TRUE WAR

CHAPTER 15

BY WONGA316

COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER

I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email – NOTES

This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final two movies / episodes and Touji never lost his limbs during this activation test. Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile. Big thank you and applause to NateGold who edited.

"…" Normal speech

(…) Thoughts

-…- Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean…)

KATSURAGI HOUSEHOLD

After the excitement of catching Shinji in a compromising situation with Misato died down, things settled to a dull roar, a normal state of affairs for a Katsuragi party. From a corner seat on the living room sofa, he silently observed the interaction of his friends, all the while lost in thought. He never noticed the approach of Mana Kirishima. She had been watching him for a while and deemed that this was an ideal opportunity to get better acquainted.

"Hi! Is this seat taken?" Annoyed at the lack of response, she waved a hand in front of his face.

"Helloooo, anybody home?" she asked, lips close to his ear and effectively breaking his concentration.

"Huh? Sorry, what was that?"

"It's a party. You know, eat, drink and be merry? Here." She proffered a soft drink. "No one's sitting here, are they? Good." Before Shinji could reply, Mana had plunked down next to him. "I didn't know if you drank the hard stuff, so it's just a coke."

"Thanks." Shinji accepted the drink and began to resume his observation of the party. Mana had no intention of letting him off the hook that easily.

"You were really impressive against the Fourth Angel." She figured that flattery might help break the ice. It did, but not in the way she expected.

Shinji snorted in derision. "Yeah. Impressive. I couldn't protect Touji and I screwed up my shoulder. I was lucky…"

"Well, I wouldn't exactly use that word to describe it; I'm thinking more along the lines of cute!" She giggled when she noted the flush spreading over his face. "But seriously, I'm beginning to see how all the rumours about you got started."

"Oh? And what might those be?"

"You know- mankind's saviour, ten foot tall and bullet proof, super hero. Also on how handsome and sexy you are. How woman everywhere just melt at the sight of you…" Mana's face took on a dreamy look with these thoughts, which were rudely interrupted by a bark of laughter.

"And then comes the morning after, and reality rears its ugly head. I'd love to know what they've been drinking…must be well over 100 proof!"

"Cute and modest. I guess you are the complete package. I can see why Misato keeps throwing herself at you." This drew a slightly dark look.

"Oh, come on, lighten up. It's a party. You're supposed to be enjoying yourself!"

"I guess. Parties have never been my thing though." He began to lapse back into silence, something which Mana just wasn't going to let happen.

"Sigh… You're doing it again. Am I so repulsive that you don't want to talk to me?" She pretended to take umbrage at Shinji's attitude. Not wanting to offend her, he remarked, "Well, I wouldn't quite say that…not at all, actually." For the first time, he took a good hard look at her, taking in the mop of mahogany-colour hair, the clear green eyes and the impish grin. And that was in addition to one hell of a nice figure! He could easily say that Mana would be a knockout in any man's eyes!

"You know it's not polite to stare." She replied in a playful voice causing Shinji to blush a little. "But I'll allow it, since you're such a cutie!"

"Thanks… I think."

"So tell me Shinji, were Misato and Asuka always this sloppy and lazy when you were living with them?"

"Well, considering I enjoy cooking and washing had to be done, they never had to bother much. Kind of a blessing really, considering Misato's cooking qualifies as toxic waste. But I really can't complain. For the first time in a long time, I actually felt like I had a home and family, although not a normal one by anyone's definition. Life during the Angel wars was never normal, but it was…interesting to say the least."

"Mmm, point taken. I'm considering requesting separate quarters. Do you think the Commander would go for it?"

"I don't see why not. Rei was allowed to stay at her own place." (That reminds me. I have to figure out where I'm going to stay while I'm in Tokyo Three)

"Really? In that case I'll ask him tomorrow. What about yourself? " She asked. "Oh that's right. Your mom's the Vice Commander. You'll be staying with her, I assume?"

"Actually nothing's been finalized yet." Shinji retreated back to his quiet self as he began mulling over his options. Mana noticed this.

"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have said anything. I know that things are complicated for you."

(You don't know the half of it) "Don't worry. Have you seen my mother?"

"I think the Commander pulled her aside for a chat when he arrived."

