FicWad

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Chapter 16:

Rei answered the knock at the front door and opened it to see Hikari and Nozomi standing there

“Hi Rei” Hikari greeted her friend

“Haiya” Nozomi blurted out rocking back and forth on her heels and toes.

The resemblance really was uncanny between the sisters it made Rei smile a little as she invited them in “Come on in”

Hikari dropped her bags on the Kitchen bench and Nozomi headed to the lounge room and sat down with Toji to watch T.V

“Wow Rei this is a nice place. So can we have a tour?” Hikari asked

“Sure” Rei replied

“Come on Toji Rei is giving Hikari a tour you want to come?” Nozomi asked

“Sure why not” Toji replied getting up

“This is the kitchen Rei said with a small smirk gesturing around the kitchen with her arms and she then made the short trip around the apartment showing the lounge room

“Rei the T.V looks great how do you and Shinji look-after it so well?” Toji asked curious

“It doesn’t get used very much” Rei replied

“What is Shinji doing then?” Toji asked

Rei thought for a moment and it was simple “He is usually doing work at Nerv or the gym if not that then studying or we spend time together sometimes there is music on” Rei replied

“Shinji really is busy isn’t he” Hikari replied feeling a little bad at how Misato had let her talk Shinji into tutoring

“Yes but do not worry about the tutoring it is something he enjoys doing” Rei replied seeing the look on Hikari’s face

Hikari smiled at the response

“Why would Shinji like studying so much?” Nozomi piped in

“It’s not the work” Rei replied quietly with a wink

“Ohhhh” Nozomi replied understanding with a smile that said Hikari was in for it later

“Thanks Rei” Hikari replied to which Rei smiled innocently

Rei continued the tour showing the bathroom and then her bedroom.

“Wow Rei you really have a nice room” Hikari commented

Nozomi walked in looking around at the young girls room “Nozomi don’t intrude manners” Hikari replied

“It’s ok she can look around” Rei replied

“Sorry” Nozomi replied and stopped not sure whether to keep looking

“Keep looking I don’t mind” Rei replied

Nozomi look at a small white stuffed bear on Rei’s bed with a blue bow around a wrist, normally it wouldn’t have been picked in a girls room Reis age but it was a sentimental gift from Shinji shortly after their birthday. Shinji had said it was for good luck and Rei had left it on her bed since Shinji had been absorbed into Unit-01

“Where did you get the bear it’s really nice” Nozomi asked

“It was a gift from Shinji for good luck” Rei replied “You’ll have to ask him when you see him next”

“Where is Shinji?” Nozomi asked

“He’s at Nerv doing some work with Unit-01 after the last fight” Hikari replied

“You mean like in my picture?” Nozomi asked

“Yeah like that” Hikari replied as everyone left Rei’s room

“And this is Shinji’s room” Rei pointed to the door

Nozomi opened it and went straight in

“Nozomi you shouldn’t be in there Shinji isn’t here” Hikari chided going in after her sister

“But we are friends Shinji wouldn’t mind” Nozomi assumed

“It’s ok he really wouldn’t mind” Rei replied from the door as Toji walked in to have a look at his friends room as well.

There really wasn’t much stuff there, while Rei’s room had some posters on the walls of things she had become interested in since Shinji had been showing her more and more of the things she had missed out on, she had a small set of shelves with some ornaments on them that she had received for her birthday and a large built in wardrobe with her bed nice and high.

Shinji by contrast only had a small wardrobe that he wouldn’t have even filled even with all his gym gear in there, a futon on the floor a desk with his school books on it. Hikari noticed he had been preparing for their next session that he never made it too and there was a backpack and black case with a duffle bag on top stashed in the corner.

“What’s in the case?” Nozomi asked looking at it

“Shinji’s sniper rifle, it was a gift from the sub-commander for his birthday” Rei replied

“I had no idea Shinji was into shooting” Hikari replied a little surprised

“He got into it when he was training with Unit-01 he really is exceptional as well” Rei replied

“Really how good is he?” Toji asked

“I have only seen him run the pit at Nerv once and I’ve been to the range a few times with him, he never misses. Major Katsuragi says he could easily make it into the Special Forces if he wanted to” Rei replied

“Wow he’s that good” Toji murmured

Rei nodded and everyone left Shinji’s room Rei closing the door feeling a little sad knowing her brother wasn’t going to be home tonight or most likely for a while

Hikari cook a nice meal that everyone enjoyed and once the cleaning up was done the four settled down in front of the T.V to watch a movie that Nozomi had found on T.V Some Disney film about a princess locked in a castle that needed to be rescued by a knight in shining armour, Nozomi enjoyed it and the three teenagers talked quietly amongst themselves.

“Say how was Shinji doing before the angel fight, you know with being locked in solitary confinement?” Toji asked

“The last time I saw him was in the Eva cages after the mission against the angel that infected Unit-03. He was pretty distraught at what happened to Kensuke, then the commander had him in his office straight away and then down to solitary after that” Rei replied

“This sucks; do they know when they can get him out?” Toji asked again

“I’m not sure I haven’t heard anything” Rei replied

“Poor Shinji” Hikari whispered

The brown haired girl seemed just as upset as Rei was about Shinji. The three teens continued talking quietly while Nozomi watched her movie until it finished

“Well it’s getting late I better get Nozomi home” Hikari spoke up

“Yeah I better get going as well” Toji replied seeing it was getting late.

“Thank you for coming” Rei replied “It was nice to have some company”

“No problem Rei, if you need anything let us know” Toji replied

“Thank you” Rei replied as her guests left

That night the blue haired pilot knew what it was like to be truly alone.

‘Please come back to me Shinji’ Rei thought as she drifted off to sleep that night

A week had passed and Rei had continued with her routine on auto pilot. She went to school and took sync tests at Nerv. Toji and Hikari visited again another night and the company was really appreciated. Rei realised then just how much Hikari cared for Shinji, the class rep was becoming quieter with each day that passed.

Asuka was unusually quiet as well. Her pride had taken a beating during the last fight. The angel had utterly destroyed Unit-02 and for all her efforts she had not done anything to slow the angel down. She surrounded herself with her posse at school, the popularity helping to ease her sorrow. She noticed how Rei had started heading back to her old ways. ‘He’s just her brother little doll shouldn’t be so upset’ Asuka thought darkly

“So what’s the latest Katsuragi?” Kaji asked his love in her office as he walked in

“Ritsuko says a couple of weeks and she will be ready to try a salvage operation” Misato replied

“How are they going to do that?” He asked

“Using the Magi she says they can reconstruct his body and bring him back. It’s a lot of science I don’t really get it..... I just hope she can pull it off” Misato replied

“He’s a strong guy.... He can do it” Kaji replied giving her some hope

“Do you really believe that? Or are you just trying to give me some hope?” Misato asked

“I believe it... I’ve seen him do some incredible things since we have been working together” Kaji replied pulling his love into a much needed hug

“I’ve seen him pilot Eva and get out of some hairy situations but this is different” Misato spoke into Kaji’s shoulder

“I’m not talking about that” Kaji replied

“What are you talking about?” Misato asked

“You know the last day you found out what Shinji and I were up to?” Kaji asked

“Of course”

“He saved my life that day” Kaji replied

“What?” Misato got out dumb founded mouth agape

“I was hotwiring a car after we breached the perimeter wall of Hidoshi Heavy Chemicals there was a guard and I didn’t see him there. He came up around the rear driver’s side window with a SMG pointed right at me” Kaji went on

“What the hell Ryoji you two never said anything about this” Misato replied angrily. Kaji knew he was in trouble when Misato used Ryoji

He pressed on not worrying about the trouble he would be in for now “Shinji put three rounds in the guard at 50 metres before he could he could even aim. The first one went through the back windows hitting him in the stomach, the second hit him in the chest and the last one hit him in the head, he then had the presence of mind to cover our tracks with suppressing fire before getting in the car and we escaped”

“I already know he’s brilliant with a gun” Misato replied

“It’s more than that he’s incredibly brave and tough beyond belief he won’t be lost to us now” Kaji replied “Read this tonight you will believe like me after this” the spy added handing Misato a disc

“What’s this?” Misato asked

“A report and field assessment” Kaji replied

Misato would stay late that night and read the sixty page report from the Shannon Bio-8 mission three times and Kaji was right if he could do all that there was no way he would be stuck inside the Eva forever.

Two more weeks passed and Ritsuko’s team had finished their preparations for Shinji’s rescue

“I can’t believe you came up with all this in three weeks” Maya commented to Ritsuko as they got everything ready.

