Shinji/Asuka or Shinji/Rei?

Z98