"Ok, thanks." Shinji strode off, leaving a frustrated and puzzled Mana with more questions than answers about the enigmatic third child.

As he approached the front door, he heard the voices of his mother and the Commander raised in anger. What was being said was more than enough to concern him deeply.

KATSURAGI HOUSEHOLD – OUTSIDE FRONT DOOR

"You wouldn't understand. You're not a parent so you don't have a clue."

"Maybe not. But I do understand that we are at war, and I cannot have personal relationships clouding the judgment of my people. I understand he's your son. I know what you and your family have been through, but you have to understand where I'm coming from."

"There is nothing wrong with my judgment!"

"Field reports from the fourth suggest otherwise. In any case, Shinji has not indicated that he will continue piloting so you may consider this a warning. Please don't force me to use stronger measures."

"Are you threatening me? Do you think NERV can win the war without me, Shinji or Rei?"

"I'd say that you're threatening me, Vice Commander. Are you hiding something from me? Something about Unit One and Shinji?"

Two of the most powerful people in the world remained stalemated, locked in a battle of wills. The apparent inability of Yui to separate her roles of Vice Commander from that of a parent had led to a steady erosion of the relationship between her and Fyutsuki. Her latest actions threatened to destroy what remained of the respect and friendship they had from years ago.

"Did I hear my name mentioned…?"

The question was quiet, with a bit of an edge to it, but carried an impact disproportionate to its volume. Both Yui and Fyutsuki whirled, taken aback by Shinji's sudden appearance. "How long have you been standing there?" asked Yui.

"How much did you hear…" queried Fyutsuki, almost talking on top of Yui

"Long enough and more than I wanted to, in that order." He gave both commanders a long, quelling look. "Mother, I think that I'm old enough to start making my own decisions. And you using this family as a bargaining chip…taking manipulation lessons from Gendo?" He felt a guilty satisfaction as Yui cringed from what Shinji was implying. He then turned to Fyutsuki. "And you, Commander, you're a fine one to talk about secrets, especially with all the ones you kept with Rokobungi and that Keel fellow."

Although he was rocked a bit by Shinji's biting comments, Fyutsuki did not get to where he was by backing down from a confrontation. "And just what solutions are YOU offering, MR. Ikari? Are you ever going to clarify your standing with NERV, or are you going to continue being a disruptive influence to our operations?" He held up his hand to restrain Shinji's angry retort. "I know it's not your fault, Shinji," he continued in a more amiable tone, "but ever since you arrived, most of my staff has been fluttering around you like a pack of decapitated chickens! Between that, and the U.N breathing down my neck, it's becoming a royal pain in my arse! And no comments about haemorrhoid medication, either of you!" he concluded, glaring at both his second in command and the former pilot. A long moment of shocked silence reigned, to be abruptly shattered by a peal of laughter from Yui, joined by Shinji's deeper guffaws. Soon even Fyutsuki joined in.

After she calmed down, Yui bowed formally to Fyutsuki. "Gomen nasai, Sensei. I agree; I should not have overstepped my bounds. There will be no repetition in the future. (So long as Shinji and Rei are kept safe…)"

Fyutsuki returned the bow, although not as low, signifying his acceptance. "I certainly hope not, Yui. We just cannot afford any divisions at this point (but I will still keep you under surveillance for a while, until you prove that you're trustworthy again)." He turned to Shinji. "Well, Shinji, have you given any thought as to where you stand regarding NERV?"

The young pilot grimaced slightly at the question. His shoulder was beginning to throb, and he was feeling very weary indeed. "Constantly, Commander. But I still haven't firmed anything up in my mind yet." He drew his hand over his face in a tired manner. "Just let me sleep on it tonight, and I'll be able to give you both a better idea sometime tomorrow. Speaking of which, just where will I be staying tonight?"

Yui gave a wave of dismissal. "Don't be silly. We have your bedroom ready for you. Just let me collect Rei and we'll leave."

"Mom…please don't take this the wrong way but… I don't want to stay with you." The last part was only a whisper but hit Yui like a sledgehammer. He saw the shock and hurt in her eyes and quickly moved to soften the blow. "I just need some time alone to sort things out and I can't do that with everyone crowding around me all the time. I'll tell you what; you can drop me at a hotel and watch until I go in, if that'll ease your mind."