“Thank you but I don’t deserve all the credit, a lot of this work is my mother’s” Ritsuko replied

“You mean something like this happened before?” Maya got out through her surprise

“Yes though it was during my mother’s time before I started here” Ritsuko replied

“How did they go then?” Maya asked

“It failed” Ritsuko replied solemnly as she realised the enormity of the task at hand

“Don’t worry ma’am you’re a great mind and a lot has changed since then” Maya replied cheering up her superior

Rei came down to the viewing deck and stood next to Misato

“How are you doing Rei?” Misato asked

“I really miss him” Rei whispered

“I’ll bet, me too” Misato replied just as quietly

“Hikari is taking it really badly as well” Rei added

“She really does like him I knew it” Misato replied

“Yes she does” was all Rei replied with.

“Well we will have him back soon” Misato replied trying to stay positive

“Yes” Rei replied looking on as she hugged herself

“Alright let’s begin” Ritsuko ordered

“Initiating program, transmitting first signal” Makoto reported

“Signal received no rejection” Shigeru replied

“Proceed to the second and third signals” Ritsuko ordered

“Sending signals” Makoto reported again

“Received with no error” Shigeru replied

“Subject cathexis is normal” A tech reported

“Destrudo cannot be confirmed” another voice added

“Roger proceed to the second stage” Ritsuko ordered

A high pitched whine could be heard gaining momentum as the operation continued

“Come on Shinji” Rei whispered to herself

Pings were heard on monitors as alarms started blaring

“It’s no good his ego border line is frozen in a fixed loop” Maya reported

“Try to radiate the wave patterns from all directions” Ritsuko ordered

Looking over Maya’s shoulder Ritsuko could see the problems “My God all of the radiated signals are being trapped in Klein space” she got out

“What does that mean?” Misato asked

“It means we failed” Ritsuko spoke over her shoulder “Abort intervention reverse the tangent graph, set the addition value at zero” she ordered to her techs

“Right” Maya replied keying away at her terminal furiously

“Destrudo reaction in the queue area, pattern is sepia” Shigeru replied

“I’ve got a change on the core pulse! Plus 0.3 confirmed!” Makoto called out in a panic

“Maintaining current condition has top priority stop that back flow” Ritsuko ordered her voice raising but staying calm.

“Yes ma’am” Maya replied “Plus 0.5... 0.8 this is all wrong I can’t stop it” she got out.

“What’s going on don’t you want to come back Shinji?” Ritsuko asked herself.

“The eva it’s rejecting the signal” Maya reported

“Shinji’s ego border is disintegrating in the LCL” Shigeru added

“Pressure in the plug is increasing” Makoto replied

“Abort all operations power down” Ritsuko ordered

“It’s not working the plug is being ejected” Maya replied in a panic

The plug ejected out all the probes force ejected from the plug

“Pressure inside the plug dropping” Makoto reported

“I don’t understand” Ritsuko murmured

The plug reinserted back into Unit-01 and it powered down those white eyes fading to black

‘What happened?’ Shinji got out

‘They tried to rescue you’ Unit-01 replied

‘I can see Misato and Rei. How is this possible?’ Shinji replied

‘That’s good you’re inside the core with me so I can reconstruct your body I just need one more week. Misato and Rei must be standing in front of Unit-01’ Unit-01 replied

‘What do I have to do?’ Shinji asked

‘Nothing just sit tight and you’ll be right’ Unit-01 replied

‘Alright’ Shinji replied

Back at school Rei was getting more and more lonely

“Rei is everything ok?” Hikari asked at lunch

“No” Rei replied

“What is it?” Hikari asked

“They tried to rescue Shinji on the weekend and it didn’t work” Rei replied quietly

“What does that mean?” Hikari asked

“They aren’t sure” Rei replied

“Well is Shinji ok?” Toji asked hearing the conversation

“He is still inside the Eva, it rejected all the commands half way through the operation and powered down” Rei replied “Dr. Akagi says he is still inside the plug and they will try again” Rei added

“That’s good news isn’t it?” Hikari asked

“Yes there is hope but I get the feeling they don’t know what went wrong” Rei replied

Rei’s phone started ringing

“Hello”

“Rei its Misato”

“Yes Major”

“Ritsuko says she will be ready to try to recover Shinji again by the end of the week” Misato informed the blue haired pilot

“That’s good, hopefully this time it will work” Rei replied quietly

“Bring your friends, it might actually help Shinji” Misato replied

“Yes ma’am I will let them know” Rei replied

“Great I’ll see you tomorrow for a sync test” Misato ended the call

“Good bye Major” Rei replied hanging up

“Misato?” Toji asked

Rei just nodded. Toji and Hikari kept looking at Rei waiting for her to go on, it was similar to what Shinji did but he had this look on his face that made Rei feel safe and that he understood exactly what she was talking about

“Misato said if you want to you can come to the retrieval attempt at the end of this week” Rei spoke up

“Sure Rei, we’ll be there” Hikari replied instantly without thinking

The sync test later that week threw up interesting results.

“Rei is at the edge of the contamination zone” Maya reported

“Already?” Ritsuko asked shocked, she walked over to her subordinate’s terminal to have a look.

“She’s dropped another 10 points” Maya pointed down

“Yes down to 55%” Ritsuko confirmed “What could be causing this?” she pondered

“It’s not that hard to figure out this test is a waste of time” Misato replied feeling sorry for Rei

“What’s that meant to mean?” Ritsuko asked

“How would you feel if your brother was stuck inside an Eva?” Misato asked

“This test isn’t a waste of time, not for Asuka” Ritsuko replied with a grin

Misato looked across and sure enough there was the German red head 90% a new personal best

“Figures just make sure you’re ready for Friday night, no mistakes this time” Misato replied as she headed for the debriefing room

“The test is over you two can get out now” Ritsuko spoke into the microphone.

“Your test scores are fluctuating a lot lately. Asuka you have increased to 90%” Ritsuko began with Misato just standing off to the side

“And that’s why I’m the best pilot” Asuka proclaimed happily

“Rei you’re down to 55%” Ritsuko continued

“Awwe poor little Rei is struggling” Asuka mocked her co-pilot.

Rei didn’t say anything she just kept looking ahead ‘I don’t know how Shinji put up with this, it’s no wonder he pulled his gun on her’ Rei thought

“Rei I’ll see you in my office once you’re done with your shower” Misato added

“Yes ma’am” Rei replied

“Well that’s it your dismissed” Ritsuko finished the debriefing

Asuka skipped all the way to the locker rooms happy with her progress and reaffirmed her authority that she really was the best there was.

“You wanted to see me Major” Rei replied stepping through Misato’s door

“Yes Rei come on in” Misato replied looking up from her paperwork and doing a double take as Rei stood there in blue jeans and a sky blue jumper “Nice outfit Rei it suits” Misato added

“Thank you Major” Rei replied

“Where did you get it?” Misato asked

“At the mall with Shinji a month ago” Rei replied

“Nice.... The reason I wanted to see you was to just to make sure you’re ok, I know your ratio has been dropping but once Shinji is back I’m sure things can get back to normal” Misato replied

“Thank you for your concern Major” Rei replied

“Just remember if you need anything I’m here” Misato offered

“Yes ma’am”

“Did you tell Shinji’s friends about Friday?” Misato asked

“Yes Toji and Hikari are coming” Rei replied

“Alright well I’ll have everything sorted for them” Misato replied

“Thank you Major” Rei replied

Seeing there was nothing else she left.

‘The poor girl she is really struggling, I just hope Ritsuko can pull it off this time’ Misato thought as she went back to her paperwork.

Friday night came around and Rei was nervous. ‘I’ve never felt like this before I’m sweating so much without doing any work at all’ Rei thought as she walked into headquarters with Hikari and Toji next to her.

She quickly saw Misato walking towards them meeting them at the front gate to the pyramid

“Hi. Thank you for coming” Misato spoke sombrely

“So what’s this all about?” Toji asked getting straight to the point

“Well there is going to be another rescue attempt for Shinji, we know he’s inside Unit-01 we are just hoping that as his friends your presence will help to bring him back” Misato replied

“Thank you for the invitation Major Katsuragi” Hikari replied

“Do you think it will work?” Toji asked

“We will have to wait and see I hope so” Misato replied

“It will” Rei whispered to herself

Hikari noticed this and got really worried for Rei. She was struggling so much with Shinji missing, she was really worried about her friend and Shinji as well.

Misato led the way to the elevator that would take them down to the cages

“You’re going to see classified information in here” Misato began

“Yes ma’am” Toji replied

“You can’t talk about any of it to anyone ever” Misato spelled it out

“No problem Major Katsuragi” Hikari replied

Toji thought about making a quip about not being like Kensuke but it was just too fresh

The elevator ride down was quiet the sound of the floors ticking off on the display the only noise that could be heard, finally with a ding the elevator opened and after a short walk they all came to some double doors and as they strode through behind Misato the walked out onto the bridge.

They were assaulted with a flurry of activity as everyone was preparing for the rescue operation. Ritsuko was handing out orders to the bridge bunnies double checking all the systems to make sure there would be no problems.

