Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy – Episode V: SEELE Strikes Back

by DarkBluePhoenix

SEELE makes plans to take down Gendo and NERV, Shinji finds out some stuff about himself, and the one he loves, Mari is struggling with the truth of her new life and protecting someone she cares about, Rei fights for her individuality, and Asuka needs to make some hard choices or be left a shell of the person she once was. Oh, and of course, it's an Angeru!

7. Chapter 7 – Dog Day Afternoon

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy
Episode V: SEELE Strikes Back

---

Chapter 7 – Dog Day Afternoon; Bardiel Infests
July 18, 2016 – Tokyo–3 Junior High School, Class 2–A

Another boring day, another shitty lecture from Nebukawa no Sensei. The class was half dead, or otherwise visibly napping on their desks, including the usually attentive Hikari. Rei was even almost asleep. Thankfully it was almost time for the bell to ring.

Ding dong ding ding… ding dong ding ding

"Rise… Bow… Sit!" Hikari called out.

"Finally, time for lunch!" Toji said happily.

"Hey, easy there big guy." Asuka said. "You'll eat yourself to death."

"No, he has an iron stomach." Hikari said. "Here's your lunch, hungry man."

"Thanks, Hikari." Toji said. "Have I ever told you you're the best?"

"Once or twice." Hikari said playfully.

"Oh, lord, we all know you two are dating, just kiss already." Asuka said.

"How do you know?" Toji asked.

"We saw you guys kiss the other day…" Mari purred.

"MARI!" Hikari shouted.

"What did I say?" Mari asked.

"Mari… come on." Shinji said. "You're embarrassing them. Clearly they want to keep things quiet. Give them that at least."

"Fine, puppy…" Mari sighed. "You ruin all the fun."

"No, I just try to keep you in line." Shinji joked.

"Well, maybe I'll buy you a leash so you can keep her in line better…" Asuka joked.

"Oh, can I have a studded collar?" Mari asked.

"Why… do you want a studded collar?" Kensuke asked.

"I don't know, maybe it'll look badass!" Mari said.

"You're weird, four eyes…" Asuka said. "Maybe we should just buy you a muzzle instead. That way you can't annoy us."

"Kinky princess." Mari purred. "Would you treat all your lovers to that kind of restraint?"

"What the hell are you implying?" Asuka asked.

"Oh… I think I know…" Hikari said. "Bondage…"

Asuka and everyone else went slack jawed, and Toji almost fell over. "What now?" Kensuke asked.

"No you're… wait you're right…" Mari stared at her. "Something you want to tell us, freckles? Do you have a dark side?"

"No!" Hikari said. "What are you implying?!"

"Oh… nothing." Mari said. "I never imply anything, freckles, my strategy is to simply let your mind make the connections itself. Any dirty shit you think of is on you."

"I do not have a dirty mind!" Hikari said indignantly.

"Well, you did say the word bondage." Mari said.

"What is bondage?" Rei asked.

"Mari, this is on you to answer." Shinji said.

"I don't think I can answer this here?" Mari said. "Even for me… it's inappropriate."

"Well, we finally found your lie, eh, four eyes?" Asuka asked.

"Shut up, princess." Mari said.

"Why can you not answer the question?" Rei asked.

"Rei, trust me." Mari said. "It's not a conversation for school."

"Oh, so it is of a sexual nature." Rei replied.

"Oh, blueberry, you're so adorable." Mari said.

"You guys are odd." Toji said.

"Yeah, well, you know what's odd?" Kensuke asked.

"What?" Asuka said.

"That Sakura's been moved out of the ICU to some other place." Kensuke said. "Is she ok? I mean, you haven't been around lately to ask though. Where have you been?"

"Well, Sakura's been moved somewhere else… I'm the only one allowed to see her. Some stupid doctor mumbo–jumbo." Toji fibbed. "I don't get it, but they say to just be quiet and be happy she's getting better."

"So, you've been with your sister then?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah, she's not happy about the arrangement either…" Toji said. "She does wish she can see you guys though."

"Well, we miss her." Hikari said.

"Yeah, just tell her we say hello." Kensuke said.

"I will when I see her today." Toji said.

"What are you doing after that?" Mari asked

"Oh, nothing at all." Toji said. "I'm staying with her the whole night… she gets lonely now without anyone else…"

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah… maybe let me copy your homework every now and again." Toji said. "Being with her doesn't leave a lot time for actual work."

"Toji… you can copy my homework." Hikari said. "Don't worry about it."

"Thanks guys…" Toji said.

"No problem, Toji." Mari said. "We're all here to help you… that's what friends are for."

"Even if some of those friends are annoying people with giant tits."

"So glad you measure me up, princess…" Mari purred. "It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing you like checking me out…"

"Oh, shut up four eyes." Asuka said.

"I don't think I want to." Mari said. "I'm having too much fun messing with you."

"Will you both shut up and eat the lunches I packed for you?" Shinji asked. "You're giving me a migraine."

Mari kissed Shinji's cheek. "Sorry puppy, I'll stop bothering the princess."

"Yeah, baka, I'll leave her alone too…" Asuka said sullenly.

"Good." Shinji replied. "Now we can all eat without you two threatening to kill each other at some point."

–––

Ritsuko and Gendo were in a small manufacturing facility inside of NERV. Suspended above them were five black Entry Plugs with neon green ends and different colored woven patterns on the main body. The colors of the different patterns were red, blue, purple, silver and white. Each Entry Plug was labeled "DMYSYS–REI" in the same neon green color.

"How is the Dummy System coming along, Dr. Akagi?" Gendo asked.

"The system is complete, but there are… complications." Ritsuko replied.

"What complications?" Gendo asked.

"Well, they system may be complete but it has a lot of bugs and glitches." Ritsuko said. "Even though we based it on Rei's mind and soul, it is impossible to perfectly copy any soul or brain pattern, there are nuances that get missed. So, using the system only accesses the most basic and primal human instincts, basically the drive to survive by any means necessary and the primal urge to kill. IT is not anywhere near human, and I would not recommend using it, or installing it."

"Considering what happened against Leliel, this system will need to be installed in all our current Evangelions, leaving out Unit–03 until it has completed its activation test." Gendo said. "So, take these Entry Plugs and switch them out with the current systems. I always like to have a backup plan in place in case the pilots stray from their orders."

"Sir, I do not think these systems should exist." Ritsuko said. "They would cause more problems than a problematic pilot ever would."

"Just carry out my orders, Dr. Akagi." Gendo said. "Unless you want your suspension reinstated immediately."

"I will switch out the current Entry Plugs with the Dummy Plugs right away, Commander." Ritsuko said.

"Good, I expect them installed by tomorrow." Gendo said.

"Is there anything else, sir?" Ritsuko asked.

"How is the Fourth Child doing?" Gendo replied. "Has he progressed at all?"

"Well, his progress has been steady the last few weeks." Ritsuko said. "He should be ready for the activation test at the end of next week."

"Has Unit–03 arrived yet?" Gendo asked. "In their haste to get the Evangelion out of the country, the United States seem to have rushed things a bit."

"I believe Unit–03 is encountering a layover in Germany until a storm dissipates."

"Where is it begin stored?" Gendo asked.

"Berlin, they have Evangelion facilities, the same ones where Unit–02 was constructed, so it was the likely choice." Ritsuko said.

Gendo stared at her. "When Unit–03 gets here, go over ever part of it with a fine tooth comb, to make sure it truly is ready for activation."

"Understood, Commander." Ritsuko said. "Do you have any specific concerns?"

"No, just a feeling that things may not go as planned…" Gendo said.

---

July 21, 2016 – NERV HQ

Misato walked into Ritsuko's office. She was looking for answers about who would be piloting Unit–03 when it arrived, and seeing as Ritsuko had been avoiding her, Misato had decided it was time for a more direct approach.

"So, this is where you've been sulking." Misato said.

"I don't know what you mean, Misato." Ritsuko said.

"Cut the shit, Ritsuko, you've been staying in your office, avoiding human contact since your suspension was lifted." Misato spat. "Are you afraid of facing everyone who hates you for what you tried to do?"

"I don't really see a need for human contact if I can avoid it." Ritsuko said. "I never have really liked being around people."

"Well, good for you, the little shut in." Misato quipped. "You can't tell Shinji to not run away, then become a hypocritical bitch and do the exact same fucking thing."

"Other than coming here to yell at me, is there something more work related you need to discuss?" Ritsuko asked.

"I'll get to that once I finish yelling at you." Misato spat. "Stop running away from the consequences of your actions and hiding away down here. You're just a pathetic, unhappy person who doesn't deserve to be happy, and now I know why you tried so hard to get me and Kaji to break up…"

"Excuse me?" Ritsuko asked. 'How the hell did she figure that out…' Ritsuko thought.

"I'm not as stupid as you think, Ritsuko." Misato said. "When I started talking to Kaji again, I put a few things together… and what you did was pretty fucking awful."

"So what, I didn't think you deserved to be happy either!" Ritsuko shouted. "You were a spoiled brat who complained about seeing one of the greatest scientific research expeditions of all time up close!"

"That expedition nearly ended the fucking world!" Misato shouted. "It almost killed me, and it killed my father right after he promised to be the father I never had!"

"At least you knew who your fucking father was!" Ritsuko shouted back. "My fucking whore of a mother banged anything with a pulse, and the man that pumped me into her didn't even want me! So don't fucking whine to me about your father, at least he fucking tried to make amends!"

"Stop using your shitty family as a crutch to be a fucking cunt!" Misato shouted. "Using that as an excuse for being like that just makes you a weak person! Grow from your experiences, don't wallow in them!"

"Why shouldn't I? They're all I have!" Ritsuko shouted back.

"Of course they're all you have left, you've pushed away anyone who might have cared about you with your ignorance and hatred!" Misato shouted.

Ritsuko stared at her in disbelief. 'How is it my fault? People are the ones who are the problem.' Ritsuko sighed. "What the hell you mean."

"Oh, come on, you're smart, you should be able to figure it out yourself." Misato said. "Or, at least that's what you've been telling everyone all these years."

"Whatever, Misato. I know I'm smarter than you are, so I really don't need to prove myself to you." Ritsuko said snarkily. "So, what did you come down here for?"

"To ask about the new pilot. Has one been selected yet? I haven't gotten a thing from the Marduk Institute yet, and considering that Unit–03 is arriving soon, I need to know who's been selected so I can brief them."

"That won't be necessary, Misato." Ritsuko said. "A pilot was selected several weeks ago and read into the program, and has been undergoing sync tests since his selection. The activation test has been set for the 29th, at the Matsushiro."

"Ritsuko, I don't care about the activation test right now." Misato said. "Just tell me who the hell was selected?"

"Well, it was going to be circulated later this week to the senior staff, but you may as well know now." Ritsuko said. "But under no circumstances are you to inform any of the other pilots, is that understood? They will be told after the activation test."

"Yeah, I won't tell them, just tell me who the hell it is." Misato said. "Or are you hiding more shit from us all?"

"What is there to hide from you, Lieutenant Colonel…" Ritsuko muttered.

"Well, whatever…" Misato said. "Who did they choose?"

"They chose him." Ritsuko said as she pulled up Toji's file on her computer and moved so Misato could see it clearly.

Misato went slack jawed when she saw Toji's file on the screen. "Not him…" Misato mumbled. "Not him of all people… Shinji will be beside himself."

"I do not believe the Marduk Institute cars about the reactions of the other pilots." Ritsuko said. "He has been selected, and that is final."

"So when are all the pilots being told?" Misato asked. "Because somehow I don't think this is something that should be kept secret."

"Like I said before, after the activation test on the 29th." Ritsuko replied.

"Great… I need to hide this from him until then…" Misato muttered.

–––

Asuka strolled into Kaji's office. She was bored after her sync test, and instead of waiting for Shinji to finish changing, and listening to Mari try to annoy you, she decided to go see how Kaji was doing. Asuka walked proudly into his office and threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.

"Hello Kaji!" Asuka said happily. "How are you today?"

"Oh, well, long time, no see, Asuka." Kaji said. "I thought you had forgotten about me."

"No, I didn't forget." Asuka said.

Kaji spun around in his chair. "So, what brings you to my humble office, Asuka?"

"Well… I was getting annoyed by waiting for Shinji, and Mari was getting on my nerves, so I came down here." Asuka said.

"Asuka, you have a better reason for coming down here than that." Kaji said. "You're friends with Mari, and you always wait for Shinji outside the locker room. So, what's up?"

"I need some advice… on boys." Asuka said.

"What do you need to know, Asuka?" Kaji asked.

"Well… I like someone, and I need to know how to ask them out." Asuka said. "I mean, is it even appropriate for the girl to ask the boy out? Isn't that a man's job?"

"So… you like Shinji, eh?" Kaji asked.

"What… I'm not telling you who I like!" Asuka said.

"Asuka, the way you reacted to his being absorbed by the Twelfth Angel, it's the only obvious conclusion I can come to." Kaji said.