"All right, I'll go along with this for tonight. But we WILL discuss this further; I mean to have you back with us where you belong!"

"I understand. I'll arrange for Kaji to assign a security detail to watch over you." Fuyutsuki added, knowing what Shinji was implying.

"Is that necessary Commander? I can take care of myself, you know."

"I don't doubt that, Shinji. This is for your protection, and to guarantee your safety."

"I need to be alone to think things through and Section Two mulling around isn't going to help." The commander nodded reluctantly. Shinji turned to go back inside to say his goodbyes, but paused. "Just out of curiosity, what would you do if I refused to pilot anymore?"

"Then I will order repairs halted, and Unit 01 decommissioned and placed in deep cryo-stasis."

Surprisingly, Shinji chuckled at this. In his tired state, he was a bit careless with his words.

"That is, assuming she lets you. As Ritsuko once said, Eva has a mind and will all her own." As he turned, he missed the shocked look that passed between the Commander and his second.

RYOKAN HOMEIKAN – ROOM 13

"Lucky number 13…" Shinji said to himself as he emptied his pockets onto the nightstand and then sat down on the futon. He grimaced as he removed his injured arm from the sling and tested its mobility.

(Mom and Rei wouldn't be happy with me doing this. And Hikari would have a fit!)

Yui had initially tried to put him up at a luxurious 5-star hotel, but after much arguing from Shinji, she finally agreed to drop him off at a local youth hostel that was located conveniently across from an all night Internet café. He looked over to the bedside and stared at the disk Kensuke had slipped him as he was saying his goodbyes. No need to ask what was on it. Pocketing the disk, he made a beeline towards the café. The place was pretty empty; only some kids with headphones on, pounding away at the game pads. Since it wasn't a busy night, the manager gave him his pick of the available terminals. Settling on one located in the back and fairly well removed from the rest, he loaded up Kensuke's disk.

(Nothing really interesting. Just media statements released by NERV regarding the UN that only briefly mention SEELE. Nothing on Keel yet.) He was so focused that he didn't notice the manager approach him.

"Hey kid. You've got a phone call."

Shinji quickly minimized his open windows. "A call? (Who the hell knows I'm here!) Who is it?"

"How the hell should I know? Do I look like an answering service to you!" The Manager scowled down at him, placing a cordless phone next to his terminal. "He just asked for the guy sitting on his own in the back. Bring it back when you're done. Scratching his stomach, the manager stalked back behind the counter and the small television there, to resume watching the Sumo-wrestling matches being telecast.

"Ok, thanks." Shinji took the phone. "Hello." He spoke hesitantly.

-You're not going to find what you're looking for there- an unrecognizable voice said.

"Who is this? How you do you know me?" Shinji calmly demanded.

-I know a great deal about you, Mr. Ikari- The mysterious man replied. –Don't worry I'm here to help-

"What do you want?"

-I have to be quick. Your Section Two escort may get suspicious." Shinji discretely looked around the café. The kids were still playing their games and the manager was cursing the losing wrestler who had cost him so much betting money.

-Try to act normal. They can't know that I contacted you. After I hang up, stay in the café for a little while longer. Then head back to the hostel and tell the receptionist that you've misplaced your key and you need a replacement. -

"What? Why? How can I trust you? I don't even know who you are?"

-You can either get the keycard and your answers, or you can pretend that this phone call never happened. Your choice, Ikari. - The receiver clicked, a dial tone signaling that his mysterious caller had hung up.

(What the hell is going on!)

Shinji reviewed the remaining content on Kensuke's disk as he pondered whether to take the man's advice. In any case, it killed time in the café as the man advised. The remaining data was just as useless as the first part. Removing the disk, he left the café, pausing momentarily to scan the street and Hostel lobby. Nothing suspicious, at least not that he noticed. The streets were empty, streetlamps shining forlornly on closed shops and empty cars.

He took a calming deep breath and entered the lobby. The only person there was the receptionist, busily tidying up the desk and sorting some papers. She acknowledged Shinji by nodding and smiling as he slowly approached the desk.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, I seem to have lost my room key. I was wondering if I could have a replacement."

"There's a surcharge for a replacement. If I issue you one and you manage to find your original I can't refund your money." She informed Shinji. "Are you sure you don't want to look around and see if you can find it first?" she asked kindly.