“So this is where you guys work?” Toji spoke up looking around in awe

“It sure is a big place” Hikari commented

“Yes the command centre is very large” Rei replied

“Come on I’ll take you down to the cages where you can watch from near Unit-01” Misato added getting the three teens to follow her to another elevator.

A short ride down had them in front of Unit-01 on the cat walk.

“Wow it looks so fearsome” Toji commented “I mean this is like the third time I’ve seen it this close but it just looks so scary” the jock added

“The third time what are you talking about Suzuhara?” Hikari asked

“Well the first time was against that purple snake looking thing when me and Ken snuck out and got busted after and then there was the other week when Shinji saved us from on the street and then there is now” Toji counted off on his fingers.

“Oh yeah” Hikari replied she then looked around and saw Unit-00 and -02 in their respective cages as well. “Say where is Asuka at?” she asked wondering where the temperamental German was

“I don’t know she just said she didn’t need to come” Misato replied

Ritsuko checked over everything again and made sure everything was on track for the rescue operation.

“All teams report to your stations we will begin in one minute” she announced over the PA

“Come on let’s sit over here you can see what’s happening from the screens” Misato motioned to a set of chairs over by a console

The display was split into four quarters one quadrant showing a camera feed from the bridge and another from the plug. The other two showed graphs with cursers that were at zero for now.

‘Shinji’ Unit-01 called out to its pilot

‘I’m here... I can see some bodies in the cages but it’s still blurry’ Shinji replied

‘I’m ready to send you back but the others must be trying again, look we only have one shot to get you out right, if anything goes wrong you have to focus on something that will pull you through from the eva’ Unit-01 replied

Ok, but if there are people down there does that mean they might interfere with what you’re doing?..... I think I see Rei, that’s got to be her blue hair I just can’t make anything out it’s all blurry’ Shinji replied

‘The others can interfere so it’s best we get started’ Unit-01 replied

‘Alright I’ll see you on the other side’ Shinji replied

“Send first signal” Ritsuko began the operation

“Sending signal” Makoto reported

“Signal received no rejection” Shigeru followed

“Send the second and third signals” Ritsuko ordered

“Ma’am I’m picking up a massive spike in energy and pressure coming from the plug” Maya called out alarmed as red indicators started flashing across her terminal

Ritsuko was there in a flash looking at the data

“That’s impossible we only sent three test signals, we haven’t done anything yet” Ritsuko cried out exasperated by the erratic behaviour of Unit-01 she really was unable to comprehend or anticipate the purple war machine.

“What’s Shinji’s status?” she asked fearing the worst

“I don’t know I’ve lost all readings it looks like he is gone” Maya confirmed the worst “The pressure is still rising in the plug” Maya added in a panic “Emergency eject has been activated

The entry plug rocketed out to its eject position almost like Unit-01 had had enough of the plug being in there after a month a loud crack echoing throughout the cages as the plug hit the stops.

‘Shinji you have to focus be strong’ Unit-01 called out to its pilot

‘...’

‘Shinji?’

‘...’

‘Shinji......’

The hatch buckled open from the force of the pressure increase in the LCL. The amber liquid spiled out over the sides and down onto the cat walk taking Shinji’s entry plug suit with it. Rei and Hikari raced over to the entry plug unable to believe what had happened. Toji stood there unable to believe what he was seeing

“Shinji.............. No” Rei whispered as she stood next to the entry plug and puddle of LCL that was seeping down through the grating in the cat walk. Rei fell to her knees as pained sobs and cries wracked her body. She wept openly all her hope and confidence her brother would return was dashed in an instant and it was too much for her to handle

Hikari knelt down next to the blue haired girl and embraced her in a warm hug. Hikari’s arms shaking in time with Rei’s sobs

“No... Shinji No....” Rei got out a little louder but only the three on the catwalk could hear her

“It isn’t fair” Hikari whispered to Rei

Rei nodded into Hikari’s shoulder as she continued to sob for her brother “It isn’t fair” Hikari spoke a little more forcefully.

She turned her head looking straight at Unit-01’s eyes as they glowed white hot “It isn’t fair Shinji did nothing wrong.......” She screamed taking a deep breath “GIVE HIM BACK TO US” She roared

Toji still stood numbly ‘Whoa class rep is losing her shit she must really love him’ the jock thought as he noticed Misato crying quietly for the loss of the boy she had come to think of as a son

Then without notice the core rippled and just like that a body was spat out of Unit-01. It was unmistakable as the mop of brown hair hit the deck hard with a thunk getting everyone’s attention

“Shinji” Rei and Hikari cried out unable to believe what had just happened, the swing of emotions from total sadness at their loss to pure joy at getting Shinji back was too much for the girls to comprehend

A grin split Toji’s face once he realised what had happened as he watched Shinji’s sister and prospective love interest hug him without any thoughts or concerns over the fact he was completely naked.

“Get a medical team to the cages now” Misato screamed into her phone

Seconds later a gurney burst through the doors to the cages followed by a medical team. They put Shinji onto the gurney when Ritsuko made it to the cages.

“Alright get him to medical we need to make sure he is ok” Ritsuko ordered

“Maya stay here I want a full analysis on Unit-01” Ritsuko ordered as she followed the gurney to medical. Rei, Hikari, Toji and Misato following

“Nerv personnel only beyond this point” A security guard called out stopping Toji and Hikari in their tracks.

“It’s ok they are with me” Misato replied interjecting

“Sorry Major no exceptions Commander’s orders” the security guard responded

“Go with him Rei just let us know what’s going on” Misato replied in an instant seeing the pained look on the three teens faces at not being able to keep tabs on their friend and brother.

Rei nodded and followed.

“Come on let’s get you two a seat and something to eat” Misato replied as she lead her two guests to the cafeteria.

Toji and Hikari followed Misato to the cafeteria and said nothing. Misato grabbed them a tray each “Eat whatever you want after that you need some time to process it all and relax” Misato spoke to the two teens

“What just happened there Major Katsuragi?” Hikari asked as the force of the events hit her

“I have no idea but Shinji came back and he was alive when they took him away so that can only be a good thing” Misato replied

The three sat down and ate and began to wait patiently on what was happening with Shinji

Rei followed her brother all the way to medical. No way was he getting out of her sight for the immediate future. Shinji was put through an x-ray and MRI as the Sub-Commander came down to Rei.

“How is he doing?” the old man asked

“I’m not sure he is alive but no one had said anything else” Rei replied

“Let me go and have a look” the Sub-Commander responded as he headed into the room.

He took a quick look over the x-rays and MRI results and was concerned immediately there was something missing and everything felt off ‘what has happened to you in there?’ the old professor thought to himself

“How is he?” he asked Ritsuko

“He seems ok though I guess we won’t know for sure till he wakes up” Ritsuko replied

“I see” the sub-commander replied

“Tell the commander he will be ready to pilot regardless” Ritsuko replied

“If that’s the way you feel tell him yourself” Fuyutsuki replied with a look of disgust on his face that was missed by Ritsuko

“Yes sir” she replied a little too dismissively for Kozo’s liking

‘What’s going on with you Ritsuko?’ the sub-commander mused to himself as he left Ritsuko to her work

“Rei” Fuyutsuki got the young girls attention

“Yes sir” Rei replied

“Shinji should be ok once he wakes up, but I must warn you he is different” Fuyutsuki replied

“How so sir?” Rei asked straight to the point

“Something happened when his body was reconstructed, I know for a fact it wasn’t Ritsuko’s work that brought Shinji back, so that leaves very few possibilities” the sub-commander began “For a start he is missing his miniature S2 engine and I’m guessing here but those glasses he has been wearing I doubt he will need those too”

“You mean he won’t be able to pilot Unit-01?” Rei asked

“We have no idea whether it will be detrimental to his health, I’d say it will be similar or worse than when he first came here” Fuyutsuki replied candidly

“The degeneration again?” Rei clarified

“Possibly but we just won’t know until some tests can be run and I would be in no rush for those but others might not be so patient” came the reply “Do you know where your friends went?” the old man asked with some care in his eyes

“I believe I heard Major Katsuragi talking about the cafeteria as I left” Rei replied

“Alright I’ll go find them no doubt they will want to know. Don’t leave his side until you’re ready, I don’t care what anyone says to you” Fuyutsuki replied with a smile

“Thank you sir” Rei replied as the old professor smiled at the young pilot and turned and left. Rei went back to looking at Shinji as he laid there having more scans done and then followed him to his room once that was done and sat down with her brother and began waiting for him to wake up.

