-This is the third chapter of my Eva fic. For those that are still with me after the first two chapters, I thank you for your patients. As for the reviews, the main criticism I have gotten was (and quite valid one at that), is that my story stays TOO much with the Eva episodes. And guess what, I agree. I really did not intend to stay that close to the episodes. Just that, when I was coming up with my idea for this story, most of the action and so forth happens much later in the story. When I considered that I wanted to get there, realistically (in terms of keeping the characters in character, with a few changes here and there to make my story unique in the end exception, Rei), I decided to follow with the episodes mostly (again, too closely). Especially since quite a few authors that I look up to, do a way better job of altering certain aspects, yet keeping with the events of the Eva story (Random1377 for example).

-Part of that is due to the fact that, well, I didn't pre-plan well enough with the first two chapters. Especially with what I should cut, and what I shouldn't, and what I should change (the end effect was, I just kept a lot of it).

-Which brings me to Chapter 3. One thing about Chapter 3 is (which as you could've guessed, will of course follow Episode 3 to an extent), the events are stretched over a few days, possibly even weeks. This gives me, if anything, just a bit more freedom to, screw around so to speak, and yet, still follows the events (although given the events in this episode, I will even alter the events a bit to suit this story's need). Though arguably, so did Episode 2 (I am actually kicking myself because after I submitted that chapter, I DID want to add a bit more originality to it. Not much, but still something extra. Explained with my closing author notes).

-As for humor, well, I do plan this story to be somewhat funny. Though first two chapters suffered from too close to actual episode syndrome (in other words, not so funny). That and, whatever humor I might add won't be...too extreme (this won't be like FLCL for example). I'm also trying to keep the characters, mostly in character (and in turn, any humor might be, well, toned down a bit because of that the Eva characters don't exactly have a light hearted background). However, even with those restrictions, I do plan this fic to have some really funny moments. Although I'd probably remove the humor category for now since I don't know when I'd get there, or if the amount of humor would be, well, sufficient. Still, eventually it will be, funny I think. And even if the actual story isn't that entire funny, well, there are always the Omakes where I can REALLY go over the edge to look forward too. ;-)

-And Rei...actually, I like Rei. Yes, I made Rei, semi-evil in this fic, but that's only because making her evil is important to what I have in mind. And eventually, I hope it pays off. Now Asuka...that's a different story entirely. ;-)

-Now, without further ado, Chapter 3 (Hopefully, a LOT better then either Chapter 1 or 2).

District 13 Tokyo 3 Junior High School Class 2-A

Hikari Horaki is checking the class attendance sheet. Being class representative, she has the extra responsibility keeping the class in order. And in keeping things in order, she also must know whose here, and whose not. She dedicated herself to being the best at what she does. Especially keeping the class in line when the professor gives his lecture. Despite the fact that, the only thing he teaches is Second Impact. Over, and over, and over again. Even Hikari had to admit that is a bit much. But, no matter what, he is the professor.

As she looks down the attendance sheet, she notices a few more names crossed out. Even though she isn't surprised, especially with what has been happening, Hikari is still saddens by it. "Ever since that robot attack, the numbers of students transferring and leaving are rising." However, while students leaving weren't surprising, what is surprising is one transferring here. At the bottom of the list, there is a new name she hadn't seen before. "Huh? A transfer student? Here?" While she was excited that finally, there is some new blood coming here, she had to admit, why would anyone move here? The only people that would be moving here...would be people who worked for NERV. 'That must be it. That's the only reason why people would be here. His family must be NERV members.'

As the class starts to fill up with the remaining students, her heart seemed to sink when she notices that there was one missing. Touji Suzuhara. Touji. Ever since the incident with the big robot, Touji hasn't shown up to school. Although she would never admit it, she has developed a crush for him. Even though she gives off the impression as a tough, strong girl as class rep, she personally hasn't gotten the courage to ask Touji out. Or at the very least, befriended him in any way beyond being his class rep. Hikari sighs. As she looks at the entering class, she does see another person of interest. Kensuke Aida. Though the only reason he is of any interest to her is because he is a friend of Touji. Why? She doesn't exactly know. But, she had to admit; despite a few differences, like Kensuke's apparent obsession with the military, guns, and computers, and Touji's being, well, the exact opposite, they seem to be made for each other. In a, non-sexual way she adds.

She also notices that Rei isn't there either. Another student that seems to be absent a lot.

As everyone files into the class, the ones that didn't transfer out yet, Hikari starts to settle back into her routine. 'Well, another day, and another...' She then notices a person she hasn't seen before standing in the doorway. "I guess he's the new student."

The professor walks in.

"All Rise! Bow! Sit!" Hikari barks her orders.

Everyone sits down quiet as they all wait for the professor to, once again, start his lecture on Second Impact.

Except this time, there is a slight change to the daily routine.

Shinji walks up to the teacher, and hands him a paper. Shinji waits in front of the class as the professor makes his announcement.

"Class..." The professor begins as he gestures to Shinji. "We have a new transfer student. I like everyone to meet, Shinji Ikari."

There are some whispers going around the classroom.

Kensuke sits back in his chair, not caring about this 'new student'. That is, until he hears an interesting rumor coming from the student's behind him.

"I hear he was the pilot of that big robot." A girl whispers to another.

"No way! Him?" The other girl responds.

This perks up Kensuke's interest. 'Him, the pilot of that big robot? No way!'

Hikari stares at the boy for a while. 'I have to admit, he is kind of cute...' Hikari starts to blush. 'What are you think Hikari? I already have eyes on Touji.' She then looks back at the class. 'I guess I should keep the peace.' "Quiet down! The professor is still talking!"

The professor, seemingly ignorant of the ruckus happening in front of him, gestures Shinji to sit down. "Now, you can sit behind Toshiya Hideo." He points at Kensuke.

"Okay." Shinji walks past Kensuke and sits down.