"Wow… I didn't know it was that obvious…" Asuka said.

"It's ok to like him, Asuka." Kaji said. "You're allowed to fall for the quiet boys you know. It's not a crime."

"It's not that, I'm just nervous about asking him out… I don't think… I don't think I should ask him out… he might say no."

"Asuka, it's ok to ask the boy out, and I really doubt Shinji would say no if you asked." Kaji said. "There isn't anything wrong with taking the first step. I mean, Shinji is a shy boy, so you making the first move might be for the best."

"But why is he so dense?" Asuka asked.

"Well, I think it has to do with his childhood." Kaji said. "It was probably on par with yours, different obviously, but still pretty shitty. So he withdrew into himself. So maybe he'll open up a bit if you ask him out. He's just protecting himself like you protect yourself Asuka. You two are actually a lot alike."

"No we're not, he's an idiot, and I'm brilliant." Asuka said.

"Asuka, you know as well as I do you're a shy girl." Kaji said. "You hate being around people, but something about Shinji brings out the best in people. That's his gift… besides being one lucky son of a bitch, he's a truly kind person who makes people feel special. Your gift is to bring out the best qualities in him, Asuka. He seems so much more alive when you're near him. And when you two are together, you're unstoppable. Look at the Seventh Angel. You killed it together, after only a week of practice. Together you two would be a cute couple, and a pair of formidable teen warriors."

"Really?" Asuka asked. "You think I make him a better person?"

"I know you do Asuka." Kaji said. "So don't worry so much about asking him out. When it happens, it happens."

"Alright…" Asuka moved forward and hugged Kaji. "Thanks… for everything Kaji."

"No problem, kiddo." Kaji said.

"Hey, are these out updated sync scores?!" Asuka said happily. "How did I do?"

Kaji tensed up and remembered which sync results he had open… the one with five results. "Oh, you did great, as always."

"Wait, why are there five scores on here…" Asuka said. "We only have four…" Asuka looked and realized there was a Fourth Child listed by the name of Toji Suzuhara. "Why… why is that moron listed on the sync score chart, Kaji?"

"Asuka…" Kaji said. "It's a bit complicated."

"No, he can't pilot… he just can't" Asuka said. "I mean, he's my best friend's boyfriend… he can't be in danger like that… how do I tell her? How do I tell Shinji?"

"Asuka… you need to relax." Kaji said.

"No, I can't!" Asuka said. "I can't tell them that he's taking the risk to be an Evangelion pilot! Hikari would be beside herself, and Shinji would be a wreck too! I shouldn't know this secret!"

"Asuka… I'm not allowed to tell him on Dr. Akagi's orders, and you aren't allowed to know either." Kaji said. "But you should know. Your friend is going to be in the same danger the rest of you are, and it's not fair. You need to tell Shinji."

"I can't tell Shinji, it would probably kill him!"

"Asuka, he needs to know, and this isn't something you can hide from him." Kaji said. "It's a dirty business, but if you love him, you'll tell him."

"Don't use that line on me, pal!" Asuka said angrily. "I do love him, and I know him not knowing until he absolutely needs to is what's best for him."

"Whatever you say, Asuka." Kaji said.

"Kaji, just let me handle it the way I want. I'm a big girl, and I think I know what's best for baka Shinji." Asuka said. "Besides, I don't want to see him cry if I tell him."

"Why do think he's going to cry?" Kaji asked.

Asuka blushed. "Because he's an emotional person… which is… nice."

However, before Kaji could respond, he was interrupted by Shinji.

"Oh, here you are, Asuka, I thought I that was your voice. Heya Kaji." Shinji said as he walked in. "I figured you'd come here. Why did you disappear on me?"

"Hey kiddo." Kaji said.

"Oh, I got tired of waiting for you and listening to Mari drone on." Asuka said. "Speaking of… where is the four eyed nuisance?"

"She went to see if you were in Misato's office." Shinji sighed and rolled his eyes. "She told me to check and see if you were with your first love."

"Well, here I am." Asuka said.

"Yeah, she came to see if I was lonely, which was nice of her." Kaji smiled.

"So, you ready to go, Asuka?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah, I'm hungry, and you promised me a lot of sausage for dinner." Asuka said.

"Asuka, you shouldn't talk like that in front of people." Kaji joked.

"What are you talking about?" Asuka said.

"Your phrasing implies so much more than what you meant." Kaji said.

"What do you… oh you're a being a pervert!" Asuka shouted.

"Well, Asuka, with any language, you can choose your words more carefully." Kaji said.

"Oh, fine, you got me, Kaji. I should have chosen my words more carefully." Asuka said. "Come on, Shinji, let's go home so you can make me dinner."

"Sure… but what are you guys looking at?" Shinji asked.

"Oh, it's just our sync scores, baka." Asuka said. "You're still in the lead, so nothing really to worry about. Let's go already."

"Ok…" Shinji said. "Well, let's go find Mari and go home. Bye Kaji."

"Bye, Kaji." Asuka said.

"Have a nice dinner you two." Kaji said. "And, Asuka, don't forget what I told you."

"I won't, but I'm sticking to what I said." Asuka said.

---

July 23, 2016 – Comfort 17 Apartments

Asuka was sitting nervously in her room. She had been laying down and avoiding her roommates since finding out about Toji two days before. Mari came into the room and stared at her without Asuka noticing, so to get Asuka out of her unusual silence, Mari did what she did best, she decided to bother Asuka.

"Hey there sunshine." Mari said happily. "Why so quiet?"

"Is Shinji home?" Asuka asked.

"No, he went out." Mari replied.

"Where did he go?" Asuka asked.

"Oh, he's going out to plow some hookers and do some blow." Mari rolled her eyes. "Where do you think he went?"

"I was only asking to figure out how long he'd be gone, dummkopf." Asuka said.

"He's at the store buying us food so we don't starve, princess. Where else would he be?" Mari said. "Now, what's so important you need to tell me that requires Shinji to be out of the house? Is this going to be a request for more kissing practice?"

"No, Mari… this is serious." Asuka said.

"Ok, what happened?" Mari asked.

Asuka sat up and looked at Mari and sighed. "You've heard they're shipping another Evangelion here, right?" Asuka asked.

"Yeah, I heard the rumors…. I assume one of us is going to pilot it or something." Mari said. "Is that a problem for you?"

"No… none of us are piloting it." Asuka said. "I found this out by accident the other day who the new pilot is… its Toji… Toji's the new pilot, the Fourth Child…"

"No fucking way!" Mari shouted. "He can't pilot, it's too dangerous! We shouldn't even be piloting these things!"

"Well, it's not a joke… he has a sync score and everything." Asuka said. "He's going to be activating that Evangelion when it gets here."

Mari sighed. "Well this news is about as much fun as a sandpaper dildo." Mari stared at Asuka. "Why did you tell me? I don't like lying to Shinji about stuff."

"I needed your advice." Asuka said. "I don't think we can tell Shinji… I think he would be… well… devastated I guess."

"You're probably right, princes…" Mari said. "I don't have it in me to break his big gushy heart. Toji's smart though…. he'll break the news to Shinji himself. He's too honorable not to. That and he'll ask Shinji for advice."

"I hope so…" Asuka said. "I just hope nothing happens to that big idiot…" Asuka sighed. "I'd hate to see Hikari cry about him getting hurt or…"

"Dying." Mari finished.

"Yeah… that." Asuka said. "So, what do you think?"

"I'll keep it quiet…" Mari sighed. "I won't like it, but it's for Shinji's sake."

"Yeah, it's for Shinji…" Asuka replied sullenly.

–––

Toji walked up to the roof before school. He was trying to relax and compose himself before class started, as the weight of his secret was crushing him, inside and out. Rei had followed him up there out of concern, seeing as Hikari was too busy to notice he had slipped out quietly.

"Toji, are you ok?" Rei asked.

"Oh… hey there blue." Toji said. "Didn't hear you come up."

"Shinji has told me I walk like a ghost… I do not fully understand what he means." Rei said. "But I always assumed it had to do with how silently I can move."

"Yeah, well, some people would kill for that particular skill." Toji said.

"Yes, but you are avoiding my original question, Fourth Child." Rei said. "Are you ok?"

"Oh… you know." Toji said. "And no… I'm not really alright."

"Yes, I overheard Commander Ikari last night about Unit–03 and its new pilot." Rei said. "I can understand if you are you worried, but we will all be there to protect you."

"I know that… but I don't know how to tell people." Toji said. "I know Kensuke will be fucking pissed, and Hikari will be worried about me… and Shinji… I know he hates piloting that thing, he'll probably be even more worried than Hikari…"

"The only advice I can give you is regarding Shinji." Rei said. "Simply tell him outright, the sooner the better. He will understand. He is a good person."

"So… just tell him…" Toji said.

"Yes." Rei said. "I do not know what else I can tell you."

"Does it hurt?" Toji asked. "Piloting I mean."

"Only in combat." Rei said. "You feel what the Evangelion feels. You are connected to it physically and spiritually… it becomes an extension of your body… and your mind." Rei smiled. "Does that help?"

"Yeah a bit…" Toji said.

Rei moved forward and awkwardly hugged Toji. "I have been told by Mari that hugs are meant to make people feel better." Rei said. "Does this make it a little better?"

Toji smirked. "Yeah… it helps a bit Rei… thanks."

"You are welcome." Rei said.

"Can you do me a favor though?" Toji asked.

"I believe so." Rei said.

"Can you keep my secret for me?" Toji said. "From what that bitch Akagi tells me, this is supposed to be kept secret until after the… uh…"

"Activation test." Rei said.

"Yeah, that thingy." Toji said.

"Yes, I can keep your secret, Toji." Rei said. "I will act as if this conversation never happened. And if asked I will deny all knowledge of this."

Toji chuckled. "Thanks Rei." Toji said. "You're a good friend."

Ding dong ding ding… ding dong ding ding

"I am aware of that… but I believe that was the warning bell, which means it is time to get to class. We do not wish to incur the wrath of your girlfriend."

"Nah, I want to stay on her good side…" Toji said. "Let's go before the final bell rings."

–––

Misato and Kaji were out driving. Misato had suggested she drive, but Kaji said he's rather drive her in his car because of her penchant for recklessly endangering all those around her when she got behind the wheel. Misato relented, and they were in Kaji's Ferrari driving around Tokyo–3 like two bored teenagers. The hard top was up, and Misato decided to ask Kaji a few questions.

"Ok, do you know why Marduk picked Toji?" Misato asked.

"Marduk doesn't pick anyone." Kaji replied.

"What do you mean?" Misato asked.

"The reputable and highly regarded Marduk Institute, who is entrusted by the U.N. and NERV to solely choose Evangelions pilots is a dummy company made up by 108 front companies, all lead by the same board of directors, including our esteemed friend, Ritsuko Akagi, Commander Ikari, and Sub–Commander Fuyutsuki." Kaji explained. "Commander Ikari or Ritsuko choose the pilots and then make it look as though Marduk did it all. That's how Shinji was chosen, Ikari pulled the marionette strings and put his son in the line of fire by placing him into Unit–01."

"But there must be a pool of candidates they select from." Misato said.

"Yes, yes there is…" Kaji said. "Next time you're in the secure system, check up on Code 707, you might find some interesting shit in there."

"Wait, Shinji's class?" Misato said. "No… that can't be…"

"Yep… it involves the Tokyo–3 First Municipal Junior High School, Class 2–A." Kaji sighed. "Shinji's entire class is comprised of all current pilots and the remainder are 4th level pilot candidates… the most likely children to be Evangelion pilots all in one place." Kaji explained. "I don't like coincidences… and this is one hell of a coincidence… something I don't like. But I still don't know how they choose candidates."

"Yeah, you're telling me." Misato said.

"Well, for now, keep the Toji thing quiet… we need to not draw attention to ourselves." Kaji said. "I'll keep looking for answers, you just do your job and keep those kids safe."

"Yeah, don't worry, I'd die to protect my children." Misato said.

"Your children huh?" Kaji asked.

"Yeah… I consider the all to be my kids… it's not like they have parents that care for them." Misato explained. "I'm just glad I can help them out a bit to be honest."

"Wow, Misato… look at you… the protective mother." Kaji said proudly.

"Maybe someday we can have kids of our own… together…" Misato said quietly.

"I'd like that." Kaji said as he drove on.

---

July 25, 2016 – Tokyo–3 Junior High School

Kensuke was following Shinji home from school. He didn't have anything to do with Hikari, Mari, Rei and Asuka were going to do a bit of shopping before they went to the apartment, and Toji was off with his sister, Kensuke thought it was time to ask Shinji for a big favor.

"Hey, Shinji, I got my hands on some sweet intel." Kensuke said.

"I thought I told you not to do that anymore." Shinji said.

"Yeah, well I'm not very good at listening." Kensuke said. "So, you want to hear it?"

"Why not…" Shinji said.

"Did you know an entire NERV Branch disappeared, over in in the United States?" Kensuke asked.

"No…" Shinji said. "I don't really listen to the idle chitchat while I'm there."