“Major. Children” the sub-commander greeted Misato and the teens as he took the last available seat at the table

“Sub-Commander Sir” Misato replied

“Ritsuko says Shinji should be fine once he wakes up” the sub-commander got straight to the point

“That’s good right?” Toji asked

“Yes we won’t know for sure until he wakes up but hopefully” Fuyutsuki replied

Everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at the news and the sub-commander let everyone compose themselves for a moment

“He should be in his room by now, Rei is with him but you should go see him when you are ready, I’ll put your three names on an exemption visiting list, no one can send you away” Fuyutsuki added

“Thank you sir” everyone replied Hikari adding a small bow as well

“Arugrah!” Shinji groaned as his eyes opened and just like that he returned to the land of the living

“Shinji” Rei got out before hugging her brother. She surprised herself by quietly crying again she could have sworn she had no tears left “I was so worried about you” she whispered

Shinji hugged his sister back feeling warm in the embrace

“How do you feel?” Rei asked

“I feel fine” Shinji replied “Better than fine actually” he added when he thought about it

“That’s good” Rei replied as she pulled back to look at her brother she still couldn’t believe he was here and safe “I’m so glad you’re ok I was so worried about you” she added

“Thanks Rei but I’m ok now” Shinji replied

“What do you remember?” she asked curiously

“Everything.......” Shinji replied “I had to fight my way to the cages from solitary and finally got into the eva and launched against the angel it was big and so strong, it was really hard to beat, it blew my arm off....” Shinji paused looking down at his arm and saw it there “Wait I remember it vaporising inside the plug, the pain was like nothing else” Shinji remembered still looking at his arm that he didn’t expect to be there.

“Do you remember growing one back onto Unit-01?” Rei asked

“Yeah I do but my arm never came back when that happened” Shinji replied

He paused for a moment then pressed on a hollow look in his blue eyes

“I fought with everything I had but it wasn’t enough, I was close to killing it but the power ran out. I still had optics through the eva and could see everything but I couldn’t make it move...... The angel pinned me to the ground and was about to finish me off until..... You saved me Rei” he said the last bit with a smile.

“You tore into the angel all the while I was just trying to make Unit-01 move and then the angel overpowered you it was slamming you into the ground right next to me and then I found my connection to Unit-01 it said I had to release my fears to make it move again, I got Unit-01 to move with no power I was able to fight back against the angel and together we finished it off” Shinji finished with a smile.

“Yes we did. Can you remember what happened next?” Rei asked

“Sure we helped each other back to the cages and then I blacked out and here I am” Shinji replied

“I see what has happened here” Rei replied

“What is going on am I missing something?” Shinji asked quietly unsure of himself now but definitely not liking the look on his sister’s face.

“How long has it been since the last angel attack brother mine?” Shinji smiled at Rei calling him brother mine he did like the sound of that though Rei was using it to make this easier on him

“A couple of days I guess” Shinji replied

Rei shook her head to that “It’s almost five and a half weeks” She replied sadly

“I’ve been out for that long?” Shinji asked

“Not at all” Rei replied sadly “Dr. Akagi hasn’t said anything to you?” Rei asked specifically

The question and is timing were odd for Shinji but he knew his sister and the answer must be important for her to be asking like this now “No she didn’t, what am I missing here sister mine?”

“Dr. Akagi must be siding with the commander” Rei replied quietly

“What makes you say that?” Shinji asked again

“Her exams and treatment have become rougher over the month, plus they have been seeing each other more often lately” Rei replied

Shinji had a shocked look on his face “She’s been hurting you?” Shinji asked

“No she has just been less careful than when you were here before” Rei replied

Shinji didn’t say anything to this but he was realising the implications, the commander was smart and having the head of the science division in your pocket was always going to be the most logical move for him.

“You said I haven’t been out for the five weeks so what happened to me?” Shinji asked his sister not knowing what to think

“When your synchronisation ratio topped out at over 480% your body was put under immense stress. You should have melded into the LCL then but somehow you were able to stay conscious and kill the angel and help me back to the cages. After that you were absorbed into Unit-01’s core and Dr. Akagi tried twice to retrieve you but Unit-01 seemed to send you out on its own” Rei explained

“It said it had finished putting my body back together” Shinji replied in a whisper

“Huh!” Rei let out a gasp at surprise at the admission “What do you mean finished?” She asked recovering her composure

“I thought it was just a dream but it makes senesce, Unit-01 said it had to put my body back together and return me but I had to focus on something to cross over from the eva” Shinji explained

“How did you do it?” Rei asked quietly.

“It was you and Hikari. I thought of you guys...... I mean I could make out your out line from the core. I swear I’ll never lose you in a crowd sister” Shinji replied with a smile

‘This is a brother’s love’ Rei thought “I see” The young lady replied with a faint blush on her cheeks “You embarrass me brother”

“For that I am sorry” Shinji replied

“Well I’m just glad you are ok” Rei replied

“Me too” Shinji replied with a smile glad to see his sister again

“There is one more thing, the sub-commander saw me before I went in, he saw you when Dr. Akagi was running tests and you were still unconscious. He said that you would be different and I can see what he means now” Rei continued in her soft voice

“What do you mean?” Shinji asked

“You have two blue eyes now and your arm is back where you were sure it’s gone, can you see clearly?” Rei asked

“Yeah I can” Shinji replied looking around the room

To that Rei just held up his glasses “I guess you don’t need these anymore” She replied with a knowing grin on her face “I only wonder if anything else will have changed?”

Ritsuko walked in at that moment without knocking “Shinji good to see your up she greeted the pilot

“Hello Doctor” Shinji replied

“I need to check you out to make sure you’re ok” Ritsuko replied

“Alright”

“Rei can you give us a moment I won’t take too long” Ritsuko ordered more than asked

Rei shared a look that said plenty and Shinji nodded to his sister as she left and waited outside the door.

Ritsuko started with a physical that showed nothing out of the ordinary, in fact Shinji was in perfect health. Then she moved onto the fight “What do you remember from the angel fight?” She asked

Shinji proceeded to relay the first half of the story again; he didn’t leave out escaping from solitary “..... Then Unit-01 ran out of power and.... and.... and.... ah I just can’t remember I blacked out” He offered

Ritsuko looked at him a little funny but didn’t say anything

“Alright I’m returning you to active status pending a physical, we’ll do it this afternoon, you’ve been discharged you can go now”

“Yes Dr. Akagi” Shinji replied getting up taking a bed sheet with himself

“You clothes are in the bathroom” Ritsuko added as she left and Rei came back in as Shinji headed into the bathroom

“Seems I’ve been discharged” Shinji replied walking out of the bathroom in his casual uniform

“Well I bet the others would like to see you then” Rei replied as she led her brother out of medical and down to the cafeteria

“Shinji!” Hikari got out seeing the young pilot and his sister walking towards them

Everyone got up taking turns to hug the young man back from the dead

“Shinji we missed you” Misato replied with a tear in her eye

“Good to see you bud” Toji replied clapping his friend on the shoulder

“Good to see you guys too” Shinji replied

“Shinji what happened you look different” Hikari replied

“I’m ok it’s just a side effect of being absorbed by Unit-01” Shinji replied “Dr. Akagi has already put me on active duty if I pass a physical this afternoon” He added

“They are throwing you back in just like that?” Misato asked a little shocked

“I’m going to find Ritsuko” She added getting up “It’s good to have you back Shinji” She added leaving

Hikari kept looking at Shinji and then it hit her, those blue eyes there was two instead of a blue and a red one, it was going to be so much easier to get lost in them now not that there was anything wrong before it would just be easier now.

“So what’s the plan Shin?” Toji asked his friend

“I have to stick around for a physical then I’ll be returned to the active roster and that should be it” Shinji replied

“Can we stick around to see what you do?” Toji asked hopefully

“I guess, it’s not that interesting but unless someone says you have to go” Shinji replied

“Don’t be so hard on yourself I’ve seen your tests before and they are very interesting” Rei corrected her brother in a kind way

“How long is that?” Toji asked

“I’ve got two hours” Shinji replied

“What do you want to do till then?” the jock asked

“I’d better get some food” Shinji replied “You want anything?” Shinji asked his friend

“You bet Shin” Toji replied following his friend

“Girls?” Shinji asked

“Yes I am a bit hungry” Rei replied

“Something small I guess since we just ate” Hikari replied giving Toji a glance that wondered how he could be hungry now after eating so soon

“Come in” Ritsuko replied to the knock on her door as she was on the phone

“Yes sir I understand” she finished the call

“To what do I owe the pleasure Misato?” Ritsuko asked her long time college friend

“Why is Shinji having a physical so soon from getting out of Unit-01 to be pushed onto the active combat roster?” Misato asked not beating around the bush at all

“It’s good to see you too Misato” Ritsuko replied

“Just answer the damn question?” Misato replied

“Commander’s orders” Ritsuko replied

“That’s bull you have authority over the pilots welfare regarding matters like this” Misato countered “Use your conscience for once and do what’s right”

“I am Misato this is about survival we need all the pilots we can get after we lost an eva and a pilot less than two months ago” Ritsuko replied

“Whatever makes you sleep at night” Misato replied and stormed out of Ritsuko’s office

‘What the hell has happened to you Ritsuko’ the major thought as she headed back to her own office to catch up on her own work. Two hours and she would see how Shinji went at his physical.