Kensuke stares at Shinji before returning his attention to his computer. 'Him? A pilot? That would be so cool. Yet...why him?' He thinks about his expression and his movements. 'He certainly doesn't look like someone capable of handling a big robot. Called Evangelion if his sources are right. Not to mention, a 15-year-old riding a huge military weapon? Kensuke certainly see himself doing it. Him blowing away huge monsters, deflecting huge missiles, and saving girls that would all swoon over him is certainly a wonderful dream (although admitingly, he is more like to save his...uhhh hemmm...special collection then actually having girls swoon over him, but he can always dream can he?). But as a reality? 'Maybe I will find out one of these days. It is a bit odd that he transfers right after the battle.'

Hikari stares at Shinji as well. 'He seems, sad. Maybe I should talk to him after class.'

"And so, humankind was about to face its greatest trial..." The professor begins his usual spiel about Second impact.

After the last bell rang, the class is dismissed, and everyone starts to leave. Hikari walks over to Shinji. Shinji gets up from chair. He apparently was listening to SDAT while the teacher lectured. Although a part of her wanted to punish him for it, at the same time, she also knew that, he really didn't miss much anyways. He could simply listen next week to get the same story, again. As Shinji gets up to leave, he looks back and sees Hikari.

"Mr. Ikari!" Hikari beams.

Shinji seems to be surprised with the mentioning of his name. "Um...hello Ms. Horaki." Shinji responds with as little emotion as he can muster.

"If you need any help, or just a person to talk to, I'm always here." Hikari smiles at him.

Shinji hesitates, before responding. "Okay. Ms. Horaki." Shinji weakly gets out before he leaves the classroom.

Hikari looks at the retreating figure. 'He seems reserved and private.' "Kind of like Rei Ayanami in a way."

-Meanwhile...

NERV Hospital

Gendo Ikari walks over to the bed where Rei Ayanami was resting. He turns to the doctor. "You said she could pilot in 22 days the last time I was here."

"Yes. But I didn't say that I recommended it." Doctor responds in an official manor. "She can do a lot of normal functions. She can certainly leave and return to school if you so choose. Her wounds are mostly healed, which is why I said that she could pilot soon. But she isn't one hundred percent yet. Maybe in another week after that."

Gendo nods. "That's fine. As long as Shinji pilots Unit 01." He walks towards Rei. "Rei."

Rei opens up her one good eye. 'Commander Ikari. You're my little pawn, yet you have no idea. Now, to continue this act...' "Commander Ikari?"

Gendo gives a rare genuine smile towards her. "The doctor said you can return to school few weeks. In another month, you can pilot Unit-00 again."

"I understand." Rei responds with her neutral expression.

"Good." Gendo starts to walk out. Before he walks out, he looks back at her. "And Rei, Take care."

Rei nods. 'Just in time for the arrival of the next Angel.'

-Two Weeks later...

NERV Headquarters

"So, I have your assurances that you are ready to being your training?" Gendo Ikari, sitting at his desk, stares at his son. "And that you will pilot the Eva from now on?"

"Yes father." Shinji responds with little to no emotion.

"Good." Gendo sits back a bit. "You will begin your training tomorrow."

Misato looks up at Gendo then at Shinji. Gendo she could understand. Sort of. She always knew about his cold uncaring demeanor. Even towards his own son. Shinji however, something just doesn't feel right. At the moment, he seems to be like his father. Cold and uncaring. But Misato doubted this was the true Shinji. 'I had hope that, when he started school and met people of his own age, he'd be okay.' Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.

"Now, since there is nothing further we need to discuss, you are both dismissed." Gendo says in his usual cold response.

"Yes commander." Misato nods, and escorts Shinji out of Gendo's chamber.

As they are walking towards the elevator, they bump into Maya. Well, in Misato's case, she literally bumps into her.

Maya, carrying stacks of folders and reports, drops them all over the floor after coming into contact with Misato. "Oh." She drops the floor and tries to pick up all her papers.

"Sorry, I didn't..." Misato began to apologize, when she looks at the woman. "Maya? What are you doing here?"

"Huh?" Maya looks up to Misato. "Oh, nothing. I was just taking reports up to the Commander."

Misato blinks. "Doesn't Ritsuko usually do that?"

Maya nods. "But right now, she's checking Rei's status at the hospital so, she sent me to give the report."

'Too bad for Maya.' Misato smirked. However, her mind starts to wander to another subject. 'The First Child.' Misato thinks back at the events that caused her injuries. 'Wonder why it happened?'

Maya then looks up and sees Shinji. "Hi Shinji." Maya smiles a bit.

Shinji seems to snap from his stupor as he looks up to Maya, well, maybe eye level now since Maya is still picking up papers. "Hi Miss Ibuki."

Maya smiles a little brighter. "You can just call me Maya, if you want."

Misato frowns. "Time to go home Shinji." Misato takes Shinji's and rushes him to the elevator.

Maya frowns slightly before finally picking up all the papers she had.

NERV Hospital

"When do you expect Rei to be ready again?" Ritsuko ask the doctor who is standing in front of Rei's room. They can see her through the glass window in front of them. Rei is sitting on the bed. Her arm is still bandage, as well as her right eye. "According to Commander Ikari, she should be ready in a few days."

The doctor looks at a few charts. "That is true I suppose." The doctor frowned. "I also said that I didn't recommend yet. If only because she isn't one hundred percent healed yet."

Ritsuko nods. "That shouldn't be a problem. There hasn't been another Angel yet. And even if one shows up soon, we'll use Shinji as the primary for now." 'I hope he can handle it, for now.'

The doctor nods. "If you want, you could go talk to her..."

Ritsuko shakes her head. "No, I think I'll leave her be for now." Deep down inside, Ritsuko hated her. Especially since Gendo Ikari seems to have an unhealthy obsession with her.

-Meanwhile...

Rei eyes Ritsuko and the doctor. Her injuries are recovering quite nicely. Not that it completely matters since, even if she didn't survive, they would've resurrected her later. Although in theory, each resurrection she loses a part of herself, the truth is, that is no longer the case. No longer the case since the last incident changed her forever.