"No… I'm pretty sure I lost it. I'll pay the surcharge."

"Ok. Your room and name please."

"Ikari, room 13." The receptionist searched underneath the desk and retrieved a keycard.

"Red tags indicate that it's a replacement key. Be more careful next time."(Kids these days…always so careless!)

"Thanks. I will." Shinji accepted the key and made his way to the elevator. He inspected the replacement key while he waited for his stop.

(Doesn't look like anything special. May be that guy was just pranking me? But why do that? Why go through all that trouble?) Then he noticed some paint was rubbing off on his finger from the keycard.

"What the…" He wondered aloud and began rubbing off the remainder of the paint. When he finished the hostel logo was replaced with a NERV insignia, a small computer chip embedded within. Underneath it read the words 'Security Access Level – 6'.

UNIT ONE – REPAIR BAY

Out of the darkness, a lone figure rappelled from an air vent. The only illumination came from flood lighting lining the walkway that surrounded Unit One. The intruder could just make out the faint silhouette of the purple mecha as he landed, catlike on the walkway. An eerie green glow from the night vision goggles made sure that the intruder avoided cables and repair equipment that littered the area around him.

He found the particular cover plate he was looking for. The sound of an electric screwdriver echoed through the hanger as he removed the holding screws. After that the plate slid off easily, revealing his objective – Unit One's data drive.

"Am I doing the right thing?" The sleeper asked himself as he contemplated his course of action.

NEXT MORNING – NERV HEADQUARTERS

The morning after, and many of the participants were feeling the after effects of the party, ranging from raging hangovers to frayed nerves from too little sleep. While Ritsuko and the tech crews worked round the clock on repairs to the units, a bunch of sleepy, cranky pilots had been hustled into the threat analysis section to review any and all available information on the angels, past and present. Many of those present could think of better things to do then spend it curled up by a warm computer terminal.

"This is pointless! I already know most of this crap! Why do I have to go over it all again?" Asuka complained. She had never been a morning person to begin with. That coupled with bitter disappointment over not seeing Shinji there as he had promised had put her in a mood that made P.M.S. seem mild in comparison.

"Orders from the Commander." Misato replied, yawning mightily. The double espresso she was nursing was barely managing to chase the cobwebs away.

"God damned waste of time, and speaking of wastes, where the hell is the baka, anyway? He's supposed to be here and be tortured like the rest of us!"

"Don't worry about him. The Vice Commander left a while ago to pick him up. They should be back shortly." Misato paused for a moment to swallow some headache tablets, chased down by a swig of hideously strong coffee. "In the meantime, we've got a lot of fresh data from the third and fourth angel battles. So do us all a favor and engage brain instead of mouth, o.k.?" She fixed the 2nd child with a glare, which was returned with interest.

"Bite me, Misato!"

"Oooh, sounds kinky! I didn't know you were into the rough stuff," Misato cooed, watching with satisfaction as her barb caused Asuka to flush a bright crimson. Resuming command mode, she sniped "In the meantime, if you don't get back to work, I'll dock your arse without pay or royalties from the TV interviews for a month!"

"TV interviews? Since when have we started giving interviews?" came a familiar voice. Shinji was standing at the entrance besides Yui, a quizzical expression on his face.

"Yo Shin-man!" Touji shouted across the room acknowledging his friend.

"Shinji…" Asuka whispered under her breath. The anger she felt moments ago faded away, replaced by rising warmth as soon as she laid eyes on him. (Jesus, get a hold of yourself Asuka!) Regaining her self control, she covered herself in her usual angry mask, stalking over to the young man. "Just where the blazes have you been, you hentai?"

"Well, I was going…" He was interrupted when Asuka grabbed his good arm and dragged him into the room. Then she practically threw him into the vacant seat next to her.

"Excuse me, Asuka… I was going to take Shinji to the infirmary to check his shoulder." Yui said as she watched her son get pulled against his will.

"Hi Shin-chan!" Misato giggled like a school-girl, blowing him a playful kiss. Her actions only added fuel to Asuka's anger. Shinji heard her knuckles pop as she gripped the corner of her desk.

"That's it! You're coming with me!" The German shouted. She promptly grabbed Shinji again, this time by the collar and proceeded out of the room.