Shinji assembled down at the gym in his gear with Rei, Hikari and Toji looking on. The commander, sub-commander and Ritsuko were monitoring him

“Are you ready to begin Shinji?” The fake blond asked

“Yes ma’am”

“Good we will start with 5 laps of the running track” Ritsuko ordered

“5 ma’am?” Shinji asked making sure he heard right

“Yes that’s right” Ritsuko replied

“Is there a problem pilot?” Gendo asked

“No sir” Shinji replied evenly. It was usually three laps they must be really pushing him hard today

“How’s he doing?” Misato asked having just arrived

“He is just about to start” Rei replied

Shinji took off and to Misato’s surprise his pace had seemed faster than normal, but he kept the same pace throughout

“Is he trying to prove a point?” Misato asked herself more than anyone else around

“It is not like him to do so now” Rei replied quietly

“What’s going on Rei?” Hikari asked

“I’m not sure we will just have to wait and see” Rei replied

But Shinji kept going a third lap and then a fourth each knocked over at a quicker pace than had been observed before. Then a fifth lap and the strain was showing on the young pilots face.

“What are they trying to do? The never push him this hard in a physical” Misato commented

Finally Shinji finished his fifth lap and stopped sitting on his haunches as he took deep breaths in

“This way Third Child” the commander ordered

Shinji was put through the ringer push-ups, sit-ups, various weight lifts. The repetitions were a lot higher than normal and so were the weights but the target time stayed the same as easier tests.

“They are going to kill him” Misato commented

“Come on Shinji stay strong” Rei whispered to herself

The young pilot took everything that was thrown at him and he was sweating profusely by the end of the test. He had even lost his shirt half way through after it was completely drenched in sweat Hikari blushed heavily at the sight.

‘That poor kid has it so bad for him’ Misato thought not missing a thing.

“Alright one more test to go” Ritsuko said once Shinji was finished in the gym

“What’s that?” Shinji asked. This was going to be new because he had already done everything he usually did at a much higher level of difficulty

“You will be running the pit pilot” Gendo replied “Let’s go” the commander ordered

Shinji turned to get his shirt off the ground

“Now pilot go to the pit leave the shirt” Gendo ordered forcefully

“Why are they making him run the pit now?” Misato wondered “This is getting ridiculous”

“What’s the pit?” Hikari asked Rei not liking the sounds of this

“It is a fire arms obstacle course used by Section-2” Rei replied

Hikari looked on shocked “He looks so tired after everything he has done already, aren’t they pushing him too hard?”

“I’ve seen Shinji run the course before he will be ok” Rei replied trying to ease the concerns of her friend.

Shinji turned glaring at the commander this was getting ridiculous now

“Do you have something to say Pilot” Gendo questioned

“No sir” Shinji answered leaving his shirt behind

Everyone followed Shinji down to the pit

“Alright Shinji you are running the course on maximum difficulty you must finish to pass your physical” Ritsuko gave Shinji the information

“What’s the target time?” Shinji asked

“Its pass/fail you just have to finish” Ritsuko replied

Shinji gave a sigh of relief at that while everyone headed up to the observation booth

“Here you go young man” the sub-commander spoke up for the first time in the test handing Shinji his cargos and gun

“Thank you sir” Shinji gratefully took his stuff

“What’s the meaning of this let him do it with a gun from the armoury” Gendo spoke up

“This test is hard enough let him do it with his own weapon” Kozo replied matching his students glare

“As you wish sensei I will let it play out your way” Gendo replied “I’m heading to the observation deck wait here for instructions” The commander ordered and left not waiting for a reply

“What the hell is going on?” Shinji asked once it was just him and the sub-commander

“The commander is trying to break you, this is the last test but it will be harder than anything you could ever imagine” Kozo replied

“Great” Shinji replied sarcastically

“Here this will help” the sub-commander replied handing Shinji an ammo belt and a knife

The combat knife was light with a big blade on it and it looked really nice at just the right weight to throw. There were three on the belt plus two pouches with extra clips for his USP45 and half a dozen smoke grenades as well.

“Any suggestions sir?” Shinji asked hopefully once he got the cargos and ammo belt on and stowed all his gear and loaded a clip into the pistol

“Fill your pockets with all the ammo you can carry you will need it” the old man replied

“Thank you” Shinji replied without the sub-commanders help he would have had at best 3 clips for the shitty pistol the armoury would have given him but now an ammo check had him at three throwing knives six smoke grenades and ten clips for his pistol plus the one he loaded into it.

“Do you need anything else Shinji?” The section-2 quartermaster asked

“Sato?” Shinji asked recognising the voice

“The one and only” Sato replied “I heard you were going to be down here so I thought I’d give you a hand” he added smiling from behind the counter

“Two more clips a box of matches and a flash light Shinji replied quickly

“Here you go” Sato said handing over the items.

The matches went into his pocket and the flash light was threaded through his belt while Shinji carried the last two clips since he had no pockets left

“Give em hell young man” Sato replied with a grin realising exactly what was going on

“Pilot Ikari report to the start line” Gendo’s voice came over the PA

“This way Shinji” Kozo called out

“Thank you sir” Shinji replied following the sub-commander

“The reason you’re different is because of the way Unit-01 put your body back together” The sub-commander started. Seeing Shinji understood he kept going “That’s the reason you have two blue eyes some missing scars and you don’t need glasses, your eva injuries have been removed, but so has the miniature S2 organ as well, your back to normal healing times so be careful out there”

“Yes sir and thanks again” Shinji responded quietly

“Watch your back” the sub-commander advised

“You too sir” Shinji replied knowing the sub-commander had put himself in great danger by helping him.

Shinji headed to the starting box and looked up to the observation deck seeing the commander glaring down at him, he noticed Rei, Toji, Hikari and Misato standing off to the side looking down at him as well. Agent Sato turned up at the last minute.

“Agent Sato?” Misato asked surprised to see the section-2 agent there

“Just lending some support to your boy” He whispered to Misato

“Wait where is his vest? Everyone runs the pit in a vest” Misato called out seeing Shinji still shirtless

“That won’t be necessary this time Major” the commander spoke up

‘This test is total shit’ Misato thought to herself but kept her mouth shut for her own benefit

“Begin the test” the commander ordered

The light went green and Shinji headed to the first obstacle. Ten boards popped up and Shinji just took cover straight away ‘Shit they are everywhere’ no sooner had he thought this another hostile popped up on his side of the wall. Shinji shot it in the head straight away but the bullet did nothing. He fired two more round and they both hit the head then the board fell down.

“Fuck three hits for a kill good thing I have a lot of ammo” Shinji whispered to himself

He gathered his composure and picked out two targets firing three rounds at each and they dropped as expected. Hustling to the other end of the wall Shinji picked off two more targets before the firing stopped and he stood up downing another target reloading with a clip in his hand he quickly dropped three more targets before diving back behind the wall as the cover fire started again.

He waited for the firing to stop before vaulting the wall and dropped the last two targets before moving on striding away from the carnage he left behind.

Shinji followed the narrow corridor down waiting for the targets that would come up.

“Come on Shinji kick that things arse” Toji muttered quietly but he was heard by Misato, Rei and Hikari.

Hikari shared a smile with Rei “Do you think he will be alright?” she asked

“Yes his very good at this course though I have never seen it this hard I have confidence in his ability” Rei replied in her quiet voice not taking her eyes of her brother

“What are you going to do if he gets to the end?” Ritsuko asked the commander

“He won’t make it... I have a contingency” the commander replied

“Hypothetically say he does?” Ritsuko asked

“I have ensured he won’t but by the grace of god he manages I will have to let him back into Unit-01” the commander replied with an evil grin “Not that that will do him any good” he added

‘Always a contingency’ Ritsuko thought

‘A contingency for everything accept you son’ the sub-commander mused to himself

Eight targets popped up spread on each side of the corridor and Shinji was forced to take cover as both sides of the walls he was between started getting peppered with simulated fire. The fire felt heavier than last time they must have laid bigger crackers in the walls. Shinji waited and waited as the firing alternated between sides not giving him a shot at any targets.

‘Come on Shinji find an out’ Misato willed her charge on

Shinji backed right up against one wall and once the firing stopped on the opposite side he raised his head to the top of the wall keeping himself covered from the targets behind firing he was able to drop three targets before the other two reloaded and returned fire. He was able to use the same technique to finish off the last two targets before reloading and turning to take down the last three targets that were behind him.

Staying low he proceeded out of the room and came behind a wall that was in front of a house. Eight targets popped up spread across the front and top using windows and doors for cover. They started firing at spread out intervals giving Shinji no break to take them down. Shinji pulled a smoke grenade and threw it into the middle of the opening in front of the house. The grenade went off taking down one hostile and the smoke blocked the view of all the other targets.