She continues stares in the direction of where Ritsuko and the doctor are. A dark smile appears on her face. 'So, Gendo sent her little bitch over to check on me. It is so nice that he cares so much.' She blinks as she senses something. 'The Fourth Angel, Shamshel is coming. As expected.'

Misato Residence

Misato places the keys down, and collapses into a chair. She sighs. "Well, we're home Shinji." Shinji seems has apparently disappeared into his room. Misato frowns at this. "Shinji?" She walks to his room and knocks. "Shinji, can I come in?" Though she receives no answer, she decides to peek inside anyways.

Shinji is lying on his bed, listening to his SDAT player. Without moving, he responds in a not so enthusiastic voice. "Hi Misato."

Misato frowns with concern. 'What should I say? He seems...different since he started school.' "Ummmm...are you okay Shinji? You don't seem, all that excited."

Shinji nods. "Yes. I'm okay."

Misato shakes his head. 'He isn't okay. But what could be the problem?' "Shinji, if you need advice, about school or training, ummm..."

"I'm okay Misato. School is okay." Shinji continues with his somewhat melancholy voice.

Misato sighs. 'After the first two weeks of school, I had hoped that he would've found some friends by now. After all, that is why I gave him a cell phone.' "Okay." Misato closes the door a bit, but not all the way. "Oh, and I heard Rei is returning to school so, say hi to her."

Shinji sighs. 'Rei.'

Misato continues. "Also, don't forget you're first day of training, real training with the Eva starts tomorrow."

"Eva." Shinji thinks back about the Eva and the Angels. The sole reason why he is here. 'The world is counting on me. At least, that is what they all say.'

-Next Two Days...

NERV Headquarters

Maya walks through the hallways of NERV. Shinji just completed another training session with Unit-01. He learned how to use the gun, how to control the Eva, and the limitations of the Eva's battery. However, Maya wasn't sure why Shinji would pilot again. And the phrases, 'Does as he is told' and 'His way of getting through life' bothered her. It bothered her to an extent that Shinji would just accept being the pilot after all that he has been through. Those reasons that her mentor, Ritsuko gave, also didn't sit well with her. 'From defiance, to following orders?' Maya knows that it is important for him to pilot. But this sudden change? It can't be taking it well.

As she reaches the lounge, she sees Shinji sitting there. 'Must be resting after another day of practice.' Maya decides to enter the lounge. She waves at Shinji. "Hi Shinji."

Shinji notices her arrival, and waves back. "Hi Miss Ibuki." Shinji responds back, a little more enthusiastic then his recent reaction.

"Please, just call me Maya. You don't need to be too official around me." Maya sits down next to Shinji.

"Okay...Maya." Shinji sits back.

"So, how do you like piloting Unit-01?" Maya continues to look at Shinji.

"I...I am getting used to it." Shinji replies with his seemingly upbeat expression (at least, as upbeat as Shinji ever is).

Maya shakes her head a bit. 'That's the same thing he said back there.' "That's...not exactly what I asked. I asked, how do you like piloting it?"

Shinji pauses as he considers his next answer. To be completely honest, he really didn't like piloting it. But since, he concluded, that is his sole purpose here, there is no reason to say no. "I...it is something I have to do."

Maya frowns. 'Still not the answer I'm looking for.' After an uncomfortable silence consumes the area, Maya decides to speak up again. Deciding that the current discussion is going nowhere, she changes subjects. "How's school?"

Shinji looks at Maya. "It's okay."

Maya smiles. "Learn anything important?"

Shinji shakes his head. "No. Unless you think learning about Second Impact over and over again is important."

Maya giggles a bit. 'He seems to be opening up more but still, reserved.'

Misato stares through the glass at both Maya and Shinji. They seem to be, talking to each other. They are certainly getting along more so then between Shinji and herself for the past few weeks. "What does she have that I don't have?"

"I don't know, an attractive personality? Something you seem to lack." Ritsuko smirks as she approaches Misato.

Misato grinds her teeth. She turns her head towards Ritsuko with lightning speed. "SHUT UP!"

Ritsuko crosses her arms. "You know, I could always ask the higher ups to change guardianship to..."

Misato snaps at Ritsuko. "No! Shinji's MINE!" Misato narrows her eyes at her friend.

Ritsuko just stares back at Misato. "So, Shinji is just a thing to own?"

Misato seems to be shot back to reality. "No, that's not what I meant." She zooms back to Shinji and Maya. "What I meant was, I'm his guardian. It was my choice after all." Misato narrows her eyes at Maya.

Ritsuko looks back at Shinji and Maya. "Like I said before..."

"NO!" Misato growls.

Ritsuko simply can't help but laugh in the scene in front of him. 'If Shinji only knows...'

Misato continues to scowls.

Ritsuko turns back to Misato. "So, I take it you're not getting along with him?"

Misato shakes her head. "It isn't that I'm not getting along with him, it's just that...he hasn't changed much. No one ever calls him."

Ritsuko raises an eyebrow. "Calls him?"

Misato looks back at Shinji. "Well, since I figured he'd be needing one, I gave him a cellular phone. I don't think he ever used it though, or received any call. I'm not sure, but I don't think he has any friends."

Ritsuko smirks. "Well, I think he now has someone who would call him now."

Misato growls before continuing. "Other then NERV staff..."

Ritsuko stifles another laugh. "Well, I would guess that Shinji's not the sort who makes friends easily."

Misato nods.

Ritsuko thinks back to an old saying she once heard. "Do you know the fable of Hedgehog's dilemma?"

"Huh?" Misato returns her full attention to Ritsuko. "Hedgehog? You mean those animals with the spiny hair?"

Ritsuko nods. "Even though a hedgehog may wish to become close with another hedgehog, the closer they get, the more they injure each other with their spines. It's the same with some humans. The reason he seems so withdrawn is because he's afraid of being hurt."

