Disclaimer: Same as before. You know the drill

Chap. 3

"Excuse me, but I'm looking for this man. Have you seen him recently?"

The next day, Misato went down to the area where Shinji had saw Qui-Gon. Doing her research, she found that he was a swordsman that lived just outside of Tokyo-3. He owned a place out in the middle of the woods, but was well known to the people of the area. Misato had found that in the area there was a shop with and antique collector who dealt with swords and other ancient artifacts and that could be the only place were Qui-Gon might have went. She hoped that in saving Shinji, he would have to go back there again. It was a long shot, but for now it was the best one she had. She was very fortunate too.

"Yes." The dealer answered her after looking at the picture. "He's right over there."

Misato turned to the direction to she the man she was looking for. He seemed...taller than the picture showed him to be. He seemed not only powerfully built, but graceful as well. Currently, he was looking through the selves that were holding a few katana blades.

"Excuse me sir. Are you Qui-Gon Jinn?"

The man turned to her, "Yes."

Misato gave out her hand, "Hello. I'm Misato Katsuragi. I'd like to thank you for saving Shinji that day."

Qui-Gon shook her hand, "Are you his mother?"

She gave a quick laugh, "His guardian, actually."

Qui-Gon nodded, "I am glad to be of help. What can I do for you?"

'Right to the point.' "I wanted to discuss something with you. See, in addition to being his guardian, I'm also his commanding officer in Nerv."

Qui-Gon's gaze didn't waver, "Is there something wrong?"

Misato waved her hand a little. "Oh, no. Nothing's wrong. I just wanted to know what it was that you talked about with him."

Qui-Gon turned back to the weapon he was currently looking at and took it to the register. He then turned back to answer her, "I simply listened to him. He did most of the talking."

Misato eyed him carefully, trying to determine if he was hiding anything, "What did you mean by, 'don't hold on to grief'?"

Now it was Qui-Gon turn to examine her. She seemed genuinely concerned about him, but there was also something else. There was another reason why she was asking questions. A reason she didn't like.

"He seemed like someone who needed to hear that. He has seen many hardships in his life." Qui-Gon then turned again briefly to purchase the sword and they began to walk out of the shop.

"A fragile soul, but a strong heart. I merely wanted to encourage him."

Misato was amazed. This man was able to see all of this on Shinji in the same way that she did. 'But how? Is Shinji that obvious that a stranger could pick it up?'

"Thank you. With all his time fighting angels and piloting the Eva, he isn't easily encouraged. I don't know how you did it, but I thank you for it."

Qui-Gon nodded, "As I said. I'm glad to be of help. Sayonara, Katsuragi-san."

Qui-Gon began to walk away when Misato called him, "Umm. I hope I'm not too forward with this, but would you like to join us for dinner?" She knew she was being impulsive, but she had a good feeling about this man. Perhaps this is what Shinji felt. "Shinji has so few friends and I believe that this may benefit him. Of course, if you are too busy..."

"I accept your offer, Katsuragi-san."

Misato smiled, "Please, just call me Misato."

--------

Katsuragi Household

"Qui-Gon-san?"

"We meet again, Shinji."

Misato had brought Qui-Gon to her home after their talk outside. Shinji was surprised to see him again, but for some reason, at the same time, he wasn't.

"Misato, what's going on?"

Misato answered, "Well, I thought that seeing as how he saved your life, I thought it would be nice to have him over for dinner."

"Is that alright with you, Shinji?" Qui-Gon noticed the boy's slight apprehension and figured that it was because of his presence. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"No, it's fine." Strangely enough, it was. "I'll go get it started."

Shinji was about to head to the kitchen when Misato called out, "Oh, where's Asuka?"

"She's in her room."

"Well, could you tell her that we're having a dinner guest."

Shinji blanched, "Me?"

"Of course."

Shinji cringed some more and disappeared into the back toward Asuka's room. Moments later, the sound of yelling and a loud smack filled the air.

"Pervert! What did you think you were doing?"

"I was just trying to tell you that we have a guest for dinner. You didn't have to smack me."

"Yeah, right. You're just looking for an excuse to..." Asuka had walked into the living room to see Misato and Qui-Gon. Misato stifled a smile.

"Asuka, this is Qui-Gon Jinn. Qui-Gon, Asuka Langely Sohryu."

Qui-Gon nodded, "A pleasure to meet you."

Shinji came out of the back a moment later rubbing his cheek. Asuka reeled on him, "Don't just stand there. Get dinner ready. We have a guest."

Shinji looked at her in disbelief, but solemnly strode back toward the kitchen. Asuka then turned back to Qui-Gon, smiling like a sweet, innocent child.