Gun shouts started ringing out as the targets started dropping one by one there was a slight pause as Shinji reloaded and proceeded to finished of the remaining targets.

“Third Child” the commanders voice rang out over the PA “Inside the house there is a radio head set put it on” the commander ordered

Shinji found the head set next to the front door on a book case he turned it on and put it on, he didn’t say anything he just started sweeping rooms inside the house which was a lot bigger than he remembered. He found no one on the lower level but still checked his corners and blind spots.

“Third Child” the commander’s voice came over the radio

Misato saw a section two officer who was listening into the conversation on a radio and went over and relieved him of it

“Yes ma’am of course” the young agent replied in the face of the major’s authority.

Motioning to Toji, Rei, Hikari and Agent Sato they gathered around a table at the back of the observation deck and listened in

“What’s going on?” Hikari asked

“I’m not sure but I don’t like it” Misato replied

“What” came Shinji’s voice down the line as he concentrated on what he was doing.

“Captain Chirron will be entering the pit, do not fire on him, also do not get caught or you will fail the test” the commander replied

“Fine” was the one word reply

“Captain Chirron” the commander called out

“Yes sir”

“Go get the Third Child use any means necessary” the commander ordered

“Yes sir” the captain replied “You two on me” he ordered two of his senior agents

“What are you doing sir?” Misato asked not liking the look of this

“Just challenging the Third Child” the commander replied with an evil grin “If you wish to stay up here be quiet” he added with venom

Misato didn’t say anything she just went back to the table

“What’s going on?” Sato asked

“Chirron and two goons are going in to try to catch Shinji” Misato replied

The looks on the faces of the other children showed that they were not impressed

“That’s not fair” Toji replied

“Commander can run his exercise as he wants to” Misato replied picking up the radio

“Wait don’t speak into that radio it’s an open channel” Sato replied taking the radio off Misato

“We have to warn him” Misato replied and Sato just held a finger to his lips.

Three more gun shots rang out the sounds echoing up to the observation deck.

“Chirron will be in there any second we have to warn him” Misato hissed. Sato just nodded then engaged the radio

“Sparrow code 3-Alpha”

Everyone looked on puzzled but Sato just changed the frequency and waited

“Who was that?” the commander barked

“I don’t know?” Ritsuko replied looking at a tablet with all the information for the test on it

“Run a trace find out who else is on the frequency” the commander ordered

“Running it now” Ritsuko replied

“Go for Sparrow” Shinji’s voice came through quietly

“Chiron has two others with him and orders to take you down no matter what” Sato replied

“Thanks” came the reply

“Good hunting” Sato replied turning the frequency back to where it was

“What have you got?” the commander asked Ritsuko

“We are the only one on this frequency I’m running the trace again” Ritsuko replied “Now I’m picking up four pings, us, Shinji in the pit, Major Katsuragi at the back of the booth and Captain Chirron about to enter the pit”

“Was it any of them trying to reach the third child?” the commander asked

“No sir no transmissions were picked up” Ritsuko replied

“Hurry up Chiron he has enough of a start” the commander spoke into the radio

“Moving out now sir” Chirron replied as the start gate was heard opening and closing

“Third Child your progress has been good up to here but this has just turned into a night mission” the commander replied hitting a button on a remote and plunging the pit into total darkness

The only thing that followed was the echo of gun shots and Shinji dropped more targets.

“Why don’t you do us a favour and give yourself up” Chirron spoke into the radio “Come on Pilot Ikari don’t make this any harder on yourself than it has to be” he added taunting Shinji.

“Come and get me you fat fuck” Shinji replied

Everyone listening in grinned at that Hikari thought the language was a little excessive but somehow given the situation Shinji was in she wasn’t mad at him for it.

“Report Chirron” the commander ordered

“Visibility is good since we have night vision and I’m closing in on the Third Childs position we have a good lock on heart beat sensor” Chirron replied then pulled his night stick out letting it extend to its full length as the sound echoed across the radio knowing Shinji could hear it

“Don’t be scared now Pilot Ikari” Chirron called out

“Aaaarrraaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!” Before anyone knew what had happened one of the section-2 agents were on the ground and a loud bang went off.

“Give us the lights” Chirron replied losing his night vision

The commander turned the lights on but half the room was full of smoke. “Fuck the little prick let off a grenade” Chirron got out as smoke was everywhere. It was illuminated red and as Chirron made his way over to the source he found a flare on the ground.

“Chirron Report” the commander growled impatiently

“He found a flare down here and used it to incapacitate Yun he’s down and needs medical attention” Chirron replied

“Just bring him in” the commander replied

“Send a medical team to Yun’s location” Ritsuko added. There was no point leaving the section-2 agent there

“Wait send Chirron’s weapon in with the medical team he will need it” The commander added

“Sir?” Chirron asked

“The third child is armed and dangerous bring him in using any means necessary” Commander Ikari ordered

“Yes sir” was the reply

“Do you really want to go down this road you piece of shit” Shinji spoke up

“I have my orders, give up and I won’t kill you” Chirron replied

“Have it your way” Shinji replied as more gun shots rang out over the radio

“I’m armed and ready moving out” Chirron reported

The commander plunged the pit into darkness again and the second agent helped his busted up buddy out of the pit

A flash light beam was seen towards the end of the pit. Three bangs were heard as smoke grenades went off and the flash light dropped two stories into the final section of the pit. Gun shots rang out unchallenged as the smoke played havoc with the targeting sensors in the pit and Shinji dropped all the targets

Shinji started walking towards the exit as the snap of a round richotshaying off an old car body had him taking cover. ‘How did Chirron move that fast’ Shinji thought then the realisation hit him he didn’t run the whole course or have to shoot targets.

Killing his flash light he moved around as fast as he could. He was almost out of ammo and only had one grenade and two knives left mobility was going to be the only advantage he would have over Chirron. The section-2 chief never ran the pit anymore.

Chirron fired a lot of rounds but came up empty. He reloaded another clip and started firing where he thought Shinji was but still couldn’t hit anything.

Suddenly Shinji popped up to the side of Chirron and fired a round hitting the section-2 chiefs gun. The round dented the barrel of the gun and rebounded into the dirt. The vibrations jarring Chirron’s hand making him drop the gun. Shinji levelled his gun at Chirron’s leg

“What do you think you’re going to do?” Chirron asked

“Finish the course” Shinji replied and ‘CLICK’ out of ammo. It was understandable considering how much work he had done

“Haha” the section-2 chief bellowed “Now you’re mine” he pulled a knife and his night stick in each hand and advanced on Shinji.

Shinji holstered his USP and pulled his remaining knives out holding one back hand and one normally.

Chirron struck out with the nightstick which Shinji blocked with both knives, he followed with the knife but Shinji was equal to the task blocking with the knife he held backhand. Chirron took his opening pressing forward with the nightstick pushing the young pilot back, he landed two good slashes with the knife cutting Shinji across the bicep and chest; he used his extra weight and size smartly in the fight as he lashed out with a knee. Shinji blocked but the impact pushed him further back into a burned out car body, the door collapsing into the car under the impact as Shinji lay where the front seats use to be. Chirron rushed forward swinging hard with the nightstick but the sound of metal on metal rang out loudly as Shinji completed a backward roll to escape out the other side of the car.

Chirron was left shaking his hand as the failed attack left his hand jarred and that was all Shinji needed as he launched himself across the roof of the car swinging out with his legs the kick connected into the side of Chirron’s head knocking the section-2 chief onto his back but in a surprising show of agility for a big man he rolled with it and finished on his feet though he lost his knife in the process.

Chirron attacked straight away swinging wildly with the nightstick hitting Shinji in the shoulder with one attack making the young man drop one of his knives. Chirron kept advancing trying to push Shinji back again as he aimed another swing at the same shoulder he just hit but he was brought up short as Shinji blocked the swing. His body was screaming at him with fatigue and Shinji realised the fight had been going on for too long already he countered with a head but that he landed on Chirron’s nose; the sickening crack letting Shinji know he had managed to break it.

Chirron was left holding his face as he was well and truly stunned.

“Do you give up yet?” Shinji asked as he recovered his breath

“Never you’re just a little maggot” Chirron replied

Shinji didn’t respond to that he hit Chirron in the chest with a spinning kick knocking him onto his back. Chirron went for his ankle holster but Shinji drove the knife into his shoulder and pulled the gun out leaving the captain screaming

“Arraaaggghhhhh..... I’ll kill you you little prick” Chirron gritted out

Shinji pointed Chirron’s own gun at him and noticed Chirron’s look turn feral. He dismantled Chirron’s gun leaving the barrel, slide and grip in the dirt

“Since you would try and shot me in the back given the chance don’t follow me” Shinji said evenly

“Try and stop me” Chirron replied holding his shoulder

Shinji drove his knife into Chirron’s leg between the knee cap and shin and walked away leaving the captain howling in pain again. Shinji strode to the end of the pit and finished the course. It wasn’t his best time but that hardly mattered given the circumstances.