"I've never thought of it that way." She looks back at Shinji. "Well, he's going to have to learn someday that is a part of growing up means finding a way to interact with others while distancing pain." She looks down. "Even if there is a lot of pain to distance from."

Ritsuko looks at Maya. "Well, maybe..."

Misato eyes Ritsuko with suspicion. "Maybe Shinji needs to be careful too because the other person could be a hedgehog."

Ritsuko smirks again. "Seems someone is a little jealous here."

Misato simply fumes some more.

-The Next Day...

District 13 Tokyo 3 Junior High School Class 2-A

Shinji walks into the classroom and sits down at his desk. He looks back to see Rei. Rei Ayanami, sitting at her desk, staring outside. Shinji could never figure out what was so exciting about the outside. Not that school was any better. Especially with a teacher who's whole curriculum is Second Impact. At least Shinji has SDATs to listen to if no one was looking. Although the professor doesn't seem to care, he can't say the same about the class rep.

Hikari walks up to Kensuke. Kensuke seems to be interested in taping himself, make gun noises with his little UN fighter figurine. Since Touji is still absent, she had entrusted Kensuke with giving him his homework. Now it was time to check on Kensuke to see if he actually did it.

Kensuke sees Hikari through the view screen of his camera. 'What could this be about?' "What's up class rep?"

'Don't tell me he forgot?' Hikari mentally shakes her head. "Did you give him the printout I gave you yesterday?"

"What? Well..." 'Opps. I knew I forgot something.' Kensuke quickly tries to hide the printout in his desk. "Well, there wasn't anybody home at Touji's place."

Hikari frowns. 'I don't know much about Touji. And it seems that I have more concern over him then his so-called friend Kensuke.' She continues in a strict tone. "Mr. Aida, aren't you Mr. Suzuhara's friend?" Aren't you just a little worried about him?"

Kensuke thinks about it for a second. 'He did go absent right after the robot attack. "Do you suppose he's injured?"

'Injured?' Hikari thinks. "What? In that robot incident?! The television report said that nobody was injured!"

'Still believing the television reports. Especially with that battle. Heh.' Kensuke turns back to Hikari, still filming with his camera. "No way, you saw where the explosion was on Mount Takanosu, didn't you? There were fighters scrambled from Iruma and Komatsu, and there were also troops from Misawa and Kyushu. I'll bet at least ten or twenty people were injured, and there had to be some killed, too." 'That battle was way to brutal for it to be injured free.'

At this moment, Touji walks through the door.

Kensuke, still filming, looks up at Touji. "Touji!"

Hikari looks up and sees him. "Suzuhara!" A part of her seems glad that he is fine. But still, why was he absent so much?

Touji looks around the classroom. He sees a lot of empty chairs. "Wow, has the class population dropped or what?"

Kensuke responds. "They've all been evacuated or transferred to other schools. After all, no one wants to stay after that last battle inside the city."

Touji nods. 'I certainly wouldn't want to stay. Although Kensuke...' "Yeah, you're probably the only one who's actually enjoying the chance to see a real war."

Hikari couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversation. 'That's no surprise. Kensuke seems to be the type that would be glad that our city is being destroyed. But still, why was Touji absent?'

"Yeah I am." Kensuke proudly proclaims. No reason not to admit it. "And speaking of which, where have you been Touji? Why were you absent so long? Did you get involve in the war?"

Touji shakes his head. "My little sister did." Touji scowls.

'Oh my.' Hikari covers her mouth. 'His sister? How?'

Kensuke eyes widen a bit. "Ah."

"She was crushed under a pile of debris." Touji thinks back at the time when he first saw her in the hospital. "She survived but she's been in the hospital ever since. Both my dad and granddad are working at the lab, and there's no way they can leave their posts. So, if I'm not with her, she's all alone."

Hikari's opinion of Touji rose a bit. 'This is why he has been absent for so long. If it was one of my sisters, I'd probably do the same.'

Touji raises his voice. "That robot's pilot was really dumb! It makes me so angry! How could he wreck our own city? What was he doing?"

Hikari thinks about Touji's sister. 'I guess I can understand his anger. I would be anger too. But is it really the pilot's fault?'

Hikari thinks about Shinji. 'It's true that he came right after the robot attack. But him as the pilot?' The idea that someone her age could be a pilot, she couldn't believe it. Well, maybe if it was Kensuke. Then again, given Kensuke's exuberance, he would've destroyed the entire city anyways.

Kensuke turns to Touji. "About the pilot, have you heard the rumor about the new transfer student?"

"What transfer student?" Touji replies.

"Him, over there." Kensuke gestures to Shinji, who is listening to an SDAT player. "He transferred in while you were absent. He came right after the incident. Don't you think that's odd?"

'Yeah, that is a little odd.' Touji thinks a bit. 'And if it is him, he will have something coming!'

The professor decided to make this the moment where he makes his appearance. Everyone instantly quieted down.

Hikari gives her orders. "All Rise."

-Later...

"And so humankind was about to face its greatest trial..." The professor begins his story...again. If they replaced him with a robot that just repeats the same story over and over again, no one would've noticed the difference.

Speaking of his class though, for a class where there are supposed to have quite a few students transfer out of, it is awfully full. Guess they consolidated a few classes into this one. Which unfortunately for the new members of this class, they are about to join the fun in listening the droning of one of the most 'exciting' professors in the entire school.

Then again, they could simply ignore him, most of the time. And that just happens to be the case at the moment. Everyone's attention was everywhere, everywhere except the professor of course. Shinji was no different. Though in his case, he seems to be staring off into the abyss. That is, until he receives a signal coming from his computer. The message reads, Is it true that you are the pilot? Y/N.

Shinji looks around the classroom. 'Who could this be from?' No matter who sent it, Shinji was wondering whether or not he should answer it. While it is true that, he does work with a mostly secret organization, apparently he is safe to divulge information that yes, he is the pilot of the Evangelion. Still, he isn't sure if giving out that information is really a smart idea.