"Well, the 2nd Branch on the West Coast of the U.S. just disappeared off the face of the planet." Kensuke explained. "Some sort of black field swallowed the place up…"

"A Dirac Sea…" Shinji muttered.

"Yeah, how did you… ohhh…" Kensuke said. "Sorry… I thought I had heard it from somewhere. Anyway, Unit–04 was swallowed up with it, so the U.S. is sending their other Evangelion, Unit–03, here for activation."

"They're sending another one here?" Shinji said. "Isn't four enough?"

"Well, the U.S. is afraid of losing more people, so they're sending it to us." Kensuke said. "They're doing an activation test at the end of this week."

"Yeah… so…" Shinji said.

Kensuke turned to Shinji and grabbed his shirt. "Shinji, I want you to ask Misato if I can pilot Unit–03!" Kensuke begged. "I just want to be able to pilot my own Evangelion!"

SLAP

"What was that for?!" Kensuke said as he rubbed his face.

"To knock some sense into you, Kensuke." Shinji said. "Evangelions are not big, fun toys! They're weapons of war that no kid should be piloting! I keep trying to tell you that, but you don't listen! You don't want to pilot it! You could die! And I don't want anyone else I care about being put into one of those things!"

"Wait… you care about me?" Kensuke said.

"Yeah, Kensuke, you're my friend." Shinji said. "And I care about all my friends."

"Wow… thanks buddy…" Kensuke said. "But are you sure the EVAs are that unsafe?"

"Stopping the Tenth Angel from falling wounded me pretty badly, the Fifth Angel almost killed me and Rei, the Eighth Angel almost killed Asuka, and the Twelfth Angel took me hostage!" Shinji explained. "Trust me, it's not as glamorous as you make it out to be. Besides, they don't take volunteers… they have some place that chooses the pilots somehow… I doubt anyone I know could be picked considering they choose from around the world."

"Oh… well, I guess so…" Kensuke said. "It would be nice though… to be noticed for being a savior of the world, or just to be noticed at all, really."

"Risking your life for some notoriety isn't worth it, Kensuke." Shinji said. "Don't worry about it, I'm sure you'll get noticed for something. Just stop being so gun crazy all the time."

"You really think that could work?" Kensuke asked.

"What would it hurt to try?" Shinji said. "You don't have anything to lose, do you?"

"No, I don't really…" Kensuke said. "Well, I'm going to head home… I have some homework to catch up on."

"I thought you were coming over?" Shinji asked.

"No, I should really head home." Kensuke said. "I'll catch you later, Shinji."

"Bye, Kensuke." Shinji said. 'I wonder if I hurt his feelings… well… I told him the truth… so it doesn't matter really…'

Shinji sighed. 'Well, I wasn't lying to him, I've almost died a few times… more than I like to remember… but I get this funny feeling that something out there is waiting for us… something even worse than what we've faced already… something we might not be able to defeat without it killing us all in the process.'

Shinji walked down the street some more, deep in thought, until he came upon Toji leaning against a guardrail protecting the sidewalk from the street traffic.

"Toji?" Shinji said.

"Hey, Shinji…" Toji replied.

"What are you doing here?" Shinji asked. "I thought you were with your sister."

"Yeah, she sent me home… said I needed to go out and live life a bit." Toji said. "I was waiting for you."

"Why?" Shinji asked.

"Did you want to come back to my place?" Toji asked. "I wanna ask you something."

"Sure…" Shinji replied. "Lead the way."

–––

Misato was walking to the Cage. Unit–03 had arrived one the tarmac less than an hour ago, and wanted to see it being delivered and secured so she could take possession of it for NERV HQ. She walked into the Cage to see the black colored Evangelion being moved into place some distance away from Unit–01 and Unit–02. She walked in to see a somewhat familiar face in a NERV uniform.

"Do you have the paperwork?" Misato asked the woman.

"Of course, ma'am." The woman replied as she handed Misato a clipboard that she signed rater quickly. "NERV HQ, Tokyo–3, Japan is now the proud owner of Evangelion Unit–03. Congratulations on your new arrival."

"Well, if you'd follow me to my office we can go over some other details from this transfer, Junior Lieutenant Amagi…" Misato said.

"Nope, it's 1st Lieutenant now, Lieutenant Colonel." Kotomi said. "A lot happens in two years, but you already know that."

"Yeah, well, a few Angel attacks later, lots of things tend to change." Misato said. "How have you been, Kotomi?"

"Oh, you know, single again…" Kotomi said. "Can never seem to find the right girl."

"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone." Misato said. "From what I remember, you're very persistent."

"Well, when we were in high school, it just sort of happened… or do you mean two years ago when we met up again?" Kotomi asked.

"Two years ago, silly." Misato said. "It was fun."

"I sense a but coming on…" Kotomi said.

"Well, I'm back with Kaji now… we fixed what got broken…" Misato said.

"Yeah, did you realize it wasn't his fault after all?" Kotomi asked.

"Yeah, it took some thought…" Misato said.

"Well, I'm happy for you… Misato." Kotomi said as she kissed Misato lightly on the cheek. "You still use that lavender perfume I see…"

"Well, you bought it for me all those years ago, and it smells so pretty." Misato said.

"Because, like I told you back then… it suits you." Kotomi said. "But now I'm somewhere where I don't really know anyone."

"Wait… what?" Misato asked.

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Kotomi said. "I've asked to be transferred here permanently… I've had enough of the U.S." Kotomi smiled. "So I thought it was time to come home… but I guess it won't be into your arms."

"Well, as soft as my arms are, I'm taken now, Kotomi." Misato said.

"Yeah I know, I'm not going to try and steal from your one true love, Misato." Kotomi said. "But what will I do on those dark and lonely nights…"

"Well, I can fix that for you." Misato said. "I know a girl who would find you pretty cute."

"Really…" Kotomi said. "You're the best ex–girlfriend ever, Misato."

"Yeah, well, I'm not a horrible person." Misato said. "Contrary to what people might think."

"So, what's her name anyway?" Kotomi asked.

"Oh, she's a friend of mine… her name is Maya Ibuki." Misato said. "She's a nice girl, had her heart broken, but I think you might be what she's looking for."

–––

Gendo and Fuyutsuki were sitting in Fuyutsuki's office. There were deep in discussion on several things, but the most important topic was the disappearance of NERV's Second Branch in Nevada.

"So, what did you tell the committee about the incident?" Fuyutsuki asked.

Gendo chuckled. "Well, I told them the truth for once. We have no idea what happened, other than the assumption the S2 Engine overloaded and engulfed that entire area of Nevada in a Sea of Dirac similar to Leliel's."

"I bet they didn't like that response." Fuyutsuki said. "Although… I doubt they would notice if you ever told them the honest truth."

"I also doubt it." Gendo said. "It certainly was a shock to them. Something not even mentioned in the apocrypha… it certainly opened their eyes."

"How so?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Well… They no see some of the deviations as not necessarily my making." Gendo said. "Some things are simply… acts of God."

"Did you tell them that?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"With less sarcasm of course." Gendo said. "Those old fools don't realize how many small things can affect their big plans. They only look at the big picture, they never bother with the specific details… that's how I've been able to pull so much off under their arrogant noses. They don't see anything beyond the pages of the Dead Sea Scrolls."

"So, this incident helped us?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Yes and no." Gendo said. "I was hoping for Unit–04 as well as Unit–03 being delivered in the next few months. But the loss of Unit–04 isn't exactly a good thing. SEELE have pulled funding for any additional Evangelions as well… the money has been shifted elsewhere, which according to Kaji's report is cause for concern…"

"What about the loss of the S2 Engine?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Well, that is less of a problem." Gendo said. "The backup data is still in Hamburg and Tel Aviv, so we will be able to duplicate it."

"I thought it was sent to Hamburg only." Fuyutsuki said. "That's where Shamshel's Core went after all."

"Yes, but Kaji's little trip to Tel Aviv was to back up that data so SEELE can't hide it from us." Gendo said. "I have a feeling they want to keep us from acquiring an Evangelion capable of initiating Third Impact on its own."

"So, you're going to do what?" Fuyutsuki asked. "Synthesize our own S2 Engine?"

"No, Fuyutsuki." Gendo said. "We will look into the data and see if use it. We won't be able to synthesize our own S2 Engine without drawing attention to it. We will have to acquire another one by some other means."

"So, take another one from another Angel?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Precisely." Gendo replied smugly. "They may have taken Shamshel's away from us, but whatever S2 Engine we recover, we will install it in Unit–01, and we won't give it up so easily like we did before."

–––

Toji was cleaning off the table after cooking some curry rice for Shinji. Toji looked a lot happier than he had in the past few days, and Shinji was glad to see he was doing better.

"Now, that was damn good food!" Toji said happily. "My curry sauce tastes pretty good, doesn't it pal?"

"Yeah, it was great." Shinji said. "I'm surprised, I never thought you could cook? Why hide it if you're so good at it! Is this what you wanted to ask me about?"

"Oh, right…" Toji said. "Nah… all the heat from cooking and the spices, I forgot what I was going to ask you."

Shinji looked at him. "Hey, Toji, you cooked, let me help you clean up."

"Yeah, thanks…" Toji said.

Shinji and Toji cleaned up the dishes, and they heard the door open and close.

"Toji, I'm back!" Someone said. "Where are you boy?!"

"In the kitchen, gramps." Toji said.

"Oh, so you brought home a friend…" Gramps said. "How nice."

"Oh, hello sir, my name is…" Shinji started

"Shinji Ikari, the famous Third Child." Gramps said. "I know who you are kid, I work at NERV. Nice to meet ya."

"It's nice to meet you as well." Shinji said.

"Shouldn't you be getting home though, Mr. Ikari?" Gramps asked. "Won't the Colonel be worried about you?"

"Yeah, after we wash up, I'll head home, sir." Shinji said.

"Good lad." Gramps replied as he sat down and picked up the newspaper.

Shinji and Toji finished the dishes, and Toji walked him to the door.

"Thanks for everything, Toji." Shinji said.

"Yeah… sorry I kept you so long, pal." Toji said.

"It's ok, Toji." Shinji said. "I'll see you later."

Shinji waived his goodbyes and started to walk away, but Toji ran after him. "Shinji, wait!"

"Toji… what's the matter?" Shinji asked.

"Shinji…" Toji asked nervously. "When you first got in an EVA… what was it like?"

"What…?" Shinji asked, confused about Toji's question. "Why?"

"What did it feel like?" Toji asked again. "Were you scared?"

"Why are you asking?" Shinji asked.

"I… um…" Toji stuttered.

"Someone from NERV came to me almost a month ago…" Toji explained. "That bitch, Akagi… told me I had to be a pilot… that I was the only one that could…"

Shinji stared blankly at Toji. He couldn't think of anything to say.

"I said I'd only do it if my sister was moved to NERV HQ for better medical treatment, that I was only going to pilot so she'd get better… she agreed… but… I… I'm scared…" Toji fell to his knees in front of Shinji. "I'm so scared, Shinji… I kept telling myself this last month that tis no big deal… I've been doing sync tests telling myself I'm fine… every day at school… everyday with Hikari… I tell myself I'm doing fine… but look… I'm shaking like a tree in a storm… I can't stop shaking… like a scared little kid…"

"Hey…" Shinji said. "It's okay, Toji. It isn't that bad…" Shinji patted Toji on the shoulder. "It's not so bad that you're doing this to help your sister… I mean, I wish you didn't have to pilot, but it's not so bad. It's scary at first, I won't deny that… but you'll get used to it pretty quick. And yeah, we have to fight, but it's not so bad… everyone at NERV backs us up all the way… and you're really pretty safe inside the Evangelion, and me and Mari, and Rei, and Asuka will be there to fight right next to you. You won't be alone out there like I was in the beginning."

"I'm sorry, Shinji…" Toji said.

"About what?" Shinji asked.

"I'm so sorry…" Toji said. "I hit you… and I didn't even know what you were going though… I just thought you were careless. I didn't know…"

"Hey… it's ok… I forgave you for that a long time ago." Shinji said kindly. "You don't have to worry about that. But what you do need to worry about is how you're going to tell Hikari about this. What are you going to tell her?"

"I… I don't know." Toji said.

"When do you leave for Matsushiro?" Shinji asked.

"Thursday night…" Toji replied.

"You need to tell her." Shinji said.

"I will, when I tell her I won't be around Friday…" Toji said. "I'll tell her then, I promise."

---

July 28, 2016 – Comfort 17 Apartments

Misato was dressed in her formal uniform and had her large overnight bag and suitcase with her. Shinji, Asuka and Mari saw her in the front hall as they were washing the dishes.

"So, I'm going to Matsushiro, everyone." Misato said as she stood near the door. "I'll be gone three or four days… if you need anything, or have any problems, call Kaji."

"Yeah, sure." Asuka said.

"We'll be fine miso, don't worry so much." Mari said.

"Be safe…" Shinji said. "Keep whatever pilot you have out there safe too."