“I’ve never seen this side of Shinji” Hikari whispered to Rei as Shinji made it to the observation deck looking a lot worse for wear.

“What do you mean this side? This is still the same Shinji I call my brother” Rei replied

“I never knew he could be so ferocious or aggressive” Hikari clarified

“This is what is required of him when he pilots the eva” Rei replied “This ferocity and aggression is what he protects all of us with when the angels attack”

“I’m sure glad he is on our side” Toji added

Hikari thought about that and what she had seen today for a moment and it was nice. ‘Shinji the fearsome protector’ she really did have a knight in shining armour as she remembered the day he literally saved her life by stopping the bus.

“What have you done Pilot Ikari?” the commanders voice ruined that good thought for her

“Finishing the course as ordered” Shinji replied with a smirk “Return me to active duty”

The commander went to speak again before Fuyutsuki’s hand on his shoulder made him stop

“Don’t push it too far, you still have complete authority over everything” the sub-commander whispered

The commander grinned at this, he did have complete control

“As you wish pilot” He replied and then left like everything else was beneath him

“You’d better go scrape Chirron up from the pit” Shinji replied to Ritsuko as he walked past to Misato

“What did you do to him?” the fake blond asked but she got no reply which unnerved her a lot. She had sided with the commander when Shinji clearly wasn’t and this had definitely impacted their interactions.

“Well done Shinji” Misato greeted her young ward.

“Thanks Misato” Shinji replied

“So what did you do to Chirron?” she asked

“Defended myself” Shinji replied evasively

“All those smoke grenades and the lights meant no one could see anything that was going on down there” Misato replied

“Good so I won’t have to worry about any heat from the commander over this then?” Shinji asked

“Not this but you know what he is like” Misato replied

“Yeah I do” Shinji replied

“Well done brother” Rei whispered to Shinji joining her brother and commanding officer

Toji and Hikari stood to the side as the Sub-Commander joined them

“Well done young man you’re back on the active roster” he spoke up

“Thank you sir” Shinji replied with a small smile

“That will be all for today you are free to go” He added handing Shinji his discarded shirt

Hikari was a little disappointed when Shinji put the shirt on, she had been taking in all of Shinji’s looks as she was close to him and she had to admit he looked better than Asuka had said.

“Alright then Shinji you can go home I’m sure you’ll get a message off Ritsuko when it’s time for your next sync test” Misato dismissed her pilots.

“Do you guys want to come around for dinner?” Rei asked Toji and Hikari

“We would love to thank you Rei” Hikari replied

Toji noticed the reply was a little too quick but he could care less he wanted to catch up with his friend.

The four friends went straight home. Shinji grabbed a quick shower making himself presentable for his sister and friends and headed to the lounge room to join Toji who was watch some T.V while Rei and Hikari were cooking.

“I hate to ask but do you know about Kensuke?”

“I know he died in Eva Unit-03” Shinji replied quietly

“That’s not it his dad delayed the funeral. He was waiting for your rescue so you could pay your respects at the funeral if you wanted” Toji replied

Shinji was surprised by this but it didn’t show at all. “Well I can’t not go now” Shinji replied

“He knows what happened I have no idea what happened but he told me to tell you if I saw you after you were rescued that you are more than welcome to come” Toji explained

Shinji nodded but didn’t reply

“Whatever you do no one will think bad of you after what you’ve been through and if they do I’ll whoop them” Toji replied

“Thanks Toji” Shinji replied

The smell of dinner filled the apartment as the girls served dinner.

“Come on you two dinner is ready” Hikari called out

“Alright let’s eat” Toji exclaimed happily

Shinji didn’t move he stayed seated on the lounge with something on his mind

“You ok Shin?” the jock asked his friend

“Yeah I’ll be ok” Shinji got out with a forced smile as the two boys joined the girls at the dinner table.

“Man this smells good, what is it?” Toji asked digging in

“Vegetable and tofu stir-fry, Rei showed me her recipe” Hikari replied

“Man it sure tastes good, when did you get so good at cooking Rei?” Toji asked

“Thank you, I got some lessons” Rei replied

“Man who is your teacher they must be good” Toji replied

A glance from Rei over to Shinji who was quietly eating gave Toji his answer.

“Shin man since when were you such a good cook?” Toji asked surprised at his friend’s hidden skill “The chicks at school would go nuts if they found this out”

Hikari let out a soft gasp at this that was missed by everyone accept the ever observant Rei “I do believe that my brother is only trying to capture one with his hidden skills” Rei replied with the smallest smirk on her face

“You are evil sometimes sister mine” Shinji replied quietly as Hikari blushed at the implication

Rei pouted cutely something that wasn’t lost on Toji as he paused mid spoonful looking at the beautiful eva pilot.

The four friends finished eating dinner and it was nice to have a happy mood around the table now that they were all together again. Even if Shinji seemed down over whatever he was thinking about.

Hikari joined Shinji in the lounge room while Toji helped Rei clean up. Shinji had moved to clear dishes away once dinner was finished but Rei made him go sit in the lounge room and relax, “No way are you cleaning upon your first night home” she had said matter of factly.

“Is everything ok Shinji?” Hikari asked as she joined him on the lounge

“I guess I’m just coming to terms with everything” Shinji replied

“What’s on your mind?” Hikari asked

“I feel bad about Kensuke and then there is eva and the commander” Shinji replied

“What do you mean?” Hikari asked not following the vague answer

“I killed Kensuke when I killed the angel that infected Unit-03. I was told there was no pilot and the eva was possessed on its own but I never bothered to check I just ripped it to shreds after it attacked Rei.” Shinji explained “Then there is Unit-01, last time I got in I was stuck in there for over a month, I guess I’m a little nervous about getting in again and getting stuck again or for even longer and don’t get me started on the commander you saw what happened tonight he won’t let that go easily” he finished blurting out everything that was on his mind

“Oh Shinji.... You couldn’t have known about Kensuke. You really shouldn’t beat yourself up over that” Hikari replied putting a hand on his shoulder.

She shuddered at the warmth that she felt at the touch and the fact the young man didn’t recoil at her touch, then her mind started racing imagining scenes where it turned into a hug and then a kiss ‘Ok Hikari save the day dreaming for later’ she mentally dumped a bucket of water on her head focusing on what she had to say

“And I’m sure Miss Misato wouldn’t let you get back into the Eva unless it is absolutely safe and you seem to be able to hold your own against the commander” Hikari finished

“You really think so?” Shinji asked and Hikari noticed for the first time he seemed unsure

“Definitely have a little confidence in your ability you have done so much already you can finish this off” Hikari replied looking him square in the eyes

The two teens allowed themselves a little longer of a glance than was necessary as Shinji got lost in those big brown eyes and Hikari was mesmerised by Shinji’s bright blue eyes. Their faces inched closer together without even realising

“Hey Shin I was thinkin I’ll ask Ken’s dad what he’s doing and send you the details tonight so you can go to the funeral if ya want” Toji called out from the kitchen

The mood was ruined as Shinji and Hikari stopped there advance “Ok thanks man” Shinji called out

“Impeccable timing” Hikari whispered

“Yeah” Shinji replied just as quietly as their foreheads touched with their eyes down

“Do you still want that movie?” Hikari asked referring to their missed dinner

“Yeah” Shinji whispered again

“Why?” she asked “I mean I’m just the class rep” Hikari asked pressing her luck and riding her nerves as she felt a little bold

“You’re not just the class rep Hikari............... I... I really like you Hikari” Shinji replied quietly

Hikari let out a small gasp at this admission “So what are you two talking about?” Toji asked as he and Rei entered the lounge room.

“Oh just some school work” Hikari replied

“Shit I forgot all about school I must be so far behind” Shinji replied running a hand down his face as he and Hikari move apart

“Don’t worry Shinji we’ll get you through it and caught up” Hikari replied to which Rei nodded

The friends hung out a little more enjoying each other’s company before Toji and Hikari headed home.

“So brother what were you and Hikari talking about” Rei asked once they were alone

“Nothing” Shinji replied not trying to hide his disappointment. Shinji knew Rei was too good at reading him so he didn’t bother trying to hide anything.

“Why won’t you tell me brother?” Rei pouted

“There is nothing to tell sister mine” Shinji replied “You on the other hand”

This caught Rei by surprise and Shinji knew it, the small gasp that was almost unheard and the slight widening of the eyes told Shinji everything he needed to know.