Kensuke looked at Shinji. Due to a little trick, Kensuke could easily look at Shinji's files. Here, he sees the question being asked. 'I hope he answers this one. And I hope it is yes!'

Shinji looks back. He sees two girls wave at him. 'Did they send the message?' As he is thinking this, the message is again repeated. Is it true that you are the pilot? Y/N. Shinji looks around again. 'Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt...' Shinji typed in YES.

Suddenly, the whole class got up and turned to him.

Kensuke blinked. 'Seems he wasn't the only one who knows that little trick.'

"Really?" One student proclaimed.

"Oh wow!" Another student proclaimed.

"Cool!" Yet another student proclaimed.

"Really, the new student was?" And yet, another student proclaimed.

Everyone seems to be amazed that Shinji is the pilot. They all gathered around him.

Although Hikari's curiosity made her also look to see if Shinji is the pilot through her own computer, she was still class rep. And because of that, she is still supposed to maintain order in the classroom. "Hey you guys! We're still in class, you know! Sit down now!"

"Aw, you're always so bossy!" One of the male student yells back at her.

"Hey, come on! Forget about her!" Another male student responds.

Hikari scowls. 'I'm class rep damn it!' "Now cut that out!"

"Cool, its awesome!" A female student next to him proclaimed.

Shinji tries to get a word in from the group now surrounding him. In fact, most of the students surround him are...female. "Well..."

A female student beats him to the punch. "Hey, how were you chosen?"

Before Shinji even has time to answer, another female student ask him a question. "Were there any tests?"

Again, before Shinji could respond, another female student gets in front of him. "Weren't you scared?"

Poor Shinji. Still can't respond as yet another female student gets in front of him. "What's the cockpit look like?"

"Well, I'm not supposed to talk about secret stuff." Shinji finally responds, weakly. 'Maybe it wasn't such a good idea after all.'

Unfortunately for Shinji, it isn't the response the group was looking for. "Oh, come on! Don't be mean!"

Kensuke looks at Shinji with great interest. Although having the entire class around him certainly puts a damper on this amazing revelation, still, being this close to the pilot of that big robot is still amazing.

"Hey, what's the name of the robot?" A female student asks.

Shinji wonders if he should give out that information. 'Maybe if I just give out what I know...' "I don't know much, but everyone calls it Eva or Unit 01."

"Eva?" 'This seems to confirm it.' Kensuke types it into his computer for future reference.

"And what's its ultimate attack mode?" A male student asks this time.

"Some kind of vibrating knife." Shinji wasn't exactly sure if he was supposed to give out this information, but with all the questions coming at him, he didn't have much time to think before he could answer. "An ultrasonic wave."

"That's amazing! We're so proud of you!" The class seem to all think that Shinji is the coolest right now.

"Yeah! Right! Cool! Yeah." A number of students said in succession.

"And thus..." The final bell rings, seemingly the only thing the professor notices. "Oh, that's all for today."

"Ikari, where do you live?" A female student asks. 'Maybe I can be friends with him?'

"In the older part of the city?" Another student asks. 'Maybe I could detour there on my way home.'

Well, class is over, and it is time for Hikari to do her daily routine. "Everybody stand up! Bow!" Except no one was following said routine. "Hey you guys, why don't you at least show some manners at the end?" 'Although I'm excited knowing Shinji is the pilot and all, I at least have some manners!'

Touji has been eyeing Shinji with suspicion. 'So, he is the pilot of that robot huh? Well, he is going to have it coming.'

Rei Ayanami takes her gaze off the window, and instead, stares at Shinji. 'Giving confidential information out Third Child?' Rei smirks a bit. 'Not to worry. I am here to protect you.'

-A few minutes later...

Touji punches Shinji to the ground. Shinji nurses the brush from. Touji's punch He rolls over into a sitting position. He looks up to the once extremely angry Touji. Although right now, he seems more content.

"Sorry newcomer, but I've got to beat you up!" Touji rubs his fist. "I've got to work off my anger."

Hikari looked behind from a tree. Her higher opinion of Touji, faded a little. 'Its nice that he cares for her sister and all but, that doesn't mean he has to take his anger of the situation out on Shinji!'

Kensuke leans in closer to Shinji. "Sorry, his sister was injured because of the incident." Kensuke gets up from his position. "That's his excuse, anyway." Kensuke starts to walk away, following Touji.

Shinji wipes a little blood away. "I didn't pilot it by choice."

Touji stops right in his track. He turns back and looks at Shinji. With his anger quickly returning. 'Didn't have a choice?' He pushes Kensuke out of the way, and is about to pick up Shinji.

When Rei Ayanami stands in the way. "No." Rei narrows her eyes at him (at least, her one good eye).

Touji stops. His anger still very much prevalent, he gets close to Rei. "So, the little transfer student has his girlfriend to protect him."

Rei slaps Touji on the check. She narrows her eyes.

Touji steps back, turns and walks away. "Until next time transfer student!"

Kensuke looks back at Rei and Shinji, before following Touji.

Hikari looks on at the little scene. "Rei?" First time she's seen Rei do, anything other then look out the window. 'Guess Shinji and Rei have more in common then I think.' She looks at the two boys leaving. "I think I'm going to have to talk to those two when I get the chance."

Shinji looks up at Rei. "Ayanami?" 'Why? Why did she do that?'

Rei turns around to see Shinji. 'Time for your second test Shinji.' "We've got an emergency call." She starts to walk away. "I'll go."

Shinji looks at the retreating blue haired girl. "It must've only been because..."

The sirens start to ring, over the speaker, a message rings out. "A special state of emergency has been declared for the Kanto and Chubu region surrounding the Tokai district. All residents must evacuate to their designated shelters immediately."

Hikari steps back from her hiding place. "Oh no! Another attack? I have to make sure everyone is safe!" Hikari runs off towards the shelter.

