Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion, support official release

It's been three days since the 4th Angel attack and there hasn't been a quiet day here in the apartment.

Adam fixes his white shirt as he stands in front of a mirror. Somehow, Misato managed to enroll him into the same school Shinji is going to. Much to his displeasure.

(Flashback)

Adam blinks as he sits on the table. "...I'm sorry?"

"I said 'starting tomorrow, you'll be going to school with Shinji'." Misato repeats.

"I heard what you said, Katsuragi. I'm just having a hard time understanding why you would do that."

Misato takes a gulp from her beer. "Well, you're fourteen, right? So it just makes sense that you should be in school."

Adam takes the papers on the table and reads it. He raises an eyebrow. "Adam Ikari?"

"Well, you never told me your last name so I had to improvise plus you and Shinji can pass off as twins since you guys have the same face."

Adam made a grumbling noise. "You could have just asked if that was the case."

Misato simply shrugs and eats a potato chip. "Meh, what's done is done." A smug grin forms on her face. "I suggest you go get some sleep Mr. Ikari, tomorrow's your first day of school."

(Flashback ends)

Adam didn't see the point of going to a school; always noisy, filled with hormone-induced teenagers, it is a madhouse.

But despite his argument, Misato insisted that as a young man, I should go to school because I need to get an education for the future.

Several knocks come from the door. "Are you all set in there?"

Adam gives his reflection one long look before taking his hands and unbuttoning his white shirt, revealing a navy blue tank top underneath. "Yeah, I'm coming." He grabs his bag and runs towards the door.

Adam hums, maybe this wouldn't be so bad...

Class 2-A

'I was wrong. It isn't bad, it's worse.'

Adam sits in his new seat on the far side of the classroom, a spot that has been mostly ignored. The teacher is seen rambling on and on about Second Impact being caused by a meteorite crashing into the Arctic which changed the planet's axis altering the world we lived in. And while it's interesting and all…

It's all he ever talks about!

Not once has this old timer tried to talk about something else. It's like Second Impact is the only thing he had to teach here.

What kind of bullshit is that!?

Most of the students here weren't even paying any attention anyways. Either they're talking to their friends, staring at the window, or if they want to be clever, listen to music without the teacher noticing.

"Man, it looks like a lot of people are missing, huh Kensuke?" A student said. He has black hair and eyes and is wearing a black and white tracksuit. Beside him is another boy wearing the same uniform as them except he has brown hair with matching eyes and glasses.

"No kidding," Kensuke stated to his friend. The class roster seems pretty lackluster with only 11 kids instead of the usual 30 to 35. "I think most have moved out due to the last Angel attack, nobody feels safe here anymore."

"Right…" He tries to keep an even tone to his friend. "That stupid pilot nearly wrecked Tokyo-03 and got my sister sent to the hospital! The hell was he thinking, fighting that monster here!?"

"Speaking of the pilot, did you hear the rumor regarding the transfer students?" Kensuke asked, making the boy look at him perplexed.

"Transfer students?" He watches Kensuke's hand point to Shinji, who is listening to his SDAT and then moves to Adam, who is busy reading a history book.

"Those two suddenly showed up after the kaiju battle." Kensuke explains, but his statement didn't go unnoticed. In front of him by the window sat Rei, who is listening in. She didn't really care much about what they're talking about, but it didn't hurt to hear. "Kind of strange, don't you think?"

A few minutes later, class started again. The teacher has laptops handed out to the students, allowing most to enter a conversation with one another. Shinji is seen looking through the history of the U.N. and NERV, but couldn't find anything other than it is a research institute that delves in medical engineering, biotechnology, and so on.

All of a sudden, a message comes up in Shinji's messenger. "Hey, new kid." It read. "Most of us know your new and all, but everyone wants to know:

Are you the pilot of the purple robot?"

Shinji tensed up suddenly as if all eyes are on him now. He didn't like it, it reminded him too much of his father's stare. 'Might as well just tell them the truth.' Shinji thought as he started typing.

"No."

Just like that, the tense sensation vanished as soon as it came. However, immediately afterwards everyone begins to surround Adam's desk.

"Hey new kid, how'd you get chosen?"

"Did you have to take a test or something?"

"Was it scary?"

"What's the inside of the robot like?"

Everyone sent out questions aside from Rei, who ignores the commotion all together.

Adam sighs, why did he reply to that stupid question. "Okay to answer your questions: First, I wasn't chosen, it was a last-minute decision. Second, as far as I know there is no test. Third, it wasn't as scary as it seems but that's just me. And fourth, it is wet, very wet and it smells too."