“I heard you and Toji talking while you were cleaning up” He pressed his luck

“He asked me out to dinner” Rei replied

Shinji let a grin spread across his face “That’s nice I hope you accepted” Shinji replied

“I did but could you let him know you are ok with it he is nervous about a bro code though I have never heard of this” Rei replied

“So long as you are both happy that’s all that matters for my bro code” Shinji replied

Rei look genuinely confused and Shinji hadn’t seen this look for a long time and it made him smile a little more “The bro code is something like you don’t date your friends sister though I couldn’t care less about that” Shinji replied to which Rei nodded her understanding and everything seemed to make sense now.

“Don’t worry I’ll let Toji know” Shinji replied

Shinji’s phone beeped with the message Toji had promised and the details about the funeral to be held next week and Shinji replied telling Toji to enjoy the movie with Rei.

Brother and sister stayed up late enjoying each other’s company turning into bed late they were both happy for the first time in over a month.

“Yes I’ll give you a small window to strike”

“What...... No you get one opportunity don’t screw this up”

The call ended with a beep as the mobile phone was snapped shut

“Who was that?”

“It was none of your concern. Will we be ready for the next angel?”

“Yes all repairs are complete as of one hour ago now get back into bed so I can finish what we started”

“I give the orders around here Dr. Akagi” Gendo replied with a slap as he got back into bed anyway

He did finish and went to sleep thinking that he really did have all the authority over everything.

The day of the funeral came around and Shinji had gone with a black suit for the occasion, so had Toji. Rei and Hikari were in black dresses and the weather matched the mood of the week with overcast skies breaking only for showers to drench Tokyo-3

The week had been trying enough Dr. Akagi had scheduled three sync tests this week already. Asuka had taunted Shinji when the first test was done in the eva instead of the test plugs saying the he should be careful not to get sucked into his eva again. She even suggested it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if was to happen.

Shinji replied with the one finger salute to the German red head and proceeded to punch out 300%. He covered for the dizziness by taunting her to catch up to him now that normal service had been resumed to which she replied with a tirade of explicative’s in German

The week had been draining with all the testing and school work to catch up on even with Hikari taking it easy on him but now he had the saddest event confronting him of all the funeral of his good friend since he came to Tokyo-3.

To Shinji the funeral had played out like he had expected a lot of memories were relived there was a nice movie made of stills and some video of Kensuke’s happiest times and it seemed he was in front of the camera smiling just as much as he was behind it. Shinji had let Hikari cry on his shoulder a fact that wasn’t lost by some of the other girls at school who were there.

Misato delivered a eulogy that had a lot of information about his achievements both at Nerv and school but there was some personal stuff in there as well like being a self taught programmer and things that he did before Misato would have known him so she really did her work on this one giving justice to the life of Kensuke Aida even if it was too short. Shinji thought to himself that Ken would love that a ‘babe’ like Misato delivered his eulogy.

Kensuke’s dad finished by saying his good buys and expressed how proud of his son he was and hoped that his fellow pilots would finish the war against the angels.

The rain started to fall as the funeral finished creating a dark mood for the depressing atmosphere that had settled over the cemetery when four phones could be heard ringing.

“Shinji Rei let’s go!” Misato called out to her pilots. Asuka was right next to her “There is a motorcade coming for us” Misato explained as the four ran towards the front gates of the cemetery.

“What’s the motorcade for?” Asuka asked as they got to the front of the cemetery

“There has been a security threat from inside Nerv it’s a precaution for you guys. There will be two decoy cars at the front followed by you three in an armoured car and then me following” Misato explained

“Are you shitting me a security threat from inside” Shinji replied

“Yes the Magi picked up on elevated chatter since yesterday your security isn’t in danger at all” Misato replied

The four black sedans pulled up and everyone piled into their cars.

“Don’t tell me big bad Shinji is afraid of a little security threat” Asuka taunted from the front seat

“Shut up Asuka we have no idea what we are dealing with here. Plus there is another angel out there somewhere” Shinji replied not in the mood for the German’s antics

“First you’re scared of getting sucked into your eva again and now you afraid of some idiots who don’t know what they are doing, and don’t worry about the angel I’ll handle it fine I am the best pilot after all” Asuka pressed on

The motorcade charged through the streets of Tokyo-3 rocking Shinji and Rei around in the back seat. They were thankful they had the foresight to put seatbelts on.

“What’s that?” Shinji pointed at a grey streak

The streak turned out to be vapour as a missile closed in on the convoy with alarming speed. The little blue and red warhead buried itself into the body of the first car turning it into a moving fireball as everything went up. The four section-2 agents were dead before they knew what was going on. The convoy came to a screeching halt as machine gun fire ripped into the next car. The large calibre rounds ripped through the armoured body like it was nothing shredding the occupants inside.

“The convoy has been hit on the corner of first and imperial we’ve lost the two lead cars” Misato got into her phone relaying information to headquarters.

“Dispatch support teams to that location. Take evasive manoeuvres and get the pilots back here” the commander ordered

Misato’s car sped around the three cars in front of it catching the assailants off guard and using the other two wrecks for cover

“Wait for the pilots” Misato ordered her driver

“No ma’am commander’s orders” Replied the section-2 officer

“Turn this car around or those kids will die” Misato screamed at the driver

“The commander’s orders stand. Take it up with him if there is a problem” the section-2 agent replied shutting the divider.

“You’ve got to be kidding me” Asuka replied as the three teens and their driver stayed in their car. “Come on get this thing moving and go after Misato’s car” Asuka half demanded half pleaded.

A single round from a sniper rifle punched through the front window hitting the driver in the head. The bullet exploded out the back of his head spraying the interior with blood as the armoured seat stopped the bullets journey before it could progress any further into the car

“Jesus Christ what do we do now?” Asuka asked as the tension mounted

“Get out of the car” Shinji ordered

“Don’t boss me around third” Asuka replied

Shinji ignored the German and pushed the door open as Rei followed her brother out onto the street. Machine gun fire started to pepper the side of the car as a helicopter made a pass overhead

“That doesn’t look like ours” Rei commented getting Shinji’s attention on the helicopter

“And I thought this couldn’t get any worse” Shinji replied puling his USP from the back of his pants and chambering a round “Head for that shop front I’ll cover you, ring headquarters and find out where our rescue is”

Rei waited for Shinji to lay down cover fire and raced for the shop front taking cover behind a parked truck. Asuka followed her once she figured out what was going on. Rei pulled her phone out as Shinji dropped three hostiles that were advancing on their position.

“Aboa here I’ve got you at First and Imperial is this right?” Shigeru answered Rei’s call

“Yes”

“What’s your status?” he asked

“We are pinned down taking heavy fire our driver was shot and the two lead cars destroyed. Shinji is engaging the hostiles” Rei replied calmly

“Kaji is two blocks out and your rescue team is 5 minutes away” Shigeru informed Rei

“They need to hur....”

“Rei... Rei... Come in” Shigeru replied but the line went dead

A satellite image showed with perfect detail what had happened. Two hostile had snuck up behind Asuka and Rei and grabbed them at gun point

“Give it up murderer it’s over” One hostile taunted

Shinji turned and a lump of ice formed in his stomach as he saw his sister held at gun point.

“Who are you idiots?” Shinji growled out raising his gun at the hostile holding Rei like a human shield

“We are The Definitive Light and you three murderers must be stopped” the hostile holding Asuka replied

“What are you talking about?” Shinji asked

“You three have been killing God’s Messengers but no more, we will reach enlightenment as the next messenger approaches hahahahaaaa” the hostile replied with a cackle

“I see how it is” Shinji replied as the two men stopped and looked at Shinji

BANG

The gun shot echoed throughout the quiet street until the helicopter made another pass the hostile holding Rei fell to the ground dead the slug had gone through his eye and out the back of his head. His buddy got a little blood on his face as Shinji turned on him before the body had even hit the pavement

“Let her go and I might let you live” Shinji growled dangerously

“Ah ah ah not so fast hero” the hostile replied opening a trench coat revealing two red lights and a stack of C4 strapped to his body “Kill me and they will be scraping you little friend off the road and walls for weeks”

Before Shinji could reply a white van pulled up and the girls were thrown inside. “Better luck next time hero” the hostile taunted as the van sped away.

Shinji followed the van with his sights but didn’t have a shot for fear of hitting Rei and Asuka. The car they had been hiding behind exploded throwing Shinji back into the ruined Nerv sedan. Laying on his back Shinji pulled out his phone as he tried to process what was going on.

“Shinji”

“Ryoji where are you?”

“100 meters away I can still see the van get up” the spy urged his partner after he had seen everything as he was hurtling down the street.

Shinji dragged himself to his feet and put his pistol in the back of his pants as a red sports car pulled up. Shinji got in as Ryoji buried the gas, tyres squealing as the red sports car launched after the fleeing van.

“Here” the spy said producing an M4 “Let’s go kill these fucks” he added with a steel in his eye

Shinji nodded knowing they were on the clock with an angel approaching.

To be continued