Shelter

All civilians in the affected areas have been evacuated to the shelters. The 334th Underground Shelter, run by the Tokyo 3 Disaster Prevention Dept, everyone from the District 13 Junior High School is here.

Hikari looks around to make sure everyone from her class is there. 'Good, everyone is here, and safe. Except Shinji who is out there fighting, whatever it is.'

Unfortunately, Kensuke isn't happy though. He is looking at the TV broadcast. "Not again!"

Touji eyes Kensuke. Although he really didn't care about the battle happening outside, he does know his friend's excitement for it. "Just text messages again?"

Kensuke frowns. "It's news censorship. They won't show any of it to us civilians. Even though it is an incredible event."

Touji just rolls his eyes. "Whatever."

NERV Headquarters

Maya sighs. 'Here we go again.' She looks at her superior. "Do you think he is ready?"

'To be completely honest, I don't know. He seemed, too focused during the training. As if he didn't have any other purpose in life other then to fight. Not exactly what I call fighter material.' However, Ritsuko simply nods to Maya. "He is our primary." She turns to Maya. "Shinji ready?"

Maya looks up at Ritsuko and nods. "Shinji's entering the Unit 01."

Misato eyes Maya. 'Grrrr.'

Maya looks back at Captain Misato. 'What?' "Yes Captain?"

Misato returns her attention to the view screen. "Nothing. Just mobilize the Evangelion."

Ritsuko looks at Maya, then at Misato. She chuckles.

As all UN weapons fire at the Angel, Shinji enters the entry plug. 'Another Angel.' In the Eva cage, the entry plug spins and enters the neck of Unit-01. 'Why am I piloting this thing again, even though my father's not here.' Images of Touji punching him appears. 'Even though I got beat up.' An image of Rei standing in front of him. 'And Rei...'

Shelter

The shelter shakes under another explosion going on outside. Touji simply stares at the walls. 'Another attack. Maybe that stupid pilot will do better this time.'

'I need a way to get out there and see the battle! I have to think of a plan.' Kensuke turns to Touji. "Hey, I need to talk to you, privately, you know?"

"What for?" Touji eyes Kensuke. 'What could this be about?'

"Just give me a second, okay?" Kensuke continues.

"Well, okay." 'It better be good Kensuke.' Touji waves his hand to Hikari. "Class rep!"

Hikari turns to Touji. She frowns at him. Especially now after seeing him punch Shinji. "What?"

Touji and Kensuke stand in front of her. Touji speaks. "We've both got to go to the bathroom!"

'Don't these two idiots know the rules around here?' Hikari frowns even more. "You were supposed to use the bathroom before you came here."

"Yeah, but we really have to go!" Touji holds his privates.

'Oh okay, I don't want to clean up any mess here.' Hikari huffs. "Fine. Go! But be quick about it!"

Eva Unit 01

"Shinji, are you ready?" Misato's voice rings through the Eva cage.

Shinji responds in a reserved voice. "Yes."

'He doesn't sound very happy.' Misato thinks. 'But it can't be helped.'

It is now Ritsuko's turn to talk. "First, neutralize the enemy's AT-Field, then fire a volley. Do it just like we practiced. Can you handle that?"

"Yes." Shinji responds, again in his reserved tone.

'Probably would've said yes no matter what.' Ritsuko thinks. 'Well, as long as he does it, he should be fine.'

'I hope he gets through this.' Misato sighs. 'If he gets through this, I'll take him out for dinner tonight.' "Launch!"

As Shinji is flying through the gate, Maya takes the telecom. "Take care Shinji."

Misato returns her attention to Maya.

Maya looks at Misato again. "What?"

Ritsuko can only smirk.

Area outside the Shelter

"I can't believe I agreed to this stupid plan." Touji pushes the door wide open. "What if we're injured or something?"

As they get the shelter door open, the look around the area to see where the best area to go should be. They look up the stairs to the top of the mountain.

Touji looks up the huge amount of stairs. "You have got to be shitting me!"

Kensuke starts running up the stairs. "Come on Touji! That is going to be a perfect spot to videotape."

"Fine." Touji follows Kensuke up the stairs. "I still can't believe I agreed to this plan."

As they make it to the top, they see over the entire city.

Kensuke takes out his camera and starts filming. "Cool! All my efforts really paid off! I've been waiting for this all my life!"

'You know, if this is the highlight of his life, that's really pathetic.' Touji looks out and sees the enemy.

Kensuke sees the same thing. "Oh! This is it!"

The Eva enters the scene.

Kensuke spots the Unit 01. His smile widens. "There it is!"

Shelter

Hikari looks around the shelter. "Aren't those two finished going to the bathroom yet?" She wonders about through the shelter. She is about to approach the men's bathroom to check on the boys. She had no intention of entering but, well, she had to get them back to the shelter. Maybe they would respond if she just knocked? Though lucky for her, she didn't have to worry about that, as she sees a new problem arise. "Huh? Why is the door open? Don't tell me those two idiots opened that door?!"

Hikari runs out, and sees two figures on the top of the mountain. "Unbelievable!"

Eva Unit 01

"The AT field has been deployed." Ritsuko responds in a calm voice. 'There are no problems so far. As long as Shinji follows the plan, things should go well.'

Shinji simply says one phrase over and over again. "Target in the center, pull the switch."

'There shouldn't be any problems. Just as long as he sticks to the plan.' Misato is next to speak. "Do it just as planned, okay, Shinji?"

Shinji nods. "Right." He sends the Eva out of its cage, and starts firing at the Angel. One problem though, he can't see it through the smoke.

'Shit.' Misato widens her eyes. "You idiot! You hid the enemy with your own smoke!"

Shinji stops firing the Eva gun and waits for the smoke to clear. Unfortunately for him, the Angel didn't allow him to wait. As the Angel slaps Eva Unit 01 with huge electric whips, causing Eva Unit 01 to fall, and slicing the gun in its hand. "Aggggghhhh."