"What?" Misato asked.

"Unit–03… you're activating it, right?" Shinji asked as he stepped out of the kitchen.

"Yeah…" Misato said.

"Keep the pilot safe." Shinji repeated. "No one else should have to pilot those damn things."

"Yeah, I'll keep them safe… and you'll meet them when we get back from Matsushiro, ok?" Misato said.

"Alright." Shinji said.

"Wish us luck then, Shinji…" Misato said. "See you when we get back."

"Bye then…" Shinji replied as he went back to the kitchen.

Mari and Asuka looked at him funny when he came back to the kitchen. He sat down quietly and looked deep in thought.

"Hey, why did you tell her to keep the pilot safe?" Mari asked. "Do you know something we don't?"

"No… I just don't want whoever it is to get hurt." Shinji said. "I know how that feels… and I don't wish it on anyone."

"So, do you have any idea who the pilot is?" Asuka asked.

"No… all I know is it isn't Kensuke." Shinji said. "He would be bragging his ass off if he were chosen, wouldn't he?"

"Yeah, you're right." Mari said. "I just hope whoever it is stays safe."

"Yeah, so do I." Asuka replied. "Our job isn't for losers… it's a lot tougher than it looks."

"Well, I'm sure if I can pilot, anyone can pilot." Shinji said. "So I'm sure whoever it is will be just fine." Shinji got up from the table. "I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?" Asuka asked.

"Just to call Hikari about something." Shinji said. "I think she has one of my notebooks."

"Oh, ok." Asuka said. "Tell her I said hi."

"I will." Shinji said as he walked away.

Asuka turned to Mari. "Do you think he knows?"

"No, if he did, he'd be far more vocal about it." Mari said. "I know they were trading notes and stuff earlier… maybe it's just a coincidence."

"Yeah, you're probably right, but I don't believe in coincidences…" Asuka said.

–––

Toji was leaving his apartment and heading to the train station to meet Ritsuko and Misato for the transport to Matsushiro. He walked away from his building and saw someone leaning against the tree outside. He noticed the hair and the skirt and realized who it was.

"Hey, Hikari, what are you doing here so late?" Toji asked.

"Shinji called me and told me to come over and see you." Hikari said. "He said you had something important to tell me."

"Oh… right…" Toji said. 'Damn it Shinji… I still don't know what to say…' Toji thought.

"So, what was so important I had to come over for, Toji?" Hikari asked. "And why do you have a bag with you?"

"Oh, well…" Toji said. "I was going to tell you earlier, but I just couldn't figure out how to tell you."

"What is it?" Hikari said. "You're worrying me!"

"Um… well…" Toji stuttered. "I did something to help my sister out, but I don't think you're going to like what I had to do."

"What?!" Hikari asked angrily. "Just tell me!"

"I became an Evangelion pilot to get her better treatment!" Toji shouted. "I was afraid you'd be pissed if I told you!"

"You're going to be a… pilot…?" Hikari stammered.

"Yeah, Evangelion Unit–03… it's been transferred from the United States." Toji said. "I uh… that day I got called to the office last month… that's when I was offered the job… and I told that bitch Akagi… I told her I wouldn't do it unless they transferred my sister to NERV to get better."

"So, you're doing it all for your sister?" Hikari asked. "Why didn't you just tell me? I would have understood that!"

"I was afraid, ok!" Toji said. "I was afraid you'd hate me for being selfish, and I'm afraid of going into one of those things and losing you!"

"Toji…" Hikari said. "You don't have to be afraid…"

"I know… Shinji knows… I told him the other day…" Toji said. "That's why he called you. He didn't want you to not know. And Rei know too… she heard it from the Commander, Shinji's dad."

"Well, I'll have to thank him for that." Hikari said. "And you better be careful. I don't want you getting hurt… it's bad enough I worry about everyone else… but I love you and want to be with you. So don't do anything foolish or stupid, got it?"

"Yeah, I got it." Toji replied.

"Good, now get going, you can't be late." Hikari said. "And we'll talk more about this when you get back… from where ever you're going."

"It's the activation test for Unit–03." Toji said. "Ask Shinji tomorrow, he can probably explain it better. Oh, and don't tell Kensuke or the others… I think this needs to be something that's broken to him very, very gently."

"Yeah, no kidding." Hikari said. "I'll keep it quiet. But just remember to be careful." Hikari leaned forward and kissed him deeply on the lips. "That's so you remember what's waiting for you when you get back."

"Yeah, that's one of two reasons to come back." Toji said.

"What's the other?" Hikari asked.

"Sakura." Toji replied as he started to walk away. "Later, babe."

"Hey, wait a second!" Hikari shouted.

"What is it?" Toji said, turning around.

"Take this… you can eat it on the way…" Hikari said, handing him a bento tied up in a scarf. "I know how hungry you get."

Toji kissed Hikari on the forehead. "Thanks, Hikari, for everything."

"You're welcome, Toji." Hikari replied.

"Hey, Hikari, there's one more thing I have to tell you…" Toji said as he looked at Hikari.

"What is it?" Hikari asked.

"If anything happens to me… I want you to check up on my sister, ok?" Toji said.

"Nothing's going to happen!" Hikari shouted.

"I know… but… just in case ok?" Toji said. "You always tell me to be prepared… so I'm bring prepared."

"Jerk… I didn't mean like that…" Hikari said.

"Yeah, well, you know now." Toji said. "I'll see you when I get back…"

"Bye Toji…" Hikari said as Toji jogged off towards the train station.

---

July 29, 2016 – NERV 13th Branch, Matsushiro, Japan

The hulking black colored Evangelion was sitting in the Cage in Matsushiro. The Cage was similar to the one used for Unit–00's activation at NERV HQ the year before.

Toji was sitting inside of Unit–03 in his new Entry Plug. He felt uncomfortable in his plugsuit, which was basically a black version of Shinji's. He kept adjusting himself but just couldn't be comfortable. As hard as Toji tried to relax, he was having a really hard time.

"Toji, how're feeling?" Misato asked. "Your heart rate is slightly elevated."

"I'm just a bit nervous." Toji said.

"There isn't anything to worry about." Misato said. "You're almost there, we just need another few minutes, alright?"

"Ok." Toji replied. "Am I supposed to be tingling?"

"It isn't out of the ordinary, just relax." Ritsuko said. "Establish nerve connections."

"Nerve connections are established through 1890… 1960… 2340… 2500…2590… clear to 2760… 3110… absolute borderline in 90… 60… 40… 10… absolute borderline passed… nerve connections now connected through 3510 and active… Evangelion Unit–03 is now online." The technician said. "Synchronization score is 32.8%, activation threshold has been surpassed."

"Congratulations, Toji." Misato said. "You've done very well."

"Thanks." Toji replied.

"Yes, you're well above the activation threshold." Ritsuko said. "Final checks, please."

"Checking all Evangelion mechanical systems… all mechanical are systems green… now checking Evangelion bio–components… all bio–components all check out… Evangelion Unit–03 is all clear… activation test complete." The technician said.

"Ok, Toji, we'll shut it down in a minute, then you can go wash up, deal?" Misato asked.

"Deal." Toji said, but all he heard was static. "Hey, uh, Misato… you still there?"

"No, the vixen isn't on the line any longer, boy…" Something hissed from inside the EVA.

"Misato!" Toji shouted.

"She can't help you anymore, boy…" The voice hissed. "And where we're going, no one can hear you scream…"

"What?!" Toji shouted as he felt the Evangelion move on its own.

–––

Misato was standing next to Ritsuko with several technicians in front of her. None of the regular bridge bunnies were there, as they were utilizing the resident staff at Matsushiro.

"Ok, Toji, we'll shut it down in a minute, then you can go wash up, deal?" Misato asked as she heard static. "Toji? Everything alright?"

"The signal is dead." Ritsuko said. "Status report!"

The Evangelion's eyes began glowing a bright red and it started to struggle.

"There's an abnormality in the nerve center!" The technician shouted.

"ABORT!" Ritsuko shouted. "Cut all circuits, now!"

The technician slammed his console and the power cable ejected from Unit–03 and clattered to the floor. "Abort failed! Repeat, abort failed! High energy reading from Unit–03 has been detected! It's… it's an S2 Engine!"

"What?!" Misato shouted.

"It's…" Ritsuko muttered.

"…an Angel…" Misato shouted.

Unit–03 struggled against its restraints and broke free of them. The armor plate covering the Entry Plug was blown free and was covered with a glowing blue web. The Evangelion broke free of its jaw restraints an opened it mouth wide as it powered up and let out a massive explosion of energy.

"SSKKKKRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!"

The blast destroyed the outbuilding and sent debris flying in all directions. As the blast cleared, from inside the wreckage Unit–03, or rather… Bardiel… could be seen moving away from the explosion.

–––

Mari, Asuka, and Shinji were sitting and eating lunch. Hikari had sat down next to Shinji nervously and huddled against him while she ate. Kensuke was off in the lunchroom getting some food while Asuka and Mari were having the oddest conversation ever.

"You know what would be awesome?" Asuka asked.

"What, princess?" Mari said. "Does it have to do with sex?"

"No it doesn't you perverted idiot…" Asuka said. "Wouldn't it be cool if the EVAs could use attacks like in Dragon Ball Z?"

"Oh, yeah, because that's practical." Mari said.

"Yeah, what if we could just shoot an Angel with a Kamehameha blast." Asuka said happily. "Or a Spirit Bomb!"

"Or a Kienzan!" Mari said.

"No one ever remembers to use that…" Asuka said. "Or we could use the Big Bang Attack!"

"Or the Solar Flare!" Mari said.

Asuka shook her head. "God, you're awful at this…"

"What, it's a cool attack!" Mari said.

"No, Final Flash is a cool attack. Galick Gun is a cool attack. The Special Beam Cannon is a cool attack." Asuka said. "The Solar Flare is for distraction, not killing shit."

"Sorry…" Mari said. "But how would that kind of thing even be practical?"

"Well, instead of waiting for some stupid gun to never penetrate an A.T. Field, we just do this instead." Asuka hopped out of her chair and drew her hands together and moved them to her right side and behind her back. "Ka… Me… Ha… Me… HAAAA!"

"You did this, Mari." Shinji said. "You've caused her to go insane."

"No… she was like this when I found her, puppy." Mari said.

"Oh, whatever, I bet Toji would find this funny." Asuka said as she looked around for him.

"Hey, where's Toji?" Mari asked, finally noticing he wasn't present.

"No idea…" Asuka said. "I didn't see him this morning."

"He's sick today." Hikari said as she looked at Shinji. "He told me last night. Some bad sushi or something."

"Well, I'm sure he'll be fine." Shinji said as he patted her on the back.

"Oh…" Mari said.

"Well, that's what he gets for eating for bad snack food." Asuka said.

"Yeah, sure…" Hikari muttered.

Shinji's cellphone started to ring, and Shinji quickly picked it up. "Hello?"

"Shinji its Maya." Maya said. "Are the girls with you?"

"Yeah, what's wrong?" Shinji asked.

"There was an explosion at Matsushiro…" Maya said. "We've lost contact with the base."

"Is everyone alright?!" Shinji asked fearfully.

"We don't know… but something has been detected moving away from the base." Maya explained. "We think…"

"It's an Angel, right?" Shinji said.

"That's the assumption." Maya said.

"Who's in command with Misato not being there?" Shinji asked.

"Your father, Shinji…" Maya said.

"Great…" Shinji said. "We're on our way."

"Shinji… what's wrong?" Hikari asked.

"Are we needed?" Rei asked.

"Matsushiro." Shinji said. "The base… they've lost contact… we need to go…"

"Oh no…" Hikari said. "Shinji…"

"We need to go." Asuka said.

"Shinji!" Hikari said. "Get him back for me… bring him home…"

"I know…" Shinji said. "I won't let anything happen, I promise."

"Wait… you know?" Asuka said. "That it's…"

"Wait, you knew and didn't tell me?" Shinji said.

"Don't get all bent out of shape, baka." Asuka said.

"Yeah, we thought it was for the best." Mari said.

"Come on, really?" Hikari said. "You both knew and didn't think to tell me or Shinji? Are you out of your mind?!"

"No, it seemed like the logical choice." Rei said.

"You knew too, blueberry?" Mari asked.

"Of course." Rei replied. "Toji asked me to not tell anyone… I only followed his wishes."

"Look, we can worry about this later… we have an Angel to stop, come on, let's go." Shinji said. "We don't have time to waste."

Kensuke walked back into the room as everyone was leaving. "Hey, where are you all going in such a rush?!"

"We'll be back…" Shinji said. "It's an Angel…"

"Another one?!" Kensuke said.

"Yeah, get to the shelter." Shinji said. "Hurry!"

–––

Gendo was sitting in his chair in Central Dogma. He looked down and saw everyone below him working at breakneck pace.

"Rescue teams have been dispatched." Aoba said.

"The target is moving from Matsushiro at a steady pace." Hyuga reported. "It is Pattern Orange, we cannot confirm if it's an Angel!"

