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Chap. 9

An hour later, Misato arrived with a security detachment to apprehend the attackers. After Shinji's call, she nearly ran out of the house wearing nothing but a gun. But that sudden fear turned to shock after seeing what Shinji had done to them. Judging by their dress and armament, these guys were pros. 'So how did Shinji manage to defeat all four of them without sustaining any injuries himself? I better find out.'

"How are you?"

Shinji turned his head to her, "I'm okay. But Asuka's a little mad at me now."

"Well at least you both are alright." Shinji gave her a glance and Misato knew that Shinji was waiting for her to get to the point.

"Shinji. How did you manage to beat those guys? They were expert mercenaries. Surely you have some explanation."

"I just had to stop them." Shinji started. "They would have hurt or maybe even killed Asuka if I didn't do anything."

"That still doesn't explain how, Shinji. How were you able to beat them like that?"

Shinji looked down at his blade, "I just...used the Force."

"The Force?" Misato asked.

"It was the training that master Qui-Gon gave me. To use the Force."

Misato looked at him questioningly, "I'm not sure I understand Shinji, but you'll have to explain it to me another time. In the meantime, you and Asuka will head straight for NERV HQ with the security team. I'll join with you later."

Shinji looked back at her, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to pick up Rei. It's possible that she may be attacked as well."

Shinji nodded and heading into the car. But he knew that Rei would be safe. Those mercenaries where after him and him alone. 'But why? Why just him? Could it have something to do with his recent changes?' He looked over at the seat beside him at Asuka, but she was currently looking out the window. However, he could feel her anger and frustration. He thought about speaking, but decided against it, knowing that would only irritate her even further and solve nothing. He'll wait for her anger to cool, if that ever happens. He began to think back. When the mercenaries attacked, there was no sign of the Section 2 guards. Even from a distance, Shinji could tell where they were hiding. But on that day, they were nowhere to be found. Meaning two things. One, they were taken out by the mercenaries before they encountered Shinji. But Shinji was certain that he would have sensed or seen any signs of struggle. Beside, the guards were usually well hidden, so no one could really know where they were. And if they where taken out, their bodies would still be at the location or they should be unconscious someplace else. But that didn't seem likely either. Or two, they weren't there because they were ordered not to be there. And only one person could give that order.

Commander Ikari...

Meanwhile, after the car drove off with Asuka and Shinji, Misato examined the area again. 'They were out in the open. So there was no way the Section 2 guards could have missed it. But they weren't even around. Why?' Because of their status, the Children are always monitored and watched so that nothing happens to them. 'Except for now when they...needed it the most.' Misato frown as she walked up into her car. The mercenaries came at an ample time when she was asleep and Shinji was out in the open. She knew that Shinji did this in the mornings, but allowed it because he was in no danger as long as the guards were watching him. This wasn't sounding good. If someone else knew, that means...that they were monitoring Shinji, meaning that he was their target. Asuka just happened to be there too. 'But still, where were the guards? They were always around to watch the Children. Why not now? As soon as they were attacked?' She knew the direction this was taking and she didn't like it at all

This wasn't going to be the best morning for her...

----

Nerv HQ, Gendo's office

Misato was once again before the commanders to give them a report of the mornings' event. After she had picked up Rei and brought her in, Commander Ikari had called for her to ask what happened.

"Have you discovered who sent them?"

"No sir. They claim that they don't know who hired them. Only that they were paid in advanced and given instructions."

"I see."

Gendo was silent for a good while and Misato's frustration began to build. Enough for her to make a foolish move.

"Sir, where the guards? They weren't there when the attack happened."

Commander Ikari looked back at her, "Then how were the attackers subdued?"

Misato was taken aback, now realizing her mistake. "By Shinji."

"Explain."

"He claims that he subdued them, sir." She knew this was going to fare badly, but she might as well go through it.

Gendo's cool voice cut through the air, "And can you explain how that is? How a boy could bring down four highly trained professionals?"

Misato froze. She didn't know how to explain it to him. Hell, even she didn't understand it. If she did explain, it would put her and possibly Shinji in an even more dangerous position. There was no other choice now, but to accept her own fate.

"No sir."

"Then I suggest you get the facts straight before you bring me faulty reports."

"Yes sir." she resigned.

Gendo continued, "However, you were wise to bring all the Children in. And in light of that and the heightened synch report of the Children, I want the First Child will reside with you and the other Children." His gaze locked with hers, "You will serve as her custodian as well, effective immediately."

That was the absolute last thing she would expect to hear from the commander.

"Sir?"

"It will be much easier to bring them in and watch should another attack occur. Is that a problem, Major?"

Misato was slightly stunned, but managed a "No, sir."

"Good. Dismissed."

Misato left the chamber, still unsure about what just happened. As soon as she left, Fusuyugi strode up beside the desk. "I believe I've lost track, Ikari."

"How so, sensei?"

"Is that safe for the First Child to live with the others? Especially considering the animosity of the Second."

"After today's event, she is more likely to lash out on the Third." A slight grin formed,  "Pitiful really, like her mother."

"And what of Rei mental condition?"

The grin faded, "That is of no consequence. Rei will obey me, no matter what."

"You're quite the risk-taker lately, aren't you?"

"I don't take risks." came the deadly tone of an answer

------------

"What?!"

Misato had just informed the Children of the Commander's decision and so far they were taking it well. Shinji was somewhat neutral, although he seemed a bit apprehensive. Rei was completely neutral, showing no care in the decision. Asuka, however, was far from neutral as she fumed angrily. 'I don't have time for this.' Misato thought.

"That's the Commander's order, Asuka. You'll have to deal with it." Misato then addressed Rei. "Rei, we're going to gather your things from your apartment and bring them to my home. I've already taken the steps to have another room built in for you, but it'll be awhile."

"She can have my room, Misato." Shinji responded.

Rei looked over at him, wondering why he would do such a thing. Asuka on the other hand shot out, "I figured you say that, you perv."

"I can sleep in the living room." Shinji finished.

"Okay. Now that that's settled. We're going to pick up her things and come right back. Shinji, you could set up the room for her..." A grin arose. "Or maybe even remove some things that you may not want her to find."

"Ew! I knew it!" Asuka spat. "Your bed is probably loaded with hentai magazines, isn't it?"

Shinji looked at her, horrified, "No! That not true!"

Asuka continued to taunt Shinji. Shinji tried to give a defense. Misato laughed hysterically. Rei simply watched the whole thing neutrally. But she did notice something strange about Shinji. Despite his outward appearance, he really didn't seem the way he was acting. As though...he was acting. Rei wasn't the expert on emotions, but she could tell when something was fake or not.

'Is he acting that way...for their benefit?'