Top of the Hill

Touji couldn't believe what he is seeing. "I don't believe it! He's already losing!"

Kensuke continues to film, with little concern that he is in trouble. "Not a problem."

"What is a problem is you two NOT in the shelter!" Hikari starts trekking up the hill.

"Ahhhhh." Both Touji and Kensuke turn to Hikari. They both wave at her.

Touji is the first to speak. "Hi class rep."

'I can't believe I had a crush on him.' Hikari scowls at both of them. "Don't you two understand that the shelter was meant for your safety?!"

"But we had to see it!" Kensuke says as explosion rocks behind them. He turns back. "Jeez, that attack must've really messed him up!"

"What?" He turns around. "Shut up Kensuke!"

Hikari looks behind him. "Shinji?"

Eva Unit 01

'Shit. Come on Shinji!' "Shinji, I'm sending you a spare rifle. Take it!" Misato booms through the intercom. Shinji doesn't respond. "Shinji? Hey, Shinji?"

Shinji simply stares in shock as the Angel looks over him. He makes the Eva turn and start running away from the Angel. Each time, the Angel slashes his whip arms, cutting up the road and buildings. As Eva Unit 01 runs away from the Angel, the umbilical cord snaps off.

Makoto looks at the data in front of him. 'Oh no!' "The umbilical cord has been snapped off!"

Shigeru confirms the data. "Eva switched to its internal battery source."

Misato stares in fear at the screen. 'No, no, NO!'

Fear washes over Maya. 'Shinji!' "4 minutes, 53 seconds of activation remaining."

The Angel grabs a hold of the Eva, picks it up, and throws it towards a nearby mountain.

"It's coming this way!" Touji points at the sky.

Hikari steps back. Her eyes widen. She couldn't speak as they Eva comes closer and closer.

All three students, Touji, Hikari, and Kensuke huddle into a ball.

Eva Unit 01

Misato tries to get Shinji over the com-link. "Shinji, are you alright? Shinji!" She turns to the bridge crew. "Damage report?!"

Shigeru shoots back. "No problems detected. He can make it."

Shinji looks to the side. He sees three very scared classmates inbetween his Eva's fingers.

Misato looks at the screen, as three IDs are shown on the screen. "Shinji's classmate?"

'Everyone was supposed to be in the shelters.' Ritsuko looks at the screen as well. "What are they doing there?"

Top of the Hill

The huge Eva hand that was almost on the small group, raises. The Eva grabs the whip arms of the Angel before they could do any damage.

"Why isn't he fighting back?" Touji continue to look at the Eva in fear. "Because we're here?" Kensuke turns to Touji. "He can't move because of us!"

Hikari continues to shake in fear.

NERV Headquarters

'Please be okay, Shinji.' Maya takes a deep breath. "Activation time remaining: 3 minutes 28 seconds."

Misato looks at her options. 'With his friends in the way, he can't do anything.' She raises her head. "Shinji, let them into the cockpit!" Misato huffs. "Once you got them, make a temporary retreat. We'll start again later."

Ritsuko was not pleased. 'Who does she think she is? She is allowing civilians into an Eva?!' "Do you think unauthorized civilians can be allowed into the entry plug?!"

'We're already in deep trouble. I will not allow the death of civilians on my watch. Especially if they are Shinji's classmates.' Misato eyes Ritsuko. "I'm authorizing it."

Ritsuko scowls at her 'best friend.' "You're exceeding your authority, Captain Katsuragi!"

Maya looks at the two amazed, before returning to her screen. She speaks when the two seem to be holding a staring contest. "Unit 01's remaining activation time: 3 minutes." She returns her attention at the two.

Misato turns her attention back to Shinji. "Hold Eva on your current commands and eject the entry plug. Hurry up!"

Shinji follows Misato's order and ejects the plug. The plug opens.

Misato turns on an exterior loudspeaker. "You three! Get in! Now!"

Eva Unit 01

Touji, Kensuke, and Hikari simply stare at the entry plug. Both Touji and Kensuke both instantly climbed up to the plug. Hikari just stood at her location.

Touji is about to enter, when he sees Hikari just staring. "Come on class rep!"

Hikari seemed to snap out of her daze, and stare up at the entry plug. She climbs up into the entry plug and falls in with the others.

Hikari, Kensuke, and Touji are stunned when they get in.

"What...that, it's water?" Touji eyes widen. He holds his nose trying to keep the water, or whatever this liquid stuff, out.

"Wa..." Hikari tries to hold her breath.

Kensuke seemed to have other concerns on his mind. "My camera, my camera!"

As all three realize that they could breath this, liquid stuff, the plug lights up. They could now see around them. In front is the monster.

Touji, Kensuke, and Hikari all look at Shinji.

NERV Headquarters

Maya looks at the data. She sees things are going crazy. 'This isn't good.' "Abnormal conditions are occurring in the nervous system."

Ritsuko looks at the data. "Of course. It's because you've allowed three foreign bodies into the matrix! They're being detected as noise in the nerve impulse systems!" Ritsuko turns to Misato.

Misato turns to Ritsuko for a moment. "We can discuss this later!"

Shinji moves the Eva's hands. The movement forces the Eva to the ground.

'Now's our chance.' "Retreat! Now!" Misato yelled through the intercom. "Utilize recovery route 34, retreat to east side of the mountain."

Shinji just sits there, doing nothing.

Kensuke tries to see if his camera works in the liquid filled plug.

Touji looks at Shinji. "Hey new kid, she said, 'Retreat!' New kid?!"

Hikari pushes him slightly on his right side. "Shinji?"

All Shinji seemed to say is one phrase over and over again. "I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away!"

Touji's eyes widen. 'What does that mean?'

'Mustn't run away, what...why?' Hikari brings her hand close to her mouth.

The progressive knife compartment opens.

NERV Headquarters

"Progressive Knife engaged!" Shigeru yells back at Misato.

'What is Shinji doing?!' Misato scowls. "Obey my orders, Shinji! You've got to retreat!"