"Level–1 battle stations." Gendo said. "Prepare for perimeter combat."

"Aye, Commander!" Hyuga replied.

"Have the pilots arrived yet?" Gendo asked.

"Yes, sir, they're getting prepped now." Maya said.

"As soon as they are ready, launch all the Evangelions to the intercept point." Gendo ordered. "Put the AIS on standby as well."

"And get a visual on the target." Fuyutsuki ordered.

"Yes, sir." Maya said.

–––

All four Evangelions were in their launch positions. Shinji was waiting nervously inside his Entry Plug, and was really hoping that Toji and everyone else was ok.

"Is everyone ready for launch?" Maya asked.

"Yes, Ms. Ibuki." Rei said.

"Let's kick some Angel ass." Mari said.

"Ditto… I want this one's head on a platter!" Asuka said.

"Yeah…" Shinji said. "Go for launch…"

"All of your sync scores are down, is everything alright?" Maya asked.

"We'll all worried, Ms. Ibuki." Rei said. "We are worried about Misato."

"And we're worried about Toji too…" Mari said.

"Wait, you know?" Maya asked.

"Of course we know, he's our friend!" Asuka said.

"Yes, we know Maya…" Shinji said. "Now, can we launch? And when you find anything out about Matsushiro… let us know…"

"Yes, Shinji. I'll do that…" Maya said nervously. "Good luck up there." Maya sighed. "Unit–XP, Unit–00, Unit–01, and Unit–02… LAUNCHING!" Maya said over the comms.

All four Evangelions shot upwards toward the surface and emerged near each other.

"There are batteries on the surface to get you to the intercept point." Maya said. "Engage them and move out. There will be power cords at the rendezvous."

"Roger." Shinji said. "Moving out."

–––

"Sir, I've got something on the main monitor… the target is coming into view!" Aoba reported. "It's…"

"We see it Lieutenant." Fuyutsuki said.

"It's an EVA!" May shouted. "It's Unit–03!"

"I was afraid of this…" Gendo muttered. "Force Eject the Entry Plug! Initiate Omega–055, now!"

"Signal has been rejected, Commander!" Hyuga said. "It's being blocked! Pattern Blue has been detected from Unit–03! It's an Angel!"

"And the pilot?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"We've still receiving telemetry from the Entry Plug." Aoba said. "He's alive… but in severe distress…"

Gendo stared at the screen. 'I am sorry, Shinji… this is for your own good.' Gendo sighed. "The unidentified moving object is to no longer be classified as Unit–03. The object is now to be identified as a hostile target, the Thirteenth Angel."

"What?!" Maya shouted.

"Sir, there's a kid in there!" Aoba said loudly.

"Commander, can't we do something else?!" Hyuga asked.

"Deploy to the intercept point as planned." Gendo ordered. "Destroy the target."

–––

The four Evangelions were waiting at the edge of the city, in the flat lands that had not been built on yet. Shinji was watching the horizon nervously, awaiting whatever formform the Angel took this time to come into range.

"Target is approaching…" Maya reported. "All EVAs… prepare for ground combat."

Unit–01 raised its Pallet Rifle as Shinji saw a faint outline on the horizon. It was a dark figure that looked vaguely familiar. It looked like it had shoulder pylons, and was hunched forward like a beast on the prowl.

"Wait…" Shinji said. "That's… that's the target?!" Shinji shouted. "But it's an EVA! It's Unit–03! Toji's in there!"

"Shinji… it's no longer an EVA Unit." Gendo said. "It's an Angel now… destroy it."

"It was taken over by an Angel?" Asuka asked.

"Apparently, princess…" Mari said. "Which means the jock needs our help."

"I can't tell from here…" Asuka said. "I think I can see the Entry Plug…"

"So then we must move in and assist Toji." Rei said.

"Asuka, you're up front, try to keep it busy while we move forward!" Shinji said.

"Wha…" Asuka said.

"Aim for the legs, princess…" Mari said. "We don't want to hurt Toji!"

–––

Bardiel approached Unit–02, as Unit–02 fired at

"So… this is the redheaded annoyance…" Bardiel hissed. "Why don't I take care of her for you, boy?"

"No, leave her alone!" Toji screamed.

"Boy, don't you understand yet?" Bardiel hissed. "I'm not going to leave this place until I kill all your friends… and make you watch as I do it."

"NO!" Toji shouted.

Bardiel moved forward, towards Unit–02 and knocked the gun out of its hand. Unit–02 fell backwards, and scrambled back to its feet. Before Unit–02 could react, Bardiel picked it up and slammed the EVA's back over its knee.

"AAAAHHHHH!" Asuka screamed.

"Asuka!" Shinji screamed.

"No, leave my friends alone!" Toji screamed. "Asuka!"

"Stupid boy… you have no power here…" Bardiel hissed. "You can't stop me, this is my toy now… you're just here for the ride…"

"Why can I hear them?!" Toji shouted.

"Oh… to make the pain all the more satisfying to me…" Bardiel hissed.

"Unit–02 is unresponsive… as is the pilot." Hyuga said. "Sending in the recovery teams."

"Rei, avoid close combat." Gendo ordered. "Delay the target until Unit–XP can attack."

"Understood." Rei said.

"I'm moving in, Rei…" Mari said. "Hold on jock boy…"

Unit–00 moved forward to hold off Bardiel. Unit–00 shot at the legs and arms, avoiding any serious wounds as to not hurt Toji.

"Toji… I am sorry for this…" Rei said.

"Rei, its ok, just kill this bastard!" Toji shouted. "Come on, Mari! Hurry up!"

"They cannot save you, boy…" Bardiel hissed. "No one can save you…"

"Shinji, move in and assist Unit–00!" Gendo ordered.

"Rei… hold on, I'll be right there!" Shinji shouted.

Bardiel moved and dodged Unit–00's rifle fire and slammed Unit–00 into the ground by the head, cracking its eye lens and crumpling its head slightly and burying it into the dirt. Bardiel's left arm forced Unit–00's backward, bending it awkwardly. An ooze started to drip out of Bardiel's left arm and infected Unit–00's with the same glowing blue web.

"AAAAHHHHH!" Rei screamed. "My arm! It burns!"

"The Angel has invaded Unit–00's left arm!" Maya shouted. "It's penetrating the neural nodes!"

"Sever Unit–00's left arm." Gendo said calmly.

"But, Commander!" Maya shouted. "The neural links are in place!"

"I don't care!" Gendo shouted. "Cut it!"

Unit–00's arm was blown off by some sort of internal explosion. It separated the infected portion and saved Unit–00 as a whole. Bardiel's left hand was injured in the blast, and he kicked Unit–00 hard in the gut, denting the armored plating. Bardiel grew two additional arms and lashed them out at Unit–00, lifting it up and slamming it back down to the ground, creating a shallow crater with the force of the impact.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Rei screamed. "MY ARM!" Rei started to cry. "Shinji… Mari… help me!"

"Rei!" Toji shouted. "Rei!"

As Bardiel stood up, Unit–XP opened fire with its massive Gatling gun, hitting the shoulder pylons and back with heavy, exploding ammunition.

"Take this you EVA stealing cocksucker!" Mari shouted. "Sorry, Toji, hope you can understand! But I need to kill this motherfucker!"

"AAAAHHHHH!" Toji screamed. "Goddamnit Mari, try not to kill me in the process!"

"Please… that big titted buffoon can't do anything to me with her weak little bullets…" Bardiel hissed. "She would need to be far more physical for that to happen…"

Unit–XP fired relentlessly at Bardiel which made Bardiel cry out in pain.

"Ha! Not so tough now, are you, asshole?!" Toji shouted.

"I will be when I infect you with my tendrils…" Bardiel said as the blue webbing around the Entry plug shot at Toji and enveloped him in a cocoon. It started to work its way into Toji's skin, and settled there, giving his visible feature a blue, veiny look.

"How does this feel, boy?" Bardiel asked. "Do you still feel tough?"

"Fuck you!" Toji said.

"Manners boy…" Bardiel constricted the web around Toji, causing him to scream in pain.

Unit–XP got caught by a fist to the gut from Bardiel, who grabbed one of the legs and bent it until it snapped, which made Mari very angry.

"MOTHERFUCKING COCKSUCKER!" Mari shouted. "I'M GOING TO RIP OFF YOUR FUCKING HEAD AND SHIT DOWN YOUR NECK!"

Unit–XP charged forward with its spear, but Bardiel knocked it aside and the EVA tried to get up, but went limp.

"Unit–00 and Unit–XP are unresponsive…" Maya said. "Sending in rescue units now!"

"Shinji, can you hear me?" Gendo asked. "You're the only one left, Shinji, you have to stop the Angel. You have to destroy it."

"No… I can't…" Shinji said. "Toji's in there…"

"Yeah you can buddy…" Toji said. "You're my only hope… kill this dumb fucker. Don't worry about me… I'll be fine."

Bardiel charged towards Unit–01, but it didn't move.

"Shinji, move!" Toji shouted. "Come on, man, you can do this!"

–––

Shinji stared at Unit–03 or rather, the Angel moving towards him, frozen in fear.

"Shinji, why are you standing there?!" Gendo shouted. "Move!"

Bardiel attacked Unit–01, slamming it to the ground, and kicking it over towards Tokyo–3. Unit–01 stood uneasily on its feet, and Bardiel landed on all fours and stared at Unit–01 with its glowing red eyes.

"Toji!" Shinji screamed. "Toji, answer me, tell me you're ok! Just say something to let me know you're ok! I'll save you, somehow, even if it kills me!"

Bardiel looked right at Shinji, right at where the Entry Plug, not Unit–01 and let out a primal noise. "SSKKKKRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!" Bardiel jumped forward and knocked Unit–01 on its back and began to choke Unit–01.

"Come on… Toji…" Shinji strained as he felt his neck being constricted. "Be safe in there. Give me a sign you're ok…"

"Pilot vital signs are unstable!" Maya shouted. "Shinji's in danger!"

"Cut the sync rate to 40%!" Fuyutsuki shouted. "Hurry!"

"Wait!" Gendo shouted. "Shinji! Why won't you fight back?!"

"I can't…" Shinji strained to speak. "I can't do that… my friend is in there! I won't… hurt… MY FRIEND!"

"But you'll die." Gendo said.

"I don't care about that!" Shinji shouted. "It's better than killing my friend!"

Bardiel threw Unit–01 into the side of the hill and then resumed his assault in Unit–01's exposed neck.

"Shinji, attack it now!" Gendo ordered.

"No!" Shinji shouted. "I'm not hurting Toji! You tricked him into doing this by promising to save his sister, and I won't hurt him just because you tell me to!"
–––

Toji could see Unit–01 being choked on his monitor. He could also still hear everything over the comm line.

"Shinji, what are you doing?!" Toji shouted. "I'm fine, just kill the bastard! I don't want you to die!"

"Awww… you have a friend…" Bardiel said. "He's a stupid boy… noble but stupid… he thinks dying will save you… but he doesn't know, you're already mine."

"Fuck you, I belong to someone else." Toji shouted. "And she'll kick your ass!"

"Oh… the cute little slut I see in your mind…" Bardiel hissed. "That girl who's so very open to you… you only gave her your fingers… but she wanted more… although from what I see, you don't have much to offer her… she's a little slut worthy of a horn dog like you… unless you're all talk and no action… whereas she is quiet… but is a massive little slut!"

"Don't you talk about Hikari like that you fuck!" Toji shouted.

"Why not… it's all true…" Bardiel hissed. "She has offered you her body… and you refused the dumb whore… you told her you didn't think it was appropriate… and she agreed with you quite begrudgingly. I bet you regret that decision now… you'll never get to feel her soft insides on you… you'll never feel her wetness again… I will see to that, boy…"

"Fuck you!" Toji shouted.

"Oh, you think that's going to make me afraid." Bardiel hissed. "You're wrong boy… very wrong indeed."

–––

Gendo cut the comm lines to Unit–01.

"Cut the sync between Unit–01 and its idiotic pilot." Gendo said.

"Cut…" Maya said. "Sir…?"

"Switch the sync circuit to the Dummy System." Gendo said. "Set the sync rate to 55%."

"But, sir!" Maya shouted. "The Dummy System hasn't been debugged yet… it's still volatile… and she recommended it not be activated without her express consent! The system is useless sir!"

"It can't be more useless than our current pilot." Gendo said angrily. "Just do it."

"Sir…" Maya said.

"That's an order, Lieutenant." Gendo said. "This is for Shinji's best interests."

"What about Toji's best interest!" Maya asked. "He could die!"

"This will save my son!" Gendo shouted. "Activate the system!"

Everyone stared at Gendo in shocked silence. He had never openly admitted in public that Shinji was his son, or anything in regards to his relationship with him.

Maya kept staring at him and tapped her console. "Yes, sir…" Maya sighed. "Activating the Dummy System."

–––

Shinji was having trouble breathing, and the screens inside the Entry Plug were flickering on and off. When they were on, they showed Bardiel choking the shit out of Unit–01, which was of course transferring to Shinji's neck.