The students cringed at the last part before another, presumably the class representative, stands up. She has brown hair with two pigtails and light purple decals. She has a few freckles. She's wearing the girl's school uniform: a white shirt, blue dress, red bow, white knee-high stockings and white slippers. "Hey, sit back down!" She called out, making several students return to their seats. Though, she couldn't deny that she was just as curious as well.

"What's the robot called?" Someone finally asks, making Adam sigh. This is why he didn't want to go to school.

"It's called an Evangelion but the purple one in particular is called Unit-01…"

"Stay still, would you!?"

"How about 'no'?"

Adam is dodging punches from the boy, Toji Suzuhara if he remembers correctly. Can't exactly forget when the guy's trying to smash your face in.

"It's your fault she's in the hospital!" Toji roars out.

Adam raises an eyebrow. "Who's in the hospital?"

"My sister!"

Adam stops at the statement, "wha-" but is cut short by Toji's fist colliding with his face, sending him to the ground. He then grabs him by the collar and stares directly into his eyes.

Rage sets in as Adam headbutts Toji before sprinting forward and pinning him to the ground. He then proceeds to punch him in the face, "you think I wanted your sister to get hurt!?"

He punches Toji again, "why the hell was she in the middle of that? Why wasn't she in the shelter with everyone else!?" He hits him harder than before, "and where the hell were you!? Why didn't you keep her safe!?"

Adam continues to hit him until Kensuke and Shinji drag him away from Toji. Adam pushes Kensuke away before turning to Toji, "if anyone's to blame for your sister being in the hospital, it's you for not protecting her." Adam spits and storms off. Shinji apologizes to the both of them before rushing after him.

Kensuke helps Toji up, he has a black eye and a busted lip. "That bastard… who does he think he is!?" He growls.

"You can't deny that he has a point, Toji." Kensuke said.

Toji whips his head and glares at Kensuke, "you're on his side now!?"

"No, but he's right on the fact you weren't there for your sister. Maybe you should give him the benefit of the doubt on this. " Kensuke states.

Toji says nothing and stares at the ground, feeling ashamed that he left his sister alone.

NERV Simulation Room

A mechanized EVA head is seen bound in the white room with a multitude of wires running through it. On its back is an Entry Plug that connects to the head. Inside the plug is Shinji wearing a skin-tight suit with a very light blue torso, complemented by the rest being a dark blue color with black portions as well. "Now Shinji, I'm going to say this once so pay attention." The plugs walls flash as a 3D model of Tokyo-03 appears in front of him. Soon a 3D model of the 4th Angel appears with its red sphere standing out. "Every Angel is known to have this sphere, we believe it to be the core of an Angel. It's the most protected and the weakest part of an Angel's anatomy, and it is the only known way to kill one. Therefore, always be prepared to target the core."

"Umm, why isn't Adam here?" Shinji asks.

"Adam is getting different combat training from Misato. Now let's focus on the task at hand, okay?"

Shinji pulls the trigger and the rifle fires, killing the 3D model instantly. "Good, center the target and then fire."

"Understood." Shinji replis, continuing his "attack pattern. While this did help him narrow down the core of an Angel, he felt that this was too easy. If he is going to fight other Angels, he should get a feel of different varieties. "Umm, Dr. Akagi? Is there any way to alter the A.I.'s patterns here?"

"How so?"

"Well, it's just that I feel I may need to be prepared should the next Angels be more unique with their attacks and core locations." Shinji explained.

"What do you suggest?"

"I would like you to upload different combat data to the A.I., and have the A.I. learn from its mistakes so that I can be prepared for any type of attack."

"Hm, that's not a bad idea… I'll look into it later." Ritsuko responded. "For now, we'll alter the 4th Angel hologram A.I."

"Understood." Unit-01 moves its rifle faster, as did the 3D model as it now runs, jumps, and ducks.

Simulation Control Center

"Wow, I didn't think Shinji saw this as easy." Maya applauds as Ritsuko watches Unit-01's movements through the monitors. His speed and reaction time is getting better, but this is only a simulation of what was possible. "Hard to think he went from leaving to piloting the EVA for that Adam kid."

"Indeed," Ritsuko adds, taking a seat beside Maya. "That boy will go into battle just to for the sake of his friend. Its almost admirable, really."

From behind them, the door opens to reveal Rei still in her cast and eye patch. "The 5th Angel has been spotted off the coast. It's heading here now." She then turns around and leaves.

"Damn, Shinji still isn't ready to fight yet." Ritsuko reaches for the mic. "We're ending the simulation, an Angel's on its way here."

"Alright." The plug is ejected from the simulation head and is moved towards the EVA cages.

In the distant red sea, the 5th Angel, Shamshel, can be seen hovering across. It is insect-like with intricately segmented arms, mouth with mandibles and "fangs", and an exposed spine in the thoracic cavity to which ten legs attach. It's body is red with a glittering purple abdomen, a hollowed-out abdominal segment, and a Second Angel-like "face" near the head's attachment point.