"Welcome to our home. Dinner will be ready shortly." With that she disappeared into her own room to get ready. Misato looked over to Qui-Gon looking for a look of disbelief on his face, but it had remained the same as before, aside from what appeared to be a ghost of a smile on his bearded face.

"This must happen a lot." he said finally.

Misato muttered, "Sometimes a little too much."

Dinner was soon ready and made and all four of them sat down to eat. Asuka did most of the talking, telling Qui-Gon about her piloting skills in the Eva as well as her battles. Strangely, she found a way to omit the Third Child's own battles and the times where he repeatedly saved her life. Misato would usually bring this up and they would end up arguing. Shinji was in the middle, eating his own meal while observing the two spat with each other. But he was never able to for long because he would somehow be drawn in to the arguments. As for Qui-Gon, he asked a question here and there, but was silent for the most part. Like Shinji, he was observing them and in a way where he was like part of the environment, thereby letting them at the way they normally would. The way they were acting was natural and that suited him. It made it much easier for people and good for him to observe them. Already, he was able to tell many things about each of them. One, Misato was a strange guardian. A commanding tone in one instant and a child-like one the next. She seemed to blend seriousness and humor in an unusual mix. Two, Shinji was calmest when his mind was occupied with work. He noticed that as he cooked the meals and set up the plates. Third, Asuka was highly competitive. She seemed to show aggressiveness toward Shinji, but it wasn't necessarily hatred or even anger. She just wanted to be the best. Qui-Gon sighed inwardly. That kind of attitude is likely to get her hurt in the end. Especially considering number four. Asuka was Force-sensitive as well. It wasn't as strong as Shinji, but it was high enough for him to notice it when he entered the house. He also took note of the little thing she did, from walking to yelling. All of this showed a keen ability not seen in others.

After they had finished arguing, Asuka looked over to Qui-Gon, "So how did you meet baka here?"

Qui-Gon took a sip of his tea, "While he was crossing the street. A truck almost hit him."

Shinji's face flushed and Qui-Gon took that into account. Shy, timid, embarrasses easily.

"Figures. It's bad enough he's a pathetic perverted idiot, but now he's accidental as well."

"Asuka, that's enough." Misato warned.

Qui-Gon spoke again, "Actually, he would have gotten out of the way."

Shinji looked up at him. He wasn't used to such praise, but even more so by what Qui-Gon had said. This, Qui-Gon also noted, while still listening to Asuka.

"Are you kidding? This weakling couldn't move out of the path of a turtle without getting scraped."

"He's a lot faster than he looks." Qui-Gon countered.

Asuka folded her arms, "Oh really? I can outrun him without trying."

Qui-Gon took another sip and nodded, "I have no doubt that you could. But both of you are Eva pilots, correct?"

"Of course."

"And piloting the Evas means that you are different from most people, right?"

Asuka was taken aback by this line of questioning and stammered, "Y, yes."

"So it would stand to reason that Shinji is agile enough to avoid a truck, since you would have no difficulty with it."

Asuka was shocked by what she heard, but she couldn't disagree with it. If she did, that would mean she would be putting her own skill down. Misato looked surprised as well. She had never seen Asuka speechless before. 'I better take some notes from this guy.'

The knock on the door snapped her out of her stupor as all four occupants turned. Misato stood up to answer. 'Who could be coming around at this time?' she thought as she answered. At seeing who, she wished she never opened the door.

"Major Katsuragi."

'Section 2 guards?' "Yes?"

"Commander Ikari would like to see you, the Third Child and your guest immediately."

Misato was baffled. 'Why would he want to see Qui-Gon?'

"What's this all about?"

"Just come", was the short reply.

"Very well."

Misato turned to see Qui-Gon already standing, with Shinji right behind him. Misato was again worried. This man didn't know who he was dealing with. Still, she couldn't refuse the order.

---------

Nerv HQ

Misato couldn't believe it. 'Why would Commander Ikari want to see this man?' He never saw anyone personally unless it was part of his plan. 'But still, why Qui-Gon?' He wasn't part of any intelligence force or anything military for that matter. Also, why did he want Shinji to come as well? This had to be some kind of trick. 'Must you torment Shinji more?' Qui-Gon on the other hand, wasn't worried at all. Curious perhaps at seeing Shinji's father, but also wary. This man was the Supreme Commander of Nerv and thus not to be taken lightly. The three were escorted into an office where Gendo Ikari sat in his usual posture. Qui-Gon felt it. He was Force-sensitive as well. That wasn't surprising, considering that Shinji was his son. However, he did notice that he seemed to have a dark aura around him. It wasn't the dark side, but it kept Qui-Gon in the dark. He would have to wait to see more.

