Man, how long has it been? Well anyway, sorry to keep you all waiting. I feel like a real jerk. Anyway...

Shinji sighed deeply, looking through the Batcomputer's files. While Rei and Maya had been doing a good job while he'd been... Away, the identity of this 'substitute' Batman had eluded them. Shinji narrowed his eyes at the reports they had logged, and considered the matter thoughtfully.

He's good... Able to defeat Rei in hand-to-hand combat. But there's something missing here... Shinji scrolled to a peculiar part of the log she'd written about her encounter with the fake Batman. It was subtle, but it seemed as though she'd left something out...

He shook his head. She'd left out her feelings about the imposter. Every fight, every battle, every log-She'd typed in her emotionsand impressions with incredible diligence. Just as he did, and Maya did. He scowled... Before throwing a batarang over his shoulder. He turned in his chair and saw Batman, clutching his arm where the batarang had plunged into his flesh. Despite the wound, the imposter smiled.

"Back at work, I see," the Batman observed. Shinji lunged with blinding speed, throwing three punches (which the imposter easily blocked) before executing a roundhouse kick at the imposter's right leg, sending him crashing to the cave floor. The imposter looked up quizzically, before looking down. He then nodded thoughtfully.

"Ah, yes... You'll be wanting the costume back?" Shinji grabbed the fake Batman by the front of his costume and shoved him roughly up against the nearest wall, snarling in his face.

"Who are you? What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Covering for you,"the other Batmananswered calmly. "If Ikari had connected your disappearance with Batman's, things would have become very... Complicated." Shinji ripped off the imposter's mask, and froze. The albino boy smirked at him.

"Hello Shinji."

"... Kaoru?"

"So you know who I am?" The boy asked. Shinji narrowed his eyes.

"After a fashion... You're the Fifth Child. New Evangelion pilot." Shinji shook his head. "You're not supposed to be here for another couple of months. Unit 05 isn't finished yet."

"Well, I decided to come early after a... Mutual friend of ours contacted me," Kaoru explained, still perfectly relaxed. "Mana Kirishima. Her connections permitted her access to my training program... And she felt that I would be the best choice for a substitute."

"She what?" Shinji growled. Kaoru shrugged as best he could.

"Do you recall your mission to infiltrate the UN nine months ago?" Shinji frowned.

"Yes..."

"You prevented a shipment of various banned genetic and biological weapons from reaching SEELE," Kaoru continued. "Among those various items was a genetic enhancement drug... Designed for the specific purpose of removing certain aspects of a human brain. To suppress emotions such as guilt, doubt, sorrow..." Kaoru looked steadily at Shinji. "That drug was meant for me. So I would have no doubt in my mission... To initiate Third Impact."

Kaoru observed that Shinji was not the least bit surprised. He is better than I had ever imagined...

"I know. SEELE and Rokubungi are battling it out, trying to start Third Impact before the other," Shinji stated flatly. "So why shouldn't I kill you right now? You're an Angel. Even if you have a conscience, you're still a threat."

"An Angel Hybrid, to be precise," Kaoru replied. "As is my sister, Rei." Kaoru felt intense agony in his jaw, and tasted blood. Shinji had stuck him across the face so quickly he hadn't even seen it.

"Liar." Shinji snarled, cold fury in his gaze. Kaoru allowed himself a mental smile. He does love her.

"No. I am afraid not," Kaoru replied evenly. "She has not told you out of fear. Fear that you would reject her." Shinji just stood there, glaring hatefully into Kaoru's serene face... Before Shinji dropped him roughly on the floor and turned away.

"Get rid of that suit and burn it. I've put together a new one anyway." Shinji turned to Kaoru, and shook his head.

"What about the other Angels?"

"They're still coming," Kaoru said quietly. He looked up at Shinji. "However... You, Shinji, have changed the scenario considerably." He smirked in bemusement. "Your fight against evil... Without looking for any kind of gain... Only to redeem yourself, and perhaps, this city, from the desolation within it." The Angel crossed his arms over his lap, looking at Shinji intensely.

"You offer something new... Something more for your race. A future..." Shinji frowned, before turning and stalking into the costume vault.

"I didn't get into this for gratitude... Or to save the world," Shinji growled, loud enough for the Angel hybrid to hear him. "I want justice... For my aunt. My uncle. My mother..." The young man's teeth audibly ground together.

"All victims. Victims of crime." Kaoru raised an eyebrow as Shinji-No... Batman emerged, his opaque-lensed eyes narrowed. The costume was all black, and unlike the one Kaoru wore, bore no relation to the Evangelions. It was thick but smooth, resembling a knit rubber. A black bodysuit, with a simple red bat symbol on the chest, above a smaller, more elegant utility belt. The cape was connected to his shoulders and ran like a long cloak over him, or perhaps folded wings. And the cowl bore shorter, but no less intimidating ears.

Kaoru rose, and quickly removed the armor and costume, leaving him in boxers and undershirt. He laid the old costume down before Shinji. The symbology of the act, ceding the mask, the persona... The city, back to it's rightful guardian. Kaoru could not help but smile as Batman's stance changed. No less intimidating, but somehow... Stronger. Intimidation without simple theatrics. Instead of mere fear, Shinji could inspire awe.

"The city is yours again, Dark Knight," Kaoru intoned, still smiling, but in a respectful fashion. Batman nodded, then smirked, his lower face visible as in the previous cowl.

"Not yet. But it will be..."

Don't worry. More to come! R&R!