The death of Sachiel gave a warning to the other Angels of ADAM, that the Lilim had the power to fight beings such as themselves. Some Angels saw this as though it was weak, but the eldest of their kin saw it differently; this threat had to be dealt with, one way or the other.

It is why Shamshel was sent, being one of the fastest among their brethren. Though they'd see whether or not Sachiel was telling the truth.

Central Dogma

"We have a visual of the 5th Angel, repeat the 5th Angel has been sighted." The far screen shows the Angel in the distance, making a B-line towards Tokyo-03.

"Analysis pattern Type Blue confirmed. It's an Angel, Captain." Ritsuko states to Misato, who nods.

"Right, bring the base to battle station level one!" Misato ordered, the screen created a red warning. "Bring Tokyo-03 to combat configuration!"

"Roger, Ground-to-Air missile launchers deploying!" Hyuga responds.

Outside, Tokyo-03's large spires and buildings begin to descend, at least in the center of the city. In their place now stands missile launchers, and a ginormous wall with thousands of cannons now aimed towards the Angel.

"Center Block and Districts 1-7 retraction is complete!" Shigeru reported to Misato.

"Good."

"Anti-air interception system is at 48% activation!"

"The target is gaining speed!"

"What's the status of non-personnel?" Misato asks.

"We've already received a report on the evacuation status. All evacuation shelters accounted for, ma'am." Shigeru responds.

"Perfect, all forces are to engage immediately!" Misato orders.

Missiles and cannons fire immediately, raining hell on the 5th Angel through the main screen; explosions of all sorts hitting its maroon form. The Angel, however, remains unscathed.

"Colonel, the Japanese are demanding we send Unit-01 out." Shigeru reports, looking at Misato who glares with her arms crossed.

"The jerks, thing we weren't going to plan for that." Misato muses to herself, before turning to Hyuga. "Prepare Unit-01 for launch."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Unit-01 Entry Plug

Shinji, meanwhile, awaits the moment of truth. It sucks, this LCL stuff really tastes like blood and the anxiety wasn't helping either. How Adam made it look easy was beyond him.

"Shinji, we're sending you up. Ready?" Misato's voice is heard through the comms.

"Not really, can I take a rain check?" Shinji asked. He genuinely didn't want to be here right now.

Suddenly a second screen appears with Adam's face on it. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. Just think of this as a video game."

'Yeah… a game where the player can die in real life. Haven't seen that before.' Shinji grabs the controls.

The EVA was now on the catapult. "EVA Unit-01, LAUNCH!" Unit-01 is sent at incredible speeds, flying up the tube towards the monster above.

Shamshel, above, continues patrolling the city in search of this "Shadow". As it does, it shifts into a vertical combat pattern revealing the arm-like things on the spine below the core constantly moving in, out and around a bit as it sees something rising from the ground, revealing Unit-01 in all its glory.

"Just remember the plan Shinji, use the Gatling Gun to disable its A.T. Field." Misato explained to the Third Child. "Can you do that?"

Shinji hesitantly nods as he grabs the massive gun from its container. Unit-01 turns to face the Angel and pulls the trigger, raining hell onto its body. Shamshel is actually pushed back, attempting to pull its A.T. Field up. The Field came up, but was soon brought down Unit-01's bullet hail until it clicked empty.

"Shit, out of ammo!"

The Angel saw its chance to counter attack, creating bright pink whips of light that attempt to cut the EVA down. Shinji pulls Unit-01 down, letting the whips slice through the nearby building much to his shock.

"We just sent up a Pallet Rifle!" Misato called out. "Quickly go and grab it!"

"R-Right!" Unit-01 rushes to its left, tossing the Gatling Gun at Shamshel in an attempt to push it back more. However, the gun is sliced through with ease, letting it move closer to the purple EVA. Unit-01 manages to grab the rifle, but the Angel rushes forward and sends Unit-01 and the rifle flying. As it did, the large umbilical cable connected to the EVA's back is cut off.

A warning screen with a timer appears next to Shinji. "What!?"

'The Umbilical Cable has been cut!" Hyuga yelled out.

"Internal Batteries activated, but it'll only last for 4 minutes and 36 seconds!" Maya cries out, making Misato tense in fear.

'This isn't happening,' she thought in fear. 'It can't be!'

"Shinji!" Adam yelled out.

Shamshel's tendril latches onto Unit-01's ankle, pulling it up high and fast. "Oh no," Shinji whispers in fear as he is lifted in the air. The Angel proceeds slam the EVA into buildings for a second or so before tossing it high into the air and letting gravity do the work.