"Qui-Gon Jinn. I am Gendo Ikari, Commander of Nerv."

Qui-Gon merely bowed, "An honor to meet you."

"I've been informed that you saved the life of the Third, correct?"

"If you are referring to Shinji, that would be yes." 'Strange, why didn't he refer to his son by his name?' He also noticed that Shinji apprehension had increased dramatically. He could sense the mixed emotions. Betrayal, anger, fear, sadness, and pain. All aroused from a man who is supposed to be his father? Qui-Gonn guessed that much of what he saw in Shinji had to do with the Commander.

"I would like to ask a favor from you."

Both Misato and Fusuyugi gave shocked expressions. 'Since when did the Supreme Commander ask for favors?'

"I have heard that you are a trained swordsman. I would like the Third to be instructed by you."

"I do not take students." Qui-Gon replied.

Gendo's gaze absorbed the answer and slowly shifted to Shinji. "It would help improve his performance in the Eva."

Qui-Gon's gaze didn't change, but he was able to sense Shinji. Right now, both anger and sadness were the greater emotions. He knew that something would happen to Shinji if he refused. 'But to take him as a student?' His emotions alone were dangerous for him. Taking him in as a Padawan learner would be a great risk. But he had taken a risk before. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

"Very well. But only for six months."

"Acceptable. And in the event of an angel attack, he will be escorted back."

Qui-Gon wasn't finished, "There is something else. If I am to instruct him fully, I must be allowed to do it alone, without your guards constantly watching me."

Gendo's eye twitched slightly beneath his glasses, a motion Qui-Gon caught. Nevertheless, Gendo accepted it.

"Very well."

Qui-Gon nodded and Ikari dismissed them. As they left the building, Misato looked at Qui-Gon. 'Who was this man that wasn't disturbed at all by Nerv's commander and actually gotten favors and requests from him?' She re-examined him. She knew he was different, but there was definitely something now. What it was, she couldn't put her finger on. Even so, this was still Nerv, under Commander Ikari. His rules. She began to look down. It seems that now another had been drawn into their world. A world that could only bring more grief to everyone.

"I'm so sorry." Misato muttered to him.

Qui-Gon however, seemed indifferent to it. "There's no need for apology. I'm quite fine with it." He then looked down at Shinji. The previous emotions he felt was now superseded with sadness, and a little fear. Qui-Go previous hesitation returned. 'With such emotions, this may prove more dangerous than anything.' But he gave his word. Still, the boy must want it.

"Shinji. I know you did not ask for this and I'm sorry that I placed you in such a position. But I will not allow any harm to come to you, whether you wish to train with me or not? Do you?"

Shinji looked forward, "I...I never thought about it. But it's okay. I'll do it. I won't run away."

Qui-Gon smiled. Just as he thought. 'The boy has courage.' Despite the fear, sadness and other negative emotions, the boy was still giving off purity of the Force. There was no darkness or anything. And he remembered the words of an old friend.

"Not all angry young boys turn to dark side. Not if good teacher, they have."

Even though Shinji wasn't necessarily angry, the sadness could have the same effects. But the words still applied. Four months may not be enough, but it was safer for him that way.

"I just don't like the idea of Shinji using a sword." Misato suddenly spoke out. "But then again, an Eva is a far dangerous weapon."

Qui-Gon turned to her and met her gaze. Misato almost fell at the sight of the intensity of it. "I'm not going to just teach him that. I will teach him about my ways. The ways of an ancient order from long ago who strived for peace and justice. The way of the Jedi."

Misato shook of her sudden nervousness. 'Jedi? I've never heard of that.' She shrugged it off mentally. 'He said it was an ancient order.' That was probably why she never heard of it.

"Well, we better get your things packed, Shinji."

Next day...

Shinji, Qui-Gon, and Misato were awaiting the train leaving Tokyo 3. Shinji carried his SDAT player and a small bag with his clothes.

"Now Shinji, remember to call at least once a week, okay?" Misato instructed. "No longer."

"Okay, okay Misato, I'll remember." Shinji waved off his guardian. The train finally shipped in and Qui-Gon indicated that it was time to go.

"Well, Shinji. Be careful, and take care of yourself out there okay." Misato embraced the young man. "You don't me and Asuka to eat take out and ramen for the rest of our lives, do you?"

Shinji smiled, "I'll be careful." Shinji picked up his bag and moved behind Qui-Gon. As the door closed, he waved out.

"Take care, Misato."

The doors closed and the train moved out of Tokyo 3, taking with it two people, one of whom had just taken the first step into a larger world.

AN: for those of you who are wondering about Qui-Gon's personality, I picked it up from reading the Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice books. Some of the lines that appear in this fic may be from those books as well.