The battery life reduces to less then a minute.

Maya speaks up. "Shinji?"

Shinji takes the knife, electrifies it, and starts running down the hill towards the Eva.

Misato closes her fist. "That IDIOT!"

Eva Unit 01

"Ahhhhhhhh!" Like some sort of battle cry, Shinji yells with all his might as he brings the controller forward. The knife hits the Eva's red orb. The Angel's arms go through the Eva at the same time.

Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke all cower behind Shinji in fear.

Shinji continues to yell.

Maya looks at the time remaining. "Unit 01 activation time remaining: 30 seconds! 28, 27..."

Shinji continues to yell as his knife goes deeper into the Angel.

"2...1..." Maya's voice dies out as the entry plug goes dark.

Shinji is shaking and breathing hard. Shinji is crying. Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke all look at Shinji. All had one thing on their mind. 'I didn't know...'

The Angel, and the Eva stand there, silent.

NERV Headquarters

Misato continues to stand. "Are they okay?"

Maya shakes her head. "I...wait, I'm getting reports that the Angel has ceased to move." Maya sighs in relief. "They...should be okay."

Misato nods. "Send an extraction team out there. Get a team to secure the area."

'Well, he can certainly get the job done I guess. A little unreliable, but he works.' Ritsuko crosses her arm. "What are you going to do now Misato? He did succeed in defeating the Angel. But he also disobeyed your orders."

Misato simply shakes her head. "I don't know."

-Meanwhile...

NERV Cage

Rei closes her eyes and smiles. 'Another job well done Shinji. You are truly the chosen one. The one I choose of course.' Rei smirks.

-The Next Three Day...

Misato walks around her slightly less messy apartment. After two days of detention at NERV for basically disobeying orders, he was allowed to return home. Misato didn't feel right detaining him. Especially with what he has been through. And having Maya keep him company didn't sit well with her either. 'Grrrrr.' But right now, she wanted to make things right for him. 'Maybe I should take him out to dinner. I mean, he did do his job.' Misato walks to Shinji's room. She opens the door. "Shinji, how about..." She looks around the room. "No..."

District 13 Tokyo 3 Junior High School Class 2-A

Rei looks out the window. She is still bandaged up. 'Where have you gone chosen one? Don't worry, you will return to me soon!'

Hikari simply stares into space. 'Shinji.'

Touji rest his head on the desk. "It's been three days."

Kensuke continues to type on his computer. All about the incident that they were just in. "You mean since we were chewed out?"

Three days ago, officials from NERV, as well as their parents yelled at Touji, Hikari, and Kensuke for being outside the shelter. Hikari was allowed to remain class rep since it is determined that she was trying to get those two to return to the shelter. It was also the last time that they have seen Shinji who was also reprimanded for disobeying a commanding officer.

"No, since he stopped coming to school." Touji gets up from his postion.

Kensuke seems to "Who's he?"

"The new kid, of course." Touji looks down. "I wonder what he's been doing since then?"

Hikari looks at Touji. "Touji, are you worried about him?"

'Yes.' Touji thought. "No class rep, not exactly worried."

"Touji, for someone who's so tactless, you're pretty stubborn." Kensuke adds.

Hikari agreed. "Look Touji, if you had apologized to him back then, you wouldn't have to agonize over it for three days." 'I have to admit though, I'm worried as well.'

Kensuke hands Touji a paper. "Here this is the new kid's phone number. If you're so worried, why don't you call him?"

Touji takes the paper and looks at it. "Ummmm..."

"Come on Touji!" Hikari looks at him. "You should apologize at least!"

Touji looks at the paper, and nods. He leaves the classroom and heads for the pay phone. He pushes in the number. He hears the other side ring. After awhile, he gets a standard voice message. He hangs up the phone.

Hikari is standing by his side. Touji simply shakes his head.

-------End of Chapter 3

Well, that's it for Chapter 3. First, before anyone says it, and before I get in trouble, yes, Hikari joining in with the other two stooges is, well, similar, VERY similar to a scene in the Hikari/Shinji epic, "Together We Stand", by T.L. Webb. Great story that is available here at FFN as well as Chain Lightning Studio (I would add the link, but FFN doesn't like links in stories apparently). Now, I didn't intend to, well, copy that scene in any way shape or form. Just that, when I first thought up this story, I thought that was a great way for Hikari to, join in on the fun. And this is before I've seen the actual series so, for a while, I even thought that maybe, Hikari did join in (she is class rep and all, she would look after all of them, included those stooges, right? Boy was I wrong). Also, since she is now more well known to Shinji, that means she could be friends with him now instead of just class rep (note, I didn't say 'girlfriend. She's still has a crush on a certain other stooge at the moment)! This is why I, well, borrowed that scene from T.L. Webb. Hope no one gets mad for this seemingly lack of originality with that. Especially since, this chapter really breaks through the originality problem (though yes, the majority of the chapter still follows Episode 3. Just...different).

Speaking of originality, like I said before, the very valid criticism I've gotten dealt with the fact that this story stays TOO much with the episode. And this is why I'm kicking myself with Chapter 2. That scene with Gendo and Rei at the hospital, I really wanted it to be in Chapter 2 instead of this chapter. However, because, I admit I followed too closely with episode 2, I didn't consider that scene until it was too late, and I already submitted it. Yes, it wouldn't have made Chapter 2 all that different from Episode 2, but it still would've added much needed originality for a story that is sorely lacking. I promise I won't make that mistake again, and as the story is getting away from the official timeline chapter by chapter (still slow, but getting there), shouldn't be a problem later on.

Oh, and one last final author's note, this IS my longest chapter. Granted, long author's notes to go with it, but still, even without them, it is my longest chapter for ANY of my stories.

Now, next chapter, Shinji runs away! Really? Ummm...yeah. Okay, so that isn't original. But Misato is frantically looking for him. What's Maya doing on the search team? And until next time, later!