"Can't… breathe…" Shinji coughed out. "Damn it…"

Shinji felt the pressure disappear from his neck, and then Shinji heard something behind him activate.

"What the hell is that?" Shinji said.

The Entry Plug's view screen was overlaid with a deep red hue and something from behind Shinji moved forward and blocked some of Shinji's view of the Entry Plug. Two arms locked into place over the control yokes and secured them in place. Shinji tried moving them, but was unsuccessful. The message "DMYSYS" came over the view screen in front of Shinji's face.

"Nervous system now linked to Dummy System." Maya said. "Emotive perception at only 67.2%, we're unable to monitor the Evangelion's movements properly."

"Release the system." Gendo said. "Commence attack!"

Unit–01's eyes turned red. It reached its hands up and started choking Bardiel back. Shinji could see some of what was happening through the red haze of the Entry Plug's view screen. Unit–01 broke its jaw restraints and let out a horrible scream. "RRRRRAAAAHHHH!" Unit–01 jumped up and behind Bardiel and put him into the choke hold tossed Bardiel over its shoulder. Unit–01 jumped at Bardiel and began to beat the armor with its fists and it stated to buckle and bleed.

"Why won't it respond?!" Shinji shouted. "Father, what the fuck did you do to Unit–01?! Why is it attacking Unit–03?! Damn it all, why did you do this you bastard?! Why!?"

"The useless pilot should just sit there and shut up." Gendo said.

Blood began pouring from the dents in Bardiel's' armor and it poured everywhere with each punch that landed.

–––

Toji was crying out in pain inside his Entry Plug.

"Shinji!" Toji cried. "Shinji… it hurts! Please, stop!"

"See… your friend doesn't care about you, boy." Bardiel hissed. "I don't think he ever did. He only ever tolerated you, didn't he? You were just extra baggage he picked up… he doesn't care about you!"

"Then why did you shut off the comm system you bastard!" Toi shouted. "It's not him, is it?! Well, you're hiding something you smug son of a bitch!"

"I don't hide anything, boy." Bardiel hissed. "I am not some lowly human… I do not need to lie. I am better than you!"

"Yeah, sure!" Toji shouted. "Go on, Shinji, kill this thing, even if you have to kill me to do it! I know you're just doing what's best for us all!"

"So, you'd rather die than live with me in here forever…" Bardiel hissed. "How rude… but I doubt your body can stand up to this assault much longer… you're weak… you can't even heal yourself… you're so pathetic, you can't even live forever without the fruit of life… you're body has a finite amount of punishment it can take."

"Yeah, well, my buddy there is the best at killing you freaky motherfuckers!" Toji shouted.

"Well, if I go down, you're coming with me…" Bardiel hissed.

"It'll be worth it to see you fucking die!" Toji retorted.

"Father, what did you do!" Shinji said. "Make it stop, right now!" Shinji kept trying to move the control yokes, but they were locked in place by the Dummy System. "Father, you're going to kill him! Stop it! Fucking stop it!"

"It… it's so brutal…" Aoba said.

"Why would they create something like this?" Hyuga asked.

Shinji could hear Maya throwing up over the comm. "It's… it's inhuman…"

Shinji banged against the Dummy System's demented body. "Somebody, help me!" Shinji shouted. "EVA, help me, please, make this stop! You helped me before, just make this stupid system stop! It's killing my friend, and I promised… I PROMISED I'D PROTECT HIM! I PROMISED HIS GIRLFRIEND I'D GET HIM HOME SAFE!"

Unit–01 froze in place while Bardiel struggled weakly in its strong grip. Unit–01's eyes shut off and its jaw went slack. Shinji was plunged into darkness as the Entry Plug shutdown. He heard the machine around him shutter and it almost sounded as though it shirked in pain as it retreated from the control yokes. The Entry Plug came back online, and the controls returned to normal. Unit–01's eyes began to glow a bright yellow once again, and they fixed themselves in Bardiel. Shinji backed Unit–01 off of Bardiel and saw it struggle up to his feet. The chest was bleeding severely, and a lot of the armor was missing. The Core could be seen through the mashed pulp of flesh in the chest. Its right shoulder had been damaged quite severely from the beating, and its left hand was still bleeding from when Unit–00's arm had blown itself off.

The two mechanized creatures stared each other down and let out primal roars before they charged each other again.

Bardiel pounded the ground and stared down Unit–01 and let out a howl. "SSKKKKRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!"

Unit–01 leaned down roared in response. "ROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"

Both machines charged each other again, with Unit–01 landing a hard right hook to Bardiel's face, followed by a quick left knee to the groin and then a roundhouse kick with the left leg while Bardiel was still recovering from the initial assault. The kick sent Bardiel right into the hill side, head first, burying him in the dirt.

Bardiel struggled to his feet and had trouble staying standing. Unit–01 charged forward and jumped up, right knee extended outward, and connected the blow with Bardiel's chin, knocking him back to the ground.

Unit–01 grabbed Bardiel's leg and swung the Angel around and let it go, sending Bardiel flying towards another hill, and knocking him down, and he did not get right back up, and Unit–01 celebrated for a moment. "ROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"

–––
Everyone was watching the battle no with relief, seeing as the Dummy System had been deactivated. However, Gendo was concerned how the system had been shut down.

"What is going on?!" Gendo shouted. "Reactivate the Dummy System!"

"We can't sir, the signal is being rejected by Unit–01!" Maya reported. "And the Dummy System is being shown as destroyed, sir!"

"Has it gone berserk?" Gendo asked.

"I'm not sure sir." Maya said. "It's energy output has increased like the other berserk incidents… but Shinji is fully in control of Unit–01… his sync ratio is abnormally high… but it's highly unstable… I don't think he can keep this up for long."

"What?!" Gendo shouted. 'Yui, what are you doing?' Gendo thought. 'Why are you blocking the Dummy System?'

Fuyutsuki smiled. 'Good job, Shinji…'

"Can we communicate with Unit–01?" Gendo asked.

"No, sir." Maya said. "All communications from us are being blocked specifically."

"Fine." Gendo said angrily. "What is the status of the rescue teams?"

"Asuka and Rei have been recovered." Maya said. "They're both unconscious, but are otherwise alright."

"What about Unit–XP?" Gendo asked.

"It's… back online?" Hyuga said in a puzzled voice.

"Where is it going?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"It's headed right back into the battle zone." Hyuga said.

"What's it condition?" Gendo asked.

"It's left arm and back right leg are completely destroyed." Aoba reported. "Her other legs are in various damaged states, and her arm spear is in ok condition… and she's brought it online!"

"What?!" Fuyutsuki shouted.

"She's moving at high speed towards the Angel!" Maya said.

–––

Bardiel charged Unit–01 again, but was clotheslined by Unit–01's right arm. Bardiel got back up and attacked again, but received a two footed kick to the gut, sending him flying backwards.

"STAY DOWN!" Shinji roared. "CAN'T YOU TAKE A FUCKING HINT?!"

Bardiel got back up, and stood there for a second. He eyed Unit–01 angrily and bowed down, head first, and charged again, coming up to full height, but it never reached Unit–01, instead, Unit–XP charged in front of the raging Bardiel and drove its spear straight through the right breast, impaling the bastard, and lifting him off his feet.

"You thought you got rid of me, huh you son of a bitch?!" Mari shouted. "Puppy! Get the Entry Plug out of there, now!"

"Right!" Shinji shouted as he moved Unit–01 behind Bardiel and deployed a Prog Knife. He cut into the material holding the Plug in place. He cut through it, which caused Bardiel to scream out in agony.

"Hold in, Toji!" Shinji said. "Just hold on!"

Shinji cut the glowing blue web free and pried the Entry Plug out and held it gently in his hands. The blue webbing left on the Entry Plug slowly died off. "I got it!" Shinji shouted.

"Good job, puppy, but I need some fucking help!" Mari shouted.

"Hold on!" Shinji said. "Where do I put the Entry Plug?"

"Shinji, there's a recovery vehicle coming in from the east, get it to them, quickly!" Maya said. "They'll take care of your friend!"

"Alright!" Shinji said as Unit–01 ran towards the approaching trucks. Meanwhile, Unit–XP was having trouble keeping Bardiel on its spear.

"Puppy, hurry your ass up, I'm in trouble over here!" Mari shouted.

"I'm trying, Mari!" Shinji said. "But I need to get Toji to safety first!"

As Unit–01 made it to the trucks, Unit–XP was dealing with Bardiel sliding himself down the spear towards Unit–XP. Once within reach, Bardiel reached out and began choking Unit–XP as hard as he could with his injuries, and Unit–XP was unable to defend itself. Bardiel ripped off the right arm at its joint and throttled Unit–XP until it went limp

"Shinji…" Mari said weakly. "Help… please…"

"MARI!" Shinji shouted.

Bardiel threw Unit–XP aside and looked at its limp formform. Bardiel charged at Unit–XP, but was tackled by Unit–01.

"YOU'VE HURT ENOUGH OF MY FRIENDS TODAY, YOU BASTARD!" Shinji screamed. "NOW GO BACK TO HELL!"

Unit–01 threw Bardiel away from Unit–XP and Bardiel hit the ground hard, spraying blood everywhere. As Bardiel got back up and charged Unit–01, Unit–01 charged it back, and plunged its fist through the opening in Bardiel's chest and punched the core and artificial spine out of the former Evangelion. Unit–01 pulled its fist out of Bardiel's chest. In his death throws, Bardiel tried to attack one last time, but Shinji and Unit–01 retaliated by catching Bardiel with a kick to the chest, and leapt on top of the fallen Angel. Unit–01 proceeded to rip off each of Bardiel's arms, and then pummeled the Angel's face until it was nothing but pulp. Finally, after being covered in blood, Unit–01 stood up proudly and roared mightily.

"ROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"

–––

Alarms were going off in Central Dogma. After refusing the recall order, Unit–01 was now back in the Geofront, but was refusing to comply with the order to stand down, and was bearing down on the pyramid that mad up the visible structure of NERV HQ in the Geofront.

Shinji looked at the building in disgust and moved steadily towards it. "What the hell is wrong with you people?!" Shinji shouted.

"Shinji… " Maya said. "We only activated that thing to help you."

"Don't feed me my father's shit!" Shinji shouted. "He used my hands to try and kill my friend, he ordered you to activate that fucking system! I heard you throw up at what it was doing, so don't try and play this off like it for my benefit!"

"Shinji, you could have died!" Hyuga said. "Please, just stand down and let us recover you!"

"NO!" Shinji shouted. "I REFUSE TO DO WHAT YOU WANT ANYMORE! I CAN'T TRUST PEOPLE WHO WOULD TRY AND KILL SOMEONE INSTEAD OF TRYING TO SAVE THEM!"

"Shinji, you are in direct violation of your orders, stand down immediately or we will be forced to put you down." Gendo said calmly.

"You can take your orders and shove them up your ass, father!" Shinji shouted.

"Eject the power cord immediately." Gendo ordered.

"Yes, sir." Aoba replied.

Unit–01's power cable ejected and slammed into the ground, and Shinji started to laugh. "Are you being stupid or something?!" Shinji said mockingly. "I have five minutes of power left… do you want to see how much damage I can do to you?! I'm sure it'll still be less damage than what Toji suffered through!"

"Shinji, please stop!" Maya implored.

"Not likely!" Shinji said. "Now you'll know how it feels to cry out for something to stop, and have absolutely no control over it! What if it was Mari in that EVA, or Rei, or Asuka?! Would you have made me kill them you fucker?!"

"If it was in the best interests of NERV, they are expendable." Gendo said.

"You fucking bastard! You would have me kill my friends just because you asked me to! I'll show you what it's like to feel fear!" Shinji pushed both control yokes hard forward. "ATTACK!"

Unit–01 charged towards the pyramid and sank both its fists into the southern side and leapt upwards, creating two channels upwards where its arms freed themselves from the mess of metal they left behind.

"Shinji, please!" Maya shouted.

"Shinji, stop this before you get hurt!" Hyuga called out.

"NO! NO ONE LISTENED WHEN I SCREAMED FOR IT TO STOP!" Shinji repeated. "NOW YOU'LL ALL FEEL AS POWERLESS AS I DID!"

Unit–01 climbed to the top of the pyramid and began stomping on its point, and it buckled easily under the might of Unit–01's blows.

–––

The lights in Central Dogma had been shutting off and coming back on since Shinji and Unit–01 began assaulting the base. Everything in the base shook from the heavy assault.

"If we don't stop him now he will destroy the entire base." Gendo said. "Increase the pressure of the LCL to knock him out."

"Sir…" Hyuga said. "That is not recommended."

"It is either his health, or the safety of this base." Gendo said. "Execute my orders, Lieutenant."

"Roger." Hyuga said. "Sir, the signal is being blocked!"

"What?!" Gendo shouted. "By who!"

"The EVA itself." Hyuga said. "Unit–01 is rejecting the signal!"