"Asuka! Where are you taking Shinji?" Misato asked a little annoyed.

"I'm doing the Vice Commander a favor and hauling his ass down to the infirmary. If you've got a problem with that, then deal with it!" She practically ran out of the room, with Shinji struggling to keep up!

NERV HEADQUARTERS - INFIRMARY

"Did you take any of the painkillers?" The doctor asked Shinji as he reapplied his bandage and sling.

"No. Last night it was a little stiff but this morning it felt pretty good." He replied.

"It's healed remarkably well. If it continues this way, we should have the sling off you by the end of the week." While the doctor and Shinji conversed inside the treatment room Asuka waited in the hallway with Hikari.

"Have you done anything about what we talked about at the party?" Hikari inquired.

"Grrr… Now's not the time, Hikari." Asuka seethed; still irritated by Misato's actions towards Shinji (That old bag does it on purpose just to piss me off).

"On the contrary. You won't find a better time than this, since you'll both be alone. You two should go someplace after this, so you can sort things out."

"I guess… but…" Asuka's features softened as she spoke. "What if he doesn't…?"

"There's no guarantee that he'll feel the same way you do, but you'll feel a lot better knowing where you stand and what you have to do to get your goal… or should I say man?" Just as Hikari stood up, the door opened, revealing a smiling Shinji

"Hi, Hikari." He greeted her cheerfully.

"Good morning, Shinji. How's your shoulder?"

"Not bad. The doc says it's coming along well."

"That's great! Remember to rest it. I have to do my rounds now, so I'll catch up with you guys later." As she was leaving, Hikari sent a sly wink Asuka's way. Then an uncomfortable silence fell between Asuka and Shinji. It was finally broken by the red-head.

"Did you have anything planned for today?" she asked just loud enough for Shinji to hear her.

"Not really. I have to talk with Commanders about some things…"

"Oh! I see. Then I guess you should get going now, and take care of it." Asuka replied quickly (I knew this was a bad idea. Damn Hikari!)

Shinji, sensing that something was troubling Asuka, interrupted. "Hey, I do that later if you like. Ah… Well, I haven't really eaten anything this morning. Why not go someplace and get breakfast?"

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Asuka replied happily.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – VICE COMMANDER'S OFFICE

After leaving Asuka to take charge of Shinji, Yui settled in to attend a video conference with UN representatives. Normally the ever professional Vice Commander wouldn't think twice about attending these meetings but today she was sorely distracted. The tension between herself and Commander Fuyutsuki, although much reduced, was wearing on her. She was also having a great deal of difficulty in re-defining her relationship with Shinji, which was turning out to be markedly different from the one she'd envisioned. Seating herself in the soft leather chair, she took a sip of green tea, and then activated the large monitor on the wall. The screen flashed and multiple windows appeared with the faces of the attendees.

"Good morning gentlemen. My apologies for being late, but I had certain family obligations that had to be tended to."

-That's quite all right, Vice Commander. So long as we're on the topic of your family, we'd appreciate your help in clearing up a number of rumors that have been circulating as of late.-

"What might these be, and how might they concern my family?" Yui frowned; she did not like where this was heading.

-Sources state that the pilot of unit one has returned to NERV. That pilot being Shinji Ikari – Another representative spoke.

"I fail to see how this is relevant. My son is presently not affiliated with NERV." She responded stiffly, trying to contain her rising feelings of aggravation.

-Then how would you explain the deployment of Unit One against the latest two Angels? We were under the impression that the current piloting staff was incapable of piloting Unit 01- The first representative said.

"Perhaps I can clarify matters." The voice of the Commander rang out.

"Commander Fuyutsuki!" Yui exclaimed.

"Yes, Shinji Ikari has returned to Tokyo Three. However he has not indicated that he will be rejoining NERV as pilot. The recent instances where Unit One was deployed were exceptions due to emergency circumstances. All of this has been included in the reports." Fuyutsuki's explanation caused excited chattering to break out among the representatives. This was quickly squelched by Fyutsuki's next statement.

"Everyone, please listen. Mr Ikari has declined at present to resume his duties as a pilot. Neither myself or the Vice commander have any plans to force him to do so."