The EVA lands hard into the side of the mountains, sending rock and dirt flying everywhere. Shinji winced, 'that hurt like hell!'

"Shinji, are you there!?" Misato cries in fear.

Shinji pulls his head. "Yeah, yeah I'm fi-" Shinji blinks and his eyes twitch in shock and horror. In between Unit-01's fingers is Kensuke and Toji, the boys who beat up Adam, looking at the EVA with fear. At that moment, the 5th Angel hovers above him launching both tendrils to kill him, but he manages to grab them with both hands.

"What the hell!?" Toji yells as sparks and light explode across them and the EVA. "Why isn't he fighting back!?"

It's us!" Kensuke realized in horror. "We're stuck here and he's trying to protect us!"

"Shinji, let those two into the Plug!" Misato states.

"Okay!" The Entry Plug exited the armored cover, opening the lip on top. "Get in now!"

Toji and Kensuke climb inside while Unit-01 is still holding onto Shamshel's tendrils. "What is this water!?" "My camera!" The two complain before the Plug reinserts itself back inside, revealing Shinji in the controls holding off the Angel.

"New kid! You're the pilot!" Toji cried out.

"GET… OFF!" Shinji roared, pulling the tendrils forward before sending Shamshel back.

"Good, now run! Use the mountains as cover and make for Route - 19!" Misato yelled.

"Delay that, destroy the Core now Shinji!" Adam yelled.

Misato glares at her ward. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Finishing the job, that's what!" Adam sharply responds. "With its A.T. Field down, this might be our only chance to kill it, Katsuragi!"

"I am the Director of Operations here, not you!"

"There should be a button under your cursor, press it." Adam explains, completely ignoring her. "It will release your Progressive Knife. Use it to stab the Core."

Shinji complies, as the EVA's left pylon opens revealing a small knife inside. Unit-01 activates it and plunges the knife into Shamshel's Core. Sparks flew from it and after a few seconds, the Core bubbles and warps, before Shamshel's body explodes into a rain of blood similar to the 4th Angel.

Inside the Plug, everything fades into darkness, with only a blue hue of light as the emergency life support kicks in. Shinji holds the control tightly before leaning back to his chair and lets out a long sight as he relaxes.

"...you okay…?" Toji whispered, looking at the kid.

"Ye...yeah…" Shinji whispered, giving the boy a smile. "Thanks, Toji."

NERV HQ

A few hours later, Tokyo-03 returns to city mode. Unit-01 is taken back underground, allowing Shinji some distance from anyone or anything.

Adam, on the other hand…

"Adam, why did you do that?" Misato asked, looking at the mystery boy. He is sitting in a chair leisurely drinking a soda he brought.

"Does it matter?" Was his reply, looking at his half empty soda. "Shinji killed the Angel, we won…"

"You do realize I'm the Director of Operations, right? I'm in charge of relaying orders to the pilots, you had no right to interfere."

"And yet I did." Adam retorts. "I saw an opportunity and took it. If we didn't, the Angel's barrier would have regenerated and we would not be able to get another chance again."

Misato narrows her eyes. "This isn't a gam-"

"You seem to forget that I'm not a soldier, Misato nor is Shinji." Adam retorts. "Did you know that I got beaten up today by a student at school. Do you know why?" Misato says nothing. "It was because his sister got caught up in the fight with 4th Angel and he blames me for getting her hospitalized. So tell me Misato, how is that worthy of praise?"

"You didn't know-"

"And to think you people wanted Shinji to pilot that thing. It also doesn't help that a lot of the adults looked at us with scorn on our way here. How can you claim to be on the side of humanity when you can't even save a single little girl? Do you even care-"

*SLAP*

Misato slaps Adam in the face out of impulse. Adam takes his hand at the place where Misato had slapped him, there is rage in his eyes. "We will kill those monsters for you, without endangering the lives of others. So keep your goddamn comments to yourself." Adam pushes Misato aside and walks out of the room.

Misato stands there till the door closes, and she sighs. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, she wasn't a mother or even a sibling for that. But she couldn't just let Adam do whatever he pleases, there are rules for a reason.

She couldn't place it, but for some reason Adam reminds her of someone she met a long time ago. It was like she's known Adam from even before she picked him up along with Shinji, but no matter how many times she tries, she just couldn't recall.

"I'm sorry, Adam…" She whispers to no one, before exiting the room.

Author Notes

Okay, well I'm gonna say this now, but just because I finished my Fate story that doesn't mean I'm going to invest a lot of time on this one. I'll probably be spending more time on the gaming one with updating this story on occasion, but then again updates have always been at random so it's no big deal.

Leave a comment/review and tell me your thoughts.

Peace~