"Damn it!" Gendo said.

"Now what do we do, Commander?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"We can't do anything…" Gendo said. "We are powerless to stop him."

"What are his vitals?" Gendo asked.

"His sync rate is still massively high, but it's still unnatural looking." Maya said.

"The sync rate seems to be being supported by the controlled berserk state he's in." Maya said. "Everything is fluctuating rapidly, but the synchrograph still shows him in control."

"Will he pass out from the strain?" Gendo asked.

"I don't know, sir." Maya said. "He might, but then again, he might not… and we'll have to wait until the internal batteries run out before we know for sure."

–––

Unit–01 continued its assault on the pyramid, it had reduced much of it to a pile of twisted girders and bent sheets of metal.

"HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS?!" Shinji said as Unit–01 kicked down the remnants of the east wall. "HAVE YOU RUN OUT OF WAYS TO STOP ME, FATHER!" Shinji slammed the pyramid again with Unit–01's fist. "WHAT IS IT FATHER, ARE YOU AFRAID TO TALK TO ME NOW THAT IM IN CONTROL. NOW THAT I HAVE THE POWER?!"

An alarm went off, showing Shinji had "0:30:00" left on his clock, but he had trouble seeing the timer, as his vision was getting blurry.

"Shinji, stop it now!" Maya shouted. "Your heart rate is spiking dangerously!"

"No, I'm not done wrecking this stupid thing yet!" Shinji shouted as his vision began to cloud around him. "I can't see what I'm doing, but I'm going to finish what I started! I'm not running away!"

The last thing Shinji saw was Unit–01's right fist landing a punch to the side of the pyramid, and then as Shinji lost consciousness, Unit–01's eyes ceased glowing, and it collapsed in a heap onto the decimated ruins of the pyramid

–––

Misato stirred from her unconsciousness. The last thing she remembered was flashing behind her eyelids. Unit–03's successful activation, and then the detection of the Angel. She remembered a flash that reminded her of Second Impact, and then nothing… she couldn't remember anything else.

"Misato…" Someone above her said. "Misato, wake up!"

"Kaji…?" Misato grumbled as her head throbbed horribly. "My head… it hurts…"

"Yeah, it's me." Kaji replied. "And your head hurts from being in the middle of the blast zone, Misato… you have a concussion and broken arm, and some cuts too… you're pretty lucky."

"Right… lucky… just like last time… but… Unit–03…" Misato said, and when she realized what she said, everything came flooding back to her and she sat up quickly, which didn't help, and she threw up all over herself. She looked at Kaji desperately. "Kaji, Toji, what happened to Toji!"

"Toji's… well… he'll be ok." Kaji said. "It could be a whole lot worse…"

"What's wrong with him?!" Misato shouted, which aggravated her own headache. "I promised Shinji I'd keep him safe!"

"He's pretty messed up right now." Kaji said. "He's in a coma, with seven broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, two broken legs, and broken left arm, fractured spinal column… the list goes on. He's lucky to be alive from the beating he took, and from the intense pressure the Angel had him under."

"Is he contaminated?!" Misato asked.

"No… the Angel was ripped out of him when the Entry Plug was pulled out of Unit–03." Kaji explained. "That's why he's in the coma… but the doctors are pretty sure he'll be alright, but they're optimistic at least."

"What about the kids?!" Misato asked frantically. "Who stopped Unit–03?!"

"The girls all got pretty banged up, some cuts and scrapes, but the EVAs protected them pretty well. As for killing the Angel… it was… Shinji…" Kaji said. "He was the only one to stand up to it for any length of time and not get put down. Mari put up a good fight, but Unit–XP is in bad shape. Thankfully those bionic parts are easy to fix."

"Shinji took out the Angel?" Misato asked.

"Well, the Commander decided it was time to try the Dummy System…" Kaji started.

"No!" Misato shouted. "That thing is an abomination! Why would he…?"

"Shinji refused to fight, and said he'd rather die than let his friend get hurt." Kaji said.

"So… what happened to Shinji?" Misato asked. "Is he alright?"

"Unit–01 broke the Dummy System, and it gave control back to Shinji. When the fight finished, he was really angry with what his father tried to do." Kaji explained to a stunned Misato. "He assaulted and destroyed the pyramid in a rage… he's in custody in his hospital bed. He's in big trouble, and I don't see it getting better for him."

"No… Shinji…" Misato muttered. "What did you do?"

"He fought back against his father." Kaji said. "You should be proud of him for standing up for himself."

"I am… but what will I do without him?" Misato said. "I love him like my own son."

"Maybe tell him that." Kaji said. "All we can do right now is hope for the best."

"Yeah… make the best of the second worst situation I've ever seen…" Misato mumbled.

–––

Asuka, Mari and Rei were standing just inside of Shinji's room. They were all still in their plugsuits, of course their plugsuits were ripped and torn all over the place. Rei was being supported by Mari and Asuka, because her back was still in a lot of pain from Bardiel's assault. Asuka had a bandage over her eye from a cut she got from her face slamming into the control console in the Entry Plug. Mari was shaking slightly from having felt her arms get ripped off that day.

There were two black suited guards outside Shinji's room, keeping the girls from going in. However, after a heavy berating from both Asuka and Mari, they allowed them to stand just inside the doorway.

"He's still unconscious." Asuka said tearfully. "He wasn't physically hurt, not like our sorry asses… he was able to fight back."

"Hey, we did our best." Mari said. "We did what we needed to do."

"No… Asuka is correct." Rei said. "We were ineffective in this fight. We were stuck down very quickly."

"Speak for yourself, blueberry." Mari said. "I stabbed that fucker and almost lost my arms to help Shinji out. But, Asuka's right, you both got wrecked."

"Mari, enough about your heroics." Asuka grumbled.

"Yes, Mari…" Rei said. "We are a team, as you like to remind Asuka when she becomes full of herself. Perhaps you are falling victim to the same sword."

"Fine… fine… I'm sorry… I got my ass handed to me too." Mari said. "But uh… guys, have you noticed Shinji is under armed guard?" Mari asked. "And he's cuffed to the fucking bed? What the fuck world are we in?"

"I do not know…" Rei said. "Shinji, killed the Angel, did he not? Why is he in trouble? What could he have done wrong?"

"Maybe…" Mari said. "Shinji might have done something wrong…"

"I know what he did." Asuka said.

"How?" Mari asked.

"Well, I was awake while they pulled me out of the Entry Plug." Asuka explained. "Shinji went on a rampage… he had full control over his berserk EVA… and he was mad his father used him to almost kill Toji. He said… he said he wanted them to feel as powerless as he did. So he destroyed the pyramid. He refused to stop until the EVA ran out of power, he almost died trying to prove his point."

"Wait… he went on a rampage, over hurting his friends?" Mari asked.

"Yeah, his father said we were all expendable." Asuka said. "That pushed him over the edge… way over the edge."

"So, Shinji went on the attack over the threat of hurting us?" Rei asked.

"Yeah… I've never heard him sound so angry." Asuka said. "I was scared of him… he sounded… different."

"So, Shinji would rather die than hurt us…" Mari said. "He's still the sweetest boy there is."

"Yeah, it's a shame that he's in deep shit." Asuka said.

"Do you know anything about Toji?" Rei asked. "I am worried about him."

"I overheard he was in the ICU." Mari said. "That can't be good."

"He is still alive…" Rei said. "That is what matters."

"Yeah, I just hope he and Shinji will be ok…" Asuka said. "I don't like it when bad shit happens to us"

"Well, princess, we're Evangelion pilots…" Mari said. "Bad shit follows us around."

---

July 31, 2016 – NERV HQ

Shinji had woken up in a daze. He had been handcuffed to his bed in the hospital room, and had been completely alone, except for Kaji leaning against the wall and waiting for him. Kaji told him that the Commander wanted to see him as soon as he was awake. So, that's where Kaji dragged him after Shinji got dressed, right to his father's office.

On the way, Kaji talked to Shinji a bit.

"I'm sorry about this, Shinji." Kaji said.

"Yeah, you told me already." Shinji said. "The bastard said I had to see him, even if I had to drag myself there. He's the same as he's always been apparently."

"Yeah, you have a wonderful father." Kaji said sarcastically.

"Yeah, I won that award." Shinji said. "Best father ever."

"Hey, a lot of kids have bad fathers." Kaji said.

"Do their fathers push them inside massive robots?" Shinji asked. "Or do their fathers try to force you to kill your friends?"

"Ok… point taken." Kaji said. "Just relax… go in there and face him down. Stand up for what you believe in, that's all that matters."

"I think I can handle that." Shinji said.

"Yeah, just don't handle it like the pyramid." Kaji joked.

"Whatever…" Shinji grumbled.

Kaji was about to knock on the door, but it opened before his hand made contact and they walked in Shinji stood a few feet from his father's desk, with Kaji standing right behind him, his hand resting gently on Shinji's shoulder.

"You can let him go, Mr. Kaji." Gendo ordered. "He is no threat to me."

"Whatever you say, Commander." Kaji replied.

"You're looking better than I expected." Gendo adjusted his glasses as Shinji stared him down. "Now then… do you know why you're here?"

"You're being a massive asshole." Shinji quipped while Kaji smirked.

"That is one opinion." Gendo said. "No, you're here to answer for your actions on the 29th of July. There is a list of charges against you. Dereliction of duty, willful possession of an EVA for personal use, destruction of NERV property, reckless endangerment, breach of lawful orders, and the list goes on…" Gendo looked down. "What do you have to say for yourself, Shinji?"

Shinji's right fist clenched. "What do I…" Shinji said. "What do I have to say?" Shinji asked angrily. "Don't you have something to say to me?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Gendo asked. "I'm the one asking the questions here, you're expected to answer them."

Shinji glared at his father and shifted his weight onto one foot. Kaji noticed the change, but even though he could have stopped him, he didn't.

Shinji rushed forward and leaped over his father's desk, and his right fist collided with his father's face, knocking him, in shock, to the ground. Shinji straddled him and began to beat him mercilessly.

"You have nothing to say?!" Shinji shouted. "Not even the tiniest apology?! You tried to kill my friend! You tried to make me into a fucking murderer!" Shinji kept hitting his father's face. "Do you even know what it's like to be a murderer?! You must, the rumors have to be true! Everything I heard about you in Atsugi is true! YOU KILLED MY MOTHER! YOU KILLED HER, AND YOU WANTED ME TO BE A KILLER JUST LIKE YOU! I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE YOU, I FUCKING HATE YOU!"

Shinji shifted his attack to Gendo's chest and slammed his fists hard into his rib, which made Gendo cough heavily with each blow. "HOW ABOUT I MAKE YOU FEEL WHAT TOJI FELT IN THAT ENTRY PLUG WHILE THAT THIG BEAT HIM WITH MY HANDS!" Shinji roared. "I'LL MAKE YOU FEEL THE SAME FEAR AND PAIN HE DID WHILE UNIT–01 BROKE OPEN UNIT–03'S CHEST! I'LL RIP YOUR CHEST OPEN AND FIND OUT IF YOU EVEN HAVE A FUCKING HEART! I HATE YOU! I WANT YOU TO FUCKING DIE! I WISH YOU HAD DIED INSTEAD OF MOM! SHE'S A BETTER PARENT THAN YOU COULD HAVE EVER HOPED TO BE! YOU ABANDONED ME AND LEFT ME ALONE WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST, AND I CAME BACK HERE HOPING WE COULD FIX OUR RELATIONSHIP, BUT ALL YOU DID WAS USE ME! YOU'RE FUCKING WORTHLESS! YOU DIDN'T DESERVE MY MOTHER'S LOVE! YOU'RE A FUCKING BASTARD!"

Shinji kept beating his father's chest until his hands started to crack and bleed. Kaji, noticing that the Commander was in real danger moved in and put Shinji in a choke hold.

"Shinji, that's enough!" Kaji said.

"NO IT ISN'T!" Shinji roared. "HE'S STILL BREATHING!"

"Shinji, calm down!" Kaji said.

"No, let him be." Gendo said as he struggled to his feet. "We can add assaulting a superior officer to the long list of charges already against him. And if he hates me so much, he can go back to that godforsaken place he called home for all those years. I don't ever want to see such a disappointment for a child again. You're done here Shinji."

"So you're abandoning me again?!" Shinji shouted. "You… FUCKING COWARD!"

"Mr. Kaji…" Gendo said as he supported himself on his desk. "Escort the former Third Child to his former residence to collect his essentials. The rest will be mailed to him in Atsugi. Get him out of my sight."

"Sir, I don't think that's the best idea." Kaji said.

"I have no use for a pilot who doesn't follow orders and who endangers everyone around him." Gendo said. "And I certainly don't need a disappointment for a child like him." Gendo turned to Shinji. "Go back where you came from, you have your wish, you'll never have to see me again." Gendo stared Shinji down as Kaji struggled to restrain him. "Mr. Kaji, escort him out immediately."

"Whatever you say sir." Kaji said. "But you were wrong about him being a threat, and you're wrong about this decision too."