-What do you mean! Unit one is the strongest of all the Eva units. To not use it against the Angels is madness-

"It's true that Unit One has proven to be extremely effective against the Angels but it is also a very dangerous and unpredictable. You are, I'm sure, all aware of its history of 'berserker' episodes. Now, picture if you will, an infuriated and unwilling pilot in command of that berserker…" Several representatives visibly shivered at the vision this brought to mind.

-This is disastrous…-

-Our best hope, useless-

Fyutsuki let the maelstrom of worried and angry comments swirl for a moment, before gesturing for quiet.

"There is some good news, gentlemen. Mr. Ikari has requested a meeting with the Vice-Commander and myself in order to clarify matters. This will take place sometime later today, and hopefully will lead to a rapprochement between all concerned."

-Very well, Commander. We will await the outcome of this meeting. I pray for all our sakes that you succeed in bringing him back on board. Good day. - With this, the windows closed down. Yui severed the connection, and then swivelled around to face the Commander.

"My, aren't we dramatic today! You and I both know Shinji would never do such a thing."

"Really, Yui? Then you don't know him as well as you think. I still remember his actions following

The thirteenth…and how he fought against the fourteenth. In any event, it gives us a bit more breathing space."

"Sensei, you know how I feel…"

"Yes, I do. I also have a number of ideas that I want to run by you that might just solve our dilemma.

But I need you firmly behind me Yui. You have insight into the scrolls that is unmatched by anyone else. That, coupled with your knowledge of EVA is our best chance of coming out of this alive! Can I count on you?"

"…Yes, sensei. And, you were right, I have been hiding something" She pulled up a section of the scrolls on the monitor. "After the fourth, I began looking for some new information into how we might deal more effectively with the second series. More by chance than design, I happened on this passage." As Fyutsuki leaned closer, she activated the translator program which displayed the following:

And the deceiver will be overthrown by the mother released
The third child of destiny now an exile, five years his soul healing
Upon his return, the fallen ones' true war will begin
And the third child's choice will determine which destiny spins…

Yui turned to face Fyutsuki, a haunted look in her eyes. "Sound familiar, Sensei? Just when I thought Shinji might have a chance at a normal life, and now I find he never had any chance at all." Her voice broke, and as the Commander awkwardly tried to console her, slow tears crawled down her cheeks.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – THREAT ANALYSIS.

(It doesn't take that long to have a shoulder checked out… where the hell could they be?) Misato thought as she stared blankly at her monitor. The remaining pilots were busily discussing options and strategies regarding the Angel data they were reviewing. Patience running out, she decided it was time to move.

"Guys, I've got to leave for a while. Got something to check on. In the meantime, you keep on doing your analysis. I expect a full report and projections on what we may be facing next." She strode out into the corridor, followed by a spate of groans and protests. This was only momentary, and the pilots soon resumed their work.

"I still can't believe that you survived the attack after Unit Three got infected by the angel." Mana was referring to the battle footage from the thirteenth Angel. She had already completed the latest reports and was reviewing the field reports from the first Angel War. "I mean unit one and Shinji…"

"Yeah. It wasn't Shinji that did all that, though. Something called a dummy plug took over his Eva." Touji replied casually like the event was an everyday occurrence. "If Shinji didn't threaten to self destruct himself, I wouldn't be standing here."

"I think I read that somewhere in the report." The newest Eva pilot scanned the report. "Here it is… At the risk of losing the unit, the dummy program was deactivated. Review and disciplinary hearings will be conducted for the pilot of Unit One for his flagrant disregard for procedure and protocol." She recited.

"I own Shinji big time for taking the heat on that."

"I can see why. Speaking of which, I guess congratulations are in order! When is the blessed event taking place?" Seeing his blank look, she continued. "You know you and Hikari becoming a mom and dad…?"

Touji scowled at this. "Bad joke, rookie. I mean, come on, we're not even engaged!

"You mean…you actually don't know?"

In response to Touji's deepening frown, she backed up the disk to the point just prior to Shinji's charge against Shamshel and turned up the audio.

-No way that I'm gonna let Touji and Hikari's child grow up without a father, like I did.-

It finally all clicked into place, why Shinji had risked his life like he did. Why Hikari seemed more worried about him than usual. Touji, public opinion to the contrary was far from stupid. The dumb-jock image was a mask, his way of skimming through life while assuming as few responsibilities as possible. Now that mask had been stripped, never to return.