"My orders do not need an opinion piece added to them." Gendo said. "Carry them out."

"Yes sir, Commander." Kaji said as he dragged Shinji for the room.

–––

Gendo sat at his desk, nursing his wounds when Ritsuko came into his office, followed by Fuyutsuki. They both looked at him in disbelief.

"What happened here?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"The former Third Child attacked me in a fit of rage." Gendo said.

"I would have expected that kind of behavior from Asuka…" Ritsuko said. "But from Shinji? I doubt it."

"You saw the pyramid." Gendo said. "That was his handiwork as well."

"I'm sorry, former Third Child?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"He is to be removed as pilot immediately." Gendo said. "Rei is now the exclusive pilot of Unit–01, and all Dummy Plugs are to be pulled from the other Evangelions and used as the backup for Unit–01's new pilot."

"Commander, this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't activated the Dummy System." Ritsuko said. "I told you it was incomplete. Whatever reaction Shinji had to it being on was more than deserved."

"It was the only option." Gendo said.

"If you had looked at the data, I believe was going to ask for Unit–01's help." Ritsuko said angrily. "You just dislike not being in control."

"No, I dislike my orders being disobeyed." Gendo said. "It is as simple as that."

"Ikari, this is problematic." Fuyutsuki said. "We are now down a pilot, we need all the available Evangelions we can muster."

"We will make due with Unit–01, Unit–02, and Unit–XP." Gendo replied. "How are repairs coming along?"

"In the two days since the battle damaged most of them?" Ritsuko asked. "Unit–01 and Unit–02 are fully operational and ready for deployment. Unit–00 is still under repair. Its head has been repaired, but the arm is proving far more difficult to manage. It's been reattached, but it's in no condition to fight, maybe support, as long as it's far out of the Angel's strike range. As for Unit–XP… well, the legs have been repaired, and the arms should be back online later today, but the bionics need an overhaul, and wit us losing two Evangelions, we can't afford to replace some components."

"So we have three battle ready Evangelions?" Gendo asked.

"Yes, I will clear Unit–XP for combat in the next few hours." Ritsuko said.

"Good, and what about Unit–03?" Gendo asked. "Is it salvageable?"

"Ikari, are you asking what I think you're asking?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Of course." Gendo said. "The Fourth Child is still alive, and has all his limbs still attached. He is capable of piloting an Evangelion if he is required to do so."

"Sir, I have removed Suzuhara from active duty, he's been medically discharged pending further review. He's got the worst injuries of anyone in the program so far." Ritsuko explained. "He beats out Rei's injuries from when Unit–00 went berserk last year."

"Your point?" Gendo asked.

"My point is, he is in no condition to fight, especially not now." Ritsuko said.

"Fine." Gendo said tersely. "But is Unit–03 salvageable?"

"In short… yes." Ritsuko said. "The same technology we used to clear out any residual contamination in Suzuhara we can use on Unit–03. The problem is making sure his mother's soul is still intact, and hasn't been taken over by the Angel. We know the Core now possesses an S2 Engine."

"So, what does that mean for us?" Gendo asked.

"It means if I can clear out the remnants of the Angel, I can say we have an Evangelion equipped with an S2 Engine we can use for combat at some point." Ritsuko said.

"Place Unit–03 in cold storage then, and keep the project quiet." Gendo ordered. "We don't need the wrong people catching wind of these developments."

"Understood, sir." Ritsuko said. "Is there anything else?"

"No, I believe that is everything." Gendo said. "Just make sure to find a way to reconstruct Unit–03. We may need it in the future."

"I understand, Commander." Ritsuko said.

–––

Shinji was escorted to the apartment by Kaji. He was brought inside and several Section 2 agents waited outside, at Kaji's request. As Shinji went silently to his room, the girls all came home, with Rei in tow, and after having seen the guards, came inside in a panic wondering what was going on.

"Kaji, what the hell are you doing here?!" Misato shouted. "And why the fuck are there guards outside my door?!"

"Misato…" Kaji said. "This isn't a good time. We don't have a lot of time."

"What do you mean "we" Kaji?" Asuka asked.

"Shinji's getting his things." Kaji said. "Don't make this any harder on him."

"What are you talking about?!" Mari asked angrily.

"Baka, get out here!" Asuka shouted.

"Asuka, I told you to not make this any harder!" Kaji said admonishingly.

"I don't care!" Asuka said "I want to know what happened!"

"I've been removed from piloting." Shinji said, coming out of his room with a backpack.

"How did that happen?!" Mari asked angrily.

"I attacked my father." Shinji said. "I had enough of his shit. He told me to leave because I was a disappointment him."

"Aren't you going to fight it?!" Asuka asked angrily.

"I don't think I should." Shinji said. "I failed you all… I let Toji get hurt… I froze up during that fight until it was too late… I'm the reason all this happened. I don't deserve your friendship anymore… I broke my one promise… my one reason to pilot the EVA… to protect my friends… if I can't do that… than I don't deserve to be here…"

"Shinji, you can't mean that." Mari said somewhat tearfully.

"I do… I'm a danger to you all." Shinji said. "I can't stay here and keep putting you guys at risk… I could freeze up again… I could get you all killed. I can't let that happen. I won't let that happen."

"Shinji, you cannot leave." Rei pleaded. "You are not a danger to us. We require your assistance. Without you, Toji would have been killed. You have a strong bond with your Evangelion that none of the rest of us have. We need you here Shinji, I want you to… stay. Please… stay with us."

"I can't Rei…" Shinji said. "I don't deserve your friendship. I'm a burden none of you deserve to have. You have enough on your plates without me being here too."

Rei and Mari looked heartbroken at Shinji's words, and Misato was still speechless. Asuka however got mad and stepped forward to express her displeasure with Shinji.

SLAP

"What are you, fucking stupid or something?!" Asuka shouted. "You're being selfish by thinking we don't need you! You're the one person we can all rely on to be there for us! You can't just leave us here… without you, we're way more likely to die!"

"No… Asuka… luck has carried me this far… I don't have actual skill… and any luck I may have had has run out." Shinji said. "My friend is in a coma, I put hi there… and I let the rest of you down… you all got hurt because of me…"

"Shinji, you didn't let us get hurt, we got attacked by a brutal Angel!" Asuka shouted. "I froze too! I didn't want to hurt Toji! I couldn't do it, and I got hurt! It's not your fault!"

"Yes it is." Shinji said. "I'm sorry… I guess I'm a disappointment to you too."

Asuka stared at him blankly. "Shinji… you're not… I… I don't want you to leave…"

"I have to Asuka… I don't have any fight left anymore…" Shinji said woefully. "I can't stand to see you guys get hurt anymore because I keep fucking up."

Asuka stepped forward again, with tears in her eyes, and brought Shinji into a tight hug. "Shinji… please… don't go. You can't leave…"

"I…" Shinji muttered.

Mari stepped forward and enveloped the both of them in a hug. "Shinji, you can't leave…" Mari said tearfully. "You're my best friend… you're the first person I met here… what would I do without you?"

"I don't… I don't know…" Shinji muttered. "I'll miss you all when I'm gone… but I…"

"But what?" Mari asked.

"I don't know anymore…" Shinji said weakly. "I let you down too Mari… I let you get hurt, I should have been faster… I shouldn't have frozen up."

"Shinji…" Rei said as she stepped forward and hugged Shinji and the others. "I do not wish you to leave, but I know what disobeying the Commander's orders means. You must go… but I will talk to him… I will tell him how much we all need you."

"Rei… you don't have to do that." Shinji said.

"No, I need to." Rei said. "You leaving causes more harm than good, and I will tell your… the Commander that."

"Yeah, blueberry, you do that." Mari said. "You're right, we need him."

"Yeah, we do need him…" Asuka said.

Misato finally spoke, coming out of her state of shock. "Shinji, you don't have to go." Misato said. "You're still in my custody. I'm your guardian and I refuse to let you leave."

"Actually, Misato…" Kaji said. "The Commander rescinded that order… you're no more to him than an acquaintance now… I'm sorry…"

"He did… what?" Misato asked. "He can't take him away… I love him like my own son…I love all of them like my children… I know I care for him more than the Commander ever would!"

"Misato, that doesn't matter." Kaji said.

"Yes it does!" Misato shouted. "He doesn't understand anything, does he?!"

The girls let go of Shinji while Misato broke down crying. Shinji walked over to her and enveloped her in a massive hug. "Misato… I love you too…"

"Shinji, I don't want you to go…" Misato said.

"I know, but I have to go…" Shinji said.

Kaji motioned to him, and Shinji broke away from his hug with Misato and grabbed his bags. "I have to go now… I've stayed too long."

"Baka…" Asuka said tearfully. "I won't ever forget you…"

"You better call us…" Mari said.

"Until… until next time."

"Kaji… don't do this…" Misato said.

"I have to, Misato…" Kaji said sadly. "Orders are orders… even if I dislike them…" Kaji walked to the door. "Come on, Shinji, we have a train to catch."

"Goodbye…" Shinji said as he walked sadly out the door.

–––

Kaji and Shinji arrived at the train station a short while later. Kaji walked him up to the train and stood with him while they waited for the train cars to arrive.

"Shinji, I'm going to miss you… and the girls will too…" Kaji said. "You've been a bright ray of light in this hellhole."

"Thanks Kaji…" Shinji said. "For everything… the pep talks and stuff… but I guess I don't deserve to be with Asuka after all."

"Shinji, you shouldn't say that." Kaji said. "We'll get you back here soon enough."

The train pulled up and stopped right in front of them. "I guess this is goodbye then." Shinji said. "I'll see you around."

"Yeah, kid…" Kaji said. "I'll come see you in Atsugi sometime… maybe bring the girls somehow… I'll figure something out…"

As Shinji was stepping onto the train, a familiar alarm klaxon went off. One that Shinji knew well because he had heard it the first day he arrived in Tokyo–3 the previous year.

"No… not now…" Kaji said.

"It's an Angel…" Shinji muttered. "So soon after the other one…"

Kaji looked worried, and looked around. He saw something he recognized and grabbed Shinji's hand. "Come on, Shinji…" Kaji said. "Look like you're going to be coming back into the fold sooner than we thought…"

"What are you talking about, Kaji?" Shinji asked. "I'm not allowed…"

"Bullshit… we need to get you back there. You don't just have luck… you have skill… a lot of damn skill… and I don't care what the Commander says, we need you to kill that thing. The girls are good, but you're the key to everything… it'll take a bit of time to explain it." Kaji said. "But I need to tell you something first before I drag you back there. Follow me this way kid… I need to explain some more shit to you…"

–––

On the other side of town, a massive Angel was floating into Tokyo–3. He was roughly the size of an Evangelion, and had wide bone shoulders that defined the shoulder blades, with what looked like grey towels hanging where the arms should be. On his back were two protrusions that matched the bone shoulders in color. His body was mostly black, with its lower torso, inner legs, and feet being white. Spaced around its main body were four large orange gems, shaped like diamonds. Two were located right under the shoulder blades, and the other two were located on the outer thighs. Centered on his chest was a massive, blood red Core that looked like it was half out of his body which glowed brightly in the sunlight. Just above the Core was his face. An angry looking and harsh face with large, oblong eyes and a mouth that looked like it had fangs. Then the eyes started to glow.

Out of his eyes shot a powerful blast of energy which blew a hole through most of the armor plating protecting the Geofront and NERV HQ from the Angelic threats above.

Zeruel had arrived.

To Be Continued

---

A/N: I do not own Evangelion or any of the characters, GAINAX and the other distributors of NGE related material do. I am simply using them as a backdrop for my fanfic.

Sync Score Rankings!
Shinji – 71.3% (-13.9%)
Asuka – 69.4% (-10.7%)
Mari – 67.1% (-9.8%)
Rei – 65.4% (-8.4%)
Toji – 32.8% (+9.9%)

So, there was the chapter everyone, and it ends right where it needs to. Zeruel crashes in and starts to mess shit up as Shinji is being escorted out of town.

As for Bardiel being a creepy fuck… well, basically every Angel the kids will have contact with will be slightly more sadistic and horrible to deal with. So each Angel will be slightly more horrible than you'll remember.

As for the override by Yui… remember way back against Sachiel, she offered him help any time he needed it. And when his friend was in danger, Shinji asked for help, and his wish was granted, with Yui overriding the Dummy System and going berserk to stop Bardiel and save Toji. Also, the assist from Mari was kinda helpful.

As for Shinji attacking his father in a fit of rage, well, it was bound to happen eventually. That and his guilt over injuring his friend is casing Shinji some deep issues. So, when he's told to leave by his father, he doesn't argue, as he has failed with what he promised to do, protect his friends at all costs. This hurts everyone around him, and Shinji retreats into himself once more, and becomes more like who he was before he arrived in Tokyo–3.

As I said before, and will always say at the end of chapter, please leave comments, as I would like to try to improve the story going forward any way I can. And, hell, constructive criticism is a good thing.

---

つづく