"Oh-my-dear-god…" With a stricken look on his face, Touji ran out of the room. A mortified Mana laid her head in her arms. (Nice going, Mana…open mouth, insert foot…!)

TOKYO THREE – CAFÉ.

Rather than taking her back to the NERV cafeteria, Shinji instead led Asuka to a nearby café that he knew served western dishes in addition to the traditional Japanese breakfast. Asuka was paying scant attention to the menu, trying to work up enough courage to express her feelings to him. So far, she was failing miserably.

(Come on, Asuka! He's sitting right in front of you. You can do this! Target centre, pull the switch. Easy, right? RIGHT!)

"… Want anything?" Shinji's voice disrupted her internal debate.

"Huh? Sorry, what'd you say?"

"I said do you want to order anything?" Shinji's head motioned towards the waitress waiting patiently for Asuka's order.

"Oh… some miso soup is fine." They both handed back the menu to the waitress and she went away.

"Only soup? I thought for sure that you'd order sausage and eggs. You can get something else if you'd like. It's my treat." He said with a smile, pulling some notes from his top pocket.

(Wow! That smile should be classed as a lethal weapon! Damn better say something so he doesn't suspect) "I'm not all that hungry. Where did you get all the money?"

"Oh, mom gave it to me. She wants to take me clothes shopping since my old ones got shredded and my bag got lost."

"Well, I'm glad you're going. I remember that all you ever wore was that crummy school uniform. Wearing the same thing each day may have been good enough for Einstein, but that won't cut it with me! Fashion wise, you are in desperate need of a makeover!"

He shrugged. "It's never really been a big deal for me. If it fits and I don't stick out like a sore thumb, that's good enough."

"Well that settles it!"

"Settles what?"

"Well duh, genius, I'm coming with you! You need all the help you can get! And if there's anything left over, you can have the privilege of buying something for a beautiful girl!"

"O.k.…Is she anyone I know?" came the arch reply, which earned him a playful punch on the arm, followed by a mock growl. "Watch it Ikari, or next time I won't be so gentle!" Abruptly, her mood changed, and so did the subject.

"You know this is probably the first time the both of us have had a serious conversation."

"What do you mean?" Shinji asked.

Asuka waited as the waitress placed a bowl of miso soup in front of each of them. "We never really got to talk properly back then…" Thoughts of how Asuka used to treat Shinji during the first Angel war came flooding back, along with waves of guilt and shame.

"Yeah… I guess." Shinji said before taking a sip from his miso soup but he underestimated how hot it was and consequently spat some down his chin.

"Shit! Are you alright Shinji?" Asuka grabbed her napkin and began wiping his chin, only to freeze when he reached up and gently grasped her wrist

"I'm fine. Just a little too… hot?" She had stopped wiping his chin but her hand remained against his stubble, slowly stroking it with her fingertips.

"Um… Asuka?" Shinji, although enjoying the sensation immensely was still embarrassed by this public display. "Asuka? What are you doing?"

"You've changed so much. I can't believe that you're the same Shinji that I knew. Back then, I could never imagine you ever needing to shave." Asuka placed one elbow on the table and stared him straight in the eyes (but are you still the same Shinji that I want to know?)

"People change, Asuka. I have…and so have you."

"What's changed about me?" she asked, putting him on the spot.

"Well… Ah… let's see. You've gotten taller and you have let your hair grown out." He gulped, realizing that the other changes he was thinking about might result in severe pain, not to mention attempted homicide by Asuka.

"That's just natural. What else?" She remained propped up by her elbow.

"… I'm not sure that I how I could put this…"

"Just say it Shinji"

(Here goes nothing…) "You've grown into a stunningly beautiful woman." Shinji closed his eyes and braced himself for an onslaught but it never came. When he opened one eye to peak a look, Asuka had remained in same position with large blush across her face (When did Asuka blush?)

"Do you really think I'm beautiful Shinji?"

"I do…and always have." He replied, relaxing a bit

"Thank you Shinji. You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself." She finished with a sexy wink (I never thought I would be acting like this, much less flirting with Shinji… I can't believe how fun it is!)

Shinji breathed a sigh of relief. "The old Asuka would have smacked me silly if I said something like that. I was actually half expecting it."

Asuka's smile disappeared and was replaced by a disheartened look. "There are a lot of things I did to you and others in the past that I'm not proud of. I had a lot of issues back then and it took a long time to get over them."

Shinji listened with rapt attention, and some amazement.

She continued. "When you went away, well, it hurt. A lot. It showed me that I was the baka for not allowing myself to realise how I really felt about you."

"Asuka…"

"Please Shinji let me finish… I guess that I'm asking for a second chance, to make thing right between us. To become friends, and maybe see if it can become something more. I'll understand if you don't want anything to do with me; hell, if I were in your place, I wouldn't want anything to do with me either. Just…please let me try again."

Shinji didn't know what to say. He never imagined Asuka openly expressing her feelings to him. All he could do was sit there in stunned silence. Asuka misunderstood this, and thought that she had been rejected.

(I knew this would happen… He'll never return this feeling I have inside but what did I expect? Part of me wishes he would but I guess I was just lying to myself.) Asuka let a lone tear fall and run down the side of her cheek. It took all her strength to stop herself from crying but it was to no avail. Just as the floodgates were about to open, she felt a gentle finger wipe away the tear. She looked up to meet Shinji's warm gaze.

"Asuka… I think I'd like that. I'd like that very much." A simple statement, but one that left Asuka feeling almost giddy.

"So… you forgive me?" she asked almost pleading.

"There's nothing to forgive. All of us were place in difficult situation back then and we dealt with it as best as we could. All we were doing was trying to survive. Now, come on and drink your soup before it gets cold." The soup went flying off the table a second later as Asuka pulled him into a bear hug of Misato-like proportions.

"Thank you Shinji." She said into his chest, ignoring the outraged stares from other patrons at this blatant display of public affection. Shinji, after the initial shock wore off, returned the embrace. Things might have progressed further, but an all-too-familiar voice rasped across their nerves like nails on a blackboard.

"What is going here!" Misato asked, well more like demanded. "You were supposed to return after taking Shinji to see the doctor and instead I find you practically trying to seduce him!"

"Jealous, Misato? Or are you afraid that I won't share?" Asuka shot back, seeing Misato grit her teeth as the barb sank home. The war of words might have escalated if the ringing of Misato's phone hadn't intruded.

"Katsuragi here. What! When?" The worried expression on Misato's face killed any further argument. "I want him found, and fast! Notify me as soon as you do!"

"We've got to get back to HQ, fast!" The strain was evident in Misato's voice. Her response to Asuka and Shinji silent question came quickly. "It's Touji. He's disappeared!"

PACIFIC OCEAN – 15 MILES OFF EAST COAST OF JAPAN

"Sir! I have contact. Bearing east, south-east. Approximately twenty three miles away." The sonar officer alerted.

"Is it the Sayokazai? Have they spotted us yet?" The naval captain asked. The JSSDF were currently conducting training exercises in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan. The return of the Angels had prompted Japan's military to take steps to better prepare themselves, shattering their comfortable illusion of invincibility.

"No sir. It's outside the designated exercise area."

"Attempt to make radio contact with the vessel. Alert them that this area is restricted due to training exercises and their presence will put themselves in harm's way." The radio operator proceeded to try to make contact as so ordered.

"Sir! Second contact confirmed. This one is trailing the first."

"Radio, have you make contact yet?" the captain asked.

"No sir. No response. The Sayokazai has contacted us and wants to know what we intend to do." Radio reported.

"Tell the Sayokazai that the exercise is cancelled and to head to the following coordinates." The captain left his chair and walked over to the chart. He picked up and marker and circled the coordinates. "Alert command at Sendai and Yokohama harbour that we have a situation. Continue to try and raise the contacts. In the meantime, let's see what kind of intel we can get."

"Yes, sir." The crew sprang to their stations in answer to the captain's orders.

"Sir… Do you think that it could be Angels?" A petty officer asked the captain.

"I'm not sure, son. Let's hope like hell it's not!"

END OF CHAPTER 15

AUTHOR'S NOTES

I apologize for the delay in chapter update. You know how things are over the festive season. It took a while for me to get the creative juices flowing again and the fingers typing.

And an extra round of applause to Nategold who put in the hard yards proof reading this chapter.